Glasgow Nature and Design

Yesterday was the day to walk out from the city center along the Great Western Road.  We attended the morning Eucharist at St. Mary's Cathedral of the Scottish Episcopal Church.  This time, as before, the people are very warm and welcoming and the choir and organ were wonderful.  We returned in the evening for a wonderful choral Evensong.

From there it is only a short walk to the Glasgow Botanic Gardens.  The sun was shining, the glass houses were full of interesting plants, and the whole place was crowded with families, scout troops, dog walkers, and parents pushing strollers.  It was a delight.  Yet my biggest thrill was when I discovered this pair of trees.

They are mature Monkey Puzzle trees, Araucaria araucana.  I have only seen very young ones, the first time was in the botanic garden in Edinburgh.  There are places which have tried to grow them in Washington, DC, but without much success.  I kept smiling and laughing at them!

Today was a day for final shopping.  David had to buy a new suitcase since one of the wheels disintegrated on the rough road on Iona.  We wandered through lots of different places, but I had to keep resisting buying the beautiful wool sweaters or jackets or other items.  There are so few times I can use them at home. 

We lunched at the Willow Tea Rooms.  These are copies inspired by the designs of Rennie Mackintosh, but still very pleasant with good food.  I had their cullen skink, for a second time; very good.

 It is a fitting way to end our time in Glasgow since tomorrow we will be flying home.