Scottish roots

I'm writing from my little spot in Maccas using their free WiFi and watching the passing parade on Princes Street. I cant believe another week is almost over. On Monday i headed over to Glasgow to meet my grandmother and uncle and spend the day with them. I didn't really know what was planned but i was just happy to tag along. I took the 'much cheaper than a train' opotion of catching a coach (as in bus, not horse and carriage) to Glasgow. It only took one hour, 10 minutes to get there and it was practically empty. I had a bit of trouble finding the St Andrews Square bus station in Edinburgh as it was tucked behind Harvey Nichols. So i only just made it before the bus left. When i arrived in Glasgow i thought i'd heard someone call out Rebecca. Given i was in a foreign place i didn't think for a million years it was directed at me. But it was and it was my uncle. I thought it might be strange to see family overseas but it really wasn't. We walked down to their apartment and i got to see some more of Glasgow city centre. It's a nice city but not as picturesque as Edinburgh. It kind of reminded me actually of Sydney, around Martin Place with it's mix of old and new buildings. I got to their apartment had a bit of a chat and then we were on the road. I was enjoying the luxury of them having a rented car. No buses for a while then; yes!
Our first stop was my great great grandmothers house. This is pretty cool to see. It's heritage listed to it hasn't really changed at all. Pretty crazy to be in the same place my great great grandmother was. It was my first link to Scotland i experienced which was nice also. It was pouring rain on and off during the day so the stop at the house was kept short .We then headed to the nearby church to see the grave of my relatives, the Barrie's. I only hope i am related to J.M Barrie, the author of Peter Pan. After checking out the grave (jealous Dad?) we headed into the Trussocks. The Trussocks is kind of like the highlands. It's all about the scenery.
We stopped off at Muddock at a garden centre that also had a restaurant. My grandmother and uncle have made this trek so many times it's practically their 'local'. They kindly shouted me to lunch and we had a great lunch for a couple of hours. As i was limited in how much time i had, as my bus would be heading out at 6pm we ony made one other stop. I cant remember now where it was but we stopped at a Wool Mill that sold all things Scottish and a lot of cashmere/wool stuffs. I didn't buy anything but had a good look around. It was then back into the car for the head back to the city. I had a non-flexible ticket so i really wanted to make sure i got the bus. I hung out in their apartment when we got back for about an hour then i headed back to the bus and back to Edinburgh. I had a great day and was glad i caught up with them whilst they were here.

On Tuesday the only big thing i had on was a telephone interview. The job is with Work Directions, who are actually in Australia too and it's for an Advisor position. I think they have like 20 roles going as they are opening up massively in East Scotland. Advisors help people get jobs. Ironic much? The telephone interview was like a pre screening to the more in depth in person interview. I felt it went OK but we'll just see how i go. At the very least, the job interview experience is good. After that, i just chilled out. I get a bit worked up about interviews so i tend to veg once they are over!

Wednesday was much the same in the bludging department. I went to my flatmate Totty's pub at night. She offered to shout me a beer if i wanted to come up for a couple. I love that i can walk to this pub and be there in about 4 minutes! It truely is my new local. I hung out there for a while and Totty kindly introduced me to everyone in the bar and she knows all the locals. It's like stepping onto the srt of East Enders! I spoke with one old guy for ages who talked to me about his experiences of working O.S. He bought my beer as he knew how it felt to be broke. He was a lovely man. At one stage some of the guys were talking across the bar to each other and i swear this is all i heard, 'dheutuie utrhjiatiu eht het ie thha'. It made no sense! This whole drinking and being Scottish thing is going to need my full attention as once Scots start to drink i seriously struggle with what they are saying. After a couple of pints of Tennants i heading back home...well the pub did close so i didn't have much choice.

On a final note, go on You Tube and check out Frankie Boyle. I've been watching a fair bit of this guy on tele and he's frickin' hiliarous. Not as funny as Danny Boyle, but he's close. He always takes the piss out of Glasgow.
Check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTPSYbeNaa8&feature=related
It's from my favourite show on tele, Mock The Week.

My great great grandmother's house



Barrie grave