Blipmeet in the Room De Luxe

I have followed John Van de Graaff's Journal since he began blipping in February 2010. I have enjoyed his tours around the world, particularly his close up birding entries, and those taken on cultural tours around Europe.

A few weeks ago, he contacted me to say he and his wife Marylee would be in Glasgow over this weekend, so we arranged to meet. Knowing his love of all things artistic, I arranged a tour of Glasgow School of Art, followed by lunch in the Room De Luxe in the Willow Tea Rooms, Sauchiehall Street.

So here they are, enjoying these splendid surroundings. And we took tea. Marylee and I went for the CRM Signature Tea - a specially blended Darjeeling and Ceylon mix for the connoisseurs which celebrates the works of Charles Rennie Mackintosh. John went for the Willow Tea Room Blend of Ceylon and Assam Teas.

After getting caught in a classic Scottish deluge, we headed on through the University of Strathclyde campus, viewing art installations, passed by Provand's Lordship and to the Cathedral. Just in time to enjoy a short tour, followed by Choral Evensong. What a treat. Then on up to the Necropolis, for views back to the Cathedral and to see some of the main tombstones. Return walk through the Merchant City.

It was a pleasure to meet you both, and I hope you enjoy the rest of your time in Scotland.