Post by holger on Aug 20, 2008 15:34:30 GMT -5
Ok folks we are home. Returned late Sunday night and went to work Monday and Tuesday so am still fogging up with jet lag, still unpacking, taking care of bills and mails AND catching up on Our Paris.
As promised will do a brief summary of trip for those who do travel beyond Paris and France. Then this weekend will start back planning for Paris next March and Paris and other French locales in 2010.
We left here July 26 on British Air connecting thru Heathrow to Glasgow for my conference. Flew in World Traveler Plus, the Economy Plus seats. Not business class but roomy seats and much more leg room. Food was still economy but I rarely eat much on a plane anyway. Could rest and doze a bit.
Arrived in Glasgow around 1 and were at hotel fairly quickly. We were at the Radisson SAS and found it comfortable and with well equipped rooms. Decor is modern but our room arrangement was convenient with a partial wall separating the bed area from a desk, couch and chair. Lighting was good, room was quiet, air conditioned for hubby, had coffee make and separate pot for heating water for tea--a real plus.
Bathroom had a great shower, plenty of towels. King bed was comfortable when made up with duvet on hard mattress as a feather bed, two separate twin duvets on top and better when they located feather pillows for me.
Breakfast buffet which included some custom made items as well as a nice variety of dishes including smoked salmon was part of arrangement and well worth it. Had two light suppers there, one on first night and one on the evening after a boat trip when we were also tired.
Staff eager but could have had some more training. Older ones far better than youngsters. True for staff in general. But when asked for things they did deliver and were always courteous.
Would certainly return to hotel again.
Monday, we took an all day paddle boat cruise on the Waverley, one of two paddle boats. Cruise went along the Clyde with commentary to Ailsa Crag, a wildlife refuge where we saw many birds and seals. All done from the comfortable boat.Very relaxing and a great way to revive from trip. Food was fine. Were joined by granddaughter and her friend from Ireland Sunday-Tuesday so we had some time together.
Tuesday, Conference kicked off with a dinner so after registration at noon we all went to the Kelingrove Museum. Nice eclectic collection, good place for lunch, interesting items in museum shop. Dinner that night was at Strathclyde University, conference site.
Wednesday, meetings all day but great dinner at Rogano's, a wonderful seafood restaurant on Exchange Place. Very fresh seafood, terrific service and nice atmosphere. Certainly would recommend. Had scallops, langoustines, chocolate pudding (cake) for dessert.
Thursday, sessions most of the day, a bit of shopping for gifts--on sale at Pringles. Found few interesting shops--lots of chains and large stores or very expensive designer shops.. Prices very high with exchange rate and also prices in general in pounds what same items would be in dollars. Dinner that night at very small restaurant, 16 Byres Road. Innovative spin on traditional Scottish food and very good. Had wonderful Sticky pudding for dessert.
Friday,last day of Conference with a farewell dinner on a Tall Ship.
Saturday picked up car and drove to Chester. More on that later.
hahahha