Figure 1: We ❤️ Baby Coos!
We woke up still full from the late-night Thai feast, so we skipped breakfast and headed straight to the University of Glasgow. Gothic, grand, and imposing, the university is meticulously maintained. We entered via the engineering division, where I delighted in nerdy admiration of every department sign.
Figure 2: Glasgow University
The campus features two picturesque quadrangles connected by archways — a dream setting for amateur photographers (i.e., us). Cue the family photoshoot, windy hair and all.
Figure 3: Hot Cocoa on a chilly Glasgow morning, The Left Bank Cafe.
Chilled by the breeze and flush with selfies, we ducked into The Left Bank café just across from campus. With floor-to-ceiling glass walls, it offered warm refuge and an eclectic brunch: lattes, chicken burgers, veggie platters, and even Aloo Tikkis. All hits, no misses.
Tea Rooms, Pipe Organs, Dali, & Doughnuts
Figure 4: Tea room exhibit, Kelvingrove Art Gallery
Just a short walk away stood the iconic Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, buzzing with Saturday crowds — locals and tourists alike. We wandered through exhibitions showcasing everything from Glasgow’s Tea Room architecture to commentary on the British Empire.
Figure 5: Unique art, Kelvingrove Art Gallery
What stood out was the curatorial style: each display included a provocative question alongside the usual plaque. It turned passive viewing into active engagement. If we’d had more time, we could have spent a full day here.
Figure 6: Jamming with the King, Kelvingrove Art Gallery
As a bonus, we caught a live organ recital inside the museum’s grand hall — the kind of surprise that makes a place unforgettable.
Post-art, our cravings kicked in. Enter: Tantrum Doughnuts and its heavenly crème brûlée bomb of a doughnut. Sugar levels = fully restored.
Cathedral and Necropolis
Figure 7: Glasgow Cathedral
An Uber zipped us to Glasgow Cathedral, home to 400-year-old Bibles and stunning stained-glass windows. The architecture alone could make anyone feel spiritual.
Figure 8: Beautiful Stained Glass, Glasgow Cathedral
Just behind it lies the Necropolis — a sprawling Victorian cemetery atop a hill. Known for its panoramic city views, it also made a cameo in the 2022 Batman movie. Naturally, we nerded out.
Malls, Markets, and Millionaire Myths
Next, shopping. We took a chance on Buchanan Galleries, despite a cautionary tale from our Uber driver Tahir: “That’s where billionaires shop.” Thankfully, the mall was more Westfield than Rodeo Drive.
Figure 9: Lychee & Rose Tea, Whittard Chelsea, Buchanan Galleries.
The girls loved Accessorize, and we all geeked out at Whittard of Chelsea — sampling teas and hot chocolates like connoisseurs. Vanya picked up rose tea and cocoa for souvenirs.
After the mall, we took to the streets. At Primark, we gawked at jeans for £5 and tees for £3 — now that’s recession-friendly fashion. It was easy to see why this place is a UK staple.
Figure 10: Brightly colored boutique shops, Hidden Lane, Glasgow
Wanting something more indie, we searched for The Hidden Lane. True to its name, it was invisible from the street — but inside, it revealed a collection of quirky boutique shops selling art, jewelry, and general whimsy. We browsed, we sighed, we called it a success.
Dancing into the Sunset
Figure 11: Mexican meal at El Jefe’s, Glasgow
For our final dinner in Scotland, Vanya had booked El Jefe’s, a lively Mexican restaurant with a live band starting at 8 PM. We dressed up, walked over, and were instantly swept into the crowd — people were dancing, singing, and living their best Saturday night lives.
We feasted on spiced mango margaritas, burritos, corn ribs, tacos, and quesadillas. The food was solid, but the salsa? Let’s just say California still holds the crown.
Still, the live music, laughter, and contagious energy made it the perfect end to our trip.