Adventures of the Kwashi Kids: September 2006

Carl Bro Challenge: Dublin

A couple of weeks ago I went on a work trip to Dublin. I was very lucky to be included because I couldn’t decide whether or not I was going until the last week. It was mainly a concern of money that was keeping me in Glasgow – but it was definitely money well spent!!! I would have paid that money to have that experience with those great people, no matter how financially insecure my future is, all over again!

I’m not sure what to say except that we had such fun! Lots of laughter, drinking, dancing and gymnastics.

On the Friday we went to The Brazen Head, the oldest pub in Dublin where we were fed Irish Stew and Beer. I am ashamed to say that I didn’t have any Guinness, shame on me I know. What fun, apart from Jeff trying to get himself run over on the way home.

Saturday was football day. Everyone was tired and hung over, but hats ff to the boys, they still managed to play five games of football. They even won a match or two!!!

Viki and I entertained ourselves by doing gymnastics and creating an obstacle course. This involved doing tumble-over-your-wulkies. For those of you that have no idea what I’m talking about this is the Scottish playground name for doing a forward roll over a monkey bar. The next thing was to do the windy-run (as in twist, not a gale) while being careful not to get attacked by the trees. The second run was the “knees up” run, still keeping an eye on those sneaky trees. The final part involved doing cartwheels back to the side of the football pitch. And yes, we were asked how old we were when were caught in the act.

That night we went off to a club for curry, a free bar and dancing. It was great until they let the general public into the bar. Not that there is anything wrong with the general public, it just made the DJ think he could play the same music over and over and, due to the influx of people, no one would notice.

A tip for any men intending to go to Dublin in a Kilt: The men were swamped with Irish Lasses trying to get their hands up their kilts. If this appeals to you give it a try, if it doesn’t, under no circumstances should you go out in a Kilt!

On Sunday I met up with Jenny, my friend from school. She took me out for a walk in the grounds of a castle. It was lovely to see her again.

Dublin is great!

The Glasgow Girls

Viki, Me and Wullie's head

Jo-Anne and I in our Silly Hats

Viki, Me and Esther.

Who could those scary-looking women be?

Chris and his mum - Jo-Anne

Kathryn, Jo-Anne, Gary and Me

Supporters

Esther, Wullie, Viki
Viki and I

Ben Cruachin

Roddy comes to Glasgow:

This last weekend my Dad came to stay. He arrived on Saturday afternoon and we had a typical evening’s entertainment of Curry, a walk in the Kelvingrove Park, and pudding on Byres Road.

On Sunday we drove out to Glen Orchy where we climbed up Ben Cruachan. It was a beautiful and challenging walk – so nice to be in the Highlands. I find it interesting how one always manages to fall over at the easiest part. We were about finished when I took a tumble in the bracken…

On the trip home we found a surprisingly nice chip shop where we were treated to Fish, Chips and Mushy Peas and had a most unusual sighting – an old motorcycle with a side car, and if this wasn’t unusual enough the passenger was a border collie!

Three more weeks to go, and then we leave Scotland and return South to visit our respective families and go on a backpacking trip of Europe. This weekend I’m off to Dublin for the Carl Bro challenge. A football tournament for all of the offices of the company I work for. Teams from Sweden, Denmark, Poland, England, Scotland, Ireland and the Netherlands will compete and we supporters will have a great time fostering team spirit. We all know that the only contest the Glasgow office could win is a drinking contest but they assure us they’ll try their best!

Pictures from Sweden

Dad and Steve in Gothenburg

A Traditional West Coast Swedish Meal (and my arms...)

Nicolas, Me, Steve and Dad at the formidable Balder

Dad and I on N. Koster

Jeannie & Steve’s Trip to Sweden 25/08 – 28/08

It was amazing and Roddy/Dad was very generous…

We arrived at a rather ramshackle airport outside Gothenburg – more what you’d expect in central Africa than Scandinavia, but I suppose even the most efficient countries need to fix and build things at some stage and this is just what they were doing.

We entered into a shed, went through a door and entered the space where our luggage would be brought in on a trailer. Very makeshift, but we noted that all of the necessary health and safety precautions were present. The bus took us into Gothenburg where we met up with Dad who proceeded to show us around the shops in the city centre. After scouring the sales and drinking the first cup of strong Swedish coffee of the day we met up with Madeline and Robert for, no surprises here, more coffee.

We went to Per’s for dinner. He treated us to a full West Coast Swedish supper with Herring, Mackerel, Salmon, Caviar, Dill potatoes, Knäckebrod and dips. The indulgence was rife as we had brought Malt and Dad had bought chocolates in Gothenburg – the Chilli coated chocolates were definitely the highlight!

The next morning the three of us got ourselves to the bus feeling a little groggy – which we treated with Coke, Cinanamon Buns – everyone needs to have one of these! and Europe’s biggest wooden rollercoaster. A most pleasing hangover cure!

Robert and Madeline took us through Gothenburg to Liseberg (the big amusement park). We went straight for top and cued up for Balder. It was frighteningly fun, I loved it!

To settle our nerves (Madeline’s incurred from the Ferris wheel, not Balder) we went to a Turkish restaurant for lunch –YUM again, so much good food!

On Sunday we took the bus to Strömstad where we received the most unconventional warning by the lady selling ice cream – apparently one needs to beware of the Sea Gulls – a very fierce adversary. We took the ferry through the archipelago to North Koster where we went for a delightful walk and swim in the sea. Steve and my first swim since January! We found a deserted inlet, free of sea weed and jellyfish and just had to get in.

Sweden is a lovely clean peaceful place with friendly, attractive people. We look forward to returning in October for Dad’s installation.