Room at the Inn

Friday 9/4 - Leaving Iona

After a full week on the Isle of Iona, we were up early Friday to grab breakfast, worship and walk to the jetty for the first leg of the trip out. This was the only night we did not have a place scheduled for our lodging. When we mentioned that we were going to spend a free afternoon following up with inquiries we had made about places to stay in Glasgow, Sally, the Iona Community member serving as host for the week at the Abbey insisted that we stay with her. So, armed with directions to her home and the welcome news that she was also hosting a lovely couple from London whom Jen had gotten to know we ferried to Mull, took the bus ride again across this lovely island and grabbed the ferry to the mainland of Scotland. Once there we had about an hour to kill in Oban - the seafood capital of Scotland. We had a yummy smoked fish lunch before boarding the train for Glasgow. Sally’s home was easy to find, once Jennifer was able to get off the train - the door didn’t want to open all the way and had her foot trapped in it before the conductor came to her rescue! But all was well. We found on arrival that the group had decided to eat in and Tim and Bennie (the couple from London, a retired English prof and a therapist) had headed out to see some sights and pick up provisions. We inquired about what else might be needed and were assured that all was under control. So we, too, set out to see a bit of the West End before dinner.

Not wanting to be the only ones who hadn’t contripbuted to dinner, we decided to look for a dessert. This quest was made more challenging because Jen knew that Bennie couldn’t eat wheat or dairy . . . try finding a dessert in this land of toffee, butter and cream with those restrictions! We had a great time looking around but had just about given up on the dessert quest having picked up some chocolate penguin biscuits (a lot like Tim Tams from Australia - yum!) to share along with sympathy when we found a possible spot. There was a cute cafe on the corner with a deli for take home next door. So we checked it out. There were really yummy looking fruits, sandwiches, salads and a whole dessert counter. Kirsten spotted one that had a sign proudly declaring it wheat and dairy free - success! We got enough of the orange polenta cake to share with all and were able to return with a dessert that all could enjoy.

The evening was quite enjoyable and spent sharing stories and laughing as we learned a bit more about one another. We had come on the trip knowing in advance we would spend several nights with old friends, it was quite a surprise and really a delight to spend one with new friends as well!