Art Museaum! I think you'll find we're going to Avalanche Records!

I've been really ill again all week. I'm probably going to slumped unconcious infront of you for most of the train journey.

Tania if you read this bring your walkman so you can listen to the brand spanking new Konstantimix 2005v1.

Spent a rainy day in Edinburgh with Darrin yesterday. Went to Avalanche Records which was filled with lovely CDs that urged me to purchase them, but I was strong and resisted the temptation. Darrin, however, bought two CDs...naughty boy (he was only to have purchased one). We then headed to the National Gallery for a bit of culture -- saw lots of wonderful paintings by Degas, Monet, Van Gogh, Gainsborough and a slew of other notable artists. Darrin and I parted ways and I met up with Fraser and Linda at a great pub in Glasgow called The Auctioneers (yup, an old auction house renovated as a pub) to watch the Liverpool vs AC Milan football game (Euro Championship game). Turned out to be a great game -- the underdogs, Liverpool, won! By the end of the game, we were drunk and got wet at the bus stop waiting for our bus to take us home. Overall, a very good day.

Today couldn't have been better. Frankly, it's all a blur up to the time I saw Teenage Fanclub tonight at the Carling. They were utterly fantastic! I stood right up in front and watched the Fannies give a spectacular show in front of a hometown crowd. Lotsa tunes played from the new album combined with songs from their previous ones -- so so good. I was hoping to get the chance to meet the band, but we were shoved out of the venue and weren't really given a chance to wait about. All I wanted them to do was sign my Scottish flag and ask 'em when they plan on visiting the States. We need them to tour at home.

Am hoping to go to Ayr over the weekend to visit my other friends. If I don't get a hold of them, then am checking out a local band at Nice n Sleazy's tomorrow night. (Hey, Darrin, wanna come with? Fraser and Linda are going to see Derren Brown -- sold out show, I can't go.)

I bought my copy of Up for a Bit with the Pastels at this store!

But surely the Bellotto and, even more so, the Canaletto, were by far the highlights? And I readily admit to being a partizan Scot but if there's ever been a better portrait painter than Sir Henry Raeburn I've never seen them.



I honestly can't. I'm about £40 over the weekly budget, I've got a gas bill reminder, waiting for a couple of other bills to be debited off my account and I've just heard I won't be getting any Goverment money for my tuition fees so I have to find a couple of thousand pounds before September.

Sir Raeburn was definitely a busy fellow painting all the frickin' time. He spent a lifetime painting portraits!! And I quite agree, they are definitely very nice.

Too bad about tonight, Darrin. I was hoping for some company. I'll see what sort of shenanigans I can round up.

Tonight is my last night in Scotland and I don't wish to go home. My entire stay has been filled with gorgeous weather, some rain now and then, but nothing horrible. I've just returned from a drive out to the seaside (Ayr) and spent the day under a beautiful sky. I'm sad. I'm eager to see my dogs but not eager to return home.

Please, God, let me win the lottery so that I can quit my job and travel wherever and whenever I want. Thank you, amen.

Anyway, I'm making dinner for my friends as a 'thank you' for allowing me to stay with them. They've been absolutely fabulous!

Thank you, Darrin, for coming out to play with me! You're the best!

i want to go to Scotland! Pictures needed.

Sorry I couldn't come out abit more but, you know, things are tough at the moment. We never even made it to King Tut's this time!

heh...got the travel bug real bad after your trip, huh? this always happens to me.

and yes, tania...please post many pictures when you return...especially of the highlands!!!!

got the travel bug but have limited resources. i actually think our next trip will be france or spain.

Fraser and I went to Tut's on Sunday night to see Duke Spirit. Interestingly enough, Fraser has never stood up in front and you know me, I NEED to stand near the stage, primarily so I can see. We had an extra ticket but it was too late to call you to see if you wanted to go. Next time for sure!

I'm back. Safe and sound, travel weary, homeless and terribly missing Scotland and my doggies. Post photies soon.

Welcome home!



Wha' happened?

My house was being fumigated for termites and I had to spend the night in a hotel that caters to racehorse fans. 'Twas interesting. I'm now back at home and was able to sleep in my own bed. I could use a few more hours of sleep, though.

The best part about coming home? My dogs who were ecstatic to see me. Mickey literally leapt into my arms -- his tail unable to wag faster than he really wanted. Poor puppies, they've not left my side since.

Welcome back!

For a minute there I was thinking 'But T doesn't live in Laguna!' when you said you were homeless. Glad you just meant bug-free

Now come to S-K!

Glad you made it back safe and sound. I'm glad you had a good time!

S-K?

Btw, for those who are interested in going to Scotland this summer or fall, US Airways is having a great sale on airfare if you book your trip prior to June 22nd. I'm seriously thinking of going again if I can score tickets to T in the Park.

sleater-kinney! Thursday! You know you wanna.

Ohhh! I'm actually double-booked for that night. I've got tickets for both Ash (Knitting Factory) and Athlete (Troubadour). I'm steering to Athlete.

Btw, there's a huge possibility that I'll have a ticket available for Aqualung and Cary Brothers for Tuesday at The Troub (sold out show) -- would you be interested?

What are they like? Are you going? I really shouldn't...

Aqualung is a 'he' -- melodic, chill, good stuff. Cary Brothers is basically the same sorta vibe.

Yeah, yeah...we all shouldn't but that's what makes it fun!

And if you're going it is my last chance to see you...

Gosh, that makes me sad already.

Well, don't be sad. If you're going and you end up with a spare, I'll meet you there if I possibly can. Will advise for sure tomorrow.

Plus, now you have a fold-out sofa in Baltimore!