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Destination: Scotland

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Video: Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s Art Nouveau Tea Rooms in Glasgow

I just joined my TV crew and our local guide, Colin Mairs, for our Scotland shoot. We’ll be here 18 days, filming three new shows for public television. Our first episode features Glasgow. And for architects, a big draw here is the Art Nouveau work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Here’s a look at a tea house he designed that makes for some tasty sightseeing. To give it context, here’s the “on camera” we filmed for our show:

These tearooms, opened in 1903, are an Art Nouveau masterpiece by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Glasgow’s famous hometown architect gave this a spritely modern feel. Tearooms like the Mackintosh at the Willow were hugely popular during the industrial boom of the late 19th century.

During this age of Victorian morals, the temperance movement was trying to discourage the consumption of alcohol. Tearooms like this were designed with an agenda: to be an appealing alternative to eating in pubs.

In addition to giving office workers an alternative to pubs, these tearooms provided a place where women could gather while unescorted — in a time when being out alone could give a woman a less-than-desirable reputation.

 

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Video: Scotland’s Highland Games

Planning a trip to Scotland this summer? Consider attending a Highland Games, which is like a track meet crossed with a county fair.

If you’re interested in experiencing one of these “kilty pleasures,” you can find Scots squaring off in various competitions across the country. Each year, more than 80 games take place in different towns, villages, and castles on weekends throughout the summer (May through September). And in smaller towns, you can simply drop in and join the fun. You’ll pay about $10 at the gate and enjoy a day full of sport, fun, culture, and Scottish gut-bomb taste treats. I find that tourists are not only made to feel welcome, they are encouraged to give a couple of events a try themselves. (You’ll see me do just that in this clip from my European Festivals special.)

Before you go, be sure to pick up the brand-new edition my Rick Steves Scotland guidebook.

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Travel Stories: Language Barrier Fiascos

I really enjoy the traveling community we’ve built here on my blog and on Facebook. It’s a true joy to get to know you, hear about your travel dreams, and read your travel stories.

Is anyone up for some laughs? Over the next few days, let’s share our funniest travel experiences. Each day, I’ll suggest a topic and kick things off with my own funny story — and then you can take it from there in the comments. Let’s start with stories about language barrier fiascos we’ve experienced. I’ve certainly had a few — but for me, it’s all part of the fun of travel.

Over the years, I’ve given myself countless chuckles because of my inability to speak local languages. I’ll never forget the bus ride in eastern Turkey where, at each town, ladies kept coming onto my bus with handfuls of nuts saying, “Buy them.” I thought of it as rude, until I learned they were saying the local word for almonds: “badem.”

In Scotland this summer, I took a huge gulp of something the locals call “double cream.” I figured it was yogurt…but it turned out to be very rich cream, and I nearly gagged.

And on one trip in Spain, I went through a period when I’d order a glass of hot milk in bars by bellying up to the counter and boldly saying, “Leche caliente, por favor.” I got strange reactions…until someone told me that’s slang for “sperm.”

Okay, now it’s your turn…

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Breakfast as Art

I love breakfast — especially when I’m on the road. When you’re traveling, sitting down for breakfast can be like kicking off your day with a plate of edible art. (A British “fry-up” can be an excellent study in shapes.)

Beans, mushrooms, and fried tomatoes became my new norm over the past month in Ireland, Scotland, and England. (I generally try to be adventurous, but the hot-dog-like sausage, blood sausage, square sausage, and haggis were just too extreme.) Each morning, I considered going lighter and sticking with fruit and cereal. But I just couldn’t. I guess I just need comfort food in the morning…bring on the beans, tomatoes, mushrooms, bacon, and eggs.

I’ve just landed in Germany. Big change: yogurt with fruit, better bread, better cheese, liverwurst, and crunchy peppers. Bye-bye beans. Up next, I’ll be enjoying hearty continental breakfasts in the Black Forest, France’s Alsace, and the great Swiss cities.

What’s your take on the “full breakfast”? And what are your fondest European breakfast memories?

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Video: My Scottish Guide Shares His Best (Worst?) Dad Jokes

One of the great joys of traveling in Scotland is the endearing accent of the people you meet. Since my guide (Colin Mairs​) and I are wrapping up our time together, I thought I’d share some of the delightfully horrible jokes I’ve had to endure amid all the Highland beauty. Thanks, Colin!

This is Day 97 of my “100 Days in Europe” series. As I travel with Rick Steves’ Europe Tours, research my guidebooks, and make new TV shows, I’m reporting on my experiences across Europe. Still to come: Germany, Switzerland, and more. Thanks for joining me here on my blog and via Facebook.