Today I stopped by the Brunswick Hotel for a coffee. This was the site of a tipsy afternoon only about 7 weeks ago, during Steph’s visit here in Glasgow. True to form, as we did during that entire visit, we arrived early on a Friday afternoon, and positioned ourselves up at the bar. It was fun – along with discovering some different lagers, we also got to meet at least 80% of the Merchant City’s regulars…

It was a great afternoon. We left having made firm friends, and promising to send postcards from Paris and to visit regularly. Of course as does happen, we haven’t managed to go back since – and well the postcards, we never actually got around to it. And then of course, the longer you leave it, the harder it is to return… you know how it is…

Anyway, today I was wandering by in the sunshine – and thought to hell with it. I can brave it. So in I went. It was very quiet. No sign of Steven or Michael – the owners. I ordered some lunch, a half pint and pulled out my latest book that I had just borrowed from the library – then sat back to enjoy the sun.

I had just finished lunch when they came in. These guys have been a couple for many years, yet they are one of the happiest looking couples I’ve ever met. You hear a thick, rich bellyaching laugh that just makes you want to smile before you even see them entering the room.

Anyway, you know the look people get when they remember your face, but they can’t for the life of them remember who you are or where they know you from? Well I could see this look plastered on both of their faces. Now to give them both credit, they both came over individually to say hello and surreptitiously probe me to get some hints. It was very well done, but after a few minutes I just felt cruel, so I blurted out all about our Friday afternoon binge those 7 weeks ago.

And there we were. Back to buddies. Both of them asking how both Steph and Michelle were doing, and where we’d been since we’d last been in. We had a little chat, caught up on a few things, and then they sat and enjoyed their own lunch. I promised to bring in a business card for the Montclair, should they ever get to Montreal – and also that I would swing by a bit more frequently…

You see, that’s typical in Glasgow. People are just so friendly.

We are so lucky to be here…..