This video was taken back stage on Friday, September 28, 2012 the same time the pictures below were taken. Listen to the excitement of all the fans who were there. How wonderful Susan was to all the fans!
The picture of Susan and me was taken the first night in Edinburgh: Friday, September 28, 2012. After seeing IDAD performance for the first time, we went to the to the side door of the theater and there was Susan, inside the lobby. I asked her if I could get a picture and she said yes. This is where I asked her about her height and she said she had heels on and laughed. Look at the beautiful outfit she has on and she had on sparkling silver shoes. Very lovely!
Pictures from Graysea's Scotland Trip
Two pictures below were taken in Edinburgh at the Festival Theater on September 28, 2012. This was the first night we saw IDAD. We had great front row center stage balcony.seats
Graysea and Diane
Left below at restaurant in Livingston and on the right in a whiskey store on the Royal Mile.
To the left in Edinburgh Castle To the right
Holyrood
Graysea - flat Susan - Rose of England
The fans with flat Susan
Susan and Smoke
Below are the pictures taken at the M&G Tea in Glasgow on October 12, 2012
Kathleen and Geri
Susan and graysea
Graysea and Diane
Left below at restaurant in Livingston and on the right in a whiskey store on the Royal Mile.
Holyrood
Above Susan arrives at the M&G in Balbairdie on September 30, 2012
Below are M&G pictures taken on September 30, 2012
Diane and Graysea on left and Gladys on the right.
Graysea - flat Susan - Rose of England
The fans with flat Susan
Smoke and Nora
MollBobber
Hugh and Diane with Susan
Susan and Smoke
Below are the pictures taken at the M&G Tea in Glasgow on October 12, 2012
Kathleen and Geri
Susan and graysea
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Pictures below are of the M&G on Sunday, October 14, 2012 at The Balbairdie Inn in Bathgate, Scotland. Susan joined us unexpectedly because her flight to the US had been cancelled
Pictures by stevieboy 49
http://s632.photobucket.com/albums/uu46/stevieboy49/Glasgow%20Musical%20and%20Meet%20and%20Greets/?action=view¤t=P1050650.jpg#!oZZ24QQcurrentZZhttp%3A%2F%2Fs632.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fuu46%2Fstevieboy49%2FGlasgow%2520Musical%2520and%2520Meet%2520and%2520Greets%2F%3Faction%3Dview%26current%3DIMG_0435.jpg
Pictures from Jan regarding the M&G, dinner and show in Glasgow.
http://s1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg581/jdool90830/Meet%20and%20Greet%20Bathgate/
Daily log of my trip to Scotland
My trip to Scotland - September 27th through October 15, 2012
Friday, September 28, 2012 - Edinburgh, Scotland
Weather: Sunny starting out and rain when we arrived in Edinburgh. Drizzling and damp.
Flew from Boston, Logan on Thursday night and arrived in Edinburgh about 10:00 am the next morning. We took the bus from the airport to Waverley Station. When we got to Waverley Station it started to pour - We got a taxi to the Arrendale House and checked in at about 11:30 am. We had a first floor room in a simple B&B. Did not and was not able to get Internet wireless the six days I was there. We rested and unpacked.
About 3:30 pm, we headed out to find the center. Got a bus near the house and went just a few blocks to the Festival Theater to see where it was. Took pictures. While there we checked to see if there were seats to the show for that evening, and there were a few in the attic, so we went to dinner to think about it. Went to a Pub close by and had a hamburger and chips (French fries). Went back to the theater to check tickets again. Lucked out! Someone had turned back front row center balcony seats, A28-29, best seats in the house. So of course we went. First time to see the show and it was wonderful. Absolutely brilliant.
After the show we went around to the stage door on the side to see if we could see the stars. Inside the lobby was Susan Boyle with fans and we went in. I asked her if she remembered me and she said T-shirt. Then I asked if I could get a picture, which I did. When we were side by side, I said to her she was taller then me (because in NY she seemed the same size) and she said she had heels on and she laughed. She had on a beautiful black sparkly pant suit (I think it looked like the suit she wore in Australia) and silver heels. She looked beautiful. Got some pictures of the show and the program and met some fans from Switzerland and Scotland. A great first day.
Saturday, September 29, 2012 - Edinburgh, Scotland
Weather: Cold and windy.
We started the day with a full breakfast at the guest house. After breakfast, I tried to get Internet, no luck. Sent message on Diane’s I-pad to the kids. Left the house at 11:00 am to go up to Waverley Station to check train schedule for the Bathgate M&G. Took pictures in the area and walked around and explored the mall area. Bought tickets to the Double Decker bus 2 day castle and boat tour.
Went back to the B&B about 3:00 pm. Left again at 4:00 pm for the fan’s dinner meeting at Ciao Roma, which was across from the theater where IDAD was. Met in the restaurant with 31 fans from all over. Tessiel and her mom, Gloria, were there. Margaret and her husband, friends from Florida, were there also. Susan’s sister sand friends were across the room.
After dinner we all headed to the theater where seats were reserved. Next to me, I met Sister Eleanor, Susan’s spiritual advisor at the church. We chattered and she said she knew Frank Quinn and he was there. I said I would love to meet him someday and she said she would bring him over during the break, which she did. Frank Quinn is a very fine gentleman, who I was happy to meet. I told him about the statement I remembered in Susan’s book about Susan saying something about problems during her interview with him. He told her that there were no problems, only issues to be resolved. I told him I really like that statement. A very nice gentleman. IDAD musicale was fantastic, and Elaine C. Smith was tremendous. The play was excellent, way more then I thought it would be.
After the show, we went back to Ciao Roma for coffee with some of the fans. What a great day, again.
Sunday, September 30, 2012 - Edinburgh, Scotland
Weather: Rain most of the day. Late afternoon, sun. Evening cold and windy.
Had breakfast at 8:45 am. Headed to Waverley Station at 10:00 am to catch the train to Bathgate for the M&G. Got tickets at the station and left from track 13. Arrived at 11:30 am a little early and had a wet and windy walk from the train station to Balbairdie’s Pub for the M&G. Since we were early, we had tea with Nora (wasforgas), Shirley (Rose of England) and Margaret (Smoke). Others there were Gladys, Brenda and Tom from Tennessee, Diane (Flo Baker) MollBobbers, Stievieboy and Irene, Hugh and Mary, Mom and daughter from California, Julie and a few others.
At about 12:30 pm, we had all gone into the dinning room and had our lunch. We were just about finished and in waltzes Susan and team, Sadie and Lorraine, who joined us for tea time in the side room. I got pictures from afar, as Sadie said the ones who have never met Susan could get pictures and visit with Susan. Susan had on a shinny silver/pink top on over black slacks. She looked beautiful, but very tired. They stayed about an hour and we got lots of pictures. At about 4:20 pm, we got the train back to Edinburgh with Brenda and Tom. We stayed at the Waverley Station area and got cards and walked around for awhile then went to the B&B. It was another very good day.
Monday, October 1, 2012 - Edinburgh, Scotland
Weather: Sunny in the morning. Rain during the castle trip. Damp and rainy the rest of the day.
Breakfast at the guest house the usual time. Tried to get Internet without success. Left at about 10:00 am for the tour bus. Got on the double decker bus and went the complete route, which was about an hour and half. Stopped at Edinburgh Castle where we stayed and explored the Castle and Royal Mile for 6 hours. Saw the entire castle with a guide and had tea and orange cake in the castle tea room high above the ground. Took tons of pictures from high above and all around the area. The Castle was the most fun and most amazing site to see. We got on the double decker and headed back to Waverley Station. We walked over the bridge and found a very good Italian restaurant, Bella Italia. We shared a chicken and macaroni casserole. We then got the bus back to the B&B and we were back home about 7:00 pm. What a thrilling, exciting day.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012 - Edinburgh, Scotland
Weather: Sunny in the morning. Rain during the day. Late afternoon, cold and gray.
Breakfast at the guest house at 8:30 am. Got an early start and headed back to Waverley Station for the second day of the bus tour. Walk though the gardens to catch the bus. We headed out to Holyrood House Palace and St. Giles Cathedral. Great sites there and took lots of pictures. We stopped at the Parliament House Café for lunch and also went into the Parliament meeting for a while. Then we walk the Royal Mile for awhile and got on the bus to the Royal Yacht Britannia just to see where it was. We headed back to the same restaurant as the night before, only this time we shared the lasagna. It was delicious! We stopped at the Patisserie Valerie for some pastry to bring back with us. Got the bus for home at about 8:00 pm. Another fabulous day in Edinburgh.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012 - Edinburgh, Scotland
Weather: Sun out early. Rain afternoon. Evening, cold and windy.
Had breakfast early and left to get the bus for the Royal Yacht Britannia for our final part of the bus tour. We got on the Majestic Bus for this tour. We got there and started a walking tour of the entire ship. We were there at least four hours. We had hand held microphones as we walked the ship tour. We went through 29 rooms and ended having coffee and soup in the lounge on the deck. After five hours we headed back to the Arrendale for some rest. Late afternoon we went up to Ciao Roma for an Italian meal. I had spaghetti and meatballs. Stopped in a Pound store (dollar store) and bought a plug adapter. We got back home around 8:00 pm. Another wonderful, busy day.
Thursday, October 4, 2012 - Edinburgh,/Bathgate Scotland
Weather: Gray most of the morning. Late afternoon sun. Cold in the evening
Had our last breakfast at Arrendale. Checked out of the Arrendale about 11:00 pm and headed to Waverley Station where we bought out ticket to Bathgate. Took train 9W which took about a half hour. Got off at Bathgate and got a cab to Bracklinn House which was right up the street (2 minutes ride) We were greeted by owner Paul, who took our suitcases in for us. Paul showed us around and got us settled in. The Bracklinn house is a very beautiful high quality place. The main area was a very large living room and dining room area with a large TV and WIFI hookup. The bedroom was off of the patio. It was a large bedroom with 3 beds, TV and a very large double closet. We also had a very large bathroom with a double sink granite countertop and a jet spray shower. Everything about it was great. After having some Scottish tea and biscuits, Diane took a nap and I immediately turned on my computer and got on the Internet. What a treat after 6 days without my sites and blogs. I played on the computer for a few hours and got some of my postings done. At about 5:30 pm, Diane and I walked a few blocks up to Willow House, a Chinese restaurant and had a very nice meal We walked back. We will be doing a lot of walking here. We also made arrangements for Hugh to pick us up in the morning and take us on a tour of Blackburn. When I got back to Bracklinn, I stayed on my computer until 11:00 pm. This is part 2 of our trip and it will be a quieter and slower time then the past 6 days. All good.
Friday, October 5, 2012 - Bathgate, Scotland
Weather: Sunny and cold all day.
At 9.00 am, we had a very nice full breakfast served to us by Karen, Paul’s wife. I worked on my computer until 10:45 am. Hugh came about 11:00 pm and we headed out on our tour of Blackburn. We started at TESCO which was around the corner from where we were staying. Then we went to Blackburn where we went by Susan’s house, church and school. And we drove into the Posh house driveway and turned around and got pictures. We stopped at the Happy Valley and took some pictures. Went to the Mill Center and took pictures. Went all over Blackburn and took pictures. Headed back to Bathgate and went to the Regal Theater where we were given a tour of the theater by Joanne. What a nice friendly place it was. Hugh was such a wonderful tour guide and story teller. He knew everyone and every area very well. We returned home and rested and then walked up to Tesco where we had lunch in the upstairs café. We walked back and stayed in and worked on our computer. Later on in the day we ordered pizza. Watched TV work on computer. Good relaxing day.
- Visit to Blackburn Oct 5, 2012
My visit to Blackburn - what I wanted to do since I first heard about Susan and Scotland.
Today, Diane and I were shown around Bathgate by a very knowledgeable Scot from Bathgate. Also, went to Blackburn.
We started out at the "famous" Tesco in Bathgate where Susan shops and took a few pictures. We did not go in at this time and moved on to Blackburn. Went to the Mall (Mill Mall) area. It is a self contained one story building with a post office, library, meat shop and more. We met Sadie's sister there in the meat store. Our driver knew many of the people and said he lived in the area. Told us a number of stories of the miners living in the area in the 70s and how protective they were of the families who lived there. Very interesting background. The houses were all stucco/cement and well kept.
Then he drove into Susan's area and pointed out many houses of friends and family he knew. Again, many good stories. Then we came past Susan's house and did not stop, but I managed to get a few pictures as I went by. It is just like we see on the TV. No one was around the area. Just a few cars. Next we went past her school and church, saw where the Gala Days are held. Very nice big field with grass so green it looks like our astro turf - but it is real. All the grass I have seen so far over here is so green, I have to touch it to see if it is real, and it is. Just beautiful!
Then, of course, we had to see the POSH house, and we did. I even managed to get a picture of her door. It is not very far from the other house. Now, we just had to see the Happy Valley Inn. What a complete surprise that was. I thought it would be bigger, because it is also an inn. The lady said we could go in and we could take pictures, but don't take her. She didn't seem to know much about Susan, but our driver did and showed us around. It was early and not many people around. We asked about the plaque, but she said it was broken and didn't know much more about it So I didn't get a picture of it.
We traveled back to Bathgate to see the Regal Theater, where Susan is a patron. There was a great big beautiful picture of Susan on the building. Inside, we met a very nice lady, Joanne, who volunteers to help the theater. She gave us a tour of the theater. I got some nice pictures, especially in the hall way leading into the theater. Lot's of pictures of the old Hollywood stars lined up along the wall: Robert Mitchum, Marlin Brando, Fred and Ginger, Jimmy Dean and others. We will be going there tomorrow night to see the Bathgate Fiddlers. Should be fun!.
Headed back to our B&B rested and then headed back to Tesco, which is a short walk, just two blocks from the B&B. It is a stand alone store with everything in it include a cafe. It is like a giant Walmart. Same as our stores, only pound signs all over. They even had a fresh meat area. After that we went up to the cafe and had a late lunch and that include hot tea. Lot's of tea over here. We picked up a few things and walked back and here I am telling you of my journey today. All in all, a great day. We thank our fine Scot for showing us the area and for all the great stories. By the way, it didn't rain on us today. Nice and sunny, but cool.
Saturday, October 6, 2012 - Bathgate, Scotland
Walk, Wash, Wait and Eat
Weather: Chilly in the morning. Sun off and on. Cold in the late afternoon.
In the morning, we started the day off with a great Scottish breakfast in the Bracklinn Inn where we are staying. Very beautiful place with a wonderful host and hostess. Our mission today was to find a Post Office, Bank and Laundry mat. Well now I have money in my pocket, clean clothing and info from the Post Office. While Diane was in watching the wash and busy on her IPAD, I decided to scout out the area. Went across the street to St Mary's Church to find out about mass, and as I was looking around two very nice ladies asked if they could help. I started to talked to them and told them my name and why I was there. I asked who they were and it was Mrs. Boyle and her daughter (Bernadette and Margaret). No relation to Susan, but knew her and her family. I told them all about Susan and the fan club and they were amazed and pleased that there was so much interest. I also said I wanted to know the schedule, so they took me around and when I said I wanted to go in, they came in and showed me the church. They understood that I wanted to light a candle and say a prayer for my brother-in-law, who passed away last week. These two beautiful ladies were very nice to take the time with me.
After that I went back and checked with Diane, who was still waiting for the wash, so I headed out again and looked around and popped in and out of the stores in St. David's Square. There were a lot of very nice thrift shops for charity organizations: A very generous community.
Went back and the laundry was done, so we headed for The Coffee Club restaurant to get lunch. I had a pot of tea and a scone, Cost 2 pounds. (can't get used to this coin money- all sizes and shapes. I give up. I hold out a handful and the clerks counts it out) Diane had soup and tea. Then we headed back on foot for 20 minutes to our B&B and crashed until 5:15.
- Royalty at the Regal
Well, we arrived 20 minutes later at the Regal Theatre http://www.facebook.com/bathgateregaltheatre and headed to a pub for supper before going in. The small theatre was full of people, white hair, just like at home. And of course, I felt right at home. We were up front next to a senior group from a nearby town. I couldn't understand where they were from when they told me (it sounded like Felfik???) but I did talk to the man next to me, who told me he was John Duffy. He said his brother played the music for Susan at church. He knew the entire family and he was proud to tell me that they know him. During intermission Diane brought a lady over to meet me. Her name is Maureen Docherty-Nagle from the SusanBoyleFanInternational Site. Diane said Maureen recognized the red scarf she was wearing and ask if she was a fan and that is how we all met. Maureen took a lot of pictures and will post them on her Susan site. She is planning on being in Glasgow at the show. Hopefully we will meet up again.
Why I call this part "Royalty" at the Regal, is because after the intermission, the leader of the Livingston Fiddlers asked if there was a Grace from Massachusetts in the house - oh yes, up goes my hand - whooohooo, and then someone from another state was mentioned and I did not get her name, she was way in the back somewhere. Also, from Texas, which was Diane. WOW!!!! I was surprised about us being announced to the audience. What fun!. The show was great. Thirty fiddlers in the band, plus piano, bass and accordion. Very nice.
Then to head back, to the B&B, we decided to find a bus, which we did. When we got on, I said we wanted to go a little past the train station which was only a few blocks and how much was it. He waved us on in to sit down, no fee. I must say, I couldn't believe it - I just knew I wasn't in Massachusetts. That would never happen. Anyway, a very wonderful day here in Bathgate.
It is refreshing that every where we travel in Edinburgh and Bathgate, people have been so helpful and nice to us.
Sunday, October 7, 2012 - Bathgate, Scotland
Weather: A bit of sun, but mostly cloudy and cold
- Quiet, slow day today.
We had a great big Scottish breakfast again. Oh the waist line, where is it? After that, Diane and I walked the 20 minutes to the center to St. Mary's church, where we attended Mass at 10:30 am. We saw Joanne, her husband and son across the rows. Lot's of kids in the church and I think everyone took a glance at us. I don't know why, maybe because we were wearing our red scarf. It was bright and sunny outside when we came out. We headed to St David Square and most of the stores were closed. We did spot a Subway restaurant opened and stopped in to get subs to go for lunch, then headed back to the B&B.
Returning to the B&B meant that we would be on our computer and IPAD all afternoon, waiting for the Q&A with Susan to begin, plus calling the family. At 5:00 pm the Twitter session started and by 6:00 pm it was still going strong. We had to leave to meet others for dinner that evening, so we missed the last part of it. It would have to wait until we returned to read it all.
The evening was spent with Stevieboy and Irene at a restaurant called "The Fairway" in the downtown area. We spent the time talking over, you guessed it, Susan and her new beautiful CD coming out in November. Very nice restaurant and they let us talk as long as we wanted to. At 10:00 pm we finally decided to leave. All in all, what a great night out with some terrific Susa fans, just like us.
Monday, October 8, 2012 - Bathgate, Scotland
Weather: Gray day and cold
I had a great breakfast even though I woke up with a soar throat and a cough and not feeling well at all. So the morning was rest and computer. Early afternoon we headed out to the Livingston Mall. Took the bus which was almost an hour ride. Watched some very nice country farms and beautiful sites go by. Almost all the house we saw in Scotland were stucco/cement with big windows. Got to the mall which was two huge building full of stores. We walked all over and got a few cards and gifts. Sent a card to my sister for Guy. After a few hours we found a very nice restaurant, The Lime Kilm. I had a half of chicken. Way too much food. Then we headed back. A long day doing very little.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012 Bathgate
Weather: Rain and some sun
We had our usual breakfast and headed out to see Blackburn by bus. We walked up to Tesco and got the bus to the Mill Mall. When we arrived we walked around and got a few things. I went into the library to see what they had on Susan. I did not see anything. The librarian directed me to some books containing pictures of classes through the years, but I did not see anything on Susan. We saw the outside of The Happy Valley again and it looked so small. Blackburn is a very quiet, small town - what you would call sleepy. While waiting for the bus we talked to one of the residents who knew Susan and she said she know her, but no one made anything of Susan. She is just one of the residents. We headed back, as we were sick with colds and needed to rest. Hot tea and a nap for Diane and hot tea and computer for me. We made sure we were in front of the TV to watch the Elaine C. Smith special on making IDAD. Packed when we went to the room. Wonderful time in Bathgate.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012 - Bathgate/Glasgow
Weather: Raining and cold.
We had our final full breakfast at the Bracklinn and said our good byes. We walked to the Station with our suitcases. We got our ticket at the station and headed to Glasgow, Premier Inn. The train ride was very nice. Saw lots of sheep, cows and horse farms and many wonderful grassy fields along the way. When we arrived in Glasgow, we just had to go up a flight of stairs and a few steps to the hotel. It was so easy. That was a convenient hotel for our stay there.
We arrived about noon time and settled in. We got on the Internet for 30 minutes then bought a week’s worth at 10 pounds. Unfortunately, the WIFI went out in the entire hotel. No Internet. So out we went to scout the area. We had some soup for lunch in a little joint up the street. Walked around the area and went back to the hotel. We checked out the hotel area and rested. Later on that night we went to an underground Italian restaurant. It was awful. Diane liked her chicken, but for the first time in my life, I couldn’t eat spaghetti and what they called meatballs. Horrible! When we headed back to the hotel, we went by the theater to see if there were any tickets and no. Sold out! So we called it a night.
Thursday, October 11, 2012 - Glasgow, Scotland
Weather: Cold and raining - good thing I had hot soup for lunch.
When we arrived at Premier yesterday, we got on the internet for 30 minutes and then bought WIFI for week (10 pounds). Right after we got on, the internet connection for the hotel went down, so had no wifi until late this morning. So off we went for breakfast at the Grand Piano across the court. Then we set out for the double decker tour bus a few blocks over. We did meet fans, Mr and Mrs Golfer (Betty) on the way out. She spotted my mug. Since it was so cold and wet, riding the double decker bus was a good thing to do today. The tour was about two hours. We did not get off, just took in all the sights and there are plenty to look at and see. It reminded me of the old Boston I knew when I was a wee girl. Very old, beautiful majestic buildings all over. Glasgow University reminded me of Harvard. Beautiful! We are now back in our room and staying out of the cold. We plan to have dinner in the hotel tonight and hopefully meet up with other fans. We will see. Even though I want to go up to the theater, I don't think that is going to happen tonight. All in all, it has been a fabulous time.
Friday, October 12, 2012 - Glasgow, Scotland
Weather: Raining in the morning and cold.
At about 10:00 am I decided to go and get breakfast. A few blocks over, on Sauchiehall Street, I went into Weatherspoon Pub and got a full Scottish breakfast and a real cup of coffee, all for 4 pounds. Very nice! After that I walked down at least 8 blocks of stores and back again on the other side. None of the stores I know; however, there was a Subway and a Starbucks.
When I got back to the hotel, I met up with Diane and we headed back to try to find some Scottish scarfs. On the way back to the hotel, we stopped off at the Kings Theater, because we wanted to get tickets for the Friday night show. Sold Out, even the attic seats up the 87 steps. We were not happy. As we headed out the door, who came walking across the street towards us, no other then Elaine C. Smith. As she approach, we said "Hi Elaine, we love your show and you to". She stopped for a minute and we talked and told her where we were from. She said she goes to Wellfleet on Cape Cod sometimes. Diane told her she bought her book and would love to have her sign it. Elaine said to leave it back stage and she would sign it, which she did. What a pleasant surprise, after our disappointment of not getting tickets.
Just before 3:00 pm we went to the M&G where we met many of the fans from the site. The room was decorated with lovely pictures of Susan and beautiful flowers and sparkles on all the tables. Beautiful, shinny colorful gift bags, with our names in purple were given to us. The creative tags were done by Little Tiger, our hostess. The envelope holding our tickets to the show was also done in pretty purple fonts. Very classy tea party! And the classiest thing of all, Ms. Susan Boyle arrives to join us for tea. Who would have thought! She had on a beige form fitting suit with bronze silk blouse. Susan started to pose for pictures with fans for awhile and then stopped for a bite. Later, Susan started walking around to greet fans, as she came to my area, I asked Sadie, if I could get a picture and she said yes, and I did. Am I having a good time, or what! Susan left a little after that.
Another good thing happened while I was at the M&G, one of the fans had an extra ticket for the Friday show, up front and center, which I got. How lucky was that? We managed to get a ticket for Diane too, only hers was up top, 40 steps. We also left books to be signed by Elaine. Needless to say, the show was tremendous. Elaine is unbelievable as Susan. What's good is that Elaine sings the songs in her own style. It is amazing to see this. And would you believe, at the end of the show, out comes Susan in her black glittery dress. All smiles and waves, she sings IDAD. Beautiful, of course. Then she goes onto WIWBTB, which, because of the cheering, she got half way through and forgot her place, and it turned out to be funny. Susan has a natural knack at comedy. Then Elaine and cast joined her on stage and they all took their bows. What a show! We all headed back where everyone gathered in the lounge for more talk and fun. I just got back and had to write about my day. One more exciting day and tomorrow is the dinner and the big last show. That will be another big night for all of us. What a blast!
Saturday, October 13, 2012 - Glasgow, Scotland
Weather: Raining in the morning and cold.
Early this morning about 8:30 am, Diane and I set out for breakfast before going on the second round of our double decker bus tour. We went to the same Pub (Weatherspoon) I went to yesterday. I had a bowl of hot porridge and a traditional breakfast. Soon other fans arrived at the same Pub. About 10 more came in as we were leaving. We headed for the bus stop and got on the bus for the hour and half tour around Glasgow. It was very cold on the bus and very wet outside, but we were glad we were inside and not outside.
We got off at Queen Street Station and had a bite to eat at the Burger King there. Any place just to get warm would do. After that we set out on Buchanan Street and then up Sauchiehall Street for some shopping. It was fun going in and out of the shops for a few hours.
Along the way, we ran into three sets of Susa fans: MollBobber and Carol, Gladys and three other friends and then Stevieboy and Irene. A while later, we all met in the lounge waiting to go into the restaurant for dinner. Again, the setup was so well organized. We had a designated table and seat. At our table was Leslie B and her friend Jan. Also Moria and her neighbor and a few other fans. A name tag specially printed with a cute lapel pin attached was at each place. Very nicely done!
After a very fine dinner, we headed to the theater. The place was sold out, of course. We had great seats - very close up front. What can I say about the play and Elaine C. Smith? Outstanding! Elaine spoke for a good ten minutes after the show and explained that Susan would not be there, as she is heading to see Donny in America. After much applause, we headed out. This is a "must see" must continue, show. That is how good it is. Elaine is amazing!
After the show, a group of us stood outside the stage door and waited for Elaine. When she came out, she signed everything presented to her, and took pictures. I ended up getting a big hug from her (no picture, my camera battery died). We all headed back to the hotel. Elaine and her group were ahead of us. They verier off to The Piano Box for a Cast party and we headed to bed. It was another fantastic day.
Tomorrow is our last full day and we will take the train to Bathgate for the M&G. We go home on Monday.
Sunday, October 14, 2012 - Glasgow/Bathgate, Scotland
Raining in the morning - What's new!
Sun peeking through at noon - Hope has arrived!
Sun out at 1:00 pm - I can't believe it!
Bright sun at 2:00 pm - Yes sir ree!
And glorious SUNSHINE at 3:00 pm
(Susan arrived at the M&G - Absolutely marvelous!)
Well, the day began as usual with a walk up to Weatherspoon for our usual breakfast then back again to get ready for our trip to Bathgate for the Meet and Greet with the fans. Some fans had already gone and others were milling in the lobby, gathering to get the train for Bathgate. At the ticket window, big break for seniors, 7 pounds 20 pence round trip, normally 8 pounds and 40 pence!
We arrived in Bathgate about 45 minutes later. Some fans had suitcases, as they were staying there for a few days. Diane and I started the walk up the small hill, as the area was very familiar to us.
We gathered in the bar area of the Balbairdie to chat for a while, discussing the final IDAD show of the evening before. When the room was ready, about 40 of us made our way in. Diane and I went to the side room and sat with Betty and Bill and Donna and Rick. Sadie, Susan’s PA, had arrived and went around the room greeting the fans. The fans like it as they were asking all sorts of things about Susan.
After a while, an announcement was made that Susan's flight was cancelled and she was heading over to the M&G. What's this, you say! We did not expect Susan to be there, and we were stunned and overjoyed when in comes Susan. As pretty as a picture and as charming as ever. She had on a gorgeous black velour suit, a colorful silky blouse and very pretty black platform shoes, with sparkles on the heels. Very fashionable our super star! A few of the fans who never had time with Susan did get to take a picture with her. And for the fans like me who have seen Susan, we all got in a group picture with her. How great was that!
After the M&G, Diane and I set out to a few stores and then walked back to the train where other fans were waiting. It was a grand time had by all. A memory we will never forget.
Later on that evening a few of us went to the Weatherspoon Pub and had dinner. Finally got back and packed the large suit case that now looks like it is pregnant. I hope its under 50 pounds. Oh well, we leave tomorrow morning for home. This has been another marvelous day, ending a great 16 day adventure. Can't wait to see my kids.
Guess what, it was raining when we came out. Well, what did you expect.
Monday, October 15, 2012 - Glasgow, Scotland
Weather: The sun was shinning very brightly when we left Scotland????
Our last day in Scotland started out in the usual way. We headed for breakfast at Weatherspoon, as we were all packed and ready to go. When we got back Diane checked her IPAD and found out our flight was cancelled. Don’t panic. We didn’t have a show to do. So we got on the phone and got a flight through BA AA. We got a taxi to the airport and went to the counter to get out tickets. It took a long time. We handed her our passports and waited. She had to retag the bags that had already gone through. What a mess the airport was, as others were trying to change flights too.
We finally got out tickets and went through a number of security checks. Off we go. An hour later we got there. We had to get a bus to go to Terminal 5 on the other side of the airport. At Heathrow, at the AA counter, I was in one line and Diane was in the line next to me. When the officer checked my passport he said it wasn’t mine. I looked and I had Diane’s and she had mine, which she had just signed because the officer told her to. The clerk gave us back the wrong one and we didn’t even notice it. What a mess! The security officer scribbled her name out and I had to sign mine on top of hers. Then we went through.
At the next check point, the officer there said he would let me through, but I had better go to Immigrations when I get home and get a new passport. What a pain. I did call when I got home and he wasn’t too concerned and I decided I wouldn’t be either. I will deal with that later on. All in all, I miss the fun I had in Scotland, but it is great seeing the family. Now on to living the real everyday life, pay bills that is. Oh well, when is the next big Susa event?
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