I DREAM OF HAGGIS

WEEKEND IN PICTURES

This morning I went for a bike ride out to Strathblane/ Kilearn / Balfron and the inevitable happened: I fell off my bike. I had to make a sudden stop and I couldn't get my shoes unclipped in time and fell onto my right thigh and elbow. I think I suffered more from embarrassment than the actual fall itself, truth be told. Nevertheless, the day started out cloudy but ended up being absolutely gorgeous. Whilst I was out for my ride, I couldn't help but think of Jack Layton's quote, "You could wait forever for perfect conditions, or you can make the best of what you got now."

On Friday, we had some drinks at my work as some people were leaving our department. I was due to meet some friends for a drink in Partick, so I only managed to stay for one before dashing off. I then left work at about 5.30pm - didn't get home until after 4.00am. For me, that is pretty epic in time and pacing.

In those 11 hours (of mayhem), I managed to meet friends for drinks and dinner in Partick, followed by more drinks in town before ending the night (somehow) at The Flying Duck. Or the Dying Fuck, as some people call it. It was an incredible night with good tunes, dancing and Claire and I hijacking some poor soul's birthday party.

Pre-Flying Duck escapade war path / Drinks at the Variety Bar.

I really love The Variety Bar because it seems that whenever I'm there, the DJ plays Prince at some point. That's my sliding scale of awesomeness: if the bar plays Prince (and not just the main hits), then it might just be the most amazing joint in this amazing city.

(L-R) Cute Scottish dude, me screechin' in a shrill Canadian accent, and Claire

Once Variety Bar closed, Claire and I decided to check out the Flying Duck. We wanted someone to take our photo so we asked some poor Scottish dude to oblige us. He was so wasted and/or a technophobe, he couldn't figure out how to use my iPhone. And he kept getting his finger in the picture (top right hand corner). As he was trying to figure out how to take a photo, I was giving a running commentary: "OHMIGAWD, it's 2011; haven't you seen an iPhone before? My friend, Claire - the biggest Luddite this side of the Atlantic - just figured out how to use eBay so come ON already!!!!!!"

I was cracking everyone up - apart from the poor dude taking the picture (he eventually figured it out). He handed me back my phone and told me to piss off. Quite right; I deserved it but COME ON! It was funny.

After the Flying Duck closed (we were one of the last to leave), Claire and I hit up Sauchiehall Street for an impromptu concert. Glasgow on a Friday or Saturday night, is a lot like Martin Scorsese's 1985 film, After Hours. Only without the murderous mob - unless the Old Firm are playing that weekend obviously.