A Trip Down Memory Lane

I was sent out to the Scottish Brewing Archive today, which meant that I had to venture out into my old student stamping ground in the West End of Glasgow. 

I don't have much love for big cities.  I don't feel comfortable in urban areas.  But there's something about the University Quarter in Glasgow which I really appreciate.  It feels pleasantly bohemian.

I've drifted apart from my university through the years.  I'm sure it hasn't changed much since I left it - it's always been a fiercely commercial organisation masquerading as an academic institution - but somehow it feels alien to me now.  I don't have much affection for it.  But deep inside, I remain strangely loyal. 

It was strange to go back there.  I remembered all the friends I made in the archaeology department through the years.  Most of us have moved on now.  Occasionally, I recognise a name and think, 'oh, so that's where so-and-so got to...'

My aim for lunch was simple.  I worked for a council archaeology service back in 2000, and every so often I spoiled myself by going to buy a takeaway sandwich at a vegetarian wholefood shop in Woodlands Road called 'Grassroots'.  Since it had been so long since I'd been there, I wanted to go to 'Grassroots' and buy my favourite sandwich, the 'VLT' (vegetarian bacon, lettuce and tomato).

There was no guarantee 'Grassroots' would still be there.  And the chance of them selling the same kind of sandwich ten years on seemed slim.  I was late in leaving the archives - this was potentially disastrous, as I remember the VLT used to be the first to sell out on account of its popularity.  But I remained hopeful.

'Grassroots' was still there.  There were no sandwiches on display - only pasties.  But when I asked the girl (yes, girl.  She was probably in primary school when I was working in the council...) about the famed 'VLT', she replied that they were still on the menu, and still as popular as ever.

Needless to say, they were all sold out.  But the Avocado Salsa & Vegan Mayonnaise sandwich I got instead was almost as delicious.

Some things never change.  And for that, I'm truly thankful!

A Trip Down Memory Lane

I was sent out to the Scottish Brewing Archive today, which meant that I had to venture out into my old student stamping ground in the West End of Glasgow. 

I don't have much love for big cities.  I don't feel comfortable in urban areas.  But there's something about the University Quarter in Glasgow which I really appreciate.  It feels pleasantly bohemian.

I've drifted apart from my university through the years.  I'm sure it hasn't changed much since I left it - it's always been a fiercely commercial organisation masquerading as an academic institution - but somehow it feels alien to me now.  I don't have much affection for it.  But deep inside, I remain strangely loyal. 

It was strange to go back there.  I remembered all the friends I made in the archaeology department through the years.  Most of us have moved on now.  Occasionally, I recognise a name and think, 'oh, so that's where so-and-so got to...'

My aim for lunch was simple.  I worked for a council archaeology service back in 2000, and every so often I spoiled myself by going to buy a takeaway sandwich at a vegetarian wholefood shop in Woodlands Road called 'Grassroots'.  Since it had been so long since I'd been there, I wanted to go to 'Grassroots' and buy my favourite sandwich, the 'VLT' (vegetarian bacon, lettuce and tomato).

There was no guarantee 'Grassroots' would still be there.  And the chance of them selling the same kind of sandwich ten years on seemed slim.  I was late in leaving the archives - this was potentially disastrous, as I remember the VLT used to be the first to sell out on account of its popularity.  But I remained hopeful.

'Grassroots' was still there.  There were no sandwiches on display - only pasties.  But when I asked the girl (yes, girl.  She was probably in primary school when I was working in the council...) about the famed 'VLT', she replied that they were still on the menu, and still as popular as ever.

Needless to say, they were all sold out.  But the Avocado Salsa & Vegan Mayonnaise sandwich I got instead was almost as delicious.

Some things never change.  And for that, I'm truly thankful!