Walked to Easter Mass. On the way I met some handsome young men who didn’t speak English, but who were looking at churches, trying to find something. One came to me…the only one of them who spoke a little English…and he said, “Excuse me…” but that was about it. I asked, “Catholic?” He smiled and eagerly repeated…Catholic, yes. I told him I was going to Mass and he and four other friends went with me the last few blocks. The one who spoke a little English walked by my side. I asked where they were from and he said France. I happily told him my last name was French and he pronounced Dufresne as it should be pronounced. It was really pretty.
It was weird going to Mass in a place where there are few Catholics. I’ve NEVER experienced a church that wasn’t full on Easter morning. This one was small and wasn’t even half full. I had a whole pew to myself. Normally it’s standing room only on Easter. The Mass itself was interesting too. Lots of different accents followed the proceedings and the responded prayers. Since this is a tourist destination, I expected that. But there was NO SERMON! I don’t think I’ve ever experienced that before at a Sunday Mass. Never. I wanted to ask the priest afterward about it, but didn’t want to have him think I was criticizing, so didn’t say anything.
Then went for my final Internet sign-on at the TIC. It opened at 10 and I got there at 9:45 (yes, the Mass was only 45 minutes long—on Easter. This was probably my biggest cultural shock in the three months I’ve been in the UK.) Checked my email and looked at the news. Iraq is scary. ‘Nuff said about that.
Went to McTavish’s Kitchen for breakfast/lunch and had baked beans on toast. I know I’m a peasant because peasant food is so satisfying to me. Had my first cup of coffee of the day at 11 AM.
Then to Tesco’s to buy some snacks for the train. Saw my French friends and bid them au revoir and bought some crisps and a tea cake for the four hour journey.
Now I’ve just checked out of the hotel, it’s 1 PM and I’m sitting in the hotel parlour, catching up with the blog notes. Hope I have something fun to write regarding the train trip, or it will be a boring, boring day.
When I got in the cab there was football on the radio. Dundee vs Dundee United. I said, Kind of like when Celtics play the Rangers? He said, “Yes, but on a smaller scale.” I felt great that I knew something about local football.
Saw a sign on the door of the Fort William train station. Polite Notice: Please help keep the station clean and tidy by not throwing cigarette ends around the entrance.
Saw an American at the station who I’d met yesterday at the TIC. I think he’s from Maryland but I forgot and didn’t want to ask again.
The train was really full, and I hoped more people would get off before getting into Glasgow. But it wasn’t to be. Backpackers kept climbing on at every stop and it was really standing room only. I’m glad I had a seat.
Behind me sat a dad and his two kids speaking German. In front of me sat a husband and wife speaking French. Across from me were Swedish speakers (I think). Quite an interesting mix.
Now I’m in Glasgow at my home away from home away from home, the Quality Hotel at Central Station.
posted by Jerilyn Dufresne, author @ 16:33
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