Glasgow

I forgot just how much I love Scotland.  Even in the pouring down freezing rain I was still really happy to be there.  Something about it just makes me feel happy.  Well, maybe that was the fresh from the oven Cheese Pasty!

I was last in Scotland in late July and early August 2002.  I know this with absolute certainty because when I opened my Lonely Planet guide an old train schedule fell out.  I love when I leave myself these little surprises/reminders.  I have tucked my Coldplay ticket inside that same guide to find in another 9 years.

The quick-witted among you will have deduced by now that the purpose of my trip to Glasgow was to see Coldplay live.  I am not going to lie.  It was awesome.  It was the first time that I have seen them in concert and it was also the start of their Mylo Xyloto world tour.  Only 10,000 people in a nice small venue.  They gave everyone these cool bracelets that they could light up remotely which was really neat.  It was pretty tough to act all cool and sophisticated...you just put your hand in the air and dance like a teenager!  Attached is a photo of the crowd with the bracelets.  I would like to be able to say that I was inspired by my very cool photographer Uncle (Hans) or my equally cool videographer Uncle (Steve) but...in reality...my camera was on the wrong setting and I wound up with this rather cool picture.





Sunday's weather smartened up a bit (flashes of sun occasionally) and allowed us to shop shop shop!  Glasgow is the definitely the ugly step-sister of Edinburgh (my apologies to any Glaswegians reading this!).  It has rather retained the gloom it inherited during the Industrial Revolution.  There are highlights...it was in Glasgow that I first discovered Charles Rennie Mackintosh whom I continue to love and it is also the home of the most spectacular modern stained glass windows in a Church I have ever seen.  But, on the whole, it isn't my favourite spot.  However, the shopping is actually really good!  I was just a humble backpacker last time I was there and didn't have money to spend on anything other than food and lodgings (and beer)...but I did my best to support the local economy this time!

I was sorry to say good-bye to S&P but I am really grateful that they introduced me to N...whom I am sure will be a great companion on future trips!