Glasgow - Day 1

Day One - City Centre, Riverside, Queen Street, Subway

Having been entertained for some years by my brother's excellent and witty travel writing, I am giving it a go.

A few years ago I had one of the best holidays I've ever had (with my father and nephew), in Edinburgh. We were so lucky then to have blue skies every day, and it seems I have struck lucky again (not to speak too soon!). Nick Abbott on LBC radio, famously tells everyone in Glasgow, "tomorrow it will be raining, and also the day after that, and the day after that, and every day for the rest of your life!" I might message him.

After I had decided to come to Glasgow, I was happily telling a mother of one of my students where I was going, to which she quite matter of factly replied, "oh, there's nothing there". I am often stunned by people's frankness. Having been here for only a few hours, I can only think she has never visited.

Today was actually my 4th trip using Glasgow Airport. One occasion was the aforementioned visit where we took off from Heathrow expecting a touchdown in Edinburgh, but were dropped off in Glasgow, but that's another story.

Today's journey to T5 also started badly with TFL failing miserably, but fortunately Uber came to the rescue. Strangely enough this Uber driver seemed quite calm. Of course he was speeding, but this suited me well as I arrived well in time. Just as well, as I spent some time in airport security when the alarm went off. A very officious woman stood cheerlessly whilst her assistant scanned my hands and feet. This also triggered another alarm. He tried again with the same result. The officious woman then said that she had to call her supervisor. There was now a queue building up behind me and I had visions of being taken off to a side room for interviewing as I was when I flew with El Al to Tel Aviv. In the event, a further scan was performed and the assistant asked if he could body search me which he did twice. When his scanner alarmed round my nether regions, I laughed. He didn't seem amused. Eventually the computer ceased alarming and the more cheery supervisor subsequently flapped about with paper asking my name. He asked me about my shoes. "Yes, they're new", I replied. "Ah, it's probably those then". Apparently something about chemicals. I won't be wearing new shoes on an aircraft again.

As for the rest of the day, it has been quite calm and uneventful in comparison. Glasgow City Centre is a short bus ride from the airport and very straightforward. On first glance the city seems very colourful and vibrant. The streets are thronging with shoppers and tourists, and the green spaces filled with sun bathers. Street buskers  and street art seem common too, (I am looking forward to a street art tour).

I certainly have the impression that Glaswegians don't give a jot what anyone thinks of them. There is a lot of shouting in the street and people seem quite highly strung, or enthusiastic depending on how you look at it. There is a frequent aroma of pot, but that just reminds me of Hounslow. The huge architecture is quite striking, much of which is quite contemporary as you can see from the photos.

 

I felt quite strange photographing the station, but I personally find it worthy of it. The subway stations are also beautifully designed.

 

This evening I enjoyed a lovely walk along the river to see famous Arc Bridge.

 

The Garmin says 10.2 miles of walking today, and it feels like it.