Is This the Way to Glasgow?

On the Tuesday morning of our trip, I decided to forego the physical, Scottish Highland climbing portion of the day and, instead, headed to Glasgow.

Now, getting to Glasgow was not as easy as I thought it would be! Our host (Joe) offered to drive me into the city center and then pick me up afterwards, but….

…where’s the fun in that?

Instead, I told him to drive me to the Ferry and I would take it from there!!

My first “problem” was how to buy a ferry ticket. I finally asked one lady who told me that she had purchased online. Yikes… I pulled out my phone and started the purchase but another woman walked up and said that I could buy a ticket on the ferry itself.

WHEW…first crisis averted!

Now, when I was researching this, I thought that I could pick up the subway from the ferry station….

No…no….no!!

As I got off of the ferry, I was confused because I was obviously at a train station, as opposed to the subway, although the architecture was outstanding….

So, I once again asked where I would buy a ticket. The woman asked “to Glasgow Central?” Not knowing exactly how to respond, I said SURE.

She helped me to purchase a ticket, and I boarded the train to Glasgow…..

Wait…wasn’t I already in Glasgow? Apparently not!

The train ride was 45 minutes to get into the central area of Glasgow, and I spent much of the trip glued to my phone, trying to find out how to get to the subway.

I loved stepping out of the station and seeing a typical Glasgow street….

Call me crazy, but THIS everyday scene is what makes me enjoy foreign cities!

I followed Google Maps to the nearest subway station and was amused to see that the subway map was a circle….

It has been given the nickname of “The Clockwork Orange”.

The nice thing about this setup was that I couldn’t get lost. No matter which direction I went, I would get to my destination!!

Now, exactly where was I heading?

Joe had suggested the “Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum” so that was my intention.

My first sighting of the highly touted museum was this….

….followed by entering the building to this view….

Tomorrow, I will show you some of the artwork and exhibits, and talk about my less than exciting return to the ferry!

But, to end this off, I want to tell you about a sweet encounter. Joe had told me that there was a tremendous pipe organ and that there was a short concert everyday at 1:00. He emphasized that I should NOT miss it.

So, at about 12.45, I stepped into the cafe, bought myself a sandwich and a drink, and headed to the small courtyard to eat and listen to the concert. But, there was a problem as all of the tables were already filled.

A young man sitting at the table nearest me looked up and asked if I would like his table. I told him to stay put, but could I use the chair across from him. He politely invited me to join him. As we talked, he told me that he was an “Accounting & Economics” student at Glasgow Uni. Needless to say, we spent a few minutes discussing the ups and downs of the accounting industry.

He also told me that he grew up in this neighborhood and had a special affinity for the Kelvingrove because of the many times he visited it with his family. Since the university is right next door, he often comes here at noon and listens to the concert.

The organist soon appeared, beginning with two classical pieces. He then launched into a medley from “Sound of Music”. I figured that the climax of this third piece would be amazing, so I pulled out my phone and recorded.

Enjoy…..

Come back tomorrow and I will give you a further tour!

Michael and I love to travel and see new parts of the world and then I love to take those memories and turn them into quilts!!! I hope that you enjoy traveling along with us!!

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