[updated September 4; reminder: click a photo to see the larger view.]
We touched down at 6:56am on Wednesday. Because our seats were almost in the back of the plane, it took some time to get off. While we were waiting, one of the crew announced, "Are Sharon and Ron McConathy still on the plane?" We waved and indicated our position. He added that we should make ourselves known to the crew as we deplane. Smoky and I looked at each other and said "Jackie!" Joel's colleague Jackie greeted us so warmly. We felt officially welcomed to Glasgow! Thanks, Jackie and Joel.
We touched down at 6:56am on Wednesday. Because our seats were almost in the back of the plane, it took some time to get off. While we were waiting, one of the crew announced, "Are Sharon and Ron McConathy still on the plane?" We waved and indicated our position. He added that we should make ourselves known to the crew as we deplane. Smoky and I looked at each other and said "Jackie!" Joel's colleague Jackie greeted us so warmly. We felt officially welcomed to Glasgow! Thanks, Jackie and Joel.
We gathered our bags, stood in line to have our passports stamped by the customs officials and then walked right across the street to the Airport Holiday Inn. Our basic room was not ready as promised, so we were upgraded to an "executive room" with a desk and a large bed! Even though we were staggeringly tired, it took a while to fall asleep. Our alarm was set to allow for 3 hours of sleep. This short nap was designed to get us through the day. Let's hope it works!
After grabbing sandwiches at Tesco at the airport, we caught the 500 bus into Glasgow City Center. Glasgow has a great public transportation system, and lots of people take advantage of it. Visiting the Glasgow Cathedral was high on our list for the afternoon; the 500 bus driver told us he would let us off at his closest stop to the Cathedral, and he provided directions for finding it. Just a 5 minute walk, he said. How great is that!!
As we started toward the cathedral, Smoky and I remembered how in Ireland a "5-minute walk" turned into 45 minutes and a "30-minute walk" meant hours for us, and we wondered what we were in for. Well, it was longer than 5 minutes but we got there, and it was well worth the walk!
Smoky has some wonderful photos of the cathedral and grounds (some now added here). One thing we noticed as we approached was how the cathedral felt to us. I'm not sure I can adequately describe the feeling, but I will say that I was distressed on finding so much attention inside to visitors. I can understand the necessity of this because people yearn to see this remarkable building, but it was sad in a way because the emphasis has seemed to shift away from its original purpose.
Here's what the cathedral website says (amazing, isn't it?):
Beside the cathedral, we noticed an ornate gate and a stone road that led across an overpass and up to the top of the hill behind the cathedral. After following this for a while, it led to the Glasgow Necropolis, which is described as "a unique representation of Victorian Glasgow, built when Glasgow was the second city of the empire." This memorial to merchant patriarchs contains the remains of almost every eminent Glaswegian of its day. The monuments are amazing, sitting there on top of the hill overlooking this energetic city.
After leaving the cathedral and the necropolis, we walked back toward George Square, where we found the Counting House, which now houses an interesting pub. The old bank building is remarkable, and Smoky has some great shots showing details, such as the bank vault where a lucky group of four can have dinner and drinks! Tonight was "wing it Wednesday" -- the special, as you might expect, was chicken. Smoky and I were tired and hungry and this was intriguing.
We are delighted that we stopped because we met Euen, a native Glaswegian and professor at Glasgow University. As we talked, we learned he met his wife (a native of Alabama!) while teaching in New York (I hope I remembered the right city), and Nashville is his favorite city in the U.S.! We enjoyed our conversation with Euen, exchanged emails, and hopefully will have a chance to connect with him again.
We had heard from several people who have visited Scotland about how welcoming the people are to visitors like us. Euen certainly reinforced that for us, along with a number of other people we've met and interacted with in our short time here. We can't wait to see what the rest of the trip brings.
-- Shann
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| Glasgow Cathedral, front view. |
After grabbing sandwiches at Tesco at the airport, we caught the 500 bus into Glasgow City Center. Glasgow has a great public transportation system, and lots of people take advantage of it. Visiting the Glasgow Cathedral was high on our list for the afternoon; the 500 bus driver told us he would let us off at his closest stop to the Cathedral, and he provided directions for finding it. Just a 5 minute walk, he said. How great is that!!
As we started toward the cathedral, Smoky and I remembered how in Ireland a "5-minute walk" turned into 45 minutes and a "30-minute walk" meant hours for us, and we wondered what we were in for. Well, it was longer than 5 minutes but we got there, and it was well worth the walk!
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| Inside Glasgow Cathedral. |
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| View of side of Cathedral across the cemetery. |
Here's what the cathedral website says (amazing, isn't it?):
The first stone built Glasgow Cathedral was dedicated in the presence of King David I in 1136. The present building was consecrated in 1197. Since that same period the Cathedral has never been unroofed and the worship of God has been carried out within its walls for more than 800 years.
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| Small section of path through the Glasgow Necropolis showing some of the grave markers. |
After leaving the cathedral and the necropolis, we walked back toward George Square, where we found the Counting House, which now houses an interesting pub. The old bank building is remarkable, and Smoky has some great shots showing details, such as the bank vault where a lucky group of four can have dinner and drinks! Tonight was "wing it Wednesday" -- the special, as you might expect, was chicken. Smoky and I were tired and hungry and this was intriguing.
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| Inside the Counting House, once a bank, now a friendly pub. |
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| Euen and Smoky at the Counting House. |
We had heard from several people who have visited Scotland about how welcoming the people are to visitors like us. Euen certainly reinforced that for us, along with a number of other people we've met and interacted with in our short time here. We can't wait to see what the rest of the trip brings.
-- Shann
Enjoying your blog. Keep us posted
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