Glasgowin' Places

Chris, Ben, and I were all sitting in the kitchen after meat processing, enjoying tea and the warmth of the ancient oven, when Ben looked at the clock and shook his head.

"I thought that work was going to take me all day. I haven't had this much free time in ages." Then he sighed and smiled slightly, "I guess I can take a nap."

The time that Hetty, Chris, and I spent on the farm was a welcome change of pace from the sightseeing and hosteling. We spent less than two days there, but by the time we boarded a train to Glasgow, I for one was quite refreshed (though smelling a bit to be sure.) Ben drove us up to the station, where we bid a fond but hasty farewell, as the our train was just at moment arriving.

The next stop for us in Scotland was Glasgow, where we would join back up with Shane and spend two nights being spoiled by his Great Aunt Agnus. To that end, we road the train into Glasgow Queen's Station and then had to walk down to Glasgow Central and catch a train to East Kilbride, a quiet little suburb of row houses and chatty local butchers who are always up for 18 holes (so Shane told us.) We were unsure of the house at first, because it was literally right next to the train stop, so we camped down in a cafe that had free wifi to check emails and confirm. It turned out we had the right house, and I ran across the street and knocked loudly, drawing forth a Shanerton.


Staying with Aunt Agnus was unbelievable. She is the nicest woman, with a thick Scottish accent, who fits every stereotype of the doting grandmother. If she caught wind of any need we had, she was quick to remedy it--and she wouldn't take no for an answer. She fed us breakfast and dinner both days--even making us a meat pie--and we all probably gained ten pounds each. Breakfast and dessert were all accompanied by thick, real creme that we had to eat less we risk disappointing. Her house was fantastic, with two stories and a massive loft. We each had our own bed, and a shower that had a start and stop button.

Shane led us into Glasgow (it was a mere 20 minute train ride) the afternoon we arrived to show us around and give us a nice taste of the culture difference between Glasgow and Edinburgh. Where the capital is far older looking, and more geared towards tourist, the former industrial center of Glasgow has become a nexus for fashion and art, with more that four Art Museums and Galleries. However, Chris and I had already experienced quite enough art for one trip, and we decided not to bother with anymore (modern, specifically.) Glasgow looks like and must be a far more livable city, with American style shopping malls and pedestrian streets lined with shops and Quiznos.
At one point, we were walking towards the central station to return to East Kilbride when Chris started wandering in the wrong direction. We called for him, and he suddenly snapped out of a daze. Hurrying over he apologized and said,
"Sorry. I saw someone eating a meat pie, and I noticed the name on the wrapper was Greggs. So when I saw that Greggs over there, I just started walking towards it unconsciously."
We would later enjoy some fine Scotch Pies from Greggs.

The next day Hetty was not feeling well (she thinks from the rare steaks we ate the other night, here stomach not being accustomed to such fare). She planned to stay around East Kilbride with Aunt Agnus while we men were going to head back into Glasgow and try to catch a train to Turnberry, where the British Open was just finishing up. Unfortunately, by the time we reached the city, the service to the Open had ceased. Disappointed, we fell back and regrouped. I had read about a museum the night before called the Royal Highland Fusiliers Museum, and we decided to go have a look. Strike two. For some reason, on a Saturday no less, the museum was closed.

With no other real plans, we decided to do a bit of shopping as I needed a jacket and Shane wanted to get some Celtic (the catholic football club in Glasgow, of which his side of the family are fans) apparel. I ended up finding a vary nice Celtic (pronounced "Sell-tick") jacket that was on sale. Shane picked up a shirt that had the clubs logo on the breast, and he immediately changed into it. His shirt caused problems later, because soccer hooliganism is a real issue in Glasgow...but more on that later.