Hi again!
Second post for September!
During the first entry, we stayed around Glasgow. For this one, I’m going to do a little of that, but also some travel.
I want to start with the Glasgow Cathedral and Necropolis. I walked the half hour down from our accommodations here to see it, getting a lovely sense of the streets one again, as with so many others. There’s just something so old and beautiful about being here, even in the air. Or maybe that’s just me, but from the cobble stones in some areas to most of the buildings being repurposed from old, stone builds, to the greenery, it’s just so magical.
The cathedral is absolutely stunning. So are so many others, of course, but I’m a sucker for gothic architecture. And wow, just wow wow wow. Again, pictures can’t begin to describe the swooping arches, the echo off the stones, the sheer imposing majesty of these buildings. The stained glass is so intricate with beautiful saturation, and in this particular cathedral there’s a tapestry of some sort in one of the basement levels, which I included in the picture because its also so gorgeous. Alongside, the necropolis on the nearby hill overlooks the city, with finely carved tombs and vine growth. A fun and somewhat strange turn of events also lead me to a large monument, where the person had died on my same birthday, many years ago 🫣
Onward to Dumbarton Castle, settled on its rocky perch overlooking the Clyde. I would say this may be my favourite area to have visited, so far. With connections to Mary, Queen of Scots, as well as Robert le Bruce living close by at one time (word from the locals is that they take Braveheart in stride, albeit in a very mocking manner given the utter inaccuracy!). A local was kind enough to take my picture for me, as well as telling me more of the history behind the site. I would have never known, for instance, that what appeared to be a line of bouys in the Clyde outside the castle, was actually a wall to help funnel the water for the ships at low tide. Or that many vikings had lain siege to the castle time and again, with the cannons being hauled back and forth around the steep steps to defend both the sea and the land sides. Or that there was a pier built exclusively to allow Queen Victoria to visit for a day, and then taken down immediately after she left. And so much more!
I also want to note, with the mention of Mary, Queen of Scots, if anyone ever has the opportunity to see the ballet of the same name, gogogo! It was a wonderful performance to view here in Scotland with its origins being so close, and I’m sure it would prove to be just as amazing anywhere else.
Till next time, the plan is a post on how my first school days go, and then I’ll be off to the Highlands before the end date gets any closer!
Cheers! – Alina
