Oh dear. I have been so busy during the day and with new acquaintances from tours that I have struggled to keep up with my blog. I now find myself 4 days behind and so much seen and done.
My free day in Glasgow with no tours turned out to be a lovely day of spontaneous visits around Glasgow. I had my first sleep in for ages, waking to heavy rain fall and dark skies. I was all set for an indoor day, but as I boarded the hop on hop off bus, the rain stopped and I had a beautiful day ahead.
The guide on my first bus was hilarious.
His story about the Duke of Wellington was great. Apparently students put the cone on his head and each day it was removed by council workers but replaced each evening, until it was debated in council and a decision made to leave it.
Funnily enough, the next day I saw the statue, it had gone, replaced by a full, pleased to have a new perch. Not for long though, as the cone reappeared the next day!
According to our very amusing guide, it seems Glasgow has a bridge problem, many needing to be fixed. This crooked bridge also had an issue within its first years, when one of the support cables broke. Luckily enough others to hold it up!
Glasgow has an incredible amount of wonderful street art. Fortunately, the bus passed many of them, otherwise it would have been a long walk!
I was drawn towards the Transport museum because of its replica of a former Glasgow street. I love the Christchurch street in our museum ,so was keen to compare. This was really great, as was the entire museum.
Outside, they were putting the finishing touches to a new bridge, apparently built overseas and assembled here. Obviously they distrusted the Scottish bridge builders after the problems they had had. It's a swing bridge which will swing aside to let ships past, hopefully!
I don't usually like museums but was fascinated by the largest in the city. It was both an art gallery and museum of many different categories,
including natural history.
The building itself was also fantastic. I spent quite some time by the bird section chatting to some kids about our Kiwi and kakapo. They were on display and the children were intrigued to learn more.
The museum is surrounded by a huge park and with superb weather, I made the most of it.
Back in the centre of the city I headed for the City Chambers, which someone had recommended to me. Outside was a statue of a lion so similar to Simba in the Lion King!
Inside was absolutely stunning. The staircases were made of Italian marble. According to the receptionist, it was one of the highest marble staircases in Europe.
Recommendations are marvellous things. One of our Rabbies guides told us about The Piper Whisky bar and its pies. Gabriella, who was on the tour with me, also joined me. It was a perfect end to the day - delicious meal, live music, great atmosphere and, as everywhere in Glasgow, unbelievably friendly and helpful staff.
Time to leave this lovely city. I really have enjoyed my time here. It's such a clean and happy place, even the main station, as pictured above. I walked through the station several times a day and was always impressed by how calm it seemed and how well mannered everyone was.
I'd recommend Glasgow to anyone. It's brilliant. I've had an unforgettable stay.
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