England and Scotland Day 7
England and Scotland
Day 7 - October 7, 2006 - Explore Glasgow and visit Stirling
There was no set time for breakfast today so we got up at our usual 7 AM and went up to the Windows Restaurant on the 7th floor to eat at 7:45. There was a wide variety of fresh fruits, cereals, breads, as well as hot items and meats with eggs to special order. We both had a very light meal yogurt for Gennie and toast and coffee for me.
Simone told us that we could easily take the train from Glasgow to Stirling, the home of the Scottish Revolution, which was only 40 miles away. At 9:15 we met Simone and those who wanted to take a walking tour of the city. It was raining very hard during breakfast but by 9:15 the skies had cleared - if only temporarily!
By the time we reached the city center of George Square it was just a little cloudy. Surrounding the Square are huge palaces now banks, hotels, and shops that were once private residences of the rich tobacco merchants.
Glasgow's history goes back to the 6th century A.D., when St. Mungo built the first church to stand on the site of what is now the imposing Glasgow Cathedral. The city's prosperity following the Industrial Revolution is still evident in its many fine Victorian houses and buildings, which gleam anew following recent restoration efforts.
Today, Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and an international cultural capital as well as a financial and industrial center. A lively arts scene, friendly residents, and an abundance of pubs and restaurants animate this most Scottish of cities.
We walked through the University district then on to Castle Street where we saw the Cathedral as well as the Infirmary where Joseph Lister worked on his germ theory. Simone also took time to explain the Glasgow coat of arms as well as a clarifying a few of the Hollywood misconceptions of William Wallace, Braveheart. She also explained the conflict between the Catholics and Protestants of Scotland.
As we walked along the street we saw early Saturday morning shoppers, many fans congregating for the Scotland-France football (soccer) match to be played at 5 PM this afternoon and a few tour buses. Saturday morning was a great time for a short walking tour as the city was not very busy.
At 11 we said good bye and went our separate ways, some to eat, go to museums, or to shop. We decided to go back to the hotel to get our maps and set off for the train station. We found a kebab shop and stopped for chicken kebab for lunch. The owner was from Turkey and we talked with him about our travels to his home country. We also saw more "football fans" that had come into the city for the big game today.
Most of these men were wearing their clan's tartan kilts with blue and white team jerseys for Scotland. There were three at the café with their faces painted with the blue and white Scottish cross and I was able to take their photo. I took a shot and then said "just a minute, let me try the flash" and two of them laughed and said "flash!" and lifted their kilts. Gennie was embarrassed but later told me it is true - the Scots do not wear anything under their kilts!!!
The manager came over to talk to us again and I showed him the picture I had taken of him and the three young men. He asked for a copy and I promised to send him one. When we went up to pay the bill he mentioned our drinks were on him - what a generous man!
We hurried off to the Queen Street Station and stood in line to buy tickets. The price was ?5.70 for the round trip. We went to the main platform and waited for our train to be called and then went to Track #4 and then boarded. The ride was about 40 minutes and on route we passed several small towns and were able to see even more of the Scottish countryside.
We reached Stirling at about 12:30 and found a map to explore the city of William Wallace. We walked to and over Stirling Old Bridge, built in the 1500's that was the major crossing point over the River Forth. We then climbed the public walking path heading for Stirling Castle. We stopped at the Beheading Stone where King James I had his enemies killed in the 1400s.
Another mile or so along the trail took us to the castle, which sits impressively on the highest point overlooking the river and the town below. After visiting the castle we wound our way down the narrow old cobblestone streets and visited the Church of the Holy Rude built in the 15th century which was the site of the coronation of James VI, the son of Mary Queen of Scots in 1567.
Right around the corner is the old hospital and jail and then we walked down to the pedestrian shopping center. While I took pictures and talked to many people we realized how friendly the Scotsmen are. At about 4 we headed back to the train station. We approached a group of women on a bachelorette party with one wearing a shiny satiny pair of devil's horns. I spoke to them and they were very friendly and told me they were celebrating the upcoming wedding of the young lady.
They all posed for a picture and then I asked what as the significance of the buttons they were wearing. The one closest to me, pulled down the neck of her dress and showed me her button pinned to her see through bra. I did not have the presence of mind to ask for a picture. Another young lady came up to me and told me that I was a very unfortunate person and I asked, "How so? I am surrounded by 12 beautiful women." Gennie then came up and said that my wife was there so I could not take care of an opportunity. We all laughed while I walked away shaking my head!
We arrived in Glasgow and by 4:30 we were back in our hotel. All in all it was a wonderful afternoon and not a drop of rain!
I looked at the day's pictures and Gennie caught up on our events for today's journal. At 5 PM we turned on the Scotland - France game coverage from Glasgow Stadium. With the Scots at 200 to 1 odds we did not expect much. Then the unexpected happened. Scotland scored in the 85 minute and went on the win the game. I can just imagine the party here in streets of Glasgow tonight!!!
Carlton George Hotel -- Glasgow, Scotland - - - Meals: B
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