Evening Glasgow site seeing, trip to the Highlands, and The Scare

Glasgow in my opinion has the essence of the previous cities I’ve visited; the metropolitan feel of London, the natural flora of Cardiff as well as waterway through the city, and the historical architecture that Edinburgh has although here there are more modern motifs throughout. I found that I really enjoy sight seeing in the evening because there’s not much of a crowd. Only downside is most of the main attractions close by 5 to 6, but you can still get a good feel of the locale plus the architecture and history seem to stand out more for me. During the day Glasgow is bustling with life, but at night it almost feels like a ghost town, even the city center is quiet. It was even creepier as I was walking through the Cathedral District. Great architecture and lighting of the multiple cathedrals, but walking past the cemeteries and mausoleums in the dark in a strange city…you gotta admit pretty eerie.

Glasgow City Center

Cathedral District

The other day I had the opportunity to travel to the Highlands, took a day trip by train to Fort William. Besides the 4 hour train ride each way, the scenery was amazing. Sort of reminded me of going over the passes to eastern Washington but with more rugged and wet terrain and much more wind which created waves on the water and impacted the tree lines. They would only sprout up in between sheltered valleys.

Scottish Highlands

So I had a major scare. While at Fort William and in search of food I noticed my wallet was missing. I started to panic. My whole trip was in there. It held my ID which allowed me to continue my travels and contained all my cash and credit cards as well as my access to money: my debit card. After several minutes and multiple searches through my messenger bag I retraced my steps. The last place I used my wallet was to buy the train ticket. So I went back to the Fort William train station and asked them to call the Glasgow station as well as the train I was on. I was told it would take several hours but that they’d contact me either way. So in those hours I waited in anticipation (and in hunger) thinking to myself, the chances of finding my wallet were zero to none. Yet I had a sliver of hope telling myself, everything will be okay which surprisingly relaxed me. I got a call, “Hello is this Jonathan?” Instantly I knew they had found my wallet. They had only taken my first initial and last name, so the only way they could have known my name is if they had found my ID. Yes!!! I thought to myself. I was soooo lucky. And Scottish people are the best! Just wish I could understand them when they speak.

To commemorate the finding of my wallet and the three weeks since I’ve left Seattle and starting living from a backpack, I treated myself to an Italian Cafe for lunch and a four course taster meal. And tonight I’ll be trying to get tickets to the Scotland vs. Liechtenstein match for the 2012 Euro Cup Qualifier. Tomorrow I’m off to Ireland for a week with idea what to do. Anyone have any suggestions? I’ll be in Dublin and Cork.

Sooo yummy