INTRODUCTION
It was on the night of 1995, 28th September 1995 to be exact. I always remember the night as I was in Changi Airport, Singapore, waiting for my departure flight to Frankfurt, from there I will transferred to another flight to Glasgow. I was going to Glasgow to study for my degree in Mechanical Engineering in University of Glasgow then. To be candid, I was really very reluctant to go at that moment, as I really miss home, even before I board the plane. The decision to go against my wish to stay was right, as it begins a very important chapter of my life, which lead me to many parts of the world, because of all the opportunities I have over there.
I was really lost when I touched down at the Glasgow International Airport the following day morning. Everything look so new and strange to me. But eventually, this became a home for me for the next 2 years. I really enjoy myself very much during the 2 years of stay in Glasgow, and I always spent time recalling and talking about all the events that happened over in Glasgow with all my University friends in Singapore.
I am already back in Singapore for more than 4 years, but my mind have never leave Glasgow, a city that I spent a portion of my life in. I am proud to share with you all that I know about Glasgow.
Glasgow is very often not visited by time-constrained tourist. Many would preferred to spend their precious time in Scotland with the more popular Edinburgh, which is a hour drive east of Glasgow. But if you have the extra time, spending a day in Glasgow will not be a disappointment.
TRANSPORT
Glasgow is one of the largest cities in the whole of United Kingdom, and is the largest city in Scotland. There are many ways you can get to Glasgow, and in fact Glasgow is the hub for many form of transport.
Glasgow International Airports are linked to many cities in UK, as well as the mainland Europe. It also provides frequent flights even to US and Canada.
Both Bus and Train are very popular in Glasgow, and it linked the Scottish city to many cities in the whole of UK. It offers many frequent services to major city like Edinburgh, Manchester and London, making it the most effective and cheap mode of transport to and fro Glasgow.
Glasgow is well linked by motorway to major cities, so driving up north to Glasgow is never a bad choice for many tourists. Driving north from London will bring you to popular cities like Cambridge, Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, the Lake District and the Nottingham Forest before coming into the border of Scotland and into Glasgow.
FOOD & ACCOMMODATION
Glasgow is a very big city with many sorts of people. And with that, you will have a wide choice of food available, both cheap and expensive. During my stays, I have found no place where I can’t find a bite, everywhere, along every corners, you will find a store or two selling some sort of food.
On the bad side, accommodation is expensive in Glasgow, when compared to other parts of Scotland. But it is still cheaper than in London, so many visitors will not complain much about it if there came up from the capital.
For the cheap options, the B&B will cost you about 18-22 pounds for a single and as high as 30-50 pounds for a double. Hotels are expensive and always not recommended. I still find the B&B a better option, though not very convenience for some.
MAIN ATTRACTIONS
For soccer fans, you will not be disappointed as the top 2 football clubs are located in Glasgow. Glasgow Rangers at Ibrox, and Glasgow Celtic at Celtic Park. I have been once to Ibrox for the derby match between the 2 rivals, and the atmosphere is great.
University of Glasgow, the university where I pursue my degree, is a very important landmark in Glasgow. Tourist around the world often visited it. University of Glasgow was one of the oldest universities in UK, as well as in the world. Being established in 1451, she is going to celebrate her 550th anniversary in 2001. The Hunterian Museum & Art Gallery situated inside the University’s main building has good collections for visitors after visiting the campus. Admission is free, and that make it very worthy to have a short break.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, which is located at the foot of University of Glasgow is a very grand Victorian cathedral of culture should not be missed. Opened in the early 1902, it possesses a huge collection of both Scottish and European art. I don’t remember them charging any entrance fees. It is no doubt a great place to visit.
Glasgow Cathedral, the most famous cathedral in Glasgow, is not as grand as those found in other part of UK or Europe. If you are thinking it will be as big as those cathedral found in Europe, you will be disappointed. It is a very small cathedral, look black to me, but it has a very long history of Scottish origins. I do not spend time reading much about it, but it is definitely many tourists will look for.
There are a number of other popular tourist spots, but most are only accessible by car. The Burrell Collections, Pollok House and Haggs Castle are a good place to visit if you have the extra day. If not the main recommendation will be enough for a day trip, including some time shopping in the busy shopping area in Glasgow.
Glasgow is never short of shopping spots. It is widely regarded as a important shopping paradise in Scotland, with many shops for every class of earners. The Sauchiehall Streets and the Buchanan Streets are packed with shops of every kind, for every shopper. The St Enoch Shopping center is my favorite hangout at my times, as it is just located next to the underground.
When the sun is down, you will find a lot of pubs for some nightlife if you find it too early to retire. I am not that eager for this sort of activities as the night is always cold, and I would prefer to stay in my room. The nightlife in Glasgow is never a disappointment, as feedback from my flat mates, who always come home drunk late in the night.
SUMMARY
I am not short of time exploring the whole of Glasgow. It is a very beautiful city, and it definitely deserves a day visit.
Glasgow is well known for the Glaswegian accent, which is very hard to understand. To be honest, after spending 2 whole years, I still have difficulty understanding what they are saying. I have no problem with other British, and I believe that’s what make the Glaswegian unique.
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