I visited Sighthill Cemetery on a Sunday evening because the sun was still shining bright and beautiful. I really wanted to take photos of the cemetery, read about it, and share all this info with you guys on the blog. And I'm so glad I finally did it after passing by here like 100 times already. It was such an adventure!
And there’s also Duncan Brown, a really talented amateur photographer who lived from 1819 to 1897. His work gives us a peek into what life was like in Glasgow from the 1850s to the 1890s. Isn’t that just fascinating?
The Old Swinger swing bridge is located on the Glasgow branch of the Forth and Clyde Canal at North Canal Bank Street in Glasgow, Scotland, UK.
This is a decommissioned single-track swing bridge that once carried the Port Dundas Branch (Caledonian Railway) over the Forth and Clyde Canal from north Port Dundas Mid Wharf over the canal to North Spiers Wharf. The span swung from its south end.
There was a small goods shed on the north wharf Port Dundas Goods [CR] immediately to the north that was rail served.
There was a short siding at the southeast end of the bridge, approached from the southeast and on the north side of the line. This was to serve an oil store.
The bridge remained closed after falling into disuse as the canal was also out of use. It is now fixed open, having been restored in the 2000s.
The base of a signal post remains nearby on the north bank of the canal.
A double lifting road bridge is just to the east. Nearby is a beached barge that was recovered from the basin.
Have you started thinking sustainability yet? It is important to note that traveling sustainably is a way to reduce our impact on climate change.
Sustainable travel is not a myth or a trend to identify with, but, a practice that starts by making smarter choices in every aspect of the trip. When planning your travel and booking transport and accommodation, you need to think sustainably. Even airlines are investing in sustainable aviation fuels that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
If you are planning a visit to Toronto, that is a great idea because Toronto features lots of tourist attractions like the CN Tower, CASA Loma, Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto Zoo, Toronto Island, etc. There are convenient flight options available for you when booking flights to Toronto. Canadian Affair operates direct flights to Toronto all year round, making it easier for travelers to reach this vibrant city.
- Observe the aquatic action or cheer on your favorite athletes from our 600-seat spectator area.
- The Sauna & Steam Room, or Exercise Studio are ideal places to unwind after a rigorous workout.
- Our on-site cafe offers a variety of dining options to satisfy your hunger.
I also had to look up some information about the building, its status, and the university as a whole. It was an interesting find, and I learned a lot about the history of the university.
From either Queen Street or Broad Street, Marischal College is reachable by bus. College Bounds or King Street are both ways to access the main body of the campus, which includes King's College. – It's a 20-minute walk from Marischal College and the city center. The availability of parking and buses is relatively high.
The University of Aberdeen was established in 1495, making it the fifth oldest university in the English-speaking world, and one of Scotland's ancient universities. It has maintained its reputation as a top-tier educational institution.
The University of Aberdeen has an extensive history, dating back to the mid-12th century when it is thought that a centre of learning was established at the See of Aberdeen. However, it was not until February 1494 that the university was officially founded by Papal Bull, following a request from King James IV of Scotland to Pope Alexander VI. The primary motivation for this request was said to be King James' desire to correct the ignorance of the people in northern Scotland so that they could better fill clerical offices.
Marischal College was founded by the 5th Earl of Marischal in 1593, located in the commercial heart of the city. As they became more integrated with city life, the two colleges clashed both in court and in brawls. Frequent merger attempts were often unsuccessful. During Oliver Cromwell's interregnum, a brief attempt was made to reunite the two colleges, but it was again dissolved after the Restoration. The union was only actually formally completed in 1860, which also created a new medical school for Marischal College.
All faculties were permitted to admit women by 1892, and two years later, a group of 20 women matriculated at the university. The quadrangle at Marischal College was completed in 1906 and opened by King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra. The city hosted some of the most lavish celebrations ever seen, including banquets, fireworks, and the bestowing of hundreds of honorary degrees to individuals from all over the world.
New buildings were constructed by King's and Marischal Colleges in both traditional and contemporary brutalist styles as both continued to expand throughout the 20th century.
Upon arriving at Buchanan Bus Station, I noticed a bus bound for Glasgow Central Station. The driver asked if I had a train ticket. I replied no, and he let me in. He was such a kind person to me. I arrived at the train station, purchased a round-trip ticket for £6.50, and received directions to platform 16.
Upon reaching the platform, I remembered I had been there before and didn’t like it. The smell was bad, and there was the sound of rushing water. From the look of things, it’s an old railway station. Nevertheless, I got on the right train when it arrived, and wow, I had a wonderful time riding it.
I was pleased when the train left the Glasgow Central underground station. By the way, I haven't mentioned how lovely I looked and how much of a stir I caused. If you’re in doubt, you can view my outfit here.
The internet wasn’t working underground, so I just stared at the empty train seats and kept writing.
My destination was Chatelherault Country Park, but I needed to first stop at the Chatelherault train station and then walk 12 minutes, which I did using Google Live View directions. As I wrote at 9:54 AM, I was thinking about breakfast because I hadn't eaten. I ultimately purchased a slice of red velvet cake for 3.50 pounds and a cup of tea for £3 at a pricey establishment in the park, which was not amusing.
I stumbled upon a bicycle competition, something I always wanted to see in person. There were different teams competing, including juniors and kids. The highlight of my day was the sunny weather as I strolled around the area, following the trails that led me to a water area filled with beautiful stones. I love stones and trees, and it was one of the most beautiful natural places in Scotland I have visited. I followed the trail and went to see the old Avon Bridge, which was also lovely. Walking back to the competition area involved climbing up hilly roads, but I felt satisfied seeing it as part of my exercise. I also enjoyed my time in the green area, which was a well-trimmed grass field, perfect for picnics and sunny dates.
Embracing the Magic of Kelvingrove in Winter
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum: A Must-Visit in Glasgow
Last winter, I had the pleasure of visiting the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow with my partner. As a travel blogger, I've been meaning to share this incredible experience, and now is the perfect time! Whether you're planning a trip to Scotland or simply looking for things to do in Glasgow, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is a must-visit destination.
A Winter Wonderland in Glasgow
Visiting the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum during winter added a magical touch to our experience. Bundled up in my warm jacket, we braved the chilly weather and made our way to this iconic museum, located in the beautiful Kelvingrove Park in the West End of Glasgow, adjacent to Argyle Street. The stunning architecture of the building alone is worth the visit, but what awaits inside is even more spectacular.
A Treasure Trove of Art and History
Kelvingrove is renowned for its impressive collection of high-end art and historical artifacts. With over 8,000 objects on display, there's something for everyone to enjoy. From ancient Egyptian relics to modern art masterpieces, the museum's diverse collections are truly awe-inspiring. My personal favorite was the vast array of artwork, featuring pieces from renowned artists that left me utterly captivated.
One of the highlights of our visit was the daily organ recital. The magnificent sound of the organ filled the grand hall, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. These recitals take place every day, Monday to Saturday from 1pm to 1:30pm, and on Sundays from 3pm to 3:45pm. If you visit, make sure not to miss this enchanting performance.
Plan Your Visit
The museum is one of Scotland's most popular free visitor attractions, and for good reason. It is free to enter, though leaving a donation is greatly appreciated to help maintain this wonderful institution. The regular opening hours are as follows:
- Monday - Thursday and Saturday:10am - 5pm
- Friday and Sunday: 1am - 5pm
Since the museum closes at 5pm, I recommend arriving early to make the most of your visit. We didn't manage to see everything during our first trip due to the vast amount of exhibits, but we had so much fun that we returned with a friend from Germany who was equally impressed.
Discover the Enchantment of Glasgow Botanic Gardens: A Must-Visit Destination
Introduction:
Location and Opening Hours:
The Barras is a major street and indoor weekend market located in the East End of Glasgow, Scotland. The name "Barras" comes from the Glaswegian word "barrow," reflecting the market's early days when traders sold their goods from handcarts. At the famous Barras, you'll meet traders from families with a long history of trading, often spanning three or four generations. The market is filled with interesting characters who are always happy to welcome you. You can find just about anything for sale here, from a needle to an anchor, making it a must-visit spot in Glasgow.
It was a rainy day, which might be why I didn't fully enjoy my visit. The market had a lot of items, but they were packed tightly in some stores, making it hard to browse. Despite that, I appreciated the market's old-fashioned charm, with its open-air setup and the experience of walking from one vendor to another. I couldn't take many photos because one store had a "no photos" sign, so I decided to write about it instead.
The Barras market offers new items too, but it's mostly known for its old and vintage goods. I'm considering going back to see if I can find a vintage record player. I've seen some modern ones, but I'm really looking for an old, vintage record player with great sound.
MondayClosed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday Closed
Thursday Closed
Friday Closed
Saturday 10 am–4 pm
Sunday 10 am–4 pm
Have you visited the Barras market? If not, it’s worth checking out for its unique atmosphere and potential hidden gems!
I went to church today, and while I was at home, I hadn’t yet decided where I was going to visit in Glasgow. I was still trying to check for locations when I got to church. I browsed different museums in Glasgow and got a long list, which included the Glasgow Police Museum. I was looking for a place with free entry.
I also checked the opening times, which showed on Google:
Sunday 12–4:30 pmMonday 10 am–4:30 pm
Tuesday 10 am–4:30 pm
Wednesday 10 am–4:30 pm
Thursday 10 am–4:30 pm
Friday 10 am–4:30 pm
Saturday 10 am–4:30 pm
Let me give you a little history about my bus trip. When I finished at church, it was drizzling a bit, so I used my umbrella. I don't like rainy days, but I was determined to go to the museum. While trying to get my map app working, I saw a bus with the same number as the one on my map. I didn’t check if it was going in the right direction, I just hopped on, and luckily, it was going the right way.
Since I was a few minutes early, arriving in the area around 11:35, I walked towards a mall, purchased sunglasses from H&M that matched my outfit, then headed to the restaurant area to eat. I finished my meal and began walking towards the museum.
When I reached the museum, I was a bit confused because it didn’t look like a regular museum building. However, I followed the instructions on the door: pressed a button and rang the bell. The door opened, and I went to the first floor.
Upon arriving, I was welcomed by a lovely man who turned out to be a retired teacher. The way he introduced me to the first part of the museum was wonderful. He made the police museum come to life. He is an amazing storyteller with a lot of information to share. He walked around, attended to different people, and ensured everything was okay. I loved how organized everything was and must say this museum deserves a bigger space.
I read about the beginnings of the police force in Scotland and police forces worldwide. Some highlights included real fingerprints from crime stories, and the police officers who solved these crimes were also featured in the museum. The evolution of the Glasgow police uniform was displayed, along with different police medals from all over the world. The variety of police uniforms from different countries was impressive. My favorites were the Indian and Belgian police uniforms. I've always loved the Indian police uniform, especially from movies.
I love this place and think everyone who visits Glasgow should go to the Glasgow Police Museum. You get to learn more about the police force, which deserves even more recognition, and a more fitting museum would be a good start.
I also met a retired policeman who was very tall, handsome, and well-spoken. He told me more about the museum and its findings. I bought two souvenirs: a police badge and the museum badge. My Sunday couldn’t have been better. Have you visited a police museum before? If yes, which one?
1. Rich Historical Insight: The museum offers an in-depth look into the beginnings of the police force in Scotland, providing valuable historical context and understanding.
2. Global Perspective: Visitors can learn about police forces worldwide, making it a comprehensive educational experience.
3. Authentic Artifacts: The museum features real fingerprints from crime stories and memorabilia from officers who solved these crimes, giving a tangible connection to historical events.
4. Evolution of Uniforms: The exhibit on the evolution of the Glasgow police uniform, as well as police uniforms from various countries, is both fascinating and visually engaging.
5. Impressive Medals Collection: The museum showcases different police medals from all over the world, highlighting the international recognition of bravery and service.
6. Engaging Storytelling: The guides, including retired professionals, bring the exhibits to life with their storytelling, making the visit more engaging and memorable.
7. Personal Interaction: Visitors can interact with knowledgeable guides, who provide detailed and interesting information, enhancing the overall experience.
8. Unique Souvenirs: The museum shop offers unique souvenirs, such as police badges and museum badges, which make great keepsakes or gifts.
9. Free Entry: The museum offers free entry, making it an accessible and budget-friendly activity for everyone.
10. Community and Recognition: Visiting the museum supports the recognition of the police force's role in society and underscores the importance of preserving and honoring their history.
Booking Your Trip:
I opted for an affordable two-way flight with EasyJet, keeping my travel expenses in check. Tip: Morning flights tend to be cheaper, but if you're not an early bird, consider the trade-off between cost and comfort.
While I wanted to enjoy every bit of this experience, I also wanted to savor the view. So, while I was on the bus (I got a day ticket to move around), I set my phone aside, letting the music play as I looked around at the city. It was a sunny day, and I cherished every minute of the journey.
When I reached my bus stop, I got off in front of a charity shop, checked it out, and then walked down to the Riverside Museum. I had to use my map to navigate to the location and received help from a lovely woman too.
Guess what was the first beauty I saw on my way? It was the River Kelvin, a tributary of the River Clyde in northern and northeastern Glasgow, Scotland. It rises on the moor southeast of the village of Banton, east of Kilsyth.
This made me wonder why much of this has changed because most of those cars seemed sturdier than the ones we have today, and the trains had robust bodywork. I even saw some unique bicycles.
I honestly love old cars, or if you prefer, vintage cars. I hope to own a Lada someday.
Just before I entered the ship exhibit, my phone died, and I couldn't take photos of it. I had my Chromebook in my bag, so I plugged it in, but it wasn't charging for long, for reasons I don't know yet, but I'll check later.
Well, when my phone managed to power up, I quickly took photos. Also, it was about time since I purchased a large frame from the charity store I needed to pick up before 5, so I had to leave without fully enjoying the ship exhibit. I plan to visit again, this time looking so good or wearing a dress because I will take photos of the ship and also have that summer beauty glowing.
Now, let's chat about my breakfast adventure at the Louis Fitzgerald Hotel in Dublin. But hey, before we dig into that, have you checked out my hotel review yet? If not, you're missing out—go give it a read. Alright, back to breakfast. I'm not exactly a breakfast connoisseur, but even I could tell the food wasn't exactly fresh. Hotels love to boast about their "fresh" orange juice, but let's be real here—who's squeezing oranges at the crack of dawn?
The food was... meh. Considering the staff issues I noticed, I wasn't expecting a Michelin-star meal. It wasn't terrible, but it wasn't exactly a culinary masterpiece either. The breakfast area was neat and tidy, and my friend and I managed to snag a cozy corner to chow down. They did have a decent variety, and everything was served piping hot, so I'll give 'em that. Overall, not a bad experience, but definitely room for improvement. So, spill the beans—what's been your best hotel breakfast experience?
At this point in my life, I've learned to let things go and not take them too seriously. Recently, I traveled to Dublin, and planning the trip with my friend Ebube was really easy. We booked my tickets using Easyjet, and I traveled to Dublin by Aircoach bus.
I haven't slept well all week, and I was hoping to sleep when I get to the hotel before my friend arrives.
My airport experience went smoothly, and I have Easyjet to thank for the seamless flight. However, I attribute the overall safe journey to God, giving Him all the glory.
Upon arriving on the reservation my friend made, there was a booking issue that required me to wait for my friend to arrive and resolve it. She managed to resolve it even before she arrived, and we went back to the hotel to rest and refresh. Later that night, we wanted to explore Dublin and see what the city had to offer. I was excited for the fun we had visiting Cafe En Seine, a suggestion from a friend who lives in Dublin and joined us there. After a good night out, he drove us back to our hotel to ensure we got in safely. However, the night manager, Gabriella, stopped us to ask for our room number, which we provided. Despite explaining that the person with us wasn't staying in the hotel, she became even more angry and insisted that he leave the property. She also demanded that both of us pay for staying in the room we had already booked.
We told her that we had already paid and everything was settled; we had checked in earlier. However, she continued to insist that we needed to pay. This confusion arose because she wasn't listening to us. Eventually, we managed to show her the reservation, which she refused to look at, but then she said it was booked for only one guest, even though we had already checked in.
Despite our protests and attempts to clarify the situation, she remained adamant and accused us of lying. She even threatened to ask us to leave the hotel. We were surprised and frustrated by her refusal to let us sleep in the room we had paid for. My friend became angry and told her to stop making unnecessary statements. That's when she threatened to call the police on us, accusing us of trying to sneak a guy into our hotel room, escalating the situation further.
My friends became furious with her and asserted that she had no right to threaten us with the police. We had all our documents in order, and she was simply being rude and unreasonable. Despite our objections, she gave us two options: either pay an extra fee and breakfast or wait for the police to arrive. We chose to wait for the police.
In an attempt to resolve the issue, my friend suggested that if she didn't want to allow me inside the hotel, she would stay alone while I went to her friend's house to sleep, and in the morning we would sort out the issue. She refused and said both I and my friend could not go into the room we paid for. She also refused us from taking our things from the room.
We were taken aback when, despite having paid for our hotel room, we were denied access to it, even at 3 in the morning. The night manager called the hotel guards to prevent us from entering. One of the guards expressed disappointment in her behavior and advised us to remain calm, highlighting her unpleasant demeanor. Her disrespectful treatment of the guards, as if they were her subordinates, left a poor impression. When another guest was entering, she abruptly demanded their room number and then instructed them to come to the front desk to speak with her.
This woman appeared intoxicated with power. She went to the extent of suggesting that we had hearing problems and required hearing aids, which caught us off guard. I couldn't discern if her behavior stemmed from racial animosity or if she was simply a troubled individual in a position of authority.
My friend's friend thought that offering an apology might smooth things over. Yet, the moment he apologized, she became even more hostile. My friend also tried to ease the tension by apologizing, attempting to understand if Gabriella, the night manager, was having a rough day or if there was a misunderstanding. However, she remained firm, asserting her sole authority. Growing frustrated, my friend's friend raised his voice, labeling her as unreasonable. Meanwhile, my friend, Ebube, was getting angry. We had a confirmed booking, and it was clear that Gabriella was being wicked.
She even asked the security guard to deactivate our room cards. She demanded that we pay for breakfast, which we declined, leading to her insisting that we leave the hotel altogether.
The following day, we phoned ahead before heading to the hotel. We were invited to meet with the day manager, who calmly discussed the incident with us and apologized. Thankfully, everything was resolved, and we were able to enjoy the rest of our stay without any further issues.
As for my encounter with Gabriella, words can't fully capture the experience. However, one thing that stood out to me was how we handled the situation. Later that day, while chilling in the room with my friend, I played some music and reflected on how much we've grown. In the past, we might have refused to budge until our rights were acknowledged, but now we're more inclined to let things slide. There are always going to be unhappy people like Gabriella out there, but we didn't let her steal our joy. I genuinely hope she finds peace.
Special thanks to the morning manager and the front desk staff, who eventually resolved the issue and apologized for the inconvenience.
While sitting in the lobby the next day with my friend's brother, a lady approached us, introducing herself as another manager at the hotel. She expressed her desire to understand what happened. However, after explaining the situation, she insisted on speaking with the person who made the booking, stating she couldn't discuss matters with me since the booking wasn't in my name. This didn't sit well with me. Initially, she came off as defensive, which discouraged my friend's brother from engaging in conversation, as he felt it wouldn't lead anywhere. Later, my friend Ebube spoke to her.
I had a fun time at a cozy restaurant with my friend. Dublin is such a cool place to visit, and what I really liked about it is how tidy everything is. Let me tell you about this restaurant called Joel's that we went to for a big lunch. It's close to our hotel, so we freshened up and headed there.
I made sure to dress nicely, but my friend had a little mishap with her outfit. When we walked in, everyone seemed dressed up, and my friend joked that she should've dressed better. We couldn't help but laugh because we could feel everyone's eyes on us, especially with my attention-grabbing Afro hair.