Glasgow and the like

My fellow Americans and I attended a fun little game called "pub quiz" the other night to test our knowledge of various categories, such as sports, television, music, etc.  What we forgot is that these categories would involve British themes.  In fact, out of all the questions, the only ones we didn't at least somewhat guess on were a couple of the music ones and any that involved barack obama or Britney Spears.  We left early, but I later found out from a British friend that my team came in last and won a bag of candy for being so aweful.  Thus, I have learned that I need to Brush up on my British pop-culture.  As far as the inauguration...it was a huge deal here.  I got out of class when it was going on and couldn't find a decent spot to watch it because all the rooms with televisions on campus were full!  My friend said that a lot of British people are more interested in American politics than in British politics actually.  Later that night they held an "I survived bush" party in the Student Union...explains itself.

Now that I've been here for a few weeks I believe that I'm finally settled for the most part.  I get excited when people ask me for directions, because I feel like I can really fit in (though I usually just don't know the answer to their questions).  I've been trying to get out and explore some, but unfortunately my classwork has been standing in the way during the week.  Weekends I like to dedicate to going out into the city, and yesterday we actually ventured out to Glasgow!

After an hour train ride, we arrived in Glasgow on a bright morning, right in the heart of the city.  To my surprise, Glasgow is a rather large city and seemed to resemble American cities (such as New York) in some aspects.  Tall buildings blocked out light on bustling streets, the metro was busy with commuters, and cranes scattered the skyline.  Unlike other American cities though, this one certainly had a history that matched no other.  After going to the art gallery and science museum, we ventured over to the Glasgow cathedral.  Once arriving, I suddenly forgot I was in a large, industrial city, and was left amazed by how beutiful it was.  Perched on the top of a hill, this cathedral was gothic in style with a large narcropolis as it's background to match.  The detail inside was amazing, and the stained glass let in just enough of the setting sun to cast a perfect glow across the beautiful architecture.  Unfortunately I ran out of batteries for my camera before making it too far.  We next traveled up the hill behind the cathedral to the graveyard which was scattered with large tombstones and stone pathways.  This was one of those views that was truly breathtaking to be there in person.  I will post some of my friends pictures, but hope to return soon and take some more, especially considering there were so many things that I was unable to see.  The train system here is amazing, and I will definitely be journying to many other locations...hopefully York soon and maybe St. Andrews.   One of the best things about the journey is the landscape on the way.  The countryside here is beautiful and very idyllic.  You cannot help but look out the window the entire ride, and sleep is certainly not an option.

I hope to do more "touristy" things when I have visitors, and when it 's a little warmer.  For now, I've posted some pictures from Glasgow, and will hopefully be taking more very soon.  I'm also buying my plane ticket to Prague soon which will kick off my spring break in April!  Hope everyone is doing well!

-Lisa