Take Me Back to Wondaland

While others spent their Reading Week jetting off around Europe I was fortunate enough to have my time occupied by group meetings for various projects due in the coming weeks. Joy. I did however venture over to Glasgow for a long weekend to see my friend, take in a concert, and explore Scotland's biggest city. 

The word "rough" was thrown around a lot when I told people I was going to Glasgow, followed closely by "be careful" and, my favourite, "why?". But having visited, I don't know what everyone was going on about—Glasgow was great (at least to be a tourist).

First, it's got a very different feel than Edinburgh, less European and more North American with imposing Victorian architecture and (thankfully) an easily navigable grid system of roads. Whereas you can tell Edinburgh housed the royalty, it's obvious that Glasgow was an industrial town, and I think it's a more down-to-Earth town as a result. The city is also very cosmopolitan and way more cultured than I expected or I think people realize. There was great shopping, an excellent nightlife, and good vibes all around. It felt a lot like the best parts of Toronto and Montreal combined, and for that I was thankful.

Moving on, I arrived Friday afternoon and walked to the west end of town where my friend Natalie is staying (she goes to school there) and headed for the Kelvingrove museum. As you'll be able to tell from the pictures below, it's housed in a really beautiful building in Kelvingrove park. 

Kelvingrove Museum. Half natural history, half visual art.

Highland cow.

You know what they say about big antlers... 

Interior.

Then we headed off around the university campus, which is also really, really nice.

Glasgow University.

Kelvin himself.

Saturday afternoon we took a stroll down by the river Clyde which played a huge role in Glasgow's industrial history and now houses many of its most recognizable sights. It's still in a phase of rejuvenation so it's not the prettiest walk or the prettiest river just yet, but it was nice, and sometimes that's all you need.

Science Centre on the Clyde.

Read the sign.

Armadillo, officially known as the Clyde Auditorium, a large concert venue.

Artsy shot of the Armadillo reflected in the building.

Then we went shopping before walking back to Nat's place. I didn't buy anything.

They had an entire section on the wall for good ol' Neil. I also did my part by putting the LPs of Canadian bands at the front of the racks.

Just a sliver of downtown.

Apparently one of the best live music venues in the UK and where Oasis was discovered. I don't know whether we should be thankful for that or blame them for releasing the giant mess that is the Gallagher twins into the world.

Saturday night, however, was the real reason I decided to pick this particular weekend to travel to Glasgow as Janelle Monae was in town. Seeing as she's only played one gig in Canada so far (opening for Arcade Fire in Toronto, not my cup of tea), I was super happy to have the chance to see her here.

Who is Janelle Monae? This is Janelle Monae:

You're welcome.

Some things I learned from the concert:

• Every band should have a man in a top hat introduce them
• Classy suits are exactly that
• Confetti makes grown-ups giddy and everything better
• You can never have too much fun on stage

To put it bluntly, it was amazing. One of the top 5 concerts I've ever been to, for sure. She's playing the Indie Awards in Toronto soon. If you're in town, go. You won't regret it.

I was also happy just to be at a concert. I average a show a week back in Montreal/Toronto so coming over here was like going cold turkey. One concert in two months? The horror! Just walking into the darkened venue and feeling the concert vibe again put a smile on my face that didn't come off for the entire show. So fun!

Sunday as spent seeing more of Glasgow before heading back to Edinburgh, including my first ever UK tea time!

George Square.

Walter Scott statue, though he apparently has few real ties with Glasgow.

Glasgow Cathedral.

John Knox in the Necropolis.

Provand's Lordship, the oldest house in Glasgow, built in 1471 as part of a hospital.

One of two Charles Renie Mackintosh-designed Willow Tea Rooms.

I felt really British.

All in all, a wonderful time in a cool city. I'll definitely be back (especially considering the Luyas and Dodos are playing on the same bill in May).