Thoughts on Places: Glasgow

Scotland has a lot to offer with great cities, outdoors, culture and history but if you only have one weekend to spend in Scotland, Why make it the birthplace of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, John Logie baird Billy Connolly,Gerard Butler, James McAvoy, Liz Lochhead, Lorraine  Kelly, Alasdair Gray and groundskeeper Willie? Having grown up, studied and worked in Glasgow I know the city inside out. Here's a rundown of  the must see places and hidden gems that should make for an unforgettable weekend in the City.

Where to stay? 

The city centre is the place to head. With a wealth of hotels at reasonable rates directly in the City centre there really is no reason to stay outside the hub. Being such a small city, getting around Glasgow is easy. You can walk everywhere around the centre or into the West End in about twenty minutes, jump in a cab or use the ridiculously small but handy subway. Perfect for wandering back to your hotel bleary eyed at 4am!

Shopping Streets

Buchanan Street is the main street which connects the shopping district,  linking Sauchihall street and Argyll Street. On Buchanan you will find the Buchanan galleries shopping mall at the top of a gentle hill which is lined with rows upon rows of shops with many retailers replicated, there are two Topshops, New Looks, River Islands and three H&Ms within walking distance of one another to ensure that if one does not stock your ideal outfit, its partner store will. As well as being plentiful for popular High Street retailers the main shopping streets have hidden gems with unique boutiques and shops selling traditional Scottish food, kilts and gifts.In addition Glasgow are expanding, opening a Forever 21, Banana republic and others. Princes Square is for those with a healthier bank balance than mine, housing Vivienne Westwood and Ted Baker amongst others. The mall also offers a fine selection of bars and restaurants which are reasonably priced and particularly the places on the very top floor, such as November, have a great atmosphere. If you are still not shopped out then head to the West end where you will find a plethora of vintage shops, boutiques and charity shops just of Byres rd.

Art and Culture spots

For a culture spot, just off Buchanan street tucked down Mitchell lane, fans of Charles Rennie Mackintosh will find The Lighthouse which describes itself as 'Scotland’s Centre for Design and Architecture, is a multipurpose visitor centre in the heart of Glasgow city centre.' It was Mackintosh's first public commission and you can explore the exhibitions on offer. The Lighthouse also offers a stunning 360 view of the city and is well worth the long and dizzying climb to the top.If you wish to continue your Mackintosh experience then a personal favourite spot of mine is The Willow Tea Rooms which were designed by the artist in 1904, they serve traditional food and drink and have a lovely gift shop attached for souvenirs.

If you can only squeeze in one Museum, head for Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Situated just below the University of Glasgow you can take in two medieval masterpieces as they fight for the landscape and immerse yourself in the majestic Hogwarts-like qualities of both. Whats great about The Kelvingrove is the sheer size of the building, there's so many wonderful exhibits on display from natural history to detailed depictions of Glasgow's past and art from many movements and periods. There is something quite enchanting about climbing the solid medieval steps, pushing open the heavy set doors and entering a magical world where Sir Roger the elephant (Kelvingrove's oldest and most beloved exhibit) takes centre stage below their real life spitfire.

Oh and as with all museums in Glasgow, admission is free.

 

Gothic Kelvingrove

                                                              

Inside the Kelvingrove

Nights Out

Check out gigsinscotland for gigs in amazing and intimate venues such as The Barrowlands, The O2 Academy and King Tuts Wah Wah Hut (where Oasis were discovered!) For a posh night out head to the Corinthian, a stunning building situated in the Merchant city. It is has a restaurant, various bars, a casino and a nightclub. For indie or student types, quirky haunts like The Butterfly and the Pig are for you with shabby chic furnishings, eclectic furniture and a 'wacky' menu. the Buff club which is upstairs is a rugged little club and although the carpet on the stairway has a very distinctive (horrendous) wet dog smell-  you always have a great night here, the drink is cheap, atmosphere good and egos and posers are left at the door. Another wee haunt thats good for a casual drink is Nice n Sleazy's on Sauchihall st perfect for a chilled out affair.

For Kids

The Science Centre is good for the really young kids and the IMAX cinema here will be a hit with everyone. You can buy tickets to both and its much cheaper than going to the regular cinema AND the experience is much more exciting. On (rare) sunny days Rouken Glen park has scenic walks and massive funfairs with bouncy castles and music during the summer months which children love if the screaming is anything to judge by.

Still not convinced?

Visit Pollock House, The Burrell Collection and the Highland cattle at Pollock Park

 Take a stroll in the whimsical Botanic Gardens in the west end.

Visit  The Òran Mór, a converted and stunning chapel which has a bar, restaurant and club. This venue also hosts 'A Play, a Pie and a Pint.' which does what it says on the tin.

If your feeling brave visit the authentic Glaswegian Barras for Sunday morning stall trawling.

  You can read more about Mackintosh nd his work  here

Glasgow University

Thoughts on Film: Ted

Although not as outrageous or offensive as Seth McFarlanes other brain child Family Guy, Ted, a story about a Teddy bear brought to life by a young boys Christmas wish, is a far cry from a family movie. McFarlane has brought his writing, directing and voice to his new venture and fans of his work won't be disappointed. The movie starts with a montage depicting Ted's rise to fame as the talking teddy bear who reaches celebrity status. But as the narration informs us: 'No matter how big a splash you make in this world whether you're Corey Feldman, Frankie Muniz, Justin Bieber or a talking teddy bear, eventually, nobody gives a shit.' Eventually John (Mark Wahlberg) grows up and it is in the present day we find them. Ted is no longer a celebrity and spends his days getting stoned and leading John astray. It is John's long suffering girlfriend Lori (Mila Kunis) who drives the plot, giving John an ultimatum. Its her or the bear.

What Ted does is take the ultimate symbol of childhood innocence and turn it into a marijuana smoking, woman obsessed, potty mouthed lay about resulting in lots of laughs. And while Ted keeps the one liners coming, what really works about the movie is that there is real emotion involved. John is attempting to keep his oldest friend happy while maintaining his relationship with Lori. By focusing on relationships, growing up and compromise the movie gives you reason to care about the characters.When Ted is in danger you feel real emotion for the cartoon bear, because despite being crude and a bad influence on John his heart is in the right place. He truly cares for John and is never jealous or disparaging towards Lori even when she demands he move out. He loves his best friend and is ultimately still the caring and cuddly bear he was manufactured to be.

Overall Ted won't disappoint McFarlanes regular fans and has something extra for those not familiar with Family Guy. Obviously this movie wont be for everyone (with hooker based jokes maybe don't watch with Grandma) but with those of us who know what we are in for its a laughter filled two hours at the cinema

Thoughts on Film: Brave

          


                          "If you had a chance to change your fate, would you?"

Myself and a friend went to see the new Pixar movie Brave this week. Now I am well aware that its not hard to sell a Pixar movie. If you're a fan you're a fan. However it must be said that Brave is one of the best. Set in mythical Scotland, Merida is the unruly Princess who decides to take charge of her own fate. After unleashing an ancient curse it is down to her to set things right. Like other Pixar masterpieces Brave has comedy, drama and excitement and as always appeals to kids and adults. I really love the way that Pixar go beyond the boundaries of an animated movie and treat every endeavor as a work of art. Being from Scotland myself I saw the film in the Cineworld in Glasgow. This made the movie extra hilarious for us as sayings we have grown up with since we were wee were immortalised before us on the big screen. The film also boasts a strong Scottish cast and many Scots accents.Hearing phrases such as 'help ma boab' in a movie which has been a box office hit worldwide, is bizarre to say the least but also filled me with an unexpected pride! 
 
I love how although animated Pixar still manage to create some stunning cinematography. The landscape in the film is recognisably Scottish. I read an interview with Director Mark Andrews and producer Katherine Sarafain in which they discuss their visits to Scotland and how they aimed to create an essence of Scotland without following an exact history or visual representation of the country. In Brave every backdrop is rugged and although nothing is an exact copy of a true Scottish landmark, the lochs, castles and ragged mountains are reminiscent of the Highlands and famous castles. I have read many reviews with critics commenting that the landscape is 'too real' that the accents are 'wrong'. To this I remind those people that this is a fictional movie which is for enjoyment and escapism. It gives a feel of Scotland. It is based around the never existent  King and Queen of Scotland, fictional clans, humans turning into bears and witches spells. I question what these people expected after watching previous movies about talking fish, a cooperation which hires monsters to scare children and toys which come to life at the very instant you leave the room. The essence of any Disney movie will always be magic. Their brand is dependent on this magic which has brought happiness to children and adults for decades and Brave has cauldron loads of the stuff.

This is Pixar's first feature film to focus on a female lead and I love that it doesn't follow the conventions of a traditional Disney Princess story where the heroines happiness is dependent on her finding her true love. Don't get me wrong, I love traditional Disney, who doesn't? But Brave feels like a new twist on this convention. I love that the film focuses on family relationships and bonds and how Merida is determined to keep her independence and carve a path for herself. 
 
For the wee ones there is plenty to stop their minds wandering. The plot never slows, the visual jokes come thick and fast and there are plenty of animals which I find always engrosses children and I'm sure they see their naughty selves reflected in the hilarious and mischievous triplets Harris, Hamish and Heubert. I fully intend on taking the wee yin in my life to see it this weekend.

You can read the interview with Mark and Katherine here.

               

Thoughts on Places: Fiji

                                          BULA FIJI!

A solitary cloud appears above my head and casually drifts his way out to sea without a rush or care in the world. He's a Fijian cloud taking 'Fiji Time' The only system apparently adhered to in the Yasawa Islands. If you want to lay back, put your feet up and enjoy a cocktail, then this is the holiday for you. If you want to explore, snorkel, swim with sharks, gain a diving qualification or skydive then yes this is also the holiday for you.

In April this year I arrived bedraggled and tired from my flight from New Zealand. My friend and I had been traveling NZ from top to toe, or rather toe to top as we journeyed South to North. Having never been to the South Pacific before my impression of this side of the world was people in flower garlands singing and playing guitar. A tad stereotypical I agree. We rushed from the plane with the other passengers filled with glee at being free from the confines of our airborne prison (I do not like flying) and raced to passport control where we were greeted by people in flower garlands, singing and playing guitar. At this I got immensely excited. This was unlike anything or anywhere I had ever experienced before. The welcome, the humidity, the little message over the tannoy thanking us for choosing Fiji as our holiday destination and welcoming home their fellow Fijians. We sauntered to arrivals feeling relaxed, this would be a breeze. There we met a very lovely Fijian woman called Anna who was extremely helpful, she told us she 'adored' our Irish accents (We are Scottish) found us a cab and gave us precise instructions. This is when alarm bells sounded. 'Go straight to the Beachside Hotel. If it looks strange, Come STRAIGHT back before nightfall. Make sure the driver uses a meter. Tell him to take the dirt track not the freeway. Mumma Anna will be here.' We jammed our bags into the tiny boot and got in. I reached for my non existent seat belt and looked for the non existent meter. The dashboard had 'Licensed Taxi' scrawled diagonally across it in a thick black marker. Although the car was questionable the driver was friendly and navigated the craters in the road with great skill. Nadi was full of charm and character but the mainland is not somewhere I would choose to holiday. It is a very basic place and is so far removed from anywhere I've ever visited I would not feel safe or comfortable touring about. Also from what we saw holiday's there would be largely confined to your hotel and the beach. There wasn't a tourist hub with restaurants or bars, just local shops and businesses. I won't go into a massive amount of detail about our hotel. We arrived about two weeks after the severe flooding in Nadi so i do not think it would be fair to judge the place as we saw a damaged version. The room had been annihilated and we were the only guests in the large hotel, every horror movie I had ever seen played its way repeatedly through my head. Regardless we had a bearable night. The staff at the hotel looked after us and it was only a one night stay as we had booked a tour with Awesome Adventures Fiji and chose a package which cost £722 for two week

South Sea Island.

island hopping. That looks like a large sum for two backpackers but it actually worked out to be the best value of anything we bought whilst globe trotting. For that price we got transfers from our hotel to the port where the Yasawa flyer, a luxury catamaran would pick us up. The price also included all boat trips between each Island and two nights accommodation at each place. Further the price included ALL our meals and some activities and trips. In total we spent 14 days visiting 7 islands. As you journey further from Nadi the islands become larger and more authentic with each having its own individual character and inhabitants (and a lot more mosquitoes!)

Long Beach Island. (Appropriately named!)

The first island we reached was South Sea Island. A tiny drop of luxury in the South Pacific. You could stroll around this island in three minutes. We timed it, you have a lot of free time in Fiji! Other islands visited included: Kuata, Long Beach, Beachcomber, White Sandy Beach and Barefoot lodge. Although it is possible to buy a boat pass (Bula pass) and decide as you travel which islands you wish to visit, In my opinion it is so much easier to choose an itinerary from the website and then all you have to worry about is nothing. You can read about the package deals available here http://www.awesomefiji.com/default.aspx. Also available is the choice of accommodation and which star rating you would like. 1,2 or 3 coconuts. We went for 1 coconut as we were on a round the world trip after uni and did not mind sharing dorms with others. If you are a bit more picky then you can opt for bures and sleep privately but this comes at an extra cost. Also available is the option to upgrade to full monty which is your package of choice including activities. These include boat trips,swimming with manta rays (in season) a sailing trip to the Castaway island where Tom Hanks filmed the movie, summit walks and traditional cooking lessons. We hadn't opted for the Full Monty package and this was my one regret, although we managed to tag along on some activities that we could pay for on the islands, It would have been more cost effective and guaranteed if we had spent a little extra when booking. 

Evenings on the Islands usually consisted of entertainment put on by the Fijians who ran each island. This varied from island to island but usually consisted of them performing traditional dances, holding Kava drinking ceremonies and sitting around on the beach with a bonfire and a guitar.

                       

Once our island adventures were over we returned to Nadi before our onward journey the next day. Smugglers Cove is my recommendation for a base hostel to stay in when on the mainland. Full of travelers waiting to start island hopping and therefore a great opportunity to meet others. The hostel is right on the beach, has a swimming pool and does decent food and entertainment in the evening. Ideal.

I couldn't resist sharing some snaps from my time in this beautiful country.     

   

                                                      

 

Underwater camera snaps.

Sunset on White Sandy