Glasgow/Edinburgh

I traveled to both cities to in the course of 2 days. Glasgow appears more rugged and industrial. There accents harsh and as my friend and fellow filmmaker Duncan would say, "It’s sounds bit as though they are “chewing glass.”

The name itself is Celtic meaning dear green place, and there are many beautiful green parks in the area. I ventured around George Square where there are 12 different monuments of various Scottish writers, politicians and artists. Much to my surprise there is also a great deal of theatre in Glasgow. Voted the cultural city of the world in 1990, Glasgow has worked hard and has done a decent job in trying to rid itself of its industrial image. There are many theatres about town, several of them using ancient churches as their venues. Also there is a place called the Arches that has several different venues for music, theatre, art exhibitions as well as a fantastic bar/restaurant where I had an amazing meal before I headed back to my place. Other areas of interests were the St. Andrews Church along the Clyde River, the Museum of Modern Art and the Kilgrove Museum that recently opened its doors after a major renovation.

Edinburgh has a completely different feel to its city vs. Glasgow. Where Glasgow still has a harshness to it, Edinburgh is light and filled with a "joie vie". It’s not quite as fast pasted as Glasgow, probably because it situated near the North Sea. The main attraction and sight is the Edinburgh Castle. It is located on a hill that makes the castle appear majestic or foreboding: depending on whether you were an ally or enemy when looking upon it. I went on the ½ hour tour that was quite amusing. Upon the entrance of the castle are two statues. One is being William Wallace who was made famous and more aware to Americans with the film, Braveheart, with Mel Gibson playing William Wallace. The 2nd statue is Robert the Bruce who was able to take back the castle in 13 ???? and claim Scotland free of British rule. There is a small Abbey on the Castle grounds one of the oldest in Scotland and they still conduct weddings there. Also, in the Great Hall, there are political meetings or events conducted here whenever the Monarchy and/or Prime Minister are in town.
Just to the left of the Great Hall is where they house the Scottish Crown and jewels. Also, in here is the coronation stone. It is said that ever since there has been a monarch in the United Kingdom, it is on this stone where they sat to be crowned King or Queen. Edward I stole the stone from Scotland and had it placed underneath the coronation chair in the Westminster Abbey. The stone has remained there for over 700 years. It is now back Edinburgh Castle where it remains safely guarded.
In this same area is where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to James the VI. After Queen Elizabeth I died in England, there was no one to take over the throne, as she had no heir. James VI was the logical choice as Mary Queen of Scotland was Elizabeth's cousin. James the VI was crowned King James I of England without incident/battle or one shot fired in protest.
The Scots are quick to point out with a persuasive, matter fact attitude, that with out their Scottish blood (James VI), there would be no Monarch to this day. They do have a point.

The castle allows you spectacular views of Arthur’s Seat, named after the famed King Arthur. It’s a large hill directly across from the Castle. Also, you can see the city and the countryside from all areas of the castle. At 1PM every day they sound off a canon. This was done hundreds/thousands of years ago for the captain’s on their ships in the harbor to synchronize their watches and time tables so they knew the proper time and to schedule their departures from port.

More to come....