Glasgow Gallivanting: May 2018
Yes, we’ve been to Amsterdam again! I wrote extensively about the city after we were there in November, so when I get round to posting about this visit I’ll try to be briefer. It’s the first time we’ve been in warm sunshine and, wow, it looks good that way!
Inchmahome Priory
We actually had sunshine at home too – though not all the time. A visit to Inchmahome Priory at the beginning of the month was a bit grey. The priory (c. 1238) is on a small island on the Lake of Menteith, so you arrive by boat which is exciting. The island’s main claim to fame is as a haven for Mary Queen of Scots – she spent a few weeks here, aged 4, after Scotland lost a battle with the English in 1547.
Edinburgh
We had a sunnier day in Edinburgh. I wanted to visit the exhibition at the National Library to celebrate the centenary of Muriel Spark’s birth, and we caught it just before it closed. It was excellent. No photography was allowed inside for copyright reasons, but we took a few pictures in the entrance hall. I loved what they had done to their staircase.
We also managed to fit in two more exhibitions, and a wander through some of Edinburgh’s pretty streets.
Cairnhill Woods

… you’re sure of a big surprise!
Surprise one was that I didn’t know about Cairnhill Woods, despite having lived within half an hour’s walk for thirty years, until a friend posted pictures on Facebook of his kids playing near some of the chainsaw carvings. Surprise two was that as I left the woods after my first visit, who should I run into but that same friend and his son? The carvings are the work of Iain Chalmers of Chainsaw Creations and have only been there since 2014, but even without them the woods are a lovely Sunday afternoon stroll, especially at this time of year when the bluebells and primroses are in full bloom.
River Kelvin
On a walk through Kelvingrove Park, two of the West End’s most iconic buildings can be seen peeking at each other from opposite sides of the river (Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and University of Glasgow).
I was pleased that George Wylie’s sculpture was in a complimentary mood, and even more pleased to discover small signs of growth on the storm-damaged Suffrage Oak. It’s hard to see against surrounding trees, but some of those leaves are definitely attached to the oak. There is hope!
Another day, I walked in the opposite direction along the Kelvin to the Garscube Estate, formerly the site of a country mansion and now home to parts of Glasgow University including the Vet School. Coming home via the canal I felt very lucky to have these two waterways almost on my doorstep.
John in China
For the third month in a row, John has spent time in China. This time, to make the travelling even more difficult for himself, he went to a conference in California first! It was a long journey from San Francisco to Chengdu, but at least he had a day to sight-see before starting work again. On my only visit to Chengdu, many years ago, I remember visiting this museum to Du Fu (Tang dynasty poet) with its replica of the thatched cottage he built in 759.
The last bit
Just because I liked them – two windows with a similar theme: the one on the left spotted in Southampton, and the one on the right in Amsterdam.
You might remember I’ve been answering Kim’s Sunshine Blogger nomination questions two at a time each month. Questions five and six are Who inspires you? and Why do you blog? For inspiration I could give many answers, but I’m sticking with my current project, promoting Suffrage Pioneer Jessie Stephen. The more I read about this woman, the more awe-struck I am. Next month’s roundup might well have more news about her. As for why I blog – it started as a personal record for myself, but now it keeps me in touch with all you lovely people who are reading it!
On that very subject, are you an (ahem) older blogger like me? If so, perhaps you could help Rachel at Write into Life by completing her short survey on why you blog and the benefits (if any) you get from it.
Finally, my Scottish words of the month which I’ve chosen to put together because they rhyme. If I said to you “A wee girl chapped on my door and asked if she could clap the dog” you might be puzzled – not least because I don’t have a dog, but please imagine I do. Why is this child applauding it? Well, she isn’t – chap and clap are words which confused me when I arrived in Glasgow as they had extra meanings I hadn’t encountered before. To chap is to knock and to clap is to pat or stroke. So now you know! If you have a real dog, please pass on a few imaginary claps from me.
So those were some of my happiest moments in May – how was your month?
Poor John. The Big T does that sort of travel (pop over to The UK for a two day conference, Sweden to present at a seminar — not on the same trip mind). He is always shattered afterwards so I empathise with both of you (they’re not much fun to live with in recovery mode). But it does look as though you’ve had a busy and enjoyable month. I’m looking forward to more of your sufferage project 😀
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It would kill me! And h’s off again at the end of next week. Big Suffrage event in Edinburgh this Saturday. Hoping to get some good pics.
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I don’t think I’d cope with that sort of travel schedule either. Hope you do get some good pics, but more importantly, enjoy the event!!
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Thanks!
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Aww, what a sweet little owl! Beautiful tulips too!
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I particularly liked the owl!
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Yes you had a busy but seemingly productive month. Apart from the hospital and Annabell’s two falls, our month was not bad, lots of local activity and Connor’s Birthday. I loved all the photographs but one thing puzzles me greatly – contained within the words “when I arrived in Glasgow” confusing, very. Do this mean what I think it do? :o)
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I mean when we moved here – in 1986 so quite some time ago! I had always lived in England till then.
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Another very varied tour and more info on Glasgow places I didn’t know about. By the way Anabel In case you are on blogger as well I noticed I stopped receiving blog e-mails into my Yahoo News email box although they still appear on the Blog OK. Something to do with blogger no longer supporting open ID as everyone online is complaining about it.. Took me hours to figure it out.
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Thanks Bob. I do have an old Blogger blog from way back but would be quite happy never to be notified about it again!
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My month wasn’t any where near as nice as yours, because I wasn’t able to travel in May. Reading your blog always makes me want to pack my suitcase and head out somewhere nice, as soon as possible!
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I hope you get to do that soon!
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Love those spirits of the Forest.
I had a good May with a few days spent visiting family in Spain and a road trip to Granada!
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Sounds wonderful!
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What an enegetic month, but a good one, you’ve had. Makes this slouch feel almost embarrassed but I plead ancient bones and tiredness due to visits from families with small kids. In case you haven’t noticed, they do tire you out as you get older! When I saw your title I was convinced you were going to give us rooftops of the 3 places but no, a fully thought out blog with great pictures as usual. The chain-saw sculptures are amazing, and sit very well in the woods.
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Well, you get the highlights! I don’t write about the many evenings slouching 😉
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I love those chainsaw carvings. It’s amazing how much fine details they can get with such an unwieldy tool.
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Yes, it’s a real talent. I would probably end up chopping my fingers instead of the tree!
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What a wonderful and interesting month you have had Anabel. I would like to come down to the woods today with you. As for me my happy time was seeing all the gorgeous autumn leaves
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Thank you Pauline. Your Tenterfield posts were indeed very happy ones.
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Fascinating post with lots of wonderful pictures … the wood with the carvings – how lovely and serendipity to meet your friends there. John and his travels – well it keeps you in walking shoes I presume!! But delightful memories and I’ll be over to take the survey – seeing as I fall into that category – cheers Hilary
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Thanks Hilary. Good that you will take the survey!
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