Categories: uncategorized, glasgow, home
Tags: castle, shipmeet, flat, Glasgow
Date: 27 September 2005 11:31:13
Just because I've moved from London, and have moved from culture-heaven to north of the border doesn't mean the culture stops. I still intend, as far as possible and dependent on other priorities like finding a house (yawn) to do a bit of culture each month, and yesterday, thanks to the aforementioned Glasgow long weekend, I did the first of (hopefully many) visits to somewhere that wasn't grey pebbledash and built in the last 50-odd years.
Sadly my handy code that I copy and paste is in storage with my computer, so no links for now, but anyway I went to Newark Castle near Greenock, which was old and made of lots of big stones (the castle, not Greenock), and suitably atmospheric. The atmosphere was considerably added to by the Weather (capital W definitely required), and I am seriously considering joining Historic Scotland (the equivalent of English Heritage) as it will get me in to a whole heap of castles and stuff, which Scotland appears to have in abundance. Having already been to Edinburgh Castle, this is now the second one I can tick off the list. Only 2,498 or so to go.
Well, it's less strenuous than Munro bagging, that's for sure :D
In other news, the house-hunting adventure continues. The first house (swirly carpets) was OK (carpets notwithstanding) - garden, couple of big bedrooms - but a bit further out than I'd like to be and facing an estate that I'm sure is fine but you never know. And it was a pedestrian street, so parking is in a service lane out the back, which I wasn't so keen on. So I didn't make an offer.
I've seen a couple of others - one a repossession which despite a severe need for fumigation (the previous occupant was obviously a very very heavy smoker), redecoration and various other work I really liked and could see a lot of potential (and a decent garden), and am really seriously thinking of making an offer (or at least going back for another look). I emailed some London friends to make sure I wasn't doing something reckless, one picked up on the obvious emotional pull I felt, and the other came up with a million practical questions I need to ask (such as is it resellable) - they know me too well. Sigh. I also saw a lovely flat in a good area, in immaculate condition, but it was a bit too pricey, a basement flat which I'm not so keen on and basically no garden (except a weird slope thing). Am arranging some more viewings as I have nothing timetabled for tomorrow, but I feel I really need to come up with something soon so I feel a bit less insecure and rootless.
The Glasgow shipmeet was fun last week, good to see some old friends and meet some new people, and we were really impressed with the restaurant (Mediterranean, cheap, but really very tasty, and a good veggie selection - Alaya, 192 Pitt Street for anyone who's interested, and to remind myself for future occasions). It was also a farewell to another shipmate, as well as a welcome to me - she assures me it's nothing personal about leaving as soon as I arrive :) She's coming to the end of her PhD (frantically writing up) and has been a great help to me over the last year with insider advice and a place for me to write up last year - we'll miss you lots D.