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Published: August 19th 2007
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For two and a half years I have been waiting for this week, waiting for the opportunity to teach abroad and experience another education system. I had my opportunity this week and it did not disappoint. Sticking with Elizabeth’s and my mantra for the year, “it’s not better or worse, just different”, I will say it is different. It has been challenging and I foresee that I will gain both personally and professionally from this opportunity. The staff and students at the school have been incredibly helpful and welcoming.
I was quite happy when the weekend arrived and we could resume our adventures around Scotland. Friday night we hit up a couple of the locals. Elizabeth agreed to be my designated driver. I thoroughly appreciated her support in my time of need. After I was well lubricated and had spent my whole pub allowance for the month, we went out for an incredible Indian dinner. The restaurant was located right here in Bearsden, so if you are planning on a visit, it will certainly be a place we take you.
Saturday morning arrived a little earlier than I hoped and we were on the road by
9 AM. First stop, Dunbarton Castle. This castle sits atop a large butte overlooking The River Clyde. It was a stronghold that changed hands many times and it also the location William Wallace was held before being sent to London to be executed. Unfortunately we didn’t realize most of the castle is long since gone, so most of the time was spent outdoors in blowing wind and rain. Albeit, beautiful.
Next stop, the small town of Cove I saw on a map and decided I wanted to see for no particular reason other than it was on the map. Well after a long drive we got there and it was so small we did not even stop. So resuming our journey we arrived in Helensburgh and toured The Hill House. This house was built between 1902-1904 by Andrew Blackie, a wealthy book publisher from Glasgow. The architect of the house and grounds was Charles Rennie Mackintosh. He was a world-renowned architect from Glasgow who also designed the Queen’s Cross Church in Glasgow and the Holy Trinity Church in London. He was responsible for the design of the house, furnishings and grounds. All the original furnishings and garden are
maintained exactly as they were upon the home’s completion. Surprisingly the style would not seem too out of place today. This experience was an unexpected surprise.
After lunch we carried on and stopped at the Geilston Garden. Geilston Garden is representative of the small country houses and estates that pattern the banks of the River Clyde and were developed as a result of the fortunes made in the City of Glasgow from tobacco and industrial development. The House is thought to date from the late seventeenth century. The garden retains a sense of private space into which the visitor is invited and includes features such as a fruit and vegetable garden (with central 'dipping pond'), a walled garden with traditional glasshouses and a creek that winds through the wooded glen.
Today, Sunday, we woke up and headed into Glasgow. We walked through Kelvingrove Park and happened upon a ceremony honoring those who had died at the Battle of Normandy. From there we walked through the park and stopped at the skate park and let Camille play for a wee bit. This area is home to many of the city’s museums and the University of Glasgow. The
buildings were candy to the eyes. In some places here, I truly feel as if I’ve stepped back in time. After a nice walk through the park we went to The Museum of Transport. We enjoyed walking through and taking in the exhibits. Camille was not happy though with the no touch policy. After the museum, we went out for brunch and I enjoyed a traditional Scottish Breakfast: eggs, haggis, mushrooms, black pudding, bacon, sausage, toast, baked beans, bangers and bread pudding. I’ve set up an appointment next week to have a stint placed in each of my major arteries.
All in all, an excellent week! Did I mention that we bought tickets to Italy for my October break? One week, three cities, Milan, Florence and Tuscany!
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Gene Mormile
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Tim, The pictures are awesome!! Looks like you guys are having a lot of fun. Is Liz teaching also? Nice langauge these Scottish kids have. That picture on the Burlington ferry brings back some great memories. It's scary where the time has gone. I got a job in the Bronx. I start Sept. 4th, 5th grade. I am sure I will get some of the same language thrown at me. Give our best to Liz. Talk to you soon!!! Gene