Holiday Weekend | #art

I am not a modern art-lover. That was reaffirmed that when I toured the Glasgow Gallery of Modern Art, which is housed in a beautiful building in the City Center. I see it every day on my walk to school. It's only two blocks off my trek, so I took time Monday afternoon to browse. The building is amazing , and there is a cool statue out front, nicknamed "The Duke" (see picture). 

The Gallery of Modern Art, and "The Duke"

Yes, that is a traffic cone on his head. 

No, it is not photoshopped.

Click here to learn about conehead







Out of the three floors of modern art exhibits, I found little to interest me. It all seemed experimental; there were no traditional paintings or sculptures. It's not that the artists didn't have talent, it's just that the style doesn't appeal to me. I actually enjoyed looking at the building more than what was on the inside.

What is awesome, though, is that Glasgow's museums are free-of-charge. There is a donation booth, but there is no obligation. I have personally toured three different museums, and none of them charged. It's a great celebration of history and culture, I think.

Yesterday, I got to take a bus ride! I went on the City Sightseeing Tour Bus. My friend Stephanie (shoutout!) got me on for free, because her boyfriend is one of the drivers. If you ever read this Ryan, you did a great job! I got to enjoy the city from an open-topped double-decker bus (say that five times fast) with a live narrator telling us everything about the city for two hours. We went through downtown and into the West End, then back again. It was a great trip!

I am from the big city.

The subway has been a great help when I visit distant areas of the city, like I did today (visiting Kelvingrove and the University of Glasgow). For everyday travel, though, I have just been walking, which is unusual to me. Being from Jacksonville, I'm used to driving everywhere. At first, it was tiresome - my legs complained for two weeks. But I have gotten used to it now. I have walked through over half the city already, and I want to travel pretty much all of it before I leave.

And it certainly is cheaper than driving! Fuel = $9 a gallon


This weekend is a holiday for me; yesterday was my first day off and I don't go back to school until Tuesday. Lots still I would like to do in the city and nearby areas. It has been difficult lately, being away from my family and friends, but God has been helping me through. (Shoutout to my awesome grandmother, who sent me the care package across the Atlantic!)

So until next time, God bless,
Zacchari


P.S. When in Glasgow, talk like the Weegies! Use Glesga banter!

Haud yer wheesht!
Aye, bu I cannae be asked.
How no?
Geez a sho' uh ya pen?
Gonnie, no!
  etc.

Riots and Skateboards

View from the Glasgow Tower

So the independence vote ended up being a "No." Scotland is still part of the union, by a 55% majority. It turned ugly last night in downtown Glasgow (http://bit.ly/glasgowprotest), but most people have accepted it, more or less. It seemed like everyone was a bit dazed, that, after all the hullabaloo the past few months and weeks, everything will basically stay the same.

I was honestly disappointed too, and not because I won't be able to brag "I was there when Scotland declared independence!" I actually thought it would've been for the better of the country, to have a free nation where Scots govern Scots.

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Anyway, this afternoon, I traveled to the West End of the city. Check out what I found in the video below! Spent this evening making it.

Voting is Tomorrow | #referendum

"Are you a yes or a no?"

That's all it takes to get conversation started around Glasgow right now. Tomorrow (September 18th), the polls open, and nearly every Scottish man and woman 16 and older will be there answering a simple question: "Should Scotland separate from the United Kingdom?"

A simple question, with huge effects. 

A "Yes" vote will secure Scotland's place in world as a sovereign nation. Yet, many companies will move out of Scotland in the face of the uncertain economics. Scotland will have to raise taxes and maybe even switch currency. Is it worth the loss to the economy have a long-term independent nation? 

A "No" vote will keep Scotland as part of the Union. However, Westminister (the nickname for the federal government of the UK) has "promised" Scotland more say in the government if they stay. Most Scots feel that Westminister doesn't care enough about them, that's why many wanted an independent government in the first place. But is comfort worth sacrificing the independence of your nation? And will Westminister even follow through on their promises? Because it's not a guarantee.

With the lasted Daily Motion poll at just 53-47 in favor of "No", tomorrow will be a nail-biter for sure.

For me, what an awesome experience to be here now, in Scotland.



So until we know whether I'll leave a different country than I came into....

God bless,
Zacchari

#jutocogc

Glasgow Award Ceremony | #inspiringcity14

What's up everybody!

So I got two cool stories for you. First up, last night. The faculty from the college brought me with them to a black-tie award ceremony. It was the Inspiring City Awards for the city of Glasgow. About 400 different businessmen and women, influential people, and college faculty from all around the city were there (people like Lord Smith of Kelvin and organizations like Glasgow Taxis, The Herald Scotland, STV Glasgow, and my own City of Glasgow College). During the evening, I was introduced to the director of the committee that organized the 20th Commonwealth Games here in Glasgow -- which happened just a few weeks before my arrival. At the end of the evening, I took my first taxi ride, from the Grand Central Hotel to my residence. What an amazing evening!

The other story happened on Wednesday. I went across the street to One Errol Gardens (a little Church of Scotland). I thought there was a Bible study, but it turned out to be the night for the Gorbals Community Choir. I had free time, so I thought I would just hang around and listen...until they asked me what I like to sing. Turns out it wasn't a performance, it was a practice! They convinced me to join in with them. So I've been adopted by the Gorbals Community Choir.

Also, I tried haggis for the first time at lunch today. It was really good! (just don't think about what it's made of, and you'll be okay).

Not sure what I'll do this weekend, I guess I'll find out when I get there!

So until next time, God bless.
Zacchari

#jutocogoc  #inspiringcity14  #HereThereBeDragons

New Week, New Stories

Salt Market Clocktower

Hello from Glasgow! The sun finally came through the clouds yesterday, and it's lovely and crisp outside. 

I'm sitting in One Errol Gardens, a little café across the street from my dorms. It serves as the front for One Errol Church of Scotland. I came over for service yesterday morning. What a great experience! It was more traditional than I was accustom to, but the small congregation were very friendly and genuine. The pastor also gave me permission to come over and play on their piano keyboard whenever they are not having meetings. That is one thing I have really missed being here, playing the piano.

Speaking of things I miss, I cannot wait for tomorrow; it will be my first opportunity to play basketball since I came. Tuesdays and Thursdays, the City of Glasgow College (CoGC) sports club hosts a pickup basketball game at the City Campus. But this Thursday, I have to attend a black-tie dinner - it's cutting into my basketball time...

This area of town around my dorms is known as "Gorbals". The locals tell me it used to be a slum. Over the years, however, the city has invested money into rebuilding it. It worked - it is a comfortable place to be, even at night. Behind this church is a shopping strip, with a grocery store, library and pharmacy.

Friday, I started my first class. I was surprised how similar it was to classes at home. Twenty kids listening to the professor, asking questions and cracking jokes. I was a mini-celebrity for the beginning of class, when I explained why I was here. One girl said "Aye, I want to go to the States." Her friends laughed. "I do!" she said, "I wanna go to Disney Land!"

(I don't think many people here understand what 100 degrees F really feels like. The record high in Glasgow is 88 F, so I try not to laugh when my classmates say, "Yea, summers are hot here in Glasgow too!")

This trip has been amazing so far, and it has only been a week! Thanks everyone at home for your support and love, it means so much to me!

God bless,
Zacchari

#jutocogc

George's Square (IS Journal)

This is a journal entry I wrote for my International Studies class.

George's Square

Early Monday morning, Steven picked me up from the Glasgow airport after I landed in the United Kingdom for the first time in my life. Though he stood holding a sign with my name, he recognized my face quickly from the picture I sent him the day before. I was greeted with a warm smile and a handshake. Steven is a very friendly man, like most Glaswegians, and speaks with a distinct Scottish accent. Over the past two days, he has been my tour guide, college advisor, mentor, and Scottish history teacher. In his words and mine, he is “The Man.” Though he is older than I am, we have become fast friends.

Those first few hours were a special experience in my life; it took most of the morning to set in that I was really in a foreign country. Perhaps it was the jet lag, but everything had a mystical quality to it. As we went toward the city, I noticed that everyone drives extremely fast on the highways – few people traveled below than eighty miles per hour. As we entered the “town” (Scottish slang for downtown), I got my first glimpses of the historical buildings that make the UK famous.

On Tuesday, I got a chance to tour the Glasgow city center more thoroughly. Steven and I left the City Campus of City of Glasgow College (CoGC), and walked two blocks into the shopping district. On the way back, we walked roundabout and went through George's Square. It is the most famous landmark in Glasgow, according to Steven. I am not sure who it takes its name from; I will be sure to ask Steven tomorrow. It is a large paved area with a column in its center, a war memorial on one end, and statues on the other three ends. Along the edges of the square are enough benches to seat probably three hundred people, and at lunchtime today, they were all full of both Glaswegians and tourists. The three statues also have lips around the base that people also enjoy as seats.

The square was the first landmark Steven pointed out to me on Tuesday, and the first one I remember from when I came into the city yesterday. After Steven returned to the Town Head building in City Campus, I came back to George's Square and ate lunch.

I enjoyed a baguette sandwich from a neat place called Greggs. It bordered the Square. It is not exactly a restaurant; everything is pre-made and prepackaged, but it is cheap. Locals call any item from the place a “Greggs” – “What did you have for lunch?” “I had a Greggs,” or “Want to go into town and get a Greggs?” Apparently some of the CoGC staff had a laugh when they heard I had a Greggs for lunch. It was very good, but at three pounds, (about six dollars), it was not a lot of food for the price in an American context.

In all, I thoroughly enjoyed my first few days. I already love the people here, the atmosphere of friendship and acceptance. Though there are peculiarities, as with any community, I can already see myself returning to Glasgow in the future. I cannot help but love this place.

God bless,

Zacchari Gale

#jutocogc

First Post from the Island!

Good afternoon, chaps!

This is my first post from within the UK. Sorry it's taken me so long to get on here. I haven't gotten my student login for the dorm wifi yet, and I've been rushing around all the rest of my time! This post comes from a sweet little place in Glasgow, called The Web Lounge. Had a great sandwich from here just a few minutes ago.

So you must be wondering how Glasgow is? Mind-blowing. It is amazing. It's a big mixing pot - different cultures, different people, different ages. You'll pass three Scottish college students, then a Middle Eastern man in full clothing, then an Indian mother with her baby. Even the buildings follow suit. On the left side of the road, there can be a 200-year old cathedral, while on the right side, there are new storefronts. The whole city is like that. Buildings are measured in hundreds of years; many were built long before American was even founded.

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I should mention that the people here are extremely friendly. Think "Southern Hospitality" times two. When you greet people on the street, almost everyone smiles and greets you back. You can strike up a conversation with almost anyone. Just now, the barista at the counter came and asked me if I wanted any coffee, then we started conversation for about fifteen minutes.

Check this out: she told me about problems with her printer, so I took a break from writing this blog and spent an hour-and-a-half fixing it. Seriously! C'mon, where else can you do that? She was so relieved because she lost a few customers this week because they couldn't print.

This is just a brief message compared to what I want to share, but I'll let it be for now. I'll also put up my journal entry for my International Business that I wrote last night.

Cheers!

God bless,
Zacchari

P.S. Check out my new video from the approach into Glasgow! :)

#jutocogc