sightseeing, the scottish way

So, on weekends or off-days or during reading week, Ryan and I have been making the rounds to the best Glasgow (and area) has to offer. In roughly chronological order, I give you...the highlights!

The Kelvingrove Museum -- I've mentioned this one before, but I've been there several times, and anyway, it's worth revisiting here. The Kelvingrove is at one end of Kelvingrove Park, a pleasant and sprawling green that winds into a posh neighborhood to the west, or up to Glasgow Uni. to the north. Most of the museum's collection is static, and comprised of various odds and bobs ranging from suits of armor to taxidermied animals. The museum also has revolving displays, and art galleries. One hall is dedicated to Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Glasgow's most prominent architect. My personal favorite bit of the Kelvingrove (other than the building itself, which is a stunning collection of parapets and cupolas, intricately carved from red sandstone), is definitely the "art installation" of floating heads.

As my friend Joanna asked: "Is this an episode of Doctor Who?"

Glasgow Museum of Modern Art -- An interesting diversion, but for me, this museum was mostly about the external architecture. The gray stone building has classic elements with its rowed columns, and an attractively weathered cupola. The art inside was worth a look if you have the time, but if you're on a tourist schedule, I frankly wouldn't go out of your way. Just stop by, admire the building, and get your picture taken with the statue out front - a rider on horseback who is perpetually crowned with an orange traffic cone.

And you thought I was kidding.

Muirshiel Country Park -- We had a nice "family" outing to Muirshiel, on a clear Sunday. A network of nature walks wind through grassy fields and pine forests, all nestled in a picturesque landscape of rolling hills. For a great panoramic view, we hiked up little Windy Hill (and Kieran and Ryan took turns leaping off the stone monument on top, imitating flight). There's also a nice river, with a pretty little waterfall, where we stopped for cheese sandwiches.

Pollok Park and the Burrell Collection -- Pollok Park is a big greenspace about three miles south of the city center. One of its main attractions is the Burrell Collection, a museum of cultural artifacts and fine art that was previously owned by the namesake, shipping magnate William Burrell. The Collection contains sections dedicated to ancient Egypt, China, and medieval Europe, including a nice selection of tapestries, furniture, and stained glass. Pollok Park also has Pollok House, a beautiful manor that looks like something from Jane Austen's novels. Complete with a hedge maze and extensive gardens, Pollok House stands well-preserved and stately, across a small river from wild moors. And if these two destinations weren't worth a look, Pollok Park is also home to a whole herd of highland cows, the cutest freaking cows in the world.

Love me?

Scotland Street School -- Designed by the aforementioned Charles Rennie Mackintosh, this old primary on Scotland Street has been converted into a museum. It's worth checking out for the cool architecture, and the exhibits are pretty interesting. Mostly they are about the history of the school, along with some refurbished classrooms meant to represent different eras. There are some cool quotes from former students that give the museum a personal air, and the bit about school life in WWII was really fascinating.

Glasgow Cathedral and the Necropolis -- Stunning. Seriously, stunning. Glasgow Cathedral is utterly beautiful, with high vaulted ceilings and gorgeous stained glass. Downstairs is the small but lovely tomb of St. Mungo, Glasgow's patron. Just behind the cathedral is Glasgow's own Necropolis, a high hill covered in truly impressive grave markers, bought by the rich back when Glasgow was a prosperous shipping hub. Besides giving nice views of the cathedral and out over that area of the city, the Necropolis has a very quiet and peaceful atmosphere.

There! Now you too can be a tourist in Scotland!