If
this planet has a pulse, I felt it reverberate last year through
gallant mountains that pose in regal silhouette against the cerulean
sky. I stood there in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by
snow-capped Scottish Munros rising above the material life that we
humans have created for ourselves. The Munros stand sentry to the
amaranthine blue loch waters. I heard it all: a wee stream winding
its way on a narrow path; a rush of wind reaching my ears, whisking
each breath out of sight before the next one could join; and the
sound of my steady heartbeat muffled in my ears.
I
will never forget my reverie during the most memorable trip of my
life to Scotland. I was enrolled there as a student for about a year.
Even though it was a long time ago, I can still close my eyes and
feel the intense infusion of emotion to which my heart clings. Only
God knows for what reasons the memory of Scotland brings a smile to
my face, always a perfect antidote to a bad day. The memories have
become like an aged oak bench in my soul; a place to sit and revel in
my time spent there.
My
great adventure to Loch Lomond on an April morning in Glasgow. Most
of the time, any event in Glasgow weather is not a pleasant occasion.
It was a dreich day, where all a person could see was dull, gray
surroundings with hard, steady rain pouring from dark clouds
overhead. Yet, through all of that dreariness, Glasgow is still
always beautiful. Let’s explore what a dreich day can entail,
and, trust me, it is not as gloomy as one may think.
GLASGOW
NECROPOLIS
I
had set out on foot to capture the distinctive poetic essence of a
Glaswegian day under the clouds. There is no better way to begin your
day than a walk at Glasgow Necropolis. A Victorian garden cemetery
set on a wee hill overlooking St. Mungo’s Museum and Glasgow
Cathedral, the site awakens magic. One becomes aware of an
earth-spirit kindled to reveal all that is good. The Glasgow
Necropolis is well known for its flamboyant gravestones and monuments
covering thirty-eight acres. There are around 3,500 monuments ranging
from enormous memorials to non-descriptive tombs that yield an
ethereal experience. The star monument is dedicated to John Knox
resting in peace on the highest point of the graveyard. One can view
the winding, bustling streets of Glasgow from this point. Amazingly,
with close observation, one may come across burial plots holding
different religions inclusively. Guides are available upon request.
Entry
fee: Free
Free
advice: Wear comfortable shoes. Boots are highly recommended to
safeguard yourself from muddy puddles during the rainy days and easy
climbing on the top of the hill.
ST.
MUNGO’S MUSEUM
Another
reason why I chose to begin my day at this medieval,
heart-of-the-city site is that one can cover by foot many interesting
places situated within a radius of one mile. By the time I had
finished taking my magnificent morning stroll at Necropolis, it was
already opening time for St. Mungo’s Museum. At first sight, it
appears to be a honey-colored, neoclassical castle transporting
viewers back to the medieval period. The name was derived from
Glasgow patron’s saint who brought Christianity to Scotland in
the sixth century. This museum holds the vital role of encouraging
interfaith dialogue, and has numerous religious and art items on
display. It explores the lives, rituals, and religious practices of
people across the world in different eras. If one takes time to read
information on exhibit boards, one will come across some mind-blowing
practices and stories. With exhibits of Aboriginal art and a lavish
bronze statue of Nataraj, Hindu god, this place left me awestruck.
Entry
fee: Free
Free
advice: Don’t forget to try food at these restaurants nearby
Bilson Eleven and Amore Ristorante e Pizzeria.
GLASGOW
CATHEDRAL
I
remember visiting Glasgow Cathedral after having the mind blowing
experience in St. Mungo’s museum. The elegant church spires
beautifully complimented the treetops in the surrounding area,
reaching up to the pastel blue sky. Visiting this church is a perfect
way to travel back in time. Being the oldest cathedral in all of
Scotland, this place holds many secrets. It is believed that this
cathedral was built on top of St. Kentigern’s grave, and
happens to mark the birthplace of Glasgow. There is a tale about the
fish and the ring symbol hanging on top of a lamppost representing
the Glasgow coats of arms. I could relay the story, but I would
rather keep you in suspense!
Just
kidding. It is a story about St. Mungo’s retrieval of the
priceless diamond ring belonging to Queen Languoreth of Strathclyde
from the mouth of a fish in the river Clyde.
Entry
fee: Free
These
are some other fantastic places in Glasgow to cross off a sightseeing
list:
Kelvingrove Art
Gallery and Museum
Kelvingrove Park
Gallery of
Modern Art
Glasgow School
of Art
George Square
and the Merchant District
Riverside Museum
Glasgow Science
Centre
Pollock House
and Pollock Country Park
Kibble Palace
and Glasgow Botanical Garden
Bagpipe
Museum
LOCH
LOMOND
Finally,
I was there. I reached to my destination that I’ve been longing
for. A serene freshwater lake known as Loch Lomond shimmers in the
sunlight between the rugged Highlands and the gentler lowlands of
Central Scotland. This place of beguiling beauty is located
approximately 80 miles from Edinburgh and 33 miles from Glasgow,
where remarkable efforts are underway to accomplish a complex task.
An attempt to strike a fair balance between conservation, tourism,
and rural development objectives, while maintaining the stunning
beauty of the lake and its ability to charm visitors, is endeavoring
to be successful.
When
one visits Loch Lomond for the first time, one notices the
rain-kissed ferns swaying beside a gurgling creek that spirals down
the Monroe of Ben Lomond, a very popular destination on a gorgeous
day. Blooming Mountain avens, heather, and thistles gilding the
silver and amaranthine blue water complete the idyllic scene. A lucky
adventurer might stumble across a wild deer quenching its thirst in
the midst of towering coniferous trees lining the lake.
On
my last visit, I remember how the smell of the earth and the quiet
solitude stirred my curiosity. I decided to turn the fascinating
pages of Scottish history to learn more about Loch Lomond’s
intriguing past.
The
first inquisitive visitors set foot on land about 5,000 years ago
during the Neolithic period, leaving their prints at places including
Luss, Balmaha, and Inchlonaig. Followed by the mighty Romans, and
then Clan Buchanan, and later, Clan Donald, it currently falls under
the county of Dunbartonshire. Efforts to preserve the Tolkienesque
qualities of a lake so rich in history seek to maintain an imperative
ecological balance, while also allowing respectful leisure activities
to take place.
My
memories of Glasgow have become like rose blossoms in my heart. I
still hold on dearly to my souvenirs and all that I could take with
me in my backpack when I returned home. Everything reminds me of the
capacity that nature holds to heal, to nurture, and, ultimately, to
help us grow inside.
On
this harmonious note, let us conclude with a traditional Scottish
folk tune published in 1841 by an unknown author. Widely sung at
parties and weddings today, the melodious chorus goes like this:
O
ye'll tak' the high road, and I'll tak' the low road, And
I'll be in Scotland a'fore ye; But
me and my true love will never meet again, On
the bonnie, bonnie banks o' Loch Lomond.
\
*****
Ruchi
Acharya is the CEO and Founder of Wingless Dreamer Publisher. She has
garnered much acclaim for her poetry book, Off
the Cliff. She
received her
summer graduation in English Literature from the University of
Oxford. Her work has been applauded by multiple publishers
such
as Borderless Journal, The Publishing Room, Overachiever magazine,
Detester magazine, Muddy River Poetry Review, Rhodora magazine,
Mulberry Literary, Seaglass Literary, Flare journal, Analogies and
Allegories, and Maythorn magazine among 100 others. When not
writing she can be found exploring historical buildings and ancient
ruins. As of 2022, she resides in Chennai, India enjoying the
coconut water, palm trees, sandy beaches and sunkisses.Twitter:
@ruchiacharya95
