First day in Glasgow.

I made it over. After I landed around noon over here (5:00a.m. in mountain time) I  Took the bus to the city center and wandered a little around their central station which has some shops and what not. I needed to buy a phone service which I got 100 min, 400 text, and 1GB of data for £10, about $20 (£1 ~ $1.89). I had to get a £5 phone since At&t's new way of unlocking phones takes forever. 

I was on the verge of passing out at one point wandering because I hadn't slept much on the plane. It was an interesting ride over. There was a diabetic Polish guy to who took strong sleeping meds and a guy sitting behind him happened to speak his language helped him stay awake while eating to make sure his blood sugar was alright and make sure he didn't choke on food. It was pretty scary, he'd fall asleep mid bite or drink and I could tell he was trying so hard to stay awake and eat. Imagine a sloth eating and freezing occasionally mid movement. After a while I realized the diabetic spoke English and thought to help since the other guy didn't get to eat when everyone else had finished their food. We tried to have a conversation with the diabetic but the drugs were so strong he would constantly lose his thought. I don't know if he will remember anything on that flight. One of the flight attendants who spoke polish eventually took over when she wasn't as busy after the dinner service and moved the drowsy diabetic to first class where they could assure he would be looked after properly. He seemed really excited when they told him he tried to tell me he never had been in first class before. As we all were getting off the plane, I passed the diabetic and he still looked like the sleep drugs were still in effect... They were getting assistance for him as I left. 

Anyway, I was also sleepy and was imagining what it must've been like for the diabetic only his drowsiness was probably 20 times mine. I stopped at a Starbucks for coffee, internet, and to charge my smartphone so I could have a map and was falling asleep despite the coffee. I got up and walked instead which kept me more awake. 

Eventually I met my couch surfing host, Stephen, after he got off work. We went to go have some beer and I got to know him. I admire his humble perspective on life. It sounds like he grew up with a rough crowd. I was fascinated with his trip to China, in which he bought a one way ticket and just walked, biked, and took public transport whatever he went. He told me how at one point, his bank card was not working and had no access to money for a couple weeks, and needed someone he trusted to pull money out of his account and send it to him via western union. Because of this some days he slept with the homeless on the street, and at one point was allowed to work in rice fields for a couple days. He lived humbly and often camped in the wilderness or on the outskirts of people's property. He struggled more than he expected and related his trip to my own experience and we discussed what I might consider doing during my time here, though with the money I brought and have In my accounts, we are thinking I may only be traveling for a few weeks if I am lucky. 

Stephen suggested I take a detour on the way to Edinburgh and head north to Fort union, if I remember the name correctly.  He said there are great sites to see. He suggested I get camping gear to potentially extend my trip a few days as well as get a great tour of the country on foot. I was considering this only I am unsure of how I'll withstand the elements on my own, although he said towns will always be nearby to get whatever I need. I probably won't go that route because I feel I brought too much clothes to carry and to carry camping gear on top of that would be draining, not to mention my lack of experience backpacking makes me skeptical. Though I like Stephen's answer to my fears saying, "you won't die" which makes me feel going that route will be another experience all together. He said he might consider joining me for a little while depending on his work schedule to help my confidence since he really thinks I'll enjoy the experience. But we'll see what happens. 

After our drink we walked a ways through town heading down to where he lives. He talked to me about the history of the buildings and different stand points on why there are a mixture of old and new buildings in Glasgow. There are couple hundred year old buildings between new modern ones and the contrast in the styles of buildings were interesting to see. 

 An example of the contrast between buildings down Buchanan street

 I liked the statues on this

 3 different buildings from different times

This old guy wedged between two newer buildings. Stephen explained that the age and time this building was built can be seen in the blackness of it, which was caused by industrialization back in the day when they heavily used coal and factories were all over the place. 

There were more buildings like churches on the way but since it was dark and we were walking fast, I couldn't get good pictures and hope to see them again to take some. 

We bought some meat and cheese before taking a metro the rest of the way to his apartment and made some pasta for dinner. He has nice views since there aren't many tall buildings in his area, he sees quite a distance. 

View at night from living room

 This morning

View from his kitchen

After we ate, he wanted to take me to see local pub/bar called Ben Nevis Bar where there is an open practice session for local musicians on certain days. It was amazing. Most of them play professionally and Stephen is familiar with most of them as they were of him as well. The one playing the uilleann pipes is Ryan Murphy who plays in a band called Mànran which recently toured the US. The percussionist is Steve Forman who has an extensive resume working in Hollywood films, orchestras, as well as alongside big name musicians, composers, and singers. I was also introduced to Ruamac Millan, the male violinist/fiddler who was one cool dude. The others have great reputations as well such as the guitarist and flute player are in a band called RURA. They all played beautifully as you can see below. I was literally surrounded by brilliance. They played Scottish music of course and they really livened up the space. Great music, good drinks, great people. 

I apologize for the audio and video quality. My phone had a hard time downloading a full HD video, which it did all night while I was sleeping. Regardless, it gives a general idea of the atmosphere of the pub. 

Stephen has the day off today and is enjoying it staying in so far. Its raining a little outside as well and I can feel it's quite chilly so it might not be a bad idea. He may take me out again during the day today. I know we are going to hit another pub tonight as well.