Sunday, February 04, 2007

GLASGOW-WEEK ONE

For many reasons (a particular one that stood out like a sore thumb is that my online journal is not working...damn) , I have to post my stuffs on Glasgow here. So, the postings should be back dated. Guess, I am stuck to this old blog after all.
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Its my first week in the Clyde. The cold wet weather is still bearable. I think. Untill the cruel ghastly snow shows up later in the month, I guess. Anders, our international student guide, fast into becoming my verbal duelling mate was always reassuring us, “the weather is fine”. Oh, sure. He has been here for eons and I have been basking in the tropical sun all my life.

The University of Glasgow is like a huge community area of its own. Apart from providing the opportunity for newcomers like me to be lost, the University area is made up of beautiful ancient looking building with nice brownish slab stones and the works. My personal favourite is the Scott Gilbert Hall. An open hall consisting of beautiful cloisters of gothic looking arches, it used to be the only hall for students to have their academic lectures. The middle part of the hall was used to separate the Humanities School and the Science School which had they lectures together in the same hall as they like to fight alot. (Re-imagined verbal insults- HS: You’ re bunch of soul-less nerdies with no passion for life! SS: Oh sure, and u think those mopped hair, dreamy lyrics and tight jeans can save the world?). The centre part of the hall was also supposed to be the area where both schools had their fencing duels. Well, after exchange of verbal insults just got tiring, I assume. After years of establishment, more and more students came in and hence, the demand for more space. So, they built more buildings to place the growing number of students, but of course around the historic open hall and still in accordance to the humanity-science boundary.

Today, we will be touring Glasgow with bus so it is a pretty relaxed day. The fellows are a nice bunch of peeps too. We have Yasmine, the gorgeous smart lass from Egypt, Mani, the soft spoken activist from Ethiopia, Hamideh, the environmental activist from Iran, Nadia, also an activist from Khartoum, Sudan, Murtaaz, a funny large guy from Syria and of course many more. Those not mentioned is because I am running out of time to write but of course, I love you guys too. (Its 7.30 am, and I need to take my shower!)

So, I will write some more later. What with Chumbawamba, Keane, The Killers, Bloc Party, Kaiser Chief, New Order, Jarvis Cocker, Iron Maiden will be playing here in Glasgow… maybe an amateurish attempt at writing gig reviews? Well, why not. I am also checking out the new band to emerge from Glasgow-The Fratellis and the low profiled De Rosa. They are creating quite a buzz here.

I will also post pictures much later. No great snaps yet.

Till then, ta!