GLASGOW: A TALE OF TWO CITIES

 

Glasgow I will need to revisit. I saw too little of it, but what I saw made me want to get to know it more. I arrived too late in the day to appreciate the city’s pulse and with little time to explore. What I did observe are its differences from Edinburgh, its rival for the title of Scotland’s “true” city.

Glasgow is the new city with a preference for the cosmopolitan. The Holiday Inn Glasgow on West Nile St., where I stayed, was surrounded by departments stores, a movie theater and the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. The night of my arrival, I found a hip Italian restaurant within walking distance from the hotel, ASK Italian and the night before my departure visited a more rustic Italian diner, DiMaggio’s, neighboring the hotel.

But to the question, though, which city represents the real Scotland? I thread here with hesitation as a visitor and one that saw far too little of Glasgow at that. What I can say is that these questions come up often when the city of national icons and heritage (Edinburgh) is pitted against the modern city with universal amenities, entertainment centers and restaurants as well as more residential options.

Fear of being perceived as playing it safe makes me hesitant to admit that both kinds of cities serve a purpose. In particular, a first time visitor should prioritize Edinburgh if only to see the historic sites Scotland is known for. But Glasgow will likely give you a deeper, purer sense of the Scottish people living their everyday lives. Edinburgh is a must to experience Scotland’s roots while Glasgow will show you her pulse.

In this, my first visit, I got much of what I came to get. I experienced Scotland in all her beauty, her customs and walked through her history. On my return I hope to see more of the people that keep her alive.

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