Glasgow to Stirling: Stirling Castle

Castle is a castle. Well maintained and resides in the midst of the lush green mountain, it stands with pride.

Walked around the place for sometime, enjoying the distant exciting views of the clouds and sky. The cool breeze was still there even though the sun shined over me. That was a refreshing mix.

Forget about the castle, the place was fresh enough to rejuvenate the body and mind. There was a bag piper music coming from somewhere. The wind carried it to everywhere around Stirling.

Castle is used in many music videos and occasionally they approves live music concerts here.

I might have spent close to an hour at this place. The sky was so beautiful and blue.

This is the souvenir I bought from the castle shop. A tiny bottle of Glencoe whisky. I am not a drinker and don't want to drink too. But this is because of my craze towards designer bottles. 

Another day well spent.

Glasgow to Stirling: The Old Town

I did really missed Ani while walking up the hill towards the castle. Exploring things together is always something that we love. Before my marriage, I loved to travel alone. But not anymore. 

I was thinking about them all the time and gave occasional calls to Ani. I think she got fed up with my call and said - "You please explore. Bye". She was busy spending time with her family. It is always good to know that our dear ones are happy. At the end of the day that's what we are all trying for.

I was passing through the old town of Stirling. People aren't still around. It was a weekend and everyone might be enjoying some early morning sleep or having a peaceful breakfast.

The first shop that I found on the way up was this OLD TOWN COFFEE HOUSE. Looked so blended with the atmosphere. The name definitely is.

So many buildings on the way. This is the Stirling highland hotel. So old architecture and beautiful building. This is what I wanted too. That feeling of travelling back to the history, always makes me excited.

Time has passed by. The sun is out. Despite the expected rainy day, the light shined up on me. That was a good sign. The day was beautiful, so beautiful that everyone was talking about it. It became bit warm and comfortable towards the afternoon.

On the way I saw the The Church of the Holy Rude. An medieval church in Scotland. I didn't plan to visit, but thought of just walking around and getting back to the castle route.

That was a good decision. There was a sight seeing area behind the church, which looked over the Stirling town. It was beautiful.

The houses looked like match boxes. The hill looked like covered with a green blanket. The thick clouds drifting across the horizons and becoming invisible - marvellous sights it was. Spent 30 minutes sipping the tea and enjoying the view. The cool breeze was hitting my face gently. It was so fresh.

More ancient homes on the way. You will never get tired of the sights along the way. Each ones are different and something special about it. Simple, but looked beautiful. I wanted to photograph everything around the area.

Then it looked like the castle path. Stone cobbled pathways were so perfect. The cars rolling over it created some old sound. It was soothing to hear. I knelt down and touched the stones, it was so cold. The sun couldn't make them comfortable yet.

It is definitely autumn coming around. The trees are changing their colors to welcome the wonderful season. Every season is wonderful, but autumn is particularly special for me.

Hotel next to the castle. Nice isn't it.

I could see the cars getting into the castle. Now we got some people around finally.

Scotland is full of castles and each one is different. Each one varies in its size and purpose, but carries a unique characteristics and speciality. That is why the name castles never get a boring node from me. It is just wonderful to visit them all :)

Glasgow to Stirling: Station And Around

Reached the station around 8:15. The next train to Stirling was at 8:32, the one to Aberdeen. Rushed into the train as the platform is displayed, as I wanted the window seat.

After settling down, wanted to listen to some worship songs. Did buy a Bluetooth headset a month back, but couldn’t use it as I was going through tough times with my ears. God’s grace, when I got healed, I really wanted to listen and learn more worship songs. 

It was beautiful to listen to the songs and travel in the train. It really blended with the outside view of Scotland. When the song mentions about the blessings, love and grace, what more to experience than the agape love of my God? Marvelous.

That was quite a spectacular journey. It was not about Stirling, but it’s about the peace that was in my mind that mattered then. Experience for a life time.

The Stirling station was not at all crowded. I felt like visiting Ooty. Cold and welcoming. You will want to breathe in the fresh air that snuggled the place.

If Ani is not with me, it is sure that I am not planned. If I am not planned, I am confused and will start looking around for help or information centre. Fortunately, there was a map just outside the train station. It was a simple and straight forward map. Stirling is a small town and the paths to the main locations were obvious. That helped.

After getting out from the station, I wanted to have a tea. And there was a small local shop right in front of the station. I hurried to grab a tea and breakfast.

One thing I have noticed about these local shops is that, the people in will be so happy and welcoming. They will greet you and ask you about the day and what you up to. It’s pretty fun to spend time with them.

The town had a mix of traditional and modern buildings all around. To the left side of the station is the city centre and a huge mall. Majority of the people were at this place. To the right, it’s the old town. More old buildings and pathways. That was my interest and I took the right turn.

Beautifully crafted buildings and surroundings. Clean and tidy, you will not want to miss a glance about anything about this place.

I was clicking the pics all around and didn’t want to miss any special thing that I found around.

The sun was sneaking through the clouds and that little bit of warmth with the fantastic old weather was a real soothing factor.

After exploring the area for sometime, I started climbing up, towards the Stirling Castle, which was the number one item (and the only one) in my list.

Glasgow to Stirling

A wee thought on a Thursday evening made me to book the tickets to Stirling. For the past few weeks, I didn't get out from my place. I wasn't feeling any interest to explore or to travel. My family knows the reason why.

Thanks to God that he refreshed my mind and body. Another example of HIS promises coming true in life.

But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.
(Isaiah 40:31)

I wanted to get out and explore on the Saturday. Conveyed the plan to Ani and hastily booked the tickets.

I had to leave at 7 am on Saturday morning. After sleeping late on that Friday, I was feeling lazy and decided to drop the travel plan at 6 am. But, I couldn't find the cancellation button on the Scotrail site. I didn't want to waste that money, so forced myself to pack and go with the plan. Felt really better after a hot bath in the morning. Prayed to God and got out to explore.

The railway station was deserted and I was the only one waiting for the train. A very cold day (for me) as usual :)

And I was the only person in the compartment when boarded the train. After 25 minutes, reached the Argyle Street station. The station exit to the Glasgow city center, to the heart of the city.

For the first time, I saw the fog filled Glasgow. It's somewhere between the summer end and winter start.

It was a cold morning and fresh air was a treat to the body. Not much people around. The shops weren't opened then.

Grabbed the usual Subway breakfast real quick and headed towards the Glasgow Queen Street station. The train commence from there to Stirling. 

The city was getting ready for a big day. The great Scottish Marathon was on Saturday. The road access around George street was closed and the event team were busy preparing the path and other facilities.

One and half hour of journey, took me to Stirling. No clue on where to start exploring the city. But the first thing first - let's grab a hot tea.

When Life Has A Meaning

Another quiet weekend starts. I believe the quietness has a meaning now. Sometimes it is good to slow down, have a look into the life and realize the blessing of God and the gifts from him. I am enjoying that moment now. A change in perspective and outlook.

We humans thinks that we are big shots and plan life like we are in control. How silly. Do not neglect the facts and truth's of life. Doesn't that feel sensible? Oh yes.

Late into the night now. The sense of happiness and peace, the greatest wealth of life. And, it comes only from one person. Just completed a chat with him and I feel really fresh in his love and compassion.

Have a great and wonderful weekend all & take care...