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...

The Edinburgh Trip & The 20th Vlog

Finally the Edinburgh vlog is out. This had so many un-expected editing challenges. However, we finished it finally...

Into An Another World of History & Castles

It isn't the summer that we have seen in India. Here, If the sun stays for at least 3-4 days, it's a good summer of the year. And to be frank, I don't dislike that.

Trip to Scotland was a quick planned trip. Ani wanted to visit Glasgow & Edinburgh on a weekend and we thought of getting that item checked. 

Typical English breakfast. Ani dont like this much, but I like

Ikey enjoys the train rides. The best part - the large glass windows.
Awesome view of Scotland all through the journey.

Edinburgh Waverley Station. This place was crowded when we reached.
But we felt that we were in a different world. Like in the Harry Potter world. 

The busy Edinburgh station. Right outside this place awaits the wonders of Edinburgh.

AirBnB is the first sought of stay now a days for us. It's easy, cheap, trustable and you can get a very good deal even at the last moment. Hotel prices go up like crazy if it's not planned much in advance. And majority of the time, trips aren't planned in advance :)

When we planned the trip to Glasgow, proximity to the city centre was the first priority. And we got a very good stay with God's grace. 

We loved the stay at this home.

Ikey played his favorite hide and seek behind this long curtains.

At the same time, he enjoyed peaceful times too...

It was an old tenement converted to a house by the host. She is an architecture student and I could really see her skill in the way she designed the house. It's simple, minimalistic and all white :)

Ani always laughs at me when I say that the our new house theme has to be white. She likes white, but the way I describe it, might be the reason which makes her laugh. Can't blame :)

This house was a perfect example of what I always dreamt of. When you get something that you love, you will enjoy it to the best. That's what we did for four days. While I was photographing the every nook and corner of the house for the future reference, Ani was relaxing and Ikey was busy exploring the place. 

Just began walking around the Edinburgh streets. You will never get bored.

Architectural elegance, preserved buildings, castles...

The Saturday wasn't that promising as we thought. It rained all day. It's Scotland and that's the way it is. Accepted the fact and set out to explore Glasgow. 

After spending majority of the time in St. Enoch mall and exploring the City Centre shopping street, we called it a day. Walked around 5-6 kilometres. A good exercise and fun together. 

Walking towards the Royal Mile & the Castle. It is a steep climb. Ani didnt enjoy that much :)

Finally at the Royal Mile. Ikey was asleep and we covered him to protect from the freezing wind.

Infront on the Edinburgh Castle. Wow!

This is where the Harry Potter story was born. J.K Rowling wrote the first Harry Potter story at this place.

In=Front of the Greyfriars Bobby statue.

Walking around the National Library to get back to the Royal Mile.

Queens Gallery and Holyroodhouse Palace

Holyroodhouse Palace from a distance. This is the queens official residence in Scotland.

This is back to the past for me. Last year I had a yummy hog roast from here. But this time, I was hindered by Ani. 

A secret park in the center of the city. I accidentally discovered this hidden gem.

That's Ani :) She got into the pull over when the wind became too freezing.

Colorful red doors exist a lot at Edinburgh.
Instagram shot - is what it comes to mind whenever I see one of these.

There are some good artifacts here to enjoy.
Our visit to this place was a very short one. Ikey didnt like this place m

These steps takes us to the Royal Mile. Ikey was in the stroller and I carried him #
with the stroller up this place :)
Didnt want to miss the view and experience.

What about one more trip to Edinburgh? YESSSSSSSSSS...