Fond farewell Glasgow

It’s hard to believe that we’ve been at this for nearly four years. And oh Glasgow, what a delightful time we’ve had.

Yes, this is our final blog post. But before we say goodbye, let’s reflect on some of the many moments.

From our early days of rocking the roller derby to bliss-filled nights at the Barrowland and taking in the city’s eclectic mix of year-round festivals, we’ve savoured all Glasgow has to offer.  It’s been particularly delicious.

Strutting, stretching and feeling fab

Gaining a sound body and mind at Infinity Yoga, learning to strut our sassy stuff at the GSA fashion show and discovering Glasgow’s rich musical heart and soul with Walking Heads are just some of our stand-out memories.

In sunshine and in rain, we’ve had a ball – ok, particularly during those warmer days. And the many characters we met along the way made it all the more merry and memorable.

Never forget 2014

2014 has been particularly eventful for Glasgow. In June, the city welcomed the world with warm smiles and sizzling temps for the Commonwealth Games. And even during darker times like the tragic George Square accident – Glasgow stands united in compassion and support, showing its very best.

What’s next?

So what next? Well, we can only imagine bigger, better and brighter things for Glasgow. Especially if endless enticing events, new tasty eateries and craft-beer have anything to do with it.

As for us, although this is our final post for About a City Glasgow, we hope the blog still serves as a reference point and brightly shines the spotlight on the many amazing things to do, see and experience in this Dear Green Place.

A BIG thanks to all our lovely readers for the many suggestions, sharing in the fun and your support. We hope you continue to spread the word about this great city.

Until we meet again, Glasgow you have our heart. Cheers to you.

With love,

T and B

Silent Sunday – 28 December

In good times and in bad, people make Glasgow.

#GeorgeSquare

Silent Sunday – 21 December

Mighty drummers drumming in Glasgow #12daysofChristmas

A delightfully different view of Christmas

If you’re lust for Christmas has been pushed to the edge with Black Friday, Cyber Monday and any other festive frenzied days, then let the Arches offer you a refreshing slant on it all.

Gary McNair is declaring War on Christmas every day at at the Arches at 7:30pm until Sunday 28 December (£6/£4 – concession).

But don’t fear – it’s not a bah humbug response to the season…well, unless you’re talking about the John Lewis advert. This rebellious poke at Christmas takes a look at what it manages to distract us from and what it brings us. McNair also gives some pretty great advice about finding happiness in the everyday not just a few days a year.

This one is for the big kids (18+).  So go on, take a journey with an enthusiastic young Santa working at one of Glasgow’s poorest grottos who discovers the true meaning of the season.  And enjoy the glitter, chaos, laughs and drama. So perhaps not so very different from my regular Christmas after all.

-B

A not so Silent Sunday…

So you’re determined to finish the last of your Christmas shopping.

But when the hustle and bustle gets too much, take solace. Escape frantic shoppers and general festive mayhem in the magical surroundings of the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA).

There you’ll find tranquillity, beauty and inspiration. Refuel with a coffee in their café. And if you must continue your shopping quest, check out their cool wee gift shop.

-T

 

Silent Sunday – 7 December

Well done to the sensational Santas that took part in the Santa Dash

Have an epic Christmas

We’re thankfully never at a loss of fab things to do in Glasgow because it’s truly the stage of the world. So here’s a little tip, on Tuesday 9 December make sure you catch Cambodian dance theatre company Epic Arts at the CCA.

Cambodia’s vibrant arts scene was destroyed in the mid-70s when the rule of Khmer Rouge literally killed it off. But now it’s starting to re-emerge and shows like Come Back Brighter explore the effects before, during and after the brutal regime.

These talented performers are truly epic – in fact they are the only fully inclusive dance company in South East Asia to include hearing impaired, physically disabled and able-bodied performers.

Amazing to watch, they mix traditional Khmer dance with impressive contemporary physical theatre techniques.

So go on, inject some epic arts into your festive season. Mesmerising wonder guaranteed.

– B

 

Silent Sunday – 30 November

Christmas delights and bright lights #inGlasgow

Building beautiful bodies with stellar Stella

Everything hurts – even my hair. I can barely walk. OK, so that’s an exaggeration. I can walk. But not without looking like a cowboy. And yet there is a huge smile on my face.

Why? Because I’ve had the workout of a lifetime, exercised parts of my body I never knew existed. And all for free. How?

Perhaps like me you’ve peered into the Nike shop on Buchanan Street after work on a Thursday to see people in full-swing exercise mode. And perhaps like me you’ve thought – no way and made a bee-line for Zara.

Thursdays are about late night shopping…. that is until I bumped into a friend I hadn’t seen in a long time. A friend who looked totally fabulous. A friend who had transformed her body into a perfectly sculpted machine. A friend who had ditched Thursday shopping for Stella – the no nonsense trainer.

Stella has her own fitness studio in Glasgow – but if you want to test out elements of her programme for free, try the Nike Training Club. You can sign up on Facebook.

Yes, it’s in the middle of the Nike shop. And yes, everyone can see you. But you won’t care. You’ll be too busy concentrating on moving, breathing and trying not to collapse. In the process, everyone else simply disappears.

In addition to the 5:30pm Thursday night class, there are also a few morning sessions and other evening sessions. So check it out.

I won’t lie – it’s challenging. You will hurt the next day. You might even walk like John Wayne. But then miraculously you will feel your butt lift, your thighs tighten and your stomach flatten. You will feel and look stellar – like Stella. I think I may have even grown a few inches*.

As Nike says, just do it!

– T

*OK, so I haven’t officially gained any height. But I’m certainly walking taller.

Silent Sunday – 23 November

Hello Glasgow! Looking good.