Glasgow
Early October 2018
"Why are ye here ya daff bastard? It’s pishin’ and shittin’ rain all the time. Gae home where it’s warm, big man."
Upon touching down in Glasgow several years ago, this is the first thing I heard upon entering a taxi and striking up a conversion with the driver. The thought of an Australian moving to Scotland seems to perplex most people.
I certainly get asked a lot: Why Scotland? Why are you here? Why did you go?
Evidently, I have a restless soul. I have long been uneasy with the idea of hitting 30, having not seen the world or had my place in it realised. I’ve also long had misgivings about the message we’re all presented with; that the sequential accumulation of things (job, car, house, French bulldog, etc.) results in a life well-lived. Life is far more complicated than that. At least I think so.
I’ve been fortunate enough to travel a fair amount in my short life, but it’s never enough – something a few of you will understand. Travel to me, is all about exposing yourself to other cultures, being outside of your comfort zone, and challenging your place in the world – more simply put, it’s about other people, places, and food. I think travel makes you a better person, regardless of whether you travel a little or a lot. No-one has ever benefitted from staying in their comfort zone too long and there are far too many people with only a narrow window to view the world through.
So, channelling my inner Anthony Bourdain, several years ago I committed to the idea of moving somewhere else with my partner, Amy, who was far keener than even me.
I get asked even more: Why Glasgow? I hear it’s pretty dangerous. Why not London? It’s cold there, you know. Have you been before? Are you sure it will work out?
Come visit me and hopefully you’ll understand why I came. Having travelled here previously, I was attracted to this rough, honest, well-humoured, decidedly unpretentious city and its irrepressible spirit - Glasgow is far greater than the sum of its parts. Irrepressible in every way, Glasgow has a thriving arts scene, wondrous museums, pumping nightlife, surprisingly good food (for Britain), an abundance of natural beauty nearby (Loch Lomond, Cairngorms, etc.), an excellent drinking scene, friendly and down-to-earth people, and a pervasive feeling of familiarity and openness – wear what you want, do what you want - with respect. And no, it isn’t dangerous – you’re more likely to get caught up in London these days and no-one is telling you to be careful next time you’re headed to Gatwick. In actual fact, the City of London is taking lessons from Glasgow regarding knife crime. So, git tae feck.
So to answer the question everyone seems to ask; I moved overseas because travel in and of itself is important to me, I felt the need to leave Perth for a time, I do indeed like cold weather, I enjoy how removed from things you can feel in Scotland, and because Glasgow specifically grabbed a hold of me with its weird, off-kilter charm.
As written elsewhere, I’m endeavouring to record the next two years to keep those at home informed, journal my time here, and to challenge myself through writing – which has historically been something that has terrified and bested me in equal measure.
Feel free to read and reply – this is my first attempt at creative writing and I’d be more than happy to hear any and all feedback. Also, if any of you happen to be near Glasgow any time soon, please drop by the West End - I’d be eager to show you around.
Thanks,
JC
PS. This entry is written in dedication to Ian Dowley, who pushed me to write a blog for work last year – something I never got done due to a lack of time and an excess of insecurity, regardless of his plentiful support. Who would’ve thought changing country would’ve been the cure. Hopefully this counts as time served.
If you’re twenty-two, physically fit, hungry to learn and be better, I urge you to travel - as far and as widely as possible. Sleep on floors if you have to. Find out how other people live and eat and cook. Learn from them – wherever you go.
Anthony Bourdain
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