Glas.LOW

Monday, October 26, 2015
Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
I've been traveling for just over two weeks. That doesn't seem long enough. Seems as though it's been months. I've packed quite a bit in over those two weeks, perhaps that explains the feeling of being gone for longer. I'm back in the Weeg (slang for Glasgow) for six days at a very hip boutique hotel, the Z in the heart of the city at George Square. It's a great concept - for about 40 pounds a night I have a VERY small but plush studio with a twin bed, and what they call the wet box, which houses top of the line bathroom amenities. It's nice to have a shower with water pressure and continual hot water. The whole room is maybe six feet by ten. Since I'm staying for a good amount of time, they put me at the top floor so I have a skylight that opens for fresh air and natural light. Included is a nightly happy hour with a free glass of wine and cheese buffet. Breakfast is only a few pounds a day and is a delicious assortment of goodies. It's not a bad spot! 

I'm currently down in the lobby/lounge with a pot of tea listening to the managers work on room blocking - stressful today as they're negative one! Makes me smile and reminds me that I'm unemployed ... with irons in the fire! Send some good juju this way as I actually have a few things on my calendar this week that could possibly lead to new opportunities. 

In my years of travel, I find that two weeks is about the right amount of time before you get tired of being on the road. After that amount of time you're ready for your own bed and a home cooked meal. Right on schedule, I'm tired and a bit low. Factor in the amount of stuff I've been doing, it's no wonder. I planned on this, hence bunkering down in the city for a week before my next move. Still, I'm missing home and missing friends. I don't mind traveling alone in the least, but there are times that I miss sharing things with other people. I think it's important to note, as I like to keep things real. It's funny, as in the highlands I wasn't lonely. I think I expected to be alone with my thoughts there, and was glad for the peace. Being back in the city, I find myself longing for conversation. I'm tired of walking, I'm tired of eating out or eating alone in my room, I'm tired of living out of a suitcase . I've forced myself to get out at night, but I'm finding it hard to meet people. Glasgow offers lots to do and is full of very kind people, but they aren't very open to outsiders. Many times I've struck up a conversation with people at gigs, bars or attractions that lead no where. I'm used to making quick friends, so it's been a bit frustrating. I know this will pass, and it had better as I have quite a few more weeks to go before any of those things are remedied! I know it's all part of the process, and that I did this purposefully. These times of being uncomfortable really force you to get to know yourself which is never a bad thing. So I try to embrace the low and feel my feelings, knowing that there will be many times in the future where I long for this intimate quiet and space. 

I'm now on the train to Edinburgh, relieved to be moving on. Not only am I staying at a funky hostel sure to meet other travelers over the holiday weekend, but I'm also meeting up Rachel, my fun Aussie friend that I met at my last Airbnb. Onwards and ever forward!  

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