First day of art classes! Except not really

So, today was supposed to be my first "Figurative Sculpture" class, but that didn't end up working out because the professor didn't show up. Which was frustrating after I woke up early and walked and took a bus and walked some more and got there early enough to still grab coffee. But, the art school gave us a free tour of the premises instead, and that was pretty awesome. Charles Renee Mackintosh was the architect of the building, which was made in the early 1900s. Its a weird design...very woodeny and modern looking. Everything is original, and I'm not sure I like it all, but it's definitely interesting. Apparently there is Japanese influence in the style. That was one giant factoid, by the by.

The class looks like it'll be fun, only 5 other students! All seem very nice. Oh! And we got out early so I had time to stop at the student cafe, which is very funky and called "Where the Monkey Sleeps." They are known for being very open to vegetarians, vegans, and GLUTEN FREE people!! So, I got a gluten free sandwhich! And it was good! I almost took a picture of it, but the people there are just so artsy and cool and I didn't want to admit to being a total tourist. So, no picture. But believe me, it was wonderful.

Then I walked back to campus. I'm not sure how, but I ended up finding this pedestrian bridge over the highway, which then led into Kelvingrove Park, which is the largest and most scenic park in glasgow. There were dogs playing and people jogging and blue skies. It was kind of surreal to just stumble into. Then I had my celtic civilization class, and afterwards a few of us went to the art museum (my second time). Still very cool. And then we waited in a line and were lucky enough to get seats on the next international club trip, which is this weekend. Going to Oban (in the highlands) and taking a ferry to see the Isle of Mull. Overnight trip, very excited!! I'm thinking I'll do this one as part of a huge group, and once I'm comfortable with getting around the highlands, I'll feel comfortable venturing out in a little self-planned group.

Oh, then Becky and I missed the free bus that goes directly to our dorm, so we took the public bus. Waited in the rain for...20 minutes? Then sprint-walked the remainining 10 minute walk so that we could get to dinner just in time to wolf down lukewarm rice with tomato sauce. So, in a word, that sucked.

And insult to injury? There were two extra seats on the free bus.

Anyway! Pictures:

Kelvingrove Park.

The university from the park.

A pond in the park. There were ducks! Somehow I didn't expect Scotland to have ducks.

The uni again.

The river. Dunno which, but it's pretty.

That's the Kelvingrove Art Museum.

Pooh quote: "What I like best in the whole world is Me and Piglet going to see You, and You saying 'What about a little something?' and Me saying, 'Well, I shouldn't mind a little something, should you, Piglet,' and it being a hummy sort of day outside, and birds singing."

Much love,
Erin