Category Archives: Travel
U.K. Trip
I’ve usually posted daily updates during my research trips to Scotland. This year I went to Glasgow for my viva (the equivalent of the oral defense.) After the big event I spent most of my time visiting friends (and missing trains) so I didn’t keep a daily blog but thought I would post a summary of the whole trip now that I’m over my jet lag.
I arrived Thursday morning and wandered around the University to see what had changed since I was there last. I forgot how much I love Glasgow. I met with my supervisor that afternoon to prep for the viva the next day. I stayed at the cozy Alamo Guest house that evening.
Friday I woke too late to get breakfast at the Guest House but fortunately found a place serving breakfast. My viva went well and after a late lunch with Professor Hazlett I was off by train to Gloucester, England to visit my friend Allan.
Saturday Allan showed me around Gloucester. We had lunch at Robert Raike‘s house, a pub in the former home of the founder of the Sunday School movement. (I discovered gammon – good stuff.) After dinner at an Indian restaurant (my first proper sit-down Indian meal) we went to the Fountain Inn to catch up. Sunday we worshiped at the United Reformed Church before I caught my train on the way back to Glasgow feeling absolutely stuffed.
Window in St. Lawrence's
Things had been running so smooth. Before I left I had tried to book a room in Glasgow close to the rail station but I couldn’t get any of my cards to work with the online reservation system and the hotels I tried wouldn’t accept bookings by phone. (I’m suppressing a rant to get on with my story.) The train to Birmingham was very late. I’m not sure what caused the disruption – they announced that a train failed – but it caused a domino effect. I apparently had missed the last train to Glasgow and was put on another to Edinburgh which wouldn’t have been a problem had it not also been extremely late. Due to a general ignorance of English geography I really didn’t know where I was or which way I was going. I realized that it was going to be 2 AM before I got to Edinburgh which seemed awfully late to be trying to find a room. Then they announced the upcoming stops – Leeds…Wetherby…York. York – Tim! The only other folks I know in England live in York. Tim’s the Parish Priest at St Lawrence and St Hilda in York. I borrowed a kind stranger’s cell phone and called to let Tim know I would be in York soon – though I didn’t know when. I was welcomed into the Vicarage in the middle of the night. We reenacted one of Jesus’ parables (Luke 11:5-9) with a nearby Indian take-away that was just about to close.
Since I didn’t have anything scheduled for the next day, Tim invited me to accompany him on a car trip to Wales. He was going to visit family and I had to get a train from somewhere. I got to spend a little time with Tim’s family before heading off.
It was good to have an unexpected visit and catch up. Tim has recently been the subject of controversy for a pre-Christmas sermon criticizing the lack of assistance for the poor taken as advocating shoplifting. As we discussed the sermon and media reports (and distortions) I was shocked to hear that Church of England parishes don’t have some of the basic resources available to assist those in need that I’m used to here such as a pastor’s discretionary fund. I get the impression that the Church’s mission to the poor has been given to the priest personally, the state welfare system, or the Salvation Army.
Church in Raglan
We had time to get a bite to eat in Raglan (had Welsh rabbit for the first time) before I caught the train to Glasgow from Abergavenny. Thankfully the train ride was uneventful and I was able to get to the hotel for some rest before a ridiculously early plane flight home.
Dynion - Gentlemen
Does use on a website count as published?
A picture I took of the playground at Kelvingrove Park has been used by Schmap.
Here and in an iPhone example.
Day 8: Belfast
Did my research at the Linen Hall Library this morning. (I know you’re supposed to do a Pub Crawl in Ireland, I tend to do a Library Hop.) Afterwards I took a Bus tour, unfortunately my camera batteries died mid-tour.
I did get this shot of the Library:
Day 7: Belfast
I worked with some old pamphlets from the special collections of the Gramble Library of Union Theological College this morning. In the afternoon none of the other places I needed to go to were open since it’s a Bank Holiday over here. I wandered around the city center. They were having a continental market in front of the city hall. I made my way back to the University area fairly early since I’m pretty tired. I had shepherd’s pie and a Guinness for supper. Now to read Neal Stephenson’s Quicksilver for a bit before going to sleep so I can get a start at the Linen Hall Library in the morning.
Union Theological College
Belfast City Hall
First Presbyterian Church: This is the oldest place of worship in the City, the congregation played a crucial role in the subscription controversy which I’m researching.
Day 3: Glasgow
As I was getting ready to head out this morning I caught part of a morning news show, to my complete surprise a friend of mine the Reverend Tim Jones was being interviewed. He’s leading a protest against Playboy merchandise aimed at children. More Here. Good job, Tim!
I spent the morning reviewing old presbytery minutes at the Mitchell Library. This particular set has seen some pretty bad fire damage and I swear they still smell like smoke. Presbytery minutes are normally archived at the National Archives, it tells you a lot about Glasgwegian attitude that they insist on keeping their own records.
My friend Allan met me for lunch at Tennent’s and we got to catch up. He’s recently completed his Thesis and is graduating in a few days.
I noticed this on my way into the Mitchell.
Day 2: Glasgow
I spent the morning reading old histories of the English Dissenting Churches at the University’s Special Collections room. I met with my supervisor for lunch and spent most of the rest of the day reading Minutes of the General Synod of Ulster. I did head downtown to pick up something to read tonight when I wake up at 2 and can’t get back to sleep. While down there I noticed a new Apple store on Buchanan. Unfortunately they were closed.
Day 1: Glasgow
I’m in Glasgow – flew out from Atlanta last night. I’ve settled into my hotel and have been hitting the books at the University Library. Had dinner at Stirling Castle Pub and am back in the Library until I’m ready to pass out!
Day 8: Glasgow/ Edinburgh
Back in Leith now. Finished up my things in Glasgow and had lunch with my supervisor. I’ve checked in at the Crioch guest house run by a nice couple (he’s a Linux user as well). Had steak pie for supper with at treat — a deep fried Mars bar. I had heard of the mythical sugar and fat concoction but never had had a chance to try on until today. I won’t need to try another.
Some pics: The University Tartan Kilt. John McLeod Campbell’s Doctor of Divinity degree from the University of Glasgow (it hangs just outside my supervisor’s office) and yet another picture of the park.
Day 7: Glasgow
Spent all day at the Uni. Met with my PhD supervisor this morning then had lunch with my friend Allan. He’s working on a PhD in geography but it deals with Church History here in Glasgow. Great to see them. Finished up the day with a Haggis dinner at blas.
Finished my work in the special collections department today. I’ll be finishing up tomorrow and heading back to Edinburgh for my flight back to the states.
Only a couple of pics today, the University cloisters and me and Allan.
