Canadian Invasion

Amazing how fast 12 days flies by! Had a great visit with my Dad, brothers Ian and Cam and their girlfriends Amy and Britney. Everybody managed to cover an awful lot in a short space of time on their respective adventures. I personally managed a trip up to Loch Lomond, a few days on Mull and Iona with Dad, a day in the pubs of Glasgow and a brilliant wee BBQ chez the Scottish Wilson's. These were all great book-ends to the main event:



The Great Glen Way! Dad, Cam, Fiona and I covered the 74-mile journey over a five day period. Every type of conceivable weather was thrown at us, and the terrain was quite tough at times. But at all times the view was spectacular as were the pints at the end of the day. Shall post some pics from each of the days over the next little while.

Joining the Ranks Of Their Databanks

My last few days of work before my two-week holiday brought me an unexpected surprise. I was presented with my passport and at long last a full set of documentation allowing me to officially live and work in the UK.

I have to say that the whole experience was much more involved and time-consuming than I ever would have expected. Given the Commonwealth relationship between Canada and the UK, as well as the fact that the Scottish Parliament has repeatedly stated they are very keen to have people base themselves in Scotland (due to a diminishing population and skilled labour shortage), I would have thought getting the paperwork would be somewhat of a formality.

But there have been many tense moments where I thought it wasn't going to work out. There was some concern over whether or not I would qualify for a work visa. Legally, my employer had to repost my job to ensure there was nobody local that was qualified. After qualifying for a work visa, the system was changed so that a working visa no longer automatically meant you had the right to stay or even enter the country (leave to remain) thus requiring another application. I had to really make my case to get back into the country after my Christmas return to Canada. There was a good month where both myself and my employer determined that it would be necessary for me to sit at home, not legally allowed to work despite a work visa, pending my leave to remain application (luckily we found an exception for my particular visa). At all times, the spectre of being rejected by the Home Office lurked. I had heard many stories where an applicant would be rejected and forced to leave, regardless of how settled they were. And of course, I've been without a passport for months now, already having to pass on two trips outwith the UK.

But it worked out, and I'm incredibly grateful for it. While I still don't have all the same rights as a full British citizen, I can now live my life without a latent fear that it will all suddenly disappear before my very eyes.

I've also put things in perspective. One of my friends is trying to arrange for his Filipino girlfriend to come to the UK, but it has so far proven absolutely impossible. He laments that if it took this much carry-on for a Canadian to work in the UK, what chance do people from Third World nations have? Is it any wonder that people try to buck the system completely and work illegally? When I think about it in these terms, my personal situation really doesn't seem like a bother at all.

Though I can't help but think what comes next? My paperwork is only good for 18 months. If I choose to stay, I'll have to start the process again this time next year...

Anyway, I better get on with things! I have a mini-Canadian invasion coming my way as my Dad, brothers Cam and Ian, and Ian's girlfriend arrive tomorrow morning. A wee tour of Glasgow and Edinburgh, and then the Great Glen Way for five days, then a road trip. Shall be busy but will absolutely brilliant. Many stories and pics to come no doubt.

Hello Sunshine

This past week at work was pretty tough, so this particular weekend was one I was especially looking forward to. Caught a brilliant movie on Friday (The Station Agent), and attended a wedding reception for Alison's sister in a hotel on the banks of Loch Lomond (we took both the High Road and the Low Road in order to get there). Today was a great opportunity to just chill out and enjoy the weather. We've had some gorgeous sunshine the last few days, and you really get the sense that Glaswegians come to life when the weather is good. After all, we don't get the good stuff all the time! The streets and pubs were absolutely heaving full, and everybody seemed to be in an especially good mood.

While the beer gardens were a tempation, I thought the best decision would be to go for a nice long walk through my all-time favourite park: Pollok Park. Home of Pollok House, the Burrell Collection, and a wonderful mix of landscape. And of course, an award winning herd of Heilan Coos!


Through the forests of Pollok


The old mill by the Whitecart


A coo taking it easy

Hadrian's Wall

The 73-mile long Wall was built by the Roman Army back in 122 A.D., nearly 2000 years ago. It was commissioned by Emperor Hadrian to help control movement of people in the British frontier, as well as prevent raids by those ever pesky Scots.

First stop for us was Vindolanda, a Roman fort that has been excavated over the last few decades. You are able to walk amongst the foundations of the buildings and alongside the fort wall. The museum houses many of the fascinating relics found here, including leather shoes, armour and swords, as well as writing tablets containing letters written by soldiers and their families which really brings to life what it was like living in Roman controlled Britian.


Next was a walk alongside the Wall itself. Many stretches of the Wall have disappeared or are seriously damaged after years of erosion and from people who in centuries past would take the stone for their farmhouses and castles (such as Thirlwall). However, in this particular strech, the wall was fully intact and in all its glory. Honestly, it was incredibly thrilling to be able to touch something that was built by the Romans so many years ago. To think how they were able to quarry this much stone, transport it to such a remote place, and still build a wall with such craftsmanship that has been able to stand the test of time. Powerful stuff, and highly recommended.

Thirlwall Castle

I've always been fascinated by medieval history, and one of the joys of living in the UK is that remnants of this era are everywhere. We drove down to Northumberland in Northern England last weekend primarily to see Hadrian's Wall and the Roman settlements. However, during our explorations we saw a sign that directed us towards the town of Greenhead where nearby was to be found a castle built in 1330. Though now a ruin, Thirlwall Castle is a reminder of the unstable period in British history between 1300-1600 (before the Union of the Scottish and English Crowns). The Thirlwall family built their home (from stone found in Hadrian's Wall no less!) to ensure they could fortify themselves against Scottish attacks and to safeguard their possessions against thieves.

This particular day was quite gloomy and sombre, and if nothing else added to the atmosphere of the place. As we approached, a flock of crows burst from the trees and flew directly over the ruin. So very Castlevania!


Approaching Thirlwall Castle


Outside the walls


Inside

Spring Is In The Air

Spotted near Hadrian's Wall

This and That

A few observations and things I've been up to:

• I should have been in Prague right now. The plan was to join Mike for a few days on his travels, but I'm still waiting for my paperwork (and my passport) from my friends at the Home Office. I'm saving that rant for another day though...
• Another fun concert from Athlete, which always turns into a crowd singalong. The boys are the master of the hook, and their album Tourist is a gem.
• Caught a production of two Samuel Beckett plays at the Arches. Can't say I cared much for the first one (a bit too artsy for me) but Krapp's Last Tape won me over. It was the first time the Arches have staged a production in the basement, which is directly below the underground train lines. Very atmospheric.
• Razorlight at the Academy - very much a "rock" concert complete with flying beer (a Scottish speciality), sweat, and smashed stage equipment. The band may be cocky, but they put on a good show. And by the way - the kids don't hold lighters aloft for slow songs these days. Now it's all about picture-taking mobiles.
  
• A comedy showcase at the Tron called Canada Dry featuring two Canadian comedians. Avoided answering the question "So who here is from Canada?" to avoid being picked on allowing them the opportunity to take the piss out of the Scottish accent. Craig Campbell in particular was funny, doing the "Canadian in Scotland" observational thing. Sounded like me after a few pints at the pub. But with better delivery.
• This Right Here is Buck 65 - an excellent intro to the man and his music.
  
• The Twilight Samurai. I haven't been caring much about film lately (Broadband and iPod will do that to a guy) but this particular film has me looking at the cinema listings again. Wonderful stuff.
• And more to look forward to - the Easter long weekend is here and the days are getting longer and warmer. Plus I've booked my first proper trip - the Great Glen Way - where I'll be joined by my Dad and brother Cam. Shall be brilliant.
  

The Cobbler

On a beautiful spring Sunday, Robbie and I took a trip up to Arrochar to tackle Ben Arthur, known as The Cobbler (as apparently the peak resembles a cobbler hunched over listening to his wife). Last August, Christy and I make it about halfway before having to turn back as there was a train to catch. It would not be the case this day however, as we did make it to the peak. But despite starting with the sun on our faces, it wasn't long before the soupy fog descended upon us to the point where we weren't seeing much of anything (including the supposedly gorgeous view from the top). Still a great day out though!


Starting off promising...


...but here comes the fog!


Back to the bottom along the banks of Loch Long

Coming Back Stronger Than A Powered-up Pacman

I went to see the brilliant Irish comedian Dara O'Briain tonight (and for those keeping score at home, the same bloke we saw almost one year ago today). He said something that struck me as so very true - "Nostalgia is heroin for old people". At 27, I'd like to think I don't fit the criteria of "old person", but how true is that? Case in point: With the discovery of these two sites (found here and here), I'm in retro gaming heaven. How well I remember playing some of these - those classic 8-bit images and songs as familiar as ever. Despite the fact that some are nearly 20 years old (!!!). I can't help but think that while new games may be more advanced and much better looking, they simply aren't as fun as the classics. Simplicity is beautiful.

Two at Tut's

I haven't been to a gig at Glasgow's legendary King Tut's Wah Wah Hut in nearly a year, and then two come along at once. Just like that proverbial bus.

We caught Sondre Lerche on Saturday night. It was just he and his guitar this night, but if anything the minimalism of it enhanced the music rather than it taking anything away. A fun night with a great crowd. And much like his fellow Norwegians Kings of Convenience, the man is the master of the dry wit stage banter.

Last night was Canada's own Leslie Feist who took the stage with a 3-piece band to a packed room. Speaking of Kings of Convenience, she opened with The Build-Up - a song she featured on with the KOC on their latest album. She proceeded to run through most of her debut "Let It Die" as well as a couple of great covers and a haunting version of Lover's Spit by Broken Social Scene. Her voice is absolutely beautiful. She made brilliant use of a live sampler whereby she would sing and record a piece, then repeat it with a different harmony, and so on until she had an 8-part harmony loop which she would then sing lead on top of. Awesome stuff, enough to shake the lethargy of a Monday evening.