Kelvingrove x Festival 2014 x Commonwealth Games 2014

Moving away from Glasgow city center, Festival 2014 continues to the west end of Glasgow. This is one of my favourite area of Glasgow, beautiful landscapes and rich in historical buildings. There's a huge Kelvingrove Park and the famous Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. The museum house some of the famous art, and also history of the Scottish revolution. 

Hello again, Clyde! This is the other one of Clyde which is similar to the one found in Glasgow Green, which could be seen in my previous post. Clearly the weather was amazing, which I could not just stay at home. As a side note, Scotland is famous of being wet and grey, when it's sunny, there will be a lot of people out there sunbathing! I take every opportunity to absorb some vitamin D, too!

Ladies and gentlemen, introducing my Wee Clyde, who's wearing a tiny kilt!! Although I live in Glasgow, getting it is a remembrance for myself about how fabulous the city has been during the 20th Commonwealth Games! And there he was, meeting his bigger (and older) family member in front of Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. 

The atmosphere at the west end the other day was perfect! You could hear people speaking various languages, and English of various accent. People speaking to complete strangers, which were great! I always come to the conclusion that a place need not to be extremely beautiful, but with amazing people and friendliness, it's the most beautiful thing! 

As I walked across the lawn ball ground, I could see Team Malaysia playing. Too bad I do not have ticket and I was all by myself, or I would definitely stay for longer to cheer for them!!! GO Team Malaysia!!!

The last time I walked in Kelvingrove Park was a while back, and I didn't remember there's this place for skateboarding! It was much busier than it looked in the photo.

Kelvingrove Bandstand. There were free performance for all to watch, and this band, The Starry Skies was pretty uplifting! Soaking in some of the sun and music, the day could not be any perfect!

This is by far, my favourite spot in Glasgow West End, which overlook one of the oldest building of University of Glasgow. It just felt peace. 

As I am typing this blog post, I am watching the Closing Ceremony of the XX Commonwealth Games, when Glasgow 2014 handed over to Gold Coast 2018. All the performers including Kylie Minogue appeared to sing the famous farewell song, Auld Lang Syne, written by the famous Scottish poet, Robert Burns. This song is famous during new year's eve, bid farewell to last year, and welcome a brand new year. Whenever I hear this song, I feel emotional for its meaning behind. When this song is sing each time, people hold hands to sing, swinging side to side. 

The Game may have ended but the the city of Glasgow remains. It will always and forever in my heart as my second home, and a friendly city to live in. As Prince Imran said in the closing speech, that Glasgow 2014 is by far the best yet in history of Commonwealth Games, and "PURE DEAD BRILLIANT"! (It's a very Glaswegian saying!)

Till then,
Anna x.o.x.o

Glasgow Green x Festival 2014

In previous post, I mentioned there were plenty of activities around Merchant City. Leading up from there to Glasgow Green, there were more family activities on the streets, free for all. Glasgow Green is the oldest park in the city, north of River Clyde. Plenty of activities held at Glasgow Green each year such as Bonfire Night fireworks, and most recently the BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend Glasgow.

This year, in conjunction with Commonwealth Games, the host city, Glasgow, hosted festival live zone in Glasgow Green. There were several competition such as marathon, cycling trial and cycling road, begins and ends in the park. 

To absorb more of the festival, me and my friend decided that we need to go there and be part of it. As me and my friend walked from Merchant city to Glasgow Green, we could feel how lucky children are as there were a line up of activities for them. How I wish I could turn back time!

Free show for all! It was all a happy start prior to entering Live Zone area of Glasgow Green. People from all age group could enjoy the cheerfulness of events hosted by Glasgow city. It adds more fun with the friendliness of the people in Scotland!

We were absolutely drawn to attention by the voice of this girl. Too bad I didn't get her name but yes, this girl can sing! I think her voice and uniqueness is much better than many singers with record out there. There are a few in my list (and my opinion) who I think could not sing live as good as this girl! Way to go, girl!

Here we were, in Glasgow Green. And, that's me and Clyde, the official mascot of Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games! He's huge and so I would grab all the chance to take a photo. It's historical! 

More fun for kids, wish I could have some fun, too! If only I'm a kid!! Or maybe I could sneak in, becoming a bigger looking girl! Haha!! People always underestimate my age anyway!!

Here's how it looked like when you're running towards the finish line of the Commonwealth Games outdoor competition!! I remember when I was an athlete in school, crossing the finish line was not just something of physical achievement but also a mental achievement! It definitely takes a lot of effort and determination to cross the finish line in anything we all do in life to get the best! 

And, if you wish to send some wishes Young Scot, you could do that too!

KITCHEN section of the festival area, serving food from all over Scotland. I must say that the food they offer had a lot more choices than any other festival I have been to in Scotland! Fret not, you could even get oysters there! I always try not to eat 'unconventional festival food' such as burgers, chips and pizza! By having the great choices offered, I was a happy girl!!

Cooking lessons for you if you're interested!

Big Big Sing bringing the crowd together at Glasgow Green. Smiles were on all faces!

In line with the games, you could opt to find out if you could beat the world's fastest man, Usain Bolt! Who knows, you could be the next!! My personal record on 100m competition was 13s as an ex-athlete. 

All sorts of activities in terms of sports for kids to try out, and perhaps finding out their hidden potential in any sports, and be the next superstar in sports. This could also encourage children (and adults) to take up some new sports and stay active! I, on the other hand, has started some static exercise in my room, just to tone myself! 

Oh I love this water ball, and again, if only, there's adult size!!!

Glasgow Green has pretty good memories with me, began with BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend, and I must say this festival, in conjunction with Commonwealth Games, it was an extraordinary one! I am thrilled that I am in Glasgow at this time!

To conclude our day out at Glasgow Green, we walked back to Merchant City, looking for something to eat, and we found our favourite strawberries and brownie in melted milk chocolate! Yum!!!!


Till then!
Anna x.o.x.o