Scottish Immersion

It's hard to believe, but the end is in sight.  This week we go to France and Germany for ten days, then return to Scotland for a trip to Perth and Inverness (northern Scotland), then a few, final days in Glasgow and back home.  I can't imagine not being in Glasgow, but I'm sure the moment I'm back it will feel like I never left.

We're trying to eke out the most we can, so here are some of the quintessential Scottish things we've been doing as our time in Glasgow winds down.

A couple of weeks ago, our friends Simon and Marina had a history department party to say good-bye to Liam and another colleague who was working at the University of Glasgow temporarily.  Even though both Simon and Marine are transplants to Scotland, the spread at their house shows the generous hospitality extended to friends and family (as we also experienced while visiting cousins in Ireland).  Don't you want to go their next party?

sweets

savories

guests

Simon and Marina

Then on Sunday, Liam, Cormac and I went to see Macbeth.  Now, I've taught this play MANY times, but have never seen a live production of it.  This show was a little different -- Macbeth is in a mental hospital and tells the story by acting out all the parts himself in sort of a flashback style.  Although I missed the physical action and the different settings of the play, Alan Cumming surpassed himself in playing almost every part -- truly impressive acting.  Especially well-done was the use of CCTV and shadows to portray the three witches.  I also loved when the patient Macbeth asks the doctor and attendant, "When shall we three meet again?" at the beginning and end of the play.  Seeing this story of a Scottish king gone mad with ambition and hubris in Scotland with actors speaking in Scottish accents was very special!

creepy advertising poster

Also on Sunday, the whole family went to see my friend Barbara sing in the Mackintosh Choir, who performed a concert at the Mackintosh Church (described here).  The choir did a great job singing a range of numbers from "Hallelujah" (made famous by the Shrek movie) to "Ave Verum" (a Mozart hymn).  But most interesting to us was a series of traditional Scottish songs, which told the story of Charles Stuart's mid-18th century attempt to restore his father James VIII to the throne with the aid of the Jacobites (Latin for James, so James supporters).  Bonnie Prince Charlie's forces were defeated, but a legend was created.  Many of the songs expressed the loyalty and bravery the Stuarts and their supporters showed when fighting against great odds.

So, food, royalty, song, drama -- to me that's Scottish immersion, and a lot of what we will miss the most when we have to leave Scotland.  But in answer to the lyrics of the choir's encore song "Will ye no' come back again?"  I'm sure we will return some day (never mind enjoy our remaining time)!