River tales
A short photo journey beside the Clyde ..
While in Glasgow recently I had a little spare time before catching a train southwards. I wandered towards the river and captured a few memories. I am a bit disappointed that the photos have not translated too well from phone to laptop and have lost a lot of quality. But you will get the picture. I hope.
This is one of the few remaining old buildings on Clyde Street which runs alongside the river. When I was young the street was full of warehouses and some shops which have now been replaced by steel and glass. Fazzi’s, an Italian delicatessen used to have a shop here. The second you opened their door you were met with the aroma of spiced sausage and basil. My aunt Rose and Uncle Jim were regulars there for many years and became good friends with the owners.
The Entrance to the suspension bridge. The graffiti on the right seems to complement the shades of discolouration on the stone. At the far-end of the bridge, on the other side of the river, my dad once had an office.
The life-saving ring on the suspension bridge has a strong memory for me. Back in the ‘70’s this is where a man jumped into the river. Unbeknown to him, my dad saw this from his office window. He called emergency services then rushed out to help him, throwing him a ring from the bridge. The story appeared in one of Glasgow’s daily papers the next day. Did the man survive? I cant remember. I hope he did and I hope he found happiness.
It was beginning to drizzle when I took this and everything was reduced to steely grey. I love the dreichness of it all with the blue bus amidst it. The Jamaica and Central station bridges have a constant flow of trains and traffic over the River Clyde.
I have made hundreds of journeys to and from Glasgow in my lifetime. The Central station bridge in the distance has been my constant connection to the city. My packed case awaiting yet another crossing of the bridge. I love the contrast of the red case against the grey day.
The illusion of a grand entrance to the Virgin hotel. I love the lines, shapes and textures and the contrast between old and new. The sprawling hotel is an example of what has replaced the fine old buildings which once lined Clyde street
I really enjoyed this wander. I visited Glasgow once, in 2003 between Christmas and New Years Day when the daylight lasted maybe 8 hours. We stayed in a noisy pub on an active city square. We drank too much ale, while watching the urban tides. It was a shock after driving down from the rugged moutains and Isle of Skye, but open and modern compared to Edinburgh where we rushed off to next. We should have stayed in Glasgow, for Hogmanay was cancelled due to bad weather. I know New York the way you know Glasgow. Those markers, like the life-preserver and the deli you remember, are what enrich the tapestry of a place. Thanks for sharing.