The decision to move to Glasgow was a tough one: I knew the job would be awesome, but what about living here? I'd never been to Glasgow. In fact, my first visit was the day of my interview, the second was the day I looked for a flat, and then I found myself living here!
I have to say, its a wonder I'm here at all! I'd been convinced by various sources 'down south' that if I didn't get murdered at gun-point by a mugger after mi wallet, and anything else he could sell to fund his drug habit, I'd probably die of heart disease following an excessive consumption of deep-fried Mars bars, and failing that, I was definitely destined to get hypothermia, and the cold would kill me! So, things weren't looking too good for the new life...
Well, I've been here for over a month now, and none of the above have happened.
In fact, I'm really enjoying living here! The area I'm living in is ACORN type 18 rated (Residents with high income (apart from this one!), Very high interest in current affairs (hmm - does reading Marie Clare count?), Very highly educated...). Extensive resources have been allocated to combat the problems of drug related crime in Glasgow, including a UK pilot Drug Court to deal with drug-related crime and rehabilitation. The Glasgow of today, or atleast what I've seen of it, is a far cry from the Trainspotting-esque metropolis of the 90's - I've not even heard anyone speak about the Ice Cream Wars of the 80's. Whats more, the fish and chip shop across the road from the flat doesn't even sell deep-fried Mars bars, and today, the sun is shining, I wore my new sunnies to work, and I'm in a T-shirt and cropped trousers, and warm! Besides, I like snow in the winter!
So, so far, despite the warnings, I have found Glasgow not perilous, but peril-less. I like it here: The opulent Victorian architecture, fabulous coffee shops open late, awesome, and varied night life, and stunning parks. Not to mention, the 'weegies' - some of the most down-to-earth, relaxed, open, friendly, funny, 'human' people I've ever encountered.