I found a computer with access in the Library at the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) in Glasgow. I returned here from Iona yesterday. We have had amazingly beautiful weather for the whole time. Thanks be to God.
The week at Iona was very renewing. I enjoyed building community, working side by side with wonderful people, and having time to pray and reflect as I walked about a harshly beautiful island with extraordinary old buildings from early Celtic Christianity. I discovered a lot about myself, about God, and about community. I also was surprised how deeply alone I felt when I arrived in Glasgow. Even though I was having a "wee walk" through the downtown streets with thousands of other people, I missed the community I had on Iona, and I missed Karin and my family. I felt alone, in an "in-between" sort of place.
Karin should be in the air as I write this. I will shortly be going to check out of the hotel and take the shuttle to Edinburgh, so I can get checked into our hotel there and then go "collect" Karin at the airport. I am looking forward to being with her and sharing the sights and sounds and food and culture of Scotland and Germany together.
Showing posts with label Glasgow. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Glasgow. Show all posts
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Puffins!
We had a wonderful trip to Staffa yesterday. The captain of the boat said it might be "a wee bit splashy" on the way out, and we got drenched. Good thing I had my "waterproofs" -- waterproof jacket and over-trousers. It was the first time I've used them. The weather has been wonderful -- no rain to speak of.
Staffa was magnificent. The basalt columns and Fingal's Cave (which inspired Mendelssohn) were fantastic. And the puffins were delightful! They love people because people scare away the seagulls, their main predator. So when people gather on the top of the cliffs (where the puffin nests are), and wait patiently, the puffins will gather on the cliffs, often only a few feet away! They are adorable and make a wonderful cooing sound which reminded me of the contented sound some people make after a good meal. But their finding protection from their enemies at the feet of people reminded me how we find protection from our enemies at the feet of God -- "deliver me from the evil one..."
Tomorrow morning I'll be leaving Iona and heading to Glasgow, and then on to meet Karin in Edinburgh. I can't wait to see her again!
Staffa was magnificent. The basalt columns and Fingal's Cave (which inspired Mendelssohn) were fantastic. And the puffins were delightful! They love people because people scare away the seagulls, their main predator. So when people gather on the top of the cliffs (where the puffin nests are), and wait patiently, the puffins will gather on the cliffs, often only a few feet away! They are adorable and make a wonderful cooing sound which reminded me of the contented sound some people make after a good meal. But their finding protection from their enemies at the feet of people reminded me how we find protection from our enemies at the feet of God -- "deliver me from the evil one..."
Tomorrow morning I'll be leaving Iona and heading to Glasgow, and then on to meet Karin in Edinburgh. I can't wait to see her again!
Monday, July 6, 2009
Report from Iona
I'm here in Iona! I know it's been a few days since I've been able to check in, but there is a hotel on the island that has some terminals for rent with Internet access.
The journey here was a delight. It was fun to spend some time in Edinburgh and Glasgow before the long journey -- eating cullen skink, riding a double-decker bus, listening to a bagpiper, and watching the Andy Murray-Andy Roddick tennis match in a pub in Glasgow. It was a great time.
The journey was long -- it took almost 8 hours to get from my hotel in Glasgow to the isle of Iona, including two bus rides (one on a one-lane road across the isle of Mull, which was quite exciting!) and two ferry rides. But the travel was uneventful.
The isle of Iona has a harsh beauty. Rocky outcroppings with green pasture land, and full of old ruins of various types. I'm staying in a room in the Abbot's House, adjoining the Abbey, with six other men, all clergy, four from the US, one from Canada, and one from England. There are about 50 residents staying here this week, I think, and they are from a variety of nations. It's a wonderful thing to live in community with such a diverse group. We don't all agree on a lot of things, but we all live together in community, in harmony. What the church is supposed to be, right?
The worship here has been very simple. Services are at 9am and 9pm each day, with themes for the evening times of worship. Last night was a time of quiet worship, tonight will be a service focusing on justice and peace.
The island is a beautiful place to explore, and I hope to go on an "off-road" pilgrimage tomorrow to see and learn about some of the sights.
There is also a lot of time to rest, to pray, to read, to walk, to nap, and to wonder at the determination of St. Columba and the other monks who established this place.
I don't have the ability to download my photos to the computer in the hotel, so pictures will have to wait. But know that I am here safely, and that all is well.
The journey here was a delight. It was fun to spend some time in Edinburgh and Glasgow before the long journey -- eating cullen skink, riding a double-decker bus, listening to a bagpiper, and watching the Andy Murray-Andy Roddick tennis match in a pub in Glasgow. It was a great time.
The journey was long -- it took almost 8 hours to get from my hotel in Glasgow to the isle of Iona, including two bus rides (one on a one-lane road across the isle of Mull, which was quite exciting!) and two ferry rides. But the travel was uneventful.
The isle of Iona has a harsh beauty. Rocky outcroppings with green pasture land, and full of old ruins of various types. I'm staying in a room in the Abbot's House, adjoining the Abbey, with six other men, all clergy, four from the US, one from Canada, and one from England. There are about 50 residents staying here this week, I think, and they are from a variety of nations. It's a wonderful thing to live in community with such a diverse group. We don't all agree on a lot of things, but we all live together in community, in harmony. What the church is supposed to be, right?
The worship here has been very simple. Services are at 9am and 9pm each day, with themes for the evening times of worship. Last night was a time of quiet worship, tonight will be a service focusing on justice and peace.
The island is a beautiful place to explore, and I hope to go on an "off-road" pilgrimage tomorrow to see and learn about some of the sights.
There is also a lot of time to rest, to pray, to read, to walk, to nap, and to wonder at the determination of St. Columba and the other monks who established this place.
I don't have the ability to download my photos to the computer in the hotel, so pictures will have to wait. But know that I am here safely, and that all is well.
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