Sunday 18th June 2023
One week till my birthday!!! But, today I had a gift in exploring parts of Glasgow on foot again. I lived here when I was 21 and I really didn't go up any roads 'just because'. I do appreciate that now I have my mobile map planning my journey and it helps alleviate my younger self's fear of getting lost. Plus I also appreciate all my thousands of kilometers on foot running through the unknown streets of South Africa over the past 17 years.
Today I met my new friend again and we walked along to the Glasgow Botanic Gardens. We stopped on route at a Vegan Cafe where I had the most delicious pancakes ever. The dull weather had turned into a glorious day so we sat on the pavement and basked in the lovely gift of this lifetime. Plus I people watched. The variety of styles here are fantastical and I realise how ordinary my life in the Joburg suburbs had become. I suppose that's the whole purpose of suburban life, in a way.
My jaw is slightly ajar at the creativity of people and the many dogs that are accompanying their owners. I did have two dogs engage with me today so I was chuffed.
The Botanic Gardens were very busy and it made sense why the city streets had been empty. Everyone was inside the lovely park, sitting on the benches, having picnics on the lawn and strolling through the glasshouses. We joined them and I was immediately transported to Durban, with the warm, tropical feel to the air. It's amazing to see these old glasshouses still so impressive after all these years.
After a coffee, we opted to jump on a bus back to the city centre and I must say I was glad to not be walking another 5km back. My legs are complaining a bit from all this walking, which seems not right, considering I am trying to get fit again.
Right now though, I'm fit for bed.
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