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tommyoboe post: reflections on glasgow. Last week I had the pleasure of travelling up to Glasgow for an audition. I

reflections on glasgow. Last week I had the pleasure of travelling up to Glasgow for an audition. I wasn’t sure what to expect. I just knew the city had a reputation of being a bit grungy and edgy. I stepped out at Glasgow Central to find the platform heaving with people, like the arrivals lounge of an airport. I scuttled through and found myself outside, in amongst building works, a man violently spitting a few yards away and a sea of Glaswegian accents. I mean aye, what did I expect? Next I was navigating directions for some middle-aged Korean men, knowing absolutely no Korean. I don’t think I helped them. My Google Maps told me the walk to the audition was around half an hour, so off I went with my double case and HAY tote bag (bit out of place here, to be honest), away from the bustling city centre and out into the suburbs. The surroundings became more open and questionable, and as I traversed large swathes of road, I thought, am I in the middle of America? I awkwardly side-stepped shut-off bits of pavement for engineering works and readjusted the sole of my right boot a dozen times before Victorian buildings began to emerge and the streets felt more alive. I debated around seventeen times whether a cortado from the nearby coffee and vintage store was appropriate, but I decided against and walked round the block. The audition itself was a positive experience, despite still not knowing the outcome. I caught up with oboists old and new, warmed up and rehearsed as I wanted to, and felt relatively calm despite going between hot and cold in my overshirt, which was just too nice not to wear in the audition itself. Once done, it was time to enjoy sunny Glasgow! When I saw the forecast of low teens and cloudy I thought I was basically entering a harsh Siberian landscape, but all was well and I enjoyed a sensational Godshot Studio pourover coffee from the equally sensational Sweven Roasters. The fizzy peach notes did not disappoint. A delightful white chocolate and hojicha tea cookie was the accompaniment. All served on pristine KINTO tableware, I felt good. Inside was equally lovely, with pops of Studio Arhoj colour, fragrances from Malin + Goetz, and a whole range of excellent accessories dotted on minimalist shelving. Unfortunately this was a brief visit to Scotland’s largest hub, so little exploration took place otherwise, but I did enjoy a meander back towards the station. I wandered down side streets to find cute European-style apartment blocks; took in the late afternoon sunshine at Queen’s Park; heard the chatter of locals in pub gardens, and witnessed the juxtaposition of grand old clock towers and busy traffic filling the landscape. An M&S pick-me-up (would recommend their chicken and chorizo sandwich on malted bread wholeheartedly) and I was on the relatively quiet train home. I gazed in wonder as I passed through sections of the Lake District and found myself closer to the great hills than I ever have been before. I await my return to this city. It carried a buzz, character and friendly charm, which I look forward to delving into soon. With at least another thirteen coffees.

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