Woke up at 7:30 and by 8:30 went down to breakfast. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many hung over people in one spot, not even the day after a Bozarth wedding. The smell burned my nose. Alcohol fumes wafting out of men’s pores, coupled with cigarette smoke. And some of them lit up in the lounge, where we had to wait to be seated. A definite no smoking area, but no one but me seemed to care.
I left the hotel at 10 to start walking. My first goal was the Barras, a group of buildings and warrens holding hundreds of stalls and mini-shops. I got there about 10:45. Interesting and fun. Unbelievable, the types of things that were being sold. In one stall, there were marijuana pipes, but also the redolent aroma of dope. A little kid was talking to the operator about something, and the clerk just kept giggling. I thought, okay buddy, you are so loaded, but don’t say something stupid to the kid. He didn’t. In fact he couldn’t say anything. Just kept giggling.
Building upon building, decrepit and “condemnable,” full of people from all walks of life—all white. That surprised me. I did end up seeing a few people from India, but they were running a couple of stalls.
Just when I thought that everything was brand new, although junky, I found a huge building full of used stuff that would be sold at a flea market in any country.
There were lots of food stalls as well. I didn’t buy anything, but enjoyed reading the signs—whelks and mussels, mushy peas, hamburger, sausages, and donuts. Everyone else seemed to be eating as they walked around.
On the way back I saw huge signs that announced the International Comedy Festival was here up until April 3—yesterday. Too bad. I could have watched a show last night.
Stopped at St. Enoch Mall, located in Town Centre. Nearly every store was open on Sunday. I was glad I had 20p with me to use the loo. Most nice places cost money. I did see a public toilet on the street and took a picture of it.
At the mall I ate my favourite thing—a spud with beans and cheese. Then came back to the hotel and wrote an article for my church newsletter. Walked around the hotel and saw the three candidates for employment. They’re the reason I’m here this week, to watch how they interact with other participants and how they do in the course itself.
Played a few computer games, did a little work, then called it a night—early.
posted by Jerilyn Dufresne, author @ 15:01
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