Castle Visit

On 26 of June, which is a Sunday, I took a trip to the Cuzlean Castle. Well, I could say I was lucky to be able to join the trip. The tickets were sold out when I went to get it. It was through a friend who come to get two tickets from friends who didn't want to go. However, the trip was worth the price. I had to pay 10 pounds for the tickets but that include the bus fare and the entrance fee into the castle.

The trip started at 9.00, when we boarded the bus. The journey to the castle took about a quarter past an hour, but we did stop halfway to look at the Burns cottage. Robert burns once lived there. Who is Robert Burns? Well, beats me... but I was told he was a famous poet in Scotland. Then on the way to the castle from the Burns cottage, see stopped once more at the "Electric brae". What the heck is that? Ummm let me see... how should I explain. Well, first lets start of by saying that it is one freaking magnificent thing or place to experience. At this particular stretch of road, a very small stretch in fact, there's an optical illusion. I'll explain it by giving the details of my experience, it'll be easier, for everyone. First when the bus was stopped at this particular stretch of the road known as the "electric brae", we were asked to look out the windscreen, or the front of the vehicle. It looked as if the bus was going downhill. (If you doubt what I see, ask the other 49 people on the bus!!) I used 'as if', why? Because, when the driver let the handbrakes off, instead of rolling forward, the bus rolled backwards!!!! Which if looking out the front is going downhill, we are in fact rolling uphill!!!! Really magnificent. It's one of those see it to believe it kind of phenomenon.

Ok,let's not get too excited. The main purpose of the trip was to visit Cuzlean Castle, not the "electric brae". On the way to the castle, the country side view was great. Then, nearing the castle, for the first time in Glasgow, I saw the sea. (I've been wondering why are there so many sea gulls around town when I don't see no sea?) The castle, as usual, hangs off a cliff by the sea. Wonder why most castles are built like that?

When we entered the castle, we weren't allowed to take any photos, so, well what a waste! The inside of the castle were indeed grand. The decorations, the artwork and the architecture were all great. Even though I'm not that good in appreciating all these. The castle were used by umm.... some first earl, second earl, first marquees, etc etc... I can't remember the names and no one would I guess. Their story were told during the tour within the castle. We weren't brought to places like the dungeons and hidden passageways though. Hmm... a bit disappointed. I thought it was part and parcel to have those in a castle.

Then we had lunch, picnic style on the garden outside the castle. After the brief lunch, we walked around in search for areas around the castle which was supposed to be tourist attraction. Well, we found the rocky beach, and with much effort, the Swan pond. The pond was umm... relatively big, but despite it's given name, the swans were hard to find. There were only two swans there on the big pond. The rest are mostly ducks and seagulls. Anyway, beside the pond there was a field where many locals have picnics and bask in the sun. There was a hut selling famous local ice creams as well. I didn't had any though. Then, after a long day, it was time to go back.

Everyone was tired and on the one hour trip home, most slept the journey off. The trip was really nice and memorable. at least now I can say I've been to other places besides John Anderson Campus and streets around it. Now, my fingers are numb from typing....