LESSON #2 The Lighthouse: The Two Towers

For today’s lesson it is fundamental that you understand that The Lighthouse in Glasgow…is not really a lighthouse. It’s not even near a body of water. What it really is, is Scotland’s national centre for design and architecture and one of my favorite places. It’s located just off Buchanan Street like so

I admit, on my first visit I hesitated when my friends turned right onto a dark, narrow street following the trail of neon signs above our heads which reminded me of those dingy motels in movies. I had to remind myself that they were definitely not planning on kidnapping me (I was still new to the city and paranoid, ok). Besides that, my first experience at Glasgow's Lighthouse was amazing and brought me back every year (free entrance, obviously).

After the exhibitions on the first 3 floors, on level 4 in the Mackintosh Centre begins the climb to the first tower which does look a bit intimidating, but very much awe-inspiring. 

And though the climb to the top might leave you a bit dizzy and panting, the moment you step out and the cold winds and the view of Glasgow hit you all at once, you feel a bit like Jack Dawson on the prow of Titanic.

The other tower is accessible by elevator (yay) which takes you to the viewing platform. It's an enclosed space with glass walls so you can get a 360˚ view. What it lacks in adventurous climbing, it makes up through the small, painted piano shyly placed in a corner. If you’re lucky, a brave visitor (or perhaps yourself) will play a few notes which, I think makes all the difference. That was how I first experienced the Lighthouse. A simple melody playing in the background as you turn around and take in the view of the city from up there just makes you fall a little bit more in love with Glasgow. That’s how it was for me, at least.