r/Glasgow Tools

king_of_ash

Reddit URLhttps://www.reddit.com/user/king_of_ash
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  • Thanks for weighing in! I knew about Coldplay and Fringe but I was thinking of having international friends stay for a week or longer and just noticed that *ONLY* those dates were astronomically high in Glasgow. Like the average Airbnb is going for £737/night (for a whole flat to yourself/my friends). Even booking.com showed $3800 prices for 3 nights for two rooms on those days so I was curious. I should already hopefully be in my flat by then but was looking for accommodations for friends (who would want to stay with me or at least nearby) by king_of_ash (Fri 8th Jul 2022 6:26pm)
  • Love this for us. by king_of_ash (Sat 9th Jul 2022 12:53am)
  • Glasgow may be lacking in the pizza department but least I won’t have to worry about being shot on my way to get it. And even if I did, I wouldn’t go bankrupt from the medical bills if I survived. And plus I have bodily autonomy in Scotland, just as like a basic human right (!). What a country. by king_of_ash (Sat 9th Jul 2022 12:56am)
  • Thank you! I can’t wait. Even if the pandemic hadn’t devastated NYC and you could still get dinner in most of the city after 10pm, or have anything delivered 24/7, America is on the decline and Glasgow is awesome. by king_of_ash (Sat 9th Jul 2022 1:05am)
  • First--\*congrats\* on your sobriety! It's a big deal, and you should be proud of yourself for making the right choice for you. Depending on your injury (and whether you're scared of horses), horse riding is my activity/community of choice. It may not seem like a communal thing, but in the UK, it really is/can be. The best stable in the world happens to be in Scotland--(North Berwick--Seacliff Stables, which is as far East from Glasgow as its possible to be, I know) but the trainers are used to teaching people healing from injuries. It's run by a former Scottish national champion in carriage driving, so you could learn to do driving, which is its own awesome, fun, fast thing, and also perfect for people with back/hip/leg injuries. The riding community in Scotland is what started me on my path to moving from the US to Scotland (I've been riding since I was a toddler, but don't let that put you off--they take the most beginners of beginners). Riding is also a great way to heal from injuries, and a lot of the horses there have been trained from RDA (Riding for the Disabled). There are other stables closer to Glasgow if distance is an issue. If you have transport and can make it out there, one ride costs less than getting shitfaced at a pub, and it's also extremely COVID safe (outdoors with forced social distancing b/c horses are big). It can be as mild or hardcore as you want it to be--I ride in 3 degree weather, as long as the ground isn't frozen. I love it like nothing else. That's my own preference--but my Scottish and English friends who don't drink (and even the ones that do) are involved in dance communities in the UK (which are globally interconnected, turns out). They've met friends, partners, spouses, travel buddies, etc., all dancing (swing, balboa, contra, etc). You could also join a writing group--the Scottish Book Trust is a good place to get started. Like with book clubs, it turns something solitary into something communal. I'm more familiar with those resources in Edinburgh than Glasgow (so far), but feel free to PM me! My partner and I are thinking of starting up a regular non-drinking game night/trivia night near Lock 27 when we get back from traveling (they've got outdoor tables with umbrellas, and are dog friendly). You're not the only non-drinker in the city--you'll find your people! It just might take a bit of extra searching. Feel free to reach out anytime! by king_of_ash (Sun 17th Jul 2022 7:59pm)
  • I’m in the process of doing the same! Culture shock for me was not being able to get medication I need easily (pepcid requires an rx, for example) and most pharmacy and doctor visits in the beginning felt like I was being deposed at a congressional hearing because I’m on anti-anxiety medication and have a chronic illness that requires meds that the NHS does not normally prescribe because they’re expensive (I found an excellent private GP, but it took some work). I also found it bizarre (but awesome) that you can’t just be fired from your job at will/bc your boss doesn’t like your face, like in America—your employer has to have grounds (I’m self employed so that doesn’t apply to me, but might for you). Other than that, the biggest surprise for me was meeting the person I’d like to spend my life with there. Glasgow is special, Scotland is paradise, and not having to think about being shot on the subway or going out for groceries or to the yoga studio has done wonders for my mental health. Welcome! I hope you love it as much as I do. And take time to get to explore every gorgeous part of the country you can. by king_of_ash (Mon 18th Jul 2022 8:11pm)
  • Huh...I'll take your word for it! Nevertheless, I was shocked that there are any kind of enshrined protections for employees at all. That's incredible to me. Plus the fact that an ER/A&E visit won't bankrupt you. by king_of_ash (Mon 18th Jul 2022 9:36pm)
  • Global Talent/Exceptional Talent visa (Arts Council England). Was just endorsed, sent in Pt 2 of the app today. Hellish process. by king_of_ash (Mon 18th Jul 2022 9:41pm)
  • Thank you! I’ve spent years researching while guidelines changed over and over and then finally started the process in February. If I get denied after all of this I’ll spontaneously combust on the F train. What route are you escaping through? by king_of_ash (Mon 18th Jul 2022 10:44pm)
  • Ooft. You have your work cut out for you and I wish you ALL the luck! When did you start the process? My partner and I considered the marriage visa route but GTV was less expensive (LOLOLOL) and more flexible, especially since I'll be eligible to apply for ILR after only 3 years. He's also an EU citizen, though, so I'll still have to wait in 3 hour queues when we travel after he breezes through with his Italian passport :/ by king_of_ash (Mon 18th Jul 2022 11:04pm)
  • Oof, I completely understand, having looked for the same thing a few years back in Edinburgh (ended up with AirBNB). But! My partner and I have a flat we’re short-term-letting in Glasgow/Westend while we spend some time in the US visiting my family and waiting on my visa. It’s both cat and husband friendly 😉 Feel free to PM me—we’re pretty much only looking to STR by the month, so if we might be a good fit, I’m happy to send you the listing and we can hopefully help each other out! by king_of_ash (Wed 20th Jul 2022 8:46am)
  • American moving to Glasgow permanently and tomorrow and I 100% agree. (It would be ideal if the workers dumped the garbage on the unsupportive council members’ doorsteps, IMO, but yes, preserve Scotland from Americanization, please!) by king_of_ash (Tue 23rd Aug 2022 7:10pm)
  • Hey! Fresh Brooklyn—> Glasgow transplant here. Which visas are you moving here on, OOC? Assuming you’ve got your visas sorted out already (if not, be forewarned that the process is a *tough,* and long, even for the Global Talent Visa/Tier 1, which is how I got here— visit the ukvi sub for more info). You’ve got some good suggestions from actual Glaswegians in the comments already, so I’ll just add in my $0.02 below: I’ve lived in or visited many of the American neighborhoods/cities/states you’ve mentioned, and in the past several years I’ve spent visiting nearly every city/town/village of Scotland for research (except the Outer Hebrides/Shetland/Orkney). I can’t say I’ve experienced anywhere that approximates the vibes of any of the cities you’ve mentioned. San Diego, LA, and San Francisco are vastly different from each other, let alone Glasgow, which if anything, reminds me more of some places in Washington State (minus the dispensaries). Most of my queer friends live in Edinburgh, but they’re still a small minority in a tiny city (tiny compared to LA/San Diego/San Francisco). Don’t get me wrong—I LOVE Glasgow (I’m in Glasgow West/Anniesland) for the city it is—proximity to parks and nature, some truly special architecture, a thriving music scene (no experience w/ this post-pandemic, I’m sure others can weigh in), some restaurants that rival or top the best of what the US has to offer (Hanoi Bike Shop shoutout for best handmade tofu I’ve had in the states) and for having more than just one vegan restaurant (I’m a vegetarian, not a vegan, but it’s SO nice to be able to go out and have actual options highlighted on the menu). Not to mention that there’s so much beauty within a 20-30 minute drive/train, and even more gorgeous landscapes if you’re able to travel beyond that. I don’t drive in Glasgow but my partner does, but I can still easily access (most of) the rest of Scotland (by car or train—compared to the MTA/NYC transit, Scotrail is paradise). Just maybe be mindful that your expectation vs. reality on any of these fronts may result in disappointment unless you’ve spent loads and loads of time here (I’ve almost exclusively visited Scotland in the winter, which is one of the ways I knew I’d love living here). Feel free to PM if you’ve got any questions, but if not, I hope you find what you’re looking for in Glasgow or wherever you end up! by king_of_ash (Sat 10th Sep 2022 9:51pm)
  • Just officially moved to Glasgow (partner is Glaswegian), and while I can’t help on the letting agency front, my partner and I do let his home on AirBNB when we’re traveling (which we are right now, as we’re back in the US wrapping things up). We have been booked solid since we started hosting—UGlasgow has been telling international students (some of whom have been our guests) not to come unless they already have accommodations settled. We had inquiries from a few students who wanted to book for a short stay, expecting to find longer term accommodations once they landed:could view properties in person, and heard from them again (after our calendar filled with other guests) asking if we could cancel new reservations others had made because they still hadn’t found a place to stay 😬 That is all to say, I’d expect it to take more time than you’re estimating, and to cost more money than you’re estimating, especially if you need to be in a specific place/location due to your wife’s uni schedule. We literally only have a two week window from the middle/end of October that isn’t booked. FWIW, when I was just a tourist in Scotland a few years ago, I didn’t have the right to rent or work so letting agencies wouldn’t touch me (I’m a self-employed creative in the arts, well known in my industry) and so I did just have to spend several months hopping from AirBNB to AirBNB. It wasn’t cheap, but it did help me figure out where I wanted to live, hooked me up with super helpful hosts who became friends and friends who became landlords which would have helped me get my foot in the door even if I hadn’t met my partner. It’s not the worst way to get to know Glasgow/it’s surrounding areas, even though it isn’t cheap. Good luck to you, and I hope you find a good, solid place to settle at least in the short term! by king_of_ash (Mon 19th Sep 2022 6:29pm)
  • I’m a new resident of Glasgow/the UK-anyone know if I have to register with an optician to get an eye test? Is this a walk-in thing, or a call-in-advance situation? (My NYC-knowledge is inapplicable to the whole healthcare system here). by king_of_ash (Thu 10th Nov 2022 3:54pm)
  • Thank you so much! (The GP I registered with told me I’d need to register with an optician when I had an eyelid infection, which is why I asked-in the US opticians just do glasses, not rx antibiotics…) by king_of_ash (Thu 10th Nov 2022 4:09pm)
  • Adding to the positive experiences list, I was luckily referred to a psychiatrist and got my appointment and assessment within 6 weeks despite my hostile GP. The psychiatrist was wonderful and compassionate. It likely helped that I’m an American expat who already has a diagnosis, but I was so discouraged by the GP I registered with when I moved that I thought I’d be SOL for over a year. Hoping my experience offers others some hope. by king_of_ash (Wed 16th Nov 2022 5:42am)
  • I super appreciate this feedback. Wish I was in a position to DIY but it’s not in the cards at the moment. I’ve had great luck finding help in the US, but new to the UK and haven’t yet had to find help here. Thanks! by king_of_ash (Wed 16th Nov 2022 9:28am)
  • I will check him out, TYSM! by king_of_ash (Wed 16th Nov 2022 9:27am)
  • Thanks! These are all good questions. Condition of walls: normal wear and tear. Standard white paint. Doors don’t need painting but the trim does. Open plan LR and kitchen, no DR:19 ft x 18 ft, very little furniture to work around, super easy to pull sofa away from wall, even I can do it without effort. Hall: 13.9x 6.7ft, bath: 9.2x 5.3, bedroom 10.2x9.10, bedroom 2, 10.2x9.2. Only thing that might be tricky is working around the bed, but I can have family help with that. I appreciate the detail and feedback! by king_of_ash (Wed 16th Nov 2022 9:26am)
  • Contact info would be super appreciated! DMs open if you’re willing to share; my google search isn’t bringing up much. by king_of_ash (Wed 16th Nov 2022 9:40am)
  • TYSM! by king_of_ash (Wed 16th Nov 2022 1:56pm)
  • Hey! I adopted my first dog when I was 19, single, and living in a tiny studio in NYC. She was a pit bull rescue from a cruelty case in rescue for 1.5 years because no one would adopt a dog with epilepsy (sometimes it’s a genetic predisposition, sometimes brought on by head trauma-hers was the latter). As soon as I moved out of the dorms and got my own apartment, she was mine. I spent my late teens and all of my twenties caring for her. I didn’t study abroad or even travel more than a few days until the last few years after my pets passed away because eventually, all pets get to the point where they need hospice/end of life care, and mine were all around the same ages. I will likely never, ever pay off their veterinary debt. And I don’t regret a single decision. I’ve also fostered 40+ dogs and cats in the past two decades. I’ve worked as an adoption counselor at shelters in the US, and my Scottish partner co-parents his dog with his ex-girlfriend. There will never, ever come a time in this dog’s life when she’s not being catered to. If you’re looking for a 12-17 year commitment c and looking for a running buddy in the rain and mud, and the thought of giving your dog meds and taking their rectal temperature as they age and need more care and time and money doesn’t make you run screaming for the hills? Then a dog might be right for you! The best way, IMO, is to find out by fostering first. All of my pets were rescues, and I know that’s less common here than in the US, but it’s still worth looking into. If you’re committed you are to researching, training, exercising, feeding, and paying for all of the associated costs (vaccinations, spay/neuter, acute injuries, chronic or generic illnesses, and on and on and on) just in the beginning, but for the lifespan of your pet, go for it. But do real research into breeds-huskies, for example, are vocal escape artists who were bred for intense physical activity, so if you live in a flat and lead a sedentary life? Not the right choice. Dachshunds are highly likely to get IVDD throughout their life. Greyhounds have high incidences of osteosarcoma compared to other breeds. If you are buying a lab or golden retriever or German Shepherd, please please please make sure the breeder has done CFA testing for hip dysplasia...I could go on, but hopefully you get the picture. Pets are rewarding, but they are also not disposable. Rehoming them causes trauma and contributes to their inability to find forever homes. Make sure, if you do this, that you’re prepared for a forever commitment of time, money, missed opportunities and love. by king_of_ash (Wed 21st Dec 2022 11:04pm)
  • Hi! Just recently moved from NYC myself, and while your income is definitely going to be helpful, you’re going to want to consult with an immigration attorney to ensure that your partner is eligible to emigrate if they aren’t also a UK citizen (ignore this if they are). For me, personally, I loved Scotland the minute I landed here for a visit several years ago. I’d been visiting the UK (during the winter exclusively) for several years for research, but I never felt as at home or as free or as safe as I have in Scotland. The things that bring me the most joy are things I can only do well and regularly in the UK. My Glaswegian partner, OTOH, feels exactly the same way about Brooklyn Heights. He misses stoop culture, being able to walk just about everywhere, the super cheap and plentiful fruit carts, the fact that there was a 24 hour deli around the block where he could order steak wraps in the middle of the night, that there’s something interesting and free to do every single day/night/week of the year, and that it’s never, ever boring, even if it is dangerous. The city lit up his neurodivergent brain. I also miss those things, and since I’m not able to drive in the UK, I miss the independence the city granted me. In an ideal world, if he could get a work visa in the US, we’d love to spend time most of our time here in Glasgow with a few months there with my family and friends. If you have any specific questions, feel free to DM! by king_of_ash (Tue 3rd Jan 2023 4:52pm)
  • That’s amazing! Thank you! by king_of_ash (Tue 3rd Jan 2023 5:43pm)
  • As an American who attended ALL of the protests during the Trump admin and when Roe v Wade was overturned, it’s never a bad thing to counterprotest those who quote Mein Kampf. I don’t need to know more about this group or what they stand for than that-it’s disqualifying on it’s face. Thank you for posting. by king_of_ash (Mon 16th Jan 2023 5:54pm)
  • American immigrant here. Is this a new thing for Scotland? I cannot stress enough how much everyone needs to contact their local MPs and demand a stance on abortion buffer zones before these people, and other US right wing funded groups, get their hooks into Scotland and Scottish hospital car parks. *This* is the moment, now, to force your politicians to tell them to get tae fuck, before they get a toe hold in this incredible country. by king_of_ash (Sun 26th Feb 2023 11:29am)
  • I’m interpreting this chart for Americans: 1. Cillian Murphy/Saoirse Ronan 2. Carey Mulligan/Judi Dench 3. Matthew Rhys/Catherine Zeta Jones 4. Sean Bean/Lena Heady 5. What? 6. Mr. Bean?? 7. Jamie Dornan 8. James McEvoy/Kelly MacDonald 9. Bob Hoskins RIP 10. Liam Gallagher 11. Paul McCartney 12. Ozzy Osbourne Source: I am an American and I think this list is pish. by king_of_ash (Wed 2nd Aug 2023 2:23pm)
  • Hey—I’m sorry you’re going through this. I’ve been where you are and it’s hard and expensive. The University of Glasgow has a seizure clinic-if your cat hasn’t responded to medications like Keppra or phenobarbital, you definitely want to enlist the help of a board certified veterinary neurologist and get your cat an MRI, in order to rule out tumours and such as the cause of your cat’s seizures. If you don’t have pet health insurance, I highly highly recommend getting some (in the US, FIGO was brilliant-here, I think Pet Plan seems a solid choice). Wait the 14 days, if you can (unless your pet is having cluster seizures/multiple seizures in one day), and then take your cat to the seizure clinic if another reputable specialty referral practice to see a neurologist. You need comprehensive diagnostics before starting a medication protocol because cats, like people, will often need to be on anti-spasmodics for life. Stopping and starting a medication can cause seizures in and of itself. Wishing you so much luck-I’ve had three pets with seizure disorders (one cat, two dogs), and trialled every drug under the sun, including compounded potassium bromide for my treatment resistant pup who had seizures due to brain damage. Nothing else worked for her, but that old drug did. It’s as much of an art as it is a science. by king_of_ash (Mon 7th Aug 2023 9:54am)