A (MAD!) trip to Glasgow

 Hey everyone! I am Jack/Noodle and today’s posting is a bit different to my usual postings (don’t worry there’s regular postings soon) I made this post to celebrate a small win for me and huge adventure. For those unaware, I went to see Sparks in Glasgow so I spent a few days up there to see some sights and sketch some fun things and meet new people. This was one of my first trips on my own somewhere which I am so proud of as I am defeating my anxiety of strange places away from my local area bit by bit. So before I begin I can suggest, if you haven’t already, get yourself comfortable and get a snack or drink, I’ve just eaten a bowl of wedges/chips as one awful effect of being hypermobile is your joints locking up and my jaw locked up last night. Without much rambling, let’s go take our trains. 

(Get in everyone, we’re on a Sparks Journey)

(Video from the first train) 

So where do we start? I start my journey from the big train station near me, I get there about an hour early because I have immense trust issues with public transport. Before leaving, I repack my backpack for the 100th time, I’m so nervous I cry at the thought of suffocating my emotional support bear. I manage to force myself out the house, getting my local subway train (locals call them metros) to the big city and then as soon as I get to the station I get a meal deal as it is warm. I also love preparing and knowing I have food with me. It reduces the stress around eating on the train and the fear of uncertainty. My first train was nothing too exciting, I zoned out for most of it. My second train was from a place called Carlisle which when I arrived, they said my train was delayed by 30 mins so I did what any bored person would do, go to the bathroom. I then made my way to the platform as Carlisle had no cafes or something like that. Being bored left me to take photos of the station, for sketching later. I also grew hungrier but held off on devouring my lunch until a train. As soon as I got on the train, relief washed over me, I ate my sandwiches and some fruit and listened to sparks. I also was throughly impressed at myself as I was miles from home and was getting further away with no panic attack in sight. I was doodling peacefully and watching the world go by. I was at ease. 

The doodles from the second train ride.

When I got to Glasgow, I felt a sense of sickness and overload as the station was massive. On my way across I was texting my sister to see if she’d meet me at the station or in the city itself or something because she hadn’t seen me in a while. Whilst waiting to hear plans I got out and breathed fresh air for the first time in hours. I wasn’t sure what to expect from Glasgow, my mind had visualised it being like Edinburgh. I was correct almost in said visualisation. I decided to stretch my legs and find something to eat, as I wasn’t intensely hungry, however, I was nervous and often I like to chew on things when I’m super stressed. I also was coffee deprived, I had not drank my morning breakfast coffee like usual so I went to find something like this. I stumbled upon a Tim Hortons, I was so excited at it because in my town it is a bit out the way and I never find motivation to get a bus to just go to a Tim hortons so to see one in a city centre and quiet I felt calmer. I ended up with my coffee and a donut to reward myself from a long journey, I also sat to people watch and text friends and family that I had made it. I also did a rough sketch of my food and slow drank my coffee while my sister told me her plans to meet me at my hotel. 

Coffee and donut are the best rewards, I got an apple turnover donut too as I miss autumn

When I met my sister and her girlfriend (hope they don’t mind being mentioned hah) they gave me a free weekly bus ticket for my adventures for the week. They also asked me for a Greggs and showed me around the main streets so I know where to get food and what is near my hotel. They took me to my nearest McDonald’s as we had a chat to catch up and see how their new place is coming on. She also helped me face my fears of glass lifts, which are still evil, but they’re also less spooky knowing I can look at a wall or watch what floor I’m at. My hotel room was tiny, but for one person who is happy anywhere I felt safe. When I got McDonald’s I was exhausted from travel so I picked a beige meal and sat in my hotel bed with it and watched tv. I was so tired after I slept a good while. This was the end of day one. 

Day two, this day I woke up around 6 as I struggled to stay asleep as a mixture of anxiety and the warmth of my hotel room made it difficult. I forgot to mention in day one, but my hotel had no windows and no air conditioning so it got hot quite quick and I have not the best tolerance to heat. So to cope with my lack of sleep I watched some morning television and got myself together and went to the bar for breakfast, I had crossant, danish pastry and cheese and ham and some apple juice. I then packed a small bag in my room of arty tools and fidgets and went out for a walk, it was rainy but it didn’t deter me from wanting air. It was around 9am and I saw people going to work and people existing and being alive. I walked from my hotel to the necropolis which was beautiful. To some the idea of going somewhere surrounded by architecture to remember the dead is scary and eerie, but to me I found it relaxing and peaceful so I decided to have a walk around and get some photos and sketch the architecture. 

 

(Above: image of me with some cool architecture and a path I followed)

I soon found myself in Glasgow Cathedral so I had a small wander, it had some beautiful stained glass windows. Every time I go to a cathedral I often think about how stained glass was created to help those who couldn’t read to understand texts and stories; this creating a very early example of illustration as an illustrators job is to create images to help people understand a story or message. This building also has parts that have survived since the 12th century still standing. I also loved staring up to the huge ceiling. It is a magnificent building, free to enter and explore too so to any readers wanting a whimsy trip to Glasgow I can recommend going to both necropolis and cathedral in the same day. 

A pic from the cathedral

I soon found myself tired, but wanting to have some lunch so I caught a bus to the city centre and I got off near the Modern Art Gallery. As an illustrator, I can be honest here; we never get any hype or discussion or space to just exist at this current day. But I take notes and ideas from the modern art world. Anything they’re doing, I try not to do yet I’m inspired by what the audience of non artists find attractive in art. While in the museum I find some interesting ceramic pieces I decide to sketch up. 

 

(The ceramic pieces I saw, I loved these because I’m a nerd for 3D objects in art; I used to do ceramics a lot and miss making something physical)

The art I made from seeing those objects

For lunch, I did not feel too excited to try and find a crowded take out place so I checked out the art galleries cafe, this is in the library so it has rules around keeping a low volume, but it was perfect for me as I wanted a chill moment. All the proceeds of the cafe appear to go to charity as well. I had a chicken mayo sandwich and a cola and did some doodles. I found this cafe reminded me of a cafe in my local museum, simple and not too busy. I soon finished my lunch and decided before I go back to my hotel to check out some shops and get over my fear of new places even further. 

I went to a Cass Arts which was heavenly, seeing all the individual art supplies always warms me as I can pick what colours I want and I can make my own choices. I bought a sew binded sketchbook, some tombrows from cass arts as I was so excited to be in one after a few months of no art stores, asides my large one for beads to make things for markets. I also checked out FOPP as someone suggested I check in them for sparks stuff, sadly no sparks albums I ached for were in there, but I got a wire album and a the replacements album. I also had a nosy in the St Enoch Centre, one of Glasgow’s shopping centres, it felt very Americanised; it had a food court and the toilets were 3rd floor. Soon I could feel my exhaustion really get to me so I went to cafe Nero for a chocolate milkshake and headed to my hotel for a rest before sparks. 

For Sparks, I decided to do an outfit inspired by 1980s Russell Mael, I luckily had a jacket I had thrifted months ago which was time set in the 80s. It is in perfect condition and I’ve already attached many pins to it. I also decided to layer necklaces to add more 80s vibes to my outfit and add more colour and depth to my outfit. I also love confusing people with my gender and making sure my outfit doesn’t look one gender. 

My outfit for Sparks

Before going to the venue, I met some lovely fans at the local Wetherspoons for drinks and a chat as this is my first sparks concert and it was nice to understand the fandom. I met a guy called Ally, who told me all about the 21 albums, 21 nights shows he had been to. One interesting thing I took note about was after these shows, many sparks fans went to the nearby bar which was a gay bar where they’d play sparks and fans would respect and socialise with the community in the bar. I soon started my journey with Helka, getting a Greggs pasty on the way. I had bracelets to hand out to say hello to fans and also because I end up at places immensely early so I ate my pasty then checked out their merch. Personally, I felt a bit disappointed at the merch, I loved the designs and ideas, but some designs either were near fully sold out or sold out entirely. I got a stripy MAD shirt and the super merch pack. I then began handing out bracelets and saying hello to people. I met a guy I met at a listening party and a few fans who were aware of me from this blog. It was insane for me to get asked if I was the person behind this blog and the artist Doodle Noodle because at home not many are aware of this page or the fact I’m making things. I also met some friends who had front row places so we caught up for the first time in real life. Soon it was time to go in to find my seats. I got a really nice view, despite not being the front as I am hypermobile and one issue I face is chronic pain in my legs when standing too long so I opted to understand my needs and get a seat. 

My view for Sparks

For the purposes of not ruining any of the set list or giving away too much, I won’t share videos here or dump an entire set list because I’m aware some people have yet to see this amazing band live yet. But I can say is I was throughly impressed at the fact they performed 3 songs from No.1 in Heaven live and I got to feel the positive energy from the guitarist, Eli Pearl. I found myself warmed by hearing Goofing Off, a song which to many is silly but to me it packs energy and makes me feel released and I have many videos of me in my kitchen loosing my mind (quite literally goofing off). I also sat proudly like a dad watching Evan Weiss's solos and Darren Weiss's dramatic drums. One part of the night which my friends (sparks and non sparks alike) found wholesome was me screaming loudly at the point Ron did his dance. I also really enjoyed how they have at least song in the set that Ron sings. Ron has a unique way with singing, it’s almost monotone but it has a sense of personality. Another song in the set made me feel very very happy to the degree I was jumping in my seat and giggling as it reminded me of an idea I have to write here. There was no break in the set, which I was a bit upset about because I was itching to scribble a quick sketch of the band performing. The last 2 songs, one of which I had mixed feelings for as a last song as it to me felt like one made for middle of sets, however, the whole gig ended with a beautiful slow song from A Steady Drip Drip which prompted me to feel infinite. I enjoyed sitting nearly crying at the last song as it perfectly ended the gig. 

  

(Some pics from the show)

I also laughed and felt comfortable to stim and feel like me at this gig as I wore my headphones to help with the noise. I sadly didn’t have time to yank out my buried loops but I had my headphones and they worked really well at helping in the loud noises. I also felt like the headphones didn’t inconvenience me or anyone else which is rare because I often have a tiny demon telling me I’m ruining everything for someone for needing to accommodate myself. I also enjoyed sparks so much I was giggling and clapping a lot because it was a freeing experience and it only cemented my love for the band and the fan base. I also found myself surrounded by boring people so I hope my vibes and energy, like how Russell’s energy matched mine, rubbed off on them. No sooner had it started, it was over. I had promised to meet my friends after the show to say hello and chat as I couldn’t just walk over to them then back to my seat. I had met so many cool people after and many knew me from my art or my blog or both which was so warming to hear as I got to trade bracelets with Frankie and promised everyone I’d be writing up about my times in Glasgow. 

A group selfie of sparks friends and I meeting

Soon I had to wander over to my hotel, happy but tired. When I got back to my room I felt exhausted but told my dad all about us fans meeting due to being all over the world which made meeting everyone like a crossover episode. To everyone I met, I apologise for being shorter than I appear and will try and make more sparks stuff to give out next gig I appear at. I soon got myself into bed clothes and slept ready to hang out with Sparks friend, Helka, the next day. 

The next day, a day after Sparks. It felt surreal to have woken up after a night that felt like a dream. I got a basic outfit together to go have breakfast. I had yogurt with fruit and another danish pastry. I also got a glass of milk, I fear that some of the other hotel guests found me insane for drinking milk on its own. I met a fellow sparks fan who’d seen my post in the group around my outfit and we got talking about the show and our plans. Soon I found myself heading to meet Helka before the bus to check out the Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery with her. 

My lovely breakfast after sparks

At the museum we checked out the animals and nature scenes and found all kinds of creatures and bones, we also found an exhibit on The First People of Scotland which had objects found from early Scottish settlers, coming from Scotland it was beautiful to understand the first people who settled and what objects they used. I also loved learning how Scotland was once one big rainforest and now only 1% of Scottish woodlands are original pine. Climate change doesn’t just stop in a beautiful country. We then went to grab lunch, I had mac n cheese which was in a huge bowl and I couldn’t finish it all even though I adore mac n cheese. We then went to the gift shop and I picked up my dad and his girlfriend some presents. I then had to get the bus to a puppet museum and leave Helka. But it was very fun to have a new friend to share history and a passion for creatures with and she went on to check out the art galleries for me. 

 

(Some stuff seen in the Kelvingrove museum) 

At the puppet museum, I did more doodles than photos but the staff were friendly and educated me on their collections. I had booked beforehand to be allowed access. I also saw puppets from the original Punch and Judy shows and an early Kermit which was given to the museum creator in 1987 by Jim Henson himself, I also saw VFX made which had several beautiful fantasy creatures and I heard that it was the same workshop that made the baby for the movie trainspotting. It got me thinking of how art forms are treated and seen in several cultures and countries. As a Brit who’s been in arty circles since they were 14, art is either celebrated or scoffed at. But in eastern countries they embrace their art and it’s a huge part of their culture. 

I then walked from the puppet museum to the Botanical Gardens, it was getting late but they were still open and lots of people populated them. I found them beautiful as they were so green and plants covered everything. I wanted to draw things but was exhausted so I took only photos for hopefully painting at a later date. I also found a little pond with fish which reminded me of home so I sat for a bit thinking about what I was going to eat and what I was going to do whilst eating. I know, the small things that make up my mind are food and sleep. I also loved the fact it was spread out but plants were everywhere; the paths were flat and decent sized so wheel chairs and pushchairs can use them. 

 

(Some images I took in the botanical gardens) 

Soon it was the next day, or going home day. I was sad but I have had an amazing trip, I met so many amazing people and I went so many cool places. Before getting my train home I checked out a small art store and the guy running this shop was hand making the voucher cards with Lino print. It was beautiful! I got another sketchbook and some more tombrows. I then got an M&S meal deal as a friend, Tami, wanted to know what the strawberry sandwich tasted like. It tasted like a scam. I felt like everyone who had wanted to try this should just make their own as it only had one half of a sandwich and was £2.80. I then went to the station and got a coffee as I was immensely early. I soon got on my first train home, where I sat with some nice old ladies who complimented my doodles. 

And now, a few days later, I am home after a few extra rest days and a day I saw my friends. I’m back writing this post. I wrote it in a single day and had a coffee whilst making this happen. Being home is weird after days of travelling and seeing new things. My dad’s girlfriend asked what’s next? For me personally I’m planning to find a part time job to fund more adventures like this and also to fund my love of small trinkets. For me creatively, I am going to be here and also making art. I’m planning on making a piece for an exhibition due in September or October. 

Me waiting to get off the train of life

But this is the end of this post, thank you everyone for reading! Thank you everyone I met at the sparks gig and after it! Thank you everyone who took a bracelet from me! I am now going to finish my coffee and create more arty things after a small break. Remember I’ve been Jack/Noodle and you’ve been a friend and reader. I hope to catch everyone next time.