Pope fever

The last week has been a hive of activity in Bellahouston Park, just across the road from where I live, preparing for the papal visit. All sorts of crashing and banging has been going on, while a huge stage and all the ephemera that a big event with lots of bodies requires were installed. The park was closed from Wednesday afternoon and all the residents were subjected treated to a sound check from 9am to 9pm. All the main roads were closed apart from 2 for local access and the local buses and trains operated to a different timetable and route or didn't run at all. I ventured out in my car yesterday morning, despite the dire warnings of my neighbours that the traffic would be awful; it wasn't, in fact it appeared that most people not going to the park were at home! Later on, I went to have a look.

 

Lots of people  everywhere

 

I went back up the hill where I could see the stage framed by the trees

 

The music was spectacular, a brass band, full church organ, choirs of all ages, various singers and bands and Susan Boyle and Michelle McManus too. I sat in the garden with my crochet and enjoyed a free concert for most of the afternoon. When the Pope finally arrived, the sun came out and the stage/altar was bathed in sunlight;  just as well as it was very windy and rather chilly, hope he had his thermals on!

 

And the person who really deserved a medal was this cameraman perched high above the park. he must have been frozen:-(

 

Vertigo, anyone?

 
 
 
 
 

Comments

[Jennyff]

I had been wondering if you got involved in all the activity. Brilliant to be able to join in from the comfort of your own garden and interesting for us to see an alternative perspective on the event. There did seem to be a lot of disruption to normal life in Edinburgh and Glasgow but things seem to have gone smoothly and both cities looked excellent on the news coverage.

[Diane]

Oh my!! That cameraman!!! So glad that you could enjoy the music. I know its not very trendy to like Susan Boyle, but I think she sings so beautifully. One of my colleagues was on a trip to Glasgow and he got stuck in the traffic and ended up coming face to face with the Pope!! His photos (from his phone) were hilarious! xxxx

[Petit Filoux]

I can't believe they'd send someone up there!!! Imagine needing the toilet...!