Every time I told someone in Scotland that I was headed to Aberdeen, I was met with a questioning expression. "There's nothing there." or "Is it a specific thing you want to see?" were a couple of the responses to my plan. Actually, Aberdeen meets my primary requirement in visiting a place; I've never been there. It also is a testament of my lack of geographical understanding in the size of countries. I assumed Scotland was huge because my country, the US is huge. It isn't. In fact, it is almost exactly the same size as my state. I planned my visit so as not to travel eight to ten hours a day hence to Aberdeen (two hour train ride) followed by Dundee (one hour train ride). Yes, I know, Google Maps is wonderful but lessons learned. The first positive in researching the Must Sees is there is a Lidl close to my AirBnB. The dollar to pound exchange rate has eaten in to my budget and this grocery store makes a big difference. I'm not a foodie (obviously). I just need to fuel for walking.
My first impressions of this city are mixed. The age and architecture are typical of Scotland and beautiful. There is a large art gallery, several museums, a huge library, and lovely planned out green spaces. There's also a beach that I've been told is much different than that of Nairn and worth a visit. But in one day of walking around, there is a worn sense to the place. So many seemingly solid buildings empty and vandalized. Incredibly designed, with so much potential, I can't help but wonder why they aren't being utilized. There's a housing crisis here. Surely these make possible alternatives. Discovering the Kirk of St. Nicholas in the city center may have been what set the tone for the day. This astonishing beauty is being let go to waste. It's existence began in 1151 but was dissolved of use in December of 2020. Information online describes the church as one of the most important historical buildings in the city yet there is no mention of restoration or merely even it's upkeep. While the structure as a whole is dull and dirty, the steeple with functioning clock rise into the sky as if trying to remind those around of its existence. "I'm still here" rings out with the chiming of the hours and time spaces in between. If you look it up, you'll be amazed at the significance documented but currently ignored. The graveyard is noted as having importance as well but is overgrown, unkempt even as compared to others I've seen which are notoriously in disrepair. Anyway, this inspired a sense of helpless sadness that very well may have colored the rest of the day.
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