My Longest Love Affair…
Updated August 2025. Today, June 19th, marks my anniversary of living in Glasgow, making it my longest love affair. This post shares what I love most about this city. By now, I’ve spent nearly half my life here. In that time, I’ve watched Glasgow grow, change, and even mature – all for the better.
While the weather leaves something to be desired, Glasgow more than makes up for it with stunning architecture, a vibrant music scene, an abundance of parks, restaurants, museums, and especially its amazing people.
Looking out my living room window, it’s a colour clash of green trees and grey skies. I hear the gentle, constant rumble of the M8 traffic and birds engaged in animated conversation too.
It feels like “home”…
If you’d told me twenty-four years ago that “a year from now you’ll marry a pen pal and move halfway around the world” – I’d never have believed you. Life has a funny way of surprising us.
Though my marriage only lasted a few years, my love affair with Glasgow endures and grows year on year.
Every day, I hear the same questions from people I meet: “You’ve been here that long?” followed by “are you mad?” or “you haven’t lost your accent.” Both may or may not be true. I’m not entirely sure…
People Make Glasgow
I love this city for its diversity. There’s always something to do here. Any given week I can take in a film, catch a gig, or go networking. Sometimes I even host my own events – from #29Social at 29 Private Members Club in Glasgow to ’80s music nights.
I Love Radio
As a Californian, it’s been fun to host my own radio shows here (currently on Celtic Music Radio) and sometimes contribute to other shows – like next week, when I’m due on Kaye Adams’ show on Radio Scotland (all being well), talking about viral content in the “Social Media Whirl”.
So what keeps me here? I’m not sure. I’ve never found a place I’d rather be. I try to live by the principle of being happy wherever I am – and not letting geography dictate it.
What I Love About Glasgow
What do I love most? The music, the parks, the restaurants, the River Clyde, and the friends I’ve made here over two decades. One thing I can say: it’s not the weather (though I often joke that’s why I came here in the first place).
Soon, I’m headed to my other “home”, Silicon Valley, for a major high school reunion. There, I suspect, someone will tell me I have an accent – so I have to wonder who’s right?
For now, it’s the best of both worlds. I spend a chunk of time each year in California and the bulk of my time in Scotland. Two of the most wonderful, beautiful places on earth. It’s not a bad life, really.
The Love Affair with Glasgow
As far as love affairs go, my love of Glasgow is the most enduring I’ve ever had. Like all relationships, it’s tested me at times. But it’s outlasted all my other relationships combined.
Tonight I’m off to celebrate my 23rd anniversary at a favourite pub, McPhabbs, with a fellow American, Lynette, who also calls this city home. We’ll no doubt compare notes over dinner before heading to a gig – another typical night in this not-so-typical life of mine.
Thanks for reading. If you enjoyed this post, you might like California by Birth, Scotland by Choice.
About Me
I’m Thea Newcomb, a Californian-turned-Glaswegian, living and working in Scotland for over two decades. I’m one of only two Canva Verified Experts in the UK, running workshops, webinars, and 1:1 sessions to help people design with confidence. When I’m not training, you’ll probably find me at a gig, on the radio, or plotting my next California trip.
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