arriving in Glasgow

Got back to Glasgow very early this morning and on the bus home there started to appear Volunteers for the Commonwealth Games, all smart in their new togs on the first real day of the Games. The first girl that got on looked askance at the driver hesitatingly, footering with her purse until the driver told her to go sit down. At least there are some perks for the committed volunteers.
A friend is doing it and she's a designated driver for Jamaica. She's very excited about it and hopes to get the main man in her car. Seemingly there's a "no selfie" rule for the volunteers which is understandable I guess, but a pity they can't click some memories of what will undoubtedly be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Walking into town and I passed driver volunteers queueing up in their shiny sponsored motors at the garage. Many more passed me by on foot, or were sitting at closed off areas of the city ready to advise punters. Suddenly it feels a bit more real and seemingly today is when the first athletes arrive.
Part of the excitement of the Games is tempered by a loss of thoroughfare in many scenic parts of the city. In the photo is the fence closing off Kelvin Way and the cycle route by the river is being fenced off and locked down as I type. It seems a bit wrong-headed that a games that was supposed to promote anti-pollution measures and encourage cycling is closing off the main artery for cyclists into town. The reason, of course, is that the SECC is a venue and there are always security concerns.
So, already there is a buzz in the streets, and the air is alive in the flags of the many nations who will come to Glasgow. It's going to be a great time to be in the city.