October 27th, 2005: Early morning we set out on a walk from the Youth Hostel where we were staying in Glasgow. We looked at the map and the University area looked like a walk able distance. The route took us through the beautiful Kelvingrove Park adjacent to the University of Glasgow.

Kelvingrove Park is one of the most popular parks in the city of Glasgow. It is located in the west end of the city and sits on both banks of the River Kelvin. Covering 85 acres, it was created as the West End Park in 1852 by Sir Joseph Paxton. (Source: Wikipedia)

With autumn in the air, the foliage in all its glorious colours : different shades of green, red, yellow : was a feast to the eyes. We roamed around enjoying the early morning chill in the air.

We came across an interesting sight – many healthy, but slow moving squirrels in the park. Are they drugged, pondered my sister, when one of them came right up to us, put his nose up in the air, looking a little like a suspicious but curious all the same. Squirrels usually run away at the sight of any movement, especially when the source is a human!

A lady passed by and dropped a few pieces of something in front of the squirrel. On closer inspection, it turned out to be chocolate. No wonder, the squirrels that inhabit Kelvingrove are not only healthy, they’re also very friendly since they now equate humans with chocolates and food. Smart (and lucky) squirrels!