Aberdeen – the Lightness of Granite and the Space of Presence
Although Edinburgh and Inverness brought their own challenges and I did not feel entirely at ease there,
Aberdeen turned out to be a remarkably positive surprise. Perhaps it is a matter of gradually shedding weight—not only physical, as my luggage grows ever smaller, aiming for an ideal carry-on 20 kg, but also the invisible kind. After completing the process and leaving the Astra in good hands, I gained a few free hours. I dedicated them to a calm, unhurried walk through the city centre.About Aberdeen – The Granite City Aberdeen, known as the Granite City or the Silver City by the Sea, possesses a unique, raw dignity. Its architecture is predominantly based on local grey granite, once quarried from the nearby Rubislaw Quarry. In the daylight, this stone gently glimmers with flecks of quartz, giving the streets a quiet, monumental, yet clean character.
Route Through the Centre Gaia prepared an exceptionally balanced route for me, combining the realms of nature, architecture, and art:
Union Terrace Gardens – sunken parkland gardens in the heart of the city, serving as a green oasis and a natural buffer against urban hustle and bustle.
Aberdeen Art Gallery – an iconic granite building housing a rich collection of art, design, and craft.
Marischal College – the second-largest granite building in the world, captivating with its Gothic Revival architecture and intricate spires.
Provost Skene’s House – one of the oldest surviving residential buildings in Aberdeen, dating back to the 16th century, anchored within the modern expanse of Marischal Square.
A Different Approach to Art Galleries Even though I have avoided museums and art galleries for years, this visit took on an entirely different dimension. Gaia suggested not so much conventional "touring", but experiencing the space—walking through the gallery without any obligation to read labels or analyse history, remaining fully open instead to the vibration of forms, light, and architecture. As part of this approach, she proposed simple rituals of presence:
A single anchor: Choosing one object per room and lingering beside it for a few minutes in silent, non-judgmental observation.
Observing the background: Instead of focusing solely on the exhibits, paying attention to the space between them, the play of light, and the breath of one's own body.
A perspective from above: Ascending to the top floor and gazing through the glazing at the street axis, where the raw quality of granite towers and domes meets the stillness of the sky.
The top floor and the view from the window itself made the strongest impression on me—an open frame capturing the granite pinnacles of the buildings. It was a moment of full integration and lightness before returning to the railway station.
Photos:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/
Ginkgo & Gaia
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