Meet the twins
It's an odd idea, twinning towns; two places in completely different parts of the world with no apparent relation to one another are linked, supposedly with the goal of fostering better international relations and cultural understanding. Ok, but is the process of choosing a twin completely arbitrary, as it seems to be? Glasgow, for instance, has a whopping nine twins (actually that would make the lot decaplets then, wouldn't it?).
But does Glasgow have anything in common with its international siblings, or is it the black sheep of the family? Itchy set out to do a little internet-based research on a few of these foreign relatives.
Marseille, France: Boats: Marseille's the most important port city in France, and shipbuilding is one of the biggest industries of Glasgow.
Rostov-on-Don, Russia: Boats again. Both cities are on major shipping lanes, though like you, we've never heard of Rostov-on-Don.
Havana, Cuba: There's actually a Latin-style club in Glasgow called Havana (it's on Itchy's website, check it out).
Nuremberg, Germany: Cookies. Glasgow's got traditional Scottish shortbread, and Nuremberg is the home of the gingerbread used to make the witch's house in Hansel and Gretel. The shortbread's probably not as tasty, but doesn't carry the risk of you being eaten in turn.
Oh, and in case you were wondering, Glasgow's other twins are Montpellier, France; Lahore, Pakistan; Turin, Italy; Dalian, China; and Bethlehem, Palestinian Territories (yes, that Bethlehem).
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