There's More to St. Andrews Than the Golf Course!

Although I must say golf is likely the primary reason most people visit St. Andrews, we found it to be a quaint and fun little town.  While Paul and Bryan played 36 holes of golf in one day, Maria and I had a lot of time on our hands in which to take in some other sites. 

We found out there is a University of St. Andrews and we actually met a girl who came all the way from New Mexico to go there!  The campus was nothing like any university we are used to, although it may be a bit like some of the older ones in the East.  As we wandered through the University campus, we came across the gift shop for The Castle.  We found out we could buy a ticket to see just it or to see it and The Cathedral.  Such a deal…we went for both!!!

As it turned out, The St. Andrews Castle is a ruin.  What was funny to us was that we had made a detour on the way from England to Scotland to see the Nottingham Castle, which was not only a ruin (one wall we think) but was also closed on Mondays!!!  It was not too disappointing though because the castle and grounds had an awesome view of the sea…or whatever the body of water was outside it.  We spent some time looking at the views and then headed off to find The Cathedral.  In case you haven’t already guessed, it is a ruin as well.  It does have the largest and most amazing cemetery I’ve ever seen, with headstones going back centuries and some from the 2000s.  What we paid for was to climb the winding stairway of 157 steps to the top of the tower.  By the time we got to that point, I had decided I would wait for Maria to do it.  Unfortunately, her token didn’t work…and then neither did mine!!  Bummer for her…

Next we went off to see what was in town and do some shopping.  We didn’t buy much but did have fun going into some of the stores.  And of course…I found more doors and a church to add to the collection.  The funniest part of the day was probably seeing the two of us trying to separate Euros from Pounds and then to figure out what we had and how much we should tip the bagpiper we wanted a photo with!!  I don’t think we gave him much but we got the picture anyway!

University of St. Andrews

THE CASTLE...or what's left of it!

The Cathedral and Cemetery

We swore this guy was posing for us! He sat very still for a long time.

 

 

There is no shortage or old churches in Europe.  And I am fascinated by them all!

Looks like there is something other than Guinness on this table.  We also liked Tennant!

Just a door to some, but not to me...
When one door closes, another opens!
See you next time at Royal County Down in Newcastle, Ireland.



Blessings to you and yours,

"Friends are kisses blown to us by angels." ~Author Unknown