We almost never do this.
But we bit the bullet and booked a tour of St. Andrews and a fishing village with a company named Timber Bush tours in Edinburgh. Because we love visiting sights at our leisure, organized tours sometimes makes us feel rushed. Which we did feel again...but we definitely got our monies worth on this day.
Travelling by minivan, we left Edinburgh at 0900 and started our journey.
Stopping at a small village on the North Sea, we were able to comprehend the power of that water. In the centre of the 'big' wave that you see in the photo below, is a lighthouse. The locals told us the waves weren't too bad this day, and the tide wasn't in?? OMG!
Our big stop for three free hours was the town of St. Andrew's. Made famous for the graduates of the University of St. Andrew's, Kate Middleton and Prince William in 2005.
Ok...ok...maybe they have some ruined cathedrals and castles....but I have come to see Will and Kate's Alma Mater.
But first check out the beach on St. Andrew's coast. Surfing is very popular here and Prince William used to take part. This photo is with the tide coming in. From here the next stop across the North Sea would be Norway!
Birds taking a rest on the shore.
And....I know the golfers have been waiting for this.
St. Andrew's Golf Course. The mecca for golfers all over the world.
This is for you Clarkie!!!
This is the first hole. The cost to play a round of golf is 150. Sterling pounds per person and your handicap for men must be 24, and ladies 36. They don't want novice players holding up the game.
Well...I never....
This is a view of the 18th hole.
Every 5 years the British Open is played on the Old Course here at St. Andrew's. The next one is in 2015.
The St. Andrew's Golf Course Club House.
These golfers look like they might know what they are doing?
Guess what? We were told by two wonderful Scottish gentlemen whom were playing golf when we were there....that you are ALLOWED to walk across the green even if you are NOT playing golf. WHAT???
Well...here we go.
"FORE"
Debbie on the famous 'Swilcan Bridge.' A stone bridge located between the 1st and 18th fairways on the Old Course at St. Andrew's.
The bridge has become an icon in the world of golf.
Originally built almost 700 years ago to help the shepherds get their livestock across.
Tide is in!!!
I could watch the sea kick up like this for hours. It is so invigorating and makes me feel very alive and very happy. As long as I am not on a ship or boat in it.
The coast of St. Andrew's. There are paths that follow right along the sea.
A neat home in St. Andrew's.
The break wall getting pounded by waves before the tide came in?
I thought this little museum looked like a quaint little Scottish cottage.
An ancient wall. I wonder if the drivers travelling through this arch really see it anymore? When you visit and see how much is still standing, I can't imagine living here surrounded by it? So beautiful.
St. Andrew's Castle below.
The empty ruins overlook the sea. It is getting restored but I would think to keep it standing only.
Built in the 12th century this castle has seen a great many historic events.
In 1546, a Protestant Preacher was burned in front of the church by the residing Cardinal.
Protestant Reformers then took over the castle and killed the Cardinal.
The French attacked the castle on behalf of Mary, Queen of Scots during her fight with her noblemen.
It stands so gracefully on the sea.
Strolling on an incredible walkway that has panoramic views of the sea and St. Andrew's. We are looking for the St. Andrew's Cathedral.
Smell the freshness of the sea. Listen to the waves crashing. Inhale that salt air.......sigh....
Stories and legends abound about this sight.
It is said that the 'bones' of the Apostle Andrew were in the possession of St. Rule who was travelling by ship to Constantinople but became shipwrecked offshore. He decided that this was a sacred place for the relics of the Apostle Andrew so they built a cathedral in the year 1160. It was said that the relics had a direct connection to Jesus with special properties.
St. Andrew became Scotland's patron saint. Pilgrims started to arrive and the rest is history for the city of St. Andrew's.
And now.....St. Andrew's University and Kate and Will's Alma Mater.
For the Monarchists this was amazing. I loved this.
Prince William came here to study Art History which later he switch to Geography. In his first year he met Kate Middleton and of course the rest we know.
There are many university buildings, but this is St. Salvator's Quad. Graduate is held on this beautiful green lawn. Food fights have been known to occur here.
The University has about 7000 students. The Scottish attend for free. But the English and other foreign students must pay. Alot.
Hey....isn't that PrinceWilliam? He must have known Debbie and I were visiting as well today.
Main street in St. Andrew's. It could be any other quaint town. I am impressed that Prince William would chose a small town instead of a huge city University. When he went to school here the local folks of St. Andrew's kept his privacy....and still do....and allowed him (and Kate) to be like any other University students away from home. As much as they could be.
Well.....almost everybody?
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