Golf & Haunted Sitings

The last week in October marked midterm week for the DIT students. Many of them had exams, and so all classes were cancelled for the week. As luck would have it, neither Elizabeth nor I had classes or big exams on Wednesday or Thursday. We did a little searching and booked a flight to Edinburgh, Scotland. It was the one place that I wanted to travel for the duration of my study...and I was so impressed. Upon arriving in Edinburgh at about 7 am, we did a bit of walking, dropped off our backpacks at our hostel, and decided to head to a location that would make nearly any man's jaw fall to the ground in awe: St. Andrews golf course in St. Andrews, Scotland. For those of you who are not well acquainted with St. Andrews prides itself as "The Home of Golf, where the game evolved and where the spirit and traditions of golf have been safeguarded for over six centuries."

Elizabeth and I woke up around 3 am, walked to city centre, grabbed a cab to the airport, and headed to the ticket counter. We used the automatic computers to enter our flight data only to find out that our flight had been closed. We rushed to the Aer lingus people, who were very helpful, but informed us that we were extremely late for our flight. The next twenty minutes was a blur. Recall, if you will, the scene from 'Home Alone' as the McCallister's race through the Chicago airport for their trip to Paris....theme music playing in the background, totally out of breath, yelling 'excuse me, excuse me, sorry, sorry'. Yes, that was us...plummeting through the crowds of people. And, for some odd reason, all I could think/hear was that scene from 'Home Alone' the entire run through the airport.

I rushed up to the gate and said, "Did we make the flight!?". The two older men at the desk just laughed and said enthusiastically, "Yes, and I'll even let you girls get on first....but for now, you can sit over there with the rest of them." We looked over to the direction in which he pointed only to see a crowd of people who looked to have been siting for hours. We could do nothing but laugh.

After we dropped off our bags, we headed to the train station 'Waverly Place' to go to St. Andrews. This is a photo of the train station...it was so old, and it reminded me of the train station in 'Shining Time Station' if you remember that show on PBS many years ago.

The British pounds...a new form of currency that I had yet to use prior to this trip.

After about an hour travel, we were in St. Andrews. The next few photos will hopefully give you a better feel for St. Andrews Links...You can look to the left and see the course, or you can look to the right and see the ocean. It was lovely, and I can imagine a great place to golf.This is the 18th hole on the famous 'Old Course'. The lady who we talked to at the gift shoppe said that this is the hole that people will recognize from television.Many people choose to play little rounds of golf on the foothills. It is so expensive to be a member of the golf course.Elizabeth and I had lunch in the club house. It was actually very inexpensive (surprisingly). The manager of the restaurant greeted us at the door...and we noticed right away that he did not have a Scottish accent...he was from Canada. We got a few tips on the must-sees of Edinburgh. Anyway, this pear cider was amazing. We are both now huge fans of cider. On our travels up the very hilly streets of Edinburgh, we received a warm welcome from a Scottish man, fully dressed, and playing from his bagpipes. It was like someone had told the city that tourists were arriving to see the Scottish culture in full. As the evening marked October 29, we found it only fitting to see somewhat of a haunting in one of the most haunted cities of the world. Hence, allow me to introduce you to Mary King's Close. "Hidden beneath the Royal Mile [the area in Edinburgh where the old buildings and castles are built] lies Edinburgh’s deepest secret: a warren of hidden ‘closes’ where real people lived, worked, and died. For centuries they have lain forgotten and abandoned…"

These closes are underground streets. It is fascinating because underneath the city of Edinburgh is an entire city of streets, houses, buildings, etc. It is where the black plague was able to thrive, and many where many deaths resulted. I am so intrigued with the black plague (ironically, Elizabeth is also), so we were soooo excited to see this place. I cannot even describe it to you....this is just one of those things that you are going to have to experience for yourself some day.

This close is called Fleshmarket Close. Each close was really creepy. You have to have special permission to network beneath the underground streets. Each close leads to a series of stairs that will take you underground.This is Edinburgh in the dark of night. I like this photo because you can see the moon peeking through the clouds. It just looks a bit ominous...and a bit 'Harry Potterish', don't you think?The following morning, we woke early to make the most of our day in Edinburgh. We headed to Edinburgh Castle. The weather was particularly nice, although mostly gloomy (not very rainy). The castle was amazing. Here are some photos...A view from the castle.You can see the sea from one side of the castle.This is Mary Queen of Scots. Yes, it is a real person. The castle tries to keep the history of the people alive, so there are many people who dress-up and act as the individuals who once lived and ruled in the castle.The canons. This is by far the biggest fireplace that I have ever seen. It was very ornate, and I had to get a picture by it so that you could see just how big it really is. I am 5'3''. And look how wide! Pretty nifty!We tried really hard to see the Scottish Whiskey tour, but it is under construction until Easter, unfortunately. Neither Elizabeth nor I very much appreciate Whiskey, but we thought...its a big Scottish thing...they do call it Scotch after all...we should go. I was actually really disappointed it was not in function. Instead, we walked the city...and did what most girls do very well: shop. I got a lot of Christmas shopping accomplished. Above is 'The Witchery' where we had our Linner (lunch/dinner). The restaurant was voted one of the best in Edinburgh. Our meal was amazing--like gourmet, and lucky for us, they have a lunch special that was not too pricey....plus all the homemade bread you could want. We both got this delicious soup and some venison sausage with caramelized red wine onions and potatoes. Magnificent! A little spooky inside too....the perfect atmosphere for a more haunting trip.

And, below is me in front of the 'birthplace of Harry Potter'. Yes, ladies and gentleman, this is where Harry Potter was written: 'The Elephant House.' I have my ice cream with me too...I look like such a child.
We decided we must get photos of us in those red telephone booths too. I don't know why they
are so attractive to tourists.

Lastly, Walkers: the famous shortbread of Scotland. They are very light and buttery....very good. Actually, I totally forgot I bought these...I think I'll go make some more tea and have a crumpet or two...