So I again find myself in Scotland. With each return trip, I try to explore something different and previously not experienced. And this is truly a country that gives. It is really beautiful, despite oftentimes dreary weather. Occasionally, as on this visit, I am blessed with gorgeous blue skies and when set beside that green that can only really be experienced in this part of the world, it is breathtaking. On this trip, I have taken the opportunity to explore central Scotland and the east coast, particularly the area around St Andrews. Embarrassingly, I always thought of St Andrews as nothing more than a golfing mecca but it is so much more. Apart from being drop dead gorgeous, the city of St Andrews is just perfect. Its quaint, chock full of cobblestone streets, bustling with people and energy, historic yet young and fresh, and well, a must see on the "things to see in Scotland" list.Despite being a golfing sacred site, St Andrews is the home of the University of St Andrews, the third oldest university in the English speaking world and St Andrews Cathedral, which is said to the resting place of St Andrew's relic. Not much is left of the cathedral today but you can easily see that it must once have been an awe-inspiring site for pilgrims. It is a sprawling ruin today, smack bang in the middle of the city's centre and surrounded by wonderful old university buildings and homes. A visit to St Andrews definitely requires your time and energy and if you intend to play golf on that hallowed turf...a few more days.
