I've always heard depressing things about the weather in Scotland. So when I arrived, I was expecting a rather dreary (only weather-wise) weekend of damp and gray. And I was, at least initially, not disappointed. I stepped off the bus in St. Andrews into a very damp night and my boots promptly absorbed at least three times their weight in water.
But that was all. By the next morning it was brisk and clear, and remained that way until my departure. Apparently an entirely sunny weekend, particularly in mid-November, is almost unheard of there, so I feel quite lucky. I also had an excellent tour guide, namely my dashing and very knowledgeable brother, who was so kind as to show me the sights in St. Andrews and Edinburgh.
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Some of the ruins of St. Andrews cathedral, which
used to be the largest in Scotland. |
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| More ruins, in dazzling sunlight. |
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| A view of the small fishing harbor from the long pier. |
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| St. Salvator's Quad, and the site of the infamous Raisin. |
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| The old course at St. Andrews. |
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Few people have ever accused me of being
mature. I hear, not surprisingly, that this is the
most photographed street sign in St. Andrews. |
The next day we ventured south to Edinburgh, and wandered along the Royal Mile. Once again, the weather was on our side, and we had a lovely and not at all damp saunter through the old town, culminating with an authentic pub meal on the Grassmarket. The old town is a really cool place with lots of winding streets and alleys. Definitely worth more exploration than we had time to do.
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| Edinburgh Castle. |
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| A view over the old town. |
