The Home of Golf

Sunday’s ‘free entry’ Historic Scotland visit was St. Andrews Castle (ruins).  It overlooks the ‘German Sea’*, from which, drifts the sweetest-smelling sea-breezes.  Had some company this trip, and we had a truly wonderful day out.  Weather was balmy, an agate sky, some cold-water swimmers splashing in the bay, in their studenty ways.

St Andrews is simply beautiful, as is the Fife countryside.  A mediaeval university town, it’s the cutest town I ever did see.  Obviously affluent, but not in a nauseating way.  Each mediaeval Scottish building, seemed quainter than the last, especially so with Christmas sparkling in the air.  When I grow up, I want to live there.  Fell completely in love with it all, especially, the crystal shop and gelateria; 54 flavours.  Recommend a stracciatella and wild cherry cone. 

Trust me, am an ice-cream whisperer. 

St Andrews is a well-off town, with well-off students, no doubt about it.  (£1.4k-£3k a month for a ‘student’ rental).  Seemed to be a lot of American students, and their well-to-do, loving parents over for Thanksgiving, and probably, golfing pilgrimages.  I have to say, it was bliss to visit a town with thriving shops, both independent and the standards; Seasalt, Waterstones, Jo Malone (Oak and Hazelnut bookmark, had to be done).  The main street buzzes and has no boarded up, vacant shops.  It felt like towns used to be, and was a joy to walk around. 

We had lunch in the Criterion pub, famous for their ‘Cri-pies’.  They had a special Christmas pie; filling under the pastry was a full Christmas dinner, including sprouts.  Niche.

Later we passed the North Point café, twinkling with romance and fairy lights.

The café where Kate met Wills (for coffee).

Driving back, Jupiter bright in the sky.  Bringer of joy, merry-making, prosperity; governs higher education, religion and law.   

Yes.

*The North Sea was called The German Sea until after the First World War.   

Images for this journal have been posted on Insta @purplehaze_journal

https://www.aboutstandrews.co.uk/history-and-heritage.

https://www.criterionstandrews.co.uk/

https://www.crystalshopstandrews.com/

https://jannettas.co.uk/

https://www.standrewsguide.co.uk/portfolio/north-point-cafe/