St. Andrews, Scotland...the Birthplace of GOLF!

After the hiking trip got rained out, we sojourned to St Andrews, the birthplace of golf and home to the oldest University in Scotland, University of St Andrews. We made the mistake of arriving between the hours of 4-6 p.m., when the hostel is closed. (One of the many joys of backpacking is adhering to the hostel rules and closing times.) So, we checked out the town center, with luggage and all. I am not much of a golfer, but even I was impressed with the pristine “old course” snuggled up against the coastline. This is one of the best golf courses in the world and people travel from all over just to smack one of those little white balls across the meticulous greens. They pay a pretty penny to do so…it costs $220/18 holes. We shared a bunkroom in the local hostel, St Andrews Hostel, with a retired judge from Missouri who skimped on his accommodation (only $20/night) to play the world-famous course.


While Ali and I were impressed by the beauty of the golf course, we were much more excited to visit the University and the ruins. (Yes, we are both higher education nerds.) The University of St Andrews was founded in 1413. The campus is not comparable to the numerous spires of Oxford or the Gothic feel of the University of Bologna, but it has a humble medeival feel to it and it is right next to the ocean.

Of course we got a kick out of a few street signs...too.