Edinburgh and St. Andrews - Nov 2010

A civilised pint it was, with all the Jane Austin classics perched behind our pint-sized table, leaning on the 2007 good pub guide. Of course we opted for the latter, identifying the pubs Joel and I couldn't quite make it to during our June 2009 visit. This was Kay's bar, a classic pub in the "new town" in Edinburgh....I advise you check it out.

I was in Edinburgh for a project for work for 10 days with a couple colleagues. Of all British cities, this is one of the best places to be. The project entailed long hours that were rewarded by occasional warm glasses of scotch following the 10pm departure at work.

The good thing was that on the weekend I was in town, my sweetie came to visit and we actually got some sun one of the days.  

On the Saturday in Edinburgh, we took the free city tour, which is really nice for the first 90 minutes, but gets extremely long. We opted out of the second half and made it to the Bow Bar for a drink. Also highly recommended.

One thing that can't be replaced, a visit from your wife when you are out of town (coming up on three weeks in Houston; which seems like an eternity when you are away from home).

That night we had a nice dinner and the next morning instead of doing the castle tour, which we have both done in the past, we took the train to St. Andrews. The train is really handy, just over an hour and £16 round-trip. It was Sunday, which worked out well since we didn't have our clubs. On Sunday's, the Old Course is closed for play and open for walking.

It was amazing to feel the history when walking across the stone arch bridge on the 18th as so many golfing legends have done in the pass. When I crossed it, I said a little prayer that you'll be competing here for the Claret Jug someday, Scottie.

Following the course, we wandered around the town, concluding this is a good half day trip as there isn't a whole lot besides golf, though I am sure friends who have studied here (Megan) would argue otherwise.

All in all, Edinburgh is an amazing city with tons of history and great pubs. St. Andrews is definitely worth the detour, but more so if there is an Open on or a tee-time booked.