Frigid in Fife

Today we were once again blessed with a beautiful sunny day for traveling.  But, I will admit that the temperature was frigid and my fingertips were freezing despite the gloves that I wore to keep them warm.

We started out early in the morning, headed to St. Andrews, and it's a good thing that we allowed extra time because the GPS lady seemed to think that we wanted to take the scenic route, despite being on auto mode.  We had decided to attend 9:00 Mass at St. James Church in the town of St. Andrews, and we were about half way there in miles, when we realized that it was taking way too much time.  Luckily, I spotted a road sign with a route number on the map, and after redirecting and ignoring the calls to turn around, the device finally decided to relent and reroute us so that we managed to walk into church just as the little bell was ringing for everyone to stand.  Perfect timing!

Apparently this town is noted for Golf, but that would be of little interest to me.  It is rich in history and actually is the site of the very first University of Scotland, St. Andrews University, started in 1413.

 Legend has it that St. Rule brought the relics of St. Andrew to Scotland for safekeeping from the Romans.  They were placed in a special Chapel, later known as St. Andrews Cathedral, and the town became the religious capital of Scotland and thus became known by the Saint's name.

After Mass, Marty and I decided to venture out on foot and explore the castle first, which was nearby.  Marty commented on how we were the only patrons, and I reminded him that it was a Sunday morning, in January, and it was freezing cold outside.  Really, how many other people would be so crazy as to pick today to explore outdoor ruins?  So, we had the place to ourselves, and, luckily, the sun was shining which helped to make us think that we were warm, although my extremities definitely told me otherwise!

The castle ruins which exist today were fortified in the 1400's and they stand upon the rocky cliffs making it easily defended.  This castle also served as a prison, and it continues to hold a "bottle" dungeon, where prisoners were dropped through the neck into the 22 ft. deep hole, never to be seen again.  Pretty gruesome, if you ask me!  The man at the visitor center felt the need to explain the torment with details that made me shudder, but I'll spare you that. 

Another unique feature that the castle continues to have is the remains of a "seize" tunnel.  It was planned as a means of escape by one of the royal prisoners. While he and his cohorts were digging their way out of their confinement, the defenders of the town, who had imprisoned this royalty, managed to foil his plans of escape by digging their own underground tunnel that intercepted the intended means of escape.  The tunnel still exists today, and one could climb down and take a peek at one's own risk.  Luckily, Marty and I thought alike on this experience and decided to forego that adventure.

We headed out from the castle to explore the Cathedral ruins that had once made this town a pilgrimage mecca.  The site of St. Andrews Cathedral and Abbey was breathtaking.  One could hardly even begin to imagine the original size of this structure.  The two ends remain standing, with remnants of the huge pillars that would have stood along the length of the church.  

Behind this Cathedral ruins, closer to the sea, stands the remains of the original St. Rule Church and tower, once run by an Augustinian order.  During the reformation, John Knox preached a sermon that resulted in the local townspeople destroying the Cathedral.  It was never salvaged and all that remains are the ruins to gaze upon.  

By this time, we were really cold, so we jumped in the car and headed to the town of Anstruther on the Firth of Forth.  Marty could hardly contain his enthusiasm as he headed to the Scottish Fisheries Museum.  I was just looking forward to a place that was warm!  Unfortunately, the place was frigid, but I did manage to find a heater or two to rest upon while Marty got his fill of the environment. 

One thing that caught my eye was the role of the Fishwives.  I spotted an old photo with men in boats while the woman were in the water, and was shocked by what I read.  

Can you even imagine carrying your husband upon your back so that he wouldn't get wet?  Who in the world came up with that crazy idea?  On a day like today that idea seemed even more far-fetched.  Sure made me thankful to live in this era, that's for sure.

The town that holds the museum is really lovely.  Despite the cold, we ventured out a bit and took in some of the beauty.  

Once again, we found ourselves sitting in a restaurant, watching the sunset as we had a bite to eat.  Unfortunately the meal this time was a real disappointment.  

But we'll just focus on the beauty of the early evening and be grateful to have once again survived the driving experience that brought us back to our hotel without incident.