We made our way, after breakfast, by car to the Union Square with no rounders to be found. Union Square, it would seem, is the transportation hub of Aberdeen. There are 1700 parking stalls adjacent to a 2 level shopping center, which also houses the rail station and the bus depot. Right across the street is the harbour with ships waiting to take passengers to ports throughout Scotland, even to the Orkneys and Outer Hebrides. I would imagine the heliport is nearby. What bustling metropolis, much busier than what we found in busy Edinburgh. We have been told Aberdeen is the fastest growing and most travelled to city in Europe because of the North Sea oil industry. It was at the train station RP found a cab to take him to Royal Aberdeen for the long awaited game of golf (cabbies gather beyond the glass walls of the train station - see below) As for me, it was a day of retail therapy and a little sightseeing.
4:00PM - At the moment, I am resting my weary feet on a comfy bench back at our designated meeting spot, waiting for the golfer guy. It was a great day wandering through the shops in the mall where I started out this morning, making a few small purchases before venturing onto the streets. Outdoors I found several magnificent, stately buildings dating back a few centuries and 2 more shopping centers, all within a four block radius. The fashion is high and the prices are not exorbitant. Unfortunately, my luggage space and weight allowances are limited. I did manage to find something special for 3 adorable young lads I know back in Victoria. Shopping for a wee lassie is planned for Glasgow. Below is the very opulent city headquarters and sheriff offices building (circa 1650).
Yesterday, my impression was that the city was a chaotic conglomeration of narrow streets, not well organized or marked. I think that may be the case beyond the hub but I now have a different perception of the downtown area. I am impressed at how the planners, within the confines of a medieval town, have managed to create wide side walks along many 2 way roads. Even the narrow one way roads have enough space for pedestrians. Some of the streets are still cobblestone, which adds to the ambience.
4:45 PM - Oh, here he is, strolling through the mall, golf clubs on shoulder, smiling from ear to ear. I will return after drinks, dinner and a full report, stroke by stroke, hole by hole. Don't worry, I will not repeat verbatim.
8:30 PM - I'm back. BTW: thanks to all the loyal blog followers. Your messages are happily received. RP had a fabulous day at Royal Aberdeen. First he was greeted and welcomed, then given a personalized tour by the assistant pro. There was a members' tournament playing earlier in the day so he was placed with another visitor, a Scot named Johnnie, who has played the course often. Their handicaps were closely matched, they got along well and endured the foursome ahead, which consisted of 4 stogie smoking, wealthy folks from North America who had hired caddies and knew little of the game of golf.
Although the course does not have a driving range it does have a pot bunker practice range. That was a good thing for guess who landed in one on the first hole. Even at that he is smiling. He was surprised it was the only one he hit during the round.
The weather was fair, the course interesting, the play challenging, the scenery spectacular, the final score 11 over and that included one lost ball and one double bogey. Not bad given the unfamiliar territory, the wild gorse, the countless pot bunkers, the narrow fairways and the unbelievable hills and dales. Yikes, these links courses are rugged.
We enjoyed dinner at TGI FRIDAYS- somewhat reminiscent of our 1st dinner in Delhi four years ago. Damon and Nicole, take note: we shared potato skins in memory of that eventful evening:) Tomorrow we head to the Highlands, the ancestral home of my McDonald, Munro, Sutherland and Matheson clans. Might even find a distillery along the the way - stay tuned.
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Location:Aberdeen
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