Jonna Gjevre's Commonplace Book
Posted in Scotland on Dec 6th, 2008
My last day in Edinburgh, after a half-day of Christmas shopping, I impulsively decided to climb Arthur’s Seat, the volcanic crag that overlooks the city.
It’s an easy hike, which is a good thing, since I was wearing Dansko hospital clogs and carrying a messenger bag stuffed full of lambswool scarves, Shetland lace, graphic novels, and [...]
Posted in Scotland on Dec 6th, 2008
Today’s my last day teaching classes and living in Dalkeith House. I’m going to miss this place: the huge grounds with their 700-year-old oak trees, the 20-foot ceilings, the beautiful paintings, the marble floors and fireplaces.
The house is said to be haunted, but the larger-than-life statue of the Duke of Wellington in the Great Hall [...]
Posted in Scotland on Dec 5th, 2008
After grading my final exams and student papers, I stopped by the festive Christmas Market at Princes Street Gardens. The market has a very German feel, with stands selling Glühwein and stollen.
I bought felted Christmas ornaments and German cookie-cutters, admired some overpriced amber jewelry, and picked up a box of Spekulatius cookies to eat on [...]
Posted in Scotland on Nov 29th, 2008
Winter in Edinburgh is full of celebrations and festivals, beginning on St. Andrews Day and continuing up through Hogmanay. But for now Edinburgh Castle is still quiet and serene.
Posted in Scotland on Nov 27th, 2008
My weekend trip to the Isle of Skye was a perfect mini-holiday. I took the train to Kyle of Lochalsh:
Then crossed the Skye Bridge and explored the Misty Isle:
Naturally, I wanted to stay.