I've been in Scotland for a week now, living in Dalkeith House, which is a 17th century palace built upon a 12th century castle. It is amazing to be living in a place with so much history. Mary, Queen of Scots stayed here, as did Bonnie Prince Charlie and James IV, who was married here. The attic and top floor held quartered Polish soldiers during World War II. The house has been owned by the Buccleuch family for hundreds of years; the Duke has leased the house to the University of Wisconsin system since 1986, when the first study abroad students arrived, which is what brings me here: I am teaching two classes to undergraduate students, mostly from the UW-system: "Wish You Were Here: The Art and Craft of Travel Writing" and "British Ghost Stories: Landscape as Inspiration." My first class starts tomorrow, and I can't wait!

Yes, the house I'm staying in has its own wikipedia page!:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dalkeith_Palace

"Did your Hogwarts acceptance letter get lost in the mail? Mine too. But not to worry, you can still experience all the magic of Harry Potter's world as long as you have a passport...and a few pounds."

Please check out myHarry Potter travel essay on IExplore!


http://www.iexplore.com/destinations/united-kingdom/Harry-Potter-Travel

My "Guide to Getting Boozy in Scotland" is up on iExplore!

http://www.iexplore.com/experiences/Culinary-Travel/boozy-in-scotland

In 2011, I spent the summer in Scotland living in Dalkeith Palace, outside Edinburgh, teaching "British Ghost Stories: Landscape as Inspiration," to University of Wisconsin students. During that time, I may have had a wee dram or two... This is my story about introducing yourself to "Scotland's National Drink" when you're in Scotland.

Please check it out, share it with your friends, and let me know what you think.

This is my first essay for www.iexplore.com, and I have to tell you, I am loving this site! There are great articles on just about every travel category you can imagine, and the site is interactive, in that you can "save" stories in "bucket lists" you create yourselves.

I don't know about you, but here in Baraboo, near Madison, Wisconsin, when I look out the window and see snow, my mind wanders to summer, and to me, summer means travel....

Luckily, this summer, I'm going back to Scotland to teach "British Ghost Stories..." and "Travel Writing." I will possibly try some Scotch whisky while I'm there...

Cheers!