The Walking Man...

...was indeed a great song for James Taylor in 1974.  I suspect that as of today I have logged approximately 6 miles of walking around this fair city.  It's a balmy 46 degrees, but for the moment the rain has stopped. Parts of England are experiencing severe flooding, so clouds and a light mist are rather comforting.

This morning after being awoken by the wee street sweepers, I set out to locate the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH), where I will undertake my fellowship.  I took the scenic route, and during my trek I discovered that Madonna is performing sometime in July, and Princes Street is open only to pedestrians due to a tram system that is in various stages of construction (and for several years now, I am told).  According to several people with whom I spoke, the locals are none too happy about this.   

View from my office window

At the IASH, my office overlooks The Meadows, a rather large park in Edinburgh.  
Trees are in full blossom, although today there were not many people sharing a picnic basket in the rain (wet haggis does not sound particularly appealing).  During my fellowship, I am to take part in a seminar series and attend lectures and other sponsored events, such as the weekly luncheon for Institute fellows.

My office at the IASH

Walter Scott Monument

Scott Monument

On my way back from the Institute, I snapped a few pictures of places in and around town.  The Walter Scott monument - designed by George Kemp and constructed in the 1840s - is the largest monument in the world dedicated to a literary figure.  From 1814, Scott contributed much in the way of stories about Scotland; although a poet early in his career, Scott's best-seller Waverley (the first historical novel ever written) secured his reputation among the first ranks of literary giants.

Let the Tour Begin!

It's a blistering 42 degrees here in the Scottish capital.  Temperatures are not going to warm past the low 40s for the next few days, and it seems as if rain and clouds are going to be the norm.  Most people are walking around wearing gloves and scarves.  

Edinburgh Castle...just around the corner from where we are staying!

I began the day in Raleigh, North Carolina, and flew to London Heathrow.  Heathrow is a massive airport, probably a bit bigger than the Danville Regional Airport.  It is always amusing to watch people in an airport, as most everyone looks confused, tired, or just dazed.  One gentleman in Heathrow was roaming around, muttering "I don't know why I'm here or where I'm going."  Always nice to have a plan.  At least he has some options.  


The Edinburgh airport is much smaller than LHR, and the highlight of the day came as I watched people trying to decide if the bags on the carousel indeed belonged to them.  It's funny how a person can spend  a week packing a bag and then not be able to clearly identify it.  I did see a tag on one bag which read "ONLY DIRTY CLOTHES IN HERE!"  And why are all bags black?  


From the airport it was a short jaunt to the city centre, and New York cabbies should take a lesson from their Scottish counterparts. We zipped along, taking those roundabouts on two wheels and squeezing between buses with about enough room between the vehicles to swipe a credit card.  But Scots should drive however they wish...it was a Scotsman who created the forerunner to tarmac.

View of Rose Street

The place where we are staying is quite comfortable and located on historic Rose Street.  Nestled in New Town and running parallel to Princes Street and George Street, Rose Street was created during the reign of King George III, and both Rose and Thistle Streets were named in honor of the Union of the Crowns (which took place in 1603 during the reign of King James VI).  There are eight mosaic roses which decorate the street, and at one time this illustrious track was referred to as "The Amber Mile," for it is home to more bars per yard than any other street in Edinburgh.  This particular thoroughfare also has a rather unsavory past, for at one time it was a hotbed of prostitution.  Now, however, it draws tourists to its numerous pubs, bars, and shops.   

Not even Scotland can resist...

Tomorrow is the Big Day!

Well, judging by this picture my cat - Poopy - does not want me to leave.  And I could take her, although I doubt she would enjoy the quarantine process.  At least I will have a hairy reminder of my cat all over my clothes.  Tomorrow I fly from Raleigh, North Carolina, to London, Heathrow, and ultimately I get into Edinburgh at 6:30am local time (that would be 1:30am here in Danville).  

"Men are like bagpipes: no sound comes

from them until they are full."

Packing has been challenging, as it is a bit difficult to predict the weather in Scotland.  Umbrellas are pointless: most of mine end up turned inside out and resemble t.v. aerials.  I do have adapters, and my dad taught me the importance of having the correct one.  He knocked out power to an entire hotel floor in Dublin because he had a string of adapters fitted together as long as my arm, and I have never before seen a hair dryer glow that color orange.  

Cheers to everyone!           

Two Weeks & Counting...

North Sea

As I prepare for my trip to Scotland, I thought I would take just a minute to offer a brief explanation of what I will be studying and how this is significant to Danville Community College, its class offerings, and the Study Abroad Program.

During the three months of my fellowship, I will research those periods of Scottish history that more closely relate to my PhD research, specifically the sixteenth through the nineteenth centuries. I continually develop those themes such as religion, class, ideology, religion, and gender, which are important to Scottish history but certainly are relevant to American history and Western Civilization. Implicit in lectures and discussions are in-depth analyses of imperial expansion, revolution, political ideologies, and spirituality – subjects which I taught while a doctoral student at the University of St. Andrews and currently teach at Danville Community College.

St Andrews

While in Britain, I plan to make a video log of places in Edinburgh and other cities to be visited; I will catalogue places of historical relevance so that I might use these personal video documentaries in my classes, during lectures, and at conferences.  My video documentaries will allow students to experience places of historical significance outside of history textbooks and encourage them to participate in the college’s Study Abroad program by emphasizing the study of history through first-hand exploration of a particular place. Additionally, studying in Britain this summer will enable me to incorporate my findings and documentaries into courses offered in conjunction with our Study Abroad Program.  Ultimately, students will gain a better historical understanding of Scotland, in addition to achieving a certain measure of comprehension and appreciation for other societies and customs.

Haggis: Your Friend

I have received several notes and emails about haggis, this uniquely Scottish culinary masterpiece that both delights and frightens people around the world.  For those unfamiliar with haggis, I feel it necessary to offer a general definition that may cause some readers to effectively end their browsing session.


According to dictionary.com, haggis is "a traditional pudding made of the heart, liver, etc., of a sheep or calf, minced with suet and oatmeal, seasoned, and boiled in the stomach of the animal."  Pudding...I don't remember Bill Cosby ever advertising J-E-L-L-O haggis pudding pops.


At any rate, I can personally vouch for this flavorful dish.  'Neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes) enhance the dining experience, and for the adventurous one might even opt to eat haggis with a Scottish breakfast which may include baked beans, eggs, mushrooms, bacon (although not 'streaky' bacon, but ham), potatoes, and fried  bread or toast.


I will post pictures of haggis once I am in Scotland.  Feel free to view this wonderful, savory treat on your own, although I urge you not to judge a haggis by its cover.  Or in this case, its stomach lining.

Study Abroad at DCC



St Andrews Cathedral



From 2001 until 2006, I attended the University of St Andrews in Scotland.  While completing my PhD in Scottish History, I had the opportunity to travel extensively throughout Britain and Europe.  Indeed, I have brought my passion for traveling to Danville Community College and currently lead our Study Abroad Program.  Past destinations have included Spain, France, Italy, Israel, Greece, Turkey, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. 



View of St Andrews



We are in the process of creating a web page accessible from the DCC website which will provide more information on the Study Abroad Program.  Along with this posting, I have included pictures from St Andrews, Scotland, most certainly a possible destination for future trips!

Dr. Wallace Prepares for Trip to Scotland

Dear Readers,


In just a few short weeks, I will travel to Edinburgh, Scotland where I will undertake a three-month Visiting Research Fellowship at the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities at the University of Edinburgh.  Throughout my stay in Scotland, I will blog about my travels, research, and various historical sites which I will visit, along with photos of my excursions and experiences.


Many thanks to Danville Community College and the VCCS for their support, and I look forward to a wonderful trip.


All the best,


Dr. Mark Wallace