Day 02: 13 August, North Berwick – Perth
We drove past Edinburgh, as we hadn’t planned to visit the big cities (this time). Our first stop was Hopetoun House, just before we crossed the Firth of Forth. I think the travelbooks called it an insider tip and lack of direction signs pointing in the right direction was proof for that :-) But it was definitely worth the detour from the main road.
It’s one of the many aristocratic homes, still inhabited by the family, or at least, they live in one part of it, while the other is open to the public. It was the first home in which we could play “Where’s Lizzie?”, i.e. looking for the photo of Queen Elizabeth II. visiting this place :-)
We stopped at South Queensferry to have a look at the two bridges over the Forth, the rail bridge on the right is still one of the biggest railroad bridges in the world.
After that we continued our trip up north to Perth, but before we stopped there for the night, we drove a bit further to visit Scone Palace. The most interesting thing to see there, was the Stone of Scone, of course.
We didn’t see too much of Perth, just strolled around a bit before we went to get supper. We stayed at the Station Hotel, which had offered a great deal for a large room for the three of us. And of course we were thrilled to see who had stayed in that hotel before. Plus, they had a really nice young waiter, who offered us a drink, when we were waiting for our room to get ready :-)
The next day would finally bring us into the Highlands (and Culloden, among other locations)
° ° ° °
Outlander Chronicles 2013
Day 011 |Audiobook: Outlander, Part 2 | 07:06:05 – 07:33:35
End of chapter 22: Reckonings
I have no recollection of how I reacted when I first read about Jonathan Randall’s indecent offer to Jamie. I was probably surprised, but now with the knowledge of what Randall will later do to Jamie in that regard, the first mention of it gives me the creeps. Especially when Jamie says: “I rather thought that being buggered would be at least a bit less painful [compared to a second flogging].” And we all know it won’t be. Not with Randall.
The one thing I did notice even back then was the fact, that for the first time Claire says “Oh, Jamie, I do love you” :-) I also very much enjoy Jamie’s reaction to that.
Things Jamie said…
“Aye, that’s what marriage is good for, it makes a sacrament out of things, ye’d otherwise have to confess.”
“You’re no verra sensible, Sassenach, but I like ye fine.”
“I don’t make idle threats, Sassenach,” he said, raising one brow, “and I don’t make frivolous vows. Now, can we go to bed?”