The perfect Peru Itinerary: 8 Day Women's Expedition to Machu Picchu
When I was 12 years old and sat in front of the internet for the first time, I googled: ‘Travel’ and I was shown a photo of Machu Picchu. To this day, visiting Peru and hiking the Inca trail has always been top of my bucket list…
When I was 12 years old and sat in front of the internet for the first time, I googled: ‘Travel’ and I was shown a photo of Machu Picchu. To this day, visiting Peru and hiking the Inca trail has always been top of my bucket list, and when Wanderful reached out to me and asked if I wanted to go on an all women’s expedition to Machu Picchu, I probably said yes before the thought had fully formed in my head! So here is the perfect 8 day Peru itinerary with Wanderful, Intrepid Travel and some of the most inspiring female travellers I have ever met:
The Cathedral of Lima (Basilica Cathedral)
Day 1-3: Lima
🏨 Antigua Miraflores Hotel for charming decor and a central location
🏨 Tierra Viva Miraflores Mendiburu for an affordable stay close to all the best coffeeshops
🏨 Fausto for a luxury stay that feels just like home
👋 Bienvenidos! After flying 16 hours+ from London I landed in Lima. A city I had been dreaming to visit for far too long. I was greeted by Lauren from Wanderful and met my fellow traveller Tonia from @Toniahope at the airport and the 3 of us immediately bonded! The jet lag was real but so was the excitement and we stayed up until midnight, drinking Pisco sours and chatting about what was to come.
The next day it was time to kick start this epic tour:
The journey began with a 2 pm welcome meeting at the hotel, where we met up with our local female leader Tina and where I met the rest of the girls and heard their inspiring stories, followed by one of the most breathtaking dinners of the entire trip. We took the minibus to Huaca Pucllana - a famous restaurant in Lima overlooking ancient Incan ruins in the middle of this buzzing city! I couldn’t believe my eyes. We indulged in what was number one of many Ceviche dishes to come, learnt a little about Quinoa and it’s importance to Peru, had more Pisco sours of course and went to bed ready for an action packed day ahead.
The jet lag was gone by this point so it was time to get active. Activity of the day: Cycling! We had an absolute blast exploring the vibrant and colorful neighborhoods of Lima on two wheels, and later, we indulged in a street food tour, savoring Peruvian churros and some of the best food in the city - although I have to say that Anticuchos (pictured below) were maybe not at the top if my personal ‘best street food in Lima’ list. However, we couldn't resist trying Picarones and they tasted like heaven - don’t forget to add them to your list! For me they were an absolute must have and they are essentially Peruvian doughnuts made from squash and sweet potato:
Fun fact about Lima:
Did you know Lima is always grey, yet it never rains here? Our cycling guide told us that he last remembered it raining heavily 11 years ago…
Day 4: Cusco
View from Mama Seledonia’s restautant in Cusco
Where to stay in Cusco?
🏨 Hoteles Hacienda Cusco for a cosy hotel away from the hustle and bustle
🏨 Hotel Ruinas for a central location and amazing breakfast
✈️ The next day, we said goodbye to Lima and took a flight to Cusco, the former center of the Incan Empire. As we arrived, altitude sickness started to kick in! I’d never experienced anything like it before, but luckily we were warned and prepared by our guide: Water, water, water and don’t panik - It worked. We settled in and went walking tour with our cheerful leader Tina. For lunch, we ate at Mama Seledonia’s, a heartwarming restaurant supporting single mothers by providing employment and teaching culinary skills. The delicious traditional Cusco dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients were unforgettable - try the chicken dish coated in crispy quinoa!
Later, we explored the charming cobbled streets of Cusco, trying not to let the altitude sickness dampen our spirits.
Overlooking Cusco from the beautiful Inca Site: Sacsayhuaman
Day 5: Ollantaytambo
Where to stay in Ollantaytambo?
🏨 Pakaritampu Hotel for cozy rooms and tranquil atmosphere
🚙 On this day, we left Cusco and ventured to the ancient Inca site, Sacsaywaman, before stopping at a local llama wool shop to support the community and grab some outfits for Machu Picchu. We had a delicious lunch at Tunupa Restaurant and even tasted chicha, a traditional Peruvian drink which is usually made mainly from maize. It undergoes fermentation with water and occasionally includes fruits or herbs for flavor. With cultural significance, it symbolizes social gatherings and festivities, varying in potency and appearance from region to region. By evening, we arrived in Ollantaytambo, enjoying the breathtaking views along the way. We had finally arrived in the valley of the Incas! Special Info: The next day, as we started the Inca Trail, most of our luggage remained at the hotel. We carried only small duffle bags for the trek (max 5kg/11lb). The porters, who were incredible, shouldered our bags along with the food and equipment, always staying ahead of the group.
The view of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate
Day 6: Inca Trail, Sun Gate - Aguas Calientes
This day was truly epic! We followed the footsteps of the Inca on the famous Inca Trail, trekking towards Machu Picchu. To reach the starting point, we hopped on the famous Vista Dome train. The 8-hour hike was challenging but incredibly rewarding. We stopped for water breaks and enjoyed a delicious lunch carried by our trusty porter Valentina. Finally, reaching the Sun Gate and catching our first glimpse of Machu Picchu was a surreal and emotional moment. Trust me, finally seeing Machu Picchu after a literally breathtaking 8 hour hike and about 20 years of dreaming about it, is indescribeable. We later descended to Aguas Calientes to rest for the night - not without celebrating our success with a beer in town beforehand though!
Where to stay in Aguas Calientes? Taypikala Boutique Machupicchu. To me it was the perfect resting place, though to be honest ANY hotel would have done after the day we had 😂 🛌 😴
Day 7: Machu Picchu - Cusco
We revisited Machu Picchu for THE photo opportunity, taking the bus back up and finding the perfect spot to soak in the breathtaking views. Our guided tour of the ruins was simply spectacular, and we learned so much about this awe-inspiring place - maybe I cried a little 😢 😜 . After exploring one of the world’s wonders (yay!), we returned to Ollantaytambo by train and then continued on to Cusco in a private vehicle. We partied the night away in some of Cuscos best bars before falling asleep one last time in incredible Peru.
The ancient Inca site Machu Picchu
Where to stay in Cusco? We stayed at the same comfy hotel in Cusco, Hoteles Hacienda Cusco, which welcomed us back with open arms and made us feel right at home.
Day 8: Cusco
The time had come to say our farewells. It had been an adventure filled with unforgettable memories, laughter, and new friendships. I couldn't wait to plan our next escapade together! Adios, Cusco!
If you want to book a tour like this - check out the Intrepid Travel Peru tours!
Things to know before visiting Dominica
We all grow up dreaming of visiting the Caribbean one day, right? For me, I thought I knew what to expect, but from the moment I landed in Dominica I knew this island was greener, more exciting and wilder than I ever could have hoped for…
We all grow up dreaming of visiting the Caribbean one day, right? For me, I thought I knew what to expect, but from the moment I landed in Dominica I knew this island was greener, more exciting and wilder than I ever could have hoped for. Here are some helpful things to know before visiting Dominica, travel tips and a few fun things to do.
How to get to Dominica?
Dominica is an island country in the Caribbean. And getting there is a little fun adventure in itself. You will have to book a flight to Antigua and then book a flight to Dominica. You can try and look at connecting flights, but my tip is to book them individually and pick up your luggage in Antigua before checking it back in and boarding your final flight to Dominica. This might be much cheaper so make sure you check out both options!
The airlines I have had good experiences with are Virgin from London to Antigua and LIAT from Antigua to Dominica.
Alternatively you can book a Ferry leaving Antigua - you just need to bring a little more time of course.
Things to know before visiting Dominica:
Dominica aka the Nature Island has 9 active volcanoes. This means the roads bend a lot and are small so sit in the front during your transfer to the hotel if you get as queasy as I do! :)
Dominicans love to party and listen to music in the streets. This is even more intense during Carnival but in general don’t be surprised if you bump into occasional street parties. The locals will love it if you start dancing with them and they will happily turn up the music even more!
The currency in Dominica is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar or ECB.
Dominica is hugely aware of eco tourism and sustainability, so if this is something you are focussing on when travelling, you’ll feel right at home.
The best time to visit Dominica is February - April. After that rain is very likely so try and book your trip for the first half of the year.
The language spoken in Dominica is mainly English.
Where to stay in Dominica?
We stayed at Jungle Bay Dominica - an incredible eco hotel. It has a focus on yoga, healthy living and relaxation which is perfectly combined with the sustainability promise of the hotel. Locally sourced food and materials, no plastic policies and refill eco friendly toiletries made my trip even more special. Oh and did I mention the infinity pool?
Things to do in Dominica:
Go whale watching - There is no discussion. Do it :) Seeing sperm whales in Dominica is about 85% guaranteed as many whale families live there all year round. It’s a once in a live time bucket list experience (see my vlog below).
Take a sulphur spring bath - When we visited the island we took a natural hot tub dip at a place called Ti Kwen Glo Cho which translates into ‘little corner of water’ in Creole. Anything else I need to add? :)
Go snorkelling at the champagne reef - Did I mention Dominica has 9 active volcanoes? ;) These have natural underwater vents which feel and look like champagne bubbles. Not only will you be snorkelling through hot and cold and bubbles (!), you might also get lucky and meet unique underwater wildlife. All harmless of course. Except for sea ants, one of them bit me and it stung like stinging nettles for about 2 minutes :)
Dominica is called The Nature Island for a reason. Expect tropical untouched beauty, friendly and incredibly relaxed people and wildlife that will take your breath away:
Thanks for reading and for any additional questions, message me on Instagram or leave a comment below :)
x Sandy
Where to travel after Lockdown?
The best places to visit when lockdown is over? I almost want to say, let’s go everywhere and it will certainly feel like that. To help you with travel planning however, I have collected some of my favourite ideas for places to visit post lockdown here…
The best places to visit when lockdown is over? I almost want to say, let’s go everywhere and it will certainly feel like that. To help you with travel planning however, I have collected some of my favourite ideas for places to visit post lockdown here.
1. The Caribbean - If you’re looking to unplug, for relaxation, no worries & beaches, the Caribbean is for you. I feel like a holiday like that is just what we needed, am I right? The two places I recommend are Antigua and Dominica
2. Eastern Europe - Hiking in Montenegro, cycling in Romania, discovering the food culture of Slovenia, I am here for it!
3. Ubud, Bali - That is if you are looking for a Yoga retreat type holiday! Switch off and heal your body and mind during Yoga and Meditation sessions and whilst eating simply the best vegan food in the world
4. The UK - Follow the green trails of the Peak District, get lost in stories about ancient Kings & Queens and eat fish and chips on the coast line. What was lockdown again?
5. Germany - Often overlooked but 100% worth a visit. Rich in history, castles and forests Germany has something for everyone and is probably the most diverse place on this entire list. If you wanted you could even visit Berlin and get lost in techno music - a super fun way to switch off as well!
6. And finally, do visit your family :) I know I will! Thanks for reading x Sandy
3 Day Peak District Itinerary
Looking to visit the Peak District and Yorkshire? Here is what to see, best photo spots, where to eat and more!
Exploring Peveril Castle. It’s haunted by a white knight…
Looking to visit the Peak District and Yorkshire? Here is what to see, best photo spots, where to eat and more!
For me, the best way to travel is by immersing yourself in local stories and going on paths less discovered. This is exactly the kind of travel Rabbie’s Tours offer, so without question, I hopped onto one of their minibuses for a 3 day adventure in around the Peak District and Yorkshire, and here is what we saw and why you should go and see it too :) You can go and visit them on your own little adventure, or you can join the tour with Rabbie’s. After watching my vlog you will know what I personally recommend :)
1. Visit Castleton: A picturesque little village crowned by Peveril Castle. Take lots of pictures, walk up to the castle (it takes 15 minutes) and imagine what it was like living in the UK countryside. I did.
The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop. The number 1 spot for indulging in Bakewell.
2. Eat a Bakewell Tart or a Bakewell Pudding: Where? In Bakewell obviously!
3. Visit Chatsworth House: One of the UK’s most iconic filming locations and I promise it will make you feel like Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice.
4. Stay overnight in York: Because York is lovely and mystical and well, apparently Europe’s most haunted city. Fun!
5. Explore the grounds of Fountains Abbey: Woha! 13 Monks once build this impressive Abbey after being banned from York. Nobody knows why…eerie? Yes!
These are my personal highlights from the trip. Have a look at my videos below to get a feel for the real magic of the Peak District and Yorkshire. Hopefully you’ll feel inspired. England is beautiful and sometimes the most beautiful things are only a train journey away.
This post is sponsored by Rabbie’s Tours.
How to have a good time in Belgrade - Serbia
People asked me ‘Why are you going there? - The only things to to in Belgrade is drinking Rakija!’ Well, they were right about the Rakjia but they weren’t right about it being the only thing to do in this vibrant city...
People asked me ‘Why are you going there? - The only things to to in Belgrade is drinking Rakija!’ Well, they were right about the Rakjia but they weren’t right about it being the only thing to do in this vibrant city. Serbia’s capital is full of unique experiences, beautiful sunset viewing platforms and the most scrumptious food. Here is a short list of how to have a good time in Belgrade - watch the vlog after to get the full experience.
1. Go with friends - I know this is against what every solo traveller would tell you, but honestly, Belgrade demands a group visit. All suggestions I’m making below are so much more fun with friends. Trust me you will make memories that last a lifetime. Sure you can make friends in Belgrade, but I am talking friends that you have known since you were just about old enough to imagine your first trip abroad. I’m still printing some of our photos from our Belgrade trip and am running out of space on my shelf soon!
My best friends and I in front of the Church of Saint Sava in Belgrade
2. Drink Rakija! - I was introduced to it by my friend saying: ‘In my village they make it in their back garden!’ :D Really? Maybe.. maybe not! Either way it is a strong Serbian alcoholic drink that will blow your socks off and will keep you partying all night without a headache - I’m a fan! And of course: Drink responsibly! :)
3. Spend time in local restaurants! - It might seem obvious to some of you but it’s too easy to be lead by shiny new clubs and newly built restaurants. The real gems of Belgrade are old, traditional and local restaurants. Honestly I never had a better time in any restaurant abroad than the night we went to visit Zlatni Bokal! We danced on the tables, we sang, we danced a little more, we ate amazing local food and we had Rakija! It was an evening I will never forget.
4. Visit Kalemegdan - Kalemegdan is is a park which is particularly beautiful during sunset. It’s huge, it offers you amazing view points of Belgrade and it is simply perfect for a long relaxed walk after partying the whole night in a local restaurant. This is exactly what we did and it was just perfect.
For more details, here is my vlog - enjoy:
The best Things to do in Murcia - Spain
The Region of Murcia is in south east Spain, it has 323 days of sunshine a year and it’s coastline Costa Cálida has 250 kilometres of beaches! What to do when visiting Murcia? Here are my top 7 tips of how to best explore this beautiful hidden gem…
The Region of Murcia is in south east Spain, it has 323 days of sunshine a year and it’s coastline Costa Cálida has 250 kilometres of beaches! What to do when visiting Murcia? Here are my top 7 tips of how to best explore this beautiful hidden gem. Oh and before I forget…Murcia is best explored active! :) You’ll see what I mean…
1. Go snorkelling - The area is known for it’s super rich marine life and interesting lesser seen species such as the moon fish, and if you’re lucky you might get so see some seahorses too! It is also a paradise for divers. When we went, we saw so many diving schools and diving boats out at sea exploring and because snorkelling was already so fun, it really inspired me to maybe look into learning to dive soon :)
2. Go Cycling - The coastline is too beautiful not to be explored intensively and therefore cycling along it is the best was to see as much of it as possible if you ask me. I love cycling and I love an activity holiday so when we got introduced to the guys from Ecoadventure who offer exciting cycling trips with electric or non electric bikes I was excited. It was hard, it was 35 degrees, it was gritty, it was off road and it was so much fun! Half way we found a little hidden beach to cool down and once we reached our final destination we were rewarded with Spanish ham & ice cold beer!
3. Go Hiking or Trekking - Another active way to explore Murcia? Yes! I understand cycling isn’t for everyone and it is exercise. So trekking along the coastline might be for you. More time to stop and take epic pictures of the incredibly beautiful scenery, more time to explore the vegetation and just as rewarding when you reach viewing points like the one in the thumbnail of my vlog:
5. Visit the Lighthouse of Cabo de Palos - There is a legend that says it was once owned by a family who then got swept away by the ocean and not it is electric. Nobody know if this is true, but what is true is that the views from the top of the Lighthouse are insane! I almost felt like I was filming with a drone, this is how far you can see :) More in the video
6. Eat the food - I mean for any trip to Spain this should be a must do, right? But with all these holiday activities I tell you, you will get hungry. And the food in Murcia is best described by wholesome seafood with a sweet twist. Arroz Caldero was my favourite, but they also make an amazing honey and walnut salad, too! Yum yum!
7. Visit the cities - Lorca, Águilas and Murcia city itself are 3 tips from me to you. On our trip we went to Lorca which is a beautiful and calm city so full of history I wouldn’t know where to begin. And Águilas is a seaside town in love with Carnival and crazy fun traditions. We went on a boat trip with Don Pancho there which took us a long the coastline, showed us some hidden beaches, and turned out to be much more entertaining than I had anticipated! :)
7 Things to do in Antigua
The first time I found out that there is such a thing as an Upside Down Jellyfish, the first time I actually saw one! Antigua stole my heart, not just because of its animals, but also because of its mind-blowing sunsets, its people and food, and last but not least, the wide range of activities possible on the island…
The first time I found out that there is such a thing as an Upside Down Jellyfish, the first time I actually saw one! Antigua stole my heart, not just because of its animals, but also because of its mind-blowing sunsets, its people and food, and last but not least, the wide range of activities possible on the island.
Here are my top 7 must do’s when visiting Antigua:
Go on a Nature Tour of the Island - You will be discovering Antigua’s most exotic animals & plants whilst kayaking, snorkelling and hiking! We had a guide so knowledgeable, he was even able to answer all of MY questions, and I am sometimes a bit over the top, asking questions like ‘…but how does this animal sleep?’ :D For me, it was the perfect way to discover the islands flora and fauna whilst staying active.
Visit Shirley Heights - Only Antigua’s most famous viewing point that turns into a super fun reggae party after sunset, so probably the number one must see of this entire list, if you ask me. What stuck we me, other than the fact that the sky turned about 4 different colours when we were there, was the fact that it wasn’t overcrowded - which was oh so lovely! Make sure to bring a tripod for that epic sunset time lapse, I know I did! :)
Stay in one of the Elite Island Resorts - That is if you are visiting for a special occasion. I was lucky enough to be invited, so I could experience the full package that the Verandah Resort & Spa had to offer. For anyone coming to celebrate something special or anyone who just wants to indulge a little, any of the Elite Island Resorts will not disappoint you - if you want a taster of the evening entertainment, or if you want see what the rooms look like, it’s all in the vlog below :)
Hike the Goat Track aka ‘Middle Ground Trail’ - Probably my favourite surprise moment of the trip. We had only seen a picture on Instagram of a lovely viewpoint close to Nelson’s Dockyard by the English Harbour, and what we found on the hike was that, but also many many goats. 20-30 goats of all ages and colours happily live along the hike and make this 20 minute climb just that much more exciting. Too cute!
Eat Mahi Mahi & try Susie’s Hot Sauce - Mahi Mahi is a local fish that tastes so good it will leave you wondering why you ever thought that there was nothing better than tuna. And well, Susie’s Hot Sauce is made by Susie, and Antiguan woman who has been making this world famous, yet only available in Antigua, hot sauce since 1960! You haven’t been to Antigua if you haven’t tried it - I dare you! :)
Visit the St. John’s - The capital of Antigua and probably the most colourful town in the world. It is busy, it is vibrant, it is incredibly safe and you can buy the most delicious pineapples ever. That should be all :) Make sure to visit the famous Saturday Market for extra exotic produce and Caribbean vibes!
Go on a Triflexcursion - It’s a thing! If you’re the active traveller, like me, this is what you have been searching for. Giles and Marc from Triflexcursion will get you Cycling, Kayaking & Hiking to visit hidden gems, their favourite beaches and to discover St. John’s with a local. It’s eco friendly, healthy for your body and mind, super interesting and, guess what, super fun! More in vlog part 2 :)
How to do King's Day Amsterdam right!
A man, dressed in orange from head to toe, pushed a wheelbarrow full of Heineken past me and I knew, I’m the middle of the Dutch National Holiday: King’s Day or Koningsdag!
A man, dressed in orange from head to toe, pushed a wheelbarrow full of Heineken past me and I knew, I’m the middle of the Dutch National Holiday: King’s Day or Koningsdag!
King’s Day is quite simply the day that the Dutch King celebrates his birthday, and the entire country celebrates with him! What a birthday, hey?
I spent 48 hours in Amsterdam with Clink Hostels, I saw everything orange, tulips and had many cocktails! :) Here is a quick guide on how to get the best out of King’s Day. For more info and details you can watch my vlog below.
1. Book accommodation early! - Clink Hostels is a good option, it’s cheap, it’s central and they even have a super fun King’s Night party the day before. I attended it and I played a lot of fun Dutch games which made no sense but won me a shot or two! :D King’s Day is super popular and people come from all over the world so make sure accommodation is the first thing you look into. I know you want to plan your outfits first, but trust me this is more important ;)
2. Wear orange! - You might think, that this is obvious, but let me tell you I was dressed in orange from head to toe (see video below) and I got so many people coming up to me, complimenting me about my outfit, including me in their group, offering me drinks or a boogie and I felt almost Dutch! :D I was travelling alone after all, so this helped - a lot!
3. Bring something rain proof - An umbrella, boots and, or a rain coat will do! When I went it rained a lot - King’s Day, at the moment, is in April so you never know! I was grateful for my umbrella.
4. Book your space on a party boat, if you want to go all the way - I didn’t, but seeing the boats on the various canals, playing the absolute best European Dance tracks (don’t judge), I felt that this would have been the cherry on top!
5. Drink responsibly - I really mean it! King’s Day is so much fun and everyone is dancing outside on the streets. You will be offered drinks, shots, drinks and shots on every corner. Pubs offer you their very best orange cocktail, which will be super sweet and super delicious so it’s very easy to say yes to all of them :) Just make sure you pace yourself because the party goes on until the next morning, if you want, and you don’t want to be back in your hostel bed by 10:00pm - although it was very comfortable, I have to say :)
Things to do in Malmö, Sweden
Malmö is a coastal city in Sweden, only 30 minutes away from Copenhagen, Denmark! We rented a bike and off we went. It’s small enough so that you can explore the majority of the city in just one or two days.
Malmö is a coastal city in Sweden, only 30 minutes away from Copenhagen, Denmark! We rented a bike and off we went. It’s small enough so that you can explore the majority of the city in just one or two days. If I had to summarise my trip in one word I would say calm. I left this city feeling relaxed and excited to come back - Malmö has stolen my heart.
1. Rent a bike in Malmö - Hands down the best way to get around the city!
2. Take an ice cold bath - At Ribersborgs Kallbadhus you will be able to swim in the open sea, no matter the weather. It’s good for your immune system and your soul. Sit in the sauna afterwards and think to yourself: ‘ I did this! ‘
3. Eat at the Malmö Street Food Market - Malmö Saluhall - Exciting, vibrant and full of amazing food! We went for vegan Ramen, but the choice wasn’t easy. Overall Malmö offers amazing food options for every dietary requirement all over the city - which I loved :)
4. Visit the Disgusting Food Museum - You are now warned! Watch the vlog below for more!
5. Play Boule - I had never played Boule before but mixed with Swedish friendliness, Swedish beer and some competitive spirit this might have been my favourite activity of the day!
Why Edinburgh was my favourite Travel Destination 2018
We sat on the tram on our way to Edinburgh city central. The moment we saw Edinburgh Castle for the first time we literally jumped up from our seats like children when discovering Disneyland for the first time…
We sat on the tram on our way to Edinburgh city central. The moment we saw Edinburgh Castle for the first time we literally jumped up from our seats like children when discovering Disneyland for the first time!
Let me try to put in words, why Edinburgh was my Disneyland 2018!
1. Pictures of Edinburgh Castle don’t do it justice! - They really don’t. Imagine a castle, on top of a green hill, surrounded by a green park and accompanied by medieval gothic and renaissance architecture. Imagine this hill is in fact in the middle of a somewhat modern city, yet no building reaches it’s hight even remotely. It’s like a throne and it’s also a little bit like the rock in The Lion King. This is what made us jump up from our seats. You have to see it for yourself.
2. Harry Potter and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde live in Edinburgh - Well, not quite, but we did a tour with Rabbie’s Tours around the city, and discovered that many stories like Harry Potter have their routes in Edinburgh. I could feel it. Magic.
3. You can actually breathe in Edinburgh - With it being so close to the seaside and fairly high up north, the air in Edinburgh is NOT breathtaking! See what I did there? ;) The moment we left the airport and took a breath we realised two things: 1. London air really is very polluted, and 2. THIS is what actual fresh air feels like. It feels clean and full of goodness. Every Yoga teacher would say: ‘Take not one but two deep breaths in!’
4. Whisky - A local said to me: ‘Only old men drink whisky!’ And I’m going to be honest with you guys, it felt a little bit like someone had just told me that Father Christmas doesn’t exists! So I decided to do what I did when my mum told me this when I was 5: Ignore it and fully live my Whisky excitement by visiting the two most amazing places to try it in Edinburgh: The Whiski Rooms & The Devil’s Advocate. Flicking through menus of over 200 Whisky types, we felt like Children having to choose at a Pick ‘n’ Mix station, probably in Disneyland.
5. Dean Village - It’s what it says on the tin, a village in the middle of Scotland’s capital. Tranquil, picturesque and somewhat of a little Scottish oasis really. Streams of crystal clear water float through colourful 19th century buildings and I forgot the world around me. It is my number one must see place in Edinburgh and it absolutely and without a doubt needs to be on any travel itinerary ever when visiting.