My Favorite Places in the World (so far)
As a few of you may know, I've spent my university years studying overseas in Scotland. While I've been on this side of the pond I've had many opportunities to travel. Below are listed a few of my favorite places so far.
1. Isle of Skye, Scotland
The Isle of Skye is an island just off the coast of North Western Scotland. Part of the joy of visiting here is making the trip from Edinburgh, as you drive through the beautiful highlands. The Isle itself is INCREDIBLE featuring some breathtaking landscape and a feeling that is just magical. Portree, The Faerie Pools, The Faerie Glen, and the Quiraing are a definite must if you go. On your way up visit Eilean Donan castle and Glencoe.
2. Doolin, Ireland
Doolin has a special place in my heart. It is a small village on the west coast of Ireland. Tranquil, lovely, and high spirited, this place does more for my well being than any spa could. Go if you can, and have the muscles and Bailey's Coffee at O'Conners. You won't regret it.
3. Venice, Italy
A dream city. This place is a maze, but one you want to get lost in. The food is delicious, the architecture is amazing, and the feeling of the city is unbelievable.
4. Neuschwanstien Castle, Bavaria
Rightly called the Fairytale Castle, this place is something straight out of a Grimm fairy tale. The history surrounding the castle is both spectacular and tragic. It is beautiful in any kind of weather. A highlight for me was viewing the castle from a bridge suspended above a waterfall and the room shaped like a cave within the castle itself.
5. Double Decker Train from Paris to Munich
This sounds strange, but one of my favorite places on earth is the train from Paris to Munich. You get to see the beautiful french and German countryside and relax for 8 hours. It was one of my favorite parts of the trip, as I relaxed a listened to an audiobook.
6. The Goblin Ha' Scotland
This ruin was very hard to find, but the adventure was well worth it. Fascinating and magical history surrounding this spot, featuring its own enchanted forest, where the unsuspecting traveler can get lost for 5 hours.
7. Keswick, Lake District
The Lake District is just all around beautiful, but Keswick stands out as my favorite because of the beautiful mountains that were just capped with snow when I went. There was a path riddled with tree roots and interesting art.
8. The Black Forest, Germany
We went hiking in the black forest and found a sword in a stump. Need I say more?
9. Boulder Colorado
A childhood favorite. Full of cool shops, Russian tea houses, a beautiful mountain views.
Edinburgh-
Edinburgh gets its own category because I've lived in it for four years and I have a few favorite places.
Holyrood Park--
In warm weather I like to sit in Holyrood park on one of the benches and write. Near the palace in Holyrood park, up into the crags, there is a beautiful run down cathedral that overlooks a little lake. I'm very fond of it.
Black Medicine Coffee--
This cafe has a wonderful, otherworldly feel to it. Their bagels are superb and I love the quirky feel. It is one of my favorite places in Edinburgh.
Greyfriars Kirkyard--
Greyfrairs is one of the inspirations for my novel and it is clear why-- a graveyard in the middle of the city is weird enough, but it seems to exist on it's own plane as well, not on the upper level of the city and not on the lower level.
Edinburgh Castle--
I love the view from Edinburgh castle. It's stunning and not a very difficult climb (looking at you Arthur's seat).
Labyrinth, 50 George Square Edinburgh--
I walk the Labyrinth at 50 George Square at the end of every semester to complete my semester. It is may seem strange, but it is very calming.
Starbucks, Princes Street--
The Starbucks on Princes street has a fantastic view of Edinburgh castle and Princes Street Gardens. A wonderful place to work.
LUSH, Princes Street--
I'm cheating a bit here, as all LUSHs are fantastic, but this one is close to my heart. I've had two LUSH treatments here, and they are so relaxing. They are artistically set up so that you get a treatment but also are included in an almost artistic experience.
