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Showing posts from June, 2025

Why Gloomy Weather Is the Secret to Falling in Love with Edinburgh

Every time we travel, we always wish for sunny skies. I get it. Nobody wants rain to ruin their plans. But when we went to Edinburgh for 3 nights — I did the opposite. Why Gloomy Weather Is the Secret to Falling in Love with Edinburgh I prayed for it to be gloomy. Wet. Misty. Even a little spooky. Edinburgh is a city that wears its history like a cloak — one woven with ghost stories, witch trials, and magic. A bright, sunny day strips away the eerie charm that makes this place so special. Mist, however, wraps the city in something spellbinding. 1. Mist Unlocks the City’s Dark Past Edinburgh is widely regarded as one of the most haunted cities in the world .  — from underground vaults to the old kirkyards. The mist in the air feels like a living remnant of its chilling history. Without it, the city feels too modern, too exposed. With it? You’re walking through a Gothic novel. 2. Hello Dementors? Harry Potter Fans Will Understand It’s the closest I’ve ever felt to being in ...

The Real Hogwarts Express: Jacobite Steam Train Review – Magical or Overhyped?

ABBEY: Our adventure began bright and early at 7 AM, as we joined the much-anticipated  Hogwarts Express and Scottish Highlands Tour . The crisp morning air greeted us as we made our way to the meeting point at  St. Andrew Square  in Edinburgh. Shortly after our tickets were checked, our cozy tour bus pulled in—and just like that, the journey began. From the start, our tour guides made the trip unforgettable. Far from being dull, they filled our ride with interesting facts, local legends, and witty stories that kept everyone laughing, clapping, and thoroughly entertained. Our first stop was a charming little town, the perfect place to warm up with a hot cup of coffee. While some of us grabbed caffeine, others took the chance to enjoy a quick breakfast bite. Then, we had a brief but breathtaking stop at the  Glenfinnan Viaduct —the iconic bridge made famous by the Harry Potter films. Standing there, watching the sweeping curves of the viaduct against the rugged Highla...

Must-Eat in Edinburgh: Cheaper, Tastier, and Totally Unexpected

ABBEY: Fast Food: KFC and Jollibee  One of our favorite things to do when traveling abroad is to try familiar fast food chains in different countries. During our recent trip to Edinburgh, we were happy to find both  KFC  and  Jollibee  conveniently located just around the corner from our hotel. Walking into  Jollibee on Princes Street  instantly felt like stepping back into the Philippines. The familiar smell of Chickenjoy, the chatter of fellow  kababayans  choosing meals to enjoy and bring home—it all brought a sense of warmth and nostalgia. If there’s one thing that could improve the experience, it’s the lighting. The branch could benefit from brighter interiors to create a more welcoming atmosphere. When it comes to food, both KFC and Jollibee served large, satisfying portions of chicken. However,  Jollibee’s chicken stood out for its juiciness and that signature crispy coating we all love . Don’t be put off by the slightly plain app...

Why We Skipped the Plane and Took LNER First Class to Edinburgh

ABBEY: If you’re planning a trip from  London to Edinburgh , one of the best ways to travel is by train—and for a truly comfortable experience, we highly recommend booking  first-class tickets . We began our journey at the iconic  King’s Cross Station  in London. Before boarding, we had access to the  First Class Lounge , which offers a lovely view of the trains arriving and departing. The lounge provides light refreshments, including chips, tea, and coffee. While I wasn’t a fan of the coffee’s taste (perhaps something to do with the water), the shortbread cookies were a delicious treat—definitely worth grabbing a few before the ride! Boarding the train was smooth. We easily found a spot for our  luggage  and settled into our assigned seats, which were  spacious, clean, and comfortable . Shortly after departure, staff came around to check our tickets and offered hot drinks. I’m glad to report that the coffee on board was much better, especially e...