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Struwwelpeter: The Creepiest Book You’ll See Today

by Sandy
written by Sandy

As I rounded the corner to visit Scotland’s Brodie Castle, the last person I expected to meet was Struwwelpeter. Yet mixed among the fine art, antique furniture and centuries of history in this magnificent turreted castle, there he was.  Staring at me from, appropriately enough, the shelf in the former nursery!

Truth is, until that very moment, I’d never even heard of Struwwelpeter.  But, with a cover illustration equal parts bewitching and bewildering, I was desperate to learn more and made a mental note of the book’s title as interior photography was not allowed.  Immediately upon my return to Edinburgh later that week, I scoured every secondhand bookstore in town until I finally unearthed this beautiful 1940 hardback edition.…

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EdinburghScotlandWestern Europe

The Murder of David Rizzio

by Sandy
written by Sandy

The murder of David Rizzio on March 9, 1566 was, quite possibly, the most dramatic moment in Scottish history.

But I’m getting ahead of myself.

Born in 1533 just outside of Turin, Italy, David Rizzio was a good musician and an excellent singer. An expert musician herself, Mary, Queen of Scots, also happened to be looking for a bass to sing in a quarter of French singers. After only two performances for the queen, Mary liked him so much that she offered him a job as a gentleman of the privy chamber. While some in the Scottish court found Rizzio to be an ugly little man, some found him quite affable. With his expensive taste in clothing coupled with an

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CakeEdinburghScotlandWestern Europe

Better Cake Than Never

by Sandy
written by Sandy

Mention the word ‘cake’ and I’m instantly transported back to my childhood. My earliest memory of cake is at my second birthday party. A tea party, actually, complete with tiny teapots, dainty dishes and impossibly pretty dresses. To be fair, I don’t actually remember eating the cake, but I do remember the cake.

So, what makes a cake great? Is it the flavors and textures? Is it the aromas, the colors, the decorations? For me, it is all of these things. From sponge to chiffon to chocolate and back, I love cake! No special occasion required. And, because I’m me, I don’t stop there. I have made it my mission to personally seek out the best cakes from all over

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EdinburghHaunted HistoryScotlandWestern Europe

The Incredible True Story of the Amazing Greyfriars Bobby

by Sandy
written by Sandy

Our story begins with a gardener named John Gray. Wanting a better job so that he might better provide for his children, John arrived in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1850 together with his family. Unsuccessful in securing work as a gardener, though, John decided to join the Edinburgh police force as a night watchman instead.

Shortly after beginning his shifts on the cobbled streets of the city, John found a partner to keep him company during the long Edinburgh nights: A wee Skye Terrier named Bobby. Now, Bobby was hardly a watchdog, but he was a loving and cheerful companion. John and Bobby soon became inseparable and were a common sight around the city.

After several years on the job patrolling

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CakeEdinburghHaunted HistoryScotlandTeaWestern Europe

The History of The Witchery

by Sandy
written by Sandy

Take a sharp left turn at the close just before you get to Edinburgh Castle at the top of the Royal Mile and you’ll soon find yourself entering the wonderful world of The Witchery! Built in 1595, this five-star restaurant is a city institution. It’s the place you go to pop the question, close a business deal or — in my case — take your best friend for tea on Friday the 13th!

Filled with anticipation, we walked down this narrow stone alleyway expecting to be impressed — and we were not disappointed. Rounding the corner, I struggled to take it all in: Antlers on the wall, rich red leather seating, church candlesticks adorning the tables — and a giant

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