Jul 24, 2023

A Glass of Scotch at the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh

Before we even arrived in Scotland I had made it clear that I wanted to get a glass of scotch at the whisky bar in the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh. It just seemed like an iconic thing to do. If you're unfamiliar, the Balmoral has been a fixture along Princes Street in Scotland's capital since opening in 1902, and to this day is one of Edinburgh's most recognizable landmarks.

Balmoral Hotel Edinburgh Scotland Scotch Whisky Bar

Balmoral Hotel Edinburgh Scotland Scotch Whisky Bar



What I hadn't anticipated over our stay in Scotland, however, was just how much whisky / scotch I would end up sampling. By our final night, not only had I had my fair share of variety already, but I had collected a mini-bars worth of small bottles to bring back home. The reason this is noteworthy is because looking back at this now, I can't remember exactly what kind of scotch I ended up having on that final night when I finally sat down in the Balmoral bar. 

I know I wrote it down, but have yet to find where I hid the note.

Memory loss seems a fitting end when making a point of sampling a lot of scotch in Scotland, I suppose. What I do remember is that the whisky I chose was aged 18 years, the Balmoral itself was incredibly beautiful, and the drink I had was by far the most expensive pour of all the variations I tried that trip. I may not remember the brand, but there's no denying I felt like a king in the castle that night in Edinburgh, Scotland.  

Balmoral Hotel Edinburgh Scotland Scotch Whisky Bar

Balmoral Hotel Edinburgh Scotland Scotch Whisky Bar

Balmoral Hotel Edinburgh Scotland Scotch Whisky Bar

Balmoral Hotel Edinburgh Scotland Scotch Whisky Bar

Balmoral Hotel Edinburgh Scotland Scotch Whisky Bar

Balmoral Hotel Edinburgh Scotland Scotch Whisky Bar

Balmoral Hotel Edinburgh Scotland Scotch Whisky Bar


Jul 23, 2023

German Spy Museum in Berlin, Germany

No trip to Berlin, Germany would be complete without a little exploration of World War / Cold War history. The German Spy Museum (AKA Deutsches Spionagemuseum) highlights some of the unique, covert artifacts that spies and agents used, notably between East and West Berlin. Here are a few visuals from inside this popular Berlin attraction.

German Spy Museum Deutsches Spionagemuseum


German Spy Museum Deutsches Spionagemuseum

German Spy Museum Deutsches Spionagemuseum

German Spy Museum Deutsches Spionagemuseum

German Spy Museum Deutsches Spionagemuseum

German Spy Museum Deutsches Spionagemuseum

German Spy Museum Deutsches Spionagemuseum



German Spy Museum Deutsches Spionagemuseum

German Spy Museum Deutsches Spionagemuseum

German Spy Museum Deutsches Spionagemuseum

German Spy Museum Deutsches Spionagemuseum

German Spy Museum Deutsches Spionagemuseum

German Spy Museum Deutsches Spionagemuseum

German Spy Museum Deutsches Spionagemuseum

German Spy Museum Deutsches Spionagemuseum

German Spy Museum Deutsches Spionagemuseum

German Spy Museum Deutsches Spionagemuseum


Jul 19, 2023

Superwheel at the Calgary Stampede

The Superwheel (the largest travelling ferris wheel in the world) was back on the midway at the Calgary Stampede this year, but did you know they offer a VIP experience

We didn't either. 

The Superwheel has a single VIP capsule, and with upgraded seats and air conditioning, what you're really paying for is that it's the only capsule with a glass bottom. The perspective was cool, the air conditioning was appreciated, but the ride didn't last anywhere near long enough to justify the $25 per person ticket. Who am I kidding though, I'm easily swayed by a view. 

8/10 would go again lol. 

Superwheel Calgary Stampede

Superwheel Calgary Stampede

Superwheel Calgary Stampede

Superwheel Calgary Stampede

Superwheel Calgary Stampede

Superwheel Calgary Stampede
Superwheel Calgary Stampede