Just around the corner from crowded Covent Garden in London, I found an unexpected peaceful haven, a magical courtyard. I had entered another dimension, Harry Potter-style.

On a solo visit to the wonderful Museum of Edinburgh, I spent some time in the courtyard and caught these pigeons courting.

A whimsical and tasteful little Christmas tree at Heathrow Airport is just right.

I wasn’t expecting a Texas-sized offering when I ordered the Scottish Beef Burger as part of an Edinburgh hotel’s set menu, but that’s what I got, along with a foodie-worthy smoked trout first course.

Even the most mundane things can be magic when you love to travel, like wet streets and traffic a chilly, rainy evening in Aberdeen.

Monteith’s Close on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile really knows how to make you feel like they are glad you’re there. And they have an award-winning bartender who created The Outsider Cocktail.

A deepening interest in photography and following certain blogs has me seeing things differently these days.

Edinburgh colors “pop” when the skies turn blue and the sun comes out, thus a haiku.

Looking out the hotel window at Edinburgh Castle, it was one of those magical moments when the light is just right, and you get a photo you didn’t expect.

Sunny good times of the past get us through dreary Januaries of the present. Today, the focus is on Stonehaven Harbor on the Scottish coast.

Afternoon tea at the palace where Queen Victoria grew up – by Jove, it was a jolly good show!

Kitty Fisher’s in London is a foodie’s dream! The staff treated me like I was royalty and served me a meal that to match. The ambience is an appealing mix of cozy old England and fresh, trendy-foodie-creative.

The Brits are smart, with their multiple-personality parks. There’s something for everyone in Hyde Park, even the birds.

London’s busy sidewalks, hustle and bustle, and general air of festivity and expectation recalls the lyrics of the Christmas classic, Silver Bells.

A Charlie Brown tree all alone in a hallway between terminals is full of holiday spirit and pluck.

Lidgate’s is a carnivorous cook’s dream! There’s a huge selection of meats, fish, poultry, sausages, cheeses, pies, condiments, cured meats and deli items.

Social little birds flit about and fascinate near Dunnottar Castle in Aberdeenshire’s Stonehaven.

Scottish bees and purple flowers, and a haiku.

The Edinburgh farmers market had everything: produce, cheese, a bridal couple, dogs, paella, olives, breads…a plethora of products and people-watching.

Close your eyes after taking just one bite of the Spaghetti Carbonara at Da Corradi in London and you’ll expect to find Northern Italy when you open them.