BLACK FEMALE SOLO TRAVEL 🧳 | EDINBURGH | FOUR STORY WATERSTONES | BOOKSHOPPING

[@sueKay]

Glad you enjoyed visiting Edinburgh! The biggest bookshop in Scotland is the Waterstones in Glasgow, and the biggest second-hand bookshop in Scotland is Leakey's in Inverness. There's also a number of different book festivals in Scotland - the Literature Alliance Scotland has a list of them all.

[@TaylorsJourney]

Omgosh! Thank you so much for this comment. I was always wondering when the festivals are so that is super helpful to have them all in a central location. I know for a fact I need to go to Glasgow, so many people left comments saying having to visit there. I have a work conference next June so that is when I planning to visit since it will be a long trip and I can really explore the area and surrounding cities.

[@agl5132]

Glasgow Girl here. We have fab bookstores. The Waterstones here is great. We even have a bookstore/pub and another library/bookstore with wine bar. After dozens of years in the states I returned home to Scotland. James Duant was recruited in 2019 to transform B&N so you will see similarities. Book prices here are good as is most shopping outside the city areas. My local used bookstore sells all it's books from .70- 1.00. You can't beat that. Now that Neil Gaiman is in trouble his book prices should be dropping quite a bit. Wigtown here in Scotland is a book town and has a yearly book fest.

[@cookiemonster1409]

We do have hardback books in the UK, however, they tend to be for brand new releases and switch to paperback after a number of months I have a selection of both types, but for space on the shelves you mostly get paperback and save hardback for really special books

[@TaylorsJourney]

Thank you for explaining! Another subscriber mentioned this as well. It makes it difficult for me though, because I do not always arrive in the UK around the time my most anticipated books are released. I have solved this though through waterstones. I have a membership and they ship internationally, so I just pre-order the hardbacks. I will say.. the European way has rubbed off on me. lol I can't remember the last time I have bought a hardback book, I have gravitated to paperback mostly because they are lighter so when I travel I can buy more paperback books than hardback. Now even in the states, I forget Hardbacks exists and I buy paperbacks lol

[@JasonMcNeill-bv8lb]

Hi Taylor, great vlogs of this beautiful city we are lucky enough to call home, really hope you enjoyed it, and come back.

[@TaylorsJourney]

It really is! I loved it so so sooo much. But honestly I loved what happened most after my trip. All of the love and support from citizens of Scotland have mad my heart so completely full. I am planning a trip this Christmas season, because you guys have just filled my heart with so much love. I cannot waittt to return.

[@JasonMcNeill-bv8lb]

@@TaylorsJourney aw I’m delighted to hear!! Would you ever plan on moving here permanently if settled enough? Or is it just somewhere you care to visit whenever you can?

[@TaylorsJourney]

I am torn, I am a city girl at heart. So if I had to be honest, permanently I would see myself in London. However, I do have a little one. I would could definitely see us living in Edinburgh during his school years, he is five, so from age five - 18 I could definitely live in Edinburgh.

[@JasonMcNeill-bv8lb]

@@TaylorsJourney quicker he’s over, the quicker he’ll be Scottish himself 🙄🙄. I’m a city type too, but I suppose growing up in one makes that easier for me. Where did you grow up in the US?

[@TaylorsJourney]

I grew up in Indiana and Georgia. But most of my formative years were spent in Georgia split between two cities Columbus, GA a small town and Atlanta, GA a major city. I have seen the best of both worlds so I can thrive in both environments, but I prefer cities just because I feed off people. I recharge being around people. I am the oldest of 13 children. My parents are pastors and wanted a hugggee family, so I am most at ease around noise and a lot of people. The city provides that best. lol

[@chloe_x2787]

There’s a craft/art supplies kind of chain shop in the UK called ‘the works’ there’s one on princes street and there’s always a big collection of books between like £2-£5 they’re SO CHEAP!! Always worth a look, i always grab new releases from there 🫶🏼

[@TaylorsJourney]

Oh wow!! THANK YOU for sharing this. I will totally give this a go the next time I am there. 🩷 Need release at a discount rate is totally my vibe. Truly thank you for sharing this. Im totally taking you up on it. 😇

[@caroline_scotland]

So glad you loved our wee city and hope you come back soon💕 Also, a book recommendation I think you’ll enjoy, The Dark Lady by Akala. You should definitely give it a read. Much love from Edinburgh💙🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@TaylorsJourney]

This book recommendation has me super interested! I am coming back to Europe at the end of this month, and I want to buy it there to make it a more special moment. 😇 Thank you for recommending this to me because you were SPOT on. I think I will definitely like this book. I also am planning a trip during Christmas time! I cannot wait, and I am so excited to return! 💕

[@caroline_scotland]

@@TaylorsJourney Akala’s a British rapper, poet, journalist, activist, and has given speeches at top universities all over the world. And written books about personal experiences growing up in Britain and the culture, you should look him up. This is his first fictional book and set in Elizabethan London, it has a bit of everything, I think you’ll really enjoy it🙂 Happy travels, I look forward to more of your vlogs. Love to you and yours, from Scotland💙🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@keithrudd8003]

Do you have to bring a separate suit case for all the books you buy? …lol ..

[@TaylorsJourney]

lolol I literally no lie just got back from NYC yesterday and bought 5 Books! lolol I need an extra bag, lol but what I do, because I know I will buy them when traveling.. when I pack, I intentionally leave space for 4-5 medium size books. This is how it cuts down how many I buy. It also helps me prioritize and plan my book shopping so when I do buy it will be something, I actually plan on reading instead. I won't lie.. in Europe.. I might start bringing a book bag especially when I come this summer. Because the books are just so beautiful. It is hard for me to stop at just 5 lol

[@neilmorrison7356]

You should try the Rebus books by Ian Rankin. The are about a police detective in Edinburgh. What I really like about them, apart from being set in Edinburgh, is that it explores the good and evil sides of people and society. This is particularly relevant to Edinburgh as Dr Jewel and Mr Hyde was written by Robert Louis Stevenson who came from Edinburgh. He got the idea from the true story of Deacon Brodie who during the day was a pillar of society but at night would break into peoples houses amounts other things. Did you go to the writers museum?🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🦄🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🦄

[@TaylorsJourney]

@@neilmorrison7356 Thank you for this information! I didn't realize Robert Louis Stevenson was from Edinburgh! That is truly fascinating, also thank you for the book recommendation. I will try and get a copy. I have never heard of the author Ian Rankin, but to be sent in Edinburgh sounds like a really pretty setting and book I am interested. I didn't even know there was a writers museum in Edinburgh! I will be back most likely this December and I will totally be making a stop there! Thank you so much for your comments and taking the time to give me this information! I really appreciate it and it makes me so much more excited for my next trip to Edinburgh!

[@jamesharley3783]

Glad you enjoyed my home city but you really need to do a week to explore it properly you missed so much ..... get a local guide to give you the inside story of the place

[@TaylorsJourney]

Thank you so much for the tip! I’m so excited because I’ll be there for Christmas, and we’re planning to explore the Christmas markets and see as much as we can while we're there! I’m absolutely thrilled! I’m afraid it might be a little too late to book a tour since we’re arriving in less than a week, but if you have any recommendations for must-see spots, I’d love to hear them. I really want to make the most of my time and represent your beautiful city that I’ve come to love so much in the best way possible!

[@charlestaylor9424]

If you feel rich you can have afternoon tea in the Law Library.

[@TaylorsJourney]

Really?? They allow you inside? Thank you for this tip! In the states we aren't allowed in our law libraries you have to be a law student, or a student of the university the law library is housed. I have always wanted to visit one because the ones on my college campuses are soooo nice.

[@charlestaylor9424]

@@TaylorsJourney Yes it's The Colonnades at the Signet Library. You are also allowed in the National Library of Scotland.

[@TaylorsJourney]

Thank you for this! I will try my best to visit on my trip in December! I really appreciate this. 🥰

[@russellnewton6660]

It’s been a wet year, even for the U.K.

[@TaylorsJourney]

Being a bookworm I don't mind. I used to not like the rain when I was younger, but it is the perfect environment to snuggle up with a book and read away.

[@russellnewton6660]

@@TaylorsJourney well if you lived in Edinburgh, you’d be doing a lot more reading for sure 😂

[@BigAndyK]

I live round the corner from your airb&b, and if you turned right coming out your stair, you would have got the same scarf at the same price, just earlier. 😀 Also, if you like a curry, The Mosque Kitchen is always getting great reviews. I've couldn't personally recommend it as I'm a product of my environment and like bland food, but mates of mine rave about it, and it's inexpensive and open to everyone. Glad you enjoyed your time here.

[@TaylorsJourney]

Thank you for this! Omgosh, I saw that shop, and I kept telling myself since it was so close, I will go, but time flew by and I never got the chance! lol The worst part is, I got the scarf because I needed it, it was also a perfect souvenir, but i legit needed it because it was cold. lol I gladly would have had purchased it from this shop if I would have known, so I would have been warmer sooner. Also your tip about the mosque kitchen is much appreciated. I will give it a try when I am back next time. I loveeeeee curry it is one of my favorite foods so I am willing to try all kinds. I loved my time here and cannot wait to go back. ❤️

[@lilyandrose8557]

But who cares about your skin colour? Why mention it in the title?.

[@TaylorsJourney]

Good day! ❤️ Thank you for sharing your perspective-it means a lot. I completely agree with you. Scotland truly stands out as a place where people are judged by their character rather than their skin color or sex, and that’s something I deeply admire. In my video, I didn’t focus on race or gender specifically, as the core message was centered elsewhere. However, I often title my videos with SEO and demographic considerations in mind. When women search for solo travel content, safety and authenticity are typically top of mind, so I try to craft my titles in a way that resonates with those concerns. My goal is to provide multiple perspectives for those planning their travels, helping them make informed decisions. Sadly, not every place in the world offers the same level of safety or inclusivity, but I’m so happy to hear and to have experienced first hand that Scotland is as welcoming and accepting as you’ve described. 🌟