Edinburgh, a City of Time Itself

Edinburgh is a city with layers of history. Stories upon stories walk these cobblestone lanes and hide like ghosts within the shadow of medieval closes. This is a city where kings rose and fell, where heroes fought for freedom and where shameful men were nailed to the Mercat Cross. This is a city of good times, of hard times, of Time itself.

Right from the beginning, these were lands born in fire; Castle Rock, at the city’s core, is volcanic in origin. It is on this strategic hilltop that the city’s tale began. Edinburgh Castle itself, with its many previous iterations, has borne the brunt of Scotland’s volatile medieval era; it played a key part in the Scottish wars for independence throughout the 13th and 14th centuries.

During the 16th century, the events of history continued to shape Edinburgh not only as a city, but as the capital of a kingdom. Fuelled on by Protestant Reformers like John Knox, the tragedy of Mary, Queen of Scots, would play out here. With the coming of the 18th century, Edinburgh found itself in the midst of the Scottish Enlightenment. Dozens of monuments found around the city today celebrate illustrious men like David Hume, Adam Smith and Dugald Stewart, tributes to Edinburgh’s maverick thinkers.

The draining of the Nor Loch paved the way for Edinburgh’s famed New Town in the mid-18th century. As the united kingdoms of Scotland and England entered the Georgian period, so too did Edinburgh’s architecture, with Charlotte Square and Calton Hill becoming emblematic of the new era.

Edinburgh today is very much a product of its long, complicated and sometimes difficult history. Every building, every statue and every bustling square holds deep ties to the past; the legacies of war, Reformation and Enlightenment are very much still felt here. And as you walk these streets, you just might feel it too.

Team Citytravelreview/Curso, by Tiger Shen, Edinburgh April 2019

Sample: http://www.curso24.de/travel-news-citytravelreview-sample.pdf

Edinburgh: More than just Haggis, Especially at Night

Edinburgh’s hidden nightlife happens in the narrow streets and low-lying wynds of the city. You just need to start walking and look out for such places; even though they can be difficult to find, they do exist. The revellers circulate in clubs and pubs and underground bars which are often intricately laid out and can feel like labyrinths.

When darkness comes, you can follow the curiously-clothed and sometimes drunk groups of people doing stag and hen nights. Close to the Old Town, you quickly reach the quarter between Niddry Street, North Bridge, Royal Mile and Victoria Street. In this area you will find a lot of partying options. Especially around Niddry Street, the gaps conceal gothic bars, motto clubs and pubs with scanty light. The Hive on the same street is considered the Edinburgh’s most popular club, though that means it’s more mainstream.

If you’re not into that, look into the smaller venues ones that are around because they might be more entertaining. They all have their own special setting and music style, with numerous floors and open basements. There are also some clubs with mixed music like the Espionage in Victoria Street. With a karaoke bar on the top and five floors downstairs, the club is an establishment for versatile music.

You will see queues on every corner in that quarter, so it’s advisable to check out the smaller side streets as well. From a cabaret to an open-air bar, everything’s on offer. Get out on the street and explore the life under street lights for yourself.

Team Citytravelreview/Curso, by Lisa M. Jordan, Edinburgh April 2019

Sample: http://www.youblisher.com/p/2038915-More-Than-Just-Haggis/

Citytravelreview 2019

Wir präsentieren unsere neuen Projekte in der Universität von Nottingham. Dank an die Uni sowie an die Studierenden für die Neugier und die Begeisterung.

Team Citytravelreview/Curso

Edinburgh April 2017

Fun, new friends, history, whisky, castles, pubs, tours, live music, fantastic views – oh my! Where completely strangers become friends with a glass of whiskey in hand – this is CTR in Edinburgh.

Not even the Scottish weather pranks could hide the unique charm of Edinburgh – rustic bookshops, mystic closes and lovely shops make the citys beauty! Exploring the beautiful city in great company – Edinburgh, you’ve stolen my heart!

This once in a lifetime experience helped me fall in love with the beautiful city of Edinburgh while making new friends along the way. There is a distinctive feeling you have while walking through Edinburgh: It’s the mixture of living, breathing history and the culturally open mindset of the people today that is different from any other city in Europe.

It’s not hard to fall in love with Edinburgh. The unique atmosphere in the pubs, the vitality everywhere, the beautiful landscapes and all the great people you are surrounded by made me feel like home!

What a positive experience: getting to know a beautiful city together with amazing people! I came, saw, and fell in love with this city and its warm citizen. Can´t wait to see you again, Edinburgh!

To fell in love with a foreign city in a few days and discover it with a group of other girls, who became real friends, was an exciting experience, which I don’t regret.

Team CTR/Curso, Edinburgh April 2017

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Edinburgh City Travel Guide: Every Day is Christmas

How about some Christmas shopping at Easter or in summer? In Edinburgh, you can choose between several Christmas shops that are open all year round. Forget about the shops that only sell glittering bubbles or twinkling Christmas tree lights. In The Christmas Shop at Grassmarket you will find laugh-out-loud presents for Christmas. If you fancy unusual Christmas cards, you might decide on “Jingle Bells, Santa smells” or a card with ten jokes about reindeers. The shop also offers a biscuit cutter with Queen Elizabeth’s profile. Or a Christmas pudding box with lipgloss inside.

If this is not festive enough, you’d better choose Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe on the Royal Mile. You’ll find everything you need for a truly Scottish Christmas. For example a CD with bagpipes Christmas music. Or tartan Christmas tree decorations such as hearts, stars or trees – or even bagpipers and sheep. If you like more cheesy Christmas stuff, there are also bubbles with Santa sitting on a train or – very classic – former British monarchs such as Queen Victoria to embellish your tree. In case you usually cry tears of joy on Christmas, you can buy ahead Santa tissues.

text and photo Sabrina Wendling
The team of city travel review, December 2014
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Wintermärchen

Ein kalter Wind und four seasons in one day, das ist die Wettermeldung zum Reisejournalismus Winter-Programm in Edinburgh. Dennoch, auch zur aktuellen Jahreszeit, ist das Erlebnis Edinburgh einfach einzigartig. Wir fangen die Sonnenstrahlen ein wenn es sie denn täglich gibt und nutzen die Zeit für die outdoor Recherchen. Das ist ein Muss denn die Stadt ist so reich an Geschichte. Wir hatten Glück: die Winter-Sonne verwöhnte uns während der Exkursionen nach Arthurs Seat und Cramond. Nach Sonnenuntergang ist die winterliche Beleuchtung eine ganz besonders willkommene Abwechslung. Selbst bei kühlem Wind und Wetter wird uns dabei ganz warm ums Herz.
Team Citytravelreview / Curso

Reisejournalismus-Programm Erfahrungen

Während der Praktikumsprogramme in der deutschen Hauptstadt Berlin werden Reisemagazine und Travel Guides recherchiert und geschrieben welche unsere Studierenden in kreativer Leistung mit den einheimischen Journalisten, Layoutern und Projektmitarbeitern entwickeln. Reise-journalistische Workshops, Layout Meetings, Culture Meetings, professionelle Recherche und Editing sowie projektbezogene Besuche, Begegnungen und Exkursionen zur Unterstützung bei der Recherche sind die Schwerpunkte unserer Programme.

Erfahrungsberichte zu Curso CTR finden Sie beispielsweise hier. Ergänzend fügen wir einige eigene Bilder-Impressionen bei:

 

The Different Faces of Edinburgh

As a city in which much of today’s structure can be traced back to former centuries, Edinburgh offers a great deal for those interested in history. How about visiting the house of a 17th century merchant? Or maybe getting acquainted with the works of Scottish artists in the National Portrait Gallery? However, do not be fooled into thinking that Edinburgh is boring and old-fashioned – there are a lot of terrific galleries dedicated to contemporary art, such as the City Art Centre or the Gallery of Modern Art. So irrespective of your interests, on the following pages you’ll certainly discover something to your liking.
Edinburgh for Culture enthusiasts

A city which inspired authors to write worldwide bestsellers such as Sherlock Holmes or Harry Potter; where the world’s tallest commemoration of a writer rises spectacularly into the sky and museums and libraries invite one to plunge deeper into the lives and writings of Scottish Literary heroes. From the aforementioned examples, it is clear that Edinburgh wholeheartedly embraces its status as UNESCO City of Literature. Visit the settings of Ian Rankin’s Rebus stories or discover Tom Riddle’s grave in Greyfriars Kirkyard. Discover the magical chapter of this parallel existing literary world by following its traces in reality.
Edinburgh for Bookworms

Department stores or independent shops? It does not matter if you’re following the newest trends or have a preference for old-fashioned vintage clothing; this section will no doubt help you to discover the right shops to visit. On your marks, whip out your credit card, GO!
Edinburgh for Shopaholics

Besides being the vibrant capital of Scotland, Edinburgh also has a lot to offer for those who want to relax and enjoy all the natural beauties and outdoor pleasures. With the wide range of well-kept city parks and gardens, local nature reserves and walkways as well as the imposing appearance of Arthur’s Seat and the Salisbury Crags, Edinburgh can truly be called a “green city”.
Edinburgh for Nature addicts

Over the centuries, Edinburgh has been tormented by numerous bloody and horrible happenings. The Scottish frequently recount tales of murder, ghosts, body-snatching and witch-burning. Everyone from the brave to the faint-hearted can enjoy their nightly or daily tours, whether it be to a secret underground or to a haunted graveyard. Some tourists swear that they have seen a transparent figure during a guided tour. If you truly want to reveal the dark side of the beautiful Edinburgh, you should ask yourself: Do you believe in ghosts?
Edinburgh for Thrill seekers

From sheep stomach innards to the pungently strong alcoholic delicacy, foodies alike will squirm at the eclectic array of food and drink Scotland has to offer. Ranging from the famous whisky, Haggis and Irn Bru to shortbread, cider and cake, Scotland ensures that its visitors will not leave the city hungry.
Edinburgh for Foodies

Students can easily enjoy an affordable, fun night out in Edinburgh. There are a wide assortment of pubs and clubs, ranging from places where you can enjoy a quiet drink to those in which you can dance the night away. Live music is not only played on weekends, but throughout the week also. Different genres for different tastes in music are available. So let your hair down, take a shot or two and experience the nightlife of Scotland’s capital.
Edinburgh for Nightowls

Team Curso/CTR Edinburgh
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360° of Edinburgh: The City of Literature

As the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature, it’s definitely hard to escape Edinburgh’s literary heritage! The city has been the home to several famous authors, like Sir Walter Scott, the author of ´The Waverley Novels,´ Robert Louis Stevenson, and the poet Robert Burns.
Even Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who invented the most famous detective Sherlock Holmes, was born and studied here. He is remembered by a statue in Picardy Place, as well as by a restaurant and a pub, which are named after him. Sherlock Holmes is based on Conan Doyle’s professor at Edinburgh University, Dr.  Joseph Bell. Look out for an information sign about a “most foul” murder case that involved the doctor himself on George Street, on the way to the West End.To find out more about literary Edinburgh, go to the Writers’ Museum and the National Library, where exhibitions are held.
The Waverley Station is quite literary itself, as it is the only station in the world to be named after a book series. And for fans of J.K. Rowling’s ´Harry Potter´ series, Edinburgh is like a treasure trove: George Heriot’s School (the inspiration for Hogwarts,) the Elephant House Café, and Greyfriars Kirkyard are all waiting to be explored.

Team Curso/CTR Edinburgh
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Start Berlin: A Comprehensive Budget Guide To Berlin

It will come as no surprise that this city, so steeped in history, has a lot of sights and monuments to behold. Casually walk around and you are sure to come across more than your fair share. They make up the skyline of Berlin. From Prussian architecture to Soviet design, the city has been stamped by its various political rulers and is a cornucopia for UNESCO Heritage sites, boasting 3 of them. Check out Brandenburg Gate for Berlin’s earliest example of Neo-Classical architecture or venture to the Olympic Stadium and catch a home game. Whatever you do, you will never be able to escape the sight of Germany’s tallest building, the TV tower. Just make sure you’re ready to queue if you want to go up there.
SIGHTS & MONUMENTS

From film to typography, national history to Islamic art, this city has a museum for just about everything. Some focus on Berlin’s unique and complex history, while others display artworks from as far away and long ago as classical Europe, Japan and the ancient Middle East. The central Museum Island is home to several globally-renowned collections that are truly unmissable. Also worth a visit, however, are the lesser-known, equally fascinating galleries dotted throughout the city. To save money, consider buying a one-day or three-day pass for multiple exhibitions; see individual museum websites or ticket kiosks for details.
MUSEUMS & GALLERIES

Home to some of the world’s most beautiful and stunning parks, Berlin is the perfect city to visit during a scorching hot summer. If you enjoy lounging in the sun, then you will definitely be satisfied sprawling over the vast liegewiese’s of the Tiergarten or Volkspark Friedrichshain, sipping a rich German beer. For those architecture admirers, then the illustrious and impressive baroque gardens of Schloss Charlottenburg should prove a special treat. Or if you desire to make the most of your time outside, feel free to visit the airport cum park Tempelhofer Feld. Jump on a bike and enjoy stretching your legs around the enormous airport runways, or pick up a gold club and try to pot a hole at the park’s quirky art-inspired golf course. Once you’ve worked up a sweat, you could always take a refreshing dip in the sparkling waters of Lake Schlachtensee. With so much to see, so long as the sun is on your side, make the most of your time in Berlin by visiting as many as possible!
OUTDOORS

Berlin has a distinct Jekyll and Hyde feel to its streets. Be prepared to walk into a square boasting neoclassical architecture one day and onto a graffiti-clad, hippy-prone street the next. The city is saturated with history and accordingly possesses a myriad of monuments, from the striking Brandenburg Gate to the sombre Holocaust Memorial. To sample these historical testimonials, there are numerous bike, bus and walking tours on offer. Ranging from the tranquil Charlottenburg district and timeless Gendarmenmarkt to the dirty decadence of Kreuzberg, there is something for everyone.
STREETS & TOURS

There is a sense that Berlin has it all, and if its not here- it probably doesn’t exist. This is certainly the case when shopping. From a rich range of bookstores and high street staples, to treasure trove flea markets and haggling-at-theready markets ripe with fruit and vegetables. Purchase weird and wonderful jewellery from Tukadu, explore the famous department paradise of KaDeWe, indulge in mouthwatering chocolate at Fassbender and Rausch or wander into one of the many vintage stores- some even having the genius to combine vintage with coffee and cake. Berlin has style, and it’s fabulously fused with such variety that it has something for everyonethat’s the till ringing beauty of it.
SHOPPING

When visiting Berlin, you will never go hungry. Eateries to satisfy all tastes are dotted around all day and night in fast food stalls, restaurants and spectacular street food markets. Offering anything from Japanese to Italian and Turkish to Indonesian it never ceases to impress. Try the Berliner special Currywurst from Curry 36 or devour a döner from Mustafa’s kebabs. Wash it all down with a ‘Berliner’ beer in one of the many beautiful Biergartens dotted around the capital. Or if you are not a beer drinker, there are many cute little cafes to quench your thirst and indulge in delicious cakes.
EATING, CAFES & BEERGARDENS

So you’ve seen Berlin during the day, and it’s pretty awesome right? But it’s when the sun goes down that this vibrant city really comes into its own. With its numerous bars, some of the best clubs in the world, contemporary music and arts scene, and oh so cool hipster hangouts, you’ll never want to sleep. No list is exhaustive, we only provide a few examples, with a focus on bars. So there’s no excuses, get out there and experience it for yourself, and let us know if you break the infamous Berlin club door policy. And if you want to channel your inner Madonna or Phil Collins, well there’s something for you too!
ENTERTAINMENT & BARS

Team Curso/CTR Berlin
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