In conversation with tourists

"In Conversation with Tourists" is a series of interviews designed to explore travelers' stories and encourage reflection on the meaning of journeys. Through honest, heartfelt conversations, we aim to understand our shared desire for exploration, adventure, authentic experiences, self-discovery, cultural understanding or meaningful connections. We advocate for slow tourism—encouraging pauses, observation and thoughtful reflection. At the same time, we invite local tourism industry experts, creatives and sometimes residents to share their insights, with the hope of fostering a more human and relatable understanding of Edinburgh’s rich history, vibrant present, and authentic character.

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Latest episodes

18 December 2025

From Peaks to Presence: The Art of Experiential Travel

As the year slows down and many of us start reflecting rather than rushing, this conversation feels especially timely.

In this episode of In Conversation with Tourists, I sit down with Téa, a thoughtful traveler and researcher whose journeys have taken her through the Himalayas, Peru and many other places — and closer to home, Scotland.

Téa doesn’t travel to collect destinations. She travels to meet places. Through breath, body awareness, nutrition and a deep sense of presence, she explores how landscapes can be felt, not just visited. We talk about moving through powerful places gently, listening to your body on the road, and how travel can become a way of reconnecting — with yourself as much as with the world around you.

It’s grounding conversation, perfect for this reflective time of year.

Enjoy it!

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11 December 2025

Travelling the world with Umar

In this uplifting episode of In Conversation with Tourists, I speak with Umar, a savvy and thoughtful traveler who knows how to make the most of every journey. From prioritizing what truly matters while traveling to uncovering unexpected experiences, Umar shares practical tips on planning ahead, finding affordable accommodations, and embracing the surprises that make travel unforgettable. He tells stories of being the only guest on a remote island, connecting with locals, and learning from the people and places he encounters along the way. Full of positivity, curiosity, and inspiration, this episode is a joyful reminder of why we travel and how we can travel thoughtfully.

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05 September 2025

Journeys Through a Lifetime: Nadia on Family, Freedom and Finding Herself

This conversation with Nadia felt like paging through a living album of travel—full of warmth, laughter, and quiet reflection. She brought me into her childhood summers in Italy, her teenage adventures in Rhodes and the Swiss Alps, and the years of building new memories with her own family. What struck me most was how each trip wasn’t just about the destination, but about who she was at that stage of life. Now, in her fifties, Nadia is wondering what solo travel might awaken in her, if she can gather the courage to step into it. Sitting with her stories reminded me just how deeply travel shapes us, not only in the moment but across a lifetime.

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28 August 2025

From Chicago to Edinburgh: A heartwarming conversation with Gabe

At the Edinburgh Fringe, every street corner buzzes with possibility—and in this heartwarming episode of In Conversation with Tourists, I speak with Gabe, a young writer and actor from Chicago, who has brought his play to the Edinburgh Fringe. From his research to uncover the family history and heritage to memories of New Mexico, we explore how travel, performance and curiosity shape the way we see the world. A joyful, optimistic and deeply human episode about connection, gratitude, and the magic of stepping into new places with open eyes and an open heart.

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20 August 2025

When dreams come true and Edinburgh takes your heart away

This episode is with Erica, a wonderful performer from California whose soothing voice feels like it was made for storytelling. We talk about her show, of course, but also about how deeply she connected with Edinburgh—how the city feels beautiful, old, and alive, and why the Meadows quickly became her favorite place. I loved hearing what she would take home as souvenirs: her daily journal entries, written no matter how tired she was, so she’ll never forget this experience, and maybe a piece of locally crafted jewelry to treasure. Erica also shares her refreshing way of traveling—blending in, mingling with locals, soaking up the atmosphere without the need to “perform” as a tourist. She speaks so warmly about how much Edinburgh residents truly value theatre and how inspiring it was to be part of the Fringe this year. For her, every bit of time and effort it took to come here was completely worth it.

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18 August 2025

Evelyne performing Pain Killer: Fringe, Fearlessness & Finding Edinburgh

This week I’m joined by Evelyne, an incredible artist from California whose play Painkiller pushes boundaries both on the page and on stage. We explore the deeply personal inspirations behind her work, what it feels like to perform at the world’s largest cultural festival, and the surprising ways an international audience can shape an artist’s voice. Evelyne also shares her impressions of Edinburgh—its warmth, its multicultural vibrancy, and we discuss the city’s striking contrast of cobbled streets, grand Georgian architecture, and wild natural beauty. Evelyn’s story is both an artist’s reflection and a visitor’s love letter to Scotland’s capital.

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