Books, Boardgames, and Castles

"Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on Earth should that mean it’s not real" - Albus Dumbledore.

Nearly two decades ago, the veil hiding the magical world was lifted for millions of readers. Alongside Harry, Hermione, Ron, and countless fellow witches and wizards, many of us embarked on a journey that followed us from childhood into adulthood.

For me, Harry Potter was more than a series of books. It sparked a love of adventure, curiosity, and the belief that there was always something new waiting to be discovered just beyond the next page.

Like many young women, I identified with Hermione Granger. She was intelligent, determined, and never afraid to speak up when she believed something was right. As I moved through school and into the early years of my career, I often found myself as the only woman at the table. There were times when opportunities, expectations, and even basic rights did not always feel equal. Hermione's confidence, persistence, and willingness to challenge the status quo resonated with me long after I closed the books.

Stories have a way of shaping the people we become. They encourage us to explore, to ask questions, and sometimes to step outside our comfort zones.

Over the years, that spirit of adventure has taken Wes and me to some remarkable places—including a castle in Germany. While planning a trip through Europe, Wes discovered a small local resort tucked away in the countryside. The innkeeper spoke only German (fortunately, Wes speaks German) and reminded us of our very own Argus Filch.

To this day, it remains one of the nicest places we have ever stayed, and surprisingly, it cost about half as much as a standard hotel. On our first evening, I called my sister to show her the castle, and then Wes and I settled in for a game of Hogwarts Battle. It felt fitting that a story which inspired so many adventures had somehow followed us all the way there.

One of the things I love most about books and games is their ability to bring people together. They create shared experiences, spark conversations, and give us stories that become part of our own lives. At Wandering Whistler Cafe, that's something we celebrate every day.

Whether you're gathering around a board game, discovering a new book, or sharing a cup of tea with friends, every adventure starts with a story.

And sometimes, those stories lead you all the way to a castle.