Just a couple of updates:
My turtle's name is Cedric, he is very cute and I am currently looking to outfit him with a wand.
My computer is still broken. (Which is why I have not posted a picture of Cedric yet.)
My house is still undergoing renovations. They said it they might be done by the end of next week.
I am tired of living in a hotel.
Showing posts with label Harry Potter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Harry Potter. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Alnwick
finally got to go all the way into Alnmouth and then Alnwick where Alnwick Castle is located. In case you don't know Alnwick Castle is where they did all the outdoor filming of HP 1&2. It was pretty cool getting to see where all of it was filmed. The castle was AMAZING! I can't believe how big and magnificent it was. And people actually live there during the off season, I can't even imagine what it would be like growing up in that "house", the family has 4 kids (3 teens). I was extremely excited to be in their library, where they actually own the Gutenberg Bible, the very first book ever to be printed. They own older books but they are no longer housed in that library. There were so many beautiful books, I wish I could have at least touched one.
The towns of Alnwick and Alnmouth are quaint and lovely. They are on the east coast and are very devoid of modern things. You can look out into the countryside and almost believe you have gone back in time. One of the reasons movie makers like the area is because they don't have to change the surrounding area to accommodate filming in medieval time. Next time I need to devote at least one whole day there instead of trying to work it into just a few hours.
The towns of Alnwick and Alnmouth are quaint and lovely. They are on the east coast and are very devoid of modern things. You can look out into the countryside and almost believe you have gone back in time. One of the reasons movie makers like the area is because they don't have to change the surrounding area to accommodate filming in medieval time. Next time I need to devote at least one whole day there instead of trying to work it into just a few hours.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Tuesday & Wednesday
I can't believe it's been two days now and I haven't gotten lost. Needless to say, things weren't as exciting. Since I had two days with relative peace I will post them together.
Tuesday, took me to Gloucester (the "ce" is silent). That is where they filmed the first two Harry Potter's (HP henceforth), at least most of the hallway scenes anyway. I got to walk down the same corridors, see where Moaning Myrtle's Loo was, the entrance to Gryffindor Tower, and so much more. It was great. The Cathedral was also very nice and extremely interesting. Maybe not so much now since I remember very little, but I spent an hour on a personal tour and learned a lot. Forgot most of it already but hey I can remember later when the need arises. Gloucester is also the place where Beatrix Potter wrote "The Tailor of Gloucester", the story originated there and the drawings in the book are of the house in town.
Wednesday, was supposed to take me to Alnwick Castle. But a train derailed and shut down all northern heading trains. So they gave us many options, waiting for the trains to start again, taking a bus, abandoning the trip and getting a refund, or abandoning the trip and trying again tomorrow. I was amazed at how calm everyone was, if it was all Americans there would have been a hug uproar! But everyone just took it in stride, I even heard one lady calmly making hotel reservations to pick up the trip from there tomorrow. I however headed back to London to try again tomorrow and spent the afternoon in Oxford.
In Oxford I got to go to the Great Hall from HP. There were no signs or any special recognition of it except for the sheer number of people all happy to be crowded into the dining hall, much smaller than it appears on screen. I also got to attend a service at the Christ's Church. Very nice service, but I think that after a while I would not enjoy the somber seriousness of them (and I'm Catholic!). I also found out that Alice in Wonderland was written in Oxford and is based on a little girl that lived there. There are great literature references everywhere here!!!
Tuesday, took me to Gloucester (the "ce" is silent). That is where they filmed the first two Harry Potter's (HP henceforth), at least most of the hallway scenes anyway. I got to walk down the same corridors, see where Moaning Myrtle's Loo was, the entrance to Gryffindor Tower, and so much more. It was great. The Cathedral was also very nice and extremely interesting. Maybe not so much now since I remember very little, but I spent an hour on a personal tour and learned a lot. Forgot most of it already but hey I can remember later when the need arises. Gloucester is also the place where Beatrix Potter wrote "The Tailor of Gloucester", the story originated there and the drawings in the book are of the house in town.
Wednesday, was supposed to take me to Alnwick Castle. But a train derailed and shut down all northern heading trains. So they gave us many options, waiting for the trains to start again, taking a bus, abandoning the trip and getting a refund, or abandoning the trip and trying again tomorrow. I was amazed at how calm everyone was, if it was all Americans there would have been a hug uproar! But everyone just took it in stride, I even heard one lady calmly making hotel reservations to pick up the trip from there tomorrow. I however headed back to London to try again tomorrow and spent the afternoon in Oxford.
In Oxford I got to go to the Great Hall from HP. There were no signs or any special recognition of it except for the sheer number of people all happy to be crowded into the dining hall, much smaller than it appears on screen. I also got to attend a service at the Christ's Church. Very nice service, but I think that after a while I would not enjoy the somber seriousness of them (and I'm Catholic!). I also found out that Alice in Wonderland was written in Oxford and is based on a little girl that lived there. There are great literature references everywhere here!!!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Rocky?!?!
Monday in London went by like a blur. The day began with me going to Leadenhall Market, they did some Harry Potter filming there. It was pretty small for how big they made it look on screen. But still it was very exciting to be there. From there I went to Buckingham Palace to watch the changing of the guards. It was very structured and everything was just right to change out the four guards out front. They came marching in (around 40 in the big hats and red uniforms and another 40 in black uniforms). There was even a band to play for them as they marched in. The music while marching was very royal and somber. Once inside the gate they started to set up to play some more. They started out very slowly, you could just here them over the crowd. There were people from all over the world, it was amazing to hear so many voices speaking so many different languages, some I recognized some not so much. But then the music was getting louder and a little familiar?? The whole crowd started to listen closely and then slowly you hear everyone say "Rocky????". The ROYAL GUARD was playing the theme to Rocky?!?! A little off putting but. . . well there's not much more you can say about that. The rest of their selections were what I would have expected from the Royal Guard playing in front of Buckingham Palace.
From the Palace I headed over the Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. I spent a lot of time there, nothing terribly exciting just very interesting. I did get to sit inside the theatre and watch as they were setting up for the next play opening this weekend. I left there to go back to the West End for another show.
And. . . I got lost again! But this time I ended up at the European Premier of the new Batman movie. There I was just feet from the stars and the Batmobile. The crowd was huge so I didn't actually stay all that long, the pressure and heat was enormous. Anyway I had a play to go to. I forget the name right now, but it was pretty good. I am more of a musical person so the fact that they didn't burst out into song was a little sad, but there was dancing. I got invited to go by my new friend David, a tour guide from the London Bridge. He had to go to this play so he could tell tourists about it and invited me to join.
After the play I found my way back to the Batman movie, hoping to see some celebrity leaving the theater. The crowd was much smaller then, but I didn't recognize anyone leaving. The main stars had apparently left another way and were already long gone. I heard a rumor that some Harry Potter stars were inside- but I didn't see any.
From the Palace I headed over the Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. I spent a lot of time there, nothing terribly exciting just very interesting. I did get to sit inside the theatre and watch as they were setting up for the next play opening this weekend. I left there to go back to the West End for another show.
And. . . I got lost again! But this time I ended up at the European Premier of the new Batman movie. There I was just feet from the stars and the Batmobile. The crowd was huge so I didn't actually stay all that long, the pressure and heat was enormous. Anyway I had a play to go to. I forget the name right now, but it was pretty good. I am more of a musical person so the fact that they didn't burst out into song was a little sad, but there was dancing. I got invited to go by my new friend David, a tour guide from the London Bridge. He had to go to this play so he could tell tourists about it and invited me to join.
After the play I found my way back to the Batman movie, hoping to see some celebrity leaving the theater. The crowd was much smaller then, but I didn't recognize anyone leaving. The main stars had apparently left another way and were already long gone. I heard a rumor that some Harry Potter stars were inside- but I didn't see any.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Plymouth
I can't tell you how glad I am to be back in Plymouth. Before I begin, though, I need to tell you about my brief stay in London.
I forgot to mention about my train ride from Edinburgh to London. At the beginning of the trip we were told that our trip was going to be rerouted so two train loads of people were going to be crowded onto one train. I got lucky enough to sit next to a bunch of stereotypical Scottish men (all but the kilts). They were loud and very forward, drinking heavily already underway when I joined them at 10:30am, yes I said AM! Immediately I was offered a glass of red wine, cider, and beer. They were very nice and fun to sit with for the next 2 hours. They got off before I did and most of them gave me hugs and kisses as they departed, asking me to meet them in NY when there would be there or maybe even Vegas. There were also two marriage proposals.
In London I made a bad decision on where to stay but no real problems at the hostel so I guess it wasn't so bad. But I did lose my credit card, or was stolen, or evaporated, or whatever needless to say - it's gone. The card is now canceled and it seems that no extra charges were made, Chase is even mailing my replacement card to me here in England (at no charge).
The Harry Potter portion of my trip brought me to King's Cross and yes - Platform 9 3/4 does exist, I was there. I have pictures to prove it; you can see me pushing a cart through the barrier. You can only see half the cart in the picture, since I am going through. The first time I was there (yes I did go twice, since I am THAT much of a nerd) I met some really nice young ladies. You will never guess where they were from- PHOENIX, AZ!! Imagine meeting other Harry Potter freaks from your own hometown on the other side of the world. We were all very excited and happy to have a moment with a little bit of home.
------
Plymouth is GREAT!! I can't wait to tell you all about my experiences here for the next four weeks. I have spoken to the hospitality director (Jean Pierre) and offered to help on any tour as long as I was always guaranteed a spot, and JP seemed open to that idea. But, tours are currently up for debate due to the rising cost of gas and the fact that the old driver moved to Thailand (making is difficult for him to drive us over here).
I forgot to mention about my train ride from Edinburgh to London. At the beginning of the trip we were told that our trip was going to be rerouted so two train loads of people were going to be crowded onto one train. I got lucky enough to sit next to a bunch of stereotypical Scottish men (all but the kilts). They were loud and very forward, drinking heavily already underway when I joined them at 10:30am, yes I said AM! Immediately I was offered a glass of red wine, cider, and beer. They were very nice and fun to sit with for the next 2 hours. They got off before I did and most of them gave me hugs and kisses as they departed, asking me to meet them in NY when there would be there or maybe even Vegas. There were also two marriage proposals.
In London I made a bad decision on where to stay but no real problems at the hostel so I guess it wasn't so bad. But I did lose my credit card, or was stolen, or evaporated, or whatever needless to say - it's gone. The card is now canceled and it seems that no extra charges were made, Chase is even mailing my replacement card to me here in England (at no charge).
The Harry Potter portion of my trip brought me to King's Cross and yes - Platform 9 3/4 does exist, I was there. I have pictures to prove it; you can see me pushing a cart through the barrier. You can only see half the cart in the picture, since I am going through. The first time I was there (yes I did go twice, since I am THAT much of a nerd) I met some really nice young ladies. You will never guess where they were from- PHOENIX, AZ!! Imagine meeting other Harry Potter freaks from your own hometown on the other side of the world. We were all very excited and happy to have a moment with a little bit of home.
------
Plymouth is GREAT!! I can't wait to tell you all about my experiences here for the next four weeks. I have spoken to the hospitality director (Jean Pierre) and offered to help on any tour as long as I was always guaranteed a spot, and JP seemed open to that idea. But, tours are currently up for debate due to the rising cost of gas and the fact that the old driver moved to Thailand (making is difficult for him to drive us over here).
Saturday, June 21, 2008
I love Edinburgh!!
This city is great, it’s beautiful, elegant, historic, lively, and from what I can tell friendly. I will tell you about Thursday evening before I get into Friday.
But first. . . How can you have a mall with NO BOOK STORE?!?!?! Let me repeat the local mall had NO BOOK STORE!!! How was I supposed to get my copy of Harry Potter in its birth city without a book store? So I left the mall.
Directly across the street was Balmoral Hotel!! Can you believe it, I was so excited I forgot my previous disappointment and became giddy. I took lots of pictures and even went inside. VERY fancy. There was no indication, however, that it was the site where Harry Potter came to an end. Still, very exciting- for me.
I wondered around the main shopping street, found a book store but it did not have a copy of Philosopher Stone in English. I mean come on people work with me here. Had dinner at a cute Italian restaurant down the street where I made friends with the owner. He was very nice and gave me some tips on how to get around. I have yet to have any “Scottish” food, but from what I have seen of haggis and black sausage, it’s probably better that way.
Friday morning was sun shiny and windy. I walked to Hollyrood Park, not a misspelling, and climbed to Arthur's Seat. I keep calling it a chair and getting funny looks. Either way it’s not a chair or seat but the top of a volcano. The view was spectacular, 360 panorama view of the whole city. The hike up was exhausting but worth it, the hike down was the scary part. Jesus had to have held my hand because my eyes must have been closed for some of it, really something I should have done with others.
Safely down, I walked along the Royal Mile heading to Edinburgh Castle. Midway there I stopped and had lunch at the Elephant House, the birthplace of Harry Potter. While I was there, a big guy in a kilt and leather jacket with tattoos came in, I tried not to stare- come on, everything said mean, tough, biker, except the “skirt”. I lingered as long as I could bring myself to sit still, took many pictures and moved on. (Only momentarily and slightly bitter about not having a HP to read while there.)
Edinburgh Castle was great. I got to see the Crown Jewels, notice the lack of quotations, there was a scepter, sword, and crown. All having been used since like 1200 or so. There was the also the Stone of Destiny, which looks like a really big rock, that they slide under the throne during the swearing(?) in of the king. I don’t get it, but then I am American.
After the castle I went the Edinburgh Film Festival. On the way I stopped and filmed a Scottish band playing on the street, of course they were all in kilts. Again they were mostly very manly men who looked like they should be. . ., oh I don’t know what do manly men do? Any way at the festival I saw “Red” and even stayed for the Q&A with the director and screenwriter.
Today was eventful and exciting. I love Edinburgh.
PS My cell phone doesn't work here after all.
But first. . . How can you have a mall with NO BOOK STORE?!?!?! Let me repeat the local mall had NO BOOK STORE!!! How was I supposed to get my copy of Harry Potter in its birth city without a book store? So I left the mall.
Directly across the street was Balmoral Hotel!! Can you believe it, I was so excited I forgot my previous disappointment and became giddy. I took lots of pictures and even went inside. VERY fancy. There was no indication, however, that it was the site where Harry Potter came to an end. Still, very exciting- for me.
I wondered around the main shopping street, found a book store but it did not have a copy of Philosopher Stone in English. I mean come on people work with me here. Had dinner at a cute Italian restaurant down the street where I made friends with the owner. He was very nice and gave me some tips on how to get around. I have yet to have any “Scottish” food, but from what I have seen of haggis and black sausage, it’s probably better that way.
Friday morning was sun shiny and windy. I walked to Hollyrood Park, not a misspelling, and climbed to Arthur's Seat. I keep calling it a chair and getting funny looks. Either way it’s not a chair or seat but the top of a volcano. The view was spectacular, 360 panorama view of the whole city. The hike up was exhausting but worth it, the hike down was the scary part. Jesus had to have held my hand because my eyes must have been closed for some of it, really something I should have done with others.
Safely down, I walked along the Royal Mile heading to Edinburgh Castle. Midway there I stopped and had lunch at the Elephant House, the birthplace of Harry Potter. While I was there, a big guy in a kilt and leather jacket with tattoos came in, I tried not to stare- come on, everything said mean, tough, biker, except the “skirt”. I lingered as long as I could bring myself to sit still, took many pictures and moved on. (Only momentarily and slightly bitter about not having a HP to read while there.)
Edinburgh Castle was great. I got to see the Crown Jewels, notice the lack of quotations, there was a scepter, sword, and crown. All having been used since like 1200 or so. There was the also the Stone of Destiny, which looks like a really big rock, that they slide under the throne during the swearing(?) in of the king. I don’t get it, but then I am American.
After the castle I went the Edinburgh Film Festival. On the way I stopped and filmed a Scottish band playing on the street, of course they were all in kilts. Again they were mostly very manly men who looked like they should be. . ., oh I don’t know what do manly men do? Any way at the festival I saw “Red” and even stayed for the Q&A with the director and screenwriter.
Today was eventful and exciting. I love Edinburgh.
PS My cell phone doesn't work here after all.
Friday, June 20, 2008
St. Mungo's
That's right, I was there. Okay it's not the hospital from Harry Potter but a museum, but still I got to go. Glasgow was great, went to the Glasgow Cathedral, St. Mungo's museum, the National Museum, and to got to walk around their shopping district. Nothing too exciting, but a very nice day.
I am now in Edinburgh, just arrived an hour ago. I have already gotten directions to the coffee shop JK Rowling started Harry Potter. I am very excited to go there, the guy at the front desk said it was pretty cool, there are pictures hanging up and you can sit at the actual table. I think I am going to buy a new copy of Sorcerer’s Stone and read a little there. I just need to find out the name of the hotel she finished writing Deathly Hallows at and my trip will be successful.
Oh yeah and I saw guy wearing a kilt playing a bagpipe as I got off the train. Couldn’t take a picture since I had so much luggage, but will try to find him again to prove it to you.
I am now in Edinburgh, just arrived an hour ago. I have already gotten directions to the coffee shop JK Rowling started Harry Potter. I am very excited to go there, the guy at the front desk said it was pretty cool, there are pictures hanging up and you can sit at the actual table. I think I am going to buy a new copy of Sorcerer’s Stone and read a little there. I just need to find out the name of the hotel she finished writing Deathly Hallows at and my trip will be successful.
Oh yeah and I saw guy wearing a kilt playing a bagpipe as I got off the train. Couldn’t take a picture since I had so much luggage, but will try to find him again to prove it to you.
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