A Dream Come True ~HP Studio Tour

Leksi is the biggest Harry Potter fan I know.  She's read the books dozens of times (actually read the series more than 20 times.  Right Leksi?)  You can test her. Name any part of a book, and she can tell you within a few pages where the event happens.  It's pretty amazing.  So, when the trip to Europe was being planned, Leksi wanted to be sure the Harry Potter Studio Tour (just outside of London) was on the list.  And, I really wanted her to see it.  She was so in love with these books when she was in my class, and I wanted to experience it with her.  I don't think her dad was completely on board with this (not exactly a European dream destination,) but he conceded and the HPST was added to the list.  

We took a train to meet the Harry Potter bus.  Super easy and far less expensive than doing the actual tour.  And, you have unlimited time in the studio.

We made it!

These are the actual chess pieces used in the movie.  These are the studios and backlots used for filming, so everything you see was actually a prop or set in the movie.  It's really awesome for HP fans like us!

Waiting to go in…..

Cedric Diggory fan here!

He's Slytherin and no one can change his mind.

The Great Hall!

Picking their favorite wands.

This wand training is serious business.

Butterbeer for everyone.  It is sooo good.  Tastes a lot like cream soda.

The Hogwarts Bridge

The Knight Bus

We've been there thanks to the Kirschenman family!

#4 Privet Drive

Diagon Alley

This is the most impressive part and moves me to tears.  There is Harry Potter music playing and the room changes from day to night.  This set was used for ariel shots of the castle in the movie.  You can see the scale of it compared to the people.  It is just amazing.

Wands!

Another great trip to the studio, and we were so happy to share it with the Knepps.  I love the spooky Dementor looking sky. Where's the dark mark?

Front row on the bus with treats from the gift shop that only cost a small fortune. Ha!

Back in London, we made a very quick stop in the British Museum to the Rosetta Stone and the Elgin Marbles.

Closing time, so I could get a shot of the empty room.  Nice!

Outside the British Museum

The girls wanted to eat at Nando's because it's a favorite restaurant of some of the 1D guys.  Allison just HAD to take Leksi there.

Next stop…Trafalgar Square

Cute new matching sweatshirts

I only included this pic, so you can learn from me.  You do not wear cute, leopard, fabric ballet flats on rainy days in London.  I literally was losing them off my feet.  Wear your wellies!

Standing in the center of London.

The London Eye

We only looked.  We didn't ride this time.

We ended the night with a stop at the Tower of London and Tower Bridge to see them at night.

 Just one more day of fun with the Knepps.  Next up is the last day in London.

Until next time,

Wendy

A Jolly Good Time in Jolly Old England!

So, the girls didn't have much time to relax after arriving in Belgium because the next morning we were off to London! Nicole and Jenny had visited London before, so we really wanted to be sure Farah made it there.  Plus, Farah has a childhood friend who has lived in the city for over 20 years, and this gave the two of them the opportunity to see each other once again.  

Here is our whirlwind tour of London!

Taking the train to London!

First stop for these Harry Potter fans was Platform 9 3/4.  This was just a taste of what they would see later at the Harry Potter Studio Tour!

Seeing the London Eye and Big Ben!

 Westminster Abbey

Saturday afternoon we headed out to the lot for the studio tour.  Since our family has visited before, I will spare you all of the shots I took of the props and sets. :)  

Nicole was so excited I thought she would burst!

This was the first trip with my new wide angle lens.  I love being able to get a whole room in a shot!

In the great hall, she actually hugged the table.  Hahaha!

Super fan!

Thanks again to the wide angle lens!

Time for some butterbeer!  Yum!!!

Getting our pictures with all of the sets.

Diagon Alley

At the end of the tour, there is a replica of Hogwarts.  It's amazing!!!  I've cried both times as soon as I walked in the room.  It takes your breath away.

Saturday night, we had the most terrific dinner in Soho at a restaurant called inamo.  The website describes it like this....

inamo is a pioneering Oriental fusion restaurant and bar where the control of the dining experience is placed firmly in your hands. Our mission is to provide delicious cuisine with charming and timely service in a warm and vibrant atmosphere

At the core of Inamo is our interactive ordering system. Diners place orders from an illustrated food and drinks menu projected on to their table surface. You'll set the mood, discover the local neighbourhood, and even order a taxi home. Our dedicated and friendly staff are always on hand to help with whatever you need

I love this picture of Jenny and I together.  Truth be told, we are trying to get a picture without the weird vein sticking out in my neck.  LOL!  Yes, that is what we do for fun. :)

The AWESOME food!

Nicole is placing her order...or maybe changing the design on our table.  It was so much fun!

My steak cooking on a hot rock that is balancing on a bed of salt.  Ummm....that is just about the best thing EVER!

The menu

If you're planning a trip to London anytime soon, I highly recommend this restaurant!

Sunday morning, we had much to accomplish so we set off for the Tower of London (kind of) bright and early. ;)

Tubing it!

After seeing the Crown Jewels, we stopped for a few shots around the Tower of London.  I wish we had more time, but other London sites were calling....

These Beefeaters were so sweet.
Can you tell I live in Belgium...my legs have NEVER been this white.  And, if they were, I wouldn't wear a dress.  Yikes!

Getting some shots in front of Tower Bridge.

 Sunday afternoon, we had tea at St. Pancras Station in the Gilbert Scott bar.  It was delightful.  I ate more scones with clotted cream than I am sure is considered polite by the British high society.

We were thrilled Farah's friend and her darling little girl could join us for tea.

The hotel is gorgeous!  

After tea, we were off to Buckingham Palace.  It was very busy.  I think everyone was just hanging around and hoping the new prince/princess would be born while they were there.  The TV and news cameras were camped out around the palace grounds.  You could feel the anticipation.  We missed Prince George by ONE day!

Posing on the mall.

Selfie!

Before leaving, we had a few souvenirs to pick up.  We went back to Leicester Square where (as a surprise to us) they were having The Lone Ranger premier.  We were there when Johnny Depp's car pulled up.  We could see the photographers going crazy.  We could hear Johnny being interviewed, but we never actually saw Johnny or Armie.  All we could see was "Silver" the horse.  I guess that's better than nothing?!?

 And, that was our fun-filled weekend in London.  Check back for FIVE...yes...FIVE more countries over the next FIVE days!  Phew!

Cheerio!

Until next time,

Wendy