A little bit "Harry"

Wow, Wow, Wow.
I have to start by telling you a small back story. I have never read a Harry Potter book nor seen a Harry Potter movie through to the end, before last week.  And as of now, I have only watched two and a half of the feature films. (get that, 93/4 and 21/2)  But going to the Warner Bros., Harry Potter Studio Tour in London was on my to-do list since realizing it existed. Not because I am a fan but because I appreciate art.
So imagine 4 hours on a bus to get there and another 4 hours return.  I thought that they could have at least shown a movie on board for those of us "not in the know". Then I rationalized the fact that copyright protection might stop them.
When we arrived I had a bit of time in the gift shop where anything remotely associated with the film could be purchased. I became a bit cynical at first, thinking they made the movie only to sell the merchandise. But I was back in the spirit as soon as I stepped foot onto the first set.
The tour takes up two film stages(J&K good sense on humor) and begins in the great hall and then builds like a fireworks display; props, sets, costumes, a break for lunch, outside for larger sets then animatronics, Diagon Alley, the artists studio and gallery, card models and then the climax a 1/32" scale model of Hogwarts. I was in awe.
On the way back they decided it might be a good time to show weary travellers the second Harry Potter movie.  I enjoyed watching it again until the video player broke down a third of the way through. This was a good thing though, it gave me the opportunity to converse with a young nine year old, who was exceptionally bright and ironically named "Harry".  He schooled me on the the blood lines and time lines of the characters and how they are related to one another.  Mid-way through I had to own up to the fact that I was not well versed in the world of Potter and while this seemed to disappoint him at first he rose to the challenge of educating me.
Once I arrived home and literally put my feet up, I began to think about how the invention of the camera allowed artists the opportunity to leave portrait painting and experiment and morph into modern art. But what about contemporary times? Few artists make a comfortable living painting and sculpting these days.  Usually they go into teaching art in some form or fashion hoping to inspire the next great artist. But then I realized, they are working in jobs like this, true artists, getting paid better than Van Gogh ever did and while their work may sometimes be just temporary, it is preserved forever in digital.

Just to let you know, this is the set being built for the new James Bond movie. I tried to walk around the lot but I was quickly stopped by security, Oh well I tried.

Magic wand anyone?

Cupboard under the stairs.

Front door to Hogwarts

The great Hall, the ceilings are put in digitally.

The sorting hat.

Christmas banquet, ice sculpture.

Easter Banquet.

A box measuring about 12 feet in length using forced perspective.

This is your reminder, this is all just on set.  The actors literally walk outside one box and into another to change scenes.  Above is the potions lab inside and below is what it actually looks like from the outside.

Again,reality check, it's just a box.

This is the real train used.  It had been on loan in the US but it has just returned.

Just a box, not a real station.

The Knight bus.

Number 4 Privot Drive

Diagon Alley

Card board models usually 1/12 scale.

The masterpiece, 1/32" scale.

I was not brave enough to try "Butter Beer" but I was up to trying a lemon eclair.  It was good but I still enjoy a chocolate or maple.

And lastly, I've forced myself to not buy any souvenirs from my adventures, instead I've kept this blog and printed out photo books to remember my stay, but I had to do this.

What an amazing day, I would compare the work I saw to being "equal-to or better-than" anything I've ever seen in an art gallery.

16,500 Steps

That's right we walked for 6 hours or as Simon's pedometer read 16,500 steps.  We walked until our feet were rejecting our own bodies.
Was it worth it?
Yes!!!
Would I do it again?
Not anytime soon.
Once again I am blessed with friendships I cherish. Laura, Claire and her husband Simon and I went to Amsterdam for just one day.  We could not possibly see everything but we managed to see the Body Worlds Exhibit, which I have wanted to see for years and never had the opportunity.  I have learned that we don't need to rush all the things we want to do in our lives.  The opportunity will present itself when the time is right.  I loved being able to share this with these three.
From there we walked through the "red light district" which was not as shocking as it could have been later in the day.  We went on to the Stedelijk Museum with contemporary art. And then we visited the floating flower market.
We enjoyed two nights on board the P&O ferry/ship "Pride of Hull" where the seas were very choppy on the night we left and more agreeable on the evening of our return.
I find it so amazing that Amsterdam could be considered a day trip.  As a Canadian most of us would never think of visiting Holland let alone for the day.  I am going to miss having Europe on my doorstep.  Most of all I am going to miss my friends.

Laura, Me, Claire and Simon. I decided to indulge in an alcoholic beverage, an electric Iced tea.  It was supposed to be double the spirits but I think they forgot that part.

Bunk beds and not enough room to swing a cat.

Those are cheese wheels in the windows.

In the red light district.

Wonky windows are common.

Inside the Rijk Museum, we did not stay.

We are in the shot above, filling our faces with what else, hot dogs.  When you only have such a short amount of time you need to have food that travels well, and since it is impossible to find a decent hot dog in Grimsby, Claire and I took the opportunity when it arose.

Claire and Simon outside the Stedelijk Museum.

So the story behind this is… we know someone who has a haircut that resembles a triangle and others call him Dorrito head.  Not kind but clever and funny and it causes a spontaneous reaction when we think about it. So we began to see "Dorrito head's" in various locations.  On the street and in art galleries.  And yes it caused that internal, juvenile reaction know as giggling.

Art in the form of chocolate, I WANT!

Dried flowers at the market.

Tulips only 10 Euro for 50.

Thanks for the great time ladies, and Simon we would have been lost without you(literally) I'm glad to have this chance to know you all a bit better.