I always seem to end up in London visiting friends. 2000: visit Carol studying in Sussex. 2010: visit Sharlene working in London. Now: Meet Elaine to
settle into her new job.
Day 7: Lumos!
I was in Harry-Potter craziness for 5 hours! I saw sets, props, costumes including Privet Drive, the Knight Bus, Great Hall, chess pieces, Diagon Alley and much more. A must for HP fans!
Day 8: Roman Bath
The museum put together for these
grounds were quite impressive. As an added treat, Bill Bryson, one of my fave
authors, did some audio commentaries for this museum. Overall, cute town to stroll around.
Then we hit up the National Portrait Gallery and have some homey Italian food and one last drink in this city together.
Second leg of the trip: Six days
in England … what to do? The only thing on my London to-do list is to help find Elaine
a flat. Isn’t that on eveyrone’s site-seeing list? Really, I’m a bad tourist in
London. I probably haven't seen half the sites. Oh
well. I just enjoy being back in a legit city, riding the tube and being
amongst the people.
Day 6: Bum around London eating
gerkins
Our first day in town, we look at
a flat and stop at a bunch of real estate agent offices .
Exploring Islington, Elaine's new hood |
Day 7: Lumos!
While Elaine works the next 3 days, I explore outside town solo. I trek 30 minutes north of London
to Warner Brother Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour.
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My first taste of butterbeer! |
The Hogwarts Castle Model in snow |
Walking across the Millenium Bridge
from the Tate Modern
to SoHo to meet Elaine after her first day of work
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It took all my will power to stay
in England and not fly off somewhere (ie. Berlin, Paris …). Of course I can’t
stay put in London for 6 days. I planned on Bath and Oxford. The morning of, I decided to make it an overnight trip.
Scenic (and expensive) train ride
to Bath
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The Canal at Bath |
Roman Baths |
Bath Abbey.
Not too shabby.
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Day 9: Back to School at Oxford?
No thanks. No more school for me, unless it's Hogwarts. There was huge flooding
so I wasn’t sure if I would make it. But I did get 5 short hours here. What to do? My friends, Lynn and Ian, both studied here so they planned my
perfect agenda. Thanks!!
Pitt Rivers Museum
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So bizarre and totally up my alley. The “Treatment for the Dead” display was next to “Intricate Woven Baskets” followed by weapons galore. Who wouldn’t
love this? Thanks for the suggestion, Ian!
Christ Church College
Where lots of Harry Potter was filmed. Imagine going to school here. |
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The Great Hall at Christ Church
(The one used for Harry Potter!) Ian had to wear his robe to dinner and exams. Wicked.
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Courtyard at Christ Church College |
Streets of Oxford: College Town |
I also visited the Bodleian Library, part of Univ of Oxford where Lynn studied. It had amazing historical
manuscripts and more HP scenes.
Unfortunately no pics were allowed.
I really love this bustling college town which is no surprise. I wish I more time to wander and chill in the cafes, but back to
London I go.
Paddington, London:
one of the many train stations I went through (I even saw Platform 9 3/4 at King's Cross) |
Day 10: The London Flat Hunt Commences
Elaine and I see 6 flats in 2 hours. We get driven in a car,
walk around and even pass by the Arsenal stadium
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The winner! Elaine’s soon-to-be flat in Islington by the canals
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Day 11: Roaming the Town
Columbia Road Flower Market in Shoreditch
Another rec from Sharlene. Shoreditch reminds me of Williamsburg – hipster place that has arrived. |
Annual Ice Festival at Canary Wharf
Great winter activity with all the locals and chainsaws 'n all |
Then we hit up the National Portrait Gallery and have some homey Italian food and one last drink in this city together.
London goals accomplished:
Find Elaine a flat
Eat fish ‘n chips and Indian food (first time in UK!)
Frequent pubs (3x)
London and around was fantastic. I really like London as it
has lots of energy and similarities to NYC. Being away from NYC, I think this
trip I appreciated London even more. I’m glad we got to be here together for
Elaine’s first week to meet up for good dinners, drink in the pubs, run errands
and explore London. Elaine, thanks for letting me crash with you! You’re going
to have a great time! Maybe I’ll be back for another visit to check out that apt?
But for now, I’m off to explore a new corner of Europe…
2 comments:
A place that served BOTH fish 'n chips AND Indian food - amazing.
Oh. They were actually at different places. A good break from meat pies. Remind you of your England days? :)
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