Today I journeyed on the London Overground out to the WB Studio Tour! It's a bit of a ways outside of London, but it's the studio where they filmed the movies. They've done a really nice job and it is basically a museum to the Harry Potter films. In addition to my child-like adoration of that boy wizard, it was also very interesting to learn the ins and outs of film production. Props, models, costumes, animatronics, makeup, etc. Blog Advisement: if you have not put considerable thought into which house you would be sorted into, or don't even know what means, I do not advise you to read further.
Read MoreThe Rain and The Slain
'Ello 'ello! I've been bopping around London Town these past two days! It wasn't particularly conducive to photos though, so bear with me.I made lovely friends! A Yankee, a Canuck, and a Spaniard walk into a hostel bar... They're very nice folks and we've been hanging out quite a bit these past 36 hours. Look how adorable and happy we look:
Monday was snowy which was beautiful until it turned to cold rain. We decided to hang out in museums for the day. British Museum (aka setting of the cinematic masterpiece The Mummy Returns starring Brendan Fraiser). Did you know I own The Mummy trilogy? Is that embarrassing? Is it embarrassing I was annoyed the third one included was Dragon Emperor and not Scorpion King? What does it say about me that I like Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson in a platonic and totally non-ironic way? ANYWAY, I saw some mummies and very impressive artifacts. No Scorpion King, but I did see THE Rosetta Stone.
Next up was the National Gallery! Lots of all-star painters in there. Van Gogh, da Vinci, Monet, Gaughin. Very cool. I did some sketching.
Then quite spontaneously, Tim suggested we go see a show. We settled on Spamalot after a delightful exchange with the ticket lady; she could do stand-up. But first, to the pub to kill some time! Great times were had all around, bonding commenced.
Spamalot was fun. A good choice since it's so English. Only complaint is that it was 85% Monty Python and the Holy Grail, which I didn't realize it was a direct adaptation. Same jokes. Good jokes, but same ones.
The next day, Sarah and I went to the famous Camden Stable Markets. Open air vendors covering a huge expansive area that used to be horse trade I believe? I bought a "jumper" and a vintage satin jacket. I wanted to buy so much stuffffffff.
Then I took a nap because I am human and enjoy an occasional nap. Then I went on a Grim Reaper Tour this evening. They covered Tower of London executions, plague, Bedlam, and Jack the Ripper. We walked around the East End for the most part, which was a new area for me.
I got Indian food for the third time since England. HELPME. SAVEMEFROMMYSELF. I love Indian.
Tomorrow is my pilgrimage to Harry Potter Studios! SLYTHERIN OUT*
*originally I meant that to be like a rapper leaving, but it's also like I'm slithering out which is great. Don't you love it when I explain jokes?
American Tourist in London
Today I was a tourist. I went on a nice walking tour. It was good to get some context and history. I also signed up from a Grim Reaper tour I'll do another night. I love grisly ghostly tours! And here are some nice touristy photos.
I will share my favorite factoid from the tour. When Vice Admiral Lord Nelson died at sea after the Battle of Trafalger, they brought his body back in a brandy barrel for preservation. However, by the time they got to England half the barrel was empty because crew members kept sneaking drinks! And that's where we get the term "a stiff drink." Har har har I love it. I'm going to the pub.
London Calling
I'm in London, or as far as I'm concerned home of Harry Potter, Doctor Who, and nudie Prince Harry. And a rich history and culture and blah blah.
I was positively giddy coming off the plane. I've never been to London before. Makes me feel bad about how neutral I was about Iceland. Not to further shit on Iceland, but I was really excited about daylight. It's the little things that get me excited. Seriously. Other things that made me happy as a clam today: squeezing in TWO movies on my short flight, hearing British children speak, and not being on a top bunk.
My hostel is cute as a lil BUTTON. It's the former home of a cookie heir which puts me at 2 out of 2 for Cookie Related Hostels (Iceland hostel was a converted cookie factory and the wifi password was cookiemonster). **Behind the Scenes Blog: I originally wrote "biscuit" instead of "cookie" in this paragraph**
And here is my bed! I feel like an American Girl doll in this thing and love it. Maybe it's the Lilliputian proportions? I'm SO a Samantha. I also have to duck my head at a few spots around here like a damn Amazonian Princess.
Today was Tate Modern and walking around a bit. I'm currently walking to Covent Gardens and stopped into a cafe for a SPOT O TEA and some wifi that's much better than my hostel's. Btw, click the photos to make them bigger and read my always sparkling captions.
Staying: Palmers Lodge Swiss Cottage