This is my first homework blog.
I have always had a great interest in the fictional book/film/TV that create an avenue for escapism. It is so easy to get lost in these new worlds created by amazing authors/writers.
From reading the Narnia books as an 8 year old to the current new Star Wars spinoffs like The Mandalorian.
My biggest nerd/geek love has to be Harry Potter. I was slow to get involved.
The first film had been out about 6 months and was available on VHS (what we had before DVDs for the younger members here). Book four (Goblet of Fire) had been released. I remember a work colleague telling me about queuing outside Harrods at midnight to get the book as soon as it was released. I thought she was mad!
Well, it was Christmas and my sister-in-law had bought the video for my son as a present. He was 3 1/2 years old, so I thought I needed to watch it first to make sure it was suitable.
I fell in love immediately. I borrowed all 4 of the books, to date, from my sister-in-law and read them in a week! I then had a long wait for the second movie (Chamber of Secrets) & fifth book (Order of the Phoenix) to come out. I joined a number of online forums and created my alias of AlbusFawkes, a name I still often use for online activities.
From that moment, I too went out just before the release of the next book to queue up (at my nearest 24hr Tesco store) so that I could get the book as soon as possible. I would usually sit in the car and read the first chapter before starting the car up to drive home, where I could continue to read in comfort.
My first love will always be the books, but I love the movies too. I also love the new Fantastic Beasts series.
Last Monday (29th May) I went to the Harry Potter Studios on the outskirts of London (for the 4th time) with my son, daughter & her b/f.
Every visit, you find new additions to the tour.
This pic is from the wall of ante-chamber where you wait briefly before starting the tour.
The Great Hall
Harry's first bedroom - The cupboard under the stairs
Wands
Fawkes in Dumbledore's study
Entrance to the Chamber of Secrets
Vault 713, still holding the Philosopher's Stone
Basilisk head
Greenhouse with mandrakes (this was new)
Bellatrix Vault
Gringotts (another new addition)
I spent a few pennies in the gift shop
My Phoenix wand (exclusive to the Studio & NY store)
Your geeky HP nerd
These are just a few of the 108 photos I took that day.
Have a great weekend.
HotDog xx
@missy @penny @eirenne @sean @mikey
