Before I get into the Amazing World of Harry Potter, I feel that I should inform all of you that Jet Lag is real and it is not my friend. I woke up at 5:00am this morning wide awake and ready to go. While this might be from excitement, I was definitely not a fan.

I started my morning with Turkish coffee (it was delicious) and a wonderful conversation with my airbnb host. She has so much knowledge and life experience to share that I am just soaking it all in.  Learning and growing from other people during this experience is one of the things I am looking forward to the most, and so far there have been so many experiences already that have just humbled me and taught me more about the world and myself.

Ok Now on to Harry Potter…..I have no words to describe how amazing the Warner Bros. Studio Tour The Making of Harry Potter was. I only spent 5 hours there (the record is 14 hours….it was made last Saturday) but I could have spent so much more. Although the delux tour I booked was more expensive it was definitely worth the extra money as I got to skip ahead of the line and fly on a broomstick, special access to the entire tour and didn’t have to wait in any other lines all day. The tour consisted of me and 10 other people and the tour guide was so knowledgeable and spectacular. I loved learning all the little behind the scene secrets that led to one of my favorites book/movie series. The minute I stepped into the Great Hall I teared up and seeing the life like model castle also brought tears to my eyes (hey what can I say I am an emotional person). I took up close pictures of the Basilisk and the Chamber of Secrets door (which is the closest I will ever be to snakes), and Fell in love with the books all over again. J.K Rowling says it best ” The stories we love best do live in us forever, so whether you come back by page or big screen, Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home.” During our Lunch break on the tour I sat with this lovely family and found out some of the must see sight seeing things to check off my list. It was nice to connect with some new people and I might potentially see them when I head to Paris as we will be there at the same time.

I did not get lost today at all and navigated the tube, train and buses like a seasoned pro (well almost a pro). I thought about trying to explore more once I dropped off my luggage but I was tired (due to the 5 am wake up call) and a cup of tea and some warm clothes sounded like a better option (due to the cold and rainy weather in London). Sending Love to all of you back in the states, and I will update the blog again soon.