Welcome to Hogwarts!

I visited the "Harry Potter" film set in Leavesden, UK in July. It was fantastic!

I booked the tour through Golden Tours and this included the transfer on a special "Harry Potter" bus from London, plus the entrance fee. I bought a ticket for a butterbeer, which was extra and optional.
The bus left London at 9am for entrance at 11am. I actually entered at 10:40am, so it was great!

The door to the Chamber of Secrets

First you are greeted in a room with eight screens. A short film is shown about the film production and the aftermath showing the film openings. Then in the next room, which is set up as a theatre, a short film is shown where Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint talk about filming. After that the tour starts in the Great Hall.

This is one of two large sets. The detail was amazing! Only one table is set up showing how the plates etc were placed. At the far end there are mannequins of the professors in costume showing how they stood to greet the students.

After the Great Hall, you enter first part of the studio. This had a lot of sets all meshed together. By that, I mean that the outside of the Great Hall was decorated with Umbridge's plaques beside a wall of portraits with a staircase. Just one staircase was used, the others were added in post-production. Then, you can see the Gryffindor Common Room, Hagrid's Hut, the clock, Dumbledore's office and the Ministry of Magic all in the same large studio.

One of my favourite sets was the Malfoy's home where the Deatheaters and Voldemort met and the lady was tortured in the Deathly Hallows. The lady who was tortured is hanging from the ceiling. It is quite impressive!

The Deatheaters meeting in the Malfoy home

The Forbidden Forest was a new attraction that recently opened. This was a small section of trees and spider webs. You are met at the entrance by Hagrid, ready to lead you through. This is a mannequin with a lamp. There is Buckbeak and of course, Aragog. It was quite creepy. I kept thinking: "A spider had better not fall on me!"

The next room was the other larger set. It was Platform 9 3/4. This included the train, a train station platform, and three areas where you can take photos pushing carts through the wall. You can also go through the train car that was used for filming. I felt a bit rushed in this part, as there was limited space and a line-up of people on my heels. Not my favourite part of the tour. I wish I could have taken more time to take that set in.

Platform 9 3/4

I bought some souvenirs at the shop there and then went to enjoy my butterbeer.

After this there are some sets in the back lot outside. These included the Knight Bus, #4 Privet Drive, the Potter home in Godric's Hollow and the rickety bridge. The rickety bridge was only one section that was used during filming. The Visual Effects department added the rest of the bridge during post-production.

The Art Department came next. It was amazing to see the different masks and props that were used. A gallery of paper models showed the various houses and sets in simple first-draft form.
My favourite part of the tour was seeing the model of the Castle grounds. This was amazing! the details that went into the massive model were awesome! The model was the size of the entire room! I loved it!

Castle model

My tour allowed three hours to go through the entire set, eat something and shop at the gift store. I think, overall, that was enough time.

There is so much to see, I wish I had spent more time in the first part with the actual sets.

It was an amazing experience!

Beautiful Cathedral!

Years ago I read a book that took place in Saint Patrick's Cathedral. Ever since, I wanted to see the cathedral if I was ever in New York City.

The cathedral was closed every time my sister and I walked past, though. I got a photo in front of it earlier in the week. An Advent Wreath hung above the doors, with one candle lit - it was the first week of Advent. 

On our last evening in New York, we were walking down 5th Avenue and saw that the doors were open!

We went inside. It was beautiful! My sister lit a prayer candle and we walked around. There is so much to look at! The organ in amazing! There was a Nativity scene in the corner - Jesus was not in the manger yet as it was only the first week of Advent. The details on the walls, in the Nave, the Rose Window, (everything!) are amazing and the cathedral is beautiful! There is a lot to look at and take in.

I highly recommend it.

Central Park

One great free thing to do in New York City is visit Central Park. My sister and I were in New York at the beginning of December. The weather was great that day, it had stopped raining and the sun had come out. It was like a beautiful Autumn day...in December! The leaves were still on the trees and were very colourful. We were able to wear our Fall jackets to walk around Central Park. It was the best of both worlds - Fall weather and Christmas decorations!

We entered from Central Park South and the first thing you see from that entrance is the famous stone bridge! The Gapstow Bridge is the bridge featured in famous movies about New York, including Home Alone: Lost in New York. We took some photos near the bridge and on it with views of the Plaza Hotel behind us.

Gapstow Bridge

We then wandered on. We came across Wollman Rink and watched people skating. We said hello to Santa Claus, who was greeting people there and continued on.

Wollman Rink

We continued on. There is a road not far from the rink where cars and the horse drawn carriages travel. We crossed that road and came upon the pathway also featured in movies. The Mall and Literary Walk is where spies in movies meet. It is a famous tree-lined avenue with benches all along. We came across a girl selling paintings. They were beautiful and I bought one from her on my way out of the park later on. 

After the Mall, we came upon an advertisement for a book fair happening just under the Bethseda Terrace. Unfortunately we couldn't get down to have a look because it turned out that a TV show called Time After Time was doing a location shoot there. The book fair was actually part of the set. We watched the actors for quite some time. It was amusing.

One of the attractions that I really wanted to see in Central Park was Strawberry Fields. This is a garden that Yoko Ono created in honour of John Lennon, who was killed in front of the Dakota Apartments across the street on December 8, 1980. It is supposed to be a quiet place of reflection, but people were generally ignoring that instruction. I took at photo of the Imagine mosaic at the centre of the garden. This was a week before the anniversary of John Lennon's death. 

The Imagine mosaic in Strawberry Fields

We wandered on across the Bow Bridge. This bridge is beautiful and crosses the manmade lake with the inspiring and original moniker, The Lake. We found a bench and sat by this bridge to do some people watching and relax.

There was a lot of activity in Central Park - musicians, dancers, actors, tourists - all doing their thing. It was a beautiful and peaceful outing and I recommend visiting Central Park if you are ever in New York City. It was one of the highlights of our stay.

~Angie

What a Ride!

I recently had the opportunity to travel the "Road to Hana." 

It was incredible! It is believed by a lot of people to be really treacherous to drive. Not at all. It is very curvy, but the road was in very good condition. My friends and I were advised to leave before 6am. We left at 5:45am - a very good idea. This way we stayed well ahead of the traffic, including the tour buses that came hours later. 

We had to stop to let vehicles through from the other direction on the bridges. Bridges are one lane only, but are very short, thankfully. There are yield signs to allow for traffic coming from the opposite direction. We passed the town of Hana and headed into Haleakala National Park. The road in this stretch was not as good as previous sections, but not awful.

A bridge on the Road to Hana

The scenery was amazing! That is why you drive the Road to Hana! There were incredible views of the ocean, waterfalls, and the foliage was amazing! The road is very curvy. I was okay, but I don't suffer from motion sickness. To me, it was a really fun amusement park ride! My friends took Gravol and they were okay.

Curves on the road

Once in Haleakala Park, we hiked up to the waterfall. Along the way we walked through a bamboo forest. This was incredible! Admission to the park is $20 USD, and is good for three days.

We stopped at the Black Rock Beach on the way back. This was really cool to see. It is located at Pa'iloa Bay.

We started in Lahaina and it takes about 3.5 hours from there to drive the road. The entire trip took us about 12 hours, so plan an entire day, including stops.

The Road to Hana is definitely a bucket list item. It is worth the ride!

~Angie

Banff Springs Hotel

There is so much history in the Banff Springs Hotel. It is great just to walk through and see it all!

It is great at Christmas because there are Christmas Trees throughout the hotel, but any time of the year the Banff Springs is beautiful!

View from the 11th floor

I had a private tour which started at the old entrance. The old entrance is at the back of the hotel. When the Banff Springs was built, the architect flipped the blueprints, so the entrance was at the back instead of the front! It was this way for years! it is only in the last 15 or twenty years that the front of the hotel was refinished so that it could be used as the main entrance.

The back entrance is beautiful and really showcases what the hotel is about. Upstairs you can really notice the details that make it the "Castle in the Rockies". There is a medieval banquet hall, complete with a knight in shining armour! Our tour took us down a wing that overlooked the pool. This was an open hall with chairs and side tables to relax at. The fireplace at the end of the hall is original and still works!

Wing that overlooks the pool

We looked at two banquet rooms and the solarium, which was very bright and sunny!

Then we walked down the haunted staircase! A young bride was getting married at the Banff Springs, before electricity, and the staircase was surrounded by candles. Her dress caught fire and she fell to her death at the bottom. This is one of the most famous ghost stories of the Canadian Rockies. Her ghost is said to still walk down the stairs and people dancing and music can be heard in the hall at the bottom (it is now a restaurant).

The haunted staircase

There is a lot to see at the Banff Springs Hotel. One visit is never enough!

To book a room, please visit:  http://www.fairmont.com/banff-springs/

~Angie

The Famous Five

Five women from Western Canada fought for women's right to be recognized as a person in Canada.
These women were: Nellie McClung, Emily Murphy, Henrietta Muir Edwards, Louise McKinney, and Irene Parlby. They were successful in their fight and in 1929, women were granted the status of "Persons" and thus could vote and sit on the Senate.

Statues were designed by Barbara Paterson and were cast in bronze in Calgary, Alberta. There are two sets of these statues in Canada. One is located at the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa, Ontario, and the other is near Olympic Plaza in Calgary, Alberta.

Nellie McClung was a Calgarian and people can also visit her house, which is a historic site in Calgary.

The Famous Five Statues in Calgary, AB

Statue of Nellie McClung in Ottawa, ON

Statue of Irene Parlby in Ottawa, ON

Statues of Henrietta Muir Edwards and Louise McKinney in Ottawa, ON

Statue of Emily Murphy in Ottawa, ON

These five women played a very important role in Canadian history. They are known as the Famous Five.

~Angie

Frank Slide

One great day trip in Southern Alberta, in the Crowsnest Pass, is the Frank Slide. The town of Frank, Alberta, was a mining town in the early 1900's. Approximately 600 residents were sleeping, and there were miners in the coal mine at the bottom of Turtle Mountain, when in the early morning hours of April 29, 1903, a massive chunk if rock broke away and tumbled down the mountain. As it fell, it broke apart leaving a mass of destruction in its path.

Some people living on the outskirts of Frank were killed in the landslide. The entrance to the mine was blocked, but the miners were able to dig themselves out.

The rubble that was strewn across the base of Turtle Mountain was left as is, and the side of the mountain remains as it was over 100 years ago after the slide happened. Visitors can walk around the area on a 1.5km pathway to view the damage. There are signs along the highway and around the Visitor Centre that tell the story of Frank and the Frank Slide. The Visitor Centre also offers an interpretive tour that offers more information about the area and the Frank Slide.

For more information, visit: http://history.alberta.ca/frankslide/

~Angie

Mount Maunganui

Mount Maunganui is a popular resort town near Tauranga, New Zealand. It is known for its great weather, beaches and surfing and is often compared to Australia's Gold Coast.

Mount Maunganui is a dormant volcano rising 232 metres at the far end of the peninsula. It is a popular area for outdoor activities. The Māori name for Mount Maunganui is Mauao, meaning "caught by the morning sun." It is a sacred site for three local Māori tribes known as the "Iwi."

There is a Māori legend about the volcano and how it came to be situated where it is today and how it got its name. It is a story about a love triangle, full of heartache. Three mountains surrounded Tauranga - Puwhena, Otanewainuku, and the nameless one.  Puwhena was female and the other two were male. The nameless one was in love with Puwhena, but her heart belonged to Otanewainuku. The nameless one decided to drown himself when his love would not be reciprocated by Puwhena.

The nameless one decided to appeal to the Patupaiarehe, the people who had magical powers, for help. He asked them to drag him to the ocean so that he could drown himself there. They obliged and during the night dragged him across the peninsula, creating the valley where the Waimupu River flows. Waimupu means "weeping waters" in Māori. However, this journey took longer than expected and he was caught a sunrise on the edge of the peninsula and was frozen where he stood. The Patupaiarehe decided to give the nameless one a name, Mauao, which means "caught by the morning sun."

One of the best short walks in New Zealand is the Base Track around Mount Maunganui. This is a fairly easy trek around the side of the volcano. On the west side is a bronze statue of the Māori god of the sea, Tangaroa.

For a longer trek and great views, you can hike up the volcano to the summit. This takes about an hour and a half, round trip. There are lots of rest stops which allow for great photo ops of the peninsula and townsite.

Those who are interested in surfing or sunbathing can go to the Main Beach. This beach is quite long and has a man-made reef, which allows for great surfing. Or you can walk along the boardwalk, which runs along the the beach.

So, if you are visiting the Bay of Plenty, or Tauranga, be sure to go to Mount Maunganui. It is a great option for a day trip, and you won't be disappointed!

~Angie

London Calling

London is my favourite city to visit in the world. It has a lot to offer. It is very easy to navigate around using the Tube, buses or walking. London is a great mix of modern and ancient. It has lots of history, but also has a lot of cultural delights too.

Parliament and the Westminster Clock

And it is full of famous attractions.

Some of the best attractions that I suggest you visit are:

The British Museum

I missed this on my first trip to London, so it was on my list for things to see when I returned ten years later.

The entrance to the British Museum

The Great Court

One thing I really wanted to see was the Rosetta Stone. This stone helped decipher Egyptian hieroglyphs. It was obtained by the British and moved to London in 1802. The Rosetta Stone is behind glass. You are allowed to take photos, but have to deal with the reflection of your flash. The whole Egyptian wing of the British Museum was exciting to see.

The Rosetta Stone

Another gallery that I really enjoyed was the Clock gallery. This was so interesting and a huge surprise! There are lots of different types of clocks and watches to look at.

The clock that is just outside the entrance to the Clock Gallery

The last section that I wandered through was the Chinese section. This included items from the Ming Dynasty, and lots of statues, ornaments, etc from China. It was very interesting.

A Chinese figurine

Admission is free. The British Museum is open late on Fridays and is open every day except January 1, December 24, 25 and 26th.

The Tower of London

One of the most famous and oldest attractions in London is the Tower of London. This was famous for the beheadings that took place there. In particular, Anne Boelyn and Katherine Howard. 

The Tower of London beside the Thames River

It is famous for being the hiding place of Elizabeth Woodville and her children during the War of the Roses. Also located here is the Bloody Tower where her sons, the Little Princes, were murdered in 1483. 

The Tower of London also houses the Crown Jewels. This gallery was very interesting to see. I especially enjoyed seeing the crown that Queen Elizabeth II wore at her Coronation.

The Tower Bridge

One great way to see London and arrive at the Tower is to go in a boat along the Thames. The Thames River Cruise offers a one day pass for $18 CAD one way. There is also a hop-on-hop-off option for $33 CAD.

Or you can buy a London Pass and get into several attractions including the Tower of London for one price. 

The London Eye

The London Eye is one modern attraction that provides a great way to view London from above. This was built to celebrate the dawning of the 21st century, so originally was called the Millenium Wheel.

You can buy online and skip the line-up for $56 CAD.

The London Eye

Notting Hill

I really like the movie Notting Hill, so wanted to see where the events in the film were located. I walked down Portobello Road, one of the most famous roads in London. This led me to the Blue Door Tea House. I was unable to find the Blue Door house (now has a black door), but I know it's there! There was a shop called "Notting Hill" that looked similar to the travel book shop from the film.

Notting Hill

Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park

I went to Kensington Palace, but did not go around the front! I can't believe I forgot to get a photo and walk around the front of the palace, but I had a lot to see and do and not a lot of time. So I went around back and walked through the orangery behind Kensington Palace and walked by the Statue of Queen Victoria. I stopped for a minute beside the pond before starting toward Hyde Park.

The Orangery behind Kensington Palace

The Peter Pan Statue was commissioned by Peter Pan's creator, JM Barrie in 1902. It is located in Kensington Gardens. The statue has squirrels, mice, and faeries climbing up to meet Peter Pan.

Peter Pan Statue

The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain is located in Hyde Park. This was a bit disappointing, but is located in a peaceful area so is a good place for a rest. The fountain is a meandering, low fountain that looks like a drain. The idea is that people can sit beside it and wade in it and enjoy peace and serenity. It guess that was achieved, but I found it slightly unimpressive. It is in a nice park, though.

Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain

I wish I had had more time to spend in Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park because it would be a nice place to take a break from the rush and push of the city.

For more information about other areas and attractions in London, please see my articles about Westminster Abbey, Abbey Road, and the London Tube.

Westminster Abbey
Abbey Road
Mind The Gap

~Angie

The Medina In Fez

One highlight in Fez, Morocco, is the Medina. This is an amazing network of alleyways and passages in the Old City. Ten thousand people live in this area of Fez. It is a confusing network of passages that have businesses, restaurants, and homes off them that seem to be hidden. It is recommended that you have a guide who knows his or her way around as you could very easily become lost in the maze. My guide had lived there his whole life and still got lost sometimes!

View of the Medina

A wool business in the Medina

Chickens for sale

There is lots to see, hear, and smell in the Medina. You also have to watch out for local traffic in the form of donkey carts, motorcycles, and trucks! If someone yells "Belek!", get out of the way fast! It means that something is coming up behind you and it is best to move off the road. My group was waiting outside a spice shop for people who were purchasing items when a truck came along the pathway. We all had to hurry out of the way into another shop opposite or risk being run over!

A heavy laden donkey blocking the path

Banners overhanging the passages of the Medina

One main attraction in the Medina is the Tannery. This is where leather is coloured using natural dyes such as mint, poppy, indigo and saffron. The leather is first placed in pigeon dung, then in the dyes, so the Tannery is very smelly. You are given a sprig of mint at the door as you enter to help fend off the smells if you need it. I am from a farming community in Alberta, Canada and the smell wasn't any worse than a cattle ranch or pig farm.

The Tannery

Another attraction in the Medina is the former Royal Palace. This palace was destroyed during the Lisbon, Portugal earthquake in 1755. It is possible to wander around the courtyard and the surrounding former palace residence. It is very interesting because you can see the damage that the earthquake caused quite clearly in the courtyard.

The courtyard of the former Royal Palace

So, if you are in Fez, Morocco, be sure to visit the Medina. 

~Angie

Canadian Pacific Holiday Train

Last night the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train came to Calgary. Every year CP employees decorate a CP train with Christmas lights and it travels across the country. This year, the train travelled from Montreal, QC and will end in Port Coquitlam, BC at the end of next week. There is also a train that travels across the United States.

The event is free, the public is asked to bring a food donation. CP Rail collects donations of food and money at every stop, and these donations are given to the local food bank in each community.

The CP Holiday Train comes in blowing its horn.

Lights decorate the train.

Lights decorate the train.

The event includes performances by Canadian musicians who perform in different cities and towns. This year, the headlining talent was Jim Cuddy, one of the lead singers for the Canadian band "Blue Rodeo". He also has a few solo albums and is one of my favourite artists. It was very cool to be able to see him perform live and for free! Jim Cuddy was joined by the Canadian band "The Odds" who had a hit featured a few years ago on the Canadian hit sitcom Corner Gas. This was a very cool event. (No pun intended!)

Anne Lindsay, Jim Cuddy & Craig Northey

I am glad I got this opportunity. I had never gone before, so it was neat to see what it was like. The weather cooperated too, it was a balmy 5 degrees celsius last night.

The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train runs every year in December. For more information, go to:
http://www.cpr.ca/en/community/holiday-train/schedule

~Angie