Harry Potter Studios in London

Harry Potter books and movies are our family's favorite series.  We own all the movies and have watched them many times over the years.  As a matter of fact, whenever someone is sick lying on the couch all day, we usually put in the Harry Potter films and watch them all day long.  This helps the day go by a little easier.

Harry Potter Studios;  This studio was originally a very large aircraft production factory back during World War II.  After the war, Rolls-Royce bought the building and used it as their factory.  In the 1990s it was left vacant until a film production studio bought it and transformed it into a production studio in 1995.  Since then many films have used the unique space; large aircraft hangers, large office space areas, and 80 acres of outdoor filming capabilities to produce some amazing films.

The Harry Potter film series took ten years to complete.  During that time, most of the studio permanently housed the unique sets that were built for the series of movies produced on site.  Eventually, Warner Brother Studios bought out the other production company to own the entire studio lot.  Warner Brother Studios then invested 100 million pounds into the site to remodel and update the entire lot.  Through this process they made a special building as a Harry Potter Studio for people to come and see the unique sets, props, and costumes from the films.  Today this entire studio lot, including the Harry Potter Studio, is one of the largest and most up to date filming facilities in the world.

When planning our London trip we spoke with the boys about the Harry Potter Studios.  All the kids were excited and wanted to visit the studio.  They wanted the opportunity to see the props, costumes, and filming sets and the ability to learn about how the movie series was produced.  It was a definite yes by all kid to tour the site.

We arrived at the studio and noticed the extremely large studio lot along with the large building dedicated to Harry Potter.  This studio allows 5,000 visitors a day and the McPeaks were part of that statistical history.

We made it and we were heading in for our adventure

The magical doorway into Hogwarts

The great hall

I wonder what rules we should make

I forgot the password

Who can speak the language to open the door

Sam just popped up?  Hmm

Nate, I don't think that is our bus home

Connor in Diagon Alley

Sam is window shopping in the background

I wonder what we will buy

A large model of Hogwarts

We are near the end of the tour

We spent over four hours touring the studio learning about how these films were produced.  There was so much information and things to see.  Everyone in our family loved this adventure and would not hesitate to go back.  

At the end of the tour you exit through the gift shop, of course.  I have not seen so many different displays, clothing, and Harry Potter souvenirs in one area.  It was huge and rather impressive.  The kids spent about an hour checking out all the cool souvenirs.  

This was only a small corner of the gift shop

As you can see, the studio was enormous and very educational.  Insider information learned;  We did not realize that every painted picture in the movie is actually an original painting from the artists hired for the film and the models used in those paintings were their staff member; set directors, makeup artists, costume designers and so many more.  ALSO, the books in Dumbdore's library were all phonebooks covered to appear to as if they were old hard covered antique books.  Those were a couple of things we learned while touring the Studio.  This tour was one of our favorite highlights from London.  

London

Living in Turkey has provided us the opportunity to meet different people from many different countries.  We have really enjoyed the British people and their culture.  Prior to living here in Turkey, we knew London as the home to the Queen and Buckingham Palace.  We also knew London because of some great artists and movies;  The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, One Direction, James Bond, and (our kids favorite) Harry Potter.  But that was all we knew.  Thus, we decided to visit London and learn more about this country.

Reed learned the NFL was hosting a Football game, Vikings VS Steelers, in London.  We have missed American Football, term used by the UK, since coming to Turkey.  We thought it would be great to see the game live in LONDON at Wembley Stadium.  

So, our planning began.  There is a lot to see and do in London, but we were only staying for a few days.  Being huge Harry Potter fans, we were definitely going to the Warner Brothers Harry Potter Studios.  The Vikings game was the reason for our trip, so Wembley Stadium was a must.   But what other attractions should we see?  Well, we decided to take the open bus tour and let our kids pick our tourist stops.

We were ready, packed, and off to the airport for our adventure.  In London we took a fast train from the airport to a central train line to take a tube to our final destination.  Reed did a great job figuring out all the tickets and trains needed to get to our hotel.  Eventually, we made it to the hotel with only a few minor mishaps, which are saved for the bloopers page.  But honestly, it was not hard figuring out London's transportation system to get around.

After unpacking we set out to find a good dinner.  We were told that most pubs had great food and were kid friendly places to eat.  We found a pub very near our hotel that had great beer and fantastic food.  We walked around the neighborhood for a glimpse of the area and then back to the hotel for the night.  

We're in London

Site seeing;

We packed our cameras, maps and jackets and we're off for our first day of site seeing.  We took the Original London Sightseeing Open Bus Tour and planned for a full day of seeing London's historic sites.  This particular company has been giving tours of London for over sixty years.  Our British friends recommended this company and they were "spot on" with their suggestion.  The double decker bus was fantastic and provided us with a great view of the city.  

And we're off

They boys chose a seat on the top of the double decker bus

The tour was entertaining, fascinating, and informative.  If a person rode the bus through the entire tour is would take about 2-1/2 hours.  We decided to ride the bus until we got to the Tower of London and then got off to walk around to see some sites up close and personal.  The Tower of London is an old castle that has several buildings set within two defensive walls and a moat.  Now that's a castle, so we went to check it out.

Tower of London was founded in 1066.  This castle was mainly a grand palace and served as the royalty's residence.  It was also used as a prison until 1952.  This castle was a prominent strategically positioned castle that controlled the country.  Thus, it was sieged several times.  It was last used tactically in World War II.  Since then, the castle's damage was restored and opened to the public.  Today, it is London's most popular tourist attraction.  

Just prior to entering the Tower of London

Inside the protective walls and walking around the buildings

An entrance into the castle through the moat

More of the grounds inside the castle

One of the buildings and there were many more

The Tower of London was a great educational museum.  In each of the building there were themes; royal palace, armory, prisons, and crown jewels, with educational displays to teach visitors about the castle and its history.  We spent several hours touring this castle and loved it.

The Armory

The guard at the crown jewels

Sam learning about a crossbow

Nate trying on the armored helmet 

We could have spent all day at the Tower of London, but it was time to see more sites.  We left the tower and walked across the London Tower Bridge, built in 1886.  This Bridge is iconic and incredible.  The two massive towers that were connected by walkways amazed us all.

The Tower Bridge

Our walk across the bridge

The towers are huge

We walked across more bridges (London Bridge and Southwark Bridge) taking in all that there was to see with our focus on Big Ben and the Parliament building.  Big Ben is actually the name of the bell that chimes inside the tower.  The tower is actually called; "Clock Tower" and was built in 1859.  We thought it was grandiose and impressive.  

Photo of Big Ben and Parliament from the bus tour

Beautiful view of Big Ben

Parliament

We continued walking around London;

The red Telephone boxes are everywhere.  These boxes were designed in 1926 through a competition.  Note; the Postmaster General was a main participant in the final design of the booth.  Question;  what does the post office have to do with a telephone booth design?  Hmm....  Not sure.  

Connor posing by the typical red telephone booth

A major train station hub

A quaint pub

London Eye

Entrance into St Paul's Cathedral church

Prince Charles and Princess Diana were married here

Westminster Abbey

Known as; Collegiate Church of St Peter at Westminster

Day one of site seeing was so much fun.  We had an enjoyable tour bus ride and loved our walk.  We did not get to see all the things on our list, but we had a great time.  We were amazed at the magnificent buildings and parks throughout London.  A person can only imagine the upkeep on such structures.  The kids loved the ease of getting around;  bus, sidewalks, and the tube.  When we got back to our hotel we just fell into our beds and had no problems going right to sleep.

Greece Bloopers

Greece was an amazing adventure.  We had a blast and we're glad that we ended our summer vacation in that country.  As with all vacations, there are mishaps and laughable moments.  Here are a few of the finer moments in Greece;

We flew from America to Santorini Greece.  Coming from America, the process was about 25 hours from the time we left to landing in Greece.  We were pretty tired and wiped out.  I knew that international flights were allotted larger bags.  We had been in America for about 6 weeks and had substantial luggage.  But I tried to make things a little more compact to minimize any issues changing from an international flight to a commuter flight.  Reed was meeting us in Greece, but was about an hour behind us.

In Greece we changed from a main airline to a small hub that was a commuter hopper type of plane.  Therefore, we were not able to get a boarding pass or to check into our flight until we landed.  I wanted to get us checked in prior to Reed landing and my goal was to leisurely wait in a lounge or cafe for him with the boys.  AND that is not how it worked out.

We land and went to the ticket agent service counter to check in for the flight and get our boarding passes.  She informed me that we needed to retrieve our luggage at baggage claim prior to checking us in for the flight.  WHAT ?!?!  We had left that area of the terminal believing that the bags were transported to the next plane.  I was wondering...  How do we get back into that secured area of the airport and claim our luggage?  I started to worry, but the nice agent told me that there wouldn't be any issues.  She then took the time to explain the process.  Apparently, this is pretty common and they have an easy protocol set in place for such mishaps.  SO we got our bags and went back to the ticketing agent counter.

For the second time we were waiting in a long line to reach the counter and get our tickets for the flight.  This time a different staff member was assisting us.  I tried to crack a joke about being tired and forgetting luggage but this person was having a bad day and did not find me amusing at all.  She was huffing and puffing while hitting her keyboard very hard.  It was obvious that she was in a bad mood.  She had me place the bags on the belt to tag them for our destination.  She then huffed out, "UGH....  You are over weight!"  I'm thinking; personally I'm overweight or the bags are over the weight limit.  I did not say anything.  She then told me that I was going to have to pay a fee.  She continued to huff and puff about what the process was and that I would have to come back to her line before she could complete our flight check in process.

And this is how I felt dealing with the Airline Agent who was checking us into our flights

SO I went to the -I'm a loser and over packed counter, waited in line, and paid a fee.  I then had to go back to the original ticketing agent line, for the third time, so I could finally check us in for our flight.  WOW!  That was not an easy process.   BUT it was done and we were off.  Whew-  Glad that I personally was not over weight.   Not sure what they would have done or what the fees would have been.  LOL.

While on the island of Santorini we noticed that the pavement was uneven cobblestone.  We warned the kids several times to watch their step when walking.  Most of the time it was not a concern, because we wore shoes. But around the pool area people were barefoot and that is where the uneven cobblestone would cause an issue.  Yep- you guessed it.....  Sam stubbed his pinkie toe.  AND boy did he stub it.  It was so black and blue and swollen.  We think he probably broke it.  There was nothing anyone could do other than ice it.  So we iced it a lot.  He was a trooper; though, because on the island you had to hike everywhere you went and other than a few piggyback rides he did not complain.

Santorini Island is known for its fantastic sunsets, especially from the town of Oia.  We were staying in Oia and Reed wanted the kids to watch the picturesque sunset from a great known location.  Realize we started our days early, we swam, had an adventure, and swam even more.  Consequently, the kids were tired in the evening.  Sunset usually happened around 8:45pm.   The one location known for tourist to watch the sunset normally was packed.  In order to get a good spot and view the sunset from that location, a person had to get there about an hour before the sun even began to set.

One day, after our adventures, Reed said that he wanted to watch the sunset.  After swimming, the kids showered and dressed to go back out to watch the sunset.  The kids were not very happy, because they wanted to hang out in the room and relax.  They involuntary hiked with us to the sunset location.  While at the location they complained about the heat, how much longer, the crowd, and how they were tired.  Sam literally asked us why he had to be there, because we could take the picture and show it to him.  He went on to say that he did not have to watch the sunset, because the picture would be just as nice.  Got to love kids!  Needless to say, we left our location and went back to the hotel to stop all the complaining.  But a couple of nights later, Reed and I left the kids in the room and watched the sunset from a different less crowded area.  It was nice.

A beautiful Sunset

The island was pretty uneventful and we were pretty happy about that reality.

Athens Greece was pretty uneventful as well....  EXCEPT;  We were walking back to the hotel from eating at a side cafe.  As we walking, we were checking out all the unique stores.  On the street, a man greeted Reed with a big hello and started talking with him.  I knew this was not good by the way the man spoke and his mannerisms.  Something was not right with this guy.  So I picked up my pace getting the kids away this strange man.  Reed was not far behind, but far enough for the kids to be safe.  I listened to their conversation;

Unknown man asks Reed if he is American and a few questions about why he is in Greece.  Reed is evasive with his answers to the guy, but did acknowledge that he was American.  Reed keeps his distance from this man as the unknown man tries to catch up with Reed to walk with Reed.  Man then asks Reed how the Americans can heal the broken relationship with Greece.  Reed is still evasive and actually turns the question back to the man.  The unknown man then proceeds to tell Reed that he has terrorist parents who fought for the Greeks against Americans,  WHAT!?!?!.  He tells Reed that they could go have lunch, a beer, and a chat about how to heal the wounds and make things right between Americans and Greeks.  I knew it was time to step in and help Reed out.  I pulled the kids into a souvenir shop and called to Reed saying the kids wanted him to help them pick something out, pretending that I did not notice their conversation.  Reed excused himself and hustled up the street to our location.  We stayed ducked in the store till the coast was clear.  We then we hurried back to the hotel feeling a bit nerved about the whole situation.  What a weirdo!  We still are unsure what the man's intension was (pick pocket, free meal, or what), but nothing happened and we were all safe.

This vacation was pretty fun and had minimal idiosyncrasies.

Greece Day Two

We loved our first day of site seeing.  Getting around the city was easy and the people were helpful.  So we packed our cameras and our map to see more sites.

Greek churches:  While walking to the Parliament Building was saw churches in the middle of a block or at intersections, everywhere.  That was interesting to me, because this country was deeply rooted in worshiping pagans for so many years. Then change in religion came during the Roman period when their rulers, especially Constantinople, had so much influence.  Now Greece is predominantly Christians and these beautiful churches display their present day culture.

One example of a church

Bell tower from a different church

Another church's bell tower

Parliament building:   The building was an old palace of the first King of Greece, King Otto, and was built around 1840.  Significant fires cause the royal family to abandon the palace in 1910.  Remodeling of the building in 1930 changed it from a palace to a Parliament. 

Parliament Building

The changing of the guards:  In front of the Parliament building are guards.  These guards are from a special unit called the "Hellenic Army".  They guard the Monument of the Unknown Soldier in a long established historic manner.  The soldiers stand perfectly still for 60 minutes three times in a 48 hour period.  At every hour there is a changing of the two guards, which involves a ceremonial coordinated march carried out in really slow motion.  These soldiers are selected according to their height, physical condition, character, morality, and psychological state.  They must complete extensive training before they are allowed into the elite honorary unit.

The guards at the Monument of the Unknown Soldier

When we arrived at the Parliament building the Pigeon man ambushed us.  He sold bags of feed for the pigeons.  Even if you said no, he would shake his bag and pour the feed on your hand or around you, causing the pigeons to come to you.  This sales tactic worked.  He got our kid's attention and we handed over money so the kids could feed the pigeons.  

The pigeon man showing the kids how to get the pigeons in their hands

Prior to our purchase of a bag of feed

The boys splitting up the bag of feed for the pigeons

Nate and Sam with a pigeon

Connor got the pigeon to land on his shoulder

Meanwhile these guards who stood perfectly still enthralled me.  We watched them march gracefully to the guard shacks, just prior to the changing of the guard's march, where we were allowed to stand next to them for photographs.

Connor and the Guard

Nate and the Guard

The March while changing the guards

And off they go after they changed the guards

The guards' marching was a slow rhythmic march that was pretty cool to watch.  The guards were stoic and represented their historic tradition beautifully. Now we were off to see more sites.

While walking to the next site we passed the National Garden of Athens.  This garden was the Royal Garden and was commissioned by the Queen.  Back then; the garden was a private refuge for the King and Queen.  Today it is a public park.  We did not venture too far into this park, because it was huge.  But the boys found the sundial interesting.

In the Garden

Reed and Nate figuring out the time from the sundial

Arch of Hadrian:  As we were walking to the Olympian Temple of Zeus we could see this big Archway with columns.  So we ventured off to check it out.  It was the Arch of Hadrian.  This arch is a monument gateway and is the boundary between Ancient Athens and the new modern Roman City of Hadrian.  There is even an inscription on the Arch saying,  "This is Athens, the ancient city of Theseus" on one side and another inscription saying, "This is the city of Hadrian and not of Theseus" on the other side of the Arch.  The inscription proves that this was the border between the two cities.  Not sure I would want to spend such time and energy building such an archway, but back then big magnificent monuments illustrated your importance.

Arch of Hadrian

The boys

The Temple of Olympian Zeus;  This was an enormous temple.  It was bigger than the Parthenon with 104 columns total, all made of marble.  This temple was dedicated to the god of Zesus (King of the Olympian gods).  The construction started about 6th century BC, but was not completed until the 2nd century AD by the Roman Emperor Hadrian.  This temple's life was short lived, because it was destroyed in the 3rd century AD and never repaired.  For centuries after the temple's destruction it was quarried for other buildings' needed supplies.   Even with all the destruction and raiding on the structure you are able to see that what stands today is still incredible.  

The full view of the Temple of Olympian Zeus

Closer view of one end of the Temple of Olympian Zeus

As you can see from the blogs and photographs that Greece was amazing.  The sites are so historic and incredible.