Hi guys
We are back, sitting in the United lounge waiting for our first flight.
Day 8 – continued
When we arrived at Hogsmeade Station we left the station and walked through Hogsmeade Village. Again, everything was there that you would expect including the Three Broomsticks, Zonko and Honeydukes. Further down the street, you turn the corner to find Hogwarts Castle!! Obviously, I made a beeline for the castle IMMEDIATELY!
The only thing you could do at the castle was to take the ride and so we did that first. Again, like going through Gringotts, the walk to the ride was just as interesting as the ride itself, with lots of different rooms throughout the castle – including Dumbledore’s office. The ride itself was scary – but I was having too much fun flying around Hogwarts to notice. Ok. maybe when the dragon from the first task turned up it was a bit scary (see photo below).
After visiting the second gift shop (this time I HAD to buy something) we tried the third Harry Potter ride – on a Hippogriff. You walked through Hagrid’s garden to get there, also very interesting. Though this was the least dangerous ride of all – I found it the scariest as all you had was a bar across your lap and there were quite a few moments where you were leaning off to the side!
After the rides (and because it was starting to rain again) we decided to have lunch which was one of the best meals so far in the US. Not so keen on US food and there has been a lot of bottomless glasses of Coke so far. After lunch (as the sun had come back out) Danielle went exploring Hogsmeade while Chris remained in the air-conditioning. Chocolate Frogs and Bertie Botts every flavour beans were the first stop. The sweet shop was just amazing with all the different types that are mentioned through all the books. Also, around Hogsmeade is Ollivanders wand shop (there was one in Diagon Alley too) where they have all the wands from all the different characters for sale. Tempting, but we didn’t get one.
After wondering around Hogsmeade and going into all the different shops, we boarded the train back to London (with a new movie playing on the way back). Here Danielle explored Diagon Alley including Fred & George’s shop which literally had everything as described in the books. The Pigmy Puff was very cute and soft – but again thought it best not to get one.
Chris was busy skulking around Knockturn Alley (up to no good) so we visited Borgen & Burkes (which was quickly visited and left) full of dark stuff.
After about 6 hours we finally called it a day to head back to our hotel for a swim (it’s about 30 degrees here).
So, a very fulfilling Harry Potter day bringing everything to life.
see below for photos
Until tomorrow – or probably later this afternoon as we get into Minneapolis around midnight
Dan & Chris
