You're a Wizard, Harry!

In my last post, I mentioned the Harry Potter movie series. I should have mentioned earlier than I am a Harry Potter fanatic. I have seen five out of the eight movies the night before the movie premiered at midnight. I have been to Harry Potter World in Universal Studios Orlando twice. I own Hermione Granger's wand, a Harry Potter puzzle, Harry Potter monopoly, all eight movies on DVD, and the Marauder's Map showcased in the third movie. In fact, London is the place where J.K. Rowling chose to develop the series. The series truly came to life when I visited the various places in London that were previewed in the movies. Here is a list of the various places in London that are displayed throughout the eight movies:

• Warner Brothers Studios Tour London: I felt like a kid in a candy shop as I walked through the doors. When you arrive at the Watford Junction tube stop, there is a Harry Potter bus that transports visitors to the studio. I visited during Christmas Time, which made my experience even more magical. 

The picture to the left is me walking down Diagon Alley and the picture to the right is me in front of 4 Privet Drive.

• Platform 9 3/4: Although a fictional location since it is impossible to walk through a brick wall, the workers at King's Cross Station in London make this part of the movie seem very real. Pick your house scarf and take a picture as you imagine yourself traveling from the muggle world to the wizarding world. 

The picture above was taken at King's Cross Station.

• Millennium Bridge: Featured in the sixth movie, this bridge is shown collapsing in a dramatic opening scene as death eaters attack London. 
• Reptile House, London Zoo: Back when Harry Potter was unaware of his wizarding skills, this location is shown in the first movie where Harry first discovers his ability to speak with snakes. 
• Piccadilly Circus:  One of the most memorable scenes in the first installment of the final book, which presents Harry, Ron, and Hermione rushing through London's West End. 
• Leadenhall Market: One of the oldest markets in London, this indoor market located in the middle of the city was used as Diagon Alley in the first movie. The entrance to the Leaky Cauldron, a wizards' pub, is an optician's shop in Bull Head's Passage in Leadenhall Market, which was featured in the fourth movie. 
• Australia House: The only known bank of the wizarding world, Gringotts Bank, was filmed in the grand interior of the Australia House on Strand located in central London.

Visiting all of these locations brought the Harry Potter series to life.  Harry Potter was, and still is, a large part of my life. The series spanned from 2001 to 2011. Harry Potter entered my life when I was just six years old and left my life when I was a 17 years old. I felt as if I grew up with many of the characters in the series. I have to admit, it was a bit emotional walking through the Warner Brothers Studios and seeing all of the props used in the movies. Remember this: next time you visit London, pick one of the eight movies and see what London attraction was featured and visit. Watching the movies after visiting these places is an entirely different experience that will leave you in awe.