So, in my previous blog post, I REALLY wanted to write about this, but a small paragraph wouldn't do this event nearly enough justice. So, I'm dedicating this entire blog posting to... HARRY POTTER!!

Harry Potter has been a huge part of my childhood (and adulthood as well). From a young age, I was heavily wrapped into the books, and I have read all of them at least twenty times! I love the movies as well (although I prefer the books over the movies). In fact, Harry Potter has had such a strong impact on my life, I actually have a tattoo to prove it. Yes, I'm admitting to you all that I have a tattoo of the Deathly Hallows (cloak, stone, wand) on my ankle.

My friend Alexandra and I have been planning a trip to the Harry Potter Studio Tour in London since we first met in Washington, D.C. So, once we had a good idea of what our weekly schedules would be like, we jumped at the opportunity to book our Potter tour! Unfortunately for us, the only time we would be able to go to the studio tour was before our field study class on a Thursday morning. We were super excited and booked our tickets right away, and thought we were all set for our studio tour.

What we didn't realize was that the actual Warner Brothers studio tour was located in the outskirts of London, in an area called Watford Junction. So, the night before our tour, Alexandra and I were trying to figure out the best route to get there for a 10 a.m. tour, and even more importantly, how in the world we were going to make it back in time for class by 2 p.m.. Eventually, after staring at Tube maps for hours on end, we decided that the best thing would be to simply get some sleep, wake up early and just get there in one piece.

The Studio Tour of Harry Potter

It was incredible once we got there! Alexandra and I were so excited to finally be at the studio, and we couldn't wait to begin our tour. Right when we walked into the studio, there were Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe, & Rupert Grint's (Hermione, Harry & Ron) handprints. I like to think that I held both Daniel & Emma's hands!

Sharon "holds hands" with Emma Watson who played Hermione Granger in

the Harry Potter film series.

Once the tour finally started (it's an independent tour; there is no tour guide, instead you walk around the studios on your own and check everything out), we were running from set-to-set. I was most fascinated with Dumbledore's Headmaster office, as well as the Gryffindor Dormitory. In fact, I tried giving the Fat Lady the password so she would let me in, but unfortunately had no luck.

The Fat Lady (portrait in front of the Gryffindor tower).

As we ran around the sets, we kept snapping as many pictures as possible! One of my favorite places on the tour was the home scenes. It was so cool to be able to walk up to Number 4 Privet Drive. I tried to deliver one of Harry's Hogwarts acceptance letters through the letterbox, but I totally forgot that Uncle Vernon nailed the slot on the door.

The set for Number 4 Privet Drive, home of the Dursleys.

It was also a very sentimental time.

For anyone who has stayed with Harry to the very end, you will know exactly what I mean. As promised, every set that was used in the movies was on the studio tour, and this included the Potter's house in Godric's Hollow. It was actually sad to walk up to the demolished house.

Set for the Potter's house in Godric's Hollow.

Chess, anyone?

It's incredible how much effort goes into every set, and each prop used within the sets! If you saw the first movie, perhaps these chess pieces will look familiar...

Sharon, facing off with a Pawn from the cinematic adaptation of

"Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone."

A few other life-sized chess pieces.

Butterbeer!!

If you ever get the chance to go on the studio tour, whether it's in London or the theme park in Florida, you need to try the butterbeer!!! No words can describe the taste, and it's simply amazing.

Sharon gives Butterbeer a shot - and the verdict is delicious.

Walking down Diagon Alley was absolutely necessary for us...I was so excited to take pictures outside of Gringotts & other shops in the alley!

So, in Conclusion....

Doing the Harry Potter WB Studio Tour was a phenomenal experience! I am so grateful to have experienced it with one of my best friends on this trip, and it was so amazing to be able to hop on a train from our flats and visit one of the coolest tourist attractions in London! Alexandra and I have already decided that we will most definitely be making another trip before we head back to the States, and hopefully the next time we go we won't be in a rush to get back in time for class!! (by the way, we made it back in time, with an hour to spare... we're just that good.)

I hope you all enjoyed hearing about my trip to the WB Harry Potter Studio tour, and hopefully you can experience it for yourself when you intern abroad!!

Hasta la vista,

Sharon