London 2012 Day 1 and 2.

I took off from Cleveland on Saturday the 12th of May and went through Toronto for our overnight flight to London. My mom and aunt were on this trip too. I was on my own for a good portion of the time though.

We landed Sunday morning. Luckily I slept better this time than I did my previous trip. ( I will write about that on another post.)

By the time we got off the plane, went through Border Patrol and then through our tour got on the Hotel by Bus shuttle to central London. I wasn't really impressed with it to be perfectly honest. I was not the one who made the reservations for that. I would have taken Heathrow Connect or Heathrow Express to Paddington then a taxi to the hotel. It would have been a little (not much less) money, and you don't have to wait for others. We had to wait to drop others off at their hotels. Of course at this time we were tired and cranky. We did take the same one from our hotel back to Heathrow the following Saturday and that wasn't so bad because we just had to pick up one other person and our driver was extremely nice.

 We arrived at our hotel around noon. Our room was not ready yet so we went to Selfridges, a huge department store, for lunch. At the cafe there was salted beef. I didn't try that. I opted for the salad. Its sad that the United States does not have department stores like these anymore. All the Macy's and Dillards are basically the same. Not very unique at all. Cleveland got rid of theirs but now a casino is in the original spot. Selfridges is a little less expensive than Harrods but Marks &Spencers are the best.

I got my European phone and by that time our room was ready. Mom and I walked to a church not far from the hotel. Surprisingly there are plenty of Catholic Churches in London but not as many as Anglican. St. James was right in the center of Marylebone and mass went by quick. We stopped at a Tesco and got their yummy sandwiches. Many of the grocery stores have prepared foods which is nice. We then walked around Oxford Street and Hyde Park the rest of the evening.

England pictures

Christ Church College, Oxford. Dining Hall. Mine at the University of Toledo did not look like this.

Way Out is much better than Exit

Double Decker bus

London Eye

Toronto Photographs

Here are more pictures from Toronto. These were taken in April 2007, it was pretty cold.

Boston MA

I have been to Boston two times. The first was in 2004 and the other was in 2006. It's an enjoyable city. Plenty of sights to see, good food, plenty of American history. It is east coast so the prices are expensive. These photos were from the second trip. Enjoy!

Warner Brothers London Studio Part I

On the third day of my recent London trip I went to the Warner Brothers London to see the "The Making of Harry Potter." All eight films (last book was made into two movies) were mostly filmed at Leavesden Studios in Watford England. Other filming took place in London, rural Scotland, Lacock, Gloucester, Oxford, and many more rural locations.

Watford is located in the London commuter belt just inside the Motorway 25 (M25). The M25 is the beltway that circles around Greater London. They call freeways motorways over there.

An important note...you must order your reservation in advance online. You cannot arrive at the kiosks without a reservation or paying for the ticket. Here is the link http://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/. 


A few weeks before I left I went online and purchased a ticket for myself. I was traveling in London with my mom and aunt but they are "muggles" and went off to Kent for the day. Anyway when ordering tickets you have the option of having your tickets mailed to you, or printing out the reservation with booking number, then, picking them up at the kiosk at the studios. I opted for the latter since I had no idea how long they would take to get here to the USA. If you happen to be abroad and decide you want to visit you can still order tickets but you must do it online.

There were several ways to get to Watford. The easiest way for me was to take the London Overground (part of the Transport for London system) up to Watford Junction (the last stop). It took about 35 minutes from London Euston Station to Watford Junction. Just outside the station a Warner Brothers employee will direct you to wait for the Warner Bros. bus to take you to the studio. The trip cost two pounds for a return fare. Its a short drive from the station. I will note that most of the London Overground is well overground and you can catch it at many stations between Euston and Watford.

My reservation was for 11 AM. Timed tickets helps regulate the crowds so it won't seem so crowded when touring. I had no idea how long it would take me to get there and it was still rush hour. So I left a little after 7:30 AM. Yes that's slightly early but I had no idea how long it was going to take me to get there. There was a tube station around the corner from my hotel (near Marble Arch). I would have to take the Central Line (red line) to Tottenham Court Road stop and switch to the Northern Line (black line) to Euston stop. I had an Oyster Card with about thirty pounds on it. I must say it was still rush hour and I probably set a world record for how many people you can fit into a train!

I arrived at Euston Station where it was hectic with everybody getting off the trains headed into London. Soon enough I was on the train and headed for Hogwarts. It wasn't very crowded since most people were headed into the city and I was headed out. I passed the suburbs and Wembley Stadium with no trouble and arrived in Watford a little after 9.

I got off and went outside to see plenty of fans getting in line for the bus. In front of me were a group of Japanese girls jumping up and down. Behind me were a group of young Germans. About 10 minutes later we were off to Leavesden. When we made the final approach the Japanese girls starting crying and everybody else got really excited. I had seen all the movies SO many times so this was quite special. It was overcast that day and a bit chilly while I waited in line to get my tickets. Behind me were two middle aged couples from Los Angeles and Portland Oregon. They said they were Harry Potter fans (all ages love Harry Potter) and we mostly chatted about flying over to the U.K. and the time change.  I still had an hour until I could start the tour. So I went to the cafeteria and got something to eat and waited. It wasn't crowded there yet. I had my iPod touch so I was able to get the free WiFi to get online and that was the first time since I had been there that I went online. (Below is the cafeteria).

Now to the good parts. The Making of Harry Potter starts off with a short video interviewing David Heyman the producer for the films about how he decided that the books should be made into movies. Then next video, Daniel, Emma, and Rupert gave a short speech how this studio had been there second home for the past ten years. It was here that they were shielded from the paparazzi, worked with Britain's finest actors, made friends with the crew, were tutored on set for six years, and made so many memories. They knew they were any ordinary kids but here they were able to live normal lives.

After that the screen lifted and the doors to the Great Hall awaited us. An outgoing employee greeted us and welcomed us to the spectacular Great Hall set. He gave us the background and told us how to proceed on the tour.

There were three Stages were now filled with props, sets, costumes, green screens, and photographs depicting ten years of making the Harry Potter franchise. The audio sets were basically iPods that Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy) narrated. Chris Columbus, Alfonso Cuaron, Mike Newell, and David Yates also gave interviews about their approach to each film.

One of my favorites was the Diagon Alley set.  Then the Hogwarts model was my other favorite. That room was the size of a high school gym.

I will post more photos and commentary in another post.

London Pictures

View from Parliament Hill. Quite breathtaking.

That's Hogwarts. Went to the Warner Bros. London where the Harry Potter movies were filmed. A Harry Potter fan's dream. The model is larger than it looks.

The Times Square of London, Picadilly Circus. It may be a bit touristy but still a cool place to see.

Hampstead Heath ponds. A peaceful setting just a short ride from busy London.

My favorite place to photograph. The iconic symbol of London.

London Travel Tips

Since I have been to London twice and I love anything do to with the U.K. I put together a small list of tips for those who want to visit London. For any Londoners reading this I apologize for some of my opinions. 

1. Many hotels (including four or five star hotels) do not provide wash clothes. Towel are provided. Either pack your own wash cloth or buy one when you arrive. It was not a big deal for me but a relative of mine was a little shocked.

2. Pack as light as possible. I did not check my bag both trips. Airports are hectic and frustrating already and its not worth the hassle to have extras of everything. Just about anything can be bought abroad if you forget something. Remember you have to carry your luggage with airport terminals, train stations, populated streets, hotels etc.

3. Buying an Oyster Card or a TravelCard is a must if you are going to spend more than one day in the area. I will explain in another post about them.

4. Be extremely careful when crossing streets. Besides driving on the opposite side of the road, drivers are not so friendly to pedestrians.

5. Londoners are generally friendly people compared to New Yorkers or Parisians, especially at the tourist sights (They have to be if they want visitors to come back). They are a little more reserved and talk quieter than most Americans. As long as you are friendly to them then they will help you in return. The only time that you may encounter a rude person is on public transportation (bus and London Underground) at rush hour. Around 5PM they quickly head to the train stations (London has at least 12 rail stations) and want to get home. Its best to avoid train stations, Underground Stations around this time. Walk quickly if you do happen to be in a station and don't stop real suddenly. If you aren't sure where to go step into an area where you can figure out your plans without being trampled on.

6. Pub etiquette - go up to the counter, order, pay the bill, then sit down with your beverage. Bartenders do not need to be tipped. And by the way the beer is not chilled or super cold as they are in the USA.

7. Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral both are well worth the visit and you do have to pay admission to visit. However they are closed for tourists on Sunday. You can attend a service or an evening concert on Sundays but are not able to walk around. Photography is not permitted in the churches, but you can buy postcards in gift shops.

8.  London has many parks. A good way to enjoy them is taking a picnic there. Stores such as Sainsburys, Waitrose, Tesco, or Marks and Spencer’s have prepared foods or picnic foods. The sandwiches plus a drink are very cheap and filling. Saves money on meals. My favorite parks are St. James Park, Hampstead Heath/Parliament Hill, and Kensington Gardens.

9. Europeans do not give you many ice cubes in restaurants. Some hotels also don't have ice machines.

10.Keep passport with you at all times. Keep Embassy number separate from your passport and write down information with a trusted family or friend to have them keep if something happens to your passport.

11. Both times we booked through Trafalgar Tours. If you have not been to Europe or going to a country where English is not the first language then taking a tour is strongly suggested. I was VERY GLAD to have gone a tour when in Paris in 2010. With Trafalgar we took the Independent tours meaning you were not with a tour the whole time. On guided tours you are pretty much on the tour's schedule and with a large group. You had a tour in the morning then you are on your own the rest of the time.  You do have the option of booking tours if you want. In London, since this was my second trip I did not take as many tours because I had my own sights to see, was already familiar with the city, and you have to go on their schedule. My mom and aunt did take many optional tours. But I avoid tours in London as much as possible. I prefer to view the city on my own.

12. Travel insurance is strongly suggested for flights and your whole trip.

13. Unless you plan to east at five star restaurants then there is no need to bring nice clothes. A brought one pair of black pants just in case but unless you get invited to Buckingham Palace leave your nice clothes at home. Don't bring anything really expensive jewelery or anything really valuable in case it gets stolen or misplaced.

14. Safety. Both times in London I have felt safe. Given its size crime is present but for tourists pick- pocketing is something to keep in mind. Pick-pocketing does happen although its not as bad as Barcelona, Rome, or Paris.  At night stay where there is a lot of people such as Oxford Street, Covent Garden, West End, etc.

London did have rioters a year ago but that was in the not so nice suburbs away from the central areas. The areas of London to avoid are the East suburbs and suburbs south of the Thames although Greenwich and the South Bank along the Thames are fine. Its unlikely that tourists should end up in those locations. Train Stations and Underground Stations have police present due to the threat of bombings like those in 2005. But just generally be aware of what is going on and if you see trouble brewing get out of the area quickly.

15. Bring a travel adapter. Electric outlets are different than they are in the USA.

16. Iconic black cabs are useful at night or just plain tired. They are usually chatty and have to take a two year course in order to become a London cabbie. They know where they are going and can offer suggestions.

17. Order currency before you leave home. You can use ATMS and credit card over there but some places may not accept credit cards or take American credit cards. Alert credit cards before leaving as well.

18. Shops will close between 6 and 8 PM. Restaurants remain open late though.

19. Take advantage of many free sights. The National Gallery and the Victoria and Albert Museum are among many of the world class museums where can you spend days there and are FREE.


20. This is a big one for me. Given that London is not in the United States THINGS WILL BE DIFFERENT. And that's perfectly alright. You are not at home so don't expect things to be a certain way or COMPLAIN about how things are there. Be open minded and enjoy yourself.

Places I want to visit in the next 50 years

In a ideal world I would like to visit someplace new every year. This list will hopefully span fifty years because there is no way I can financially do this all in my twenties. I would like to take as many trips as possible before I take on huge responsibilities such as kids, a house, etc.  I don't want to go on a whirl wind tour covering dozens of countries at once either. Every other year would be nice.

These trips will be prepared ahead time organizing budgets, schedules, etc. I don't need to stay a five star hotels but someplace clean, safe, and affordable. Being young and energetic is the best time to travel. I don't want to travel while I have young kids because ...well I think one could understand that one. I don't want to wait until I retire or get older because who knows what life will bring. So hopefully I can hit a few places before I hit thirty. I spend my money very carefully - I don't spend a huge amount of money on clothes, so far have no car (don't want one either because they are expensive and live in a place where I can ditch the car most of the time), and I don't go to parties or clubs because its really not my thing. I mostly spend money on movies and music. So every income I get goes to my travel fund. Here is a list... Yes I am crazy.

Edinbrugh Scotland
Scottish Highlands
Dubrovnik Croatia
Split Croatia
Krakow Poland
Warsaw Poland
Budapest Hungary
Berlin Germany
Vienna Austria
Salzburg Austria
Munich Germany
Milan Italy
Lake Como Italy
Siena Italy
Rome Italy
Assisi Italy
Florence Italy
Sardinia
Los Angeles California
Las Vegas Nevada
Vancouver British Columbia
Amsterdam The Netherlands
Bruges Belgium
Sydney Australia
Blue Mountains Australia

Kyoto Japan
Tokyo Japan

To Tour or not to Tour?

There are many tour operators around the world. In some cities or countries taking a tour is a good investment. My mom and I did take Trafalgar Tours during our trips and we were glad we did the first time, especially in Paris.

However this time in London I did not go on as many tours. I wanted to see certain sights and be able to make my own schedule. I didn't have to worry about the time nor make conversation with everyone else. I came to London to see the sights!

Obviously if I go to Krakow or Rome I would definitely take a couple of tours and book through a tour company. But for the United Kingdom I don't think it is necessary for me. 

First I am an Anglophile so right there I can manage. Walking, taking a bus, or train can get me where I want to go. I don't mind taking a short city tour or a walking tour of a certain sight. The recent trip to England I was disappoint that we didn't spend more time in Oxford (which is so beautiful) and Stratford-Upon-Avon. I only went on one day tour because I really wanted to go to Oxford and Shakespeare's Birthplace.  Next time I would take a train to those places (trains in the United Kingdom are so much different in terms of schedules and areas covered). On the tour we were really pressed for time. But next time I will do the U.K. through an airline or on my own.

Why not to rent a car in London or in a major European city

 London and other big cities (Paris, Rome, Amsterdam,etc)

 DO NOT ATTEMPT TO RENT A CAR!!!

Here are some reasons...

1.  Even if you are an experienced driver in the US or Canada driving is very different, especially in the U.K.  
2.  In Central London its almost impossible to find a good parking spot. Even if you do find one it will be very far away from your destination. Plus its very expensive for one tiny little spot.
3. Central London has a congestion charge for almost all vehicles. Cameras are set up all over the city. The charge is over $15 (American).
4. Dealing with an accident is not pleasant no matter the circumstances in the USA. In another country would be very unpleasant.  It will probably ruin your trip.
5. Traffic circles are very common. Plus its different on the opposite side of the road.
6. In the U.K. they drive on the opposite side of the road. Rules are different and more complicated.
7. European cities are laid out differently than American cities. Streets don't have as many lanes and no grid system.
8. London has a very good transportation system. The London Underground (their subway), iconic buses, black cabs, and walking will get you where you need to be.
9. If you want to venture outside of London take a coach or a train to a smaller city such as Oxford, Canterbury, or Salisbury. If you want to go to a rural area go out to a small town or city and rent from there or hire a driver.
10. Rental cars can be pricey and petrol (gas) is higher than it is in the USA.
11. Since your eyes are on the road you won't be able to look around at the sights. Let an experienced driver take you around.
12. European drivers are EXTREMELY AGGRESSIVE.
13. If you have been to New York City, Los Angeles, or Chicago... traffic and the drivers are much worse in Europe.

Here are some pictures of my recent trip to London.

Oxford University, Radcliffe Camera.

Trafalgar Square, after it rained. This is one of my favorite sights in London.

St. James Park. One of my favorite parks in London. Taken not long after it rained. I love the lush green leaves next to the water.

Since the Olympics are soon, an official Olympic countdown was placed in Trafalgar Square.

 St. Paul's Cathedral.

London Eye along the Thames River.

The view from Parliament Hill.

London 2012

I made it to London this past May. I was very excited to go back to my favorite city in the world. I will post pictures from this trip and my 2010 trip soon.

My favorite sights included Tower of London, Warner Bros. London, Oxford, Hampstead Heath, Museum of London, Baker Street, and Abbey Road. One week just isn't enough. Can't wait to go back!