Un Petit Tour de Paris

Bethanyinthebigcity first started life in the city of Paris, during a whirlwind year abroad spent in the greatest city on earth. Don't get me wrong, London is a fantastic home and I have been very lucky to travel to some other wonderful places, but Paris will always have my heart.  

I can't explain it but when I walk around the streets of Paris I feel at home, I know the back streets, the best restaurants and how the city works. I understand the brash french joie de vivre and I will never get bored of the golden hour sunlight bouncing perfectly off the Dior-grey Paris buildings. 

It seemed only fitting that I show AN where my heart really belongs, so just before Christmas (yes, this post is very late) we hopped on the Eurostar to the city of light. It also helped that we managed to catch Miss VN on her final few days living in Paris. 

VN acted as tour guide and showed us her Paris. I am a firm believer that you have to find your own slice of a city, you own 'quartier' of Paris and your own way. I was really excited to see V's Paris and to explore areas that I had not yet discovered. Thanks for being our guide V! 

We dashed about seeing all of the sights and even took a quick selfie under the Eiffel tower itself. 

On the final day we hired bikes and raced along the river from one side of the city to the other, and back again!. 

We were lucky enough to catch an old friend SAPG who kindly cooked us a lovely supper as we caught up over a fine bottle of wine. Again, we were fortunate to catch her just before she moved to South America! 

A wonderful few days in Paris which both warmed and broke my heart as I love and miss the city so much. 

Mood - In need of a croissant! 

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A trip to Hogwarts- Part 1

The 22nd December was the best day of my life....for many reasons. Firstly, I had the day off work, secondly, it marked my anniversary with Mr AN and thirdly, I went to Hogwarts! Mama T very kindly gave me two tickets to the Harry Potter studio tour experience almost a year ago, so I finally managed to find a day free to go. 

My fellow muggle AN and I hopped aboard the Hogwarts express and made our way toward the most magical place on earth, yes, Watford. 

From the moment the doors to the great hall opened I became well and truly immersed in all things Potter. The crowds gasped as the door was pushed open and we were welcomed to Hogwarts, just as Harry Potter was. 

The main reason I waited until December to visit was because the great hall was set up for Christmas, with tables loaded with goodies made by the house elves in the kitchen and garlands adorning the statues and mantels. Snow fell from the magical ceiling and fires flicked in the grate, everything was perfect and helped to completely transport me to Hogwarts. 

I couldn't stop taking pictures of every little thing, so please excuse the photo overload in this post! 

I loved that even the Christmas puddings had been set alight, it really was the minute details that really make this magical world so special and so real to all those who believe in Harry. 

We wondered slowly through the maze of sets, props and costumes finding ourselves in the Weasley's kitchen, Dumbledore's office and the Gryffindor corridor. 

Every little thing had been remembered, with sweet wrappers littering the common room and Chudley cannon posters in the dorm. This of course meant that I took twice as long as everyone else, trying to take everything in and spotting all the details. 

The mound of props was my favourite as I was able to spot bits from each film and even things that were impossible to notice on the films but all helped to fully create this wonderfully believable world. It was a little like being in my own personal heaven, which closely resembled the room of requirement. Perfect.

Just a quick stop in the chamber of secrets....good job I am fluent in Parseltongue.

Archie decided to test the special effects and put his hand in the fire, only to discover it was all a fake! There is no smoke without fire! 

Couldn't resist a quick look in the mirror of Erised to see what my heart truly desires! You know what they say, nothing is hotter than a boy who likes Potter! 

Of course, any trip to Hogwarts would not be complete without a visit to the main man himself, so we popped into Dumbledore's office for a catch-up and sherbert lemon. 

The best start to the most incredible day! More to come soon! 

Mood - completely potty for Potter! 

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