Naming Ceremony at the Zoo

Today is about the celebration and birth of Amelia Hall, the daughter of one of my college friends.  And what better place to do this then at Chester Zoo.

Having lived in the North of England for the majority of my life I have visited this zoo multiple times as a child, so it really has nostalgic value.  And being here with childhood friends and getting to meet their kids for the first time really adds to the mix.

And with the naming ceremony we all got free entry to wander around the zoo and considering it was blue skies and sunshine, it would have been rude not to.

I had actually forgotten how big the park was and it was a little weird wandering around in my Sunday Best as I had forgotten to bring a change of clothes, unlike the boys who had thought this through.

As we were wandering around the zoo, we realised it must be peak times for all the animals to have a number 2.  I think the worst was when a monkey did it in his hand and then proceeded to eat it.  Whilst disgusting it was quite amusing to hear the kids reaction as they watched this happen.

Harry Potter Studios

I'm a big fan of the Harry Potter books and movies.  Those 1st few notes of the Harry Potter theme tune still evoke that feeling of magic and it's still my go to film whenever I'm feeling under the weather.

When watching the movies, I had thought that in todays day and age the majority of it would be CGI.  So when we booked a trip to visit the studios, I wasn't too sure what to expect.

The studio blew my mind.  It was amazing.  I didn't realise how much of the set was real or fully automated and functioning.  The amount of money and preparation it must have taken was astounding.

From the Cupboard Under the Stairs, to the Great Big Hall, to the door that belongs to the Chamber of Secrets...

To the costumes, the masks, the hair...

The moving chess pieces, the midnight bus, the automated hippogriff...

... and the Butterbeer, although as a product developer I'm sure I can come up with a better tasting drink than what they had to offer.

The best part for me was the experience of taking a ride in the flying car and on a broom.  It's a shame I can't share the video as the file is too big.  But it is definitely a thing to do in the UK.

Selfies

My friend is a goof.  Not many people realise this endearing side to my friend, but it is a lovely trait that only people close to her get to see.  I've created a photo booth strip of our goofy selfies in front of the Eiffel Tower.  It only touches on the laughs we had on this trip.

Miss you Maryline.  Look forward to our next trip together.

xx

Sacre Coeur

I have been to Paris many times.  It was always the go to holiday destination with school.  And yet it is surprising that I have never been to Sacre Coeur.

Maybe I have and I just don't remember.  But surely this is architecture that one can't forget too easily.

I'm visiting a pal who I've known for a good few years now.    And she has humoured me with a visit to Sacre Coeur.  The view from the top is simply stunning.  Especially under the light of the sun.

You would never guess that 30 minutes later it was torrential cold rain like what you would see in the winter months.  Crazy for August.