Sorry to leave those hanging on our travels in London. We had a bit of heat wave this past week which honestly, was brutal. At it’s peak it got to 112 at our house and then our power went out. We were okay for a few hours (it went out at 4:00 PM on Monday the 5th), but by 7:30 PM, we made the decision to get a hotel room with working power and AC. The power ended up coming back on at 11:30 PM, but we were in bed in our hotel with our lovely cool, albeit loud AC.
Of course later in the week we saw the passing of the queen which has been interesting as it has gone to show many places we were on our trip recently. Especially while she lies in state at Hollyrood in Edinburgh, Scotland. So many photos of where we were just a few weeks ago, it is somewhat remarkable to watch.
When I left our tour last though, we were heading out to Leavesden, where we spent the day on the Warner lot that has been turned into a massive facility for the props, sets, costumes and art from the Harry Potter movie series. It really was amazing and if you have any interest whatsoever in the stories or in film making, it really is worth a visit. The artistry is remarkable. My daughter who is an aspiring animator particularly liked the concept artwork that was toward the end of the tour. I was a big fan of many of the props especially the sparkly scales that were all made for scenes in Gringots. (The goblin run bank for the uninitiated.)
You would think we would rest after that day but instead we went to see Wicked that night. Steve and I already had years ago in New York, but Grace had recently become aware of it so we went so she could enjoy.
Saturday we went to Portobelo Road which is this huge outdoor market. I ended up getting a nice necklace that Steve bought me for our 21st wedding anniversary. Grace found a store that hand paints white canvas shoes near Portobelo road. We didn’t pick up any while we were there, but have since ordered a pair which are supposed to arrive this Monday. Check out kokoart.com if you are interested. It really is an amazing shop. I wish we had them locally.
Well the weather has cooled some. We are now back to the 80s and it is a bit humid. The smoke is back too from fires in the Tahoe area (the Mosquito fire), but hasn’t gotten to the same state as a couple years ago, yet. I promise to write more as we get into our travels to Scotland. I apologize if this cut it short a bit. I have to look into making some art lesson plans as I’m hoping to volunteer to run some art appreciation classes for the 8th grade this year. That and redesign my life, but that is for another time.
Thanks for reading! And yes, I know I owe pictures.