Farewell Hogwarts

I write to you, friends, a very happy girl. Michael and I have immersed ourselves in a pool of magic the past three days and have had an absolutely splendid time. Yesterday we finally did the only two things we had not done thus far: had ourselves a refreshing Butterbeer, and rode Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Lets start with the Butterbeer...

'Tis a most excellent drink that can be purchased in a souvenir Butterbeer mug. I love my mug! It was an extra hot day so we ordered frozen Butterbeer. It quenched the thirst quite wonderfully. Butterbeer subtly tastes of bubblegum snow cone and smells like butterscotch. The best part is the froth on top which leaves behind a beautiful snow white mustace. Its a good thing we waited until our last day in Hogsmeade to try them, we would have wasted all of our money on Butterbeer! It is addicting.

As for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey...all I can say is best. ride. EVER. After that very first time we rode I almost got emotional. It captivates the magic that there is to be had in JK Rowlings magical world. We loved it so much we ended up riding it four times. You get a souvenir picture afterwards that is taken whilst you pass Aragog and his arachnid children; our picture is pretty much the best picture ever taken. I shall scan it here later for you all to see the joy and excitement on our faces caused by such a fantastic ride.

We even got to ride the 3D Spider-Man ride! Its pretty fun, I actually got a bit scared. Michael was very extra happy after that. Guess what! I am the owner of new Hufflepuff robes! I am very excited about them. I have decided that this year Michael and I shall be Hogwarts students for Halloween.

This was one - if not the best - of the greatest vacations I have ever ventured on. When I awoke this morning, it was Hogwarts I wanted to go to, not the airport. Alas, it was something that needed to be done. Saying goodbye to Hogwarts was difficult, but I have high hopes that I shall return home again.

Jennifer

P.S. It turns out that I suck at uploading pictures (we have been SO busy every day), so I shall upload them all soon! And don't forget about Michael's Corner.

Entering Hogsmeade

We finally made it to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!
Even though we almost didn't get our tickets and we went into the wrong park, it all worked out for the better. Stepping into Harry's world is one of the most fascinating things I've ever done. Its hard to choose what to do first! We ended up participating in everything except for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride. The line wait was 70 minutes, all the time. 'Twas much too hot and humid outside for us to stand in that line, but we still have 2 days of magic ahead of us!

My only complaint about the park itself is Ollivanders Wand Shop. We stood in line for probably an hour (we had no idea it would be that long) in the persistent sun to enter the shop amongst a que of twenty people, to watch ONE SINGLE child have his wand choose him, then forced into the Owlery to find our own wands! Me and Michael were about ready to strangle somebody.

I didn't get many pictures; I was too excited experiencing the magic to pick up my camera. But now I have seen most everything and shall take loads of photographs for y'all to see! For now, view the image scroll above.

Jennifer