Where's my portkey when I need it?

Hey all,

I wonder if anyone is checking this, but I'll update none-the-less. For those of you who missed my complaining, I have the remedy :)

I got back from London last Monday, and I've been recovering since then from the trip. Needless to say (those of you who know my travel partner will understand) the trip was not as pleasant as I'd hoped.

The weather was wonderful, and the locals were very welcoming. The sights we saw were interesting and meaningful, though I discovered that my travel partner was not as interested in learning.


I discovered that the definition of cultured varies from person to person. I believe that culture is derived from gaining an understanding and respect for the knowledge passed on to you via any medium, such as the power of the Rosetta Stone or a chair made from guns remaining from the war in Mozambique.

My partner, however, found that culture was something you gain from breathing in and being around said medium.


Luckily, I gave up trying to make amends and planned the trip as I saw fit. I made sure to stop at Harrod's, where I saw quite the display of mushrooms for sale (a. non-hallucinogenic, and b. I noticed because of my humanities course).

I was also able to make it to the London Eye, where I saw many sights that I was unable to attend due to the brevity of my trip and the weight attached to my legs. On a side note, keep a look out for a number of new "eyes" to be popping up around the world (including Orlando, who'd've thunk it).


There was some time to stop by some previous filming locations for a few of the Harry Potter films.


I stopped by Platform 9 3/4, only to find it was outside of King's Cross and not even close to platform used during filming (platform 3.5). On a side note, that trolley (the British name for carts, apparently) really is halfway "through" the wall.

I then made my way to this little covered shopping area, where I found the Leaky Cauldron.

It's not quite the way I remembered it from the movie, but with the new Optometrist front, it looks like the way to Diagon Alley is easier on the eyes.


Finally, I saw a few things that only a ChemE could respect. First, outside of this shopping area, there was a building that looked like a stainless steel nightmare (ahh, modern architecture juxtaposing historical areas). Then, in the British Museum, there was an etching of a unit we all should be familiar with.

While London has expanded my horizons, I am glad to have found a way out. If I see you at Jaime's party, I can fill in more details. Until then, this blog will be the portkey to Olin Basement as we remember it.