Day Out: London Zoo

On the 8th of March my three best girlfriends and I headed off to London Zoo in Regent's Park. It was a lovely sunny day and we had the most fun so I thought I'd share a few little bits from the day.

First thing we did was (rather like a group of mums) was sit down and plan what the main things we wanted to see were. We even circled on the map... 

First we went to see Meerkats and see the Otters being fed which was totally adorable. Otters are my favourite animal so I was in heaven. 

We saw so many animals, a few of my other favourites were giraffes and the tigers (which are basically like my cats I have at home just bigger!) 

My friends forced me in the bug section which made me feel so creeped out...not cool guys. 

We ended the day with the penguin feeding which was absolutely adorable. I love penguins! They got so close to the glass and we got some amazing photos. 

What made the day really amazing was spending time with these girls. We've been best friends for years now, and going to uni nothing has changed. We can not see each other for three months but when we see each other again it's like we were never apart. Despite being in different cities with different courses and different friends/relationships we are closer than ever before. We have our own little group chat that we update each other with all the going ons in our lives so keeping in contact is easy! Spending time just as a four let us catch up on everything and have some really good talks. Sitting watching the penguins swim by and just talking in our own little cove was a really cute experience. We laughed so much and there was times I had tears in my eyes- definitely one of the nicest days I've had in a long time!

"Friends like this are hard to find but more importantly impossible to lose"

:) 

I hope you enjoyed seeing some photos and hearing about our day

What animals would you like to see at the Zoo? 

xxx 

Day Out: Warner Brothers Studio Tour

On March 23rd I went with one of my best friends to the Harry Potter Warner Brother Studio Tour. It was my second visit, having previously been in Summer 2013 but I was excited to go back. Warner Brothers have recently added a Platform 9 and 3/4's extension with the real train that was used in filming which I was desperate to see. I am a huge Harry Potter fan and it truly was a magical experience.

The tour is split into several sections. Firstly is the Great Hall, then a large section with various sets, costumes, and props. My favourites include the Philosopher's Stone, Umbridge's cat decor, and the information on the animal actors. There's also the chance to learn some wand moves and practice your skills!

At the back of this backlot is the Green Screen which focuses on how all the magic was created, in particular broomsticks. There is the chance to ride a broomstick in front of a green screen which I recommend doing purely because you get the wear the robes. It's strictly no photos or filming (purely so that you have to pay £12 for your photo!) but we got this quick selfie in our robes before our person turned around. Shhhh. The green screen flying experience is a bit cheesy but it's worth doing just for the experience- paying the extortionate prices for your photo is totally up to you! Quick hint though- there's also the flying car bit, but there's a chance to get a free photo in the car further on in the tour! 

Next was the part I was most excited for- Platform 9 and 3/4's and the Hogwarts Express! There's the luggage from various characters, chances to take a wall photo with a trolley, and the chance to walk through the real train that was used in training and where sets have been preserved. There's also a green screen experience where you feel like you're actually on the train as various images are projected onto the screen beside you! 

Before you get outside there's the chance to try Butterbeer- which I recommend purely because this is one of the only three places in the world it's served. It's a...unique taste shall we say, and certainly won't be replacing good old fashioned cola or lemonade anytime soon. It's pretty yummy to have once or twice though!

Outside is the Knight bus, Hagrid's motorcycle, Privet Drive, Chess Pieces, and Weasley's flying car which is all very cool and lots of good photo opportunities. Then when you enter back inside it's the prosthetic and animatronic area. 

Next is probably one of my favourite parts- Diagon Alley! 

The final two parts truly make you appreciate the scale and enormous team behind the films. The scale model of Hogwarts has every detail and it's incredible to think of the work that must have gone into designing it. 

Finally are the wands. Every cast and crew member had a wand box dedicated to them and it's a lot of fun to walk around spotting familiar names and actors. 

Of course- Warner Brothers know how to make it's money and you can't leave without walking through the absolutely massive giftshop. I was tempted by the cuddly Crookshank toys and the notebooks, but settled on a chocolate frog, a tiny Pygmy Puff keyring and a chocolate wand (which was eaten on the way home). Be warned- the prices in this shop are eye watering so plan a budget before hand. 

Top tips: 

1) Be patient. There are certain points where everyone wants a photo, so wait to get your photo opportunity. Don't be selfish either, take a photo then move away and let other fans enjoy. 

2) Don't rush. Take time to appreciate the detail. Especially in the first room, there's a lot crammed into a small space so go round and enjoy everything! 

3) There's another chance to buy photos just before the end so don't bother queueing outside the green screen space which is always packed. 

4) Eat beforehand- not only is food only allowed in the outside part, but food at the tour will be incredibly overpriced so eat before hand! 

If you're planning to go I highly recommend it- it's such a fun day out and so magical. 

I'm off to resist the urge to have a Harry Potter movie marathon whilst eating my chocolate frog...

Thanks for reading!

Alex 

xxx

Day Out: Miss Saigon

Ever since Miss Saigon landed in London in May 2014 and I have heard the amazing reviews I have been desperate to see it. Tickets are so expensive, Mum and I decided day seats were our best bet but we've had no free day to go and queue. A friend recommended to me we tried on a Thursday as there are two shows, a matinee and an evening so more tickets available!

Today Mum got two tickets to the matinee, in the third row from the seat. For anyone interested, day seats go on sale at 10am and my Mum joined the queue at 9:30 but she recommends arriving at 9:15 :) 

I was so excited for Miss Saigon and we had such an amazing view. (I took this before it started- don't be that dick that takes photos during shows guys!)

Miss Saigon was breathtaking. We had the understudy playing Chris who was Niall Sheehy that I had actually seen in Les Mis last summer. He was perfect. The entire cast was perfect. Special mention to Eva who played Kim who was absolutely insane. I can't believe she's never been on the West End before. 

The play itself is about Kim, who is a prostitute in Saigon who falls in love with Chris an American marine, but they are then torn apart. I cried. A lot. 

Ugh it's just so heart wrenching and tragic, especially because these were real events that occured in Saigon. 

The vocal talent was extraordinary, the staging was incredible and the lighting was brilliant. I also thought the dancing was amazing, considering it's not really a song and dance kind of musical it was still spectacular.

I can't fault this musical. I loved Niall's performance of Chris, it was sweet and vulnerable but he also had that aggressive side that made his character so complex and realistic.

Mum and I looking very happy to be there :)

Afterwards we lingered at stage door. Niall came out so quickly, after only about five minutes and there was a pretty large crowd around him but he was sweet and had time for everyone. I told him he was amazing (cos he was) and he said "ah thank you!" before signing my ticket. I then asked for a quick photo and he said "yeah of course!" He is such a lovely and talented guy and I wish him all the best.

If you can go see Miss Saigon- go go go! It is so good and I honestly can't wait to see it again. I also can't wait for the cast recording, out on the 22nd of September! 

Have you seen it? Are musicals your thing? 

xxx