United Kingdom: Diagon and 10 Bells

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Two very famous sites I visited while in London included Diagon Alley and the Ten Bells pub, both located in the East End of London, England.

Harry Potter fanatics will recognize Diagon Alley as the famous cobbled wizarding alley and shopping area featured in the novels. One must enter Diagon Alley through The Leaky Cauldron to a rear courtyard and tap a brick in the wall. Given the busy nature of the area, travelling to and from Diagon Alley is likely typically done by more magical means.

Diagon Alley

The Ten Bells pub is located on the corner of Commercial and Fournier streets in Spitalfields. The now lively, booming and trendy pub was once known for its association with two of Jack the Ripper’s victims: Annie Chapman and Mary Kelly. The Ten Bells pub has existed since the 18th century. It was recreated in Prague for the feature film, “From Hell” with Johnny Depp and has been reputed to be haunted, with reports of paranormal activity continuing to this day.

Ten Bells pub

United Kingdom: Windsor Castle

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Among the many adventures I took while in the United Kingdom, Windsor Castle was one of the most memorable. It’s grand structure, beautiful landscape and breathtaking surroundings are a photographer’s utopia.

Windsor Castle is a medieval castle and royal residence in Windsor, located in the English county of Berkshire. The castle survived a tumultuous period during the English Civil War, where it was used as military headquarters for Parliamentary forces.

Just over 20 miles west of Charing Cross, Windsor contains some of the most expensive and desirable housing in the UK. It was in this town that I purchased my first souvenir of the trip, a silver “Team GB” Olympic bracelet.

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United Kingdom: Abbey Road

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During the first two weeks of April, I ventured out almost halfway across the world to the United Kingdom. I spent one week near London and another four days in Northern Ireland. In true tourist fashion, I lugged along my Nikon and tripod. I visited famous locations including Abbey Road, noteworthy for being the cover of the Beatles’ 11th studio album, “Abbey Road.”

Graffiti covers a wall outside Abbey Road Studios, which is washed and painted every three months. Regardless, I signed it. And for 90 days the names of the most important people in my life – my parents – will remain in one of the most influential locations of all time.

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My hometown

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“When I see the lights of my hometown, I feel like the world stops spinning ’round. Everything makes sense, maybe it’s the innocence. I know it’s just a few miles down the road. I’m getting there as fast as I can go. I can always find peace of mind … in the lights of my hometown.” – Aaron Lines


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Baker Farmhouse

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Located on Reesor Road in Markham, On. stands an old and enchanting farmhouse. My Great Great Uncle Stanley Baker lived there until the early 1970’s, when the Canadian government expropriated the land for a new Pickering International Airport.

The 40-year-old airport debate continues to strike controversy; however, a recent study said the city might need an airport between 2027 and 2037. Former Liberal Ajax-Pickering MP Mark Holland has always been a strong opponent of the Pickering Airport, blasting the federal government. Current Conservative MP Chris Alexander has been quoted saying, “[I’m] personally 100 per cent against the airport, because the study showed there just is no demand for it.”

Today, the farmhouse remains on its last legs – windows smashed, wood rotting and grass overgrown. Although, it’s original charm, like the green fence and the white window frames can still be seen upon close examination.

This farmhouse will likely be torn down very soon. Before we bid the home adieu, my mom and I travelled there to take some photos and to reminisce about the old days.


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