Harry Potter - The Exhibition

One of the biggest reasons that Toby and his family came to Berlin

was to attend the "Harry Potter - the Exhibition" We actually had not heard of it before Toby mentioned it.  But in preparation both kids started reading the books. Benjamin started with book #1 in mid August and by the end of October had read through book #6!  That kid has really REALLY surprised me with his reading ability, focus and interest.  I literally cannot keep enough books in his hands.  He rips right through them.
Josie had read the first couple but chose to go back and read from the beginning.  She alternated an English version with a German version.  Her ability to read (and write and understand - her speaking, although she is able, is lacking a bit) in German is extremely impressive.  Marty

can't really even help her much with her German homework as it is beyond his understanding.  Even though German was his first language and his parents worked VERY hard to instill the language he is lacking in the more grammar that Josie has arrived at.
The morning after Halloween we hopped the train to Potsdam.  Arrived with plenty of time.  This exhibit is a timed event.  You have one hour to get through it so if you arrive late you shorted your time. So even though it isn't our norm, we arrived early.  The kids were both really excited.
When we were first ushered into the exhibit with our tour group of about 25 people we first came to a room with the sorting hat.  They called a few

volunteers up to be "sorted"  All the kids in our group were placed into the house "Gryffindor"  Then we were ushered into the exhibit and past many of the sets that were used in the Harry Potter films.  There were costumes and props and really cool explanations about the filming process.
All in all the kids LOVED it.  I thought it was very well done but I am not a huge Harry Potter fan.  I have read the first book back when it first came out with my very first class of ESL/ELL students at Shorecrest High School and then we took them to see the movie but I didn't read beyond that.  It did inspire us to want to go to London and visit Harry Potter World since by living in Berlin we are so close.

Sitting in Hagrid's chair.

We met Toby and his family there - there tickets were for an hour after our tour finished.  We were able to give big hugs and a heartfelt thank you for visiting us.

Felix being sorted into Gryfinndor