Harry Potter slept here

Posted by on 22 June 2011

Or, um, maybe he did something else?

Harry Potter's magical fan toilet

I added yet more photos to my extensive collection of public toilet shots at The Elephant House, a casual, studenty cafe in Edinburgh’s old town. The back room, with its lovely view of the castle, is supposedly where J. K. Rowling sat to write much of the first couple Harry Potter books. 

the view from The Elephant House

We stopped in for a tasty and affordable breakfast one morning, and I spent a couple cold January afternoons here curled up with a cup of tea and a book (Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, naturally). Even if you’re not a fan of the boy wizard, The Elephant House is a nice place to hang out in Edinburgh.

breakfast at the Elephant House

Don’t miss the Harry-Potter-themed bathroom graffiti (click photo to enlarge).

Speaking of Harry Potter, after successfully ignoring the whole franchise for years, I finally started reading the books in January, inspired by the fact that my dear friend Em stars in the last two movies (and by “stars in” I mean “is an extra who you probably can’t pick out of the crowd but I still know she’s there”). Now that I’m done with the last book, I admit to feeling a bit of Hogwarts withdrawal. At least I’ll get to see the last movie when it comes out in the theater. I can’t believe how much I’m looking forward to it.

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Comments (11)

  • tqe | Adam
    June 22nd, 2011

    I found it amazing how I found the books addictive — I even planned a trip around picking up one of the books in Frankfurt and reading it on the plane ride to America the day it came out. It was funny — a lot of people were reading the book on the plane ride to the States.
    tqe | Adam recently posted..Joad Cressbeckler informs NOM that homosexuality is necessary!

  • cliff1976
    June 22nd, 2011

    Wow, I wouldn’t have pegged you as a fan.

    I am particularly fond of two characters, despite having read the first book and not falling head over heels for it:
    Seamus (me dad’s a muggow, mamsa witch!)
    and Mrs. Norris.

    I wonder how many other Potter Potties there are out there in the world.
    cliff1976 recently posted..“Eat Here and Get Gas”

  • Emma
    June 22nd, 2011

    I’m someone else who can’t wait for the last film to come out – I totally love the books and really must re-read them sometime very very soon. Like as soon as I turn the computer off (shame I won’t actually be able to manage that).

    Love the graffiti wall, I wonder if JK Rowling has seen it? Bet it would make her blush if she did. And oh. my. god. that toilet seat is amazing. I wouldn’t want one, I really wouldn’t but it is fun to look at!
    Emma recently posted..Books With Disabled Characters (Part 1) #disability #amreading #books

  • Jul
    June 22nd, 2011

    I’m rather surprised I liked the books as much as I did, too. Usually I hate fantasy, in part because my brain refuses to stop picking at the logical weaknesses in any created world. There are logical holes in Harry Potter, but I found myself to be very forgiving of them, because there were so many interesting parts to distract me.

    The books get a lot better as you go on – the first is by far the weakest, but I’m glad I kept reading.

  • SnookerInBerlin
    June 23rd, 2011

    I’m with you on that fantasy thing. If it isn’t logical, it is hard for me to get past it and dive into the story. But these books are so well written, and the stories/characters so compelling, it is hard to put them down. I read the last book in one weekend after standing in line 1.5 hours to get it the night it was released. Yes, I’m one of those eagerly awaiting the final movie.

    Label me as a “Potterhead”… At least I’m in good company.
    SnookerInBerlin recently posted..The Leprechaun Brothers

  • C
    June 23rd, 2011

    Great blog! I lived in Berlin for a few years (US Foreign Service), and loved visiting Munich. Looking forward to following your journey.

    All the best!

  • Bobbi
    June 23rd, 2011

    Harry Potter is the only fantasy I read, and I love it. I find it to be the absolute perfect escapism. As adults, there are so few opportunities to lose ourselves completely in a magical world. HP works for me:) I’m looking forward to the final film too. Was hoping to re-read the last book first, but don’t see that happening just yet.
    Bobbi recently posted..Great Fun with Yarn

  • St. Elsewhere
    June 23rd, 2011

    I have still not gotten into the franchise! And so many people are so so so into it!

    That toilet seat pic? Priceless!

    iclw #36

  • Suzy
    June 23rd, 2011

    Love the HP!

    Happy ICLW!
    ~Suzy

  • Jennifer
    June 24th, 2011

    the books are epic!

  • Jul
    June 24th, 2011

    @Snooker – I think I’m glad I didn’t start reading them till all the books came out. I loved having the next book sitting there waiting for me each time I finished one. I like to binge.

    @Bobbi – I agree, loved the escape. I miss it.

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