I have been reading the Harry Potter books for the first time on this trip. I just finished the 6th one and am about to start on the final book of the series. Dad is rereading the books behind me and it has become a small… obsession is such an extreme word, but I think fits in this context. We don’t have all of the movies on board, just the 4th and 5th, but have enjoyed watching what we have once we finish a book or going up to the library to watch someone else’s copies. We found out that the first part of the 7th movie was playing, in English, at the Migros movie theater in Antalya. Unsure if the movie would still be in theaters when we got home, I’m betting it will be long through the Christmas holiday but can’t be sure, Dad and I made a day trip into town to see the movie and for him to visit the Antalya Museum.
The guy in the office was kind enough to check movie times and to let us know which movie to ask for: original. He informed us that there would be Turkish subtitles but that the movie would be in English. Perfect. We got the times and headed to the bus stop. We arrived at the Migros Center with more than enough time.
We got lunch at the food court, I got an Arby’s roast beef sandwich that was amazing, and then walk around and admire… the Christmas decorations? This is a Muslim country… they DO NOT celebrate traditional Christmas. The Migros Center is smart though and knows how to cater to the people who spend the most money there, tourists. Some of the stores had Christmas displays in the windows, there was a giant Christmas tree and there were lights and gold and red ball display hanging from the ceiling. It was great getting to see a mall Christmas display without the crazy crowds and parking. A very new experience for us.
These are the hanging decorations. There are three stories to the mall and these were hung top to bottom.
I was impressed with how pretty and festive the decorations were.
Dad being Santa Clause. There was a bit chair at the base of the tree where we assumed a Santa like person sat?
Katie as Santa Clause. The bears moved and sang Christmas music which was pretty cool.
When we purchased our tickets for 11TL each the lady at the counter asked which seats we would like. They have assigned seating when you purchase your ticket which is cool and then you get a receipt with a bar code that lets you in. The theater itself is roped off until 15 minutes before show time and then everyone is let in. Everyone being Dad and I in this case. Everything else in the lobby is… a movie theater. Popcorn stand, candy, and sodas all the necessary movie food. The seats are a lot nicer than at home. They are a little bigger, cushier, and even recline some.
While waiting to be let in we posed with the poster. This is Dad running with Harry.
This is me being… well I’m not sure if I’m scared or nervous about the movie. You can interpret however you’d like to.
Our own private screening. The room was very purple.
The front row had foot rests for the people. Luxury watching experience.
Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 1… in Turkish.
Before the movie there was a mix of previews and TV commercials in a mix of Turkish and English. The movie started and I had to adjust seeing it on the big screen since the movie viewing on the Pipedream is the two of us huddling around the laptop. Half way through the lights turned on and the movie stopped. In America there would be an uproar of people getting angry and demanding a refund, but here it’s like an intermission and a chance for the movie people to change the reel. Once the second reel was set, there was another TV commercial, and then the movie started where it left off. A bit strange for us, but it was a great chance in an adventure packed movie like that to use the restroom.
We walked to the museum after that. I had seen it already, but got to see it again with Dad and saw some things I hadn’t noticed before which was fun. He enjoyed getting to look at everything and at the end I was pleased that I got to go back to the gift shop and buy my owl t-shirt. An early Christmas present from my Dad. : )
Overall it was a great day out and about and nice reward for all of the hard work we have been doing.
No comments:
Post a Comment