Impressions from a Muggle July 25, 2021

 Full disclosure…I am a Muggle. In J. K. Rowling’s world a person who is not familiar with the Harry Potter universe is a Muggle and hasn’t read any of the books nor seen any of the movies. Yup – that is surely me. Pre-covid I noticed that the empty Restoration Hardware space across the street from me was going to become a Harry Potter store. I notified my friend Nora (a devoted Harry Potter fan) as soon as I heard this news. Then COVID hit and construction ceased. When it finally opened last month to delighted crowds I knew it was only a matter of time until I too went inside. What’s a muggle to do? Would I understand anything? So dear Nora happily (and very patiently) accompanied me to my first visit and explained everything as we wound our way through the store. Gladly there was no exit test as I surely would have failed. We had a fun, laughed filled time. I enjoyed seeing the crowded store filled with masked up delighted families and friends. Nora ate some Butterbeer ice cream while I watched. The store is housed in a landmark NYC building so sadly they ran into some bureaucratic red tape when they tried to add a dragon to the outside. There are two virtual reality experiences to be had as well although we did not partake in those. if you are planning to go you must go to the store and get a virtual entry ticket. The line starts at around 6:30 in the morning but the store does not open until 10. From my perch I can watch the happy Potter crowds streaming out of the building each day. Have fun if you go (and bring credit cards because there is a lot to buy).