Wandering About: London (2013)

wandering about

Back in 2013 I want to London for a week. In a stroke of luck, I was able to string a conference and the Doctor Who 50th anniversary in a single week. It was pretty cool how that worked out. For my first 2 days in London I attended a conference celebrating the 30th anniversary of my field of research, and I loved it, because being that kind of celebration, we had really big wigs in there :D.

DNAmolecule

If you were following me back in 2013 – a.k.a, the first year of my blog – you might know that I actually posted everyday about the trip. You can check it out here:

So today, I’m just posting my favorite pictures of this trip :), but check out the links above for a blow by blow of the trip.

If you don’t know by now, London is my favorite place on Earth. Yeah, it’s cold and wet and grey and I love it. I never feel more at home as I do when I’m wandering through London. I’ve been there a few times since I was 11 yo, and it’s always amazing and I always miss it.

I also went for the first time to the Harry Potter Studio Tour, and I loved it. I’ve been there since, but the place is totally worth it, it’s truly magical.

And finally I went to the Doctor Who 50th Anniversary, and that was totally bonkers. I never went to a con or anything like that, so this was different. I watched the 50th Anniversary Special Episode there, and wow, that was definitly something!

 

Top Ten Tuesday: Characters Everyone Loves But I Don’t

top 10 tuesday

Hello, welcome back to another Tuesday. Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week’s theme is:

Ten Characters Everyone Loves But I Just Don’t Get or Ten Characters I LOVE But Others Seem To Dislike

I’m doing characters that I don’t like as much as other people seem to ;).


1. Draco Malfoy (Harry Potter)

I honestly don’t get this one. Sure, the kid is highly influenced by his family and stuff, but I don’t see any redeeming qualities in him… sorry.

   

 


2. Professor Snape (Harry Potter)

This one is tricky, because I DO like Snape, I just don’t LOVE him. I don’t think that what he did deserves that much love, to be honest… he wasn’t a nice person. He was a guy who did what he did because he loved someone. If Harry was anyone else’s son, he would have died in the first year.


3. Scarlet Benoit (The Lunar Chronicles)

Again, it’s not that I don’t like Scarlet, I just don’t get overly excited about her… except in Winter, she kicked ass in Winter.

  

  


4. Nehemia Ytger (Throne of Glass)

I never felt strongly for her… NEVER! Not even in that moment in Crown of Midnight. I appreciated that she had a responsibility and that she tried to do good by her people and by Celaena, but I thought her methods were wrong.

  


5. John Ambrose McClaren (P.S.: I Still Love You)

I kind of get why people have some trouble with Peter, but I had a lot of problem with John!! Why was he freaking even there? As good as he might have been to Lara Jean, she belonged with Peter and John should have stayed the hell away.

  


6. Aristotle (Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe)

Ari annoyed me so much at times. He was a good character, but I honestly couldn’t deal with him at some points, and I think this is why I didn’t enjoy the book as much as some people did.

  


7. Maia Roberts (The Mortal Instruments)

By the last book I found her quite nice and tolerable, but for most of the time I just dreaded her POVs. Also, her whole think with Jordan? Sad and I didn’t like it… I liked him.

   


8. Penny (Girl Online)

To be totally honest, Penny was not the only one I had problems with during this book, I had a huge problem with the book itself. Still, Penny irritated me to no end when she thought her best friend was the one responsible for the scandal, without even giving him the benefit of the doubt.

  


9. Lola Nolan (Lola and the Boy Next Door)

Again, it’s not that I don’t like Lola, because I do, she’s funny and sweet. But I had a lot of problems with her during the book, especially until the last third or so. She had a weird temper, and she wanted to be a grown up, without having any idea what it meant.

   


10. Jacob Black (Twilight)

This one should come as no surprise. Jacob NO! No no no!

Bookish Bromances

bookishbromances

There’s one thing I love to see in books, sometimes even more than the romances themselves, and that is: a good bromance! I mean, seriously, is there anything better than watching/reading about friendshio? Especially between 2 guys? I think it’s magical :D.


1. Will & Jem – The Infernal Devices

Will and Jem are the definition of bromance. They are more than brothers. The way they love each other is epic!

(source)


2. Jace & Alec – The Mortal Instruments

Like good parabatai, the bond between these two is beyond words… now, I just wish that the show would do it justice.

(source)


3. Dorian & Chaol – Throne of Glass

I loved this friendship in the first book and I hated that Chaol’s relationship with Celaena made a dent in it. Luckily, it is all good now, right?

(source)


4. Harry & Ron – Harry Potter

Even fighting sometimes, they always had each other’s backs.


5. Tamlin & Lucien – A Court of Thorns and Roses

The way Lucien makes fun of Tamlin… LOL! These two are adorable!

(source)


6. Aedion & Rowan – Queen of Shadows

They are hostile for a moment there, but they develop a true bond and it’s beautiful.

(source)


7. Seth & RyanSecond Chances 

What Seth and Ryan go through during the two books of this series clearly shows the love that exists between them… #goals!

                                                   


8. Garrett, Logan, Dean & Tucker – Off-Campus

One of the funniest and greatest part of The Deal was watching the relationship between the 4 friends and roommates. I sill have to read the other 2 books that are already out, but they are awesome together.


9. Thorne & Kai – The Lunar Chronicles

Thorne and Kai share a wonderful moment in Winter that made them apt to join this list. I wish we had some more moments of bonding between the guys, but one can always imagine them :D.

(source)


10. Simon & Clive – Wallbanger

I’m cheating here, but come on, can you really blame me? Clive is the most awesome cat ever! And he bonds with Simon just like a person. I mean, Simon puts him on the counter to watch him cook, and goes retrieve him so he can sleep with the… it’s cute as hell!

Top Ten Tuesday: Memorable First Kisses

top 10 tuesday

Hello, welcome back to another Tuesday. Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week’s theme is:

Valentine’s Day is next week…let’s do a Valentine’s Day themed freebie! Top Ten Books That Would Make Great Valentine’s Day Reads (or anti-Valentine’s day reads), Top Ten OTPs, Top 10 fictional crushes, top ten great love declarations in fiction, swoony quotes from books etc. Get creative!

This is getting harder and harder to find themes… I decided to go ahead and to Memorable First Kisses! 😀


1. Ron and Hermione – Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

I don’t think I could start this list any other way. Ron and Hermione’s first kiss is epic and totally memorable. The book one, ok?

“There was a clatter as the basilisk fangs cascaded out of Hermione’s arms. Running at Ron, she flung them around his neck and kissed him full on the mouth. Ron threw away the fangs and broomstick he was holding and responded with such enthusiasm that he lifted Hermione off her feet.”

 (source)


2. Cath and Levi – Fangirl

I just loved their first kiss (and every single one of the others, because they’re adorable!).

“He nudged his nose against hers, and their mouths fell sleepily together, already soft and open.”

 (source)

  


3. Simon and Baz – Carry On

Well, given that Cath is above, it’s only fair that Simon and Baz epic first kiss follows. I was literally holding my breath on that scene. I actually had to stop and sit down on the subway bench to read it properly. And yeah, I had people waiting for me 😛

“He shakes his head, and he’s saying something, and I think I might kiss him. Because I’ve never kissed anyone before. (I was afraid I might bite.) And I’ve never wanted to kiss anyone but him. (I won’t bite. I won’t hurt him.) I just want to kiss him, then go.

“Simon…,” I say.

And then he kisses me.”

(source)


4. Thorne and Cress – Cress

I ship these two so hard, and their first kiss was just the most adorable thing ever.

“I guess it’s time.”

While Cress’s thoughts continued to churn through the horrible things that could happen to her, she felt herself being suddenly spun around and dipped backward, a supportive arm scooping beneath her back. She yelped and caught herself on Thorne’s shoulder.

Then he was kissing her.”

                      (source)


5. Caroline and Simon – Wallbanger

I admit that I’m a fan of angry first kisses, and Simon and Caroline’s first kiss was sort of perfect in that way.

“”Why are you such a manwhoring asshole?” I asked, my face inches from his.

“Why are you such a cockblocking priss?” he asked, and when I opened my mouth to tell him exactly what I though, the fucker kissed me. 

Kissed me. 

Placed his lips on mine and kissed me. Under the moon and the stars, with the sounds of the waves crashing and the crickets cricketing.”


6. Magnus and Alec – The Mortal Instruments

This technically isn’t in any of the books, but it is on Cassie’s site, so I’m gonna roll with it, you can read the whole thing here: Kissed: Magnus and Alec’s First Kiss.

“Magnus’ finger was under his chin, tilting his face up, and then they were kissing. Alec heard a small hitching gasp come from his own throat and then their mouths were pressed together with a sort of controlled urgency. Magnus, Alec thought dazedly, really knew what he was doing. His lips were soft, and he parted Alec’s expertly, exploring his mouth: a symphony of lips, teeth, tongue, every movement waking up a nerve ending Alec had never known he had.”

(source)


7. Rowan and Aelin – Queen of Shadows

This should come to no surprise. Rowan and Aelin are definitly one of my favorite ships, and their first kiss was awesome… come on… we waited a long time for it! It was full of tension and I loved that it was Aelin who kissed him :D.

“Her finger shook as she brushed them against his mouth, and his control shredded apart right there.

“What are you waiting for?” he said, the words near guttural.

“Bastard,” she murmured, and kissed him.

Her mouth was soft and warm, and he bit back a groan. His body went still — his entire world went still — at that whisper of a kiss, the answer to a question he’d asked for centuries. He realized he was staring only when she withdrew slightly. His fingers tightened at her waist.

“Again,” he breathed.”                                                                                            (source)


8. Shahrzad and Khalid – The Wrath and the Dawn

The first kiss between Shazi and Khalid is so damn important! Yep, they had been married for a while and done a lot in the time, but not kissing, that was special.

““What are you doing to me, you plague of a girl?” he whispered.

“If I’m a plague, then you should keep your distance, unless you plan on being destroyed.” The weapons still in her grasp, she shoved against his chest.

“No.” His hands dropped to her waist. “Destroy me.”

The bow and arrow clattered to the ground as he brought his mouth to hers.

And there was no turning back.”


9. Penryn and Raffe – Angelfall

I ship Penryn and Raffe with all force, so when she made a move and kissed him, I was thrilled, even if he says the worst thing right after it. But come one, did we really believe Raffe at that point? Not a chance!

“I place my hand on his cheek. It’s warm and pleasant. Maybe too pleasant. When his eyes don’t open, I tentatively touch my lips to his.

At first, I get no response and I consider backing off.

Then, his kiss turns hungry.

It is not the gentle kiss of a couple on a first date, nor is it the kiss of a man driven by simple lust. He kisses me with the desperation of a dying man who believes the magic of eternal life is in this kiss.”

                                                                                                                                             (source)


10. Eden and Tyler – Did I Mention I Love You?

After butting heads for half the book, Eden and Tyler finally find some common ground in their step-sibling relationship… yeah, it’s just not what it was supposed to be! They kiss, and then kiss again, and then there’s a huge headache for both of them, because being in love with someone you shouldn’t is not easy.

“His words have just left his lips when I reach out for him, grasping his face in my hands and feeling the warmth of his skin. I slam my lips into his, overwhelmed by the sensation as my eyelids flutter closed and a deafening silence consumes us. It’s agonizing the way my heart thuds against my chest, but exhilarating the way his lips feel against mine.”

Bookish BFFs: Girls and Boys Can Be Just Friends!

book_bffs

We’re fast approaching Valentine’s day, and I’ve pledged that this month I’ll only read Romances (and it’s going great so far – 3 down!). But a couple of days ago was Friends’ Day, did you know that? Yep. So it got me thinking about something I really love to read in books: strictly platonic boy-girl BFFs. Oh, don’t get me wrong, one of my favorite type of romance to read is BFFs turned something more, but I do love when a book shows that a girl and a boy can be friends and nothing more. Here are some of my favorites.


1. Juliette and Kenji – Shatter Me Trilogy 

I absolutely love Kenji and Juliette’s dynamic. They go to strangers to best friends in no time, because they connect really well together. And although Kenji throws some flirtation around – because it’s Kenji and he just can’t help it – there’s never a moment where it seems like their relation might go that way. Instead, they truly become BFFs, with Juliette using her BFF as a relationship advisor and all.

(source)

2. Cinder and ThorneThe Lunar Chronicles

Their relationship warms my heart! I just love how much they fight and banter and everything, but at the end of the day, they trust each other completely and would do just about anything for one another.

(source)

3. Harry and Hermione – Harry Potter

This is goals! Never while reading the 7 books, did I ever doubt that this was a strictly platonic friendship. NEVER! Harry and Hermione are BFFs and that’s it. Yes, I’m aware that a while back J.K. Rowling said that Hermione should have ended up with Harry, but I’m gonna forget she ever said that, because Hermione always belonged with Ron.

(source)

4. Simon and Penny – Carry On

Oh, they are beyond perfect! I love their friendship. Early in the book, Simon explain how he and Penny are just friends and they never felt more than that, and how some people thought it was weird… yeah, see point nº 3!

(source)

5. Maggie and Ben – The One Thing

Even though Ben is several years younger than Maggie, their friendship is beautiful and one of the many reasons you should read The One Thing by Marci Lyn Curtis. I wish I had a Ben in my life…


So, tell me. Do you like to read about awesome friendships between boys and girls that doesn’t lead anywhere else? What’s your favorite?

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Teaser Trailer

fantasticbeasts

OMG people! Did you know we were getting this so soon????? I didn’t! And at the first Lumos Maxima I felt shivers and had tears in my eyes, which I had to control because I’m at work and all! I’m so intrigued by this movie, and the acting seems great and the effects look spectacular, and the settings and wardrobe look like perfection, and I can’t wait.

(source)

Top Ten Tuesday: 10 Characters that I would give Halloween a chance for

top 10 tuesday

Hello, welcome back to another Tuesday. Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week’s theme is:

Halloween themed freebie — your choice (ie. 10 best ghost stories, 10 things that scare you in books, 10 literary Halloween costumes, 10 vampire novels, 10 books that WILL scare you, 10 non-scary books for Halloween, 10 scariest covers, etc.)

I don’t do Halloween, like, at all. I don’t read scary books, I don’t watch scary movies, I don’t dress up or go out partying. I don’t do any of those things. So this week I decided to name 10 characters that I would totally do the Halloween thing for, or, people who are so cool that I would totally like to dress up as them.


1. Cath (Fangirl)

True, it wouldn’t be exactly hard to dress up as Cath, but it would be a blast. Cath is so relatable, that if I raid my closet I would probably have everything I needed to “be” her. (source)

2. Tessa Gray (The Infernal Devices)

Dressing up as any Shadowhunter would be great, but I have a soft spot for Tessa Gray’s clothes 😉 . (source)

3. Aelin Ashryver Galathynius (Throne of Glass Series)

Celaena’s clothes are all amazing, but I love her tunics and pants, and that dress from Queen of Shadows? With the Dragon? WOW!!! (source)

4. Luna Lovegood (Harry Potter series)

Dressing up as a student from Hogwarts would already be pretty great, but Luna is just special. (source)

5. Feyre (A Court of Thorns and Roses)

Feyre is a bit kickass, I mean, she gets to wear some gorgeous clothes – though not dresses at first – and she has a bow and arrows, so she has a Katniss vibe going on as well… (source)

6. Dahlia Moss (The Unfortunate Decisions of Dahlia Moss)

I read this book recently (and loved it) and Dahlia just wears the most ridiculous things sometimes… I mean, a jigglypuff hat?!

dahlia_

7. Shahrzad (The Wrath and the Dawn)

Shazi just has the most amazing set of clothes (and husband), so I would totally dress like her for one day… though I suspect that I would be thoroughly embarrassed by the amount of skin showing…

8. Elizabeth Bennet (Pride and Prejudice)

Does this need an explanation? (source)

9. Eleanor (Eleanor & Park)

I love Eleanor’s style, she’s so unique, and I love her so much, that I would totally be her for one day (if her family didn’t come attached). (source)

10. Professor McGonagall (Harry Potter series)

I’ve mentioned before that I think McGonagall rocks, and I would totally dress up as her for Halloween 😀 .

mcgonagall