Four years ago, I read a fantastic book series by George R.R. Martin. I was immediately enthralled with the characters, the fictitious lands, and the juicy plot lines. I started scouring online forums for spoilers, theories, and other fan fiction. To say I was a Game of Thrones geek would be an absolute understatement. I was Daenerys Targaryen, Robb Stark, or Cersei Lannister, pending the day and my mood. Never did I imagine I would get to see some of my favorite characters come to life on HBO.

At first I resisted watching the TV series. I’d read the books and didn’t want to fumble through inaccurate plot lines and poorly portrayed characters. But come the third season, I could’t resist. I didn’t have to backtrack, because, hey, I’d read the books! And George R.R. Martin had made it abundantly clear that The Winds of Winter (the next book in the Song of Ice and Fire series) would not be coming out for quite some time, so I needed a Game of Thrones fix in between reads. Truth be told, HBO did not disappoint. The acting is superb, the costumes and set designs are mind blowing, and the plot lines are equally alive. So when HBO asked if I wanted to attend the Game of Thrones Exhibition in Amsterdam, my answer was not ‘yes’, it was ‘HELLLLS YES!’

The Game of Thrones Exhibition is an international, traveling event, featuring costumes, props, and interactive installation.I was invited on a special press day, and was therefore able to avoid the cues, and treated to a an intimate exhibition tour. Am I a huge nerd for keeping my press pass?The exhibition provided a unique look behind the scenes, with over 70 props and costumes on display.

White Walkers came to life, both physically and digitally. The first interactive installation I visited was a White Walker simulator, where a green screen was used to transform my image into a frosty White Walker.    Don’t I make for a pretty White Walker?I loved looking at the wardrobe collections, which featured beautifully crafted armor, dresses, jackets, and jewelry.After winding through rows of dragon models, swords, whips, daggers, and banners of noble families, I jumped in front of another green screen to be transformed.However, this time, instead of turning into a White Walker, I would be disintegrated by a dragon. Funtimes! Check out my superb acting skills in the film below ;)

In addition to myself, many other Game of Thrones characters have died. There was a large wall honoring those who had fallen on the show, and some interesting funeral props on display.Despite the many interactive installations, my favorite part of the day was getting to sit on the Iron Throne. I was admittedly under dressed for the honor (who wears sneakers on the Iron Throne?!) I should have been wearing this stunning, cleavage baring number! v v  
While there were many other exciting installations to explore, the most immersive piece of the exhibit was brought to life through Oculus Rift technology. We had an Oculus Rift installation in the office a few months back, so while I am accustomed to watching a virtual world appear around me, I have never experienced such a life-like, Game of Thrones adventure.

If you’re a Game of Thrones geek like me, this is one traveling show you will not want to miss. Amsterdam was one of the last stops on the tour, but be sure to check out the Game of Thrones Exhibition website for upcoming tour dates around the world. More info here.

xo Ali

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