Back in California state but this time sun (the burning stinging type too) and heat really does exist in LA compared to SF. Now LA is just an urban jungle (we could see the morning traffic from the air), it took us 90 mins by metro to get to our hotel in west Hollywood from the airport yet on the map they seem pretty close by.
We promptly dumped our bags and headed to the Hollywood tourist traps being the Hollywood Avenue of Stars (its very long and some “stars” look a bit worst for wear), Grauman’s Chinese theatre and an insiders tour of Kodak theatre (where the Oscars are held). The Hollywood sign was not easily accessible unless you have a car though we did hike several blocks to try and get a clear pic of it. In the end the best pic was from a balcony within the Kodak Theatre complex. Note this complex has reinvigorated the area, apparently it was a real dodgy area and you can see why if you wander a block either side away from it.
07/05
Another reason why we chose our hotel location was its proximity to Universal studios which we did today. The studio tour was at times forgettable and some “stunts” were so cheesy but they did keep the opening scene from War of the Worlds which is actually mind boggling (Air Crash Investigations anyone?).
The rides and shows were so and so and here are my take of them:
- The Simpsons ride, basically a virtual motion simulator ride; 3/5
- Terminator 2 3D show, actually a mix of live performance and 3D movie; 4/5
- Shrek 4D, 3D show with some sprinkler effects which they call the 4th dimension; 2/5
- Animals Movie show, good for kids; 3/5
- Water World show, I think they have this in Seaworld too; 3/5
- Jurassic Park ride, log flume ride, lamer than Rainbows End back in Auckland; 2/5
- House of Horrors, pitch black inside with actors in costume out to get you, quite fun; 4/5
- Revenge of the Mummy, inside dark rollercoaster ride, Seaworld has something similar which is better; 2/5
08/05
As LA is so spread out we transferred accommodation to our next locale, Santa Monica. It’s a very nice beachside village with lot of bars and cafés, beachside pier and boardwalk. We hired bikes on a prefect late afternoon and cycled the length all the way into adjoining Venice beach and back.
09/05
On our last day in LA we would visit the Getty Center http://www.getty.edu/ , an art museum located on top of the Santa Monica hills near UCLA and Bel Air. The centre is ultra modern, has its own mono rail to take you up from the carpark at the bottom of the hill to the top and best of all free. The main question was not about art but about how can they afford to run this place and not charge patrons? It’s a popular spot for photos too which we spotted a few prom groups doing (with their private limo and professional photographers in tow!, what recession?)
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