A day to explore this sensational city on 2 feet, so whilst the girls went shopping Wendy & I began our tour @ the "Art Institute of Chicago", the premier cultural institution in town, by 10am.
The exterior of the Art Institute is one of the most photographed landmarks in Chicago. The two huge lions that greet visitors at the entrance to the museum were designed and crafted by sculptor Edward Kemeys in 1894 and attract as much attention today as they did more than a century ago.
Founded in 1879 as both a school and museum, the building that originally housed the Art Institute of Chicago was built atop rubble from the great Chicago fire. The permanent collection inside the Art Institute of Chicago is so extensive that I knew that it would take me several hours to explore the whole thing, so that was how long I allowed here.
The museum’s collection of Impressionist & Post-Impressionist Art is said to be one of the finest in the country and lovers of Claude Monet, Rembrant & Van Gogh as I am can only find real delight with this place. Also highly acclaimed is the Art Institute’s exhibit of contemporary American and European works, where you’ll find stunning works by Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock, Pablo Picasso, and Henri Matisse.
From this Chicago gem, we walked up to the stunning "Millennium Park" - Millennium Park is bordered by Michigan Avenue to the west, Columbus Drive to the east, Randolph Street to the North and Monroe Street to the South. It sits in an area that was once considered sacred to the Illinois Central Railroad. City planners developed Grant Park around the railroad tracks but, for decades, many still considered the area to be one of Chicago’s less-than-beautiful spots.
Millennium Park is seen by Chicagoans as the crowning glory of their city. The 24.5 acre park is much more than just a city park. It’s a day-long adventure for the whole family that has served to not only beautify the city but also bring culture and the arts to locals and visitors of all ages.
What we saw here:
The Frank Gehry designed 120ft high swooping silver band shell, the "Jay Pritzker Pavilion". This ultra-contemporary outdoor concert venue seats 4,000 with room for an additional 7,000 on the Great Lawn and really which anchors what is in essence an outdoor modern design gallery.
The innovative "Crown Fountain",designed by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa, consists of two 50-foot glass block towers at each end of a shallow, sparkling reflecting pool. The towers project video images of diverse Chicago citizens, which Plensa claims is a reference to the traditional use of gargoyles in fountains, where faces of mythological beings were sculpted with open mouths to allow water to flow out.
We were also impressed by the quirky "Cloud Gate", designed by British artist Anish Kapoor. This bean-shaped structure was inspired by liquid mercury and is among the largest sculpture of its kind in the world, measuring 66-feet long by 33-feet high. It weighs a whopping 110 tons and is made of polished stainless steel plates.The shiny material reflects the magnificent Chicago skyline, and offered some incredible photo opportunities.
Complementing the Pritzker Pavilion in design, was the magnificent 925-foot-long brushed stainless steel winding "BP Bridge", which connects Millennium Park with Daley Bicentennial Plaza, over Columbus Drive. Another of Frank Gehry-designed masterpieces (his first), it provided great views of the vast Lake Michigan and the impressive Chicago skyline.
From Millennium Park it was up "Michigan Drive" to the "Tribune Tower", a neo-gothic skyscraper built in 1925 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the "Chicago Tribune" newspaper. The tower was modeled after the Button Tower of the Rouen Cathedral in France, stands 141-ft high and with its decorative buttresses at the top, remains a remarkable architectural monument in the Chicago skyline.
What was most fascinating about the tower was its facade, which featured many famous stones from numerous notable buildings around the world, including Kremlin, Colosseum, Petra and the Chinese Wall.
One of the few buildings that survived the Great Chicago Fire was the Old Chicago Water Tower & that was next on our list of Chicago buildings to see. Constructed in 1869 using big limestone blocks, the Chicago Water Tower, with all its small towers in a 'gothic style', resembles more a tiny European 13th century castle than a water tower. It was designed by the architect William W. Boyington and houses a 40 meter standpipe which was needed to equalize the pressure of the water pumped from the pumping station to the east. The total height of the tower is 154 ft or 47 m.
Since its survival of the Great Fire, the Chicago Water Tower became one of Chicago's main symbols. The tower became functionally obsolete many years ago, although the pumping station still pumps water for the city.
In May of 1969, during the year of its centennial anniversary, the Chicago Water Tower was selected by the American Water Works Association to be the first American Water Landmark. It now houses a visitor information center and has become one of the major tourist attractions in Chicago.
It was here that we met up with the girls & did a horse & carriage ride around these beautiful streets for 30 minutes before returning to our hotel for some photos of its amazing lobby ceiling. After freshening up we headed down to the "Chop-House" restaurant, another local favourite for a very enjoyable last meal in the great city.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Day 20 - 31/03/07: Chicago
Today was a sightseeing day in this "City with the Big Shoulders" & our tour incorporated both the "North Side" & "South Side" in a 4 hour journey. Starting in the "North Side", this tour allowed us to experience the vitality & excitement of what Chicago has to offer:
A cruise through the Chicago Business Centre, one of the financial centres of the world, was first up, which then led to the famous "Loop", which is the city centre that is lassoed by an elevated train track . "State Street", the once grand boulevard where Chicago's fame began many, many years ago, and the striking "Richard J. Daley Plaza", with its own "Pablo Picasso" Unnamed sculpture soon followed. We continued down "Wacker Dr.", the double-decked thoroughfare that wends its way under the city & over the Chicago River, which is an engineering marvel (read on to find out why!!)
...In 1900, engineers accomplished what was considered one of the most remarkable feats of the early 20th century. They reversed the direction of the Chicago River. The river originally flowed into Lake Michigan. That was bad news for those who desired clean drinking water, as the direction of the flow allowed sewage and other debris to be carried into the city’s water source.
Diseases, caused by unsanitary water, were rampant in the city. To improve the situation, those in charge constructed a series of canal locks that allowed the river to flow into the newly built Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, providing cleaner drinking water and causing residents to abandon the nickname “stinking river.” (source -http://www.aviewoncities.com/chicago/chicagoriver.htm)
Next site was the The Wrigley building which sits at one of the most prominent locations of all of Chicago,is one of the most famous Chicago buildings, serves as the headquarters of the Wrigley (chewing gum) company and was built in 1920 by the company's founder, William Wrigley Jr.
It was the first of a series of landmarks at the southern end of the Magnificent Mile: its famous neighbors are the Tribune Tower (1925), the 333 North Michigan Avenue (1928) and the London Guarantee Building (1923). The Wrigley building stands out with its sparkling white glazed terra-cotta cladding (which stops them getting dirty with the pollution) and well-proportioned architecture.
The Wrigley building was modeled on the Giralda tower of the cathedral in Sevilla. It consists of 2 sections: the tallest, 30 story southern building has a 121 meter high tower and was completed in 1921. The largest, 21 story northern section was completed in 1924. The 2 structures are connected by an open walkway on street level and 2 elevated walkways on the 3rd and 14th story.
Between the two structures is the small Wrigley plaza. It was originally designed by the Wrigley building's architects, Graham, Anderson and Probst, but wasn't built until 1957 by Louis Solomon and John Cordwell.
(source: http://www.aviewoncities.com/chicago/wrigley)
The "Magnificent Mile" is the much-touted upscale shopping strip, where Bloomingdale's, Neimann Marcus, SAK's 5th Avenue & a plethora of boutiques attempt to lighten your wallet. We then passed the neighbourhood giant, the 1127-ft tall "John Hancock Center"; Known locally as 'Big John', the John Hancock Center is probably the Chicagoans favorite skyscraper. The 100 - story building, completed in 1969, has a remarkable design, with the huge X-braces serving both a structural and a visual purpose. Visually, it gives the impression of stability and it moves the eye away from the human-sized windows. We returned later into the day to attempt to observe the view from it's 96th floor "Signature Lounge", but alas low cloud obscured it.
The tour then continued through "Lincoln Park",a 1000-acre patch of greenery with lagoons, flowers & the Chicago Zoo (10 minute pause for photos). The famous "Wrigley Park" - Home to the "Chicago Cubs" was next to be ticked off the itinerary, followed by the "Botanical Gardens" & even an Indian Totem Pole, who would have thought??
The "South Side" tour then commenced with us travelling through "Grant Park" - the front lawn of the city & site of "Soldier Field", "Adler Planetarium", where we stopped for photos of the city skyline back over Lake Michigan quickly folowed. We also travelled through the beautiful "Jackson Park", where the Columbus Exposition of 1893 was held to celebrate the founding of USA 400-yrs earlier. Passed through the vast expanse of the "University of Chicago", with its elegant English style architecture & arrived back @ the start in time for an afternoon drink @ a local bar.
Dinner was consumed @ "The Italian Village", an eating institution since 1927 - one of the busiest restaurants I have ever been to.
A cruise through the Chicago Business Centre, one of the financial centres of the world, was first up, which then led to the famous "Loop", which is the city centre that is lassoed by an elevated train track . "State Street", the once grand boulevard where Chicago's fame began many, many years ago, and the striking "Richard J. Daley Plaza", with its own "Pablo Picasso" Unnamed sculpture soon followed. We continued down "Wacker Dr.", the double-decked thoroughfare that wends its way under the city & over the Chicago River, which is an engineering marvel (read on to find out why!!)
...In 1900, engineers accomplished what was considered one of the most remarkable feats of the early 20th century. They reversed the direction of the Chicago River. The river originally flowed into Lake Michigan. That was bad news for those who desired clean drinking water, as the direction of the flow allowed sewage and other debris to be carried into the city’s water source.
Diseases, caused by unsanitary water, were rampant in the city. To improve the situation, those in charge constructed a series of canal locks that allowed the river to flow into the newly built Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, providing cleaner drinking water and causing residents to abandon the nickname “stinking river.” (source -http://www.aviewoncities.com/chicago/chicagoriver.htm)
Next site was the The Wrigley building which sits at one of the most prominent locations of all of Chicago,is one of the most famous Chicago buildings, serves as the headquarters of the Wrigley (chewing gum) company and was built in 1920 by the company's founder, William Wrigley Jr.
It was the first of a series of landmarks at the southern end of the Magnificent Mile: its famous neighbors are the Tribune Tower (1925), the 333 North Michigan Avenue (1928) and the London Guarantee Building (1923). The Wrigley building stands out with its sparkling white glazed terra-cotta cladding (which stops them getting dirty with the pollution) and well-proportioned architecture.
The Wrigley building was modeled on the Giralda tower of the cathedral in Sevilla. It consists of 2 sections: the tallest, 30 story southern building has a 121 meter high tower and was completed in 1921. The largest, 21 story northern section was completed in 1924. The 2 structures are connected by an open walkway on street level and 2 elevated walkways on the 3rd and 14th story.
Between the two structures is the small Wrigley plaza. It was originally designed by the Wrigley building's architects, Graham, Anderson and Probst, but wasn't built until 1957 by Louis Solomon and John Cordwell.
(source: http://www.aviewoncities.com/chicago/wrigley)
The "Magnificent Mile" is the much-touted upscale shopping strip, where Bloomingdale's, Neimann Marcus, SAK's 5th Avenue & a plethora of boutiques attempt to lighten your wallet. We then passed the neighbourhood giant, the 1127-ft tall "John Hancock Center"; Known locally as 'Big John', the John Hancock Center is probably the Chicagoans favorite skyscraper. The 100 - story building, completed in 1969, has a remarkable design, with the huge X-braces serving both a structural and a visual purpose. Visually, it gives the impression of stability and it moves the eye away from the human-sized windows. We returned later into the day to attempt to observe the view from it's 96th floor "Signature Lounge", but alas low cloud obscured it.
The tour then continued through "Lincoln Park",a 1000-acre patch of greenery with lagoons, flowers & the Chicago Zoo (10 minute pause for photos). The famous "Wrigley Park" - Home to the "Chicago Cubs" was next to be ticked off the itinerary, followed by the "Botanical Gardens" & even an Indian Totem Pole, who would have thought??
The "South Side" tour then commenced with us travelling through "Grant Park" - the front lawn of the city & site of "Soldier Field", "Adler Planetarium", where we stopped for photos of the city skyline back over Lake Michigan quickly folowed. We also travelled through the beautiful "Jackson Park", where the Columbus Exposition of 1893 was held to celebrate the founding of USA 400-yrs earlier. Passed through the vast expanse of the "University of Chicago", with its elegant English style architecture & arrived back @ the start in time for an afternoon drink @ a local bar.
Dinner was consumed @ "The Italian Village", an eating institution since 1927 - one of the busiest restaurants I have ever been to.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Day 19 - 30/03/07: Las Vegas - Chicago
Time to say goodbye to the city that never wants to switch its lights out. The pickup for the airport turned up at 8am & a couple of hours later we were flying out of Nevada for the birthplace of Ernest Hemingway & Hillary Clinton, Chicago, Illinois (Not its Capital, but its largest city). By about 4pm Chicago time (2hr ahead of the time in Las Vegas)we were @ our Hotel "The Palmer House Hilton", recognized for over 135 years as a landmark in Chicago.
This grand, opulent Hotel is the longest continuously operating Hotel in North America, and its guest list has included names such as Rudyard Kipling, Charles Dickens, Oscar Wilde & Buffalo Bill. Potter Palmer, creator of the Palmer House, literally bought & developed "State St" - the first upscale shopping strip of this great city, now a sad shadow of its former self. This hotel is ideally located in the center of the cities cultural & civic areas & is at the end of a $150 million restoration & renovation.
After checking into our room & getting settled, we wandered out onto the city streets to discover "the Windy City", which began life in the late 17th century & by 1871 was a busy settlement of many hundreds of thousands. But on October 8th 1871, legend has it that Mrs O'Leary's cow kicked over a lantern that started the "Great Chicago Fire", which burnt for days, destroyed the whole inner city & left 90,000 homeless.
This disaster became an opportunity to replace wide areas of substandard housing & create space for modern industrial & commercial buildings, like the world's first sky scrapper, which appeared on the horizon in 1885.
We spent a few hours discovering this impressive city, braving the wind sweeping in off "Lake Michigan", before heading to "The Big Downtown Chicago Bar", which featured a drinking area that is made to look like "Pullman Cars" - Very good meal.
This grand, opulent Hotel is the longest continuously operating Hotel in North America, and its guest list has included names such as Rudyard Kipling, Charles Dickens, Oscar Wilde & Buffalo Bill. Potter Palmer, creator of the Palmer House, literally bought & developed "State St" - the first upscale shopping strip of this great city, now a sad shadow of its former self. This hotel is ideally located in the center of the cities cultural & civic areas & is at the end of a $150 million restoration & renovation.
After checking into our room & getting settled, we wandered out onto the city streets to discover "the Windy City", which began life in the late 17th century & by 1871 was a busy settlement of many hundreds of thousands. But on October 8th 1871, legend has it that Mrs O'Leary's cow kicked over a lantern that started the "Great Chicago Fire", which burnt for days, destroyed the whole inner city & left 90,000 homeless.
This disaster became an opportunity to replace wide areas of substandard housing & create space for modern industrial & commercial buildings, like the world's first sky scrapper, which appeared on the horizon in 1885.
We spent a few hours discovering this impressive city, braving the wind sweeping in off "Lake Michigan", before heading to "The Big Downtown Chicago Bar", which featured a drinking area that is made to look like "Pullman Cars" - Very good meal.
Day 18 - 29/03/07: Las Vegas
Awoke a little seedy after not getting to bed until very, very early this morning, but the knowledge of my small victory on the tables eased the pain marginally. Met up with the others for a 11am brunch @ "Cafe Bellagio" & then we headed out to arrange tickets for a show later tonight: "Legends in Concert - The World's Greatest Live Tribute Show" - sounds very impressive, time will tell...
From the "Imperial Palace", where the show is staged & tickets sold, we visited the hotel "Paris - Las Vegas", where they have strived to capture the essence of "The City Of Lights" by recreating her landmarks. There are fine likenesses of the Opera House, Arc De Triomphe, Champs-Elysees & even the River Seine which frames the property. Just like in the French Capital, the signature attraction is the Ersatz "Eiffel Tower", which crashes through the ceiling and into the gaming room, well I thought it was pretty impressive.
We then jumped on "The Strip Trolley", a shuttle service that stops @ all the major hotels & other sites of interest & headed to the older part of Vegas 'Downtown' to see the famous "Fremont St Experience". About 6 years ago this dying part of Vegas history was brought back to life & public interest thanks to many millions of dollars which created an arched steel canopy filled with computer-controlled lights which covered the 4-block pedestrian mall. 5 times a night it performs a spectacular sound & light show, but during the day, this part of Vegas was nothing to write in your Blog about, just a number of tired old casinos & bars.
Caught the Trolley back to the Strip & stopped @ the newest baby on the block, the $27 Billion "Wynn Las Vegas" (It's the most expensive Hotel-Casino built to date). With a 50-story curved tower covered in Bronze Glass, this place is as swanky as it gets, so it was only fitting that a few "swanky" people had a drink there (we also had a drink there...).
I then walked back to our hotel via the "Venetian" Hotel, which is based on that famous city; with it's impressively hand-painted ceiling Frescoes & full-scale reproductions of many famous Venice landmarks, it was just like I had been transported to Italy - You can even do a Gondola Ride!!
Following a quick freshen up we headed out again & after a quick bite to eat @ the "Trevi Cafe" located within the glitzy "Forum Shops", it was off to the 10pm "Legends Show", where we witnessed celebrity impersonators including Rod Stewart, Marilyn Monroe, Janet Jackson & of course Elvis Presley perform 4-5 of their hits - Time proved that they were all very good.
From the "Imperial Palace", where the show is staged & tickets sold, we visited the hotel "Paris - Las Vegas", where they have strived to capture the essence of "The City Of Lights" by recreating her landmarks. There are fine likenesses of the Opera House, Arc De Triomphe, Champs-Elysees & even the River Seine which frames the property. Just like in the French Capital, the signature attraction is the Ersatz "Eiffel Tower", which crashes through the ceiling and into the gaming room, well I thought it was pretty impressive.
We then jumped on "The Strip Trolley", a shuttle service that stops @ all the major hotels & other sites of interest & headed to the older part of Vegas 'Downtown' to see the famous "Fremont St Experience". About 6 years ago this dying part of Vegas history was brought back to life & public interest thanks to many millions of dollars which created an arched steel canopy filled with computer-controlled lights which covered the 4-block pedestrian mall. 5 times a night it performs a spectacular sound & light show, but during the day, this part of Vegas was nothing to write in your Blog about, just a number of tired old casinos & bars.
Caught the Trolley back to the Strip & stopped @ the newest baby on the block, the $27 Billion "Wynn Las Vegas" (It's the most expensive Hotel-Casino built to date). With a 50-story curved tower covered in Bronze Glass, this place is as swanky as it gets, so it was only fitting that a few "swanky" people had a drink there (we also had a drink there...).
I then walked back to our hotel via the "Venetian" Hotel, which is based on that famous city; with it's impressively hand-painted ceiling Frescoes & full-scale reproductions of many famous Venice landmarks, it was just like I had been transported to Italy - You can even do a Gondola Ride!!
Following a quick freshen up we headed out again & after a quick bite to eat @ the "Trevi Cafe" located within the glitzy "Forum Shops", it was off to the 10pm "Legends Show", where we witnessed celebrity impersonators including Rod Stewart, Marilyn Monroe, Janet Jackson & of course Elvis Presley perform 4-5 of their hits - Time proved that they were all very good.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Day 17 - 28/03/07: Las Vegas (The Big Day...)
Alarm again caught us sleeping, funny about that...The reason for its necessity this morning was a 6.05am pick-up for a tour to another state - Arizona - A state rich in history, hope & a dirty big hole called the "Grand Canyon" - 8th wonder of the world, or is that the "Big Pineapple"??.
Our journey took us through the Joshua Tree Forest, past "Lake Mead" & the Hoover Dam for a photo opportunity: Lake Mead is 110-miles long, provides many summer-time recreational options for the locals and was formed as a result of "Hoover Dam".
The graceful curve & art-deco style of the 726-ft "Hoover Dam" contrasts superbly with the stark landscape. Originally called the "Boulder Dam", this "new deal" project was completed in 1935 @ a cost of $175m. Its original intent was flood control, but it now helps supply Colorado River with seasonal water & hydro power to thirsty cities, including Las Vegas.
From the Dam it was onto a stop in the middle of nowhere to change buses for the last 22 miles on a dirt track to the dramatic "Grand Canyon". Although Cass & I have visited here before (1996), when we did the more popular "South Rim", which boasts the panoramic vistas for which the park is famous, this time we elected to do the quieter "West Rim", which as we were soon to discover, was no less spectacular.
Upon arrival, we were met by a rep. of "Papillon Helicopters" & after some pre-flight arrangements, boarded a Bell 206-jet helicopter for the 4000ft descent through the heart of the canyon. Spectacular and totally amazing are 2 adjective that only just begin to describe the sights & experiences of dropping over the sheer face of this awesome natural wonder, looking at rock formations millions of years old & watching the tiny snake of the Colorado River get bigger & bigger as we fast approach Earth. One was truly humbled by the experience.
Once safely on the canyon floor, we boarded a pontoon boat for a relaxing 30 minute journey down the mighty Colorado River, the 3rd longest river in the USA. Our guide, a Hualapai Indian (the original owners of this land), provided various facts & figures about the unique wildlife, fish & plants that inhibit this part of the world. The view looking up the 4000ft walls of the Canyon were breath-taking to say the least & the entire 30 minutes were taken up with photos & further feelings of humbleness.
We ascended the Canyon Walls the same way & transferred to "Guano Point Lookout" for lunch, but not before driving past the new "Sky-Wall", that just opened today & so was inundated with tourists & journalists - Didn't walk out on it. No big deal considering what we have just seen & experienced.
Arriving back @ our hotel around 6.30pm meant that we only had about an hour& a half to get ready for the big party - Stu's 40th, the reason we were all this far from home. The dinner was @ "Prime" - The Bellagio's famous Steakhouse. A handsome space dripping with Baccarat chandeliers & plush velvets & suades; Travel & Leisure Magazine recently said, "Prime is by far the grandest of all Las Vegas steakhouses!"
Met up with everyone (16 of us) @ 8pm & proceeded to enjoy a truly sumpterous & decadent night of the finest food & drink that money could buy.
The menu was:
Shellfish Extravaganza, Coast to Coast
Prime Caesar Salad
Choice of
Filet Mignon, Sauce Bearnaise (My choice - "Mouth-watering oral sensation", would be my reply if asked to describe it - The Best steak I have probably had would not be too far from the truth...)
or
Grilled Alaskan Salmon with Citrus Vinaigrette
or
Rosemary Garlic Roasted Chicken with Tomato Confit
All served with Prime's specialty potatoes & vegetables)
Prime Desert Samples & Birthday Cake followed.
Following that gastronomical tour-de-force, we ended the night @ the Blackjack table, "when in Rome..." as they say, and by 4am walked away $163us up for the night. All in all a top, top day & when you walk away from Vegas with money in your pocket, it's even better.
Our journey took us through the Joshua Tree Forest, past "Lake Mead" & the Hoover Dam for a photo opportunity: Lake Mead is 110-miles long, provides many summer-time recreational options for the locals and was formed as a result of "Hoover Dam".
The graceful curve & art-deco style of the 726-ft "Hoover Dam" contrasts superbly with the stark landscape. Originally called the "Boulder Dam", this "new deal" project was completed in 1935 @ a cost of $175m. Its original intent was flood control, but it now helps supply Colorado River with seasonal water & hydro power to thirsty cities, including Las Vegas.
From the Dam it was onto a stop in the middle of nowhere to change buses for the last 22 miles on a dirt track to the dramatic "Grand Canyon". Although Cass & I have visited here before (1996), when we did the more popular "South Rim", which boasts the panoramic vistas for which the park is famous, this time we elected to do the quieter "West Rim", which as we were soon to discover, was no less spectacular.
Upon arrival, we were met by a rep. of "Papillon Helicopters" & after some pre-flight arrangements, boarded a Bell 206-jet helicopter for the 4000ft descent through the heart of the canyon. Spectacular and totally amazing are 2 adjective that only just begin to describe the sights & experiences of dropping over the sheer face of this awesome natural wonder, looking at rock formations millions of years old & watching the tiny snake of the Colorado River get bigger & bigger as we fast approach Earth. One was truly humbled by the experience.
Once safely on the canyon floor, we boarded a pontoon boat for a relaxing 30 minute journey down the mighty Colorado River, the 3rd longest river in the USA. Our guide, a Hualapai Indian (the original owners of this land), provided various facts & figures about the unique wildlife, fish & plants that inhibit this part of the world. The view looking up the 4000ft walls of the Canyon were breath-taking to say the least & the entire 30 minutes were taken up with photos & further feelings of humbleness.
We ascended the Canyon Walls the same way & transferred to "Guano Point Lookout" for lunch, but not before driving past the new "Sky-Wall", that just opened today & so was inundated with tourists & journalists - Didn't walk out on it. No big deal considering what we have just seen & experienced.
Arriving back @ our hotel around 6.30pm meant that we only had about an hour& a half to get ready for the big party - Stu's 40th, the reason we were all this far from home. The dinner was @ "Prime" - The Bellagio's famous Steakhouse. A handsome space dripping with Baccarat chandeliers & plush velvets & suades; Travel & Leisure Magazine recently said, "Prime is by far the grandest of all Las Vegas steakhouses!"
Met up with everyone (16 of us) @ 8pm & proceeded to enjoy a truly sumpterous & decadent night of the finest food & drink that money could buy.
The menu was:
Shellfish Extravaganza, Coast to Coast
Prime Caesar Salad
Choice of
Filet Mignon, Sauce Bearnaise (My choice - "Mouth-watering oral sensation", would be my reply if asked to describe it - The Best steak I have probably had would not be too far from the truth...)
or
Grilled Alaskan Salmon with Citrus Vinaigrette
or
Rosemary Garlic Roasted Chicken with Tomato Confit
All served with Prime's specialty potatoes & vegetables)
Prime Desert Samples & Birthday Cake followed.
Following that gastronomical tour-de-force, we ended the night @ the Blackjack table, "when in Rome..." as they say, and by 4am walked away $163us up for the night. All in all a top, top day & when you walk away from Vegas with money in your pocket, it's even better.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Day 16 - 27/03/07: Las Vegas
Awoke a little seedy today - must have been something I ate!! Decided that some "Retail therapy" would make us all feel better, so we decided to catch a shuttle bus out to the "Primm Factory Outlets".
The outlets rise out of the desert like an oasis & are an hour south of Vegas. I had a couple of things to buy, mostly @ Ralph Lauren - which I quickly did & then waited whilst the others finished. Back into Vegas by late afternoon & had a belated lunch @ the 'MGM Grand", which is a gigantic, glitzy "City of Entertainment" - It's impressive mascot is proudly displayed out front & is the USA's largest bronze statue, a 45ft Tall,100,000lb Lion, that is perched atop a 25ft pedestal, ringed by lush landscaping, fountains & atlas-themed statues.
We then made it back to our rooms where we freshened up,then met up & had dinner @ "Noodles", a restaurant within the Bellagio, which offered authentic noodles (hence its name!!!), rice & other Asian specialities - Very , very enjoyable.
Following dinner we again hit "The Strip" to soak up the incredible energy that this place puts out especially when the sun goes down & the lights go on. This place truly is an alternative universe, where the globe's most famous sights - Ancient Egypt's Pyramids, Paris' Eiffel Tower, the Canals of Venice - tumble together, bathed in an ethereal neon glow.
Fused by greed, driven by lust, pulsating with passion, Las Vegas embodies the shady side of the American Dream. It's a place where inhibitions are temporarily lost, sins forgotten & fate decided by the turn of a card. Tomorrow we have booked a tour out to the Grand Canyon, so hit the sheets fairly early - before the next day started anyway...
The outlets rise out of the desert like an oasis & are an hour south of Vegas. I had a couple of things to buy, mostly @ Ralph Lauren - which I quickly did & then waited whilst the others finished. Back into Vegas by late afternoon & had a belated lunch @ the 'MGM Grand", which is a gigantic, glitzy "City of Entertainment" - It's impressive mascot is proudly displayed out front & is the USA's largest bronze statue, a 45ft Tall,100,000lb Lion, that is perched atop a 25ft pedestal, ringed by lush landscaping, fountains & atlas-themed statues.
We then made it back to our rooms where we freshened up,then met up & had dinner @ "Noodles", a restaurant within the Bellagio, which offered authentic noodles (hence its name!!!), rice & other Asian specialities - Very , very enjoyable.
Following dinner we again hit "The Strip" to soak up the incredible energy that this place puts out especially when the sun goes down & the lights go on. This place truly is an alternative universe, where the globe's most famous sights - Ancient Egypt's Pyramids, Paris' Eiffel Tower, the Canals of Venice - tumble together, bathed in an ethereal neon glow.
Fused by greed, driven by lust, pulsating with passion, Las Vegas embodies the shady side of the American Dream. It's a place where inhibitions are temporarily lost, sins forgotten & fate decided by the turn of a card. Tomorrow we have booked a tour out to the Grand Canyon, so hit the sheets fairly early - before the next day started anyway...
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Day 15 - 26/03/07: Los Angeles - Las Vegas
Today we left the "City of Angles" for the "City of Sin" - Las Vegas - with high expectations as Vegas was the reason for this whole trip - Stu's 40th, occurring in a couple of days time...
After getting through the hassle of LA airport (though not as bad as was expected), the flight across was relatively smooth & we landed about 45 minutes after takeoff. A beautiful Black Stretch Limo was waiting for us & soon had us @ our Hotel - The incredible "Bellagio" - Renowned as the most opulent & elegant hotel on The Strip.
Built to dazzle, its Tuscan architecture & 8-acre`artificial lake, complete with choreographed dancing fountains was mesmerizing & truly spectacular(Go to the Video to see what I am talking about). Our room offered magnificent views of this wonder, as well as down the famous "Strip" (Las Vegas Boulevard), where you find most of the gargantuan Hotel-Casinos.
The rest of the day was spent catching up with the others (Liz, Donnie, Adam, Stu & Simone), firstly @ "Cafe Ballagio" & then onto "Caesar's Palace" - a Greco-Roman fantasy-land featuring marble reproductions of classical statuary, including a 4-ton Brahma Shrine near the front entrance - This amazing "experience" bombards you with numerous towering fountains (loved the Trevi Fountain - throw some coins in...), Goddess-costumed cocktail waitresses & of course the swanky, haute-couture "Forum-Shops".
Drinks were consumed @ a little bar called "Fat Tuesdays", where they made one of the best Margaritas we had tried today!!! They came in a huge 100 Litre Barrel - We probably all had 1, maybe 2 barrels too many...From there we walked (or maybe staggered is a more appropriate word) up the Strip to "New York - New York" Casino, a mini-megalopolis featuring scaled-down replicas of the Empire State Building (47 stories), Statue of Liberty and even the famous Brooklyn Bridge. A late dinner was consumed in 1 of their numerous restaurants & by 12.30 were back @ our hotel trying to stop the room spinning.
After getting through the hassle of LA airport (though not as bad as was expected), the flight across was relatively smooth & we landed about 45 minutes after takeoff. A beautiful Black Stretch Limo was waiting for us & soon had us @ our Hotel - The incredible "Bellagio" - Renowned as the most opulent & elegant hotel on The Strip.
Built to dazzle, its Tuscan architecture & 8-acre`artificial lake, complete with choreographed dancing fountains was mesmerizing & truly spectacular(Go to the Video to see what I am talking about). Our room offered magnificent views of this wonder, as well as down the famous "Strip" (Las Vegas Boulevard), where you find most of the gargantuan Hotel-Casinos.
The rest of the day was spent catching up with the others (Liz, Donnie, Adam, Stu & Simone), firstly @ "Cafe Ballagio" & then onto "Caesar's Palace" - a Greco-Roman fantasy-land featuring marble reproductions of classical statuary, including a 4-ton Brahma Shrine near the front entrance - This amazing "experience" bombards you with numerous towering fountains (loved the Trevi Fountain - throw some coins in...), Goddess-costumed cocktail waitresses & of course the swanky, haute-couture "Forum-Shops".
Drinks were consumed @ a little bar called "Fat Tuesdays", where they made one of the best Margaritas we had tried today!!! They came in a huge 100 Litre Barrel - We probably all had 1, maybe 2 barrels too many...From there we walked (or maybe staggered is a more appropriate word) up the Strip to "New York - New York" Casino, a mini-megalopolis featuring scaled-down replicas of the Empire State Building (47 stories), Statue of Liberty and even the famous Brooklyn Bridge. A late dinner was consumed in 1 of their numerous restaurants & by 12.30 were back @ our hotel trying to stop the room spinning.
Day 14 - 25/03/07: Los Angeles
Another bright & sunny day greeted us as we awoke & after some confusion about getting down to the historic "Queen Mary", we rented a 'people-mover' & headed south about 25 miles to the suburb of Long Beach.
The "RMS Queen Mary" made her maiden voyage on 27/05/36, was used as a troop transport during WW11 & her final voyage began on 31/10/67 from Southampton - Long Beach & is now a floating museum & hotel.
We went for the Sunday Champagne Buffet, which included an endless glass of champagne and all the food that you can each - Very enjoyable way to spend Sunday morning. Following the feast, was a very tacky photo where the 6 of us were superimposed in front of the mighty ship & a self-guided tour.
From Long Beach we dropped the girls back in Beverly Hills & then Stu & I headed out to the "Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum" to view "Air Force One - The Flying White House". The drive out there took app. an hour & featured some amazingly rocky scenery as we approached the museum's location, Simi Valley.
This museum was very impressive, not only for the fact that it featured the real "Air Force One" used by Presidents from Nixen to George W Bush, only being decommissioned in late Sept 2001. You could actually walk inside the plane seeing how it actually was - great experience.
The remainder of the museum was really a tribute to Ronald Reagan, covering his very early days right through to his successful contribution in the ending of the "Cold War" with the bringing down of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Other highlights included a copy of the Oval Office as it was during Reagan's reign of power. As we left we followed out some Civil-War clad volunteers who stood @ arms whilst the American Flag was lowered for the day. Made me proud to be an Australian!!!
An hour later we met up with the girls for dinner @ an English Pub down in Santa Monica & most enjoyable it was too. Just great to eat a simple Cornish Pasty & Peas...
The "RMS Queen Mary" made her maiden voyage on 27/05/36, was used as a troop transport during WW11 & her final voyage began on 31/10/67 from Southampton - Long Beach & is now a floating museum & hotel.
We went for the Sunday Champagne Buffet, which included an endless glass of champagne and all the food that you can each - Very enjoyable way to spend Sunday morning. Following the feast, was a very tacky photo where the 6 of us were superimposed in front of the mighty ship & a self-guided tour.
From Long Beach we dropped the girls back in Beverly Hills & then Stu & I headed out to the "Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum" to view "Air Force One - The Flying White House". The drive out there took app. an hour & featured some amazingly rocky scenery as we approached the museum's location, Simi Valley.
This museum was very impressive, not only for the fact that it featured the real "Air Force One" used by Presidents from Nixen to George W Bush, only being decommissioned in late Sept 2001. You could actually walk inside the plane seeing how it actually was - great experience.
The remainder of the museum was really a tribute to Ronald Reagan, covering his very early days right through to his successful contribution in the ending of the "Cold War" with the bringing down of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Other highlights included a copy of the Oval Office as it was during Reagan's reign of power. As we left we followed out some Civil-War clad volunteers who stood @ arms whilst the American Flag was lowered for the day. Made me proud to be an Australian!!!
An hour later we met up with the girls for dinner @ an English Pub down in Santa Monica & most enjoyable it was too. Just great to eat a simple Cornish Pasty & Peas...
Monday, April 16, 2007
Day 13 - 24/03/07: Los Angeles
Yet another fine & sunny LA day with Matt & I heading off to the "Getty Center" thanks to the hotel's courtesy car (BMW 745Li). This beautiful travertine-clad hilltop facility is triumphantly poised atop ridges of the Sepulveda Pass through the Santa Monica Mountains and about 15 km from the hotel.
As a rule the courtesy car only travels 3kms from the hotel, but some Australian charm & a sizable tip had us arriving in style at this world famous art gallery/museum which unites the sizable & priceless art collections assembled by Billionaire oil magnate, J.Paul Getty over his life.
Arriving just after 10am, we took their private mono-rail up the steep incline to this acclaimed cluster of post-modernist edifices designed by Richard Meier & covered in Italian Marble from the same Roman quarry used for the Colosseum & St Peter's Basilica Dome. Now that's impressive...
We firstly did the "Collection Highlights Tour", that provided an overview of their major works including Van Gogh's "Irises", Monet's "Haystacks", a massive King Louis XIV Cabinet, an amazing painted life-size figure of St.Gines De LA Jara by Luisa Roldan, official sculptor to 2 Spanish Kings, a couple of Rembrandts & many, many more classical Pre 20th-century European Masters. Breathtaking stuff.
Almost as spectacular as what was inside were the various gardens that surrounded this "palace", as well as the architecture (more below). Gardens & landscaping @ the center contribute a counterpoint of colour & texture to the complex of buildings.
Garden Facts:
* 10,000 Trees
* 300 Plant varieties
* 7 Cactus species in the Cactus Garden.
Architecture Facts:
* 164,648 Sq Ft of exterior glass
* 3,200 Doors
* 100 Ocean Freighter Voyages to deliver
* 16,000 Tons of Travertine.
Leaving this amazing structure by taxi (sadly only an old Ford, whose Air-Conditioning was broken...), we caught up with the girls for a late lunch @ "208 Rodeo", a classy dining experience located atop the grand steps @ "Via Rodeo" - A favourite spot for watching the Beverly Hills Elite. The rest of the day was spent enjoying this classy location, with dinner done on South Beverly Drive.
As a rule the courtesy car only travels 3kms from the hotel, but some Australian charm & a sizable tip had us arriving in style at this world famous art gallery/museum which unites the sizable & priceless art collections assembled by Billionaire oil magnate, J.Paul Getty over his life.
Arriving just after 10am, we took their private mono-rail up the steep incline to this acclaimed cluster of post-modernist edifices designed by Richard Meier & covered in Italian Marble from the same Roman quarry used for the Colosseum & St Peter's Basilica Dome. Now that's impressive...
We firstly did the "Collection Highlights Tour", that provided an overview of their major works including Van Gogh's "Irises", Monet's "Haystacks", a massive King Louis XIV Cabinet, an amazing painted life-size figure of St.Gines De LA Jara by Luisa Roldan, official sculptor to 2 Spanish Kings, a couple of Rembrandts & many, many more classical Pre 20th-century European Masters. Breathtaking stuff.
Almost as spectacular as what was inside were the various gardens that surrounded this "palace", as well as the architecture (more below). Gardens & landscaping @ the center contribute a counterpoint of colour & texture to the complex of buildings.
Garden Facts:
* 10,000 Trees
* 300 Plant varieties
* 7 Cactus species in the Cactus Garden.
Architecture Facts:
* 164,648 Sq Ft of exterior glass
* 3,200 Doors
* 100 Ocean Freighter Voyages to deliver
* 16,000 Tons of Travertine.
Leaving this amazing structure by taxi (sadly only an old Ford, whose Air-Conditioning was broken...), we caught up with the girls for a late lunch @ "208 Rodeo", a classy dining experience located atop the grand steps @ "Via Rodeo" - A favourite spot for watching the Beverly Hills Elite. The rest of the day was spent enjoying this classy location, with dinner done on South Beverly Drive.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Day 12 - 23/03/07: Los Angeles
A full day tour of the "City of Angels" in a private stretch limousine was on the agenda for today, so up early. The 8-seat,35-ft piece of decadent machinery arrived promptly @ 8.45am & 20 minutes later we were at our first stop; Santa Monica's "3rd St Promenade" pedestrian mall with its wacky street performers & impressive selection of shops & restaurants. A stroll down this tourist strip with some shopping consumed about half an hour & then it was onto the zaniness of "Venice Beach".
"Venice Beach" is renowned for it's crazy personalities, ranging from wannabe Schwarzeneggers @ "Muscle Beach - the fenced off gym right on the beach, speedo-clad shot putters patrolling the zone offering themselves as photo-opportunities & even roller-skating Sikh minstrels - Truly a human zoo & as they say "Only in LA".
The venerable "Santa Monica Pier", where diversions included a historic carousel & a solar powered Ferris-Wheel, was the next sight where the "big" car stopped. A quick stop @ a liqueur shop was needed for the rest of the days journey & then it was onto the "Westwood Memorial Park".
This is the final resting place for many actors, including Marilyn Monroe, Bob Crane (Colonial Hogan from "Hogan's Heroes"), Roger Dangerfield & even Don Knotts. A beautiful oasis within the heart of this thriving metropolis.
We then travelled down "Sunset Strip" for another look @ this infamous section of LA & then it was onto Hollywood & the legendary "Hollywood" Boulevard. We stopped near "Grauman's Chinese Theatre", famous for its forecourt where screen legends have left their imprint in cement; feet, hands & even a nose...
Lunch was consumed @ "Shelly Cafe", where some of Clint Eastwood's film, "Million Dollar Baby" was filmed. Then it was along the "Hollywood Walk of Fame", which honours more than 2000 celebrities with brass stars embedded in the side-walk. Great photo opportunities.
Then it was into the "Hollywood & Highland" mall & up the stairs to the top which offered great views of the famous "Hollywood" Sign. A trip up to the "Hollywood Vista Point" provided a magnificent view back over LA & the "Hollywood Bowl" & then back to the famous Hollywood sign.
The day trip concluded with an hour of viewing the star's homes, or at least their high fences & gates!!! - The Playboy Mansion being the highlight. Back to the hotel by 5pm where we briefly refreshed & headed out to a very nice Chinese restaurant.
"Venice Beach" is renowned for it's crazy personalities, ranging from wannabe Schwarzeneggers @ "Muscle Beach - the fenced off gym right on the beach, speedo-clad shot putters patrolling the zone offering themselves as photo-opportunities & even roller-skating Sikh minstrels - Truly a human zoo & as they say "Only in LA".
The venerable "Santa Monica Pier", where diversions included a historic carousel & a solar powered Ferris-Wheel, was the next sight where the "big" car stopped. A quick stop @ a liqueur shop was needed for the rest of the days journey & then it was onto the "Westwood Memorial Park".
This is the final resting place for many actors, including Marilyn Monroe, Bob Crane (Colonial Hogan from "Hogan's Heroes"), Roger Dangerfield & even Don Knotts. A beautiful oasis within the heart of this thriving metropolis.
We then travelled down "Sunset Strip" for another look @ this infamous section of LA & then it was onto Hollywood & the legendary "Hollywood" Boulevard. We stopped near "Grauman's Chinese Theatre", famous for its forecourt where screen legends have left their imprint in cement; feet, hands & even a nose...
Lunch was consumed @ "Shelly Cafe", where some of Clint Eastwood's film, "Million Dollar Baby" was filmed. Then it was along the "Hollywood Walk of Fame", which honours more than 2000 celebrities with brass stars embedded in the side-walk. Great photo opportunities.
Then it was into the "Hollywood & Highland" mall & up the stairs to the top which offered great views of the famous "Hollywood" Sign. A trip up to the "Hollywood Vista Point" provided a magnificent view back over LA & the "Hollywood Bowl" & then back to the famous Hollywood sign.
The day trip concluded with an hour of viewing the star's homes, or at least their high fences & gates!!! - The Playboy Mansion being the highlight. Back to the hotel by 5pm where we briefly refreshed & headed out to a very nice Chinese restaurant.
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Day 11 - 22/03/07: Los Angeles
Today was Disneyland - Back to being a kid. Picked up @ 8.45am & by 10a.15am were inside "The Happiest Place On Earth" on a beautiful Spring Day.
Carved out of the orange groves of rural Anaheim, in Orange County,it represents the pinnacle of a global, often controversial media corporation. What amusements parks call "rides", Disneyland calls "attractions". A ride is a quick thrill, but an "attraction" is a journey into a narrative. Disneyland's real point of difference lies in its meticulous eye for detail.
After catching the courtesy train we entered the resort on "main Street", a recreation of Walt's hometown of Marcelline, Missouri, c 1900. Frontierland's "Big Thunder Mountain Roller coaster which careers through an old west mining town was the first ride of the day. This was followed by the thrilling "Indian Jones" ride in Adventure land. Fantasyland's "It's A small World" animatronics soon followed (so sweet & innocent it gave me a cavity...)
A very, very ordinary burger attempted to pass itself off as lunch. A quick visit to "Mickey's Toontown was next to be ticked off the list. One big disappointment was that a couple of the better rides were unavailable - Tommorowland's "Space Mountain" & "Splash Mountain".
The day ended with a drink in "Downtown Disney", a pedestrian mall jam-packed with high-concept eateries, shops & entertainment venues. Bus picked us up @ 6.30pm @ had us back to our hotel an hour later, where we met up with Stu & Simone & ended out to dinner @ "Il Fornaio", a trattoria-style favourite restaurant of the Beverley Hills locals. Lovely meal & consistent service made it another experience to savor.
Carved out of the orange groves of rural Anaheim, in Orange County,it represents the pinnacle of a global, often controversial media corporation. What amusements parks call "rides", Disneyland calls "attractions". A ride is a quick thrill, but an "attraction" is a journey into a narrative. Disneyland's real point of difference lies in its meticulous eye for detail.
After catching the courtesy train we entered the resort on "main Street", a recreation of Walt's hometown of Marcelline, Missouri, c 1900. Frontierland's "Big Thunder Mountain Roller coaster which careers through an old west mining town was the first ride of the day. This was followed by the thrilling "Indian Jones" ride in Adventure land. Fantasyland's "It's A small World" animatronics soon followed (so sweet & innocent it gave me a cavity...)
A very, very ordinary burger attempted to pass itself off as lunch. A quick visit to "Mickey's Toontown was next to be ticked off the list. One big disappointment was that a couple of the better rides were unavailable - Tommorowland's "Space Mountain" & "Splash Mountain".
The day ended with a drink in "Downtown Disney", a pedestrian mall jam-packed with high-concept eateries, shops & entertainment venues. Bus picked us up @ 6.30pm @ had us back to our hotel an hour later, where we met up with Stu & Simone & ended out to dinner @ "Il Fornaio", a trattoria-style favourite restaurant of the Beverley Hills locals. Lovely meal & consistent service made it another experience to savor.
Day 10 - 21/03/07: Los Angeles
Today was a relatively free day, where for the morning the girls headed out to get nails done, whilst Matt & I were left to our own devises - Always dangerous in LA!!!
So Matt & I headed off to "Rodeo Drive"; a 3-block ribbon of style for the Prada & Gucci brigade, then when our thirst got the better of us be descended on the "Beverly Wilshire" Hotel - as seen in "Pretty Woman" with Julia Roberts, for a beer & a Cuban Cigar (picked these little puppies up in Mexico, where they aren't banned). We enjoyed watching the beautiful people & cars promenade down "Wilshire Blvd - Yes I(know that it's a tough life, but someone...
We then met up with the girls for lunch @ "Spago", Wolfgang Puck's flagship emporium, which has long been tops for celebrity spotting & fancy eating (no stars today - just a lot of "suits" cementing deals) - Highlight, apart from the food was meeting the man himself - Wolfgang Puck - who came to our table to introduce himself & have a picture taken.
After lunch Matt & I had the taxi drop us in West Hollywood (WeHo)on the infamous "Sunset Strip" - First stop was the "Whisky A Go Go", a music institution since 1964, then the all black "Viper Room", scene of River Phoenix's death, followed by a beer @ the Bar with LA attitude "Red Rocks". The "Comedy Store" was our next photo opportunity, closely followed by the rusting corrugated iron of "The House Of Blues".
The final destination was "Chateau Marmont", where practically every celluloid luminary from Garbo to Paltrow has enjoyed breakfast/drinks in the lobby bar or trysted in a back bungalow (where "Blues Brothers" John Balushi did his final & fatal "speed-ball").
Whilst enjoying a cold beer we spotted our first "celebrity" - Fran Dressner (nanny Fine from the hit sitcom "The Nanny"). No photos were taken as this place has a "no photos policy to protect the guily...
After doing the "sunset strip" tour, we mey up with the girls again @ the "Bev. Wilshire" for more drinks & then headed to a great Mexican restaurant for dinner & then crashed that night from alcohol poisoning...
So Matt & I headed off to "Rodeo Drive"; a 3-block ribbon of style for the Prada & Gucci brigade, then when our thirst got the better of us be descended on the "Beverly Wilshire" Hotel - as seen in "Pretty Woman" with Julia Roberts, for a beer & a Cuban Cigar (picked these little puppies up in Mexico, where they aren't banned). We enjoyed watching the beautiful people & cars promenade down "Wilshire Blvd - Yes I(know that it's a tough life, but someone...
We then met up with the girls for lunch @ "Spago", Wolfgang Puck's flagship emporium, which has long been tops for celebrity spotting & fancy eating (no stars today - just a lot of "suits" cementing deals) - Highlight, apart from the food was meeting the man himself - Wolfgang Puck - who came to our table to introduce himself & have a picture taken.
After lunch Matt & I had the taxi drop us in West Hollywood (WeHo)on the infamous "Sunset Strip" - First stop was the "Whisky A Go Go", a music institution since 1964, then the all black "Viper Room", scene of River Phoenix's death, followed by a beer @ the Bar with LA attitude "Red Rocks". The "Comedy Store" was our next photo opportunity, closely followed by the rusting corrugated iron of "The House Of Blues".
The final destination was "Chateau Marmont", where practically every celluloid luminary from Garbo to Paltrow has enjoyed breakfast/drinks in the lobby bar or trysted in a back bungalow (where "Blues Brothers" John Balushi did his final & fatal "speed-ball").
Whilst enjoying a cold beer we spotted our first "celebrity" - Fran Dressner (nanny Fine from the hit sitcom "The Nanny"). No photos were taken as this place has a "no photos policy to protect the guily...
After doing the "sunset strip" tour, we mey up with the girls again @ the "Bev. Wilshire" for more drinks & then headed to a great Mexican restaurant for dinner & then crashed that night from alcohol poisoning...
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Day 9 - 20/03/07: San Diego - Los Angeles
No hurry to leave SD as our only plan was to travel uo to LA for 6 nights, so after a late breakfast, the girls headed to Macy's & I headed down to the North Embarcadero to view the "Maritime Museum".
In town was a cruise liner the 'Monarch Of the Sea", which was moored along side a vast selection of historical ships, including the "Star of India", HMS Surprise (used in the Russell Crow movie "Master & Commander". There was also the Schooner "California", that patrolled the coast during the Gold-Rush". "Medea", a 1904 Steam Yacht, "Berkeley", built in 1898 to carry passengers across San Francisco Bay. I must also mention that the "US Midway" is now located here, as is a Russian Submarine, the B-39, used during the Cold-War.
Met up with the others @ 1pm & soon after were on our way to LA. The drive was thankfully uneventful & after battling with the LA Freeway traffic for almost an hour (in which we probably did 15 miles, we arrived @ our hotel, the famous "Beverley Hilton", an institution since 1955, but recently given a glamorous $60m renovation.
AS we all know the "Golden Globes" are held here each year, but @ this stage no "stars" have been seen yet, even in their very cosmopolitan "Lobby Bar". Matt & Jules turned up an hour later and after the cars were returned to Hertz, we had a round of drinks & then headed out for dinner.
"Mako" was the chosen location on South Beverley Drive, which offered a fusion of Asian flavours known as "Californian Cuisine" - Both the food & service was top notch in this minimalist-chic Beverley Hills eatery.
In town was a cruise liner the 'Monarch Of the Sea", which was moored along side a vast selection of historical ships, including the "Star of India", HMS Surprise (used in the Russell Crow movie "Master & Commander". There was also the Schooner "California", that patrolled the coast during the Gold-Rush". "Medea", a 1904 Steam Yacht, "Berkeley", built in 1898 to carry passengers across San Francisco Bay. I must also mention that the "US Midway" is now located here, as is a Russian Submarine, the B-39, used during the Cold-War.
Met up with the others @ 1pm & soon after were on our way to LA. The drive was thankfully uneventful & after battling with the LA Freeway traffic for almost an hour (in which we probably did 15 miles, we arrived @ our hotel, the famous "Beverley Hilton", an institution since 1955, but recently given a glamorous $60m renovation.
AS we all know the "Golden Globes" are held here each year, but @ this stage no "stars" have been seen yet, even in their very cosmopolitan "Lobby Bar". Matt & Jules turned up an hour later and after the cars were returned to Hertz, we had a round of drinks & then headed out for dinner.
"Mako" was the chosen location on South Beverley Drive, which offered a fusion of Asian flavours known as "Californian Cuisine" - Both the food & service was top notch in this minimalist-chic Beverley Hills eatery.
Day 8 - 19/03/07: San Diego
Tour of San Diego today (read someone else doing the driving)"The San Diego Grand Tour" was the one selected because it covered everything in one long day.
It began with a "city tour", which covered SD vibrant downtown, the "Gaslamp Quarter" with its old-world buildings, the Embarcadero with wonderful harbour views. A look @ the many navy ships in port (including the mighty US Midway, now a museum) & one of the oldest merchant ships in the world.
"Old Town", California's birthplace (pit-stop for a frozen Margarita - no salt), balboa park, an urban oasis brimming with 13 world-class museums, gorgeous gardens & architecture, performance spaces & of course their famous Zoo.
La Jolla (pronounced La Holla) (Jewel of the Pacific), a charming seaside village with many upscale shops & eateries & finished with a visit to the historic landmark "Hotel Del Cornado" completed in 1888 & with a guest book that includes Edison & Monroe. Next up on our tour was a 1-hr harbour cruise on the north side of the harbour which took in the following highlights:
* Coast guard air station
* 1863 Star of India - World's oldest active sailing ship.
* World famous Hotel Del Coronado
* Best view of SD renowned skyline
* SPAWAR - The NAVY's Marine Mammal Training Unit
* Fort Rosecran's National Cemetery
* Point Loma Light House
* North Island Naval Air Station
Then it was off to Tijuana, the place where Rita Haywoirth & Carlos Santana were discovered, as well as the "Caesar Salad". Avenida Revolucion (La Revo), the main tourist strip & only 15 minutes walk from the border was where we spent our time. This included lunch and numerous drinks along this pretty tacky & seedy street.
Back on the bus by 5.30pm and after passing through US border patrol we were soon back in SD - A quick stop @ the "Kansas City BBQ" where some of "Top Gun" was filmed - "The Bar with an Attitude". Dinner was again in the "Gaslamp District" @ "Sadaf" (Persian). Very, very enjoyable.
It began with a "city tour", which covered SD vibrant downtown, the "Gaslamp Quarter" with its old-world buildings, the Embarcadero with wonderful harbour views. A look @ the many navy ships in port (including the mighty US Midway, now a museum) & one of the oldest merchant ships in the world.
"Old Town", California's birthplace (pit-stop for a frozen Margarita - no salt), balboa park, an urban oasis brimming with 13 world-class museums, gorgeous gardens & architecture, performance spaces & of course their famous Zoo.
La Jolla (pronounced La Holla) (Jewel of the Pacific), a charming seaside village with many upscale shops & eateries & finished with a visit to the historic landmark "Hotel Del Cornado" completed in 1888 & with a guest book that includes Edison & Monroe. Next up on our tour was a 1-hr harbour cruise on the north side of the harbour which took in the following highlights:
* Coast guard air station
* 1863 Star of India - World's oldest active sailing ship.
* World famous Hotel Del Coronado
* Best view of SD renowned skyline
* SPAWAR - The NAVY's Marine Mammal Training Unit
* Fort Rosecran's National Cemetery
* Point Loma Light House
* North Island Naval Air Station
Then it was off to Tijuana, the place where Rita Haywoirth & Carlos Santana were discovered, as well as the "Caesar Salad". Avenida Revolucion (La Revo), the main tourist strip & only 15 minutes walk from the border was where we spent our time. This included lunch and numerous drinks along this pretty tacky & seedy street.
Back on the bus by 5.30pm and after passing through US border patrol we were soon back in SD - A quick stop @ the "Kansas City BBQ" where some of "Top Gun" was filmed - "The Bar with an Attitude". Dinner was again in the "Gaslamp District" @ "Sadaf" (Persian). Very, very enjoyable.
Day 7 - 18/03/07: Santa Barbara - San Diego
Second last of the driving days, so up fairly early & on the road by 9am. Weather still overcast, but no rain so was good driving conditions. The major attraction in Santa Barbara istheir "Mission" (Spanish Church)- Some history: When the Spanish came to a suitable location for a town, they built the "Presidio" (Fort), the Mission" (Church) & then the Village, in that order, so the Mission is considered very important.
The Mission of Santa Barbara was built in 1786 by Padre Junipero Serra & is nicknamed "Queen Of The Missions" & that she is. About the Missions - There are 21 that start in San Diego (Cambria) & go all the way north to Monterey & are a days ride apart. Thhey are linked by "The Royal Road - Modern US Highway 101" - A vivid reminder of the history of this turbulant, multi-cultural country.
Out of Santa Barbara we turned the car south & headed towards Los Angeles to pick up Cousin Wendy who was flying in today (so 4 in the car). As we came into greater LA we pased through famous suburbs like "Huntington Beach" & "Laguna Beach" - Lots of beautiful people & cars.
Picked up Wendy & made our way to San Diego, passing through Orange County (The OC), that giant slab of spoilt suburbia wedged between LA & San Diego - Malls & beaches - the panacea to all problems in this part of the world.
Actually getting into SD should have been easy, but with no map it wasn't, so after many wrong turns onto incorrect Freeways, we eventually found our way thanks to the assistance of a local, arriving @ our hotel, the very, very impressive "US Grant" around 5pm.
The US Grant is a SD landmark in luxury since 1910 (potentially the most comfortable bed I have ever slept in, although my bed @ home is pretty damn good). Met up with Mat & Jules who also drove down from Santa Barbara today & went out for dinner in the beautifully restored "Gaslamp District" on the once notorious 5th Ave, for a very enjoyable meal @ "La Festa" (Mexican) - Slept very well that night.
The Mission of Santa Barbara was built in 1786 by Padre Junipero Serra & is nicknamed "Queen Of The Missions" & that she is. About the Missions - There are 21 that start in San Diego (Cambria) & go all the way north to Monterey & are a days ride apart. Thhey are linked by "The Royal Road - Modern US Highway 101" - A vivid reminder of the history of this turbulant, multi-cultural country.
Out of Santa Barbara we turned the car south & headed towards Los Angeles to pick up Cousin Wendy who was flying in today (so 4 in the car). As we came into greater LA we pased through famous suburbs like "Huntington Beach" & "Laguna Beach" - Lots of beautiful people & cars.
Picked up Wendy & made our way to San Diego, passing through Orange County (The OC), that giant slab of spoilt suburbia wedged between LA & San Diego - Malls & beaches - the panacea to all problems in this part of the world.
Actually getting into SD should have been easy, but with no map it wasn't, so after many wrong turns onto incorrect Freeways, we eventually found our way thanks to the assistance of a local, arriving @ our hotel, the very, very impressive "US Grant" around 5pm.
The US Grant is a SD landmark in luxury since 1910 (potentially the most comfortable bed I have ever slept in, although my bed @ home is pretty damn good). Met up with Mat & Jules who also drove down from Santa Barbara today & went out for dinner in the beautifully restored "Gaslamp District" on the once notorious 5th Ave, for a very enjoyable meal @ "La Festa" (Mexican) - Slept very well that night.
Day 6 - 17/03/07: Monterey - Santa Barbara
Hi, I'm back after a couple of weeks of eating & drinking up & down the West Coast of the mighty USA.
So now where were we...still in Monteray if my memory serves me well.
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Awoke early as today was another long driving day with "Big Sur" being the first spectacle to experience - Big Sur or if translated from Spanish, "The Big South" is a 90-odd mile stretch between Cambria in the south of California & the Monterey Peninsula in the north. The coastline here is an awe-inspiring symphony of nature & at times the road (Hwy 1) seems to clutch @ the cliffs as if in desperation above a ravenous sea.
Highlights along this famous stretch of road included the stunning Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park & amazing Bixby Bridge built in 1932. The major stop was @ "Heart Castle", but before that we were lucky enough to catch a Seal-Lion colony resting on the beach a few miles north of "Hearst Castle".
"Hearst Castle" overlooks the pacific & is probably California's most famous monument to wealth & ambition. As we arrived @ the visitor's centre it was still very foggy, but as we climbed the windy 8 mile road to the castle, the weather incredibly cleared to a blue & sunny day.
William Randolph Hearst, the newspaper magnate, created an estate that sprawls over 127 acres of lushly landscaped gardens, accentuated by shimmering pools (sadly under repair & so currently drained) & statues from ancient Greece & Moorish Spain.
We did "Tour I", which covers the estate on a 'macro level' - covering all the major highlights of the castle & lasted 1.5 hrs (& was booked from home prior to leaving - love the internet).
From Hearst we made the final run into Santa Barbara, with a stop in "San Luis Obispo", another community that grew up around the famous Spanish Missions that run up the coast from Mexico. Along the way we also passed many of the regions famous wineries, but sadly had no time to stop & taste.
Santa Barbara is a pretty & very affluent town with its white stucco red tiled homes fronting onto a beautiful harbour. After dinner we discovered an anti war protest, with crosses in the sand & a candle, signifying the us that have died in Iraq - 3256 & counting...Very moving
So now where were we...still in Monteray if my memory serves me well.
*************************************************************************************
Awoke early as today was another long driving day with "Big Sur" being the first spectacle to experience - Big Sur or if translated from Spanish, "The Big South" is a 90-odd mile stretch between Cambria in the south of California & the Monterey Peninsula in the north. The coastline here is an awe-inspiring symphony of nature & at times the road (Hwy 1) seems to clutch @ the cliffs as if in desperation above a ravenous sea.
Highlights along this famous stretch of road included the stunning Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park & amazing Bixby Bridge built in 1932. The major stop was @ "Heart Castle", but before that we were lucky enough to catch a Seal-Lion colony resting on the beach a few miles north of "Hearst Castle".
"Hearst Castle" overlooks the pacific & is probably California's most famous monument to wealth & ambition. As we arrived @ the visitor's centre it was still very foggy, but as we climbed the windy 8 mile road to the castle, the weather incredibly cleared to a blue & sunny day.
William Randolph Hearst, the newspaper magnate, created an estate that sprawls over 127 acres of lushly landscaped gardens, accentuated by shimmering pools (sadly under repair & so currently drained) & statues from ancient Greece & Moorish Spain.
We did "Tour I", which covers the estate on a 'macro level' - covering all the major highlights of the castle & lasted 1.5 hrs (& was booked from home prior to leaving - love the internet).
From Hearst we made the final run into Santa Barbara, with a stop in "San Luis Obispo", another community that grew up around the famous Spanish Missions that run up the coast from Mexico. Along the way we also passed many of the regions famous wineries, but sadly had no time to stop & taste.
Santa Barbara is a pretty & very affluent town with its white stucco red tiled homes fronting onto a beautiful harbour. After dinner we discovered an anti war protest, with crosses in the sand & a candle, signifying the us that have died in Iraq - 3256 & counting...Very moving
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