TravelStream™ news feed for member oldfield on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/oldfield en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Fri, 03 Oct 2008 02:50:47 -0400 http://www.travelpod.com http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/oldfield/1/1222916400/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/oldfield/1/1222916400/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/oldfield/1/1222916400/tpod.html Fri, 03 Oct 2008 02:50:47 -0400 U S of A

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Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Today is our lazy day in San Francisco and the last day of our holiday. Tonight we leave San Fran at the ungodly hour of 10:40PM - what are we going to do until then - we would normally be fast asleep in our Hotel room by this stage elsewhere on the trip.

Check out was 12 so the morning was spent lazing around, doing one final bag pack, checking emails until we checked out. We hadn't seen the bridge thing that is here yet, so off we ventured after checkout and stowing our bags for the afternoon.

We decided to do it the old fashioned way - self guided tour of the Golden Gate Bridge. Jumping on the 38L which was right at the front of our hotel, with me and my trusty San Fran map in my hand, we headed west. Not exactly sure where to get off I was watching each street pass us by making sure we didn't go too far.

Perfect timing for us, we have relied on someone else pressing the "STOP" button and this time no exception - the stop arrived and we changed over to the 22 for the trip to the bridge.

The map indicated the bus went across the bridge, and I thought it would be fun to go across the bridge. We stayed on the bus when all the tourists piled out. The bus went around the corner and we got the nerves that it would not go all the way across. Lucky for us there was another stop and we jumped off only to see the bus depart back towards San Francisco.

We wandered about half way across the bridge to the viewing platform at one of the Twin Towers (I guess you could say the original). As much as the drop is not huge, you could certainly see the swell coming in from the Pacific Ocean and the wind was pretty strong too. I read somewhere that no one had survived jumping off the bridge (I guess that was their intention unfortunately) with the exception of one person who later died due to internal injuries suffered from the impact with the water.

We had a few tussles with bike riders - the system at Brooklyn Bridge is much better where they have a separate path for pedestrians and bike riders, but managed to get ourselves safely back to the start of the bridge in one piece for a quick refreshment.

The bus was scheduled to pick us up at 5pm so we still had some time. As opposed to jumping back on the bus and heading back to downtown we went to Fort Mason. We were expecting more then just a car park when we arrived - perhaps it was over the hill, so off we went again - to the famous "Windiest Street in the World" We knew being in San Fran, this would be at the top of hill, the question for us was which would be the best bus stop to get off at the try and limit the uphill climb - we stuffed up.

4 Blocks later we had arrived at the top of a hill that was seemingly a 45 degree incline all the way with the exception of the intersections. I can understand why people catch the cable car up these hills, and also why everyone who parks on the street needs to turn their wheels at 45 degrees in case the hand brake fails. I guess you need to do everything once, but never twice!!

In both directions, the view was rather nice. One way over towards Alcatraz and the Bridge down the road that we had hiked up and the other down the road that we had hiked up to see. Only cars can travel down (there is no up) the road and the speed limit is an understandable 5 mph (just under 10kph) with about 5 or 6 hair pin turns the entire way.

Going down is much easier then going up, so of we went to catch the bus back to downtown. I sat next to a rather interesting lady on the bus who liked to share with everyone what she was up to whilst talking on her phone - a bit too fruity to talk about here.

The bus took us back to Union Square which was on the same block as the Hotel. A good outcome really - a full circle of parts of San Fran and back to the Hotel door.

We settled into our local diner for lunch. Both finishing up with Bacon Cheeseburgers and a few beers (not local - I just couldn't get why they drink that stuff).

After lunch we went and sat in Union Square and just chilled before the trek home. It was time to get our bags for the 5.00 PM bus. Just as we walked in, at about 4:40 PM mind you, this Super Shuttle bus rocks up - here we are wanting some service from them and they turn up 20 minutes early. We didn't realize he had passengers in his bus, but our luggage wasn't ready. We had this crazy little Asian driver who was as nervous as all hell. I couldn't tell him to do a block while we waited for the bags, nor did he understand that we didn't have our bags yet - I have no idea what his problem was he just kept going inside and out. We were in no hurry, we still have almost 6 hours till we left. Perhaps he was scared at getting a ticket - serves you right for being early!

Off we went - about 30 minutes later we arrived. Last to be picked up, First to be dropped off. As we arrived one of the passengers told him she wanted to go to a terminal we had already passed, and off he went to all and sundry. As we got out, our passing words were o our fellow passengers: "Good Luck"

We got here 5:30 PM and check in opened at 6:45 PM so another wait. Checked in a got 2 seats by themselves and on standby for upgrade to Business with our points but we are not overly confident - we can use them for something else fun another day.

Got some goodies duty free and just waited patiently for boarding to come home. We both really like Sam Fran - it's a place to visit and we will come back on our adventures. Reminds us of Melbourne - Good public transport, well laid out city and the people seem much friendly and relaxed then the crazy ones from LA. If you are leaving US to go home, we recommend leaving from San Fran as opposed to LA - so much easier!!
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San Francisco, California, United States

On the back of the Sea Lions yesterday we thought a trip to the zoo was due today.

We worked out that one bus / tram / car / train would get use there - the "L" line, but we weren't exactly sure where it departed from. We wandered towards Market Street and had a quick bit to eat on the way (Omlette and Bacon & Eggs). The tram to Alcatraz departed from the street so we initially though this is where we should start. After a few minutes of our bus not going past we began to wonder what was happening - the transport is rather regular in the city and if you cant catch your chosen transport quickly you are prob in the wrong spot. We decided to have a look at the underground and "capow" - there it is. On we jumped for the trip to the Zoo.

The interesting part of this trip is that half of it was in the underground, and the rest of it was in the streets like a traditional Melbourne tram. We weren't exactly sure where to get off - the map we had did not go out that far, but I knew it was near the end of the line. A lady and 2 kids got on an we heard them talking about the zoo, so we knew if she got off, we were on a winner!

The Zoo stop was however the last stop of the trip so off we jumped. The Zoo was not signposted anywhere which was really bizarre, so we sort of just guessed (we couldn't follow the lady as she was held back a bit by the kids). Found it!

First impression was where are all the people, and it looks a bit run down. I wonder if the Tiger escape (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,318365,00.html or http://www.flickr.com/photos/stephenoachs/2125339481) has anything to do with this, or perhaps the age of the zoo. It was a good, relaxed day however, the sun was out and the stroll around was good.

Highlights - the Polar Bears (aged 27, 27 & 29), the Grizzly bears and of course the big cats. 3 6 month old Tiger Cubs were still with their mum, but by crikey they put our little kitty cat to shame, but we still love him to bits.

The feeding of the Penguins was also good fun. When we first saw them, some of the looked really sick, but the keeper explained at feeding time. This is the time of year they shed their feathers. When they do this they are not waterproof anymore so they cant swim. Before they start to loose the feathers they eat enough fish to ad about 50% to their body weight so they don't have to eat during the feather lose.

The zoo is right on the pacific ocean so we also waved back home!

Back on the tram for the trek back in. Got back into the city about 5:30 for "peak" hour. We bought some salad and cakes for dinner and ventured upstairs to start to pack as we need to check out in the morning.

One sleep left until we jump on the place to come home. We both miss our puppy and kitty and are really looking forward to seeing progress on the house.
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San Francisco, California, United States

So today we were off to Alcatraz. Initially we had thought about walking, but it got the better off us when we researched the local public transport and found a 5 minute walk would have us at the door of where the tour left, so we ended up catching the "F" out to Pier 33 where the boat left.

We arrived in plenty of time for our 9:30 departure so grabbed a quick bite to eat before boarding. Once again, the Americans take photos of everything that moves at tourist activities, and then charge a fortune for it. We had our photo taken in front of a picture of the "Rock" and were asked to fork out $25 for what was clearly a "fixed" photo - we are sure our photos will come out better then that.

About 10 minutes across the bay to Alcatraz and we were on the dock listening to the National Park Ranger who though he was a comedian giving a welcome speech. It actually felt like home as we were doing the Aussie salute - there were flies everyone down on the dock.

We grabbed an Audio Tour which had us weaving in and our of different cell blocks and passageways. The prisoners gave different parts of the prison names, for instance, there is a part that was know as Times Square and another Broadway.
Audio Tour was conducted by 4 ex prison guards and 4 ex convicts - given the prison closed in 1963 it would have been recorded some time ago, but was still very informative. I expected more from such a infamous house of incarceration - its not that it was bad, I just thought it would be more gloomy and scary then it was given the reputation it had - that said, I am still very glad that we were not locked up in a cell and subjected to the Prison at its finest.
Some great views across the bay to San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge could be had from the South West corner of the Island, not any surprise to find out this was the corner that the Admin Section and the Guard's residences were located.

Back on the Boat to get away from the Flies. Off to Pier 39 - commonly known as Fisherman's Wharf. Basically just a bunch of boutique shops and food outlets - I think we may have bought something at every food outlet!!

Sat down and watched a magician - and then wandered to the end of the pier. We saw a sign for Sea Lions and I thought, yeah yeah, whatever, as if they would be there, they'd be there in summer only, but to our surprise, there was about 20 man made piers and probably 300 Sea Lions just relaxing and chilling about 5 metres from the pier - absolutely amazing to see wildlife in its own habitat (see live webcam during US daytime hours at attached link http://www.pier39.com/) They were barking, fighting, relaxing and just having a good time - we literally spent about 1 hour just watching them go.

Back onto the transport and back to downtown. It was time for a bit of lunch and one final shopping expedition. I wanted to get a pair of Crocs (yes, I have finally been won over by the number of people here who wear them - they must be good). Ange however scored more then me though - Old Navy appears to be her new favourite store. Heaps of good stuff and all relatively priced. I wont say it is as good as NYC, but the shopping here is also pretty good, and all within a reasonably small area for walking.

It was time to go back to the room as the bags were starting to weigh us down. Just relaxed and transferred some photos before getting ready for dinner. Again had a massive meal, without the need for an entree. Ange had a steak, and for a fine dining restaurant it was prob three times as big as a steak at a fine dining place at home. The funniest part was Ange chose Broccoli as her vegetable. No, not 1 or 2 flowers, but a whole head of the stuff!!!! I had chicken parmi - not what I was expecting but it was OK.
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San Francisco, California, United States

Well Super Shuttle has performed today!

Being picked up at 7:10 we were a little worried actually that we would not make the Airport in time, but we did. This time the Shuttle only made 3 stops and all appeared to be in line to the Airport.

We knew we were flying with American Airlines as, but the flight number on our itinerary was a Qantas flight number. On our Qantas profile it had a Qantas number so we were a bit confused as to which counter to go to, but luckily they are both at Terminal 4.
We started at Qantas and it was a no go as appeared to be just International Check-in so off to American Airlines we chuffed. Again here no luck with our confirmation number. We had to check in direct at the counter, but finally success! Interestingly we had to take our bags from check in to the X-Ray machine where they were off to the plane.

We arrived Safely in San Francisco hoping that our bags had got through the interesting X-Ray system and they had. We also had our first celebrity spotting. I was a little bit excited as my ring tone on my phone is the TV series 24 ring tone. Ange wasn't as excited, but sitting in business class from LA to San Fran was Dennis Haysbert, aka President David Palmer from the TV series 24. Excitement Plus!! I wanted Ange to ring me so my phone would ring, but then I realised I had to hard reboot my phone in NY and hence the ring tone is gone.

Again we met up with the friendly Super Shuttle charter. We had 9 in the bus this time, 2 locals, 5 Aussies and 2 other US tourists. We got a ride through the burbs of San Fran, including some of those famous hilly streets, and a bit of free tourist advice from the 2 locals.

Arriving at the hotel a bit after 12 noon we check in, settled and decided to go for a bit of a wander. I already like San Fran more then LA and we only been here 12 hours. Easy though, there is less then 1m in San Fran compared to about 10m!!
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Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

Check out at the Hotel Belleclaire was 12 noon and our shuttle pick up was 12:10 so timing was perfect. We went a grabbed breakfast at the local diner for the last time and just relaxed through the morning.

The trip to JFK Airport took about 90 minutes but we got to see more of NYC then we did on the way in as it wasn't nighttime. Saw a few games of cricket on the way which was a great surprise!

Had to wait in JFK for what seemed like hours. Check in and Security was just the usual, and we made our way to the gate by about 2 for a 5pm flight. No Internet access here so Ange read a bit and I played a few games on the computer.

Finally we got on the plane, but we were then delayed as one of the crew members was late. Being the busy airport that it is, a delay is bad news at JFK - we were running late. Normally this wouldn't be an issue for us, but we have tickets to a 10:30pm performance of "O" by Cirque De Soleil and we had to pick the tickets up by 9:30 of they would be sold to someone else.

We got to the shuttle bus by about 8, and we just sat there till it was full. Another shuttle bus experience for us. Although its not the drivers fault it makes it hard to tip when you have the cranks and are running late.

Luckily we had checked into the MGM Grand at the airport whilst we were waiting for our baggage so once we arrived at the Hotel it was all steam ahead.

We freshend up and tried to get our bearings. We knew the Bellagio Casino was close from looking at the map - both Casino's were on Las Vegas Blvd, but had no idea where this was. The taxi line was long so we decided to go for a hike. In retrospect and knowing where the casino was this was the wrong move. About half way we had to hail a cab. Ange had rocks in her shoes and they were already giving her blisters. We arrived just as the 9:30 showing of the Bellagio Water show was finishing and rushed into the casino to grab our tickets. We were fortunate enough to get our tickets, as there was already a long Stand-by line.

Looking back now, we could have walked but we would have taken a different exit from the MGM and we would have been there in no time. This was the only time that we had to catch a taxi in Vegas - we walked everywhere after that.

Now it was time to get a feed as American Airlines don't serve meals on flights likes Qantas does. You just get a drink and you have to buy everything else. We hadn't eaten since mid afternoon and it was now 9:50 so we went a grabbed a quick bite to eat. I had the famous "Philly Cheese steak" Sub and it was delicious.

By this stage we had relaxed a bit after the stress of missing out of the show that was sure to be a highlight of the trip and it was off to the show.

The theatre was amazing. Pity we didn't take a camera - you could take photos before the show started, but not during. Hard to compare to anything really at home, but imagine lights and colours everywhere in front of a large stage.

The show was totally amazing - Dad would have loved it simple for the technically brilliance alone. From the start to how the House Curtain disappeared and then reappeared at the end of the to how they used a large 15 foot deep swimming pool, at times in sections, at times not at all with a hard stage floor on it. I think all Cirque De Soleil are pretty much the same from an acrobatic content, the difference is clearly the technical aspects of the show - second to none and all so precisely timed. Highly recommended if you can get to Vegas at some stage.

By the time the show finished we were running out of Adrenalin so back to the Hotel to get some sleep.
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Los Angeles, California, United States

We decided last night to do a day trip around LA today and make the most of our time in LA as opposed to having to rush a trip to Universal on what was likely to be its busiest day being a Saturday.

We were picked up at 8:30 and transported to the main depot for the bus company (VIP Tours) where we moved onto another bus driven by our driver, Sunny, who was a Syrian who grew up in Baghdad, who then moved to Greece and finished in the USA - a character.

We started with a trip to Fisherman's Village at Marina Del Rey. There was a lot of fog in LA today (as opposed to smog) and there was not much to be seen here today. To be honest, even on a nice day there would not be much to be seen here.

On to Venice Beach. Interesting place. Lots of activity here with roller bladders, basketball, tennis and the beach. Venice Beach is the home to Muscle Beach where the Governator was discovered those many years ago. Lost of stalls in the back of sheds. Would have been nicer if we could see water but Fog was still low. Was a place I wont hurry back to, in fact it was not recommended to be there after dark - I think that says it all.

Along the coast to Santa Monica. Whilst we didn't stop here, it was clear that this area was much more family friendly then Venice Beach. The local government have done a lot of work to clean it up as apparently a few years ago it was like Venice. Santa Monica is home to the Beach from Baywatch although it was hard to recognise from a distance and with the Fog.

Headed back in towards the city and the Fog lifted almost straight away. Off to Rodeo Drive. My God!! LA have difference cities within itself, from the apparent "slums" of Venice Beach to the Ritz and glamour of Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, 90210. No celebrity citings today, but such is life, just a heap of expensive stores!!!

Off next to West Hollywood, not that long a trip and to Farmer's Market where we had a bit to eat for lunch. Really just like a giant outside food court, but I am sure there is more to it that we didn't get a chance to explore.

From here it was along Sunset Blvd. Here we were shown a bunch of Hotels, Restaurants and Night Clubs that either had a famous celebrity owner or an event that is based around a celebrity. We saw where Oprah frequents where she is in LA and of course the (in)famous Viper Room where River Phoenix died - it was owned by Johnny Depp when River Phoenix died. We also went past a few other famous places like the Ivy Room.

Off to the area of LA that probably makes it famous. Hollywood. We stopped on Hollywood Blvd and located a number of stars on the Walk of Fame. It was here that we discovered that Paul Newman had passed away. Saw the Chinese Theatre (and found a number of famous hand prints) and the Kodak Theatre where the Academy Awards are now held each year. Really hard to imagine such a ceremony with the pomp that it has it such a crowded and downtown area. I would have imagined it in more of a convection centre type place in more of an open area, but I guess it works. It will be good to see the Red Carpet at the next Oscars to try and put it in perspective.

You cant go to the Hollywood sign anymore as its in a residential area, and they are trying to protect it, but we did get a few happy snaps from near the Kodak Theatre.

By this stage we were a bit weary, but we were off to downtown LA. We had a chance to wander here but we just sat there as the day was catching up with us (and maybe all the walking from yesterday). Longing to get back on the bus a quick trip through China Town and then the trip started back to the Hotels. We were 4th or 5th off and got dropped back at the Hotel about 4pm.

Looking forward to San Fran tomorrow. I think LA is more just a base for doing tourist activities. Even though we have only had 2 full days here, I do not feel that we have missed out on anything or regret not doing anything that we could have done.
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New York City, New York, United States

Its the Big Apple!

We left Sydney at 10am on the 15th and arrived in NYC at 5pm on the 15th - pity it wasn't a 7 hour flight, but the time differecne of 15 hours made it a 22 hour flight including a 2 hour stop over in LA.
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West Hollywood, California, United States

Sorry to see Las Vegas go it was an early start today. The Shuttle bus picked us up at 6:30 for the 5 minute bus trip to the Las Vegas airport for our 9:50 flight!

They tell us we need 2 hours to check in and get through security but just over 3 hours was out of control. Check in is random in Vegas. You Self Check in like in Australia, but there is no line once this is completed. Its totally random once you have your boarding pass to get your luggage checked. Some people who got their boarding pass after us got called forward before us. I think that fact that we had 4 bags may have been an issue here - not sure. Nonetheless we got called us, individually, and baggage go through. Luckily we are international travelers and had a 70 pound weight limit - some passengers luggage was too heavy and they were forced to unpack their baggage on the spot!

Getting through US security screen is similar to Australia, just there are more people, more x-ray machines and obviously more security staff. Its just easier to check through everything you dint need and put everything except those clothes you are wearing in the x-ray machine. Even our thongs go through the machine.

So there we were, in the terminal with a 2 hour wait before check in, luckily for me the terminal had free wireless so could catch up on some emails and news as the Hotel did not have free wireless.

We arrived at LAX on time and made our way to the baggage claim. The airport clearly needs an overhaul and we found out later this was on the agenda. It looks really old and run down. Our baggage was delayed a bit, but it was also the first bags out so that was nice to be on our way.

Finding our shuttle relatively easily we were off. LA is mad - there are cars everywhere - 5 or 6 lane freeways are totally blocked and its not even peak hour.

We had another bad experience on the shuttle. Not the drivers fault. The shuttles are supposed to be for a specific area of LA, like ours was Beverly Hills / West Hollywood. Some random women somehow got on the bus and took us into the Hills of LA way past our hotel. We figure she tricked the driver and slipped him some extra $$ to get dropped of first. She lived in a very fancy place in a Private Drive, so she prob was as tight as and not prepared to pay for a better service even though she could afford it - the driver and a few of the passengers had a bit of a stink, but it wasn't really his fault.

We were last to be dropped off, prob after about 90 minutes in the shuttle and it was a stinker. You could say we are not massive fans of shuttles and for our next trip we will certainly look at alternatives.

Luckily the Hotel had a room available and we settled in, had a wander around and got our bearings. We booked a trip to Disneyland for tomorrow and had Beer and Pizza for dinner to finish off our arrival in LA.
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Anaheim, California, United States

So today we were off to the "Happiest Place on Earth" - the original Disneyland, "Disneyland Park".

After catching a quick breakfast we were waiting for the bus to pick us up at 8:30, and yes, you guessed it, the LA traffic caught up with us, and the bus was late, but it did show.

We arrived at Disneyland at just after 10am and straight into it.

First stop was "Adventureland" where we went in Tarzan's Treehouse - a neat, quick simple attraction that just involves walking through a rainforest canopy.

Unfortunately the Indiana Jones ride was closed when we got there so it was off to "New Orleans Square" and into the Haunted Mansion Holiday. This was a bit of a twist on the Christmas Carol, but was done on a "Have a Scary Christmas" Basis. Was dark at times and poor Ange left her glasses in the hotel room so had to wear her sunnies in so it was even darker for her, but a bit of fun to start off the day.

Then onto the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. This was fun, it was stinking hot and the ride saw us in a "row boat" and it was a water ride. The breeze off the water cooled us instantly. The effects of the ride are incredible. Not too many bumps or sudden drops on the roller coaster either.

Off to "Critter Country" where I had a crack at Slash Mountain. Riding in a log type contraption, we meandered all through water up and down. The best part was the sudden drop from the top of the ride. It was about 5 metre drop at 45 degree angle. I only got a little bit wet, but even then I dried off pretty quick in the heat.

The "Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh" was next. This was a nice simple ride that would be great for the young kids. Heaps of Winnie's, tiggers, piglet and all the gang going their bit - mainly based around Pooh's love for Honey. We finished here with a spot of shopping and lunch at the Hungry Bear Restaurant.

Off to "Frontierland". We caught a ferry across the moat to Tom Sawyer Island. Not much here other then just a walking trail, but it was in the shade so that was good. Back on the ferry to go to "Big Thunder Rail Road". This was roller coaster in the form of a train and its carriages through the Gold Rush Years. Didn't get thrown around too much, but the thighs were sore from pressing against the bar to brace into the corners.

Big Thunder Ranch is like a Kids Petting Zoo. We didn't stop her to Pat the animals but looked like another great one for the kids!

Off the "Fantasyland". This one is really for the kids, or the kids at heart. We had a go on those famous tea cups we all see on the Disney shows (Mad Tea Party) and it was way dizzy when it gets going. Peter Pan's Flight was fun - you go through Neverland and fight Captain Hook, but you are suspended in a flying ship, not like the traditional roller coaster on the ground. The line for Pinocchio's Daring Journey was heaps long, but we had to go as Ange was wearing her Pinocchio T-shirt. Unfortunately "It's a small world' was closed due to open later in the year.

Now it was the turn of "Mickey's Toontown". Given it was getting close to the Grand Parade starting we had to be quick so off to "Roger Rabbits Car Toon Spin". This was fun - you sit in a yellow car, but the car has a wheel that means you can turn the car around whilst it is going around the track - essentially controlling what direction you are looking. We also had a quick look inside Mickey's House and bumped into Goofy then over to the Grand Parade.
We saw floats and characters for Lion King, Beauty & the Beast, Little Mermaid, Cinderella, Snow White & the 7 Dwarfs, Pinocchio, Aladdin, Alice in Wonderland and of course the King and Queen of Disneyland - Mickey & Minnie.

When the parade finished I bolted to Matterhorn Bobsled as the line was still building up after the Parade, a bit like Splash Mountain but not as eventful.

Off to "Tomorrowland" and first stop was Autopia - a hybrid of dodgem cars vs roller coaster. Ange drove and controlled the speed and direction of the car, but the car was still on a track so if we steered in the wrong direction it was corrected. After some massive over steering issues (the grip on the tyres is rather bad) we finished a lap in record time and it was time for a drink.

Whilst having our drink, we settled into the show for the "Jedi Training Academy" Again we took this chance to see some other attractions whilst all the kids were amused elsewhere. The line for the Finding Nemo ride (underwater in Submarine) was too long to even consider going in even though it would have been tremendous, so we settled for "Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters" instead - what a choice we made. Like the Roger Rabbit ride, you can also control the direction you face, but we had Astro Blasters and had to shoot the enemy and help Buzz and the team save the universe. We had a lot of fun in this one, but after all the shots we took both our fingers were a bit sore.

I then went on the "Star Tours" Simulator. I was warned of severe and sudden jolts and to be honest I was disappointed given all the hype around Star Wars and the quality of the product they produce.

Time was running tight for our 6:30 pickup so we went and had a look at "Honey, I Shrunk the Audience". A 3D movie where the Audience is shrunk and a number of other things happened like 1 mouse was duplicated into 900 mice. When they escaped they ran through the audience and gave us a bit of a fright under the chairs.

That was about all we had time for so we caught the Train back to the front gate, did a bit or souvenir shopping and headed back to the bus which picked us up a bit after 6:30. We got back to the Hotel about 8. We were last to be dropped off by the driver so we had a chat about LA and in particular West Hollywood where we were staying. When we got back, we walked down the street to grab a bit to eat and that was our day.

My take on Disneyland. The time we had there was enough for one day - there is a lot of walking to be done, but if you stayed till 11pm when the park closes it would make a very long day of it. We prob didn't plan our day very well and spent too long in lines. The Fastpass would have been a better idea here, but would have also involved more walking around the park.

There is also a "sister park" called California Adventures so I guess the 3 day pass if you have the time and the the conviction to walk a lot for three days straight is the pass to go for.

All in all a great day was had!!
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Washington DC, District of Columbia, United States

Despite the long trip (I think we calculated a total of 28 hours) from when we left Canberra till arriving in New York, our first full day started with a sense of excitement with a Day Trip to Washington. Not knowing exactly where Washington DC was, not how far it was from NYC.

Catching the bus at Grand Central Station (42nd Street), we decided to walk through Central Park to catch in early morning activity. There was heaps of runners and bike riders. Given that we had not yet got our bearings around NYC just yet, the decision to walk got the better of us and we hailed a famous Yeloow cab to get us to the bus on time.

We arrived at 8 am to find that the bus would take 4 hours to get to Washington DC. So here we are thinking, 48 hours return - will we see anthing......

Wwe arrive in Washinton and it was a beautiful day. Starting at the Lincoln Memorial, we also so saw the Vietnam and the Korean War Memorials and Capitol Hill looking out across the Reflection Pool.

Lincoln Memorial was fantastic. The Americans and so patriotic!

From there off to the White House (only from the outside), the National Space Museum and Capitol Hill. We both left Washington wanting more and disappointed just how much we didnt get to see, but both wanting to go back some day. The day ending about 7pm back in NYC after a long bus trip back.
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