Laur’s, Andy and bump do LA and Vegas, baby – Day 4

[arieljasmine]

Laur’s, Andy and bump do LA and Vegas, baby – Day 4

Laur’s – 29
Andy – 29
Bump – 13 weeks

Monday 24 March 2008

I woke up at 7 am (something to do with a baby on the bladder) and Andy at 8 am, when we got up. Bump was so hungry that we ate our kitkat that we procured from the free minibar last night and had cups of tea. I had to take Andy's temperature as I was worried as to why he was letting me eat chocolate before breakfast!

The Magic Castle lays on a complimentary cold breakfast which we took full advantage of. The breakfast is laid out in the lobby, you help yourself and can either sit at a table outside by the pool or take your food back to the room. This morning I had froot loops, two slices of white toast with grape jelly, apple juice and tea. Andy had rice krispies, two slices of white toast with strawberry jelly, orange juice and coffee. We ate sat in the sunshine by the pool which was lovely.

Now we had gauged the weather we got changed and headed back to reception where we were provided with a walking map, two bottles of water and two packets of cheetos. We set off from the hotel at 9.30 am. The hotel is in an excellent location and in only a few minutes we were on to the Walk of Fame.

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We followed it in one direction and then came back to Graumann's Chinese Theatre. We enjoyed looking at the handprints and I was especially pleased that my hands fitted perfectly into Marilyn Monroe's prints.

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As an aside, there are many character performers who hang around outside the theatre posing for pictures with tourists - examples are actors dressed as Marilyn Monroe, Charlie Chaplin and Zorro. Over the few days we were in Hollywood, we were amused to see, at different times, Mickey Mouse with his hands off, Barney with his head off and Indiana Jones having lunch and smoking a cigarette! Wouldn't happen at Disney, eh?!

After spending some time outside the Chinese Theatre, we carried on with the Walk of Fame. We stopped at the top of the hill to have a sit down and eat our cheetos before walking back to the Hollywood and Highland Center. We went up to the viewpoint to take pictures of the Hollywood sign. It's such an amazing landmark, I couldn't believe it the night before when we saw it when we were driving in, very surreal feeling - the same sort of thing I felt when I saw the Statue of Liberty last year.

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We were ready for more food and a sit down by this point so we went to the Hollywood Pizzeria for lunch. We got an orange soda each, a slice of Hawaiian pizza for me and a slice of meat lovers pizza for Andy. The pizza was very tasty, but we got very hot sitting in there!

After lunch we went across the road to the Disney Studio store for a look round, they had some different things in here than you would expect to find in a standard Disney store.

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As we were already on the other side of the street, we walked this part of the Walk of Fame and had a look round the exterior of the Egyptian Theatre and took photos (I was very excited a few days later when I saw this on the news!).

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Whilst on this side of the street, we saw someone who was obviously famous as he was surrounded by a camera crew and lots of people. No one we knew, though I did hear someone say that he was a sports show host. One of the things I loved about Hollywood was that vibe of anything could happen.

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We crossed back to the Hollywood and Highland Center and went into the Virgin megastore. I got a DS game for my mum that is only available in the states, and we bought Bluetones, Simple Plan and Laura Branigan CDs for ourselves. We also went into my most favourite shop, Victorias Secret, where I got shampoo, conditioner, hair serum and Supermodel shimmering fragrance mist. Because I spent so much I qualified to get a VS tote bag with a lip plumper and Dream Angels Heavenly perfume for $10 which I took advantage of because it is gorgeous!

As is sensible when you've just loaded up on purchases, we decided to take the two hour Starline bus tour around the sights of Hollywood next. We sat on the top deck, of course, which was a little chilly when stuck in the constant traffic but was great to see all the landmarks that are so familiar from TV.

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We went all the way round on the bus and got off at the start again. One last stop before we headed back to the hotel - the Disney Studio Store again which is also a Soda Fountain. We shared a black and white sundae - vanilla and chocolate ice cream, hot fudge and marshmallow fluff (mmmm, marshmallow fluff).

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We walked the short distance back to the hotel calling in at reception for a cherry coke for me, a fanta for Andy and a small tub of sour cream and chive pringles. It was about 6.30 pm by this time, so we ate a few pringles, showered and changed.

We drove to KFC for tea. We both ordered Wild Cherry pepsi, I had a mash bowl (chicken pieces, mash, sweetcorn, cheese and gravy) and Andy had a honey bbq chicken sandwich with wedges. My mash bowl wasn't as good as usual as the girl serving us put it on our tray about 10 minutes before Andy's sandwich was ready so it wasn't all that warm when I came to eat it.

After tea we had a drive to the Guitar Center but it was closing up so we planned to get back there later in the week. We also called in at the Longs pharmacy for beer for Andy and nail polish and cuticle cream for me (yes, Sally Hansen - the best and so cheap in America!)

On the way back into the hotel we picked up a fanta for me, a bottle of water and two Hershey bars. I was determined not to spend the evening sleeping so we sat outside by the pool. Andy had his beer and I had my fanta and half a Hershey bar (I have to be really depressed to eat a whole one at once!) and played Fluxx which is a very cool card game in which the rules change with every game. I haven't noted what time we went to bed but you can bet it wasn't late!

Laur's princess:

[fizz13]

What a fantastic day!! and I love all your photos, i would have squealed to find all the disney related stars, and get you being the same hand size as Marilyn, very cool! I did the same bus tour years ago and it is very cool to see all those sights from movies and celebrity houses and things, just loved your report:goodvibes
everyday i keep checking for the next installment, can't wait to see day 5!

[Strommie]

Brilliant day Laur's and fantastic photos :thumbsup2

[arieljasmine]

Edited to add photo of Egyptian Theatre - think pregnancy is making me a bit dizzy!

Laur's princess:

[Lizzybear]

Love the walk of fame pics, gosh your report is making me soo excited!! :cool1: We're staying at the Orchid Suites in Hollywood, not far from the Magic Castle :goodvibes Did you find the nearby mall good for meals or did you need to travel a bit?

[arieljasmine]

Love the walk of fame pics, gosh your report is making me soo excited!! :cool1: We're staying at the Orchid Suites in Hollywood, not far from the Magic Castle :goodvibes Did you find the nearby mall good for meals or did you need to travel a bit?

Hi Lizzy, thanks for reading. Glad my report is getting you excited for your trip. Sounds like you will be in a really convenient location. The mall at Hollywood and Highland has quite a few food choices - depends what you are after really - we don't often do sit down meals on holiday and I didn't see evidence of any sit down places. We had to drive to Dennys and KFC but they weren't far away so I don't think it should cost too much in a taxi.

Laur's princess:

[wideeyes]

what a fantastic day, fantastic pictures too.:thumbsup2

[Snowy-girls]

Another great day Laur's.Excellent pic's.I remember doing the tour-it was great.We saw Ringo Starr down Rodeo Drive coming out of a little Boutique-it was later on the news that he was picking up a dress for his wife.I also took a pic of the Viper Room(i was a huge fan of River Phoenix).
Did you notice how small John Wayne's feet were outside the Chinese Theater-don't know why i always remember this:confused3 :laughing: .Can't wait for the next installment-i always check every day as well.x.

[Lizzybear]

Hi Lizzy, thanks for reading. Glad my report is getting you excited for your trip. Sounds like you will be in a really convenient location. The mall at Hollywood and Highland has quite a few food choices - depends what you are after really - we don't often do sit down meals on holiday and I didn't see evidence of any sit down places. We had to drive to Dennys and KFC but they weren't far away so I don't think it should cost too much in a taxi.

Laur's princess:

Thanks for replying so quickly Laurs, most kind :goodvibes When I learned how close the Disney soda shop was to the Orchid Suites it pretty much sealed the deal for me *lol* I know some say Hollywood is a bit seedy to stay in but I think it's just a case of using common sense as with anywhere. We'll have a car but it's nice to know there are some eateries within walking distance aswell. And with that I will stop hijacking your thread! :upsidedow
Really enjoying these reports by the way, can't wait for the next one! Hope your pregnancy is going well too :cutie:

[mandymouse]

What a lovely day Laur's, and your photos are great too :thumbsup2

[natalielongstaff]

great report :) i loved seeing the iconic pics such as rodeo drive.

[SusanEllen]

Did you notice how small John Wayne's feet were outside the Chinese Theater-don't know why i always remember this:confused3 :laughing:

Michelle, I think that's because he was wearing cowboy boots which are the male equivalent of women's high heels, which look very tiny in the cement casts, don't they?

Lizzy, would you like a PM with some good, but inexpensive restaurants close or on the stretch of Hollywood Boulevard that Laur's just reported?

Laur's, you and your DH have a talent for making the most out of a day. Very much enjoyed today's report as you were covering one of my favorite places in the world and I think that's so for the very reasons you mentioned--the sense that it's all so familiar (from hundreds of movies) and a feeling that anything could happen. Good for you doing it and good for you sharing the adventure with us.

[jjk]

brilliant day,love your photos:goodvibes

[wickesy]

Great report so far Laur's. I noticed when we were at Prime Outlets the other day that they are opening a Victoria's Secret outlet in the Summer of this year.

[Lisash]

Another great day Laur's :thumbsup2

[arieljasmine]

Another great day Laur's.Excellent pic's.I remember doing the tour-it was great.We saw Ringo Starr down Rodeo Drive coming out of a little Boutique-it was later on the news that he was picking up a dress for his wife.I also took a pic of the Viper Room(i was a huge fan of River Phoenix).
Did you notice how small John Wayne's feet were outside the Chinese Theater-don't know why i always remember this:confused3 :laughing: .Can't wait for the next installment-i always check every day as well.x.

Ringo Starr? That's cool. I loved River Phoenix too - Stand by Me is my favourite film of all time. Yes, I did notice John Wayne's tiny feet, heehee.

Great report so far Laur's. I noticed when we were at Prime Outlets the other day that they are opening a Victoria's Secret outlet in the Summer of this year.

Ooooooo, thanks David :thumbsup2

Laur's princess:

[angel659]

Excellent trip report and pics hun. Loved seeing the disney stars. Wahoo. I so want to go, but I am hoping to link the holiday with a trip to Oz. Makes more sense that way. Considering Vegas is not a kids place. What did you think of LA. My parents were not impressed. Found it to be run down and sometimes sleezy. To be honest it takes a lot to impress my parents lmao. I so want to see the hollywood sign. Cant wait for day 5.

[arieljasmine]

Excellent trip report and pics hun. Loved seeing the disney stars. Wahoo. I so want to go, but I am hoping to link the holiday with a trip to Oz. Makes more sense that way. Considering Vegas is not a kids place. What did you think of LA. My parents were not impressed. Found it to be run down and sometimes sleezy. To be honest it takes a lot to impress my parents lmao. I so want to see the hollywood sign. Cant wait for day 5.

I liked the area we stayed in, though I had heard lots about it being run down and sleazy, where we were was nice, and clean. I imagine some parts of the area wouldn't be very nice, like anywhere I suppose. I hope you get there one day, honey xxx

[Chilly]

Wonderful photos.

[Lizzy Lemon]

Sounds a fantastic place you chose to stay. I would love to see all those famous places I've only ever heard of. I get goosebumps seeing the famous sights in London so Hollywood would bowl me away.

[jockey]

Laur's really loving your trippies, you pics are great too!:)

[DOPEYUK]

Wow Laur's-your reports are wonderful-and I'm very envious of all the fantastic places you and Andy get to go to. Your photos are amazing and fill me with a warm glow on a drab Thursday afternoom when I am bored at work! Have to drag Grumpy to Hollywood-but it's Dublin on Saturday (to pick up the Madonna album before it's available in the UK), Disneyland Paris in September and Disneyworld for Christmas this year!:santa:

[arieljasmine]

Wow Laur's-your reports are wonderful-and I'm very envious of all the fantastic places you and Andy get to go to. Your photos are amazing and fill me with a warm glow on a drab Thursday afternoom when I am bored at work! Have to drag Grumpy to Hollywood-but it's Dublin on Saturday (to pick up the Madonna album before it's available in the UK), Disneyland Paris in September and Disneyworld for Christmas this year!:santa:

Aww, thanks, I'm pleased that I could cheer up your afternoon. Sounds like you have some great trips planned too, any chance of a trippie?

Laur's x

[wils]

Another great day - I love the photos - hopefully one day I'll get to see the sites for real!

[SusanEllen]

My parents were not impressed. Found it to be run down and sometimes sleezy. To be honest it takes a lot to impress my parents lmao. I so want to see the hollywood sign.

Just to clarify the difference between Hollywood and West Hollywood--West Hollywood is between Hollywood (where the Walk of Fame and Grauman's Chinese Theatre are) and Beverly Hills (where Rodeo Drive is). West Hollywood is high rent and glamourous and the place you might spot the stars shopping. Hollywood is an LA neighborhood (unlike West Hollywood that is an incorporated city separate from LA--but surrounded by it!). The first time I saw the stretch of Hollywood Boulevard that Laur's just described so beautifully, it was very run down. Then about a dozen years ago the Disney Company took over the El Capitan Theatre and restored it to its former glory and that sparked a rejuvenation of the blocks immediately surrounding it. Since then the Academy Awards people decided to build a theatre for their Oscars show (the Kodak Theatre) right across the street from El Capitan. The Hollywood and Highland Shopping Mall was built, too, with each new construction meaning the removal of more of the seedy little tourist t-shirt shops.

So, if you want to see opulent Hollywood wealth when you visit, you still can. Just be sure to travel a mile west of Hollywood Boulevard. It's there in all it's glittering glory, I promise.

[Minniespal]

Another fantastic day Laur's with beautiful photos:)

[DisneyJo]

It sounds a great place to visit and your hotel sounds as though it's in a great postition :thumbsup2

[florida sun]

Laurs, brilliant report, fantastic to see Marilyn Monroe attractions (my idol). Im loving this report, your photos are wonderful.:thumbsup2

[mark&sue]

When we went in 1999 Mark was very disappointed with Hollywood as it seemed as dirty as London, but it sounds like it has improved so may go back again when DVC is up and running in Disneyland sometime in the future


susan

[Nubbedy]

I'm really impressed Laur's with the amount of stuff you cover in a day, especially at 13 weeks pregnant. I would have been exhausted. Liked the look of the Spring Sale in the Disney Store - 50 - 70 % off, did you get anything?

Sara. :)

[arieljasmine]

I'm really impressed Laur's with the amount of stuff you cover in a day, especially at 13 weeks pregnant. I would have been exhausted. Liked the look of the Spring Sale in the Disney Store - 50 - 70 % off, did you get anything?

Sara. :)

Thanks, Sara, I just slept a lot in the evenings! I was very good and didn't buy anything at the Disney store as I was saving myself for Disneyland!

Laur's princess: