It’s Always Sunny in California!..Eh?...L’il Bit!

[MEK]

More cool pictures of Venice Beach!

I love Stacy's apartment building. That courtyard is beautiful and reminds me of all the courtyards in Charleston. How lovely would it be to live somewhere where you can use a courtyard most months of the year.

It must be cool to live in So Cal. I bet you weren't missing Ohio at that point. And how fun to see the Hollywood sign.

 

[jenseib]

I love how completely different from each other the Hollywood sign photos have turned out. Mickey and Minnie actually looked relatively authentic compared to the ones we saw at Santa Monica pier. I never managed to find Walt Disney's star.

Corinna

Yes, I have seen worse characters before too.
It was total luck that I found Walts star and I am so happy I did.

Love your shot of Walt's star, the lighting was almost perfect!

Thanks!

Guess what, I am repeating myself - I LOVE your photos of the Chinese theatre and Donald's footprints!!!!!

You are right, that Minnie just doesn't look right and Mickey isn't himself either, but believe me they are much better than the ones we saw.

You took great pics of the Hollywood Sign too.

Walt's Star? I just love your photo and may have to borrow it for personal use. May I???

Thanks, thanks and thanks.

You sure can borrow it.

More cool pictures of Venice Beach!

I love Stacy's apartment building. That courtyard is beautiful and reminds me of all the courtyards in Charleston. How lovely would it be to live somewhere where you can use a courtyard most months of the year.

It must be cool to live in So Cal. I bet you weren't missing Ohio at that point. And how fun to see the Hollywood sign.

I have to admit....I never missed Ohio one bit! I missed Claire, but not Ohio...and being on my own for a whole week was so nice. No one to answer too, no one to have to drag out of bed and make sure they brush their teeth and take a bath...pure heaven.

 

[Woth2982]

You got some great photos of the Hollywood sign despite the trees being there. I never have any luck photographing it.

I always hate those characters on the streets. We were in NYC in February and they practically chased us around asking for photos.

I think you are right about the stones being able to be moved. I feel like they take some away and add new ones as well. They are always fun to look at and I never know who Sid is. I suppose I could google it, but then I never do lol.

 

[LuvEeyore]

Can't wait to hear more. I am loving reliving my California trip through yours. I really want to go back but WDW is in my future before California.

 

[jenseib]

You got some great photos of the Hollywood sign despite the trees being there. I never have any luck photographing it.

I always hate those characters on the streets. We were in NYC in February and they practically chased us around asking for photos.

I think you are right about the stones being able to be moved. I feel like they take some away and add new ones as well. They are always fun to look at and I never know who Sid is. I suppose I could google it, but then I never do lol.

It really is hard to get. You can see it all over the place, but there isn't great spots to stop and actually get it. Some places have signs that say no stopping too.
I have seen some pics of those characters in NYC....CREEPY!!!
I read since I have been home that some are inside hanging on a wall too.

Can't wait to hear more. I am loving reliving my California trip through yours. I really want to go back but WDW is in my future before California.

Glad to help! it was a totally new experience and so much fun.

 

[jenseib]

As we walked back to the car, Stacy would point out different places and what some of them were. I know this place was something, but I don’t remember what.





This place totally cracked me up. The Rusty Mullet.



Totally creepy.



And we were off once again and heading towards Universal.







Soon we arrived at Universal.



Technically, we were not sure if we could take pictures, so I put my big camera away and had my point and shoot ready. I also took phone pictures, so as I post them they may not be in the correct order, but I think I used the phone first then switched to the point and shoot.

We were let in and given passes and found a spot to park. We then went to Stacy’s BF’s building and he had to come and let us in…..basically because we went in at the wrong spot. LOL.
We both had to use the bathroom and then her BF showed me where he worked and what movie he was working on right now. I forget the name, but something like under the stairs and it was a kids movie out several years ago and I believe they were adding a foreign language to it. He said the movie is awful and after watching it over and over it’s even worse. LOL.

Once we had used the restroom he took us out to a golf cart and we started carting around, with Stacy and I on the back and Mark as our chauffer.

I took a few quick shots as we set off. The sun was not my friend today.



We also drove right by the stage where they were setting up the stage for the Voice. I am not sure why it had been taken down, but it was quite the project going on and we did peek in there later and it looked like a big mess to me.

I believe these were props in storage.



This was a set used in a lot of movies and they just change things around for each movie.







I believe this was a western set.



Be careful!!! There is a Jaws set here somewhere!!!!





It was super hilly here and we got some great views.



Not very good pictures, but we just passed Whoville.





They also pointed out a few stars offices. I forget which ones were there, but Stacy has gone to some for meetings in the past.

I missed the hotel as we drove by…but you should all recognize the creepy house at the top of the hill…..Can anyone say psycho!!!!



And we went up to the top of the hill and around the house and I got a side shot.



This set is from War of the Worlds.



Those are airplane parts. Good thing I didn’t see that earlier this morning.



Kind of funny to see the War of the World set with the Psycho house in the background.

 

[Timon]

No one to answer too, no one to have to drag out of bed and make sure they brush their teeth and take a bath...pure heaven.

Explains why you kept asking me if I needed to go potty

Kidding! It was nice to just be me for a whole week and not "Mommy"

Cool pics! Haven't been to Universal Hollywood since my honeymoon! Funny seeing War of the Worlds set right next to the Psycho house. I remember seeing the Psycho house on the backlot tour

 

[natebenma]

Late, but here. I'm in the middle of MEK's update, so I'll come back soon to get caught up.



Dee

ETA: I have read through your updates so far

That is fantastic that plans and prices came together so you could make this trip to California.

Your flight sounds like it was decent ("I'm in the front row!")- I have never been close to the front of the plane.

As you said, Venice Beach is beautiful and there are so many interesting, quirky, fun things to see.

I loved seeing all of the iconic Hollywood pictures- the sign, Walt's star, Grauman's theatre. And I love that there are actual sets at Universal Studios, unlike at US in Florida or at HS in Disney.

 

[petals]

That minnie you posted a picture of looks like someone sat on her face!

 

[jenseib]

Explains why you kept asking me if I needed to go potty

Kidding! It was nice to just be me for a whole week and not "Mommy"

Cool pics! Haven't been to Universal Hollywood since my honeymoon! Funny seeing War of the Worlds set right next to the Psycho house. I remember seeing the Psycho house on the backlot tour

You are lucky I didn't come in while you were showering to be sure you rinsed your hair thoroughly!

It was so strange how everything is right next to each other, yet you would never know it in the movies. Stacy told me they are currently using that psycho set up for the Bates Motel TV show, but I am not really sure if they do or not. I guess they might for certain shots.

Late, but here. I'm in the middle of MEK's update, so I'll come back soon to get caught up.



Dee

ETA: I have read through your updates so far

That is fantastic that plans and prices came together so you could make this trip to California.

Your flight sounds like it was decent ("I'm in the front row!")- I have never been close to the front of the plane.

As you said, Venice Beach is beautiful and there are so many interesting, quirky, fun things to see.

I loved seeing all of the iconic Hollywood pictures- the sign, Walt's star, Grauman's theatre. And I love that there are actual sets at Universal Studios, unlike at US in Florida or at HS in Disney.

Yes, Universal Hollywood is very different than Florida in that regards. The back stage area was really neat and I could see bits of the theme park too, which looked interesting as well.
When Stacy was in highschool, her dad took the family out to CA for work and they combined it with a family trip. I remember seeing her pictures when she got home and they went/toured Universal. Her family was in sweat pants/jeans and she was dressed in a red dress with heels. I asked her why she dressed up and she said she was hoping to be discovered! We had such a good laugh over that over the years.

That minnie you posted a picture of looks like someone sat on her face!

It does!

 

[mom2rtk]

What an amazing welcome to California you had!

Great shots of the Hollywood sign. I still remember driving around in 2005 trying to get a shot of it myself. Of course, I didn't have a local driving me around for the best views! I bet that was a ton of fun. LOVE the one shot you got of the sign with the trees framing it so nicely.

We also made a point of seeking out Walt's star on the walk of fame. Who could resist? I love the lighting on yours with the sunlight hitting it just right. I didn't realize you were a Clark Gable fan. I am too, from way back. As a kid, I used to stay up and watch old movies late at night. No VCRs or DVDs back then! We also made sure to find Judy Garland's star.

Mickey and Minnie.......... YIKES! Definitely creepy. Minnie also looks likes she needs to wipe her face or something. When we were there I remember seeing Lucy and Marilyn. All I really remember is that it was a Sunday afternoon and it still took forever to get from Hollywood to Anaheim.

 

[jenseib]

As we rode around we did see the parks backlot tour come around and at times we had to wait for the tram to go by.
We then came to this hill and wow!!!!! What a view!



At this point a tour tram came by and noticed us on the golf cart and we heard comments like “They must be VIP’s”. We just laughed at that one. Sure, we are celebrities! Take our picture!!!!
I then decided to pull out my point and shoot since the people on the tram were taking pictures in this area anyways.

I took more pictures of the gorgeous view.







Mark pointed out Warner Bros. And he said off in the distance was Disney Studios, but I could never make it out where he was exactly pointing.





On we went then.



This lot is super hilly and we were going up and down hills constantly.

There’s a tram on tour.



At one point we went by the Jaws set but it was completely drained out and they weren’t sure if it is going under maintenance or of it’s going to be demolished for something else. I did not take a picture though…probably because it looked very creepy.

This area used to be an amphitheater but it has been torn down. Stacy was bummed about that as she has seen some great concerts here and she said it was a great venue. But I was excited for the reason it was torn down. Something new is coming to Universal Hollywood! Something I will enjoy!!!! Harry Potter!



No one seems to have the official word on what ride is coming, but the way I have read it, it sounds like Forbidden Journey and the Hogwarts castle.



As we drove by here you could see people leaving and entering the park part of Universal.



I believe this was also part of the Harry Potter construction.



Another quick shot of the fabulous views.



The golf cart would really pick up speed when we went downhill.



In that past picture you can see the backs of signs along the road. Each sign had a name of a movie made by Universal.

Universal has its own fire department.



Squeezing between stages.







Mark gave lots of info as we went around too. He was a great tour guide and of course Stacy had some info on things as well. I was really thankful for such a wonderful tour…and day!



While we were there we worried about running late for dinner, so Stacy called our restaurant and moved the dinner reservation from 5 to 5:30. Mark asked if we wanted to see a few other things, but we knew we had limited time so we headed out towards the restaurant and Mark was going to close up his stuff and meet us there.

As we buzzed down the road….again with hardly any traffic…we went by the other side of the Hollywood Tower and I took a couple really quick shots as we whizzed by.





We were making really good time and we drove by Paramount at one point and Stacy said there was a cemetery in there as well for many old stars.

It is called the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, but I think Stacy told me it was named something else previously.
Since we made good time, we went around the block to go and see if it was still open. I know this sounds weird, but when Stacy and I were young, we used to love to go to cemeteries and look around at the grave sites and names. Sadly, as we pulled up they were shutting the gate and I looked at my watch and it was just a few minutes after 5, so we assumed 5 must be the closing time.
Since I have gotten home, I looked it up to see if I recognized any of the people buried there. There are a lot of names I do not recognize at all, but here are a few I did…. Cecil B. DeMille, Marion Davies (who was Hearst’s mistress…. the one who had lived in Stacy’s apartment building), George Harrison, and this one I found kind of funny….. Terry (1933–1945), dog actress, best known for playing Toto in The Wizard of Oz. Terry has a cenotaph (empty tomb); following her death in 1945, she was buried on owner/trainer Carl Spitz's ranch in Studio City, Los Angeles. The grave was subsequently destroyed during the construction of the Ventura Freeway in 1958.

Since it was closed, we gave up on that idea and then slowly made our way to the restaurant. Dinner tonight was at Osteria Mamma, a favorite Italian restaurant of Mark and Stacy’s. Stacy said Mark will use any excuse to go there and so he decided it was important for me to try it and to sweeten the pot, he said he would treat me as well. Hey, I have no problem eating Italian, and when it’s free, it even tastes slightly better.

We arrived early since the traffic was pretty good and we found a parking spot right alongside the place, so we stood outside a few minutes and chatted and then headed in. The place was practically empty. We were seated at a corner table near the window and we talked and Stacy told me what she liked from the menu and gave me suggestions.

Stacy ordered her favorite appetizer which I believe was called Carpaccio Di Filetto, Fillet mignon carpaccio with arugula and Grana Padano cheese. She had been telling me about this all day long. I was leery because the meat is raw!!! I just found that really weird. But she insisted it was good and I wouldn’t get sick. LOL. Now I like my meat pretty red, but raw always seems unsafe to me.

Mark soon joined us and our appetizer was brought out. I did try it and it wasn’t bad. I had to work past my mental fears, but it was pretty good, but not something I would rave over, but still good. We also got bread, and I am a breadaholic and ate way too much of that.

For dinner Stacy and I both ordered the Spaghetti Meno Male, Fresh tomato, basil and fresh mozzarella. She ordered hers first and then I said I would like the same thing. When they brought it out, they brought just a serving for her and an extra plate for me. LOL. We quickly told them no, I wanted my own plate, there is no sharing going on tonight.
I am sad to say that we were talking so much that I just didn’t think to take pictures and when I did, I had eaten half of my portion. I fixed it nicely and then took a blurry shot.



This was to die for! I would come back here at any time. Very good food and a friendly staff. Since we had been the only people in there for a bit, the staff was falling over backwards to serve us, but by the time we were ready to leave, the place had really filled up.

We did have Mark take 1 picture of us with our phones. Mine was awful. I have learned that when we do flash pictures on my phone the flash goes into the case and makes them foggy. This was the result.



Finally it was time to go. I still had more activities planned for the evening. We walked outside and I thanked Mark for the dinner and wonderful time at Universal. He said it was wonderful meeting me and Stacy and I started laughing. She told him quickly he had met me about a year ago when they both had come to Ohio. I am not surprised he didn’t remember as he met so many people that trip and it was a stressful time for them.

We said our good byes and we headed off to Disneyland Resort. Stacy had debated on what would be the best route and the best way to get on the freeway. I programed my phone and she had printed out directions, so we figured between the 2 we would be fine. We jumped on the freeway and it was a little heavier with traffic tonight. As we went along she pointed out a few spots, but since it was dark, it was harder to see.
Stacy pointed out something Disney, and I took a crappy phone picture as we drove by.

 

[jenseib]

What an amazing welcome to California you had!

Great shots of the Hollywood sign. I still remember driving around in 2005 trying to get a shot of it myself. Of course, I didn't have a local driving me around for the best views! I bet that was a ton of fun. LOVE the one shot you got of the sign with the trees framing it so nicely.

We also made a point of seeking out Walt's star on the walk of fame. Who could resist? I love the lighting on yours with the sunlight hitting it just right. I didn't realize you were a Clark Gable fan. I am too, from way back. As a kid, I used to stay up and watch old movies late at night. No VCRs or DVDs back then! We also made sure to find Judy Garland's star.

Mickey and Minnie.......... YIKES! Definitely creepy. Minnie also looks likes she needs to wipe her face or something. When we were there I remember seeing Lucy and Marilyn. All I really remember is that it was a Sunday afternoon and it still took forever to get from Hollywood to Anaheim.

It was such a whirl wind day. Stacy gave me such an awesome tour. We saw so many things that I never even expected to see.
I love Clark Gable, but honestly I can't even remember most of his films anymore...except of course Gone with the Wind. One of my all time favorites! (maybe I should watch that today?)
When we were in 8th grade, Stacy bought me a full sized poster of Clark for my birthday. It was huge and I had it hanging on my closest door for years. It took up the whole door. When I moved out I tried to carefully take it off the door but it was getting thin and worn and it just ripped apart. In Highschool I was a huge Michael Jackson fan and had pictures of him all over my room. Pretty much every bit of wall space....but Clark always had a place on my door!

There were some weirdos there, but no one seemed pushy. There were a lot of tour operators along that street and they were the pushy ones trying to get you to take a bus tour. I didn't need to.....I had Stacy as my personal guide.

 

[littlenellbell]

Great update! How wonderful to have a friend who lives there. I can't believe how much you got to see in one day! You should contract with her to give tours to your clients who book trips to Disneyland. Lol!

 

[dolphingirl47]

It is amazing that you got a private tour of the Universal Backlot. I loved some of those sets. The view is amazing and the dinner sounded delicious. I can understand about wanting to have a look at the cemetery. The same day we drove around Hancock Park, our friends asked me what else I wanted to see. My answer was Walt Disney's final resting place. So we ended up heading to Forest Lawn Glendale and I got my wish.

Corinna

 

[jenseib]

Great update! How wonderful to have a friend who lives there. I can't believe how much you got to see in one day! You should contract with her to give tours to your clients who book trips to Disneyland. Lol!

LOL. she even told me this is NOT the normal tour she gives people. I was special!

It is amazing that you got a private tour of the Universal Backlot. I loved some of those sets. The view is amazing and the dinner sounded delicious. I can understand about wanting to have a look at the cemetery. The same day we drove around Hancock Park, our friends asked me what else I wanted to see. My answer was Walt Disney's final resting place. So we ended up heading to Forest Lawn Glendale and I got my wish.

Corinna

I would love to go there too someday! I am not sure how far away it is from other places we went, but it would be interesting.

 

[mom2rtk]

It was such a whirl wind day. Stacy gave me such an awesome tour. We saw so many things that I never even expected to see.
I love Clark Gable, but honestly I can't even remember most of his films anymore...except of course Gone with the Wind. One of my all time favorites! (maybe I should watch that today?)
When we were in 8th grade, Stacy bought me a full sized poster of Clark for my birthday. It was huge and I had it hanging on my closest door for years. It took up the whole door. When I moved out I tried to carefully take it off the door but it was getting thin and worn and it just ripped apart. In Highschool I was a huge Michael Jackson fan and had pictures of him all over my room. Pretty much every bit of wall space....but Clark always had a place on my door!

There were some weirdos there, but no one seemed pushy. There were a lot of tour operators along that street and they were the pushy ones trying to get you to take a bus tour. I didn't need to.....I had Stacy as my personal guide.

I'll try to overlook that Michael Jackson thing. My younger sister was obsessed, and she's about your age, so we'll just call it a youthful indiscretion.

My love of Clark started with GWTW but I loved all his movies. "It Happened One Night", "The Misfits", "Teacher's Pet"..... I loved all of them.

I can't believe you hung in there so long on your first day after such an early start. I would have given out mid-afternoon. Tell me you were at least feeling a little tired????

 

[Timon]

Wow, what a FUN day Jen!!! So happy you got to see all that!

Isn't it awesome seeing all these sights you've seen in so many movies???

I am a huge movie/tv person, so that kind of thing is totally up my alley!

We did the Universal Tour as well as the Warner Brother's VIP Tour back in 1998 and we got to see so much! Two things really stick out from my tours...we got to see the Friends set (totally lucked out as the tour guide said not many tours got to see it) and someone pointed out the mountain they used for the helicopter shot in M*A*S*H* opening credits, which one was of my fave shows way back when! I think it was over near Universal and I was stoked Never would have guessed

 

[jenseib]

I'll try to overlook that Michael Jackson thing. My younger sister was obsessed, and she's about your age, so we'll just call it a youthful indiscretion.

My love of Clark started with GWTW but I loved all his movies. "It Happened One Night", "The Misfits", "Teacher's Pet"..... I loved all of them.

I can't believe you hung in there so long on your first day after such an early start. I would have given out mid-afternoon. Tell me you were at least feeling a little tired????

I think I had an adrenaline high going...I was up for about 23hours that day.
LOl about MJ. Yeah looking back...YUCK! He turned into such a weirdo and creep.

 

[jenseib]

Wow, what a FUN day Jen!!! So happy you got to see all that!

Isn't it awesome seeing all these sights you've seen in so many movies???

I am a huge movie/tv person, so that kind of thing is totally up my alley!

We did the Universal Tour as well as the Warner Brother's VIP Tour back in 1998 and we got to see so much! Two things really stick out from my tours...we got to see the Friends set (totally lucked out as the tour guide said not many tours got to see it) and someone pointed out the mountain they used for the helicopter shot in M*A*S*H* opening credits, which one was of my fave shows way back when! I think it was over near Universal and I was stoked Never would have guessed

Super colol! Who would've thought that Mash shot was done in CA?
It's amazing what they can do to make one area look like another.
Of course I had more fun yet to come!!!!