Kodak Theater

After frankly a horrendous journey, it was made all the worst by the ludicrous customs saga at LAX. When you've been travelling for nearly 35 hours, you don't appreciate watching all the passport officers going on their breaks after you've been standing in the same queue for 2 hours.. yep 2 hours. Along with other frustrations this is not a great welcome to the country.
Anyway we got through, got a bus and picked up a rather snazzy rental car. Due to the excessive waiting time at the airport however we would now be venturing out on to LA roads in rush hour. I must say well done to Phil for coping with the aggressive driving which is probably natural for such a competitive city. It took us an hour to get to our airbnb host and once we got there we needed a lie down and a stiff drink. I had sadly been unwell on our travel day from Fiji which made the travelling all the worst so I was pretty dead on arrival, so Phil kindly went out and got a nearby takeaway Thai meal then we had an early night to catch up on some sleep.

The next day we got up at 6am to get out for breakfast and beat some traffic before heading for a day at Universal Studios. This was Phils first American diner experience and we went to the popular Dennys chain and had an absolute feast. This set us up well for our arrival at the studios for 8am when it opened. The atmosphere was exciting as we walked down their famous citywalk and entered the park. Upon entry we had a little drama which was pretty random but hilarious. They have strict security just like at an airport with metal detector walkways. We put our bag through the conveyer and I strolled through. I suddenly saw the security guy reading the screen intensely and he grabbed a colleague who also looked closely. They hurriedly put our bag through and roughly stopped Phil as he walked through, even physically putting his hand on Phil's chest. They eagerly opened the bag and as they were searching he exclaimed in a strong American accent "have you brought your pepper spray in here sir!?" To which I practically snorted into my drink. I had to turn my back as I know giggling at security in the US does not go down well. Honestly pepper spray!? Yeah like we'd even own that... it was a mini aerosol mosquito repellent by the way.

Once in after this we laughed our way straight to the Studio tour to go see where the movies are made. This was very fun and included some awesome simulator rides where it really feels you're in the jurassic park and fast and furious films. We went on to try all the rides at the park, although a few only Phil went on as they were more like roller coasters and not my sort of thing, but he enjoyed. We also watched several very entertaining shows and interactive exhibits/characters. As a conclusion to the day we'd purposely waited to go onto the Wizarding World Of Harry Potter. By now it was quieter and we wandered down the authentic snow covered streets towards the towering Hogwarts castle which you can see across LA. The details of the place were amazing and it genuinely felt like you'd stepped into that magical world. We enjoyed exploring the different stores like Olivanders wand shop.

We went inside the castle where there is the main attraction, a ride that takes you from up inside the castle and all through it on a 3D simulator experience unlike any other. I must say the ride was amazing. You were strapped in like a rollercoaster and essentially sat on top of a robot arm which moved you around to match the moving 3D models or moving screens that made you feel like you were there. At times you were being thrown backwards to avoid a physical arm of the whomping willow, to flying across a quiddich field as if on a broomstick. It is without question the best ride I've ever been on, and yes we went straight back into the queue to ride it again!
As the day came to a close we had dinner on the site walk at Bubba shrimps (themed from the movie Forest Gump) which concluded a very fun first day.

The next day we got even more touristy and ventured down to Hollywood Boulevard. Our first stop being the Hollywood Museum set in one of the oldest buildings in LA, the original MAC makeup studios built in 1931. Here is where all the glamorous movie stars came including Marilyn Monroe to have their hair and make up done. It also housed many original costumes and props including the original ruby slippers from the Wizard of Oz. There was also a monsters exhibit in the basement (where else!?) That had some very cool things including Star Wars C3PO robot costume.
After this we wandered awhile down the walk of fame and of course stopped at the Chinese theatre to check out the famous hand and shoe prints. Phil was excited that his feet matched Will Smiths!
Not long after this we were booked on a celebrity homes tour as we had it included in a special pass we'd brought. As we waited we popped into the neighbouring chocolate shop and indulged on a big sundae as we waited.
Shortly we were on the bus and heading up into the Hollywood hills and saw the glimpse of the famous sign. Then we went up Mulholland drive and saw unbelievable homes from Sylvester Stallones mansion and lagoon pool, to Christina Aguilera frankly rather ugly mansion with private bowling alley. The list would go on and on and they were all spread across the hillsides. On from here we went through Bel Air and Beverly Hills, where again the list of celebs could go on and on. We found we were far much interested in seeing the properties than who lived in them. All the same interesting to see. After two hours and having seen all those different areas we arrived back onto Hollywood boulevard.
From here, as it was included in our entry cards we popped into Madame Tussauds for some sillyness. We had a lot of fun posing next to all the celebrities, my favourite probably being John Travolta from his Grease days, I even got the pink ladies jacket on! After here we ended the day with some hot dogs from a local street store and headed home. Can't get more touristy really right!?

To be continued in Part 2....Read more