The Aussie Pinball Arcade
Aussie Pinball Forums => General Chat - Non Pinball/coin-opp Discussion => Topic started by: Wotto on March 22, 2011, 02:01:02 PM
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Hey all
Due to the STUPID weather destroying my yard at the moment I wont have much time between now and next Monday to be on the internet so thought I would let you all know that I will try my best to throw some pictures up for your viewing pleasure while we are on holidays in the US over the next 3 weeks ( from Monday )
Especially look for images from The Pinball Hall of Fame in Las Vegas from Tuesday 5th onwards #*# #*# #*#
Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeehaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaw <..>
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This will be VERY cool Wotto - Looking forward to pictures ^^^
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You lucky bugger!!
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Bloody weather good luck with the yard and I'm extremely jelous about your trip and can't wait for the photos
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Enjoy Wotto and have a safe trip. Make sure you get plenty of 2 for 1 vouchers for later on in the year %.%
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Cant wait to see them,,,
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Have a GREAT! trip mate
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Have a great trip mate, wish I could have made it with you. Will be an awesome experience. Looking forward to the pics ^^^
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yes you will have a great trip,be safe,don't leave tim's till you have a least 1 high score.looking forward to your photos
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Well I didnt chicken out - we have arrived.
Hey - Qantas are showing Special When Lit as one of thier movie choices on a channel called The Edge.
Now I HATE flying - Here is me and the Mrs and I am trying to look relaxed before the flight - I wasnt
(http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/6265/sydneymm.jpg)
Then I saw the food they dished us up...
(http://img545.imageshack.us/img545/2726/wottofood.jpg)
Then I thought I had gone blind....
(http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/8050/wottoblinkers.jpg)
Oh yes - the passengers around me loved me :lol
13 'bumpy' hours later we arrived in LA ....
(http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/8616/landinge.jpg)
Getting through US customs was a 2.5 hour NIGHTMARE - anyway we are here now and absolutely stuffed - will post more pics soon....
Have seen 3 of these in an hour so far.....
(http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/6695/hummere.jpg)
More soon - Wotto
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Glad to hear that you arrived safely Wotto. Enjoy your trip.
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Good stuff Wotto, keep em coming and enjoy the trip.
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There is 'something' about the food here - we ate a 'standard' meal tonight and felt like fat pigs, somehow it is very filling - then we saw this..... !@# !@#
I reckon we discovered the best? desert ever offered tonight ....
WTF !
(http://img815.imageshack.us/img815/8245/img0350d.jpg)
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Allow me to be the first in saying....only in Amercia *)*
Keep the photos coming....
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Good to see you made it - TOLD YA - No worries !
Now you have the "hard" part behind you - ENJOY the trip, and thanks for the photos so far !
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Bacon, Ice cream and maple syrup! !@#
That's just wrong!
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I also watched SWL on my way back from NZ-Wotto enjoy the trip and love the photo's
Peter
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Thanks for posting Wotto... ^^^
Bloody enjoy and keep us posted please ! && ^^^
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Bacon makes everything taste better!
I'm working on a new creation. Bacon and Vegemite flavored cigarettes.
I'm close.
I'll be a dozennaire!
Enjoy the PHOF. I've been there a couple times at the old location. I recommend going for a couple hours or so every day rather than a marathon once-timer (if the schedule permits). You'll enjoy it better.
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There is 'something' about the food here - we ate a 'standard' meal tonight and felt like fat pigs, somehow it is very filling - then we saw this..... !@# !@#
I reckon we discovered the best? desert ever offered tonight ....
WTF !
(http://img815.imageshack.us/img815/8245/img0350d.jpg)
OMG!!
That takes the cake (although I suppose over there the cake would have pig-skin icing, wouldn't it?)
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*!@ Sounds super gross :D
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We hit Disneyland today, you know ....just us and the other 8 million four hundred thousand people #@#
(http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/4687/dimewalt.jpg)
Jake.......dude ......it's called The Happiest Place on earth mate *.*
(http://img801.imageshack.us/img801/167/happyjake.jpg)
At least the crowd had gone down by night-time - here is a shot taken at 9.45pm %.% %.%
(http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/5397/disneynightcrowd.jpg)
Now Walt had a good imagination they reckon , and I saw a few plants around the place like this......Walt ?
(http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/5948/budl.jpg)
Sorry to say it but this lonely little fella is the ONLY game in Disneyland.
(http://img805.imageshack.us/img805/9673/pinnie.jpg)
We did manage to bomb our own Space Mountain on ride photo nicely, there was a mexican family looking at this screen P*SSING themselves, then they saw me in real life .........and kept on p*ssing themsleves laughing at me :lol
(http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/6127/spacemountainbomb.jpg)
I rented a car sight unseeen before this trip and it hasnt really turned out to be what I expected
(http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/7548/cariv.jpg)
KnottsBerry Farm tomorrow
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Hey Wotto, I hope you didn't try those plants.
You might end up seeing pink elephants! :lol :lol
Thanks for the pics.
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Car definitely suits mate !
Just remind Jake that if he does not like it, you can send him back to school %.% %.%
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Hey YAWL.....
Knotts Berry Farm today
(http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/1370/knottsentry.jpg)
Rollercoasters EVERYWHERE
(http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/8646/trackso.jpg)
This place has numerous coasters and The Silver Bullet is just INSANE ( youtube it and look for a POV movie of it ) - It carries 4 rider across, hanging under track with HEAPS of tight inversions, track twists and a FAST and tight helix section at the end. I survived this ( I am not good on coasters and risk blackouts ! ) - but I bit the bullet, pardon the pun and ended up riding this a few times. This ride is so big and long that it seems to wind its way everywhere across the top section of the park.
(http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/2605/silverbulletloop.jpg)
Talking of big , they built this old skool style wooden coaster a few years back - just another small one.
(http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/6483/ghostridersu.jpg)
Loops
(http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/1828/montloop.jpg)
A horse race ?
Note my nutcase son feeling a little more comfortable on these things now , pulling face bombs for the camera's - 3rd from back , white shirt.
(http://img850.imageshack.us/img850/742/ponyexpress.jpg)
Then they have this thing that the cars are sidways and spin around as the ride runs
(http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/3796/sidewinder.jpg)
I reckon old Snoopy had ridden a few of these and needed to go - he looked quited chuffed with himself after sh*tting out this big brown thing - I would be proud of that too
(http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/9941/snoopypoo.jpg)
If ya have had enough of coasters they can throw you in a big boat for a nice ride - oh but after it gets about 15 storeys up you fall off a VERTICAL drop
(http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/2904/plunge.jpg)
Arrrr well , so you are getting hungry and feel like a hot dog, sure , no worries, why not take a choice from your menu of 10,000 choices !
(http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/489/pinksu.jpg)
What do you do for kids when they want a good deal on a skateboard deck, chuck em in a plane and travel 15000 kms to a good skate shop. Actually I will give these guys a good plug as thier service was awesome - great and friendly with good deals and they even called a cab for us to get home tonight
(http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/5808/identityx.jpg)
Still hungry ?
Want a desert after dinner?
We did, but we were quite full after this MASSIVE pasta meal they served us at Tony Roma's Ribs - so we ordered a SMALL desert - now the ones on the left were what we would call our ( Aussie ) standard size ( each one ). The plate had three on it and THAT GROUP OF THREE was one desert.
The thing in the foreground was mine and thats a FULL SIZE dinner plate and I had eaten half of this already - it was $5.00.
We walked home and struggled like fat pigsl
(http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/1018/desertyy.jpg)
Tomorrow - Disneyland CA Park - more bloody rides :rolleyes
Kids are trying to talk me into the 'drop ride' tomorrow and they know I dont normally do them - will keep U posted.
Wotto
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Enjoying the posts Wotto - funny stuff ... next time im going on holiday with you!
Oh those rollercoasters... i absolutely LOVE amusement parks!!!... Only time you can poop yer pants and wear a smile!
Keep em coming mate
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Those rides look awesome, would love to get over there one day, keep the pics coming ^^^
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Great updates Wotto, looks like your family is having a great time.
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wait till you get to "6 flags"
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Great posts and Pics Wotto .. looking forward to more ..
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Ok - it is midnight and I am rooted - but here is todays offerings.....
Had trouble with the hotel bed bugs last night - nasty big buggers they have over here - check the bastard out .... they told me this one is known as the trumpet-arse
(http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/6807/bugsj.jpg)
So off we trot to Disneys California Adventure today / tonight.
We had heard it wasnt as busy as Disneyland itself and when we went by it on the monorail the other night it appeared a lot quiter - thank god for that......as you will see the crowds were down quite a bit........this is the cue for the FAST PASS holders for a water ride called Grizzly River Run, a rapids ride with a couple of drops.....on CA's hottest day this year it was going to be refreshing, we couldnt wait to get on ..........
glad we had our Fast Pass @.@
(http://img709.imageshack.us/img709/6882/grizzlyfast.jpg)
Anyway , it seemed to settle down at night - this was a view in front of us at around 8.15pm
(http://img824.imageshack.us/img824/2188/crowdfront.jpg)
And this was taken looking behind us at the same moment in time.....
All you can do is laugh #@#
(http://img807.imageshack.us/img807/9631/crowdrear.jpg)
Anyway - I found a guy who had been stashing a few of those plants old Walt had been growing , his name was Mr Potato Head. He suggested we go out back and knock a few joints out - we made it back in time but had the old 'chinese eyes'.....
(http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/4669/chinaeyes.jpg)
Then I had to go - urgently , I saw the old box from Toy Story and thought of Stinky Pete and thought I may as well be Stinky Wotto...
(http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/663/stinkywotto.jpg)
Here is the Hotel ride that the kids dragged me onto , it was a damn good ride I have to say and I HATE heights, this thing takes you up , then down a little then up and the doors you see up top open, exposing a view of the park - then you drop - then it repeats all that .....its a 60 metre drop and thats big enough for me thankyou.
I now needed to go back to my Toy Story box after this ride
(http://img805.imageshack.us/img805/8059/towerm.jpg)
For desert tonight I asked them if they had any ice cream dishes that were the same size as a 13 year old kids head - naturally they did ( forget the photo perspective, this thing WAS the size of Jakes head ! )
(http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/521/creamhead.jpg)
Now to get serious for a minute , I have to say that Disney do things VERY VERY well. The way they replicate era's , the lighting, the colours and effects are fantastic - here is just a few shots I took throughout the day...and night.
Hope you like em
(http://img710.imageshack.us/img710/4314/boardwalku.jpg)
(http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/4427/wheelcoasterlit.jpg)
(http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/4475/mickeynightwheel.jpg)
(http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/1836/pubjw.jpg)
(http://img546.imageshack.us/img546/5458/lit1.jpg)
Now, I aint a big' WOW wasnt that show great' type of person, but they do this thing called World of Colour where they use a SH*LOAD of water with light and flim effects to put on this show at night - it is DIFFICULT to capture good images of it but it is a MUST see if coming here - it is VERY good I have to say #*#
(http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/6373/wocolour.jpg)
Night all
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Can't stop laughing at you in the Toy Story Box, your'e a classic %.%
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Can't stop laughing at you in the Toy Story Box, your'e a classic %.%
Mate , this nice african american family were watching me and thought I was a complete lunatic :lol
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Can't stop laughing at you in the Toy Story Box, your'e a classic %.%
Mate , this nice african american family were watching me and thought I was a complete lunatic :lol
Funny about the African family I thought you were a lunatic aswel lol. Great photos mate very jelous keep em coming
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Can't stop laughing at you in the Toy Story Box, your'e a classic %.%
Mate , this nice african american family were watching me and thought I was a complete lunatic :lol
An American thinking YOU were a lunatic ? !@#
Love the photos, but being in line for a ride would drive me nuts ! The night photos are really colorful.
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Arrrrr - at last , a relaxing day - not.
Went shopping , took a cab to a place call The Block in Orange
I had been told there was a good skate shop thier , a VANS skate shop , and my son is into skating so we went to see if we could find a new deck.......once again , just like them hot dogs at Pinks we had a selection to choose from ....note the one to the right of his head
(http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/5231/jakevans.jpg)
So what do ya need when you sell skateboards? Look through the back of this image and see if you can work it out ( this store is in a shopping centre remember )....
(http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/2482/lookthruvans.jpg)
Well yeah , you need a FULL SIZE skate park - correct - this place is a little insane :o
(http://img847.imageshack.us/img847/8614/vanspark.jpg)
Got a great deck , top of range trux, bearings and wheels - for about $70.00 ( around $200 in Oz )
So Jake likes skate stuff - my daughter like shoes, like all women.....
So we found a few pairs of Converse, there were about 6 aisle like this in the shop , full of Converse....look at the Mrs, she actually looks confused.
(http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/8016/conversehd.jpg)
But alas , this was not enough, so we headed to the Nike store where they had, oh you know , just a few more pairs laying around...., once again this Nike store had about 8 aisles like this.
(http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/6567/nikeii.jpg)
Todays first WHAT THE F*CK moment arrived in the Nike store - shared socks
Maybe we have these in Oz - but I have never come across em and wouldnt go near them
(http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/3391/socksk.jpg)
SO I thought we were all shoe shopped out , we entered just one more shop and I heard the sounds of police and ambulance sirens, yes they were on the way as my wallet just had a heart attack when we entered this.....( yes this is all different angles of the ONE shop )
(http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/1134/97440906.jpg)
(http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/1953/20357790.jpg)
(http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/2569/10344430.jpg)
OMG I have NEVER EVER seen SO MANY shoes in my entire life
Todays 2nd WHAT THE F*CK moment came in a clothing shop - this was in the baby section....how funny is this.
(http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/7721/babyshirt.jpg)
After a MASSIVE spend we had lunch at Johhny Rockets, the place is set out like a classic old style diner ( I like that effect )....
(http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/6354/diner.jpg)
They served the BEST , and I mean the BEST chocolate shake I have EVER tasted.
(http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/5563/shakex.jpg)
And then todays 3rd WHAT THE F*CK moment arrived - another tasty treat was spotted on the menu...remember this is a menu for milkshakes.
(http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/5382/pnutshake.jpg)
This arvo we collected the rental car, they took us out back and showed us a NICE big Ford truck , leather interior - GREAT vehicle, we got all excited and then they said 'sorry, we got mixed up, here is your Hyundai Sonata
It will do and it is brand new.
More soon guys
Hope your getting a laugh from this
Wotto
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Those crowds are insane @.@
Keep up the photos mate they are great!
I remember we had a Johnny Rockets in Geelong a long time ago, used to make the best chilli fries (chips with a chilli bolognese sauce) mmmm
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Watcha doing in the "baby section" mate ? Is the holiday THAT good @@* @@*
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Ok - if anyone is still following this thread , today we did a REALLY good LA City / Hollywood tour - it was something I booked from home and not one of the sleazy hollywood booked tours.....company is Grayline coaches and it was a FANTASTIC day...we saw HEAPS of area's from the founding street of LA city , Union Station, Hollywood, Sunset, Rodeo, Beverly Hills, Farmers Market Venice Beach, Santa Monica Pier and heaps more......fruitcakes abounded today boys - here are some shots
I took HEAPS of shots but will just put some cool and funny ones up.
Firstly - here is a Bugatti parked in Rodeo Drive - worth a million?
(http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/7017/bugattiw.jpg)
Now I know you want to get to the nutjobs but here are some more serious shots first - got to Manns Chinese Theatre - it is a VERY busy place with LOADS of street 'hawkers' trying to get you to buy thier stuff/ take thier tours.....my Mrs got SMASHED by one of them and we ended up paying $20.00 just to get a picture with this dude dressed up as Zorro
(http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/1320/kidspotter.jpg)
This security dude was about to kick my arse for taking a photo in the shop
He had the SH*TS - U can see how happy he looks with me.
(http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/3857/hollywoodshop.jpg)
Now here is the first of the crazies and I have to say this was one of THE coolest and FUNNIEST things I have ever seen....I JUST got the photo's and nearly missed them completely so they arent great shots but this dude drives around Hollywood with 4 dogs in the back, he plays Snoop Dog tunes loud and the 4 dogs all sit up like people in the back.............all with sunnies on
(http://img851.imageshack.us/img851/3831/dogsx.jpg)
(http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/8024/dogsclose.jpg)
These people need to add a line into thier anthem about loving junk food.
Here they are lining up on the street to buy a Pinks Hot Dog.
(http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/489/pinksu.jpg)
Talking of food - you want a toffee apple ?
These too are massive apples about the size of a rockmelon - all covered with tasty american treats.....
(http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/1434/tofapples.jpg)
Todays WHAT THE F*CK item also invloves food - the image tells the story.
(http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/1685/chocpasta.jpg)
So then we hit the famous Santa Monica Pier.
Like everywhere else we have been , the crowds were light.
(http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/2310/pierk.jpg)
If ya come here you have to ride the famous old Ferris Wheel.
(http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/640/pierwheelinshot.jpg)
(http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/9889/onfwheel.jpg)
Now here is another one I am classing as a nutjob - this dude was just 'there' - he had no reason to be there, he was out of place as there were no others around and he did .....well............nothing, looks like this is just how he went to the beach for the day - hell , why not huh.
(http://img824.imageshack.us/img824/292/grover.jpg)
This chick was also at the pier - a dude through darts into her back - WTF
(http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/1002/dartgirl.jpg)
if you come over here and feel a little lost or need help - these 2 will comfort you.
(http://img853.imageshack.us/img853/1706/bums.jpg)
Driving to Vegas tomorrow morning - beeeeeeeeeeeeeuuuuuuuuuuuuuty.
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Great photos again Wotto. Any noticeable signs on how bad the econonmy is over there?
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Great photos again Wotto. Any noticeable signs on how bad the econonmy is over there?
Noticeable - - - - - no
But if you ask , you get told how 5000 people have moved out of Anaheim ( Disneyland town ) in the last few years due to lay-offs.
There are also HEAPS of places empty to rent in LA city.
But it isnt noticeable ( to us ) as EVERYWHERE is packed and every single restraunt is also jam packed at nearly ANY time of day.
I think my wife and daughter have propped up the US womens shoe industry single handedly though in the last 2 days ^&^
I did however take some shots of the 'real' LA streets and suburbs from todays tour and it isnt all pretty mate.....
(http://img638.imageshack.us/img638/5813/96954969.jpg)
(http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/6760/46116657.jpg)
(http://img638.imageshack.us/img638/5813/96954969.jpg)
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Great pics Wotto keep them coming @@*.
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Yeah from all the photos everywhere seemed packed and super sized, which is good to see. Don't think Vegas will be any quieter for you though :lol, drive carefully
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Now from my many hours of watching The Simpsons, I know the water in the toilet spins the opposite way over in the USA, but WHY is the middle traffic lamp red???
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Very entertaining thread Wotto. Definitely the right time to be there with the dollar being so strong. Is everything pretty cheap over there compared to Aus. or just some stuff?
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Very entertaining thread Wotto. Definitely the right time to be there with the dollar being so strong. Is everything pretty cheap over there compared to Aus. or just some stuff?
Food is way similar in cost - for our family of 4 lunches are around $30-$40 total - dinners can be from $50- $120 total, remembering too that we are in total tourist trap towns.
Clothes and shoes - about half price - Mrs got 3 sets of Levis the other day, a full jean, half jean and shorts - total $80.00 @@*
The Converse shoes we pay $100+ for - were $40.00
My daughter bought a hair straightener yesterday she had wanted for ages ( ceramic and $300 in Oz ) we got it for $110.00
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(http://img638.imageshack.us/img638/5813/96954969.jpg)
(http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/6760/46116657.jpg)
Finally...
Now that looks more like home.
I started thinking you thought you were in USA, but somehow got redirected somewhere else and the tour guide was lying to you.
The streets in LA appear to be less full of potholes and gashes than here in Kansas City. And the paint lines are still visible too. No wonder California is broke.
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Off to Vegas we go !
This is VERY strange at first and quite daunting in the city area's to be honest :D
(http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/5705/cargp.jpg)
The drive to Vegas is freeway all the way - took us 3.5 hours from Anaheim -take a look at the view............
(http://img859.imageshack.us/img859/8919/road1.jpg)
It is like this the ENTIRE way - very very bland.
This straight is approx 28kms long.
(http://img576.imageshack.us/img576/8080/road2x.jpg)
Get to Vegas around Midday and what do we do - something quite unique - go to Macca's @.@
(http://img585.imageshack.us/img585/5634/jakew.jpg)
And then the ladies decide to do something a little different as well.....WTF have I bred ?
(http://img801.imageshack.us/img801/5295/shoesve.jpg)
There was this smoking cool shop with memorabilia - it was VERY expensive - they had one of Evil Knievels bikes for $150,000 - they didnt allow any images but I snuck this one from outside.
Nino - I told them I was here working for my 'buyer' - so I offered $20,000 US dollars and gave them your details so they will be contacting you shortly :lol :lol :lol
(http://img839.imageshack.us/img839/7858/kissvm.jpg)
Finally found a shirt I will buy I think.
(http://img203.imageshack.us/img203/6139/shirtk.jpg)
It is just coming on dusk here and we will be out all night ( buying f*cking shoes I guess? )
Hopefully some nice night shots coming soon
Wotto
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Hey Wotto, great post ^^^
I have been to the USA a number of times, and everytime, it gets better. Everything in Australia is double the price pro-rata, everything. But we are so far away and only 25 million people compared to the USA with 300 million. We do well for such a small number of Aussies really.
Wotto, u would know this by now, but when you are in all different parts of America, you always feel that there is something missing, when u are in most areas, and it drives u nuts until u come home, then it hits you, TREES AND GREEN GRASS, thats what is missing from most of the American landscape. Not much is green at all unless u hit a country area ! When i was in LA last it was driving me nuts til i got home, and i remembered just how green Australia is.
I hope you are having a blast mate cause we are all really enjoying your photos and the top notch effort of posting your fun trip. Thanks again. ^^^ ^^^ ^^^
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You must be dreaming shoes :lol How are you finding driving around?
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Hi Wotto,
Will you be going to the Pacific Pinball museum in San Francisco?
http://pacificpinball.org/home
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Just read your thread in the morning for the first time Wotto - enjoy the family trip.
W.Clarke Griswolds national Aussie style vacation!!
Thank god you manage to stay away the Skid Row of LA - being there and done that.
Yep, the food servings are BIG, the orange juice in USA is the best and endless amount of cheap warehouse shops for the ladies.
Make sure you visit Farmers Market (West Hollywood) on the way back.
Now for Vegas.....the Elvis tunes are going to do your head in!! Take the family to one of the Bellagio's buffet eateries (a must - great food). Go and suss out the Flamingo pool (one of the best around - have a Bud Light beer for me there) and take the girls to the Wynn (they love you forever once they try on a couple of Manolo Blahnik shoes - Sex in the City style).
Looking forward to reading more from ya.
SC.
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Oh YEAAAAAAAHHHHH !
Jason Newsted paid $18,000 for his bass years ago, so it would be a good buy for $20,000 with the AUS$ being so good. When you pack it in your suitcase, please apologise to the wife, as you turf her shoes to fit my bass @@^
I'd spend hours in that shop.
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So its 1am - we get back to the room- stuffed.
Is it busy here I hear you all asking.........hmmmmm ...... a little.
We walked about 5 km's in crowds like this - oh goody.
(http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/9030/streetcrowd.jpg)
We HAD to escape - I saw a sign for a Mexican restraunt and we went in to get away from the crowds............and...........well............
(http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/5412/dinnerf.jpg)
Yep - they were ALL lining up for Burritto's - and that line NEVER stopped the whole time we were in there. I am still blown away by the hunger , the non stop at anytime of day hunger for food here......we got back to the Luxor tonight after midnight and thought we would grab a quick coffee in the cafe......there was a 30+ person queue
And oh so close boys - but no cigar.
Note - drunk freak in picture
(http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/3081/ballys.jpg)
Hadnt seen one of these before - but then I remembered that we do have one ....in Melbourne.
(http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/1488/stupido.jpg)
Saw this - thought 'cool'
(http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/6674/inksign.jpg)
Then looked again and saw the man himself !
(http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/4121/vincea.jpg)
Thirsty - how about a 4 litre chugger for the road then hey.
(http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/3806/drinkzw.jpg)
I will finish with some standard obligatory Vegas shots that I took - that I liked the look of....
(http://img685.imageshack.us/img685/6388/73354787.jpg)
(http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/2413/20394189.jpg)
(http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/3954/65544394.jpg)
(http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/5880/35278592.jpg)
(http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/176/64854870.jpg)
We are staying here.....
(http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/8505/luxorb.jpg)
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Oh and to answer / reply to some things asked in this thread already......
PPM in SFP - This trip wont include SFO.
We are heading back for a week in late September for PPE ( come on Nino !! )
Orange Juice is the most ULTIMATE I have ever tasted.
Farmers Market - was there yesterday for a few hours.
Six Flags Magic Mountain - will be there next Tuesday, a few days before we fly home - already have tickets.
Cheers
A tired Wotto
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Wotto, is there any specific reason as to why there are so many people crowded into the street all at once.
Is it because there is a Festival or Special weekend or some sort of major planned event happening, or is that just a normal night ? !@#
I HATE CROWDS. But the trip looks amazing !
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Loving it mate...... give me more shots of the awesome signage... is so good to see this stuff on a grand scale....LOVE the BALLY signage - how i wish i had that in my porfolio.
Sod those bloody crowds though
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Great photos of Vegas. Fantastic place that always changes. Both times I've been there it has been very busy but don't recall it being as busy as that crowd shot you posted. Keep the updates coming Wotto, they are great ^^^
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Great photo's and comments.Thanks for taking the time to do all this.What a great thead to watch and read.What a dedicated husband to do all that shoe shopping with the girls.Keep up the pace on your hol's it's great viewing,thanks for sharing. @@* @@* @@*
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Thanks for the comments guys - I am trying to keep you all entertained as well as maybe inspire people to holiday here.
Also trying to put some nice shots up , I got a Canon EOS550 beofre leaving and I am pretty happy with it so far.
Today we headed out to Lake Mead and Hoover Dam.
This is our rental by the way - I have to say it drives VERY VERY nicely - VERY smooth and quiet....
(http://img858.imageshack.us/img858/9966/carl.jpg)
Here I am , hopefully looking a LOT more comfortable behond the wheel than the other day....
(http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/9228/drivern.jpg)
Well it is either shoes or dunnies !!!
Who brang these two?
(http://img826.imageshack.us/img826/8774/dunny.jpg)
Arrrrrrrrrr -still lovers after all these years.
I am such an old romantic
Lake Mead in the background - nothing here by the way.
Cool looking area but and the GREATEST thing was this was the FIRST TIME this holiday where there were ZERO people or crowds.
(http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/9637/loversc.jpg)
Actually , a few miles down the road there is Las Vegas Boat Harbour.
Not much here unless you have a boat.
(http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/9557/harbor.jpg)
I asked if these guys had the time - rude bastards didnt even answer me
(http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/9421/monkv.jpg)
There were these MASSIVE fish hanging around the marina - if you had food, you could feed them, here are some americans feeding the fish a traditional fish delight that they really enjoy.............popcorn
(http://img855.imageshack.us/img855/8194/fishn.jpg)
And here is one of many shots I took at Hoover Dam.
We soon found the crowds again - this place was packed , not like The Strip but fairly busy and HARD to park - the big bridge is a new highway we will go over en-route to the Canyon in a few days - the road systems here are simply OUTSTANDING, including the condition of the roads - NO potholes.
(http://img545.imageshack.us/img545/1327/hoovera.jpg)
Off into Vegas night again shortly boys - another difficult night ahead - might ride the coaster outside New York New York later tonight
Hope you are all having fun at your jobs.
Its a tough few weeks for me here #@#
Gav - I will try and get more cool Neons for you too ^^^
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Cool updates. You and your family will enjoy Grand Canyon. Would recommend going down to the bottom in a helicopter and going down the Colorado river in a boat, great experience and I know how much you love flying :lol
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Back in the streets tonight - once again - not too crowded
(http://img841.imageshack.us/img841/3541/crowdk.jpg)
I am not a big 'buffet' person but had heard The Bellagio had an incredible set up - so we walked and walked and walked to get there, we finally found the world famous buffet in the back of the casino and the line up was probably over 120 people deep :o There are people EVERYWHERE here , it is just killing me - TOO MANY people.
Ended up having a VERY good chinese feed in PF Changs at Planet Hollywood - I asked the waitress what was on in Vegas as it was so busy , in a nutshell she replied "nothing, this is normal, it was busier last week"
OMG -not again guys !
(http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/6392/shoescd.jpg)
I found what everyone needs in there home - wouldnt the kids love this full human sized wobbling talking mate in thier room on a stormy night at around 2am - and simply a bargain at only 599.00 bucks too.
(http://img861.imageshack.us/img861/7682/dudea.jpg)
If that doesnt scare sh*t out of your kids - what about when daddy rocks home drunk at 2am in his latest suit
(http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/2250/chickensuitk.jpg)
Managed a nice shot of Paris tonight.
We took a ride up in the Eiffel Tower - it is half the size and actually 460 feet high - much higher once up there than it looks from the street
(http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/7694/parisstreet.jpg)
Couple of shots taken from up top....REALLY worth the time and bucks ( $13 a head ) to go up
(http://img850.imageshack.us/img850/5064/eiffel2.jpg)
(http://img807.imageshack.us/img807/4113/eiffel3.jpg)
And one looking down onto the street from the deck...
(http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/9231/eiffel1.jpg)
Here is a cool neon....followed by a nice street shot
(http://img816.imageshack.us/img816/7262/gamesworksneon.jpg)
(http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/3518/streetneonheaps.jpg)
Now Gav - these are especially for you ....
(http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/2513/gav1.jpg)
(http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/39/gav2z.jpg)
(http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/6315/dennys.jpg)
Goodnight guys - must get some sleep before PHOF tomorrow @@*
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Great pics. Which is the latest built hotel Wotto, do you know?
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The pictures are just EXCELLENT.
The closest thing we have in Australia with so many lights etc is the gold coast, but it doesnt hold a candle to the photos u have provided.
p.s- that Pirate/dead western dude statue for $599 was a bargain. Would look good next to a Pirates of the Carribean or a Cactus Canyon Pinball. ^^^ ^^^ ^^^
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Thanks mate..... youve done me proud!
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What a great read this thread has been so far, keep up the great work mate, really enjoying it. As I share you dislike of flying, you've managed to help me enjoy a trip I might never make!
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This is all your getting today guys - gotta get up and drive to Grand Canyon tomorrow.
More in a few days <..>
(http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/9553/img1708o.jpg)
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%.% %.% %.% %.% %.%
Nice one Wotto ! ^^^
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Wotto arrives at "Pinball Mecca" $#$
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I guess your up compiling today's events Wotto or your still out & about, walking in those crowds!!
Being hanging all day for pics from PHOF.
SC.
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WHAT???????
WTF is that???
PHOF has the cheapest crappiest sign you can get... cant get much cheaper than a printed banner.. its not even on sail track for chrissakes.
Far out... after all the cool stuff we get that! *!@ *!@
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Obviously after setting the building up and getting the games in there they ran out of money!
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Hi Guys
Been out in the Grand Canyon for 2 days with no internet access ( just wait till I tell ya's about that ! ) - so I am finally back in Vegas to give my report on our morning spent at the PHOF the other day.
I will rate it on how I saw it, nothing I say is meant to sound negative, I am going to say what I think though - as I always do -( this may be a long read )
Firstly - what I saw as the bad.
In a town that is known for it's insanely cool signage of all shapes and sizes, the PHOF signage is simply terrible, a simple cheap canvas banner hung up very high , basic black on white and it does not stand out at all. The building is plain and simple from the outside as well - it is VERY plain with nothing on it. When you enter ( the left entry door ) you see a scrappy pile of dead games on the left side - not a good start - my rating on this aspect 1/10.
The young guy who was in attendance the day we were there was not helpful at all - he didnt engage in any conversation at all about pinball even when I prompted him a couple of times, asked about Tim Arnold, mentioned Michael Shalhoub/ Australian scene etc - he did not want to know a thing or chat at all - my rating on his attitude to the customers 1/10.
The counter area where this guy worked from at the back centre of the building was a pig-sty and looked like an absolute shit-dump - my rating on this aspect 0/10.
The good.
The range of games was absolutely great - from early woodies to the latest Rolling Stones and a LOT of games in between ( not a HEAP of SS games though , but still some good titles ), there was an entire row of the later DMD games including many I had not played - Shrek, Ironman, Avatar, Big Buck Hunter and many more - my rating on the range of games available 8++/10.
The condition of the games that I took the time to 'study' was DAMN GOOD. The cabinets were original and could have scuffs etc, but the playfields were REALLY nice in 'most cases', the only one I recall being bad was the original Bally Star Trek which had a lot of wear, which I understand is normal anyway for that game. A few games ( not many ) had incorrect drop targets but worked. All the games I played , apart from one, played VERY nicely with strong flippers, bumpers etc making gameplay fast and enjoyable - my rating on the condition of the playfields and playability 8.5++/10.
The customer traffic was constantly flowing, the place never got packed or busy but there was ALWAYS about 30+ people in the place at any given time, we were there for 3 hours and the flow continued the entire time, which surprised me and is good for pinball.
My summary.
Is this a 'Hall Of Fame' -in my honest opinion - absolutely not.
Sure there are a lot of games but the hand written info cards scribbled out and stuck onto 'some' games with the complete lack of any real information displayed well and any promotional material or any decorating of any type, combined with the 'couldnt give a shit about the place' feel of the place means that it just doesnt cut it as a 'hall of fame'. It reminded me very much of the old pinball parlours from our youth ( which is cool ) but thats it. It has a long way to go to 'become' a Hall Of Fame. Considering the amount of information Tim Arnold has available and all the info he retains in his head , this place could be done a LOT better. Why they have NOTHING inside in regards to displaying history of the game of pinball, disected game part displays etc etc etc I have no idea :sleep
Is this a VERY COOL place to go to play heaps of well maintained games for anywhere from 25c to ( an average of ) 75c and kill a few hours studying and playing games you may have never played or have the opportunity to play and walk away content having spent some good time playing a large selection of games - ABSOLUTELY YES.
Other points.The standout game for me that I had never played was Safecracker- what a great little game with a unique feel and also a unique style of gameplay compared to the old 3 or 5 ball choice. I REALLY liked this game.
Some other 'surprises for me were Shrek as I HATE the movies and cannot stand Eddie Murphy's donkey voice all the time non-stop, so when I heard these sounds in the game I thought I was going to hate it, I played numerous games on it and cracked a few freebies as well and I REALLY enjoyed playing it.
The other big surprise was the rare and upright Pinball Circus - I had read many times that it was just awful...I actually enjoyed it quite a bit, the challenge of trying to get the ball up to the top level ( which I did twice ) was fun and not that easy , it has offset lower flippers and was easy to see everything going on. It was the only game that cost me $1.00 a game but did have 5 balls for that ( as most his games are set to actually )
I had never played Popeye , but I had to......a great big wide open playfield with seemingly nothing to aim for?
I took a HEAP of photo's - here are just a few.
How it looks from the street
(http://img846.imageshack.us/img846/2581/fromstreet.jpg)
The main counter area at the centre rear of inside
(http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/6948/img1809cq.jpg)
Take a good long look at my family playing pinball - U will never see it again :lol
(http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/1463/img1720ot.jpg)
OMG - The daughter on an old game - must have had shoe pictures on it somewhere/B]
(http://img546.imageshack.us/img546/7234/img1752w.jpg)
What a heap of sh*t
(http://img585.imageshack.us/img585/8440/img1774h.jpg)
Me with an old favourote- I LOVE this game.
(http://img847.imageshack.us/img847/962/img1732r.jpg)
This was fun to play actually
I like the feel of these newer games to be honest.
(http://img858.imageshack.us/img858/8646/img1744t.jpg)
Again- a 'cracker' of a game ( pardon the pun )
(http://img858.imageshack.us/img858/541/img1761c.jpg)
A nice line up to spend time on
(http://img858.imageshack.us/img858/5779/img1792y.jpg)
Some shots to show the amount of games available
(http://img850.imageshack.us/img850/4430/img1824.jpg)
(http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/5104/img1717qx.jpg)
A row of arcade games along the right side wall as well
(http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/9241/img1839v.jpg)
What is this ?You will have to attend the next Sydney meet to find that out
( this was NOT at the PHOF by the way but is relative )
(http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/7467/airshirt.jpg)
For those still interested I will be back on tonight to show some of Fremont St Vegas from the other night before we left as well as our Grand Canyon 'experience'
Off to dinner
Wotto
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Cool review Wotto !
Sad to hear that the PHOF is a bit misleading in naming, but it looks to be a great place to lose a few hours (days) !
Did you say you "like" Rolling Stones ^&( Well, at least there is one person who likes it !!
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Nice work, Wotto, I guess it was still worth a visit.
Did you say you "like" Rolling Stones ^&( Well, at least there is one person who likes it !!
Hey, it's pinball, can't be that bad!!
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Thanks for the update Wotto. Man, that main counter looks more like a stand at a flea market than the reception area. Incredible how you could have that much invested in machines yet pay little attention to the detail like the entrance and signage
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Continuing on with our crazy US holiday.......
I will jump back to our last night in Vegas - (Tuesday night ) when we caught The Duece , public bus , to Fremont St - it was great and only took ONE HOUR to get there
As usual - crowds were down again....
(http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/8818/crowds.jpg)
Seriously , you cannot take ONE step ANYWHERE in this town without people ALL AROUND you
Let me say that Fremont St is not for the faint-hearted......it is GREAT for the old style neons , but there are numerous ice-junkies etc around the place.....my daughter was not happy here but we stayed for a couple of hours....
Here are some shots....
The main entrance - also you can see the roof that has 12 million lights in it to provide the endless light show...
(http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/2938/fremontentry.jpg)
In this shot you can see the people on the zip-line.
We were dead set lined up for this but our son Jake got a bit crook so we didnt do it.
It would have been VERY cool and was only $15.00 each.
(http://img859.imageshack.us/img859/2110/zipliners.jpg)
Hmmmmmmmmm
(http://img848.imageshack.us/img848/4553/img1888w.jpg)
Met these dudes too - really - it was REALLY them ......isnt it Nino ?
(http://img607.imageshack.us/img607/2830/kissl.jpg)
Another one.......
(http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/1566/greenfreak.jpg)
On our way back on The Duece there was this REALLY drunk dude that looked like Jack Nicholson - he was non stop jibber talking and was directly behind my daughter, I could honestly tell he was harmless ( he thought I was a golfer named Phil Nicholson and kept asking how my game was going ) - but my daughter was just a little petrified - hahahahaha -U can see his forehead in the right of this shot.
(http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/6657/img1906hp.jpg)
For those that havent been to Vegas here is the intersection of Las Vegas Blvde and Tropicana ....
(http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/6113/stripandtropicana.jpg)
To give you an idea as to the size of these 'hotels' - this is the check in section of The Luxor where we are staying...
(http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/4494/luxorcheckin.jpg)
And here is inside a couple of casino's - they all look much the same and I swear they make it insanely difficult to find your way out !
Inside The Venetian
(http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/2782/insidevenetian.jpg)
Inside MGM Grand
(http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/2746/insidemgm.jpg)
We left Vegas and got this shot on the way out - I swear there is this chick that stands there and you tip her a buck for the photo with your own camera - it NEVER ends - she would make a KILLING - CASH!
(http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/3240/vegassignj.jpg)
So we leave LV and head off for a 3.5 hour trip to The Grand Canyon.
A lady at work tells me we HAVE to try the 'pies' at a country restraunt in Williams on the way to the canyon - so we take a stop for lunch at this place.....
(http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/6849/pines.jpg)
This town is on the famous Route 66
(http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/7076/route66f.jpg)
Here are the 'pies' she was talking about.....
(http://img638.imageshack.us/img638/5845/pinespies.jpg)
Note the super cool T shirt I bought in Vegas ( UFC fans please )
(http://img851.imageshack.us/img851/2789/markpie.jpg)
Now you HAVE to get some perspective on these behemoth things they serve up...
Here is an Aussie 50c and one dollar in front of it....let me tell you that this is WITHOUT DOUBT the GREATEST thing I have EVER EVER tasted in my entire life...my daughter and I shared it and could not finish it.....it is at least 6 or 7 inches high.
(http://img851.imageshack.us/img851/6020/pieu.jpg)
More soon guys ......
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Re the Pinball hall of Fame, the counter area gives a definate bad first impression just like u said.
** Re Popeye, It grows on you like the mother in law. IT takes time.lol I have a Popeye and i actually really enjoy this title ! * I must admit, it wasnt until i watched the factory promo video, that i really began to understand how to get the most out of this machine. In the slim chance that you might play Popeye again one day Wotto,i have included the factory promo video. Get past the first 90 seconds of cartoons, and Its actually a good watch.lol
The PHOF photos and post about the place was excellent. ^^^ Re the other places everywhere, could you imagine paying the electricity bills for all the lights !
From all the photos, u would never think the USA is in a real bad financial situation. The place looks like it is booming. ^^^
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Yeah Cavey I thought the same thing ( imagine this place in a GREAT financial time if THIS is one of it's lowest points )
Now- apparently Spring in the Grand Canyon is about the equivalent to us being on the black run in Thredbo on a mid winters day in the middle of a blizzard......15,500 kms around the planet to show the kids the Grand Canyon.....here it is....
(http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/4322/1954.jpg)
Look again - look behind them to the left of shot on your screen - U will see it.
MAGNIFICENT isnt it.
OK OK - maybe this is a better shot ?
(http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/4972/img5162af.jpg)
Here was our car this morning....
(http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/370/carsnow4.jpg)
In all seriousness we did get ONE good day there yesterday....here are some shots.
We have been here before ( twice ) - it is a really tranquil place and is IMPOSSIBLE to show it in ANY photo - you do have to see it for yourself to understand its immense size....
(http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/3995/lookoutstudiomist7am.jpg)
(http://img826.imageshack.us/img826/2162/powellpointkids2.jpg)
It would appear that I have overcome my fear of heights :D
(http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/4893/mohavepointtoughmark2.jpg)
Here are some shots at Mather Point.
(http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/2143/matherpointkidsonhigh.jpg)
And also at Mather Point on the day we were there was apparently the Worlds most responsible parents - this kid was about 3 years old . :o
(http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/6627/matherpointkidoutsideba.jpg)
More soon guys.....hope U R laughing.
We are off to Yosemite National Park tomorrow.
Bears and squirrels - YAY
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As good as the machines look in the PHOF, that place really is a disgrace. I envisaged playfields and backglasses hanging on the walls, TV's running movies like TILT or some sort of pinball history docos, a mini diner/milk bar inside etc etc etc. Don't get me wrong, hats off for at least having what they do have but it could be sooo much better, especially if they took a bit of pride in the place.
Love the pics Wotto....keep 'em coming.
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Yes mate - I too thought there would have been 'some' effort put into the place.
Look- I am certainly not complaining as it would be a huge task to keep the machines running and at a decent standard and it is DEFINITELY, most definitely worth a look if you are headed over to the USA - I probably sound like I am complaining :lol
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Drove to Yosemite National Park today.
Longest day on the road - 6 hour drive plus stops - but the roads are FANTASTIC so it is no big deal.
Saw another Australian driver here in California - not sure how he will go with his rental deposit return #@#
(http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/9123/dscf6030.jpg)
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Ok - so here we are at a small country town called Oakhurst - it is 'the gateway' to Yosemite National Park and it's a little less populated that Las Vegas.
Very roughly it is about 3 hours north east of Los Angeles.
I want my kids to see Yosemite as it is a beautiful National Park.
(http://img801.imageshack.us/img801/7962/oakhurst.jpg)
I met the family living above us tonight too - they are travelling as well - here they are.....
(http://img864.imageshack.us/img864/5712/baba.png)
OMG it is like there are 150 people up there ^.^
Now todays WTF moment comes from within this hotel.
" Hello room service, I need a big brown muffin"
Make your own they said ............. :lol
(http://img853.imageshack.us/img853/3483/toilet.jpg)
We went out looking for a place for dinner - I saw the sign and was too scared to go in....
(http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/6247/donkeym.jpg)
And they reckon we aint getting ripped of in Australia !
Petrol is anywhere from 92c - 1.03 a litre here - and then there is this....yes it is for a case....
(http://img560.imageshack.us/img560/4593/coronad.jpg)
Anyone like big cars?
The one on the left of shot is like our Holden Rodeo size.
Dude told me he paid $40k for this 'truck' - 8 years ago.
(http://img841.imageshack.us/img841/879/twooe.jpg)
Also had a decent chinese feed tonight - Large rice , 3 dishes, 2 cokes, 1 lemonade , 1 Budweiser and they gave us all free deserts - total - $39.59 - yeah aint Australia just GREAT !*!
Amazing.
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I think this is fantastic what you're doing here Wotto ! A big ^^^ !
I for one would like to say thanks.
I was out in the states in 97 and basically traveled in the same locations to where you've been. Beautiful place to visit and you've inspired me to start saving to get out there again....
Of course its a ripper of a time in regards to the $$$ exchange, when i went it was @ .75c.
Please keep the updates coming mate. #@#
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Hey Pinfan
Happy to share and inspire - thats why I am doing this - also I dont want to sit in a hotel watching crappy TV each night so I do the images and PC stuff daily and keep you entertained....
So we drive off into Yosemite National Park today.....just a little snow for the Hyundai Sonata rental to handle.........
(http://img860.imageshack.us/img860/8357/skilodge.jpg)
(http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/5141/kidssign.jpg)
Ok - like the Grand Canyon this is a place that no photo on the planet can ever do justice to - this is a spectacular National Park - I will show you some shots for those that havent seen the place - these are sheer granite walls thousands of feet high.
Once in the park via a nice 50 mile drive on a twisting snow covered mountain road you are surrounded by what you see below.
(http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/8229/valleyp.jpg)
(http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/2784/halfdome.jpg)
(http://img541.imageshack.us/img541/8529/granite1.jpg)
(http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/9925/kaylascale.jpg)
(http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/9106/falls1.jpg)
I so highly recommend a visit to this park if you come to California and have 2 days to spare - get here once in your life.
We went for a 'hike' to Vernal Falls - the 2km trail was paved but SO BLOODY STEEP.
There is no way of capturing steepness in a photo ( that I know of ) but here is a look at the path on the way back....it is a lot steeper than it appears in the photo
(http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/5416/steep.jpg)
Half way there I was wondering why I did this to myself earlier today...
(http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/3932/brekky.jpg)
And we didnt even get to the falls as they closed the trail 50 metres from the bloody end - AFTER we clambered up ice packed slippery trails in our best hiking shoes - Nikes and Converse runners
I have ZERO balance capabilites so my Mrs thought it would be hilarious to photgraph me 'trying' to crab back down the steep icy trail like a pensioner - I was SO trying to avoid that centre ice section as the Mrs had already done the slip dance down there and I knew I would be on my arse if I attempted it and there was about a 30 foot drop off that left side onto rocks.
(http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/1876/markskate.jpg)
GREAT day in the park regardless and again GET HERE if you can when in California.
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Awesome photos, Wotto !
Far less people than Vegas !
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Great stuff mate, were you guys expecting to see so much snow on your trip?
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Great stuff mate, were you guys expecting to see so much snow on your trip?
I expected NONE at The Grand Canyon.
I did expect 'some' at Yosemite as I know the roads here are often closed due to it apart from only a couple of months of the year.
It is at around 6500 feet elevation.
We got SO LUCKY today - roads that were closed yesterday were cleared today and the weather in Yosemite Park ( a valley ) was PERFECT - then it got bad as soon as we left the park at around 3.30pm.
Off to LA ( north ) for 4 days tomorrow - 6 Flags Magic Mountain and Universal Studios ahead #*#
Fly home Friday night 10.30pm LA time.
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Sensation shots Wotto!!
Not sure I'd ever use a phone in the toilet though, I'm guessing there's some Glen 20 nearby you applied liberally before picking up the handset??
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Oh, and glad you had your pants on for that shot.. ..
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Oh, and glad you had your pants on for that shot.. ..
Haha - I thought about it mate dont you worry - then I chickened out &&
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Great photos of your journey so far, did you see Yogi Bear at Yosemite *)*
Ian
edit: oops jellystone !@)
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Great shots of the National Park. Don't you feel the cold or something - snowing and your'e wearing shorts?
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Not cold in Yosemite - hence the shorts ^^^
View from our room in Santa Clarita this afternoon and part of what awaits us tomorrow...
(http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/3623/img5369rz.jpg)
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Sweet, that will be awesome, looking forward to the pics ^^^
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Keep the holiday pics comimg Wotto ^^^, enjoying this thread, when my lot (the kids) get older a trip to LA is a must.
Hey Wotto have you seen any 50's or 60's cars cruizing around on your travels??
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Hey Wotto have you seen any 50's or 60's cars cruizing around on your travels??
Very very few mate - I have been really surprised by it to be honest.
I was wondering if Obama's 'cash for clunkers' scheme had worked really well to be honest !@#
These are some of the cars I have taken shots of.....
There are HEAPS of these on the road - Chevy HHR.
About 17- 19k to buy....
(http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/4741/hhrb.jpg)
Some richer ones....
(http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/9154/stretchi.jpg)
(http://img840.imageshack.us/img840/9139/sportsg.jpg)
(http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/2457/mercu.jpg)
Even the trucks are done pretty nicely here....
(http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/818/budtruck.jpg)
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That Chevy HHR is a cool looking ride, well priced @ 17 to 19k, thanks for the car pics Wotto
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BIG BIG Day today at Six Flags Magic Mountain.
Heap of photo's here coming up for you.
This is one of THE BEST parks in the USA.
(http://img846.imageshack.us/img846/4958/girlsentry.jpg)
(http://img847.imageshack.us/img847/8652/boysentry.jpg)
MASSIVE coasters of all types - will show a few in detail.
This was the park used in 'Vacation' as Wally World.
In shot here are Colossus ( double track wooden racer ) as well as the massive 26 storey drop of Goliath ( the orange track )
(http://img849.imageshack.us/img849/1135/jakeoutside.jpg)
(http://img852.imageshack.us/img852/7954/viper.jpg)
Get your laughing gear ready by the way.
(http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/4253/markhat.jpg)
This is X2
The BEST ride in the park - hands down.
(http://img718.imageshack.us/img718/4359/x2overall.jpg)
On this ride the seats , 2 each side, are hangin out the edge of the actual track and they swing/pivot - the ride is simply indescribable and THE BEST ride I have ever been on.
They load you in backwards.
(http://img850.imageshack.us/img850/7282/x2station.jpg)
Then you rise the hill backwards and then drop off the edge straight down and just before you drop , your seat flips over so that you are facing the ground. You climb the rise, drop into the little dip and then BAM , you are OUT OF CONTROL for the next 40 seconds - INSANE
(http://img600.imageshack.us/img600/5960/x2fromtower.jpg)
A closer look at those riders...
(http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/7624/x2dropfromtower.jpg)
(http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/1729/x2bendfrontshot.jpg)
(http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/9202/x2innerloop.jpg)
(http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/7526/x2innerloopclose.jpg)
My daughter loved the ride so much - look...
(http://img818.imageshack.us/img818/6627/girlsx2.jpg)
What a chicken those 2 shoe shoppers are.....here are the tough guys
(http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/5057/boysx2.jpg)
I hope you guys are p*ssing yourselves - just wait till later....
I reckon this guys sign was missing the word 'eating'
(http://img718.imageshack.us/img718/566/stopeating.jpg)
Well they also dragged me onto Goliath - this has a 26 storey drop and some insanely tight turns and I was hoping my 'head' would handle it....I am on dizzy pills from the doc, wearing a pressure band and keeping hydrated but a ride called tatsu ( more on that later ) had F*CKED me up at about 11am and I was cconcerned about getting on Goliath.
(http://img834.imageshack.us/img834/8245/usgoliathentry.jpg)
This first drop goes underground and I have not much idea what happens after that - it is VERY fast....
(http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/4301/goliathm.jpg)
(http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/9672/goliathdrop.jpg)
Here it is from the tower up high - this was the best shot I could manage of this huge ride.
(http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/3134/goliathfromtower.jpg)
Yet another GREAT on ride face from me
(http://img710.imageshack.us/img710/9691/ongoliath.jpg)
Some more later guys - hope this is funny for you.
GREAT DAY.
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So this ride is called Riddler Revenge - it is the fastest , tallest stand up coaster in the USA - apparently - - - - it is massive as well and has about 7 inversions
(http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/781/riddler.jpg)
Apparently it breaks down a bit ...........and well, it did today......when my family had front seats....
(http://img852.imageshack.us/img852/643/riddlersstuck.jpg)
It soon got going again....
(http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/7152/riddlerloop.jpg)
(http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/5883/hulkshotfront.jpg)
Close up of the kids and Diane
(http://img600.imageshack.us/img600/7152/hulkfamily.jpg)
Now this is the ride that REALLY bothered me - Tatsu
It is the Worlds fastest and tallest 'flying' rollercoaster.
(http://img801.imageshack.us/img801/1545/tatsumarkjakeentry.jpg)
Once your in the seats at the station they seats fold up so that you are in a lying face down position...look at all them little feet .....and then, as usual you charge off up about 20+ storeys before they drop you.
(http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/9608/tatsuriser.jpg)
This was a very hard ride to get good photos of - I hope you het the idea from this shot
(http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/7030/tatsuflying.jpg)
This ride DID MY HEAD IN and my guts also , for about 3 hours.
One thing it did was to go into a loop like a forward "dive roll' which was unbeliavable , then the tight turns at the end screwed me up.
End of day - completely knackered.
(http://img859.imageshack.us/img859/4401/dayend.jpg)
By the way - tickets for this place ( that has 18 coasters like this as well as other rides and water rides ) were $39.00 each for the day - CHEAP AS !
We headed off and had THE BEST Italian feed we have EVER had.
Universal Studios tomorrow - more bloody rides !
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Now I know "why" everyone carries a bag or back pack at Magic mountain. I assume this is for the spare PAIRS of underpants <.>
Great photos Wotto - Also, some of the ride photos have a 70's feel to them - are they taken by site cameras and you buy them later or something ?
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Great photos Wotto, makes me sick just looking at them. Doesn't seem like this place was as busy as a lot of the other places you have visited. Sounds like the food is top notch on your travels as well.
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LOL--- my legs are tingling looking at that.
Heights scare the crap out of me which is why i cant resist a roller coaster.
$39 all day pass???... Last time i did a Gold Coast park it damn nearly broke me
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Also, some of the ride photos have a 70's feel to them - are they taken by site cameras and you buy them later or something ?
They were 'on-ride' photo's that you buy afterwards.
Normally I dont buy these but obviously in this case we just HAD to as they are SO bad :lol
I then took photo's of them when we got back to the room so I could post here.
And TonyT - the crowds were WAY down at this park as it was a Tuesday.
This is where we will be coming back to for a day when we do the September PPE trip mate - so man up my friend #@#
I found a better shot of Goliath.
(http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/4301/goliathm.jpg)
And this is the hotel we are staying at ( and will re-book for September ) it's so close to the park and a nice place to stay too
(http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/6919/hotelcq.jpg)
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Now I know "why" everyone carries a bag or back pack at Magic mountain. I assume this is for the spare PAIRS of underpants <.>
Well it appears that Jake required some :lol
(http://img816.imageshack.us/img816/2402/jakewet.jpg)
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And TonyT - the crowds were WAY down at this park as it was a Tuesday.
This is where we will be coming back to for a day when we do the September PPE trip mate - so man up my friend #@#
Think I might have some shoe shopping to do that day :lol <.>
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Bloody awesome looking rides Wotto, thanks heaps for sharing this adventure mate! #*#
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@.@
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AWESOME! those rides look crazy, shit all over anything we have here. Keep the photos coming mate ^^^
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Hey all
Spent today at Universal Studios - drove thier in early LA freeway traffic and after 3000kms on the wrong side of the road I copped my first horn BLASTING as I cut someone off - they dont just beep beep they f*ckin BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP for about 20 seconds !
Anyway - we got there...
(http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/3366/entryhv.jpg)
Once again it looked like the crowds were well and truly back.....but after 15 minutes everyone had spread throughout the park.
(http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/3649/crowdsb.jpg)
We decided to skip the early rush for the 'tram tour' and ride the rides here - it turned out a great move as the rides were empty first thing in the morning.
Kids obviously wanted to do this ride ( a rollercoaster simulator ) straight away.
(http://img593.imageshack.us/img593/5266/simpsonsentry.jpg)
We then went on The Mummy - which is a rollercoaster in the dark - it has a fast launch and some decent special effects - it is a short ride but pretty good overall
(http://img855.imageshack.us/img855/7784/mummy.jpg)
Next up was Jurassic Park - a boat ride with a decent drop at the end of it and some decent 'wetting' throughout the ride as well - pretty entertaining.
(http://img849.imageshack.us/img849/7201/jpentry.jpg)
(http://img576.imageshack.us/img576/6188/jpboat.jpg)
You would never believe who we bumped into at the park - incredible huh
(http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/4672/bettyz.jpg)
Then.....out of absolutely nowhere, the bloody mother in law pops up !
I couldnt believe it.
(http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/8143/motherinlaw.jpg)
They have this attraction called House of Horrors which is a walk-through ghost house where real actors dressed up as freaks pop out of nowhere and try to scare the sh*t out of you....Kayla did NOT want to go in there , she is a CHICKEN - a MASSIVE chicken and had the sh*ts that I made her go in - she ended up in tears :lol
(http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/2730/horroshouse.jpg)
Just when we thought we were having a good time , the airline company rang to say they had a problem with our plane for this Friday's flight.....
(http://img826.imageshack.us/img826/6528/planey.jpg)
This is actually the set from the plane crash in War of The Worlds and was on the tram tour of the backlots.
The backlot tour was cool - I was having a good time and then for some reason a flood of hatred came over me......and I wanted to kick sh*t out of somebody :rolleyes
(http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/2553/deloreanx.jpg)
I found some great stuff in the shops today too -
(http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/5928/hatl.jpg)
But seriosuly - I so wanted to buy this BIG Alien head - the detail was OUTSTANDING - trouble is that was $1250.00 plus shipping- they had a full size Iron Man which looked unreal - it was $7000.00
(http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/4909/alienma.jpg)
They also do a show called Watrworld - I wont give anything away other than this one photo - but it is WELL worth watching - it is excellent actually and the actors in it are some of the people from shows like CSI, House, Law & Order and they allow pics with them afterwards as well.
(http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/1439/watershow.jpg)
After the Studios we went out into Citywalk area which is chocka's full of restraunts, shops and bars etc - look what I found in some shops - I didnt know these existed
(http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/8066/dkdrink.jpg)
(http://img853.imageshack.us/img853/9858/dkjenga.jpg)
And what better way to end a day than watching The Chin himself live.
(http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/9472/jaylu.jpg)
Yet ANOTHER bloody good day here in the USA.
Only a couple left and one of them will be spent shoe shopping ( no I am not joking )
Wotto
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WATERWORLD the movie, and the pinball flopped bigtime, BUT a WATERWORLD SHOW is going full boar and is popular/still going after all these years ! how ironic. @.@
The set does look excellent though. and yes, the yanks definately stole the concept from our MAD MAX !
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Something scary about that Spongebob and Wotto pic........!!! *!@ *!@
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Great photos again and good laugh. Looks like you have a very nice camera, quality of photos are excellent. Your daughter looks like she is in the shits with you big time in that House of Horrors pic %.%
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Well boys - this could be the last post before we are back in Oz.
If the LA Airport has Wifi available I will have ONE more post - otherwise I will finish this off when we get home.
So today was a free day - we went shopping - yes shopping - AGAIN.
We hit the 'outlets' in Camarillo - this place only has 190 retail outlets...
(http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/6534/promenadesign.jpg)
(http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/2831/cemtre2.jpg)
(http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/1985/cemtre1.jpg)
I got a little scared in 'shoe alley' - this place actually has something like 40 shoe stores :o
(http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/8733/shoeshops.jpg)
I figured if you cant beat em , join em - and the holiday has come in WELL under budget so I decided we could all go a little CRAZY - including me this time, I mean you cant NOT buy the stuff -
I got new Oakley Half Jacket sunnies WITH polarised lenses and an extra set of polarised lenses - all for $190.00 - the glasses alone - NON polarised are around that in Oz.
I was buying genuine Billabong , Alpine Star and Ecko shirts for $15.00 each ^^^ ^^^
My son got DC , Vans and Converse shoes for around $30.00 - I grabbed some Vans for $20.00 ^^^
Nike Air Hi Tops for me - $30.00 !
Jake got 2 more skate decks as well - less than half the Oz price - again.
It was seriously cheap cheap cheap.
After that we went and found the original house used in the film Poltergeist.
I am sure some of you may recall it when you see this image. This is just a normal house in a normal everyday street in Simi Valley - about 35 minutes north west of LA city.
(http://img861.imageshack.us/img861/3551/pghouse.jpg)
We fly out tomorrow night 10.30pm LA time.
I will be spending the afternoon driving around finding a few other houses from film and TV - I was going to look at Stars homes but all you see is a gate , so I decided to look up houses from sets that we all recognise and check them out ( Happy Days house, Elm St house, Halloween house etc etc ) plus I am going to take a drive along Mullholland drive and go as close to the Hollywood sign as we can get.
Finishing off at Randy's Donuts ( the little hut with the MASSIVE donut on top of it seen in HEAPS of shows/ films ) - then back to LAX.
More soon...
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Your'e daughter looks like she is in the shits with you big time in that House of Horrors pic %.%
Looks like you have a very nice camera, quality of photos are excellent.
Oh mate - U cant start to imagine how much AND that photo was taken BEFORE she went in there :lol
Camera is a Canon EOS550 bought for the trip - pretty happy with it.
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Have a safe trip back and thanks for sharing your holiday on AP, really enjoyed the photos and the stories that went with them #*#
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Hi all
Home to Dapto Sunday at 9am
Here is some info from our last day in LA yesterday...
We drove around LA/ Hollywood area looking for the houses I wanted to find...the roads there are SO packed with cars and the driving was a little daunting in some area's......I nearly hit a bloke at a set of lights and I am glad I didnt as he already looked a little angry.....
(http://img855.imageshack.us/img855/7857/hulkcrossing.jpg)
We found houses from Modern Family - here are the kids outside Phil and Claires for anyone that watches that show....this was in a suburb called Brentwood and it was REALLY busy - like Sydney roads.
(http://img801.imageshack.us/img801/9010/modfamily.jpg)
My daughter insisted that we go to a house from one of the girls from The Hills , we wound our way up these TINY SKINNY TWISTING streets that have multi bazillion $ homes on them and Kayla got to stand at Audrina's doorway and she was stoked.
The Range Rover meant she was probably home as well.
Come on guys you all watch The Hills - right
(http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/9901/img5817y.jpg)
We also got closer to the Hollywood sign than any tour ever gets you...
(http://img859.imageshack.us/img859/3402/hsign.jpg)
Sing along now folks....you all know how it goes...
Ba da de da da....
Heres the story of a man named Wotto
Who was married to a shoeshopper of his own...
Yes it is me at The Brady Bunch House
(http://img838.imageshack.us/img838/8364/bradyd.jpg)
Being the lunatic that I am I SO SO SO wanted to do a big old Fonzie thumps up shot on the driveway of the Cunninghams house but there was no-where to park in this street...
(http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/8365/happydaysp.jpg)
The day was wearing me out - I felt like 'something' then I saw this and just had to have one....WTF
(http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/5482/luber.jpg)
One , Two , Spongebob Wotto's comin for you
Three , Four better lock your door.....
( think Nightmare on Elm St guys )
(http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/1695/elmst.jpg)
We found the house used in Charmed.
(http://img861.imageshack.us/img861/7404/charmed.jpg)
And we ended our trip at Randy's - this is about 2 minutes from the rental car return depot close to LAX and there was no way I was going home without coming here....and JUST what we needed , some more sugar loaded treats before we left LA
(http://img577.imageshack.us/img577/3492/28208751.jpg)
Flight home was GREAT, I slept on a plane for the first time in my life.
Did I say we bought some stuff?
(http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/4310/shirtspr.jpg)
(http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/5939/shoesetc.jpg)
Thanks to all for following this thread and making the nice comments and appreciating the effort I put into it - great stuff.
Seeya soon
Wotto
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Great post with all those famous houses, good to see you and your family arrived home safely. Man with all that stuff you bought back expect to see you on an episode of Border Patrol in the future :lol
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Where's my bass $!&
Those "Mystery" skateboard "boards" with the "S" look like the "Mystery" band's logo in the movie "Detroit Rock City"..
Righto - so what are you gonna call the shoeshop when it opens ?
Thanks for sharing the pics and I'm glad the trip was great fun for everyone.
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Big thanks to Wotto for sharing your holiday with us all.
I personally enjoyed every minute and got some good laughs along the way.
#*# #*# %.% %.%
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Fantastic thred Wotto, thanks for sharing, it was sort of the next best thing than being there.
A few things have changed since me and the missus was there 16 years ago.
Ian
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If just a few people more look at your photos, you would have had over 1000 views. Almost there.
Glad u had a great time. Excellent photos n posts. ^^^ ^^^ ^^^
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Cracking thread Wotto.
Thanks for a great read. Hope you got back home ok after what seemed like a fantastic holiday.
Darren.