The Aussie Pinball Arcade
Aussie Pinball Forums => General Chat - Non Pinball/coin-opp Discussion => Topic started by: Wotto on April 13, 2013, 07:21:16 PM
-
Hi all
I will officially be off the grid from 6.30pm tonight for a few days until we land and settle in New York city.
Flying out at 10am tomorrow and my guts are ALREADY eating themselves !!!
After we settle in I will TRY my very best to make time to throw a travel log up here for you to travel along side us and HOPEFULLY enjoy a laugh or two along the way.
My 1st 8 days wont be much pinball related as I am in NYC with my 18YO daughter on a holiday ( farkin look out 5th Ave and my wallet @.@ ) , but I will still share that part of my trip anyway. We will however visit Reciprocal Skate and Pinball in NYC and also be going to some of the filming locations from the 1979 cult movie The Warriors for those that remember that one, my daughter will not know where to run and hide when I stand where the big gang meeting was , raise my hands and yell out CAAAAAN YOOOOOOOOUUUU DIG IT :lol. On top of that we will obviously be doing all the normal NYC tourist stuff AND a NY Rangers Ice Hockey game at Madison Square Garden next Thursday night. Trust me , if we get to ice skate at the famous Rockefeller rink and she videos me you WILL wet yourselves *)*
The real fun of this thread will start on Monday 21st April when the one, the only BERT, better known here as Pinofski, flies in to meet me in LA and he and I will visit some serious collectors in that area and I will take him to Muscle Beach and take images of him flexing with the locals as well. We then head to San Diego for one night and play in a local comp with the SDO Pinball Club , and they have a WOZ on location, after this we go to Vegas for 3 nights , obviously PHOF and any other thing we can find to do in Vegas ( no Bert mate, no hookers OK ) …….and finally up to San Francisco for a visit to Pacific Pinball Museum and a night at Cliffys place as well, before driving back to LA and flying home for 4th May.
A highlight of the trip will be Peggy Sues Diner on the way to Vegas - hey Tony #@#
Every day is CHOCK O BLOCK planned and Bert has ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA what he is in for.
I hope he doesnt like to sleep :lol
So I will sign off , and get my 1st pics up as soon as I can.
Cheers all
Wotto
-
Have a GREAT trip!
-
waiting patiently for the photos and guff on whats going down
-
have a action packed fun filled time and can't wait to hear about your adventures and see some photos, always a great read from your other trips
and safe travels
-
Look forward to the updates, enjoy your trip!
You have to go to Coney island and clink three bottles together don't you? surely! :lol :lol
-
Have a great and safe trip guys, look forward to the updates.
Peggy Sue's - just stick to Denny's mate
-
Enjoy the trip mate and can't wait for updates
-
sounds awesome, look forward to the updates!
-
More later guys - but all I will say so far is ABSOLUTE FARRRRKIN nightmare 48 hours ^.^ ^.^ ^.^ ^.^ ^.^ ^.^
-
nice trip Watto
I can't believe you fly home before Pinfest
-
WHAT A NIGHTMARE 48hours we had !
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/plane_zpsbf5b0696.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/plane_zpsbf5b0696.jpg.html)
Let me just say REALLY bad turbulence, baby next to us on plane which is always terrific when your are already peaking about the bumps and stuff , BAD landings for me at least - the one into JFk the dude kept wobbling the thing from side to side even as low as 50 metres off the ground - it was pretty average.
Phone card failed when we arrived so I couldn’t contact the drivers and the unit owner where we were booked .
Go to the luggage belt - mine appears, Kaylas doesn't ( remember she is 18YO female with all her stuff GONE in her mind ) LOST LUGGAGE for 36 hours, so we couldnt enjoy ourselves as it was constantly on our minds and I had to 'stay calm as she was PEAKING about it not ever showing up , so to try and not stress the hell out of this trip I remained positive for her - in the end it just got it 2 hours ago and we have been here a day and a half !
All of the above on top of the ( expected ) ZERO sleep for over 24 hours made it hard to NOT lose it mentally.
OMFG – NOTHING ELSE could have gone wrong.
Well we have to dodge the MILLIONS of people and the ones that spit near you are the ones I really like the best !
ANYWAY ...............today we went to the top of the Empire State Building.
No one spits on you up here at least
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/es-bpulid_zpsde3e3657.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/es-bpulid_zpsde3e3657.jpg.html)
STINGING for a coffee we hit Starbucks, one of the 9786 outlets here in NHC.
The US citizens really love my accent and nasally voice - look it's Mark.....
Well almost ......
Next time I am going to give the name at Starbucks James Bond and wait till they call THAT out .
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/starbucks_zps0f1a3de4.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/starbucks_zps0f1a3de4.jpg.html)
We walked the stores along 5th Ave - of course I entered all the million dollar glitz places like in my best Aussie get up.
The Apple Store is a little intense - they said it was an average/ slow day.
Its a glass box on the street that you go down under.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/DSCN0081_zps77ec29a6.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/DSCN0081_zps77ec29a6.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/apple_zpsf8e99f1d.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/apple_zpsf8e99f1d.jpg.html)
Went to Midtown Comics on the way back looking for figures - these were too big - but AWESOME if you were into collecting this type of stuff.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/comic_zpsb9b0d79e.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/comic_zpsb9b0d79e.jpg.html)
I also found the perfect topper for you WOZ owners - yes its the Dorothy WACKY WOBBLER
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/woz_zps7181b3c8.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/woz_zps7181b3c8.jpg.html)
After all this we were pretty peckish - I said Kayla I really feel like some Rice Krispie Treats, she found some.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/rice_zpsf9837646.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/rice_zpsf9837646.jpg.html)
I felt like a sweet desert - 'any Gummy Bears" I yelled out , Kayla says bad luck Dad, they are down to thier last one only.....
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/gummy_zps04e05e40.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/gummy_zps04e05e40.jpg.html)
And now look fella's - all you Spiderman pinball owners out there - I found you a MUST have accessory for when playing your machine , I mean how much cooler can you get .....
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/spiderman_zps40356240.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/spiderman_zps40356240.jpg.html)
Just like her dad , here is Kayla doing the Aussies abroad proud in the middle of the shop , the funny thing is that while we in in FRICKING STITCHES taking these photos here, no one looked twice at us ......
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/kayla-hat_zps633ca6c2.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/kayla-hat_zps633ca6c2.jpg.html)
Off to dinner shortly , I will have a steak but ask them to get someone from the street to spit on it first, should be hard to find someone
More soon guys.....
-
Oh goody - on whats been an enjoyable time so far - I just got told the dunny has jammed - with a big one in it !
NYC is AWESOME #@#
-
surprised you didn't get the hulk for your new avengers pin as we all know you love your toppers %.% ^.^
have and thanks for sharing
-
Glasses suit you mate !
Glad that Kayla has her luggage, although you could have mentioned to her to replace all her luggage with a huge shopping spree @@^
-
That Hulk figure is awesome!!!!
Take care over there mate. Not good news this morning with the bombs at the Boston marathon. I'll be interested to hear how the security ramps up over there and whether it is noticable during your travels.
-
Coool ^^^
Great photographer - Bert ?
-
Lost luggage sucks....but now that you have it im sure you will forget all about it and enjoy your time. I can imagine how good the comic stores are over there!
I have to ask and excuse my naivety here....Spitting? Do people there (never been to the US) spit on the ground alot? Or have i missed something really obvious and now look like a goose! :lol
-
Hey Jonesy - this ones for you mate - sweet place............
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/unit_zps789d5c4b.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/unit_zps789d5c4b.jpg.html)
Until the toilet SH*TS itself and you gotta do the NeW York plunge !
I honestly thought I was gunna end up with sh*t all over me when the thing was pushing and making squelching noises !!!
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/DUNNY_zps9b50326f.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/DUNNY_zps9b50326f.jpg.html)
Had a decent feed at Il Bastardo restaurant tonight - my daughter wanted to go there because some dude from the show called The City owns it.
I have to say it was a FANTASTIC Italian meal.
They had shared toilets - obviously I couldnt use ours tonight so I saved up a ripper , went down to the 'GENTS', walked in and there is this american woman in there , she sees the look on my face and says 'hey its OK , your are in the right place", we share.
Was a little awkward.
To answer a few thread questions so far......
Millsy - Bert is still in Oz - he flies into LA next Monday , this week in NYC is only myself and Kayla - a reward for her for a tough 2012 she went through.
Cursed - Spitting - man we have copped about a dozen or so dudes just slag one right out in front of you / anyone as they walk along, I have been to the West Coast about 6 times and never experienced that.
Nino - Yeah we HAD to go to a store last night and get her some 'chick' clothes - they are well priced and let me tell you - at 10pm at night it was like a Myers yearly annual sales day - ITS WILD mate. We had to buy more stuff today just in case , so we went to Macy's , it was 9 levels of that same madness, you know how we walk into Myers and ONE person wants to offer you some 'spray' sample in the perfume section, this place had a row of about 10-12 people either side of you ( like about 20+ in total ) that you had to walk through and they ALL offered , it was like the scene in Flying High where Lloyd Bridges bashes everyone that approaches him as he enters the airport :lol
Pinister - I am unsure if it is normal here but it feels like there are cops on nearly every corner every day.......thier presences is massive.
The models in the comic store are FANTASTIC quality.
-
Stressful isn't when your belongings don't arrive with you. I was without my backpack for 2 days in Paris, when my wife & i left New Jersey (NY).
It's not a good feeling wearing the same jocks & clothes.
Enjoy the trip over there with your daughter Mark and have an orange juice for me.
Stephen.
-
That's one thing I noticed when I was there in 2011, there is always a cop within 100 metres of you. Also Wotto, try this, stand on the street and listen if you can hear a point where there is no sirens. I was there in Manhattan and heard one siren roll into another for 7 days straight. ^&^
-
surprised you didn't get the hulk for your new avengers pin as we all know you love your toppers %.% ^.^
have and thanks for sharing
I am sure he will have plenty of goodies to bring back to OZ #*#
-
Far out nightmare beginning but should make the rest seem even sweeter. Loving the posts so far mate keep em coming
-
please tell us what a NY pizza is like.
no pizzahut please.
best wishes damien pizza'n'pinball
enjoying the posts so far,mate.
-
Can it get much better than this?
So last night we are sitting here and we here this man moaning ( in pain ) - we are 17 storeys up and it sounds loud.
Here is our conversation...........
Me - What the hell is that
Kayla - sh*t I dont know
Me - can you hear that dude , sounds like someone stabbed him - is he dying?
Kayla - Dad, I dont think he is dying
Me - what? - can you hear him.......( and my brain goes CLICK )
Me - OH NO.........he is not dying at all ( and then we hear our neighbour's moment of triumph in some big loud US accent OH YEAH BABY type of comments )
Now THERE is one of the lifelong memories that will linger with Kayla and I for a LONG time - great great stuff :o
So after this - Johnny Stallion decides to celebrate his moment of glory by pulling out his ALMIGHTY subwoofer system ( I am thinking MArty McFly in the opening scene of Back to the Future ) and proceeds to view The Jurassic park Marathon and a documentary on the wild african stomping elephants, Just until around 1am this morning ^.^ ^.^ ^.^ Our entire room was shaking and I woke again at 4.30am ( it is 7am now ((( )
Today we have to venture on to the subway system in morning peak hour and get down to Ground Zero area, should get a lot of friendly assistance with directions and stuff from these locals @.@ - we will endeavour to have a decent day and do our best to raise our current rating of this city from currently a 0.2 out of 10 to something a little better.
Studley - we are going to try and find Lombardis Pizza's down where we are going today - USA's first ever Pizzeria - as seen on the last Amazing Race series for anyone that saw that.
-
Ok the spitting thing is just wrong!!
Surely it can only get better from here Wotto! Looking forward to the updates.
-
Sounds like your staying @ The Animal House. What's next?...a Ninja Turtle lol.
-
Hey all
So today we bought our Metro Card in the subway - no easy task at first, and with the pressure of 15 kazillion NY locals around you it was a little testing at first - anyway we got it done and were soon headed through to the stations proper- of course on my first ever NY subway excursion I chose a to go to lower Manhattan / finance district which meant 2 trains with a transfer at Union Square station - easy huh, yellow train, green train, the 4, the 5, the express version of each of the local version etc etc .......I asked directions a few times and as it turned out we had our plan done perfectly BUT it was refreshing to have it confirmed by a local.
These trains are packed - PACKED I say, but very effeicent.
This is a quick snap downstairs with the stink, rubbish and rats.....
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/subway_zps6f137821.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/subway_zps6f137821.jpg.html)
This is one of the cooler looking station entrances/ exits at The Bowling Green near Wall St
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/station_zps009b631a.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/station_zps009b631a.jpg.html)
Unfortunately Liberty Island and Ellis ISland are still closed from Hurricane Sandy - so we grabbed the free ( and most of you will know it ) Staten Island Ferry which gets 'close' to the Statue of Liberty.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/ferry_zpsbe7f55da.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/ferry_zpsbe7f55da.jpg.html)
The city is in Level 1 security 'lockdown' due to Boston events and there are cops and security people EVERYWHERE.
I wasnt to concerned because when boarding the ferry I realised we had God on our side today
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/god_zps86ac741a.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/god_zps86ac741a.jpg.html)
That was NOT a dress up - the dude ACTUALLY wore that as normal !
Do I attract these nutcases?
This is the skyline of lower Manhattan on the way back across - you can see Building one ( of 4 to be built ) called Freedom Tower where the Twin Towers once stood ( more on that later ) Its the tall building mid shot , still having work done way up top
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/skyline_zpsffcd7410.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/skyline_zpsffcd7410.jpg.html)
We wandered the Wall St / Broad St area's - all the toursists were being very serious about everything and the history of the area, I on the other hand just HAD to find the Soup Nazi from Seinfeld
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/no-soup_zpsd5e53758.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/no-soup_zpsd5e53758.jpg.html)
We did get serious in the end and I stood where George Washington gave his oath as the first President of The United States.
That is pretty cool to be honest.Considering the security around today I am amazed I didn't get tazered down !
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/gw_zps97fdabcd.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/gw_zps97fdabcd.jpg.html)
Kayla wasnt so daring , but I hope you can read the plaque
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/kayla-GW_zpsf010f0fd.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/kayla-GW_zpsf010f0fd.jpg.html)
Thats the end of any funnies today guys , because what we did next was REALLY REALLY hard for me to do and I am in no way ashamed to say that.
it really got to me
We went to the 911 site - and it was tough to be there and then also go through the Tribute Centre after visiting the site.
I know some of you reading this will have also been here and maybe were not so moved by this - but it got to me , and I am normally a hard hearted bloke.
I would never smile for a photo at this site.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/911w_zps4c532289.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/911w_zps4c532289.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/911k_zpsd8cc29c3.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/911k_zpsd8cc29c3.jpg.html)
You read the names and touch their names and just cannot imagine what that must have been like here on that day and afterwards.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/911-2_zpsc2334491.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/911-2_zpsc2334491.jpg.html)
The Tribute Center was tough to look through.....
Plane window recovered.....
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/window_zps8622f950.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/window_zps8622f950.jpg.html)
Part of the tower
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/tower_zps70ed104f.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/tower_zps70ed104f.jpg.html)
But when you see this stuff - thats when it hits you ( well for me anyway )
Seeing signs from kids to dads etc - so VERY sad
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/people_zps735ddee5.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/people_zps735ddee5.jpg.html)
And you will ALL remember this lady from the TV footage we all saw - but just read the quote at lower right !
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/phrase_zps38dc47db.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/phrase_zps38dc47db.jpg.html)
We have been pretty flat after this afternoon and INSTANTLY stopped complaining about some of the small things happening on this trip.
.
-
World Trade site would be a very depressing place to visit, but life goes on for New Yorkers. They have built a very respectful site for those that died at the hands of those sick terrorists. I guess you look at those relics on display and wonder "how" the debunkers can sleep with their twisted conspiracies. I was watching one of those Histroy Channel documentaries "Cities of the Underworld" and there's a special on New Your City. There's a secret rail station under one of the terminals (or thereabouts) that was only used by Franklin D. Roosevelt.
A VERY interesting start to your USA visit ^^^
-
Hi Nino,
YEP - life definitely just goes on for them , and what they are building in its place is going to be great.
The main tower will be EXACTLY 1776 feet tall to the top of the spire - a very noteable number for those that realise it's significance , and something I thought was so simple and so clever at the same time.
Just had a pizza, next time Domio's turns up at your door with your 2 pizza's for $35.00 and those tiny little slices - just think of this for $2.50 a slice !
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/DSCN0235_zps4c6f01c6.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/DSCN0235_zps4c6f01c6.jpg.html)
-
Thoroughly enjoying your thread so far Wotto . Hopefully the downsides/hassles of your trip are now behind you and Kayla.
Gound Zero would have been a very difficult place to visit I imagine .
Great commentary and pics so far . Thanks for taking time time to keep us up to date with your latest adventure ^^^
-
Great thread, thanks for posting. When I was there again in 08' they didn't have the memorial fully operational by that stage.
The collapse of Building 7 is still sketchy though #@#
-
Morning boys.
Well FINALLY I can say we had a very decent day.
For anyone that knows the 1979 film The Warriors ( the NY gang movie with the baseball dudes fighting in it - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Warriors_%28film%29 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Warriors_%28film%29) ) - I have been obsessed with that film since I first saw it , all those 356 screenings ago :lol
I had always wanted to come here to go to Coney Island ( the Warriors home base and where they 'bopped all night to get back to" ) but I wanted more , and hence I found a stack of other shooting locations around NYC before I left. Now bear in mind these are not ANYWHERE near Coney Island and it took a bit of subwaying and walking to find them all - but we did it. For me , this was like a pligramage of sorts , for Kayla , well she was BORED SH*TLESS - LOL
Anyway - here ya go , for those of you that know the movie you may find this all interesting, for others this may be a bit boring.
Here I am outside 72nd Street Station - this is the actual doors that The Warriors exited and then stopped and saw The Baseball Furies around the street area here looking at them - and that famous running chase scene began.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/72nd-station_zps347f8550.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/72nd-station_zps347f8550.jpg.html)
For any fans - you may recall one of the Furies standing on a street corner swinging his bat - it was in this EXACT spot.
Do I look as tough ?
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/warrior-street_zps0f5ac918.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/warrior-street_zps0f5ac918.jpg.html)
In the movie - the chase continued and you see The Warriors running down a street , stop and look back, and the Furies faces come over the crest of a hill on a street - this is the street, the hill behind me is where the Furies appeared
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/furies-chase_zps59fbf61b.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/furies-chase_zps59fbf61b.jpg.html)
The chase continues into a park but first they run past a statue and over some benches - it was the Firemans Memorial at the end of 101 Street - this spot
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/memorial_zps61d86d41.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/memorial_zps61d86d41.jpg.html)
And this is pretty much an exact shooting location view from when they jumped the benches that were there at the time, they came down the stairs in the left of the shot and jumped a bench right where I am standing
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/memorial-mark_zpsed4ea891.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/memorial-mark_zpsed4ea891.jpg.html)
Later in the Movie , the main guy Swan , leaves his mates and runs up a set of steps - these ones
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/steps_zps89dc90db.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/steps_zps89dc90db.jpg.html)
But the place I HAD to find was where the initial massive gang meeting was held at the very beginning of the movie - the place where Cyrus got shot.
And here it is ..........Cyrus would have been standing on his platform smack in the middle of that circular area, and when he got shot and all hell broke loose all the gang member ran around escaping the area, any fans will recognise the circular steps and ramps etc. If you watch the movie again today , the arches on the wall at back are easily recognisable as well
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/warriors-3_zps869cc587.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/warriors-3_zps869cc587.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/warriors-1_zpsa456809f.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/warriors-1_zpsa456809f.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/warriors-2_zpse094c8d2.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/warriors-2_zpse094c8d2.jpg.html)
Here I am sitting pretty much were Cyrus would have been shot from
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/warriors---mark_zps235f7d7f.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/warriors---mark_zps235f7d7f.jpg.html)
And here I am being an idiot - the park cleaner thought I was a bit of a whack job I think !
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/cyrus_zps12dc7184.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/cyrus_zps12dc7184.jpg.html)
Now - already being WAY WAY 'uptown' there was another famous place I wanted to visit, as do thousands of others from around the planet.
Most of you will recognise this place I am sure ( without TOMS on it of course )
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/toms-kayla_zps128df9f9.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/toms-kayla_zps128df9f9.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/toms-corner_zps606d012f.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/toms-corner_zps606d012f.jpg.html)
Obviously the inside of the diner in the show was a TV set - but this IS the place in the show.
The waitress told us that Seinfeld still lives in that area and before famous he used to frequent this place and therefore put it in the show.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/in-toms_zpsb44b64f8.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/in-toms_zpsb44b64f8.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/brekky_zpse5c9db7c.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/brekky_zpse5c9db7c.jpg.html)
And what a GREAT waitress we had , and the food was KILLER - we each had 2 x coffees/ tea, Milk, an Orange Juice, the meals you see there, toast, and milkshakes for what you see below !
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/check_zpsb37ffa0e.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/check_zpsb37ffa0e.jpg.html)
We were way up past the top of Central Park - so we decided to walk back through the entire park ( around 40 blocks in length ) - a long long walk but quite worth it.
Before hitting the park we found this HUGE church, now I am far from the most religious person you would ever find - but this place was UNFRIGGINBELIEVABLE
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/church_zps18ee3236.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/church_zps18ee3236.jpg.html)
Central Park is MASSIVE - Kayla had soon had enough of walking it and we werent even a third of the way through it
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/feet_zps466827eb.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/feet_zps466827eb.jpg.html)
I found her relatives in here as well
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/turtles_zps69609fee.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/turtles_zps69609fee.jpg.html)
Eventually she got going and we found many places seen in movies and TV shows
Here are some random shots
Think Mel Gibson movie RANSOM - where his kid was taken from.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/ransom_zps51863630.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/ransom_zps51863630.jpg.html)
FRIENDS
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/friends-fountain_zpsb512ad95.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/friends-fountain_zpsb512ad95.jpg.html)
HEAPS of movies here.....
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/mark-fountain_zps5cc0ce1b.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/mark-fountain_zps5cc0ce1b.jpg.html)
Some random shots of the park - and of course , what would one of my posts be without the daily crazy !
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/crazy_zpsd4822b5d.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/crazy_zpsd4822b5d.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/kayla-gapstow_zps5423099d.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/kayla-gapstow_zps5423099d.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/gapstow_zps363f02cc.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/gapstow_zps363f02cc.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/castle_zpsd89df114.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/castle_zpsd89df114.jpg.html)
We caught the YELLOW 'Q' back and will go to Times Square tonight.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/q_zpsbec17bac.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/q_zpsbec17bac.jpg.html)
-
Keep it coming Wotto.
-
really enjoying the read and photos, thanks for taking the time out to keep us updated.
interested to see that skate shop that has pins in it.... &&
-
Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, it looks so quiet in the park - but I find it funny that nearly everywhere you have been, there has been a nutjob in frame. I didn't know Friars had baseball caps !
Keep the photos coming - you both look like you have settled in well.
-
Wotto,
Loving the Pics Mate keep them coming!
Must say The Warriors is my favourite movie along with Shawshank, but considering it was made and released in 78/79 it still rings true today! Also they are doing a remake I believe latter this year! ^^^
Stay Safe!
Jeff
-
Loving the posts Wotto keep them coming. Feels like im on holiday when i read them!
As Swinks says the skate shop should be good, only a few pinnies i think but still cool.
Love the Warriors mission, may have to watch it today.
-
will be heading to the skate shop ( Reciprocal ) on Friday here - so that will be Saturday at around 4-5 am for you guys
-
Unreal wotto really loving the pics and your write ups
-
Morning all
Caught the subway today to The Rockefeller Centre
The subway , as already stated, is busy at all times , however it is quite OK to navigate once you get your head around it all.
The Rockefeller is where they film the TODAY SHOW that you see the lunatics at the back of the camera shots at.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/studio-shot_zpsc3d825b2.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/studio-shot_zpsc3d825b2.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/rockefeller_zpsbc674cdf.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/rockefeller_zpsbc674cdf.jpg.html)
It is also the place you see in films and TV shows with the ice rink and ( in December ) the big Xmas tree.
We really wanted to see the ice rick ( or at least where it is when in season ) - in keeping with our brilliant NYC trip - here it is when we visited .....
YEP - all covered up ^.^
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/rink_zps59ac657a.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/rink_zps59ac657a.jpg.html)
Oh - by the way - here is how we got to see the New York Stock Exchange Building the other day .....
YEP - all covered up ^.^
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/stock-ex_zps5569d8be.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/stock-ex_zps5569d8be.jpg.html)
And of course Liberty Island was closed so we couldnt go to the Statue of Liberty either #@# #@# :lol !!!
Anyway - back to today........
I think The Top of The Rock gives MUCH better views of the city than the top of The Empire State Building
Here you can see looking downtown towards The Empire State and further on is the new Freedom Tower at the 911 site
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/emp-tor_zps93dcce15.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/emp-tor_zps93dcce15.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/esb_zps11c1b625.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/esb_zps11c1b625.jpg.html)
This may give you an idea of the streets here from up top...
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/dpwnview_zpsf3c866e3.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/dpwnview_zpsf3c866e3.jpg.html)
And here you can actually see Central Park and the distance we walked yesterday from the top of it way way way in the back of this photo.
ummmmmmm no wonder she had the sh*ts with me yesterday &&
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/cpark_zpsacff2d49.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/cpark_zpsacff2d49.jpg.html)
For any of you that know the Today Show filming that I am talking about - here is the spot where all the people stand - nothing glamourous really.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/nbc_zps1b1882b0.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/nbc_zps1b1882b0.jpg.html)
But of course we went there and waved like lunatics as well @@*
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/mk-nbc_zpsdbcad091.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/mk-nbc_zpsdbcad091.jpg.html)
We grabbed some lunch at Wendys Burgers - we entered the store and no joke there was around 6-8 lines of 20++ people deep at each line - they took orders and then sent EVERYONE ( think about the numbers ) to a small corner of the counter to await their order to be called - the people piling into the joint did not stop the entire time we were in there .......more craziness.
I found an EXCELLENT comic store and here is just part of it
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/comics_zpseaa68b1b.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/comics_zpseaa68b1b.jpg.html)
We then walked to Grand Central Terminal and The New York Public Library before heading to do some shopping around the area.
This is on approach to the upper side of Grand Central
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/gc-entry_zpsd38a6572.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/gc-entry_zpsd38a6572.jpg.html)
and a couple of shots from inside........today we note there is a very noticeable military presence , along with all the cops , at most of the popular places like this terminal and also at 34th Street and Penn Stations which are 2 quite large 'transfer' stations.....I am asuming it will be similar tonight at the Ice Hockey being held in Madison Square Garden
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/gct_zps7922ba07.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/gct_zps7922ba07.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/gct2_zpsc8fc03c5.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/gct2_zpsc8fc03c5.jpg.html)
And this is the front of the NY City Library ........think Law & Order.....here I am being one of the lawyers walking down the steps - please note the similarity....
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/library-steps_zpsb87dd7ae.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/library-steps_zpsb87dd7ae.jpg.html)
And an inside shot - I wanted to bust in , in a ghostbusters suit.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/library-inner_zps395a8ae3.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/library-inner_zps395a8ae3.jpg.html)
I was appreciating the architecture ..............
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/inner-library_zps80eb12fa.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/inner-library_zps80eb12fa.jpg.html)
Kayla apparently was not.................
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/kayla2_zpsd749633a.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/kayla2_zpsd749633a.jpg.html)
Finally - some random street shots - they love thier flags, most of which are ( if they are able to be ) flying at half mast this week.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/flags_zpsbb91d352.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/flags_zpsbb91d352.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/flag---pole_zpse9580846.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/flag---pole_zpse9580846.jpg.html)
SO MUCH business is just carried out on the footpath - you cannot walk a street without trolleys and deliveries happening mostly all along the footpath
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/street-1_zps6a07413d.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/street-1_zps6a07413d.jpg.html)
and these food carts are on nearly every corner in some parts of town.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/street-2_zps0eb019d8.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/street-2_zps0eb019d8.jpg.html)
Off to the ice Hockey at 9am your time today.
Hope the Hansen Brothers are there !
-
And totally unrelated videos.....
This is actually a very cool clip that play at the MM World in Times Square
And I hope this gives you some indication as the what it is like to walk these streets ANY time day or night here
http://youtu.be/nMcdtFwP_F8
-
The M&M vid was cool. I would be scared to go into that shop i would be concerned how much i would spend there. Not on the chocolate but on yellow and red, LOVE the M&M ads! %.%
-
Great read so far mate.
What no Denny's yet?
-
Hahahaha - there isnt a Dennys in all of Manhattan mate - dont worry I checked long and hard before we left ^^^
FINALLY - tonight , was an OUTSTANDING night..............
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN:o
I had arranged tickets over the net via Stub Hub and hoped to hell they (a) got us in ( b ) were the seats as described and paid for.
I couldnt have asked for much better.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/msq-roof_zps77e9608c.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/msq-roof_zps77e9608c.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/2msq_zpsde2fea2b.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/2msq_zpsde2fea2b.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/me-msq_zps2f80cf92.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/me-msq_zps2f80cf92.jpg.html)
The seats were at the very front of the gallery level , with a clear view to the Rangers goal twice end ( the game is played in 3 periods )
They also had your own decent sized screen to watch the game, replays , lunatics in the crowd etc.
The view and position was OUTSTANDING
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/screen-kayla_zps5f6a745f.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/screen-kayla_zps5f6a745f.jpg.html)
The crowd built up real nice
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/crowd_zps903a4269.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/crowd_zps903a4269.jpg.html)
Here are both teams waiting to come on - New York Rangers in blue Vs Florida Panthers.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/teams_zpsf811a2cb.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/teams_zpsf811a2cb.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/view_zps1e910284.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/view_zps1e910284.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/close-plat_zps9da5ae6c.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/close-plat_zps9da5ae6c.jpg.html)
Midway through the game I could hear this bloke YELLING OUT " The PUCK WAS IN, THE PUCK WAS ON THE LINE MORON" etc
This bloke !
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/mac_zps3bc6ecc7.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/mac_zps3bc6ecc7.jpg.html)
Later I felt a bit crook , I asked for a doctor , they got me this one but all she did was blow me kisses - yes really , these were for me .
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/quinn_zpsbcf1f3c3.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/quinn_zpsbcf1f3c3.jpg.html)
I must get some video together and up for you - it was INSANE when The Rangers scored - a FANTASTIC atmosphere.
THE best moment in NYC so far - without question
-
Here is just a small taste of the hockey.
I started with a classic scene , moved on to the guy from The Goonies, then watch through and listen to em go off when the Rangers score.
http://youtu.be/WlBW5HyAol8 (http://youtu.be/WlBW5HyAol8)
-
Hahahaha - there isnt a Dennys in all of Manhattan mate - dont worry I checked long and hard before we left ^^^
Great to hear at least one state of the US has got some taste %.%
Ice Hockey looks cool, very physical sport.
-
ac/dc back in black playing in the background,excellent.looks like you had a great time.
-
Morning all
Traveled the subway today to the East Village area to visit a music store and also Reciprocal Skate and Pinball.
This 'journey' saw us having to change trains 3 times on 3 different lines - and we NAILED it ( somehow :unsure)
There is still a large 'security/ military' presence at certain places, we had a '1' Red train canceled/delayed , and then later found out some nutjob had done something and they were still ( quote) "looking for the guy".............
In a city where people LOVE to walk the streets having their entire LOUD conversations heralded publicly for everyone near them to hear ( whether they are discussing the weather, their jobs, or their very personal family stuff ) , we were able to deduce that it was either a bomb threat on the line, or a stabbing. We had lunch at Union Square and I asked a local and they said in a VERY 'blase' fashion..... "oh it's probably just a stabbing, it happens all the time" ( like no big deal )
So this , once again , put Kayla at complete ease as we had to use various subway lines still throughout the day.
Anyway - we didnt get stabbed or blown up - but there was a couple of uneasy moments today with some REALLY NASTY looking 'gang guys' being on the station at one stage, so we left and got another train just to be safe. There are HUNDREDS of people down there , but it just 'felt' wrong' so I thought it best to leave
FINALLY - we made it to Union Square and headed for The Guitar Centre in the hope of getting some good drum deals on parts I need to buy
The guys at the shop were super cool but didnt have a lot of what I needed.
For those of you that know drum stuff and realise we pay $25 for ONE set of decent sticks and around $30- $40- for a drum head , I walked out with 3 sets of sticks and 4 heads ( 10,12,16 and a 14 snare ) for $90 in total :D
They had a very cool looking 'fish bowl' kit in the store
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/DSCN0526_zps81a38c96.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/DSCN0526_zps81a38c96.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/DSCN0525_zps7597a998.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/DSCN0525_zps7597a998.jpg.html)
Someone asked earlier in the thread if Kayla was getting to see what SHE wanted to see and do, I will answer that by saying that she came here wanting to see all the touristy stuff as well as Seinfelds etc, the ONLY thing that she wasnt keen on , but still laughed along on the day was The Warriors stuff uptown the other day - we have taken her to Macy's shopping a few times as well as along 5th Ave and she has been able to buy some nice 'girly stuff' that they like and we ( as blokes ) just dont get.......today she wanted her nails done , so we sat and got that sorted for her as well......the language barrier here can be tough , I mean WE speak English and THEY speak English and they dont understand us :o Kayla said she went to The Ice Hockey last night and they had NO IDEA what she was saying, she proceeded to repeat ICE HOCKY 4 times .......... nothing ......... she then showed them a picture on the camera and they said " oh, Ice Hockey" !@# - WTF ^&^ &^& ^&^
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/manicure_zpse4b61fdb.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/manicure_zpse4b61fdb.jpg.html)
After that it was a short subway ride across town on the L Line to get to the area where Reciprocal is - it is JUST left off one of the main streets, it may appear like it is in a seedy part of town , but it isnt. In actual fact, to me .....most of this city looks like this so it aint as bad as it may appear.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/Rec-1_zps55d76fa2.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/Rec-1_zps55d76fa2.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/rec-me_zps874e075e.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/rec-me_zps874e075e.jpg.html)
Inside - it is actually a really colourful and arty design , incorporating pinball and skate art , products and trinkets etc. Its pretty niche and cool to be honest
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/boards_zpsdfc2f75f.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/boards_zpsdfc2f75f.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0325_zps2e1c1e5a.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0325_zps2e1c1e5a.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0322_zps6b5d3680.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0322_zps6b5d3680.jpg.html)
The roof...........
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/roof_zpsa37ebf88.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/roof_zpsa37ebf88.jpg.html)
And instead of mods and loads of stuff on games, he has quirky things like this actual ticket from a WHO concert sitting on the TOMMY pinball.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/who_zpsf1355bf4.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/who_zpsf1355bf4.jpg.html)
You can see the games he had there today - a few were off but we played a few games , but actually had a great time talking to ( John? - damn I am HOPELESS with names )......anyway we spoke for about half an hour about anything from pinball to being in the city during 911, to Pinside bitchfights and anything in between ( he is Bigehrl on Pinside )
The body language should tell you I was having a GREAT game !
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0319_zpsaae34415.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0319_zpsaae34415.jpg.html)
In the few hours that we were there , there was a fairly constant flow of 'players' coming and going
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/DSCN0555_zps39d1f6f8.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/DSCN0555_zps39d1f6f8.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/inside_zps3255f7ba.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/inside_zps3255f7ba.jpg.html)
Kayla even had a few games - and she NEVER plays pinball at home
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/kayla-pinball_zps35c1e55f.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/kayla-pinball_zps35c1e55f.jpg.html)
And here I am with Bigerhl behind the counter
Oh and obviously he had no WOZ there - but he has one on order.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/john---me_zps68c0b396.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/john---me_zps68c0b396.jpg.html)
At least Union Square was not busy on the way back #@#
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/union-sq_zps78065db2.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/union-sq_zps78065db2.jpg.html)
COMPLETELY exhausted at the moment and going to crash out for a while.
Oh and TonyT - this ones for you - WE FOUND ONE ( well its close aint it ! )
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/ihop_zps2e677d09.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/ihop_zps2e677d09.jpg.html)
-
awesome wotto, cheers for the update on the skate shop, he has a few pins there
-
And your daughter picked a AWESOME pinball machine to play, a minty looking STARSHIP TROOPERS !
(Kill em All - Warning, Live Fire Exercises - Load your weapons - Rough necks hoo- rah, Fire ! - )
Glad u guys are having fun.
-
You can tell Kayla does not play much pinball. There's a CV all on it's lonesome #@#
How did you know about the reciprocal ? Nice setup !
-
Oh and TonyT - this ones for you - WE FOUND ONE ( well its close aint it ! )
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/ihop_zps2e677d09.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/ihop_zps2e677d09.jpg.html)
Isn't there any cool 50's Diners in NY?
-
Tony - there are ZERO that I have been able to find.
There WAS one called Prime Burger I was going to go to - and guess what , in keeping with our NY experience - its CLOSED @.@
The BRILLIANT Empire Diner was re-opened late last year - and guess what - its CLOSED.
There is nothing like that here - and we have walked a LOT of the area's.
Nino - Richard ( RGR ) went to Reciprocal and spoke to me about it at a few Sydney meets throughout last year.
It's a quirky place and the owner is an awesome guy.
I wanted to go to The Guitar Centre on 14th Street anyway and this place was just 2 subway stops, 3 stabbings, 4 spit dodges, 3 shootings and 26 street bums down the road , so I figured we could get there - and did.
See they caught the Boston bombing 'kids' ( well they looked like kids to me ) about an hour ago.
We walked back from dinner tonight and 2 blocks from where we are staying there was ( no joke ) around 25 cop cars/ vans......half a dozen of those little single seat cop vehicles they have here and 4 Ambulances.....no idea whats happening but hey THATS this city @@^
We got to our corner and I had to shove Kayla out of the way of a walking Zombie - this dude all in black , in a black hoodie, SLOWLY swaying and staggering towards anyone that came near him...........I doubt HIGHLY that we will be buying a good old I LOVE NY shirt &^& - this place is seriously like The Walking Dead ( which we both watch and keep referring to )
-
Here what you say about NY mate, been once, but don't think I would return - definitely a place to visit at least once though just for the experience.
-
Here what you say about NY mate, been once, but don't think I would return - definitely a place to visit at least once though just for the experience.
Actually mate - I will be telling anyone that asks me about coming here that is is NOT worth seeing even once and to stay well clear
-
wotto, can you snap a photo of the single seat cop cars and anything else cool, funky or retro - if any
-
Yep - will do that tomorrow mate.
-
For now Swinksy - just for you - some random shots of anything.......
Most may not be what you are looking for but are just 'stuff' I have photographed.
Some with explanation - others will need none
Yellow Ribbons along a church fence
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/ribbons_zpsefdfc1d7.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/ribbons_zpsefdfc1d7.jpg.html)
A very typical subway wall - all numbers done in mosaic tiling.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/subway_zps3ab30904.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/subway_zps3ab30904.jpg.html)
So all these HUNDREDS and HUNDREDS of streets are all very bland - then you enter this ONE street ( 25th St near 7th Ave ) and all of a sudden it is like the entire florist population of NYC has made their store here. Just about the entire length of this street is like this - then it just stops *!@
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/florists_zps93e69712.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/florists_zps93e69712.jpg.html)
An Obama Wobbler
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/bobble_zpsed294822.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/bobble_zpsed294822.jpg.html)
A busted Taxi
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/cab_zps2af968b3.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/cab_zps2af968b3.jpg.html)
A shot from Battery Park
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/battery_zps8af87578.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/battery_zps8af87578.jpg.html)
Some of NYC's oldest residents - The Trinity Church in lower Manhattan ( near 911 area ) - some graves 1786 and earlier.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/graves_zps71088f7a.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/graves_zps71088f7a.jpg.html)
Smack in the middle of Central Park they built a 3 or 4 storey castle - of course they did ^^^
I was still in my Warriors 'can you dig it ' mood on that day :lol
See if you can spot me %.% %.%
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/castle_zps9a532337.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/castle_zps9a532337.jpg.html)
The large church from the other day had dozens of these sculptured books outside
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/confucus_zpsf1d7fec9.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/confucus_zpsf1d7fec9.jpg.html)
The typical look on my head every time someone walks through a photo shot
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/ffs_zpse6cd33db.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/ffs_zpse6cd33db.jpg.html)
ummmmmmmmmmmmmm?
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/elmo_zpsc2a2ee41.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/elmo_zpsc2a2ee41.jpg.html)
And finally - for anyone that hasnt ever seen a map of it - here is the middle section of the NY Subway system
We have used the Orange, Yellow, Red and Grey lines so far.
Not only do you need to make sure you are on the correct platform for UPTOWN or DOWNTOWN direction , some trains in the SAME colours are LOCAL , and Express, meaning they run the same line but dont stop at all stations , and THAT can also differ at different times of day / night - confused yet ?
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/map_zps23bf3ba2.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/map_zps23bf3ba2.jpg.html)
Did you know that Americans consume 3 Billion ( BILLION ) cups of coffee every week !
These New Yorkers are TOTALLY addicted to thier mobile phones and coffee - combined
I will NEVER go off at my kids for thier phone time EVER again
-
thanks wotto, nice for us to experience yours travels through you words and lens
some interesting things there, love the florist street
-
this tour thread has been so interesting wotto,i have always wanted to go to NY and fly around it in a chopper.but my feet would not touch the ground,underground subway no way.i will stick to sleapy old adelaide,me thinks.keep the updates coming,mate.a real insight.thanks ^^^
-
Reciprocal looked awesome! way more machines than i was expecting.
We got to our corner and I had to shove Kayla out of the way of a walking Zombie - this dude all in black , in a black hoodie, SLOWLY swaying and staggering towards anyone that came near him...........I doubt HIGHLY that we will be buying a good old I LOVE NY shirt &^& - this place is seriously like The Walking Dead ( which we both watch and keep referring to )
Yeah ok that is just getting scary, what the hell?!?
I wanted to go to The Guitar Centre on 14th Street anyway and this place was just 2 subway stops, 3 stabbings, 4 spit dodges, 3 shootings and 26 street bums down the road , so I figured we could get there - and did.
Haha, quote of 2013!!
Just missing the partridge!
-
Morning guys
While you were all sleeping last night - we made ( well I made ) my final Warriors journey.
One of the ultimate locations to stand in from the movie - Coney Island, which is actually in Brooklyn, a subway ride of around 25 stops and 45 minutes in length from Mid Manhattan.
Today the subway cars were MUCH lighter in 'people traffic' on the way there , and Coney Island is a 'turn-around' station - the end of a line, so people got less and less as we approached our destination.
Again , for warriors fans, the train station that you go to is Stillwell Ave - it is seen at the VERY beginning of the movie with the train coming around the bend on approach to the station with the famous Wonder Wheel in the background. It is seen again at the end of the movie when The Warriors get home and get off the train at Stillwell Ave Station just before the well known " 3 bottles scene " starts and the final scenes on the beach.
Today - we touched sand - and were overjoyed :lol
With less than 18,000 people per carriage I was able to take some photo's to hopefully give you an idea of what the trains are like.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/on-car_zps2f9bafcc.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/on-car_zps2f9bafcc.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/Q-train_zps74807981.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/Q-train_zps74807981.jpg.html)
If you get on a train and THINK you mat have boarded the wrong train - it's EASY to work out very quickly as they all have these digital sign boards that show you the LAST stop and the other stations change along the way. On top of that they pre-announce all next stops on approach - it REALLY helps.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/car-sign_zps22468252.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/car-sign_zps22468252.jpg.html)
My plan today was to visit Coney and then go back and walk across The Brooklyn Bridge - another lifelong memory Kayla and I could share.
Well guess what - the frickin thing is ................you guessed it....................COVERED UP !
WTF is with covering EVERYTHING I wanted to see in this place FFS
We just laughed about it.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/bridge-cover_zps466d834f.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/bridge-cover_zps466d834f.jpg.html)
Here is one of the more scenic rail stations along the way - yes folks this IS a platform.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/station_zps0bdafc31.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/station_zps0bdafc31.jpg.html)
And the locals get to live nice and close to the tracks - how AWESOME would this be !
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/nice-house_zpsec74c131.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/nice-house_zpsec74c131.jpg.html)
Nearly there babe - dont fret ..........
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/kayla-car_zps8f0157cb.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/kayla-car_zps8f0157cb.jpg.html)
In the meantime I decided to be just like a local
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/tired_zpsa7281b37.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/tired_zpsa7281b37.jpg.html)
And can you believe it - this is on a subway car on the NY subway system !
FINALLY, FINALLY nobody else around and just a little bit of peace
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/empty-car_zpsa3c73b57.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/empty-car_zpsa3c73b57.jpg.html)
Anyway Warriors Fans........we soon rounded that bend from the opening scenes in the film , on approach to Stillwell Ave Station
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/car-bend_zpsc72a2fab.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/car-bend_zpsc72a2fab.jpg.html)
And I was finally here - it probably seems truly pathetic to come all this way and part of it to see this ( basic and bland stuff ) but if you are hooked by the movie , then you wouldnt think so........the locals here STILL talk about it quite a bit and ALL knew about it when I asked them.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/Ci-Sign_zps2bab1867.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/Ci-Sign_zps2bab1867.jpg.html)
As soon as you exit the station you see the World Famous Nathans Hot Dogs - this is where they hold the annual hot dog eating contest on the 4th July - we do get coverage of that on our Aussie news stations normally.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/nathans_zps1dbbae82.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/nathans_zps1dbbae82.jpg.html)
MOST of the streets around Coney Island look like this
The area IS FAR from attractive
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/the-hood-1_zps19b01103.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/the-hood-1_zps19b01103.jpg.html)
But here I was - with The Wonder Wheel
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/mark-WW_zps21a567d9.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/mark-WW_zps21a567d9.jpg.html)
Kayla even got in a shot with the damn thing
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/kaylaww_zps838ff444.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/kaylaww_zps838ff444.jpg.html)
We hit the beach and touched the sand and felt MILES away from the insanity that is Mid town Manhattan.
I did my best hispanic homey impersonation, if only I had a hairnet hey !
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/hey-homes_zpsc1b86ee7.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/hey-homes_zpsc1b86ee7.jpg.html)
And got arrested !
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/cops_zpsb58527ea.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/cops_zpsb58527ea.jpg.html)
Meanwhile Kayla just lost it mentally
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/kayla-beach_zpsab28cfe6.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/kayla-beach_zpsab28cfe6.jpg.html)
Coney Island does have a WHOLE history of its own, the Warriors is a VERY VERY small part of it.
I have to say that despite what the area 'looks like' - the people here were FANTASTIC and friendly, very much like the West Coast US citizens I have encountered and nothing like the Manhattan residents - they made us feel welcome and actually SPOKE to us.
We had lunch in Toms Diner ( different to Seinfeld - just the same name ) and we sat at the counter , very US style. The guy in there Joe handed me a book on the history of Coney Island and then proceeded to tell us all about the history of the entire area , even down to he indian tribes there in 1492 and LOADS of other stuff, he was a VERY decent man and I enjoyed talking to him, his name was Joe if ANYONE ever comes here , he knew loads about The Warriors and was able to point out to me where some 'cut scenes' that I knew about were filmed on the boardwalk.
REALLY enjoyed it.
On the way back the subway was again PACKED - then this frickin bad lookin dude gets on and stands RIGHT in front of me ( we were seated ), he has his I-Phone blasting music about how the nigger rules ( excuse that BUT thats what it was saying ) and he himself is bopping and singing LOUD and it was that close to me my knees were touching his legs - it was pretty nasty and I asked Kayla if she wanted to change cars at the next stop, she said yes......and guess what ( remembering our great time thus far )..............the train DIDNT STOP for the next 3 or 4 stations , the ONLY stations that got skipped the ENTIRE 45 minute trip - of course
-
Hey Swinks
Couple of pics for you
3 wheeler as requested
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/cop-car_zps3fba29cb.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/cop-car_zps3fba29cb.jpg.html)
And a nice sign they have on their subway cars ^^^
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/dead-sign_zps04e7ea43.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/dead-sign_zps04e7ea43.jpg.html)
And this one AINT for you Swinks - but I am sure the 'owner' will recognise why I posted this :lol
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/thnongs_zps169e3196.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/thnongs_zps169e3196.jpg.html)
-
Awesome coverage so far Wotto.
Loving the Warriors tour ( Classic movie for that era,even my kids enjoyed it)
Glad yous made it to Coney Is, Is the roller coaster operating ?
-
Thanks for that photo Wotto, gave me a laugh imagining a hot pursuit with a 3 wheeler going round a corner - Mr Bean style.
Enjoying the photos, I would have been stoked to see the beach (sand), are you going to hit JJP?
-
Great write up mate.
Lol re the thongs mate, but they don't look upto your standard, pretty dirty.
-
Great write up mate. Although I can't help but think that I won't visit NY because it sounds like an unwelcoming place. As you know, I HAVE to go to a show at MSG, but I think I'd skip the rest !
I still have a hard time coming to grips with people spitting all the time.
-
I'm a bit behind on this one......only just got up to speed! Great read, and photo's - love the humour.
Thanks for taking the time to share the experiences on your trip - the good, the bad and the ugly.
^^^
-
Glad yous made it to Coney Is, Is the roller coaster operating ?
Yes for sure mate - that would be this one
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0363_zps6e92a784.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0363_zps6e92a784.jpg.html)
It's been around approaching 100 years
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0356_zpscc18407d.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0356_zpscc18407d.jpg.html)
When you see the condition of the rides there was no way I was going to ride a 1927 coaster here @.@
Check out the safety standards at the top of thier tower drop ride #@#
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/tower_zpsa64c5994.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/tower_zpsa64c5994.jpg.html)
-
I love this thread!
Great write up and pics.
Thanks very much for shaing your trip with us all.
^^^
-
Here in LA it is 8.30am Monday morning
Here is Bert RIGHT NOW
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/Untitled-1-7_zps5a63b688.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/Untitled-1-7_zps5a63b688.jpg.html)
So here was out last day in NYC - and how typical.
Spend the day at liesure -packing cleaning etc.
Go to take garbage downstairs - lift get stuck ( only for about 1 minute but we SHAT ourselves completely )
Exit building and a hobo stumbles into us.
Kayla says if we can just get a donut or something - we go to Dunkin Donuts.
Coffee and Donuts - sit down.
2 minutes later this woman sits down next to us all scratchy and jumpy - eating ice cream and spilling it everywhere - then she pulls out about 30 credit cards from her wallet and starts yelling at them to stop pressuring her !
WE LEFT IMMEDIATELY.
Call our car company - it actually worked and we were collected at 3pm on the dot.
On the way we are swerving on the freeway - I look in the rear view and the guy ( I reckon ) is FALLING ASLEEP !
So I start a conversation with him to keep the ******* awake
We actually make it to JFK alive.
We pull up at the kerb and ( no joke ) as soon as the car stops this young guy is standing outside our window and slags a big gooley down in front of us.
I just look at Kayla and go 'YEP !"
We board the plane , we taxi to runway - we both say GOOD FRIGGIN BYE NYC and smile.
Then the announcement comes on.
We have a problem !
OMG this city HATES US.
So we taxi back in and get the electrical issue in the tail of the plane ( great hey ! ) sorted out.
6 hours later we arrive at LAX - Kayla is still heading to Sydney.
I get about 4 nice conversations with the fantastic LA people and NYC can KISS MY ARSE !
Off to collect hire car and hopefully find Bert in Anaheim in around 3 hours at the hotel.
-
Nice one mate! You start to appreciate us friendly Aussies once you are in NYC for some days.
The city that never sleeps, sounds like a description of their cab drivers.
-
Let the pinball begin and your trip get even better.
It sounds like NY was a bitter sweet trip, overall how would you rate it?
-
SWINKS - I rate NY City a 0.5 out of 10 mate - AWFUL.
US Customs let this guy in :o
Yes it is BERT.
14 arse burning hours in a tiny seat and he makes it here and we manage to meet up without issue.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/bert_zps6810e0cd.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/bert_zps6810e0cd.jpg.html)
I drove 40 minutes to the hotel by myself - I have driven here numerous times and was comfortable - very comfortable
Today I drove ALONE for the 1st time and was sweating like a fat chick in a sauna , I took a wrong turn and ended up in Disneylands carpark - the guy said it happens all the time.
Anyway - we made it - and within an hour BERT wanted to go dress shoping :lol
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0417_zps6962069d.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0417_zps6962069d.jpg.html)
Anyway - we are off for the night to one serious collectors house at Newport Beach.
UNSURE if I will allowed to post any images - I will ask and do whatever the guy wants.
-
HEY PUNTER
I bought you a gift today #@#
*)* *)* *)* *)* *)*
-
glad you guys made it to lalaland.LA.we didn't here from you yesterday and i was concerned that something bad had happened to you in NY. @.@
-
I enjoyed the pictorial NYC leg of the trip, and I don't think I want to go there now ! I don't think the travel brochures quite cover the city as well as yourself and Kayla. Although I still want to go to MSG, but I think it might not be worth the trouble (literally).
-
All I have time to say is that this worked and we played it.
BERT had the honour of being the 1st Aussie in history to do so.
I am sure some of you will work out what machine this is.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0425_zps7b71cd6f.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0425_zps7b71cd6f.jpg.html)
MASSIVE day ahead after a HUGE night at the most INCREDIBLE home we have EVER been invited into - let me just say Gene Simmons and Ozzy Osbourne have nothing compared to where we went last night
Will try me best to get some info up late tonight but we got home after midnight last night and MAY be the same again tonight.
-
I don't know but guessing wizard blocks, what a absolutely incredible games room / bar
Sounds like the best part of the trip so far, incredible room for a pinkie or more
Thanks for sharing.
-
room for a pinkie or more
Dam auto correct
Pinnie not pinkie
-
Its about time the Vatican and the Pope got a few Pin2000's. lol %.%
-
That's a nice shot. Looks more like a Bordello place - now, where are those ladies dressed in lingerie gone...
What's Wizard Blocks like to play?
-
Swinks - you think THAT was a nice room - just prepare yourself for the rest of the joint - ready ...................
I have no idea how to start to portray the night and day that we have just had......
Firstly let me say that I have absolute permission from these GREAT guys to post any image I want to on our forums, I would NEVER do that without their personal OK to do so.
I had organised to come to a collectors 'home' in Newport LA before we left, he and I had thrown numerous emails back and forth and he had asked if on our night at his home if we would enjoy meeting some local SO-CAL pinballers, Clearly I said YEP, thinking that around a dozen or so would be there.
There was 70++ !
Ok - this gentleman , and I mean that SO literally , was THE nicest and most generous person that I have EVER had the pleasure of meeting - and BOY does he have a GREAT place and a FANTASTIC 'arcade' with unbelievable games.
His name is Steve - and here we are with him , and our pizza utensils ( more on that later )
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/steve_zpsc7b9c6bf.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/steve_zpsc7b9c6bf.jpg.html)
We entered the private estate where he lives, parked the rental ( a nice VW Passat with the WORST navigator EVER built in - no not Bert , the inboard navman )......and had we not already been blown away by the house(s) in the area and Steves place - we entered into this....
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0483_zps311b1dd8.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0483_zps311b1dd8.jpg.html)
Looking back at the stairs you will see the entrance to his 'theatre' - and I MEAN 'theatre - more on that later too
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0447_zpse9a5aac9.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0447_zpse9a5aac9.jpg.html)
Please note the effort already gone to on the theatre entry
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0445_zpse4d9f1e7.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0445_zpse4d9f1e7.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/bert-me-theste_zpsaaf07aad.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/bert-me-theste_zpsaaf07aad.jpg.html)
The lower level of this section of the home is one MASSIVE party area - Steve had a bloke there cook pizza's all night long for all the guests in his own pizzeria area....
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/pizza_zps2c55bb7c.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/pizza_zps2c55bb7c.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/eats_zpsa20952c9.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/eats_zpsa20952c9.jpg.html)
If you were still hungry , walk through to the FULL bar and eat some of the endless food on offer or grab a drink from the bar- nearly anything you want was there, he asked if I wanted Dr Pepper, I said I didnt like that drink and he said ....."I get the original recipe custom made, try it , its different" - and it was much better, and 'on tap'
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/food_zps6e2c6639.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/food_zps6e2c6639.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/bar_zpsdd360afa.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/bar_zpsdd360afa.jpg.html)
Arrrrr - what else could Steve have done for the night - he got a young band in to play live, the place had a full set up with 'riser' and stage lighting etc - simply amazing
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/band_zpsef44f105.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/band_zpsef44f105.jpg.html)
I bet your impressed and havent even seen a pinball yet !
OK - so firstly - this is the game I had referred to earlier - Wizard Blocks , Steve bought this from Gene Cunningham and had people get the game working and effectively finished ! - He only did this very recently , so out little legged buddy who is trying to steal BERTS thunder as being the first Aussie to play this game can just go back into your silly string spraying shed OK :p
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/wb-wotto_zpsc4cc98d0.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/wb-wotto_zpsc4cc98d0.jpg.html)
The good news for you all is that I got my arse kicked on this game - by a GIRL - and Bert filmed it - GREAT stuff :rolleyes
He also has Playboy - unfinished obviously - but there to 'bash a ball around on'
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/playboy_zps0178eef4.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/playboy_zps0178eef4.jpg.html)
Now - here are some shots of the main ( insane ) arcade.
I think ALL of Steves games are prototypes and unique one off, one only made machines - the collection is incredible obviously.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/room-1-2_zps839ea5a0.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/room-1-2_zps839ea5a0.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/roon-2_zpsdf74e935.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/roon-2_zpsdf74e935.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/kingpin_zpsa6e01380.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/kingpin_zpsa6e01380.jpg.html)
Apart from all the pinball's he has numerous arcade games in the main room as well - Bert and I got a little hooked on the twin 3 screen car racing game.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/cars_zpsdff9fb42.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/cars_zpsdff9fb42.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/Bert-car_zpsf5870e03.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/Bert-car_zpsf5870e03.jpg.html)
On top of this Steve just 'opened his home up' - anyone could just wander anywhere - he is an AMAZINGLY generous and trusting guy and a delight to chat with.
We were later taken into the theater ( awaiting professional images to be emailed to me ) - it is indescribably - it is around a 20 seat full blown miniature theater decked out in a classic ( maybe ) 30's style - you HAVE to sit in it to believe it - it has a DBox system which has the seats rumbling and tilting along with the movie ( we watched the crash scene from Flight of the Phoenix - great for a scared flyer like me ! ).
All night we were treated as the guests of honour and met MANY MANY fantastic LA pinballers, some driving 2 hours from San Diego to visit with us on the night - it was absolutely the most magnificent pinball night I have ever experienced overall.
Today we went to Petersens Auto Museum in the centre of LA city - I will try and get some shots up soon but the days are LONG and its 11.30pm already.....WHAT an amazing motor museum - here is a teaser. After this we hit Guitar Centre in Hollywood , a very cool and MASSIVE music store with heaps of rock stars handprints on the entry, had lunch at the classic Mels Diner on Sunset Strip and finished the arvo and night off at Randy Pecks awesome private pinball collection in LA - a MASSIVE couple of days and I will get more info up when I next get a chance.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0542_zps3f0f27b3.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0542_zps3f0f27b3.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0519_zps6b4dd91e.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0519_zps6b4dd91e.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0504_zps6c434e98.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0504_zps6c434e98.jpg.html)
-
Someone asked about Wizard Blocks ( hows it play )
generally I dont like PIN2000 games as I find them dark up top and hard to 'see'
WB only seemd to have that happening on the right side ( to me anyway )
Of course , we didnt really know what we were doing ( rules-wise ) - but clearly you had to hit the blocks on the screen image - they would drop down and create more blocks etc to hit, there was a tunnel image portrayed at the front of an antual ramp and that was cool , like shooting into a doorway and the ball coming down the plastic ramp after that. I did get multiball a few times ( it has a ramp that lifts and you lock under it ) , but was unsure how I achieved that.
It was great to just be able to play the game
The animations I thought were very well done and humourous at times
Hope thats an OK description for a rush job ^^^
-
A little more before we crash out.
For the muso's amongst us - Guitar Centre on Hollywood is an incredible store and it has had a lot of major artists create a 'Rock Walk' of thier handprints on the entry to the store - here is me with a couple of my faves
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/eddie_zps1ba49f6e.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/eddie_zps1ba49f6e.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/kiss_zps7dcf8806.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/kiss_zps7dcf8806.jpg.html)
DRUMS ANYONE ?
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/durums_zps3de25fc8.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/durums_zps3de25fc8.jpg.html)
GUITAR ANYONE - just ONE corner of the store
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/gc-store_zps850ba998.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/gc-store_zps850ba998.jpg.html)
Hahahahahahaha - how appropriate in the drum store !
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/bert_zpsbb4b64d9.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/bert_zpsbb4b64d9.jpg.html)
Bert wanted one
Said it was cheap
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/guitar_zps34ffd76d.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/guitar_zps34ffd76d.jpg.html)
And across the street
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/stubbs_zps314bd142.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/stubbs_zps314bd142.jpg.html)
And a few more shots of Petersens Auto Museum - Bert used to build cars so I knew he would have an onterest in this place.
I had never been here - it is DEFINITELY worth chscking out and only $12 to get in.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/car1_zps1bdaaa3b.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/car1_zps1bdaaa3b.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/garage_zps33d6b0c1.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/garage_zps33d6b0c1.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/car2_zps8e2127cb.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/car2_zps8e2127cb.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/bike_zps51c5ca68.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/bike_zps51c5ca68.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0605_zpsa63abe8f.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0605_zpsa63abe8f.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/petrol_zpsdb10a131.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/petrol_zpsdb10a131.jpg.html)
Here I am outside Mels ( Tony T you are gunna LOVE me even more soon ! )
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/mels_zps456a7821.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/mels_zps456a7821.jpg.html)
-
I love the look of those 1957 T-Birds.
-
Insane!!!!!
-
Thanks for taking the time to post mate, looks fantastic.
-
WOW! That's just bonkers! What a night you guys must have had. Did you have an inkling of what of expect before you rocked up?
Great thread by the way Wotto, I've enjoyed reading each update.
-
What a contrast - NYC VS LA = No contest..
I'm speechless - What a remarkable host to open his doors for all to share in his hospitality. This, imho, is enough reason to visit the USA.
I LOVE Eddie's "hand print". I'd love to stare at the guitars for a while. I think that's Steve Vai's frame guitar and Zak k Wylde's Gibson in the window.
-
Awesome read Wotto, thanks for sharing ^^^
-
Haha, his party area is bigger than my house!
What a great guy to open up his home like that! And he has a Krull i would love to play that!
Thanks for sharing mate. Awesome read as always.
-
what a awesome place, what was the kingpin like to play?
the auto museum looked great as well
some great experiences in 2 short days, things we dream about
-
Damn what an awesome house and by the sounds of things a truly hospitable guy!
I have really enjoyed reading about your travels Wotto. I wouldn't know you from Adam but feel I know a bit more about you and have learned some interesting things simply from reading about your great experiences. Thanks for sharing.
-
Thanks Wotto your a f**king legend sharing this with us.
What an amazing guy and an amazing house and collection.
Car museum had some sweet rides aswell Skip NY and head straight to LA
-
WOW that is an incredible house and collection.
Peter
-
I'm gobsmacked at Steve's house, not to mention his unique arcade collection . $$( What an awesome night for you guys
-
Amazing photos and a top host by all reports but that gives me the " way too much" feeling.
-
Hi all
I am going to go backwards to move forwards a little as I know there are car and diner enthusiasts on this site so I want to show a little more of yesterday.
Here are some more shots from Petersens Auto Museum.
The place is clearly the best themed auto display I have personally seen, the cars are a mix of collectors cars who have donated them to the museum and the museums own cars.
I wanted to come here to see US vehicles that we wont ever get to see in Oz , and this place is so WELL themed and laid out in a chronological way that we got to see exactly what we expected and a LOT more.
As you will see - this section is like walking down a street with old cafe from this area ( Big Dogs ) and storefronts etc
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0522_zpsc24c509c.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0522_zpsc24c509c.jpg.html)
This was the Worlds fastest car in 1393
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0614_zps775b4285.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0614_zps775b4285.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0612_zpsbc0627ea.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0612_zpsbc0627ea.jpg.html)
A BMW concept vehicle
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0571_zps0b521ee8.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0571_zps0b521ee8.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0570_zpse9792483.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0570_zpse9792483.jpg.html)
They also have various actual movie vehicles
OBVIOUS
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0562_zpse9b5cfb7.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0562_zpse9b5cfb7.jpg.html)
And from Thelma and Louise
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0553_zps0a9bdd24.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0553_zps0a9bdd24.jpg.html)
Along with loads of other Hollywood cars.
Now - listen up all you Centuar pinball machine owners and lovers - COULD THIS BABY BE the birth concept idea of your machine?
Introducing the first hybrid car in the USA - The ( you guessed it ) Centuar !
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0574_zpsb0d6c079.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0574_zpsb0d6c079.jpg.html)
Now - the info board goes on to tell us that the designer LATER went on to design the CENTUAR 2 !
Just saying ......?
OK I trust all our forum car lovers have liked these shots :D
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/DSCN0639_zps1fd7a25d.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/DSCN0639_zps1fd7a25d.jpg.html)
MELS Diner on Sunset is a VERY famous old time diner that has remained as it was since first built.
It has been used in MANY movies and TV shows - this particular MELS has the tables out on the street on Sunset Blvde that you WILL see in heaps of film and TV - the tables can be seen on the left in this first shot. Some of you may already recognise it
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0654_zpsf49328b3.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0654_zpsf49328b3.jpg.html)
Inside is very cool with all the stock standard diner fitout stuff you expect to see.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/mels-2_zps323a6ef0.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/mels-2_zps323a6ef0.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/mels1_zpseeb36190.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/mels1_zpseeb36190.jpg.html)
And they have all little photo boards from films like American Grafitti around the tables - its cool , if you like this style of place.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/table_zpse22e1823.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/table_zpse22e1823.jpg.html)
And my side order of Chilli Cheese Fries - there goes the FARKIN diet !
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/cheese-frie_zps11097a34.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/cheese-frie_zps11097a34.jpg.html)
We had been seeing these MASSIVE images around , and this one was taken from our table at Mels - we found out today why......more on that later.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/iron-man_zps6bcb0469.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/iron-man_zps6bcb0469.jpg.html)
ANYYYYYYWAAAAAY - back to some pinball action.
So after Mels we headed to the collectors place that Tony and I visited a couple of years back.
Of course , this was always going to be another sensational afternoon of pinballing and lessons in pinball history.
These guys REALLY know their history of each and every game from artwork to styling changes in era's and gameplay and features - they are EXTREMELY devoted.
The place had changed quite a bit since I was here last and now there are even MORE games
AGAIN I state that I have Randy's full permission to show any images I want to here on our Australian forums.
When we arrived , after an hour + drive on the freeways we were greeted by Steve , who's place we visited the night before , Randy the owner and a guy named Peter Cooley ( white shirt below ) who was a VERY knowledgeable guy in all things pinball and a super nice person as well ( they all are ! )
Here is Bert telling 3 of the wisest pinball guys on the planet exactly what they should look out for when purchasing a Williams FLASH pinball machine....an area he has great expertise in let me tell you.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/entry_zpsc37b46c4.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/entry_zpsc37b46c4.jpg.html)
I guess a lot of you will recall mine and Tony's visit to Randy's a few years back - but here are some more shots from mine and Berts afternoon / night spent here yesterday.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0660_zpse503c139.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0660_zpse503c139.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0709_zps3f20b155.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0709_zps3f20b155.jpg.html)
Upstairs is now nearly full of older games - all in complete chronological order - it is really impressive , especially considering some of the titles - now mostly all working.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0687_zpsa45de81d.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0687_zpsa45de81d.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0678_zps1d653297.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0678_zps1d653297.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0679_zps1817205d.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0679_zps1817205d.jpg.html)
There isnt much missing from this incredible collection.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0683_zpsccbe215b.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0683_zpsccbe215b.jpg.html)
Bert on The HERC !
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0669_zps546970de.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0669_zps546970de.jpg.html)
Randy also has a whole load of various mechanical games from rifle shooters to car and bike racers to submarine games etc.
Here is Bert playing one of the old car games.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0691_zpsfcd73811.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0691_zpsfcd73811.jpg.html)
Here is Bert sweating bullets when he broke it !
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0692_zps235e9949.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0692_zps235e9949.jpg.html)
Downstairs is mainly all newer DMD type games and some SS titles.
Randy invites you in, gives you a really good tour of the place , describing why different games came about , how he got hold of them etc etc and then he just leaves you alone to play whatever you want in the entire place at your leisure , no pressure at all.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0700_zps8d6264ec.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0700_zps8d6264ec.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0664_zps59e54bb2.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0664_zps59e54bb2.jpg.html)
A view from the 'cashiers window' looking out on the arcade
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0667_zps3311bb4d.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0667_zps3311bb4d.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0665_zps114b024e.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0665_zps114b024e.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0666_zps8e46053c.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0666_zps8e46053c.jpg.html)
This one is for you Millsy !
It was in outstanding condition
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0703_zps346fa205.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0703_zps346fa205.jpg.html)
Here we are with our most gracious host Randy in the Diner.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0723_zps323df8ee.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0723_zps323df8ee.jpg.html)
More soon guys - we spent today around Hollywood and down at Santa Monica and I will go and start some info on that.
Apologies to some questions I havent answered as this stuff takes AGES to sort and upload.
Someone asked about 'how was Krull"
I broke it - LOL LOL LOL LOL - no joke !
-
love the woody, 39 fastest car and some of the rods - very cool. Definitely a place I will go one day.
Randy has got one incredible collection, just amazing.
Thanks for taking the time to share, what a trip.
-
Hey you can see in the Diner shot above that I made Randy a book all about the Australian Pinball Scene - its a photo book with loads of our images from our meets and stuff about us in general, along with that I gave him an SWPL T shirt.
Now on to todays adventure .......
So the navigator on our rental is a dead set dud.
Anyone reading this driven here ?
I have , and always been superbly comfortable with my good navigators - this thing gives you ONE car space notice to turn left or right etc when you need to get across 7 lanes of traffic - yesterday we dead set copped this in about 300 metres - veer right then left, veer right, veer right, stay left , exit right , veer left etc - all this with a ZILLION cars around us doing 100kph and SOMEHOW I nailed ( more like fluked ) it. Its a really bad navigator and we are struggling BUT getting there.
MAYBE we should have gotten a better rental?
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/DSCN0649_zps9157fc8f.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/DSCN0649_zps9157fc8f.jpg.html)
SO I went and complained and we got upgraded !
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0768_zps29ce1054.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0768_zps29ce1054.jpg.html)
Thats a 2014 yet to be released Audi R10 worth180++ over here.
it is here in Hollywood for ONE reason tonight - read the board behind me
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0744_zps5e8b68cb.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0744_zps5e8b68cb.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0757_zps33eec907.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0757_zps33eec907.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0741_zps1e637f39.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0741_zps1e637f39.jpg.html)
The crowds were already taking thier places streetside at 10am - RDJ and cast arrive at 6.30pm
We headed down to Graumans Chinese Theatre and Bert found someone who he could personally relate to.....
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0734_zps02aaca2e.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0734_zps02aaca2e.jpg.html)
And like pea's in a pod
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0759_zpseedacb7b.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0759_zpseedacb7b.jpg.html)
EARTH to crazy lady - EARTH to crazy lady - your a farkin nutjob !
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0763_zpsfbc916da.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0763_zpsfbc916da.jpg.html)
Bert wanted to get himself a PRINCE Albert while we were here - I told him we had no time for that so we just went in for a look
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0755_zps46982296.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0755_zps46982296.jpg.html)
So he just grabbed some more basic stuff anyway...some papers for his gunja bungers ,
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0753_zps3a0149a7.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0753_zps3a0149a7.jpg.html)
And ......I told him , I TOLD HIM he will struggle to get this through customs
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0754_zps35009707.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0754_zps35009707.jpg.html)
OK - they are cool , I am not
They are black, I am white
They are dead serious for photo , I am smiling like an idiot
They have thier hand signals backwards, I do the peace sign
COULD I have gotten this any more wrong?
There will be no Wotto rockin da house no more I dont think
Note the dudes XXXX T shirt as well
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0738_zps2a0566e5.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0738_zps2a0566e5.jpg.html)
We kept seeing WOZ stuff everywhere - EVERYWHERE
Ceramic topper anyone?
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0762_zps245f82d6.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0762_zps245f82d6.jpg.html)
But we wanted more - we wanted a WOZ game on site to play ...........and , on the famous Santa Monica Pier - we found it....I was overcome with joy
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0774_zps0198879e.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0774_zps0198879e.jpg.html)
Oh - hang on - did I say a WORKING woz game ?
Now theres that QC everyones talking about right there I guess
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0775_zpsbb69c1cd.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0775_zpsbb69c1cd.jpg.html)
We found some pinballs in the arcade in good nick
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0782_zpsfc8160ca.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0782_zpsfc8160ca.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0784_zps8e5d8889.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0784_zps8e5d8889.jpg.html)
And Braddo's dance machine - BRING IT ON brother , I have been practising !
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0779_zpsc6688934.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0779_zpsc6688934.jpg.html)
Some shots off Santa Monica Pier - it is the official end of Route 66 and this is right on the outer edge of the pier
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0793_zpsde4a2e3b.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0793_zpsde4a2e3b.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0790_zps4c4c94ce.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0790_zps4c4c94ce.jpg.html)
Note the houses along the beach as well
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0799_zps70adf879.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0799_zps70adf879.jpg.html)
And we are getting ours tomorrow :o
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0800_zps1a395502.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0800_zps1a395502.jpg.html)
I would love to upload some videos but time is too short - we have to pack and leave for San Diego tomorrow morning where we have a night at Nickel City with the SDO Pinball Club - and they actually DO have a WOZ pinball with the latest code apparently - so more then.
Cheers
Wotto and BERT
-
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0761_zps14c8fe73.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0761_zps14c8fe73.jpg.html)
-
love the woody, 39 fastest car and some of the rods - very cool.
oh man me too! would looooooove a woody ( yes the wagon on first photo ) %.%
-
love the woody, 39 fastest car and some of the rods - very cool.
oh man me too! would looooooove a woody ( yes the wagon on first photo ) %.%
just realised myself yes the wood panelled car on the first photo %.%
-
That Terminator 3 Pinny has been banged more times than a hooker on a Friday night.
Super heavy duty kilometres (USA miles.lol) on it for sure, and it hasn't been cleaned since it was new probably. &^&
-
Loving it dude your livin the dream
-
Where's you 'fro comb, Wotto ?
-
Great read wotto ! Thanks for taking the time to post.
-
Hey all - VERY VERY busy - so a quick update for now......
Spent yesterday in San Diego.
Night with SDO Pinball Club in a knockout for cash comp.
I will try and do a decent WOZ report later based on my opinion of what I saw/played ( I hope it is a LONG LONG way from finished but )
Anyway - here are 2 quick shots.....
This is my new USA mate Ron, we met him at Steve's last Monday , he lives down here and has arms just like The Hulk #@#
Ron also took us to a pub called The High Dive after the comp.
GREAT bloke. Note midget Dorothy in the photo too
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0910_zps9a1f1313.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0910_zps9a1f1313.jpg.html)
And here is WOZ after my VERY FIRST BALL EVER on the machine - NOT joking !
My reputation remains totally intact
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0909_zpscd0c61b1.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0909_zpscd0c61b1.jpg.html)
-
Great to see you batted a sixer on WOZ. Thanks for your daily updates.
Is that naked ply under the lockbar on WOZ? Stern paint their black.
-
More later guys - but for now - here I was , wearing my very best Ruby Reds last night !
&feature=youtu.be
-
OK - my thoughts on the game.
I only had 3 or 4 full games on it - and had a few BLINDING balls somehow.
Quality of the top PF parts appears ( as already said many times ) - excellent.
The LCD is large BUT nowhere near as large as it looks ( to me ) in the Youtube vids I had already seen.
Image quality of the display/ movies is absolutely excellent - clear.
However -like most pinball games you rarely get to look up at the ( in the case of WOZ ) 4 split screens when playing a ball.
I did get to watch the animations/ movies when I locked the balls and started multiball etc - very neat.
The game plays FAST on the lower part of the playfield - that scores highly with me.
The game appears to have limited decent shots however.
2 up the centre - which everyone found themselves going for over and over again.
The orbit- nice.
But all the other shots like the RAINBOW targets , side holes and witch just seemed to 'take care of themselves'
The two upper playfields, each having one flipper just felt AWKWARD , thats the best word I can think of - especially the left side where you have to open the doors.
The spinning house shot - I made once - didnt seem too exciting.
The flying monkey wasnt exciting and I did manage to get it once - i just took the ball to the upper playfield on the left where you had the awkward flipper thing start.
The State Fair on the lower left is an absolute waste of time , apart from location games as apparently it will give a free game if you get all targets in one ball - other than that I found it completely useless.
The Flipper Slippers are a travesty of the game of pinball
The audio was quite OK and nowhere near as bad as it sounds in the videos.
The game ( I truly truly hope ) is a LONG LONG LONG way from being finalised in regards to code as it just doesnt do 'much' at all
So there you go - a mixed review.
Did I like it - not much
Was it "OK' to play - for sure , and not as annoying as I had imagined.
Did it break down MANY times throughout the night - YEP ( and THATS what concerns me with everyone saying 'oh JJP games will be of the highest standard etc )
Both electrical and physical ( ball went and wedged itself under the left slingshot and stayed there )
Would I play it again many times - definitely
Would I own one - NOPE.
Did I only base this opinion on 3 or 4 games and watching a handful of others play - yes - but that was a decent eye opener.
-
I hope they have made some design changes at JJP, and hope all the test mule WOZ machines out there have had their data sent back in to JJP to evaluate regularly.
The next few months will be interesting, and heaps of WOZ code updates so things should get a lot better. Good to hear your opinion Wotto.
-
RAINBOW targets - eeewwwwww!!!!
Goes well with the slippers perhaps and I assume there is some sort of tie in with "Somewhere over the rainbow" but ummm, not for me thanks.
-
RAINBOW targets - eeewwwwww!!!!
Goes well with the slippers perhaps and I assume there is some sort of tie in with "Somewhere over the rainbow" but ummm, not for me thanks.
I hope the next titles better WOZ just looks boring with bugger all shots.
Peter
-
Hey all
So yesterday was spent in San Diego - we arrived here around 10.30am and had a day to fill in.
We headed up to a lookout that looks over the city of SDO and the original landing place of the Spanish 'Cabrillo' dude they reckon discovered the West Coast of the USA - ( wouldnt I make a great history teacher ! )
It was SO PEACEFUL up here.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0803_zpsd63c96de.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0803_zpsd63c96de.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0813_zps53167abf.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0813_zps53167abf.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0809_zps44e661ef.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0809_zps44e661ef.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0815_zps9bc478aa.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0815_zps9bc478aa.jpg.html)
After this we headed to The Corvette Diner for lunch - a STUPIDLY oversized lunch was only half eaten.
The Diner itself was pretty nicely done in my opinion
They had these oval screens near your tables that played all the old clips - they sang for the crowd and served typical diner food.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0845_zpse0e0d2eb.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0845_zpse0e0d2eb.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0839_zps88de2fa9.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0839_zps88de2fa9.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0854_zpsfcce8c45.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0854_zpsfcce8c45.jpg.html)
They even had a couple of cleverly chosen pins !
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0851_zps3e1c0e7c.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0851_zps3e1c0e7c.jpg.html)
That were in typical 'sited' condition !
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0860_zpsbd3e5984.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0860_zpsbd3e5984.jpg.html)
Then in the afternoon we went onboard the USS Midway - docked in SDO Harbour
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0875_zps4b2e8381.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0875_zps4b2e8381.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0878_zps1b0abd1b.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0878_zps1b0abd1b.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0887_zps5eda8e56.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0887_zps5eda8e56.jpg.html)
And of course last night was spent in a comp with the SDO Pinball Club - a pretty cool bunch of guys and girls
It was $5.00 to enter the comp and it was a 2 game knockout ( as in you lost twice and you were out for that night )
You played head to head with another player - with the winner continuing on to claim all the $$ as prize money for the night.
Machine ( WOZ ) breakdowns aside, it was a very fun night with a batch of strangers.
Today we headed for Las Vegas and tomorrow we attend PHOF.
On the way to Vegas we stopped at Peggy Sues Diner and got a little more than we had hoped for - I am sure our bike fans will appreciate what you see next.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0913_zpsa2f6f557.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0913_zpsa2f6f557.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0963_zps97a1c781.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0963_zps97a1c781.jpg.html)
This was a VERY VERY popular Diner on the 'Interstate' ( freeway ) and there was a 'bike run' to a nearby city today
The Diner has around 6 rooms to sit and eat - all decorated differently - here are a few shots - I TRY to get photos WITHOUT people in them - so these places may appear empty but were not.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0944_zps3955f5d5.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0944_zps3955f5d5.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0929_zps32265796.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0929_zps32265796.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0931_zps291d8403.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0931_zps291d8403.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0920_zps549cc744.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0920_zps549cc744.jpg.html)
Then when we headed back to the car - we spotted this beast !
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0965_zps78b31f67.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0965_zps78b31f67.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0962_zps570f0932.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0962_zps570f0932.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0966_zpsc3252c55.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0966_zpsc3252c55.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0964_zps98e9739f.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0964_zps98e9739f.jpg.html)
-
lovin the diner photos, keep em coming
great trip and sounds like your enjoying, Kayla make it home safe?
-
Kayla make it home safe?
Yes mate - about a week ago now ^^^
-
Love the diners over there ^^^
Looking forward to the PHOF photos - will you be over there for Pinfest 2013 (Allentown) ?
-
Thanks heaps for the Peggy Sue Diner photos mate
Still got your facial expression etched in my head when I suggested we drop in there for a meal when we drove past the joint in 2011 :lol
-
Hahaha - yep forgot about the Sydney daily's !
OK - PHOF report - not a lot of pics to put up as 99% of you have seen the rows of games from other peoples travels and my past threads as well.
Nothing much has changed as far as the overall line up goes , apart from a few newer titles added.
At least he has a MASSIVE new sign and you now CANT miss the place - I am sure this has been shown at Pinside too , but here it is.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/DSCN0710_zpsd5f5f081.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/DSCN0710_zpsd5f5f081.jpg.html)
Thats Molly from Pins & Needles playing in the photo - we met her at Steves place last Monday night as well in LA.
She travels a LOT ( all over the USA ) to play pinball and is one sweet chick.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/DSCN0715_zpsfe3c77ca.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/DSCN0715_zpsfe3c77ca.jpg.html)
The counter area does not appear to change here too often !
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/DSCN0757_zps5585ee69.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/DSCN0757_zps5585ee69.jpg.html)
And this 'Gattling Gun' game was in brilliant condition ( obviously being/ been restored )
I wanted to ask a little about this but the guys were really busy today.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/DSCN0756_zps01779fa5.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/DSCN0756_zps01779fa5.jpg.html)
And for all you EM lovers and traditionalists out there who wouldn't DARE alter an EM , an "old girl" in ANY way ......well PHOF now fully LED all of thier EM titles.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/DSCN0743_zps9f8cd58b.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/DSCN0743_zps9f8cd58b.jpg.html)
What I noticed today ..........
TONNES of people coming in and out of the place ( it is Saturday here )
I did a couple of walk-arounds at various times throughout the day and counted 90-120 on both occasions and that seemed to be the amount of people in the joint in and out all day long - always a constant large number - great stuff.
Games were in decent condition - not great - but very very playable and we spent 5 hours there. They had Tim and 2 other guys ALWAYS wandering around checking out what was going on and KEEN to ensure things were going OK - especially one of the techo guys , he seemed VERY interested in ensuring all patrons had a good time.
Around 10% of the games were switched off ( faults ) - still left about 150+++ titles to play.
Avatar is a LEFT SIDE drain monster !
I still like IJ4 - and I dont care how 'the hobby' rates it - I always enjoy it for some reason ( each to thier own I guess )
The dunny was very clean - which surprised me to be honest :lol
Had an enjoyable day - Berts hands are swollen , so thats a sign of how many games he played - he enjoyed the place a lot as a 1st time visitor.
Down to the nutcake place that is Fremont St tonight :D
-
Wow some great stuff there mate, love the people's homes you were invited into, absolutely amazing. The car museum also looked great, mega buck machines. Loving the updates, keep em coming ^^^
-
Are u still in the USA Wotto ?
-
Hi all
Again apologies for the lack of any updates on the last few days of our trip - we arrived home into Sydney at 6am today and were in our homes by 8.30am.
VERY tired , but I am pushing through until tonight - hopefully.
Unsure how Bert is doing , he was planning on painting thee frickin house - I say good luck to him with that.
So I will wrap up this thread by jumping back around 4 days and showing what we got up to for the end of our trip
Bert insisted we went back down to Fremont St on our last night in Vegas - I was unsure why........see if you can work it out.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_1009_zps92432f86.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_1009_zps92432f86.jpg.html)
I even offered to pay for BERT to get in a big booby photo - but being a decent young man with high morals, he wouldnt do that.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0992_zps5603979d.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0992_zps5603979d.jpg.html)
Even the fresh band had a hotty up front tonight
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0998_zpsc4170570.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0998_zpsc4170570.jpg.html)
And this guy was pretty good with the axe - but not when he sang.
At least he had the fan on blowing his hair back as he played which is vitally important
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0997_zpse9044428.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0997_zpse9044428.jpg.html)
Earlier that day we had found a ( now famous ) little place some of you may recognise from TV.
Its actually right on The Strip but way way down towards downtown.
There was a queue to wait and get in, being Aussies, we naturally just pushed in ( accidentally I should say ) and got straight into the place.
It was worth the 5 -10 minute drive t go here for a peek.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0971_zps2c660a40.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0971_zps2c660a40.jpg.html)
Here is Bert out front - just before he blindly walked in the door without seeing the queue of people and therefore getting us in the joint quickly
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0981_zps990990d0.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0981_zps990990d0.jpg.html)
Once inside he felt the need to become a poco-loco snoop dog type of character however !
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_0973_zps754603b6.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_0973_zps754603b6.jpg.html)
Monday was always going to be a big drive - Las Vegas to San Francisco - around an 8 hour road trip
Our navigator - who we failed to nickname but in hindsight would have been called Gilligan , once again sent us on a road across the middle of the State that didnt 'feel' right, we drove for miles and miles and miles on a 2 lane road through MILLIONS of ( what we later discovered ) were citrus trees.
The NAVMAN eventually got our almighty high powered VW Passat to SFO by around 4pm that day.
Tuesday had potential to ne a good day and turned out to be one of the best days ( IMO ) of the trip.
We hit the road into SFO city as I wanted to drive Bert across a landmark , we made it to Vista Point , grabbed some shots and headed back for the city....
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_1011_zps44406f13.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_1011_zps44406f13.jpg.html)
After this I headed smack into to centre of SFO town and up to a lookout known as Twin Peaks for what would be the best views possible of SFO city area....this is only a small slice of the view - the actual view available is more than 180 degrees of the whole town and bay area's
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_1032_zps13343bf6.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_1032_zps13343bf6.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_1018_zpsb085cf59.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_1018_zpsb085cf59.jpg.html)
Then after a year if planning we headed for a little town named Alameda - across the bay ( east ) from SFO city - right next door to Oakland.
Alameda is a very tidy and neat US town - I really liked it and the look of it.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_1060_zps7457918b.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_1060_zps7457918b.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_1065_zps53c6aaf3.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_1065_zps53c6aaf3.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_1063_zps7155e2a6.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_1063_zps7155e2a6.jpg.html)
But we were headed for this place specifically
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_1066_zpsab7c63c4.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_1066_zpsab7c63c4.jpg.html)
On this street.........
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_1061_zpsf41afcee.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_1061_zpsf41afcee.jpg.html)
I had organised this visit on this day at this time - we arrived.....................
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_1033_zpsff298b01.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_1033_zpsff298b01.jpg.html)
We then realised it opened in around 30 minutes.
So we had lunch right next door - the waitress advised ud that in this town a lot of places close in the arvo's if it aint busy.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_1069_zpsbd44ed95.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_1069_zpsbd44ed95.jpg.html)
Not much later we were in The Pacific Pinball Museum.
Michael Schiess is the Founder of the Museum and works tirelessly with a board of members who promote pinball in some magnificent ways on the West Coast of the USA and beyond. PPM were the organisers of Pacific Pinball Expo ( the event Tony and I visited in 2011 ) which was the largest pinball show on the planet. Michael is still looking for real estate in the Bay Area to house the 1000++ games they own as a permanent museum. On the day we were here Michael and his wife spent 2 hours teaching a class of kids about electricity - he does a LOT this wonderful man and his VERY dedicated team.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_1096_zpsc71c423f.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_1096_zpsc71c423f.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_1094_zps746efe22.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_1094_zps746efe22.jpg.html)
I had met Michael at PPE in 2011 and he had no hesitation last year in supporting our small Wollongong League by donating 6 T shirts that we were able to use in the league throughout the year
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_1057_zps3a73654f.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_1057_zps3a73654f.jpg.html)
I didnt count all the games in PPM - but for $15 entry fee you get quite a large and decent cross section to view / play - along with artwork and stories and odd stickers scattered around the place - clearly he needs bigger / better premises and I believe this guy and his crew will find something very soon.
Some random shots from throughout the complex - there are around 5 or 6 rooms.
This is when you first enter the building
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_1040_zps877dcf41.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_1040_zps877dcf41.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_1039_zps4f9c4f8b.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_1039_zps4f9c4f8b.jpg.html)
EVERYWHERE we went , Bert kept bumping into FLASH pinball paraphernalia and games - its a sign Bert - a sign I tell you !
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_1036_zps86f8288b.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_1036_zps86f8288b.jpg.html)
And some rooms out back.......housing DMD's and SS titles.
Some I recall
Dolly Parton
Seawitch
Charlies Angels
Roller Disco
Black Knight
Flash
CSI
Simpsons
Funhouse
Dr Who
and many more
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_1049_zpsa45ee864.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_1049_zpsa45ee864.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_1046_zps6434baef.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_1046_zps6434baef.jpg.html)
I always fond some love these days for this whacky game - and this one loved me right back.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_1071_zpsb6e99caa.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_1071_zpsb6e99caa.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_1041_zpsca7a2af2.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_1041_zpsca7a2af2.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_1077_zps51104513.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_1077_zps51104513.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_1078_zps575bff98.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_1078_zps575bff98.jpg.html)
Was this Rollerball in a wig ?
WHERE did they get this shot from ?
it was just stuck behind a game randomly - WHAT a honey hey !
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/stunner_zpsbddef80d.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/stunner_zpsbddef80d.jpg.html)
Having spent around 2-3 hours at PPM it was time to move on to a night which I had been looking forward to for a long time.
We were going to the home of one of the LEGENDS in this hobby / industry.
A man who has helped to improve many of your own games in small ways time and time again
A dead set true gentleman as well ...........I give you ............the one, the only...............
CLIFFY !
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_1105_zpsf680fec2.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_1105_zpsf680fec2.jpg.html)
What a frickin top bloke this man is, we met him in 2011 at PPM and instantly just 'clicked' and we have communicated since , so it was great to get to his actual place - take a look at his street and think about the classic American streets you see in movies - it is exactly the same as that , he lives in a great neighborhood with a cool neighbor named Dave who joined us for the few hours we were there. Cliffys place on the left where the Harley is.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_1097_zps46888857.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_1097_zps46888857.jpg.html)
Dave LOVES his Rambler - one of only 6 of this model in the entire USA we were told.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_1100_zpsa5547bce.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_1100_zpsa5547bce.jpg.html)
And here it is - and here I am in it - THE chair where ALL the Cliffy Protectors get made - by hand , one by one.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_1102_zpsa0199e8d.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_1102_zpsa0199e8d.jpg.html)
Here I am clueless as to what to actually do with the machine.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_1103_zps28907e82.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_1103_zps28907e82.jpg.html)
And here I am wrecking one while Cliffy watches on
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_1104_zps74782137.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_1104_zps74782137.jpg.html)
We ate Burgers ( 5 Guys Burgers - AWESOME ) and spoke to Cliffy and Dave for a few hours, shot some games ( I played WOEFULLY of course ) and were very impressed with their hospitality.
A truly fantastic and long day
OK - our last day of playing tourist so we headed for The Rock
GO HERE if you are ever in SFO or planning a trip ( Stocky ) .....it is the best $30.00 you will ever spend.
You all know the history of the place so I aint going to commentate it out - here are some images of this decaying old place PACKED with history.
You do an 'audio tour' that is narrated by actual ex guards and prisoners , you walk the exact walk the new prisoners did when they arrived at The Rock, you stand in the exact spots where men were killed in escape attempts gone wrong, you see the cells where the 3 that DID escape , escaped from and you basically get to cover the entire prison - it is very good - and VERY bloody cold out the front of The Rock.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_1124_zps3ed56eac.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_1124_zps3ed56eac.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_1141_zps11e60b78.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_1141_zps11e60b78.jpg.html)
Those damn fine 5Guys burgers from last night were not doing me any favours on this walk today - LOL
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_1143_zpsed179e87.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_1143_zpsed179e87.jpg.html)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_1140_zps70533cc6.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_1140_zps70533cc6.jpg.html)
You can see the state of the old Wardens house out the front of the island
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_1181_zps32442c6a.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_1181_zps32442c6a.jpg.html)
And you can see exactly why it would have been mental torture for the prisoners to see and hear the city so close to them - this shot was taken just off to the right of the old Wardens house- it was FARKING FREEZING here
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_1182_zps9f945585.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_1182_zps9f945585.jpg.html)
I wore my best prison shirt for todays excursion !
This is on 'Broadway' inside the main jail house
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_1199_zpsa7a8339b.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_1199_zpsa7a8339b.jpg.html)
The cells were TINY - from memory 9ft x 5ft x 7ft - NOTHING
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_1156_zpsaa5cc43c.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_1156_zpsaa5cc43c.jpg.html)
And here is one of the cells they escaped from as shown in many movies and doco's
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_1192_zpsd8571f3c.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_1192_zpsd8571f3c.jpg.html)
After the main tour you can wander the island at your own pace and explore other parts.
Here is BERT at the bottom of a long STEEP set of steps also wondering why the F*CK he tae the 5Guys and fries last night
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_1221_zps8136e52b.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_1221_zps8136e52b.jpg.html)
And a shot of the main building from the recreation yard
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_1224_zpsea7edc40.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_1224_zpsea7edc40.jpg.html)
With the top dog Bert on the tough guy steps
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_1226_zps2ab0e714.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_1226_zps2ab0e714.jpg.html)
Then yesterday we drove down to LAX for our flight home and made the mandatory stop right near LAX
I gave all my coins to a homeless guys ( well he was probably an actor and a millionare but heck I wanted rid of the coins so I didnt really care )
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm24/wotto40/IMG_1244_zps01e08d2a.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/wotto40/media/IMG_1244_zps01e08d2a.jpg.html)
Flight out was on time and all home safely to some vegemite toast and a decent coffee and some Tim Tams . Lumped on 2.5kg which is surprising considering the SH&T that we ate and the coffee consumed ( remember I was here 3 weeks , and Bert 2 ) but should drop that quickly
Now I know that BERT has stacks more photos and video and he may choose to add some stuff to this thread as he gets time, but for me its finished and I trust whoever watched the journey enjoyed the ride.
-
Thankyou Wotto for everything you shared.
I am glad you, Bert and your daughter had a great time, u deserved it !
Looking forward to the next one and glad to see Australian Pinball was represented by someone cool like yourself to our USA pinball friends !
-
Thanks for the ride Wotto, thoroughly enjoyable.
-
Fantastic write up Wotto, thanks for sharing your holiday adventures with us all. ^^^
-
Great thread, thanks for taking the time to share your trip with us.
I have enjoyed reading it!
-
Glad you made it home safely mate and thanks for the very entertaining thread.
Good to see photos of Michael Schiess and Cliffy, both really great guys.
-
Thanks for taking us on the journey with you Wotto. @@* It's been awesome
^^^Although I'll miss the thread, I'm glad your home as I've been looking forward to receiving the Whitewater pinball. $#$
Cheers,
Anthony
-
it has seemed like we were on the trip with you.thanks ^^^
-
Wotto, again thanks for sharing. Found this thread to be one of the best in some time. Maybe as I have been to USA a few times brings back good memories ^^^
-
Great thread mate, sounds like an awesome trip ^^^
-
Welcome home Wotto. Great read mate thanks for sharing I enjoyed every update.
Unit now when I just went back over the entire journey I even thought your daughter was your wife so you cant be looking too old yourself.
-
Thank you for the time and effort you put in with the write ups and photos, really enjoyed following your trip these last few weeks.
-
Thanks for your great Thread Wotto . ^^^ Really enjoyed it and looking forward to reading about your next adventure
-
Excellent thread thanks for sharing,
Red
-
Thanks for sharing mate - I enjoyed every update !
-
Wotto,
Just wanted to thank you for your time and patience in posting all about your trip! I really enjoyed the pics especially of "The Warriors" scenes and the general shots of different parts of the USA. My wife and I will be going over in the next few years and I will definitely be going to many of the places you highlighted.
Again, thanks for all your time and I, like many really enjoyed your work!
Jeff
-
Great post Wotto
Ive been watching and it looks like you had a ball They are very friendly over there and there meals are huge
Thanks for sharing Howzat
-
curious Wotto to cap off your trip
what was your favourite all round experience in the US on this trip?
what was your favourite pinball moment?
what was the most enjoyable pinball you played on the trip?
ps thanks again for sharing all the travels and photos ^^^
-
curious Wotto to cap off your trip
what was your favourite all round experience in the US on this trip?
what was your favourite pinball moment?
what was the most enjoyable pinball you played on the trip?
ps thanks again for sharing all the travels and photos ^^^
WOW – some hard questions to answer I guess.
Best US experience this trip - would have to have been sharing the emotion with my daughter at the 911 site in NYC, it is truly a moment and memory that will stay with both of us forever. I don’t want to sound like a sook on this point but it was the most human part of our trip and to be standing in place where 3000 people died in awful circumstances and reading their stories , seeing their faces and their families notes WHILST standing there with your own child and seeing her upset by it all is a tough moment to forget. Of course I will always recall being in places with her like The Empire State Building and other landmarks etc BUT they did not provide the ‘feeling’ that we both shared when we were at 911/ Ground Zero.
Best Pinball Moment – I reckon that enjoying the company of 80++ SO-CAL pinballers at the ‘mansion’ , actually chatting with them , laughing and sharing pinball stories and teaching them some Aussie slang on the night would be the best ‘pinball moment’ overall. There are some GREAT guys in LA who know a hell of a lot about pinball and how to play it, I was disappointed we didn’t have another few hours to get around to them all.
Most Enjoyable Pinball on the trip - VERY hard to say as we had access to play around 700+ titles........the most memorable game is going to be Wizard Blocks of course, but the most ENJOYABLE game to play that we don’t get to play out here was KINGPIN, I actually got to spend a fair amount of time on it this trip and really got to like this EXTREMELY flowy game.
-
thanks for sharing Wotto, glad you enjoyed yourself.
-
WOW – some hard questions to answer I guess.
Best US experience this trip - would have to have been sharing the emotion with my daughter at the 911 site in NYC, it is truly a moment and memory that will stay with both of us forever. I don’t want to sound like a sook on this point but it was the most human part of our trip and to be standing in place where 3000 people died in awful circumstances and reading their stories , seeing their faces and their families notes WHILST standing there with your own child and seeing her upset by it all is a tough moment to forget. Of course I will always recall being in places with her like The Empire State Building and other landmarks etc BUT they did not provide the ‘feeling’ that we both shared when we were at 911/ Ground Zero.
Best Pinball Moment – I reckon that enjoying the company of 80++ SO-CAL pinballers at the ‘mansion’ , actually chatting with them , laughing and sharing pinball stories and teaching them some Aussie slang on the night would be the best ‘pinball moment’ overall. There are some GREAT guys in LA who know a hell of a lot about pinball and how to play it, I was disappointed we didn’t have another few hours to get around to them all.
Most Enjoyable Pinball on the trip - VERY hard to say as we had access to play around 700+ titles........the most memorable game is going to be Wizard Blocks of course, but the most ENJOYABLE game to play that we don’t get to play out here was KINGPIN, I actually got to spend a fair amount of time on it this trip and really got to like this EXTREMELY flowy game.
700 titles. Your arms must have been very painful %.%
Looking at the pics, I'd say the MSG and Ground Zero visits would have been very worthwhile, but the pinball scene in LA would have been very hard to beat. Of course the time with your Daughter would be a highlight as well ^^^
-
Wotto,
The 911 experience is not able to be replicated. I had the honour of doing the tour with my boys soon after it opened. The tour guide for our small group was a lady who was the only surviving member of her company. She was due back to the office from a business trip however she missed her flight.
She would have died with all her co-workers. We had a rough time after the tour trying to come to grips with what we had experienced.
I understand what you felt.
Very powerful experience.
Pinball Wizzard Blocks is a cool game, it feels more like a traditional pinball with more shots and less repitition than RFM & SWEP1
Great read through your travel post and I would be keen to know about what camera you used as the shots are great.
Chris
-
Hey Chillie - agree 100% re Wizard Blocks, we played it with the game near complete ( or complete ) as the new owner had paid a guy to pretty much finish it off .......it was good to play and I dont normally enjoy playing RFM in that style of game.
I use a Canon EOS550D normally - however this trip I took a little point and shoot Nikon as well , so the images are a mix from both camera's.