California's Fam-tastic!!! Part1
Our group of 14 all met at T5 Heathrow for the 11 hour flight to Los Angeles (aka LAX). We were then all spoilt with an upgrade - half in WTP and the rest including me to Club World! What a great start! The flight was very enjoyable - comfortable seat/flat bed, great service and hours of nonstop entertainment - it was a shame on arrival that the US immigration queues took forever! Eventually, we meet our LA host, Tamy from CTB and head to our hotel.
We check in for two nights at the Sheraton Downtown, great hotel and location for downtown. No rest for us - first stop, we head to LA Live (a 27 acres sports & entertainment district and home to the Emmy's) and the Grammy Museum which was a short walk away. My first thought was a Museum? But music fans will love this - an exciting and interactive look at every era and genre of music with some fantastic exhibits.
The following day, we set off for the Getty Museum - another one? But I have to say I was impressed. Our guide took us for a quick tour around the art collections (including the $45 million Turner masterpiece!), sculptures and finely manicured gardens...we only had a brief time here so to fully experience this wonderful attraction, take your time - entry is free.
Now, no trip to LAX would be complete without a visit to Hollywood! We start just outside Grauman's Chinese Theatre on the Walk of Fame. While we wait for our 2 hour guided tour, we watch as everyone is checking out the 'stars' and the cement prints of their favourite actors and stars...and of course the lookalikes attracting the tourists to get their photo taken for a $1 a time! The tour is a great way to see the sights and various movie locations as you can 'hop on - hop off' along the route. Our route takes us through Hollywood, Sunset Boulevard and Beverly Hills. We 'hop off' at Rodeo Drive for a quick look at where all the celebrities shop and we are not disappointed - we run into paparazzi outside a store and wonder who it is. It's Bernie Ecclestone's (F1) daughter Tamara, I then see Donald Sutherland driving a very nice Merc, and then back on the bus - we spot Michael Clarke Duncan (Green Mile) having a coffee! Unfortunately, it's a dull day and the 'HOLLYWOOD' sign on the hills is barely visible.
After the tour, we walk one block to the newly opened Redbury Hotel for a small drinks reception and then check out their wonderful suites - not only is this hotel in a great location, it's has a lovely boutique feel with a warm and friendly atmosphere and the suites are very spacious with fully equipped kitchens and dining space - perfect for any long stays - check it out at www.redbury.com.
On the move again, this time it is the Farmer's Market - a historic LA landmark from 1934, but now an area with over 100 restaurants, food stalls and shops. It's a Friday evening and is a popular place especially for 'foodies' with its speciality food stalls.
Next morning, it's our 3rd and last day in LAX before we head south for Palm Springs. Just before we do, we visit Eaglerider. When I saw this on the itinerary, I wasn't convinced... anyway, their location is close to LAX. This company specialises in Harley Davidson rentals - either on self-drive or guided tours - they cover the world famous Route 66 - so if this is on your 'bucket list' then ask me for more details! We had a quick look around their operation, a few drinks, BBQ and live music and finally the sun came out! But the real highlight has to be a ride down to the beach on the back of a Harley - I was petrified and hanging on for my life, but what an experience!
Here, Brian also from CTB takes over from Tamy on the 2 hour drive to Palm Springs... check out my journals for the rest of the trip!