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Published: August 23rd 2008
Ok so getting used to things not going smoothly any more, I rocked up at my pre-booked hostel and there was a "Problem" with my reservation the problem in question was that there was no reservation anymore. Great guy was most pathetic idiot i'm yet to met who couldn't grasp why I was slightly peeved at not having received a courtesy e-mail so that I could book elsewhere..... Un deturred I waltzed off down the walk of fame luggigng my backpack with me and spotted another hostel..... These guys were pretty helpful and soon i had a small cell overlooking Hollywood Boulevard. I think it may have previously been used as a sauna as it was ridiculously hot. Sharing with 2 austrians and swedes (all guys) made for a pleasant aroma.....
Dumping my stuff stepped out of the hostel onto the walk of fame (yes it was that close) a short walk soon told me everything you hear about Hollywood is true. Many freakish acts, Plastic boobies, people posing as celebrities for photos, breakdancers, singers, musicians..... anything anyone all out to make a buck. I was pretty impressed with the breakdancing but the rest was more amusing than anything. Saw the famous chinese theatre and kodak theatre where they shoot the oscars though without the ceremony in place it looks pretty bland.....
Woke up next morning nicely marinated in my own sweat (10quid a night = no air con) Grabbed some free breakfast of 2 toast and black coffe! Planning to hit Venice beach headed for the bus stop where I got accosted by a guy trying to sell me a limo tour around the famous houses etc.... Asked a few questions sounded like a plan so jumped in my limo shared by only 2 others. Driver seemed very knowledgable, though he could tell me anything and I wouldn't know if he was lying.....especially as I stupidly believed him that 50% of palm trees are fake!!!! Yes i'm that gullible! Headed to the houses which were pretty spectacular... Sly Stallones house had like 6 Ferraris in the drive........ Next stop was Rodeo drive where all the shops the celebs splash their cash in... had like 20 mins to mooch around which was nowhere near enough time.... after that we pretty much headed back half hour short and no glimpse of the Bunny mansion I decided against a tip......My only tip would be for those of you reading this, don't do the trip it was "OK" but some far better ones out there.... Deciding that you can't come here and not grab a burger I hit up Johnny Rockets..... Proper old skool diner massive burger I could not fit in my mouth followed by fries onion rings and a lush strawberry shake.... after all that I had to head back for a lie down, but it was worth it!
Being sat night I began to think it was gonna be a miserable one spent sat in my sweat box reading a trashy novel.... My roomie took pity on my and invited me out..... I raced next door to our handy liqour store and grabbed a six-pack..... This resulted in sitting on the balcony with 2 English guys Jon and Oli and 2 Swedes Jonas and Niklas...... The guitar came out and we were soon singing what we thought were excellent renditions of Oasis and various other bands....... Once the beer ran out we headed off to a bar...... Getting used to the ID I whipped it out and we were in.... Grabbed a corona for $7 which is reasonable (ish) decided later to get on the vodka this was a major mistake double with (splash) cranberry set me back $18 I learnt my lesson..... Was a very funny night met some stupidly good looking girls from LA and soon enough we were all dancing with an Italian each who barely spoke English.......
Next morning felt pretty ropey so decided to pull out my "get out of doing anything card" bummed around the hostel watching a few films. Later deciding I had to do something I went over to the biggest LA fitness gym i'd ever seen and had a workout. Having not done much in the way of a workout in 8months added to the fact that my diet is possibly not best its been. I soon found it pretty hard and felt a bit faint even if I did enjoy it a lot. Sitting around the hostel Oli announced he felt like going out again.... So off to shop again we all had our beers and out came the cards... Funny drinking games followed with the purchase of a bottle of vodka and a bacardi..... These games and drunken antics took us way past the possible time of hitting a bar so instead we all headed for a 24hour diner. Had a very funny time in the diner and felt sorry for the waitress that had to put up with us.
Forgetting that i'd agreed to go with Oli and Jon next morning to Universal Studios (and forgetting i'd promised to wake them up) I awoke before anyone showered then sneaked back in bed (to hide) Realising I was awake they were like are you coming? Deciding I couldnt waste another day we set off in their huge dodge hire car.... Obviously stopping for a burger on the way. Arrived - Somehow- as Oli was massively hungover.... Despite the heat slowly releasing our hangovers we had an awesome day... starting off with tour of the studios followed by Simpons ride loads of attractions and a few live shows... The lads dropped me back whilst they headed off (somewhere I don't know where and i'm sure you don't care) So it's worth mentioning that I was now massively regretting the visit to the gym... I could no longer straighten my arms and they along with my chest were on fire this feeling continued for next 3 days....Nice!
Finally made it to Venice beach after grabbing one bus then on to the next I arrived 45mins later.... First seeing the Santa Monica pier... which looks kinda like a pier...... then off to walk along the beach..... There were loads of gymnast type apparatus which many people were havinga go at.... Walking along about 20mins I came to main Venice beach. This is where every kind of street performer is out, Rollerbladers, skateboarders, Cyclists, Joggers, Walkers (you get the idea) also nearly every guy had no shirt and women were scantily clad! Finally saw Muscle beach Gym but there was no one working out. The lifeguard huts were exactly like Baywatch in fact the whole place reminded me of it yet I still couldn't see mitch. Having been sufficiently burnt as obviously well prepared I tok no suncream I headed back. Feeling like I was slowly killing myself with all the burgers I grabbed a salad to clear my arteries!!!
Back on the budget vibe I grabbed a local bus for $1.25 direct to the airport and my time in Hollywood was over.
So in my 5 days i had a really good time met some cool people and consumed a fair about of alcohol! Hollywood boulevard seemed worse place ever to spot a celeb it screamed wannabe Vegas combined with a tacky sea side town selling every bit of tat in every shop. The houses were impressive but for $5 a piece I would expect that. This place is also one of the most dangerous places I have been in that it's far too easy to meet people go out get wasted and then repeat day after day.... In all I had a great time and would go back if i was minted and do it celebrity style!!!
Next stop New York......................Thanks for reading ( I know I only have a few die hard fans left x)
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big sis
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farewell
hello...cant believe this is probably one of your last blogs as your now on the harley road trip - what a way to end your adventure. im really gonna miss your blogs i like hearing what you have been up to, not impressed there are not many photos but im guessing i will be seeing all of your photos soon enough so i will probably regret saying i want to see photos ;) cannot wait to see you hope you're having a fab time with dad and steve on the harley trip im sure you are....see you in 6 days wahoo ;) x