USA: Hollywood, Alcatraz and Trams

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Americans do make me giggle - lots and out loud. They are the one country on the planet we expect, as a mainly English speaking nation, to act in a particular way and yet are the most foreign of countries. I think its because they are a mixture of so many different cultures, what ever they do seems acceptable, but is more often than not peculiar and often very very funny. For example, I’m sitting in LAX (Los Angeles Airport) waiting for a delayed plane to be announced and as I look up, a middle aged lady, of obvious Asian decent, is fiddling with her ticket. She’s wearing a bright and very flowery summery looking dress, with a padded winter jacket and pulling a case along behind her. Not that peculiar really. Not until a second glance took in her hat; a huge furry number in the shape of a Disney chipmunk character, in bright yellow and with a huge red nose. She wore it proudly and with a real seriousness. Bless her. One touch on Amy’s arm and a quick peek over her shoulder and the pair of us giggled like loonies. That was how it was in the USA. They may not think they have much culture over here, but my they more than make up for it in sights to see of a more unusual nature - its characters on the streets.
Our first stop was LA. As we were only there for one night, we decided to make the most of it and take a tour of the city. Our car arrived and we set off to see ‘the sights’ of LA. We took in every thing from the HOLLYWOOD sign to sticking our hands in those immortalised by the famous outside the Chinese theatre on Hollywood boulevard. Our driver, who knew how to charge for this service, made sure we saw it all. Most places offering a tour of this nature would include a little history of the place, but the crowning glory of this tour was the fire escape where Julia Roberts and Richard Gear played out the last scene of ‘Pretty Woman’!!!!!
Next stop was San Francisco. Golden Gate bridge - walked over it both ways - great views - very windy - worth the walk. Alcatraz - rained all day and very cold (had to buy a hoody with 'San Fransisco' spread across the front) - definitely worth it though - great audio tour with good historical content - Amy bought a copy of an ex convicts book and got it signed - she was very excited (bless). Fisherman’s wharf - very touristy but fun - ate at Jo’s crab shack, very expensive but a giggle (if you go here to eat watch out for the way they get you to buy more food - tis very very sneaky). Shopped, drank beer, walked nearly the entire city in 4 days realised it’s a lot hillier than Sheffield and left with a lot less money than we arrived with. Next stop CUBA!!!!! (via 2 countries and 3 aeroplane rides due to USA embargoes - how daft is that!!!!!!)

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Photos

HOLLYWOOD
A sign that will soon have gone forever

Gentleman prefer blondes
But this one looks a bit of a scruf

Trolly Car San Fransisco
My these are better than walking up the those hills in San Fransisco

Ex inmate - Alcatraz
Book signing by the last man to leave Alcatraz

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
Who turned the sun of, come on who did it. I didn't agree to cold rainy weather.

Golden Gate
Its very impressive - and very long, but the walk over it worth it.