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Published: April 28th 2008
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A Warm US Welcome
Thanks Mikey, wish it could have lasted longer!! Hi you'all, (Lynda here)
We're on the last leg of our journey now and in America. We reluctantly left Fiji (it was so beautiful) and flew to LA. Didn't really know what to expect (rape and pillage - but no such luck)!! The lovely Mikey was there to meet us even though he'd been given the run around about where we would land. It was lovely to see him again and he hasn't changed a bit - (still gorgeous). After a bit of too and fro-ing we got to our LA base and while we showered Mickey "hung around" and then we were off. To Santa Monica Boulevard - sounds like a song!!! We had a look around and a few beers and then went for a mexican (in fact probably the best mexican I've ever had!). Introduced Mikey to LIIT although he couldn't drink a whole one as he was driving - but he got the gist. Then it was time to say goodbye - a bit sad after such a short time. Although, bless him he kept his eye on us over the next day or two.
The next day we'd booked a tour to see LA
Walk of Fame
Our Rodders was there! City and Stars Homes (I know it's a bit touristy but what else can you do in a day?!) Actually it was very good - went to Rodeo Drive, Hollywood, Beverley Hills, Bel Air. (Tina Now) The coolest thing for me was the Beverley Wilshire, all you Pretty Women fans out there will relate, how cool was that, had my picture taken with the BW limo, we went to spend a penny in their toilets, (although didn't cost us a bean), then saw THE PIANO, how cool however we weren't allowed to take photos of it, but jolly decent of them to let us in at all really.
Was thinking about what to buy in Rodeo and the only thing we could afford was an ice cream, didn't want the kids having apoplexy over the price of a pair of knickers or something!!
A really good day out, all things considered, a bit tacky, buy hey thats Hollywood!! We just accepted it for what it was and actually really liked it.
The next day we flew to Chicago from LAX, had a two hour lay-over and then flew onto Miami. Flew United Airlines and have to say
HOLLYWOOD!!
It's there honest, up in them there hills!!
was the worst organised flight and airport we have encountered, we checked in and they said our luggage would be waiting in Miami all we had to do was change flights, got really worried but our bags were all there waiting for us, so had no need to fret and a big sorry for doubting them, it all worked like clockwork.
Got a taxi from the airport, by which time it was past midnight and we turned up at our Hotel Catalina past midnight and guess what, it was still open, the bar was buzzing which was quite surprising and something we haven't been used to in the last few months. Took our bags up and then sat and had a few drinks before retiring and sleeping on the best pillows Lynda has ever had, she wants to bring them home.
The next day we got up and you get no breakfast, not even tea and coffee making facilities, so went nextdoor to the cafe for coffee and Lynda surfaced about 11amish. Can't really remember what we did with our day but think we just mooched around, we did book some trips, caught up with emails and had
Pretty Woman
Waiting for Edward!! a look round local shops, think I might have gone and found Macy's, have I told you yet how much I love Macy's?
That first night we thought we should do happy hour, at our hotel between 7 and 8 O'Clock there is free Vodka and Rum drinks with mixers, so off we go, after a couple of drinks I wasn't even hungry so I said to Lynda why don't we just stay here have a few drinks and an early night. As it turned out it was earlier than expected cos we had four drinks in happy hour then a LIIT and Lynda was ready for bed. She tried to make it up the stairs bless her but ended up on the floor. Eventually got her into bed and thought no more about it, went down for another drink and to email then turned in myself. The next morning got up for coffee and thought I would let her sleep, then went back to the room about midday and she was laying in the dark. She had surfaced but took one look at her face and it all came flooding back. Her face was cut and swollen but
One for the Boys!
Having a "hoot" at Hooters!! over the last few days has gone all different shades of the rainbow, swelling has gone now but the bruising remains, shame cos we are on our cruise tomorrow, although we will have to wear makeup then so will cover up pretty well.
Am handing over to Lynda now to tell you about her trips shes done, all I've done is shop, but have had a lovely time and have bought a new bag, a big bag, its been fun!!
(Lynda back) Tina's been quite generous - basically I was drunk as a skuck fell flat on my arse (I wish - it was my face) and I think passed out because I didn't remember a thing until the next day and each day it's got worse. I now have a black/blue/yellow/grey/purple right angle bruise from my ear to my eye to my chin (picture that).
Anyway, tomorrow's another day as they say. Never one to let anything stand in my way I booked a few trips, the first one a city tour with boat trip which was really informative about the history of Miami (the indian beginnings and the Spanish influence) right up to the Cuban
Life's a Beach!!
South Beach, Miami. influx and that of other ethnicities (69% cuban). Saw lots of different areas, including the Jewish area where they bought land for 2 cents per 1 square foot which is now worth $8000 per square foot!! (There's something to be said for being there at the right time!!)
The next trip (Friday) was to Sawgrass Mills (an outlet centre). They ran two trips one from 9 til 12 and one from 3 til 6. You've guessed it we went from 9 til 6. Armed with lists from the kids with all their requests off we went, and to be honest it wasn't long enough. However, we did stop for a little R&R (a pedicure, leg wax and massage), then we were off again!!
Saturday and it was the Everglades. This was a really good trip. Went on an air boat through the marshes. Saw loads more crocs and alligators but the boat was the best bit. Also was an indian encampment although they've all moved on now. Have to say though that from all the indiginous people we've come across these seem to have benefited the greatest. I heard that they'd just purchased a chain of casinos throughout
Miami Skyline
The only thing missing was Huggy Bear!! America (with the exception of Las Vegas) for 8b dollars!!!
I have to say that we're not great fans of Miami - it's too posey for us, with lots of "beautiful people" who arn't that beautiful and I don't think either of us would be in a hurry to come back. However, there are some good points - the architecture is supurb (art deco - whichever way you look - the greatest condensed area in the world), the beaches are gorgeous and shopping ..........
This is our penultimate blog - see you on the cruise ship - we're going to the Bahamas!!
Lots of love L&T xxxx
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PAUL
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HOOTERS
Hooters looks fab !! (is that where you get the crabs ??) La and miami look so simular , was it weird seeing the Hollywood sign ? You seem to have done so much over these last 3 months , will you miss it all ? looking forward to NO ironing here !! enjoy the cruise , speak soon xxx