LOS ANGELES AND LAS VEGAS - 23 JUNE - 7 JULY 1997 (competition win)
Monday 23 June
Caught the 10.40am train to Manchester Piccadilly and
changed trains for Heald Green to stay at the Travel Inn. We booked in and had
a rest before going for our meal at the Beefeater Inn. We celebrated Gran and
Papa's 48th Wedding Anniversary with a bottle of Asti Spumanti.
At 7.30pm we
took the train for a visit to Manchester Airport. We saw lots of planes taking
off and landing before returning to the Travel Inn for supper and baths and an
early night.
Tuesday 24 June
Went for breakfast at 8.00am before getting the train to the
airport at 8.45am. We checked in by 9.45am only to be told that there was a
flight delay. At 12.30pm (our original take-off time) we were issued with
refreshment vouchers - £6 per person. We spent them at 1.00pm on meals, crisps
and sweets. We're now due to take off at 4.30pm on a Peach Air Tristar changing
planes at Canada. Finally took off at 5.15pm for our 6 hour flight to Gander in
Newfoundland, with no in-flight entertainment whatsoever. Change of plan now -
we're headed for Bangor in Maine USA hopefully to transfer to a 747 Jumbo to
take us to Los Angeles. We're due to land at Bangor at about 11.30pm British
time - 6.30pm American time. We've managed to fill out our immigration customs
forms without too much trouble. Eventually got our next flight on a Tower Air
747 and landed in Los Angeles at 11.15pm local time. From there it was on to
the Dollar car rental and then a hair-raising journey in our hire car to get to
our hotel at about 2.00am. On arrival we discovered we were booked in for July
instead of June so there were no reservations for us. After another long wait
we were finally given rooms 151/152. After quickly unpacking we went to bed at
3.00am exhausted.
Wednesday 25 June
Awoke early and had showers. Jim and I went to a welcome
meeting that he had discovered was going on when he went to complain to the
Unijet rep. After that we all went to Millie's for an all you can eat breakfast
and Ross's tooth came out. The boys went to the pool with Gran and Papa whilst Jim
found out more from the Unijet rep. We've now discovered that it was the
hotel's fault that we were booked in for the wrong month and everything should
be alright when we get to Las Vegas. We all spent the afternoon by the pool.
Jim and I had a swim with the boys and tried out the hot spa as well.
We then had an hours rest in the hotel room before going for dinner at Millie's. The meal was lovely but the air-conditioning was a bit cool, so after dinner we put more clothes on and went for a great game of miniature golf. Gran won with 59 then Papa on 62, I scored 63, Jim and Scott scored 64 and Ross 77.
We returned to the hotel for an early night as we're planning to go to Disneyland tomorrow.
We then had an hours rest in the hotel room before going for dinner at Millie's. The meal was lovely but the air-conditioning was a bit cool, so after dinner we put more clothes on and went for a great game of miniature golf. Gran won with 59 then Papa on 62, I scored 63, Jim and Scott scored 64 and Ross 77.
We returned to the hotel for an early night as we're planning to go to Disneyland tomorrow.
Thursday 26 June
Had breakfast at Millie's before booking some bus tours. We
then headed off on the shuttle bus to Disneyland.
Arrived at 10.45am and went on a submarine ride. Next we took the monorail to the Disneyland Hotel for a look round.
Arrived at 10.45am and went on a submarine ride. Next we took the monorail to the Disneyland Hotel for a look round.
Then the monorail back to Tomorrowland. After our ice-creams we
went on It's a Small World and then visited Toontown. First stop Roger Rabbit's
car toon spin. We then went to see the Pocahontas show which was very good.
Then it was onto the Storybook Canal Boats and Casey JR Circus train. After
that we had our meal before taking Pinocchio's Daring Journey. We made a bit of
a splash with the Pirates of the Caribbean and then travelled through the
Haunted Mansion with 999 ghosts on our trail. The Jungle Cruise took us through
some African countries and rivers with a hilarious tour guide who told jokes
all the way round. We then watched a show with young girls and boys dancing
before the Tiki bird show. We didn't have much luck seeing Light Magic as the
crowds were too big so we then went to Tomorrowland and Jim and the boys went on
Star Tours twice. We then headed off to Frontierland to watch Fantasrnic -
fireworks, lasers, water fountains and various crafts floating past. Absolutely
brilliant. We were all exhausted after that and headed off down Main Street to
get the shuttle bus back to the hotel.
Friday 27 June
Up early for our breakfast at Millie's before setting off
for our bus tour to Sea World at San Diego. Sydney, our driver, gave us a
guided tour of land marks and through in a few jokes for good measure. When we
arrived we headed straight for Shamu's show and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Next it was over to the Clyde and Seamore sealion show - very funny. Next came the Bird show and then the Dolphin show, which was brilliant. We finished off with the Baywatch Water Ski show and then went for a bite to eat.
After we got back to our hotel, Jim and I went for a walk to the shops to get water and juice and a phone card for Gran.
Next it was over to the Clyde and Seamore sealion show - very funny. Next came the Bird show and then the Dolphin show, which was brilliant. We finished off with the Baywatch Water Ski show and then went for a bite to eat.
After we got back to our hotel, Jim and I went for a walk to the shops to get water and juice and a phone card for Gran.
Saturday 28 June
After a mix up with an over-booking of the tour buses we set
off on our tour of Los Angeles. We stopped at the building they use for the
Oscar ceremony before arriving at Mann's Chinese Theatre. We took photos of the
stars hand and foot prints
and Jim spoke to the LAPD and had his photo taken with them.
Then it was off to Beverley Hills and Bel Air to see the outsides of the stars homes and also the final resting places of Marilyn Monroe and Dean Martin.
Our next stop was Rodeo Drive where we saw stretch limos and lots of expensive shops.
Then it was on to the Hard Rock Cafe for lunch - music too loud and food too expensive!
and Jim spoke to the LAPD and had his photo taken with them.
Then it was off to Beverley Hills and Bel Air to see the outsides of the stars homes and also the final resting places of Marilyn Monroe and Dean Martin.
Our next stop was Rodeo Drive where we saw stretch limos and lots of expensive shops.
Then it was on to the Hard Rock Cafe for lunch - music too loud and food too expensive!
We stopped at a vantage point on the way home to
take photos of the Hollywood sign and also a beautiful view of downtown Los
Angeles. Then it was back to our hotel and Jim took the boys for a swim in the
pool and then for a game of miniature golf. Gran and Papa went for tea and
apple pie at McDonald's and then for a walk up the street.
Sunday 29 June
Arrived at the Queen Mary at Long Beach at 1.45pm. Had a
stroll round the decks and watched the bungee jumpers before joining a guided
tour round the ship.
Paid a quick visit to the Titanic Expedition before eating at about 5.30pm.
Came back to the hotel and the boys went for a swim before Jim took them for a game of miniature golf with Papa. Gran and I did our packing to go to Las Vegas tomorrow.
Paid a quick visit to the Titanic Expedition before eating at about 5.30pm.
Came back to the hotel and the boys went for a swim before Jim took them for a game of miniature golf with Papa. Gran and I did our packing to go to Las Vegas tomorrow.
Monday 30 June
Set off for Las Vegas at about 11.00am after finally getting
through to home on the phone. We stopped at Barstow to have something to eat
and visit the factory outlet shops.
Bought a pair of trainers for Scott and a pair for myself before setting off again. We made another stop for toilets in the middle of the desert before arriving at the Palace Station, our hotel in Las Vegas about 6.15pm. Unpacked and went for a walk round the hotel. Took the shuttle bus to the strip at 10.00pm and strolled along looking at all the hotels. Went into Treasure Island and The Mirage before trying to catch the 11.30pm shuttle bus back, but we must have missed it. We ended up walking for miles to get back to our hotel and went to bed exhausted.
Bought a pair of trainers for Scott and a pair for myself before setting off again. We made another stop for toilets in the middle of the desert before arriving at the Palace Station, our hotel in Las Vegas about 6.15pm. Unpacked and went for a walk round the hotel. Took the shuttle bus to the strip at 10.00pm and strolled along looking at all the hotels. Went into Treasure Island and The Mirage before trying to catch the 11.30pm shuttle bus back, but we must have missed it. We ended up walking for miles to get back to our hotel and went to bed exhausted.
Tuesday 1 July
Arose late and went for an all you can eat breakfast in the
hotel called the Feast - it certainly was a feast. Cereals, fruit, yoghurt,
cooked breakfast and all different types of cakes and toppings. Caught the
1.30pm bus to the strip and got off at the MGM Grand. What a hotel!
From there
it was on to the Tropicana (briefly) and after we split up from Gran and Papa
we went to the Excalibur and the Luxor. After missing Gran and Papa at our
meeting place we went to McDonald's to book our tour of the Grand Canyon and
Hoover Dam for tomorrow. Got the shuttle bus back to the hotel at 7.45pm. Met
up with Gran and Papa again and went for dinner at Burger King. Then Jim played
the slots and won $100 - about £63! whilst the rest of us were at the pool
soaking our feet in the spa. We ended the day by going up in the lift on the
outside of the hotel to look at the strip lit up at night.
Wednesday 2 July
Got up at 6.30am and had breakfast in The Feast
again, ready for our pick up by Gray Line Tours to take us to the Grand Canyon
and Hoover Dam. Arrived at Lake Mead Air and boarded our seven seater plane.
The views were spectacular and we had quite a smooth flight.
I bought souvenirs in the gift shop and then we went on to Hoover Dam. Went on the tour which took us through the dam and across to the Arizona side.
We then watched a short film about the construction of the dam before setting off for Cranberry World to sample all their juices. Then it was back to the strip after a trip through Green Valley. We went to see New York New York and then had something to eat at McDonald's and booked tomorrow’s tour. Took the shuttle bus back to our hotel and then we all went to the pool.
I bought souvenirs in the gift shop and then we went on to Hoover Dam. Went on the tour which took us through the dam and across to the Arizona side.
We then watched a short film about the construction of the dam before setting off for Cranberry World to sample all their juices. Then it was back to the strip after a trip through Green Valley. We went to see New York New York and then had something to eat at McDonald's and booked tomorrow’s tour. Took the shuttle bus back to our hotel and then we all went to the pool.
Thursday 3 July
Got up and had breakfast at the Feast before leaving for our
tour of the city. Our first visit after a tour of the strip was Ethel M's
chocolate factory (2 free samples) and a look round the exotic cactus gardens.
Then it was on to Cranberry World West again. More free samples and gifts from the gift shop. Then it was on to downtown Las Vegas and Fremont Street for lunch (a sumptuous buffet). We then visited some gift shops and had a free pull on a bandit in the 4 Queens Casino and we all won a pack of cards as a consolation prize. After that it was on to the Stratosphere with a tour up to the top for a beautiful view.
Then it was on to Cranberry World West again. More free samples and gifts from the gift shop. Then it was on to downtown Las Vegas and Fremont Street for lunch (a sumptuous buffet). We then visited some gift shops and had a free pull on a bandit in the 4 Queens Casino and we all won a pack of cards as a consolation prize. After that it was on to the Stratosphere with a tour up to the top for a beautiful view.
We bought gifts in their gift shop before
returning to the bus, which took us back to our hotel. We all went to the pool
for a dip
before catching the 8.30pm shuttle bus to the strip to see the pirate battle outside Treasure Island. When we came back Jim and I took the car downtown to see Fremont Street at night and then we got lost coming home and had to ask directions twice.
before catching the 8.30pm shuttle bus to the strip to see the pirate battle outside Treasure Island. When we came back Jim and I took the car downtown to see Fremont Street at night and then we got lost coming home and had to ask directions twice.
Friday 4 July
Got up and had breakfast at Burger King as the queue for the
Feast was too long. Checked out and left for Anaheim visiting a couple of
souvenir shops on the strip on the way. We stopped at Baker and then visited
the Calico Ghost Town
before stopping at Barstow for something to eat and a bit of shopping in K Mart. Arrived back in Anaheim about 9.45pm just in time to see the fireworks from Disneyland. Unpacked and went to bed.
before stopping at Barstow for something to eat and a bit of shopping in K Mart. Arrived back in Anaheim about 9.45pm just in time to see the fireworks from Disneyland. Unpacked and went to bed.
Saturday 5 July
Arose late and had breakfast at McDonald's. Gran and I went
to the Buena Park Shopping Mall whilst Papa, Jim and the boys spent the day at
the pool. Had dinner from McDonald's in our room and then watched the
Disneyland fireworks again. Gran, Papa, Jim and the boys then went for a game
of miniature golf.
Sunday 6 July
Got up late again and had breakfast at Mom's (all you can
eat). Jim, the boys and I went to some shops and got Ross some new trainers.
Went to the pool for a swim
and Gran and Papa joined us after they'd come back from the shopping mall and had a cup of tea. We all got a carry out McDonald's for dinner and then went for a game of miniature golf.
and Gran and Papa joined us after they'd come back from the shopping mall and had a cup of tea. We all got a carry out McDonald's for dinner and then went for a game of miniature golf.
Monday 7 July
Got up early, had breakfast at McDonald's and set off for
Universal Studios, Hollywood. First stop was the Back Lot Tram Tour which took
us past King Kong and Jaws and we survived an Earthquake and a Flash Flood.
Then it was on to see the Wild, Wild, Wild, West Stunt Show. After the Land
Before Time Adventure we were just in time to catch Beetlejuice's Rock'n'Roll
Review and then the Animal Actors show. We then stopped off for something to
eat at Mel's Diner. Jim, the boys and I went on Backdraft and then met up with
Gran and Papa to see Waterworld - a fantastic water show. Then Jim took the
boys on Back to the Future and E.T. whilst I took Gran and Papa to see the
World of Cinemagic which explained how they make the special effects for Back
to the Future, the Hitchcock films and the sound effects for Harry and the
Hendersons. We met up with Jim and the boys beside the new Jurassic Park water
ride and then we all went on E.T.'s ride. Jim and I and the boys then went to
the World of Cinemagic and after that we called it a day.
Jim and Papa took the boys for a game of miniature golf whilst Gran and I packed the suitcases.
Jim and Papa took the boys for a game of miniature golf whilst Gran and I packed the suitcases.
Tuesday 8 July
Got up and had breakfast at McDonald’s before checking out
of our hotel. Arrived safely at the airport and checked in for our flight.
Eventually took off at 7.15pm (1 hour 45 minutes late). Had a good flight and
watched The Brittas Empire and One Foot in the Grave. After our meal we watched
the films Jerry Maguire and The Saint. After a sleep we had breakfast and then
landed at 12.48pm British time. Finally got on a train at Manchester Airport at
2.55pm and changed at Preston for the train back home.