We made the decision to venture into Hollywood via the public transport system as we really didn’t think we’d find any parking for our RV. Two buses and one train ride into Hollywood Blvd from our RV Park and we arrived in the heart of Hollywood.
Taking a subway train inot Hollywood.
Arriving at our destination.
The first port of call was the famous Walk of Fame. Apparently we had missed out on seeing the singer Shakira by a few hours. When a “star” gets their own star in the pavement, they have to be present and it becomes a big media event. Nevertheless, we had fun walking along the path, recognising stars both present and from days gone by.
The closest I'll get to Kevin Costner.
The Walk of Fame went for a long way.
All sorts of characters on the Walk of Fame.
We had also heard that if you stop and get your photo taken with some of the “characters” roaming the streets, that they expect a tip afterwards….so our intrepid “undercover” photographer (Kaitlin) took shots when she could.
Star Wars Clone
Captain Jack Sparrow.
What!? Mickey here and not at Disneyland???
We stopped near the Chinese Theatre where there was to be a big Gala affair. Whilst we couldn’t look in, we did place our hands on the concrete next to it where there are nearly handprints and footprints of movie stars.
Red carpet being rolled out at Chinese Theatre.
Handprints and footprints of stars.
Gauman's Chinese Theatre built in 1927.
Chayse comparing his hand print.
Akaisha just chillin'
Obviously being very “green” to city life, we must have been sitting ducks for the salespeople selling tickets to go on a Starline Tour. I allowed myself to be talked into the tour around the city for our whole family going to places like Beverley Hills and Hollywood. We were shown the hotspots and paired with an enthusiastic and outgoing professional guide.
Going down the Walk of Fame street.
Enjoying a snack before setting off.
It was a pretty cool tour with the Tour Guide giving the kids signs to hold up, like “Are you a Super Star?” and “Have you seen Justin Beiber?”
Holding up signs given to the kids by the Tour Guide.
Passing the Kodak Theater (home of the Oscars).
We were taken past places that we recognised from movies and we managed to catch a glimpse of the famous “Hollywood” sign.
Where the final scene in Pretty Woman was filmed.
Famous landmark, the Hollywood sign.
kaitlin trying the holding the sign trick.
Jai with Hollywood sign behind.
It was good to have someone tell you the history of the place and point out the houses that the stars live in. I have only included some of the ones I remember.
For those who are interested...Justin Timberlake's house.
Yes, you can "just" see Katy Perry and Russell Brand's $13,000,000 home!
Akaisha wasn’t overly impressed with the tour and spent most of her time comfy, warm and asleep! We were grateful the Tour Guide had blankets as it cooled down very suddenly as we entered late afternoon.
Sleeping through all the fuss.
Where the stars walk their dogs!
We were treated to an array of probably useless facts, like the place where River Phoenix overdosed and Brittany Spears favourite Cafe. But you know…..it’s all in keeping with the hype of Hollywood!
River Phoenix dies drug overdose, 1993 Halloween
Brittney Spears favourite restaurant
We enjoyed driving around Beverley Hills, especially looking at some of the cool cars on the road. We couldn’t believe the prices of some of the houses, considering that they look very ordinary from where we were sitting. Apparently, the higher the house is built on the hillside, the higher the price tag!
Elton John and Cher live in condos here
Beverley Hills sign.
The closest we got to seeing any live stars was watching Al Pacine walk across his lounge room window……..and wait for it..he was on the phone! We did feel a little like stalkers (but we were in good company, with about three Starline buses rocking up to gawk at a star’s house.)
Al Pacine's house..and we even saw him!
Simon Cowell from X Factor- $24000000
Madonna's house $12,000,000
Sponge Bob's house.
Christine Aguleria's house
Tom Cruise's street
A brand new Mansion sold for $35,000,000
Finally we drove up Rodeo Drive where we saw the likes of Gucci, Prada, Bijan and Harry Winston Jewelers.We even saw the Wiltshire hotel featured in “Pretty Woman”.
Designer stores were everywhere and the girls were very excited............
...but the boys were more interested in this $2,000,000 Bugatti Veyron.
Rodeo Drive
Hotel in Pretty Woman
We ended our tour and by this stage were absolutely starving……….so went to a cheap and convenient location…….McDonalds, and had our dinner there. A little more sightseeing before heading back to the Underground to catch a train back to the outer suburbs.
After eating we found another star, Marilyn Monroe.
Kaitlin decided to strut her stuff with the legendry Elvis Presley.
The kids befriended a guy selling leather bracelets and he gave Flynn one for free. So, 6 bracelets later and $18 poorer, we went to await our bus home. The first bus was easy. The second proved more difficult as we weren’t very adept at reading the LA timetable. After waiting for about 30 minutes with hungry, cold and very tired kids, a guy eventually told us that we had missed the last bus for the evening.
Sooooooooooo…… two taxis were called and bed that night never felt so good!
Next blog….San Diego, here we come!……………….
Great reading. Kids will remember this for a long time. Al Pacino is one of my favourite actors and co-incidently when we went to Niagra Falls ( You know Cathy where you told us you were having your 7th !!!!!!), the tour bus put on a film called “Niagra”starring Marilyn Munroe and Joseph Cotton. AND of course we now have a photo of Number 7 one year later taken at Niagra Falls, all wrapped in the yellow waterproofs.
Photos were great also
We will be in Perth from Sunday to next Wednesday.
Love Mum and Dad
Hi Mum and Dad,
You guys would have known all the actors names on the Walk of fame (maybe not recent ones, but definitely Marilyn Munroe era). I think you would have found it quite fascinating.
I should have knocked on Al’s door and told him that my dad is a huge fan!!
Have fun in Perth. Safe travels on the road.
Love Cath, Trev and kids xx