Random pictures

Well Steve summed it up too good for me to add anymore words so I thought I would add some more pictures for the folks that will miss out on our 2000 picture slide show and 50 hours of video :)

My lunch after the dolphin swim - it tickled my funny bone

One of the Sea Lions

A small Konch in a touch tank

Our secluded beach at Blue Lagoon

Our secluded beach (4pm) at the Villas

Konch fritters - not the tastiest of morsels

Steve's ribs and rice and colslaw and potato salad

Atlantis Casino - home of the best water slides ever!!

90210 and the end my friend

Well well well three holes in the ground. We began our second last day in L.A. with plans to go to the world famous Universal Studios. In my opinion it does not live up to the hype for the price and reputation it has. Our first stop was the Simpsons ride and it was an amazing sensory overload with the feeling of being on a rollercoaster. It is very hard to describe unless you have experienced it and if you have you are probably nodding your head already. After the Simpsons ride we went on the bus that went around the different lots and sets. The favourites being Wisteria Lane, Jaws and the Earthquake sequence which we really enjoyed. Unfortunately the rest of Universal was a bit ho hum with some dated rides such as, Juraisic Park, Terminator and The Mummy.
We headed of to get a Taxi back to Rodeo Drive and give Stace a bit of time to enjoy the shopping that surrounded us. While she hit the pavement I hit the Makers Mark and when she finally made it back she had a smile on her face like Osama on 9/11. Stacey being the bargain hunter she is managed to find a seconds shop with all the best names in the fashion business lots of quality stuff like Versace, Jimmy Choos and Dior to name a few.
After the credit card took a hammering it was time for dinner and we headed of to an Italian restaurant just one block away. As we were making our way we found a kindred spirit from the Luxe who was on her way to the same place and suggested to share a table. Yet again we had a beautiful meal and a $50 bottle wine that was exquisite but didn't help my Scottish blood from thinking how crazy it was spending that sort of money on wine but I suppose when in Beverly Hills thats how you have to roll. I did get a strange feeling though when we headed back to the Luxe and we had to push past the cameras because they had closed Rodeo Drive for the filming of an advert and thought how a kid from C block Pinjarra can make it all the way to Hollywood. It was quite surreal.
We organized for late check-out on our last day so we slept in and then Stacey used her tetris skills to pack our suitcases that were now bursting at the seams. Next stop was lunch that our friend from the previous nights dinner had suggested to go. This diner looked vaguely familar(Nat and Als I think) as we took our seats in the booth and next thing we notice is the picture of the guys from Entourage and realize why it is familar to us it was a scene where the guys meet their financial advisor and Vinnie learns how broke he is way cool bitches.
Check out occurred at 2pm and it was off to the Hollywood sign and then the baseball to see L.A. Angels v Tampa Bay. We got the most important photo in Los Angeles and then made our way to Anaheim Stadium which is very close to Disneyland. Americas favourite past time was a nice way to end our U.S.A. sojourn as we sat back, me in my new Angels top and Stace with her Hotdog and Popcorn. Unfortunately the angels lost but anyone who has read earlier posts will understand how cool it was at 4-3 and the bottom of the 7th the Rally Monkey came out to the Dodgeball movie and the words 'If you make noise he will come' and the crowd starts going wild with people clapping and dancing to the song Jump Around by the House of Pain, so American and so cool.
The game finished after 3 and a half hours and with my new soft toy the Rally Monkey which Shaye was getting we punched LAX into the GPS and slowly made our way out. We dropped the car off and made our way to the departure lounge with a mix of emotions that the holiday was over but we were about to see Jacks and Shaye. The sounds of Aussie accents at our gate was awesome as we shared stories with our comrades. One thing that was a common theme was how well we were treated and how they loved Aussies in the States their customer service is second to none which we were quickly reminded of as we boarded the QANTAS flight late and had to put up with their shit. We ended up missing our connecting flight by 10mins as we recieved no help getting our bags or getting through customs in a timely manner.
Touching down safe and sound in Perth was amazing you really don't know how good it is here until you experience these other places. I love the small town mentality and the isolation of Perth and this has to be one of the best places in the world and we are very lucky to have the lifestyle.  I hope in my lifetime we don't become jaded and we take a leaf out of the New Orleans book to rebound from adversity and remain gracious and enjoy the treasures we have.

Firstly I would like to thank Stacey, my wife, my rock and my best friend for doing all the hardwork in organizing this holiday and I will remember it for ever as my forearm proves. You are an amazing person and I love so very much. Lastly I have to thank our family and friends who played important parts in this experience. In no particular order: My dad Bill, Stacey's dad Alan and his beautiful partner Robin, my mum Bobbie and the strongest handshake in the west Jens, Kathy, Will and Jen, Gavin and Toni, Geoff and Tarryn. While I write this it is 5:30am so if I missed any one I am sorry I am sure Stacey will also add something. My last thoughts go to John and Maryanne we will always share this common sorrow with Cat's passing and without your love and generosity this holiday would never have come to fruition. There was many times during the holiday that we remembered her and could imagine her laughing at some of our exploits. We still miss her love her dearly.
And like the title of the Blog says the trip was the Bees Knees the Ducks Nuts and the Cats Pyjamas.

Sea world

Saturday 8th May

We spent the day driving.

Nothing else just driving.



Sunday 9th May

Sea world was on the plan today. We caught a taxi and the taxi driver was talking on his mobile while having his GPS on his windshield right in his line of vision. 4 days out of flying back home and we don't want to have any accidents thats for sure.

Just a tip for any people wanting to visit the tourist areas in the US, go there early in the morning. We had hardly anyone in the park at 10am because no one gets out of bed till then!! The park only just started to fill up around 12.

We went to see the Shamu show. It was such a Disney production - that type of thing is real life for these people, I thought it was just Hollywood but it's not!! It was pretty cool then we went to the Sea Lion show which was very funny and there was this really cute otter there who stole the show.

So we walked and wondered and looked and took photos then we left and went back to the hotel. I know, not that exciting for you guys but if you have been to the Perth zoo then picture that but with ice.

No shopping to be done today. It's Sunday and the shops are closed and the streets were empty. Really, there was no one around in Downtown San Diego. Except the weird homeless guy we passed on our walk around.

Tomorrow is the zoo and then we are heading back to Los Angeles. Almost home, almost home.


Monday 10th May

Getting an early start is hard when you spend half the night talking to your kids. It was so worth the fuzzy head as I made my way down to the free breakfast the holiday inn put on. You heard right - Free Breakfast! Seriously people if you are going on a holiday don't rule out the cheap places. The holiday Inn had free internet (MGM Grand was $15 a day) and free breakfast (no other hotel had that). How could you go wrong?

Checked out and packed up we got lost on our way to the San Diego Zoo due to the GPS losing its position. Creeping out onto the freeway we parked in the kangaroo isle of the Zoo and headed in.

So again, been to the Perth Zoo? Well this place is bigger, reminds me of Taronga Zoo a lot but again bigger. Really cool exhibits and lots of seppos everywhere. People watching is so awesome in America because you don't feel so bad hacking on them. Best exhibit was the koala enclosure due to the eucalyptus leaves that I stole and sniffed as we walked around. God I miss home.

After that was done we hoped back in the car and I drove back to Los Angeles. Again we got lost trying to find the hotel on Rodeo Drive and I ran across a very busy road trying to find this place. Once the GPS set itself right we found our hotel and checked in. What a place! Classy the only way Rodeo Drive can be. We are right smack bang in the middle of the shops,  tiffany to the left of me and channel to the right here I am stuck in the middle with Steve. So we did what anyone would do when they get to Rodeo Drive, we went for a walk - with the credit card!

No not really, I am saving that pleasure for Wednesday when I am alone. Walked around, settled in to the room and had an awesome dinner. Bit salty as have been all the meals here but really nice. Now we are lying in bed, watching tv and getting ready for tomorrow - Universal Studios!! yay!!!

Shopping and laughter

Friday 7th May

Today started with a plan - we were going to go to Union Square together, have a look around, then I was going to go shopping and Steve was going to go back to the hotel and do what ever it was he was going to do. The plan started off great, we got to Union Square and had a look at all the art that was on display.

Then we saw the tour bus.

We weren't going to go on any tours in San Francisco because we are only here for two days but the tour bus beckoned to us. We sat up the top in the open air and made our way on a one and a half hour tour of San Francisco.

I must say, this tour was pretty cool. There was a taped audio tour playing over the speakers that went thru some of the history of the land marks we went past. I had planned to get off at the Haight/Asbury because I wanted to check out the place and get photos of the Grateful Deads house but the bus stop was ages away from where I wanted to be so I figured after shopping if I am still up for it I could get back on the bus (2 day pass). I am glad I stayed on because then we both got to experience the cold and wind from the top of the bus as we made our way to the Golden Gate Bridge. My god. I have never been so cold in my life! My nipples could have fallen off they were that frozen!! Obviously we weren't dressed for this type of weather so once we reached the other side of the bridge we headed down below to sit in the nice comfort of the bus.

Once mildly thawed we went back up the top and enjoyed the last leg of our tour. Getting off in front of the Nike Store, I accompanied Steve on the only shopping he likes to do - sport shopping. Once that was done we went our separate ways - me to Tiffany's and him to the hotel. Inside Tiffany I waited 20 minutes for someone to serve me. 20 minutes! There was a woman in tracky pants and daggy fury parker that got served before me! Finally I asked a salesperson about the things I wanted to buy, turns out they didn't have any in stock. Words can not express how disappointed I was that I didn't get to walk out of Tiffany's with that little blue box. Oh well, I will just have to get it on Rodeo Drive instead.

So I wander the streets to head toward the Westfield shopping centre. Called into the best shop there is in America, it's called H&M. Great clothes at a really cheap price. Made it into the 6 story Westfield shopping centre and was just over whelmed by it all. Had lunch, trying to get the energy to tackle the shops but just couldn't do it. I am over shopping. The thing is I don't really buy anything, I just really love to look at everything but even doing that is exhausting. I managed to buy Mia a baby GAP jacket for winter and that was about it.

When I got back to the hotel Steve wasn't in the room. I saw that his sunnies were there so that meant he was coming back, I assumed he was getting ice. So I did what any normal person would do - I hid in the closet. Waiting patiently I heard Steve enter and toss his key on the desk, then I pounced. Scared the absolute shit out of him!!! Funniest thing EVER!!

Once Steve's heartbeat came back to normal, we chilled in the room deciding on what to have for dinner. Jack in the Box won. It's like a Hungry Jack's but it's got more stuff on the menu. Not bad at all. Time for bed and a big day of driving ahead of us.

But what does Steve suggest instead? Lets go see a comedy show, who should be playing in San Francisco but Arj Barker. We headed over to the Cobb Comedy Club, got our tickets and then had a drink at a local bar. Didn't catch the name and nor would you want to - I've heard of mood lighting but I don't think this place has had new light bulbs since the 70's. Got into the club and scored a great seat close to the front and to the side. There were two comedians on before Arj and they were quiet funny. One I am sure I have seen before but couldn't remember - it will come to me one day I am sure. Arj then got on and his set went for about an hour. He was really good. I think everyone there knew him from Flight of the Concordes but obviously Steve and I knew him cause he is an Aussie comedy tv show slut and has made the rounds. He was really good and I laughed a lot.

So that was a great way to spend our last night in San Francisco. I really enjoyed our stay here and wished that we didn't have to go to San Diego but I have already bought our tickets to Sea World and the Zoo. When we come back I want to spend more time here. It's my sort of place, not really Steve's - he seems to think the place is a bit smug but thats cool, he can go to some sport thing and I can explore. Definately taking Jackson to the California Institute of Science - he would love that place.

Only 5 more days till we leave. I know we shouldn't wish our holiday away (thanks Justin) but we are hanging out to see the kids. I am going to hug them and not let go for about 3 days. Hell I will even let them sleep in our bed so they are close to me. Sad I know but I miss them.

If you're going to San Francisco, be sure to wear some flowers in your hair

The Hotel Vertigo is an awesome hotel. The room is stylish and spacious, the shower is great and the bed is just the way Steve likes it. But. They had no cable TV. Spewing.

Our room at The Hotel Vertigo

After packing our clothes up from the night before and checking out of the Vertigo, we headed to the bus stop to make our way to Pier 43. Here is where we would catch the ferry over to Alcatraz.

Leaving the Pier

It took just 10 minutes to reach the island, the day was beautiful sun shining, not much wind off the bay and the rock looming before us. Once off the ferry we had a 10 minute talk from the rangers about how the island is a national park etc etc. We walked up the hill which was exhausting!! I would have loved to have caught the tram up but it's only for disabled people and whilst I am unfit I am not disabled. Inside we got our audio tour and headed inside The Rock!!

One of the many slopes we had to walk up to get to the prison

What a place. Steve and I did the Fremantle prison night tour a few years ago for my birthday (great present kudos to Steve) and it was really interesting and cool, this tour was 10 times more. Maybe because its been on movies (I expected Sean Connery to walk out any minute) or maybe because everything in the US has been 'bigger' (not always better) on this trip, but this tour was impressive. The prison closed down in the 60's but you can still see how it would have run way back in the 30's. The cells were tiny and your bed was right next to the toilet which would not have been pleasant if you had the runs!! The only area they had access to outside was only maybe 50m x 50m and from there you had a view of the Golden Gate Bridge and the homes across the bay - freedom so close yet so far.

The outside area for the inmates

A Cell

D Cell was the worst area to go to. All the bad asses made their way there. The solitary confinement cells were no more then 2m x 2m and it would have driven me crazy to get locked up in there. There was a riot in the 40's where some prisoners tried to escape but the plan didn't work and they ended up taking some guard hostage. The marines got called in (oooorrrhaa) and you can still see in the floor where debris from the grenades they fired onto the island hit the jail.

The holes in the floor from the grenades

What was really cool was seeing the cells where the three guys tunneled their way out of Alcatraz. Even today, the holes are still there and you can see the pipes they used to get to the roof and make their way to freedom. Apparently there is no evidence that these guys made it across the bay alive so the fanatic still claim that no one escaped from Alcatraz but when you spend a year planning and digging your way out of this place, there is no way they would have got to the water and then had no clue what to do. Steve and I both agree that they so made it to the mainland alive.

The cell where they dug their way out of

I did learn something that I didn't know about Alcatraz that I don't think many people know about. A few years after the prison closed down in the late 60's a group of American Indians claimed the island as Indian land and stayed there for 19months as a peaceful protest over the US governments claiming Indian land and not abiding by the treaties they signed way back in the 1800's. Amazing how not 40 years ago a first world government still felt they had to muscle their way onto the small reservations of Indian land set aside 100's of years ago. Too big for their boots? That seems to have been a running theme on this trip - for a country that we think is so forward in their thinking, they can be very backward.

The Indians wrote Free on the sign

If you ever get to the US you should definitely go to Alcatraz. Not only is it a interesting place but it is very moving as well.

Back on the wharf we made our way to the famous Pier 39. I had no idea it was famous but when I saw all the shops I was in heaven (Steve's version of hell :)) We had the best fish and chips in a place called the fish house. It was on the water and had views of the golden gate bridge. Yummy food.

We went to Steve's fav shop, the NFL store, and made some more purchases for the kids then we took a walk on the pier. As I told Steve this is what I had expected Santa Monica pier to be more like but I was very happy with our walk. I purchased some awesome chocolate and bought Mia the first of what I am sure will be many toys, a bear we called Jimmy the Bear. It was one of those soft toys where you make it yourself and you get to pick its clothes and stuff.

The Hotel Diva was our new hotel and it certainly lived up to its name! Gorgeous room but with a tiny bathroom. After settling in and calling the kids we got dressed and headed toward Chinatown for some Chinese food.

Our new hotel room

I think we only walked down maybe half of Chinatown but it was a really interesting place. At one shop I asked the girl where she would suggest we eat dinner and she gave us the address of the Great Eastern Restaurant. I had read a few reviews on tripadvisor of this place and it sounded good so we headed down there. Once seated we looked over the menu and I was hunting for the dim sum. The reviews said they had the best but when i asked the waiter about them he laughed and said 'no dim sum'. What? Spewing but open to trying something else we ordered the Crispy fried chicken, sweet and sour pork, chicken corn soup and fried noodles. You would think after 4 weeks in this place we would have learned but no, these plates of food came out and they were MASSIVE!!

Leaving enough food for 3 more people on the table, we headed back to the hotel for some much needed rest. Tomorrow would be union square and that meant more shopping so I need to rest up good.

More Photos

The View from our second floor balcony of the villa

The handblown glass structure in the foyer of Atlantis Casino

The side walkway to the best beach on the Bahamas

The view from the top of the stairs from our villas - you can see Archie Bar there with the coloured wood. 2nd best bar Steve has ever been to

Beach to the left

Beach

The banana boat  and jet ski hire businesses

Steve relaxing by the pool

Leaving the jetty to head to Blue Lagoon

One of the mansions

Another of the mansions

Entrance to the Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon

Our jetty to the dolphin enclosure

One of the many enclosures

Us ready for our dolphin experience

Stormy the Dolphin

Atlantis

We really wanted to chillax(the word that you have to hate) in the Bahamas so our only plans was to check out the dolphins and do the Atlantis water park the rest was going to be spent at the beach, pool and bar. We got up early for Bahama time about 9.30 and started the walk to Atlantis. This place is amazing it took 7 years to build and involves some engineering genius. Obviously they charge like wounded bulls to stay at the hotel but considering the ammenities maybe its not to bad. So we arrived and put our crap in the locker so we could hit the waterslides.
The slides here are amazing they have a 15 minute tube ride where you just cruise around ocasionally hitting some rapids here or there. Then you have the crazy arse shit where you get chewed up and spat out as you hold on for grim life. Unfortunately we don't many photos due to it not being waterproof but I still have bruises from hitting the sides or getting airborne. It was all worth it though to feel like a kid again but with those feelings it made me think about Shaye and Jackson and how much we would have loved to have them by our side.
After the craziness the pains of hunger hit and it was off to Johnny Rockets for an old school burger and fries. Fuck I am starting to sound like a Les Norton book but shit it really hit the spot and we were ready to head back to the villa.
We made it back and after having a couple of Bacardi and cokes I decided to check out the bar one last time before I left. Well typical of me a couple of quiet drinks turned into a shitload and before I knew it I was drinking with the Manageress, her son Simon, Jackson and the local chef at Carmines. By the time Stace rocks up with the good news that Toni is only hours away from giving birth I am pretty hammered but my head thinks it would be a great idea to celebrate with my Bahamian friends with a round of B-52s. My memories are a bit vague for thr rest of the night till Stace wakes me in the morning telling me its time to go to Nassau airport and a massive hangover for the rest of the day but it was all worth it with the sounds of Hilltop Hoods in my head What a great night.

Wednesday was spent either on the plane gripping Stacey's hand during turbulance or in airports waiting for connecting flights. We arrived in San Francisco at 9pm and checked into our hotel and promptly feel asleep with thoughts of Toni and Gav's new baby Mia Elizabeth ringing in Stacey's head. She is one proud and happy Aunty.

Welcome to the world Mia Elizabeth Smit, Happy Birthday.