Was it better than staying home? Part 5 The home stretch
May 6th 2008 00:39
As you know I like measuring things. How do you determine if a holiday was better than staying home? For us it's the same as anything else: the 60:40 rule. Was it good at least 60 per cent of the time? Did you spend more than 40 per cent of the time (that's about 5 days on a 13 day holiday) wishing you were at home?
The trip to LA was a huge hit. The only time the children wished they were at home was on the very last day, when we had checked out of the Orchid Suites in Hollywood and had to wait until 10.30 that night for our flight. That told me that two weeks was long enough for this holiday.
"Hollywood?" I hear you ask. Yes, we did stay in Hollywood for five nights and it was another excellent choice by the travel adviser (that's me!) The Orchid Suites is a very retro joint, tucked in behind the Kodak Theatre, where the Oscars take place. There's a flash new shopping centre close by on the corner or Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue, imaginatively called Hollywood and Highland. Along this stretch of Hollywood Boulevard, you can see all the stars names on the pavement. Outside the Grauman's Chinese Theatre, there are always characters. from Snoopy to Sponge Bob, to have a photo with. (Beware, these ones expect payment!) The bonus of this hotel is it has full kitchens and a separate bedroom, all for about US150 a night.
Universal Studios was great for us. The children were probably too young to enjoy all the movie making information. Older children who know their films would love it. The rides are also more for older ones. Jurrasic Park - the ride was fun, with life size dinosaurs and crashing cars, but the Mummy ride was too scary even for my super brave seven year old. Tip: watch out for creepy crawlies under the seat!
Universal Studios recently opened the Curious George play area which was a big hit with our kids, who happen to love George. There's an extreme water play section. If we'd known, we could have brought swimmers for the children. It was a very hot day, so it did cool them down. Another tip, bring thongs or crocs because they have to wear shoes. Our seven year old spent the rest of the day squelching in his sneakers.
The highlight of the trip for me and our oldest son was the Dodgers baseball game. I bought good tickets when were still at home. I was still wondering about the cost when were sitting there, boiling, in an early April heatwave. But, I picked seats close to third base, so that we could be close to the action, maybe get a signature from a player, and possibly catch a ball during the game.
WE DID! My son had his cap signed by James Loney, the first baseman, who later scored the winning run. The three guys behind us (Johnny, Cedric and their cool friend) caught a ball during the game and gave it to my son. Wherever you are, guys, you are legends at our house.
We all got a free cap, because it was free cap day. You can find this out on the Dodgers website. I chose this game for that reason.
Even if you don't like sport, it's a great day out and a truly American one. I last went to the Dodgers when I was seven and I've never forgotten it. This new memory just sharpens the details.
PS. On the way home through security at LAX we saw Pierce Brosnan. That is so LA. Unfortunately he didn't invite me over and I didn't get upgraded either, so I crashed back to reality in economy class. But this time I wasn't flying solo, so my only words were: "Ask your father!"
The trip to LA was a huge hit. The only time the children wished they were at home was on the very last day, when we had checked out of the Orchid Suites in Hollywood and had to wait until 10.30 that night for our flight. That told me that two weeks was long enough for this holiday.
"Hollywood?" I hear you ask. Yes, we did stay in Hollywood for five nights and it was another excellent choice by the travel adviser (that's me!) The Orchid Suites is a very retro joint, tucked in behind the Kodak Theatre, where the Oscars take place. There's a flash new shopping centre close by on the corner or Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue, imaginatively called Hollywood and Highland. Along this stretch of Hollywood Boulevard, you can see all the stars names on the pavement. Outside the Grauman's Chinese Theatre, there are always characters. from Snoopy to Sponge Bob, to have a photo with. (Beware, these ones expect payment!) The bonus of this hotel is it has full kitchens and a separate bedroom, all for about US150 a night.
Universal Studios was great for us. The children were probably too young to enjoy all the movie making information. Older children who know their films would love it. The rides are also more for older ones. Jurrasic Park - the ride was fun, with life size dinosaurs and crashing cars, but the Mummy ride was too scary even for my super brave seven year old. Tip: watch out for creepy crawlies under the seat!
Universal Studios recently opened the Curious George play area which was a big hit with our kids, who happen to love George. There's an extreme water play section. If we'd known, we could have brought swimmers for the children. It was a very hot day, so it did cool them down. Another tip, bring thongs or crocs because they have to wear shoes. Our seven year old spent the rest of the day squelching in his sneakers.
The highlight of the trip for me and our oldest son was the Dodgers baseball game. I bought good tickets when were still at home. I was still wondering about the cost when were sitting there, boiling, in an early April heatwave. But, I picked seats close to third base, so that we could be close to the action, maybe get a signature from a player, and possibly catch a ball during the game.
WE DID! My son had his cap signed by James Loney, the first baseman, who later scored the winning run. The three guys behind us (Johnny, Cedric and their cool friend) caught a ball during the game and gave it to my son. Wherever you are, guys, you are legends at our house.
We all got a free cap, because it was free cap day. You can find this out on the Dodgers website. I chose this game for that reason.
Even if you don't like sport, it's a great day out and a truly American one. I last went to the Dodgers when I was seven and I've never forgotten it. This new memory just sharpens the details.
PS. On the way home through security at LAX we saw Pierce Brosnan. That is so LA. Unfortunately he didn't invite me over and I didn't get upgraded either, so I crashed back to reality in economy class. But this time I wasn't flying solo, so my only words were: "Ask your father!"
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