San Francisco Day 3

Foggy and cool morning this morning.  Headed off on the hop on hop off bus and got off at Chinatown to have a look around.  Annamaree did some shopping and then we caught another bus to Fisherman's wharf as I wanted to go to Lombard Street which is a very crooked street.  I queued up to buy tickets for the cable car that goes to the top end of Lombard Street.  Then I had to join the even longer queue to get onto the cable car.  It was about an hour wait and the wind coming off the waters in the bay was freezing.  I had to buy a fleecy top from a street vendor to stay warm.  I looked a treat today as I was wearing my floppy hat to keep the sun off my sunburn and wrapped my new fleecy around my neck.  Thank goodness nobody knows me here!

Our turn finally came and we got on the cable car.  The street we went up was so steep I didn't think we would make it.  We got off at Lombard Street.  There were amazing views of the city and the bay and the crooked street is amazing.  Cars can go down it slowly in single file as it is like a zig zag and pedestrians can walk down either side.  I walked down it (lots of steps) while Annamaree stayed at the top, took lots of photos, and walked back up.  People live in houses on both sides and they must get sick of the number of people and cars going up and down.  It was the highlight of my day.

We caught the cable car back to Fisherman's Wharf and had some lunch.  Then we went to Pier 39 to see the sea lions.  This is a colony that just turned up about 30 years ago and they have built docks for them which they lie on and fight and snooze.  A lot of fun to watch but very stinky!

We were then hoping to do the bus tour that goes to the Golden Gate Park but the hop on hop off bus didn't come for an hour (they are supposed to come every 20 minutes) so we didn't make that so decided to have a look at the Ferry Terminal instead.  There were markets outside and then inside were lots of shops and eating places.  I bought a little china salt box and spoon and then had fish and chips for tea.  The seafood is so fresh here as it is delivered daily.

We then caught a cab back to Union Square and went to the Westin St Francis Hotel and caught the external glass lift to the 32nd floor.  Amazing views although the fog was rolling in so some of the buildings were partially obscured.  We then had a coffee and fruit tart in their coffee shop.  We thought it would be terribly expensive but was only $12 for the two of us for 2 coffees and two tarts.  The two older ladies at the next table were very well coifed and dripping in jewels.  They must have wondered who let the two old ducks next to them in!  We then walked the 2.5 blocks back to our hotel.

Early start tomorrow as we are going to Yosemite National Park for the day.

Cheers 

Roz

San Francisco Day 2

Breakfast is included at our hotel so we went down for tea and toast.  Then we decided to buy a 48 hour pass on the hop on hop off bus.  It was quite cool this morning as there is fog first thing.  We caught the first tour which went around town ten we changed to the tour that goes over the Golden Gate Bridge and to Sausalito.  The bridge is magnificent and Sausalito is a very pretty town on the bay. On the way back we went through the Presidio which is a military base and also has one of the national war cemeteries and is the only cemetery in San Francisco.

When we got back we caught the downtown bus back to Union Square and had a look in a big discount shoe store and also went to Macy's.  We then decided to take our shopping back to the hotel before catching another bus to Fisherman's Wharf to catch the night tour bus.  The traffic was so bad that we missed the first night tour so we had dinner first and caught the next night tour.  This tour went to different parts of San Francisco and was really interesting.  It was really cool too as the fog had started rolling in again.

Somehow today I got really sunburnt on my shoulders and it was the first time I didn't put sunscreen on.  Lesson learned.

When the tour finished, the bus took us to Union Square and we walked the three blocks back to our hotel.  I am really grateful that Peter started me walking every day for the month before we came away.  I have done so much walking and it hasn't been a problem.  I can even do the hilly bits!

Good night for now.
Roz

San Francisco Day 1

This morning we were up early and finished packing our bags, had some breakfast and checked out.  Someone had told us that you had to get to the airport at least 2 hours early as they were queued up in the street having their bags weighed with the limits being strictly enforced.  Well we were here 3 hours early and walked straight through!  Luckily there is free wifi so I was able to update the blog,check  mail etc.  we are looking forward to cooler weather in San Francisco.

Well our flight was delayed for 1 hour because San Francisco is fogged in.  We boarded the plane and after sitting for a while the Captain advised that we were delayed further and we were to get off the plane.  New departure time 1:50pm.  After sitting at the gate we thought we heard an announcement that we were to move to Gate 9  so we did.  We were sitting waiting when we heard our names being paged to go to Gate 8.  We wandered over only to be told to run down the gangway as the plane was about to leave!  Every one else was on board so it was a bit embarrassing but at least we didn't miss the flight.  We eventually arrived in San Francisco at 4pm.

We caught a cab to our hotel.  The cab driver said that there was a big conference in town which explains why we had trouble finding affordable accommodation.  The hotel leaves a bit to be desired but it is only 4 nights.  It has one of those lifts like you see in movies where you open the door and then have to slide open a grill to get in.

After settling in we caught a cable car to Fisherman's  Wharf.  It was quite an experience.  There is no engine, one man works the levers and another one works the brake.  Not cheap though at $6 a ride.  We went past Lombard Street and saw the crookedest street in the world.  Will go back there before we go.  When we got off the cable car we walked to Pier 33 where we were taking a tour to Alcatraz.
We had a cuppa then joined a queue to board the ferry. Yet another AFP (another f.....g photo)!  Everywhere you go you have to have your photo taken and they try and make you buy it at the end.

We boarded the ferry along with a lot of other people and headed off into San Francisco Bay and around to Alcatraz Island.  When we got there we took the tram up to the prison as Annamaree had sore feet.  We were given audio players for the tour and it was really interesting as some of the former warders and prisoners narrated the tour.  While we were looking at the cells I heard a familiar voice talk to me and it was Tania and Teresa again.  How amazing to run into them again.  After the tour we caut the tram back to the ferry.  When we got back to the pier we went to Fisherman's Wharf for tea at Boudain's who make their own sour dough and sell chowder in bread cases.  Then we took a taxi back to the motel.

That's it for now.

Cheers
Roz

Las Vegas Day 4

This morning we thought we would send some stuff home as we were both overweight when we flew from New York to Las Vegas even though we weren't charged.  The valet came up with the forms and a trolley.  We asked for an estimate and he contacted FedEx (who they have the contract with) who said it would be between $200 - $500 each!  Needless to say we didn't go any further.  We re packed our bags and I put the heaviest things in my carry on.

Today we wanted to check out some of the hotel/casinos we haven't seen so we started from Planet Hollywood and then went to the Paris.  This hotel has a replica of the Eiffel Tower over it which is half the size of the original.  You can take an elevator up to the viewing deck and get awesome 360 degree views of Las Vegas.  There is a guide there that gives you the history of some of the hotels and the rivalry between some of the moguls.  We had morning tea in the Madeleine's cafe which had the most amazing cakes and pastries.

Then we went to the Pink Flamingo which has a tropical garden which has live flamingoes and other birds and huge Koi fish.

Next stop was the Venetian and as the name suggests it is based on Venice.  There are canals with bridges and gondoliers and it even has St Mark's Square without the pigeons!  We took a ride in a gondola and the gondolier sang a few songs as we moved along the canals.  Then we had lunch at St Mark's Square where there was a small stage and entertainment.  In between the acts there was a man dressed up as a statue who stood there for over half an hour and barely moved.  He was very good.

Then we went over to Caesar's Palace to see the moving statues but unfortunately they were being renovated and not working.  However we still saw the beautiful interior.

It was so hot I looked like a beetroot by the time we were finished.

Annamaree had her photo taken with Dora the Explorer.  She said it was for her granddaughter but I think she might be a closet fan!

We then went back to Planet Hollywood as we had booked to see Hitsville - The History of Motown.  It was okay but we had more fun watching the mainly black audience who really get into it.  I had wanted to see a Cirque de Soleil show but "O" was on a break and Mystique wasn't on the nights we had free.  They must not have received the memo that I was coming!

After the sun went down we went out for some last minute shopping and had Chinese for tea.

Tomorrow we are off to San Francisco where mercifully it will be much cooler!

Cheers
Roz

Las Vegas Day 3 - Grand Canyon

Today we did a tour to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon with Pink Jeep Tours.  The jeeps are custom built 10 passenger tourers designed specifically for sightseeing and off road.  We were the first to be picked up at 6am and then went to other hotels and picked up 6 more people.  We were each given a breakfast bag with an apple Danish and a bottle of orange juice.  We had 3 from Canada, 2 from Brazil, 1 from Israel and us.  The lady from Israel was in Las Vegas for a Star Trek Convention!

The Jeep was very comfortable and we set off on the long drive to the Grand Canyon.  We first went through the Mojave Desert and saw the creosote plants that are everywhere and then the strange looking Joshua Trees.  We went past Lake Mead which is part of the Hoover Dam. Then we were on the famous Route 66 and in the state of Arizona and stopped at a small town called Seligman which was in a 1950's Route 66 Time Warp.  We stopped for photos under the Route 66 sign and took more of the old cars and the weirdly decorated shops.  We then travelled on through Arizona past amazing scenery.

Soon we were out of the desert and into the ponderosa pine forests of the Coconino Plateau and the beautiful mountains.  When we got to the Grand Canyon, it just took your breath away.  It was so spectacular and so huge.  We walked along the rim trail and at every step there was a if fervent view. We went to several lookouts and then we had lunch at the Bright Angel Lodge in the Arizona Room.  Then we went to Hopi House which had great souvenirs with a lot being made by the Indians.

Our guide then took us to a different spot and took our photos on this rock close to the edge.  When it was my time I could've look, it was quite scary.  He said that at least 12 people go over the edge every year!

Then it was back on the jeep for our trip home.  Even though it wasn't part of the tour, he stopped at Hoover Dam on the way home so we could take some photos.  It was amazing.

We were the first to be dropped off and were both so tired we decided to call it a day.

It is our last day in Las Vegas tomorrow as we leave for San Francisco on Friday morning, so we are hoping to get to some of the other hotels.

Till then
Roz

Las Vegas Day 2

Had a great sleep last night.  The bed was so comfy even though it takes an effort to get into as it is so high!

We decided to ride the monorail this morning to see where everything was.  To get there we had to walk through Paris and Bally's casinos.  They are amazing.  So opulent and they are like huge arcades with lots of shops and restaurants.  The ceilings are painted like the sky with clouds and you feel like you are in a big city.  The Paris Casino has a huge Eiffel Tower above it that you can ride up and inside the casino they have painted the ceiling as if you are looking up at it.

We decided to go to Viva Las Vegastamps as recommended by Gail Kirby.  I suggested we get a taxi but Annamaree suggested we take the monorail to Sahara Street (the end of the line) and then get a taxi.  Well we got off the monorail and walked down to Sahara Street and tried to flag down a taxi - no luck.  Annamaree phoned for one and was told that they don't pick up from street corners or bus stops only from open businesses.  So we decided to catch the bus.  I have to say it wasn't the nicest end of town.  The bus driver didn't know the place but let us off near the street number.  We weren't really comfortable and were thinking of going back when I saw it down an alley.  We crossed the street and when you went to the front door it was locked and you had to press the intercom for access.  Then someone replied and unlocked the door.  We had to walk down this corridor and it didn't look anything like a shop and we were getting a bit freaked out when we turned the corner into a room that was chock a block with rubber stamps.  I have never seen so many in the one place.  They make their own stamps and also sell online.  I had a quick walk around but Annamaree meant business, she downed the hat and bag, picked up a basket and she was off shopping.  She certainly helped the local economy along!

Then we walked back to the bus stop to catch a bus back to the monorail.  It was so hot that our feet were getting burned so we had to move so we were totally in the shade.  Eventually the bus came and when we got off we had a bit of a walk to the monorail but it was good to be in the cool again.

Annamaree decided to go for a swim and I wandered through the shops at the magic mile and then put $20 through the slot machines for Coralee and Kim.  I had a few little wins and gt up to $50.  I kept playing until I got down to my $20 and took it out.  I didn't really know what I was doing but I got to play for a while and it didn't cost me anything.

When I returned we went out for tea and then wandered up to have a look at Ceaser's Palace and the Bellagio.  As we were walking past the Bellagio the fountain started and it was different to the one we had already seen.  The song was All that Jazz and it was amazing how the water moved to the music.  Then we went to the lobby at Ceaser's Palace.  It was so ornate with lots of marble, statues and fountains.  It even has it's own wedding chapels.  There are also lots of shops and eateries.  We had trouble finding our way out it was so large.  Then we went to the Bellagio.  This was my favourite so far.

The ceiling of the lobby is covered in large glass flowers by Dale Chihuly and they are magnificent.  Just off the lobby there is a garden scene with waterfalls, kites, and a garden shed that has lots of real birds in it.  There are lots of flowers and snails made out of flowers.  It is just lovely.

Then it was home as we have to get up early tomorrow for another adventure.

Cheers
Roz

Las Vegas Day 1

This morning we caught the shuttle to the airport at 6:30am to catch a flight to Las Vegas.  Both our bags were overweight but we didn't have to pay any extra other than the $25 per bag.  Will have to send more stuff home or I won't be able to do any more shopping!  The flight was 5 hours 17 minutes and we lost 3 hours in time because of the different time zone.

It is very hot here, it is 7:20pm and it it is 37 degrees Celsius  and was over 40 degrees today.  When you go to the outdoor places they have misters and fans that spray a fine mist at the same time.

We are staying at the Elara Hotel which is part of the Hilton Chain and fairly new.  We have an apartment and it has a spa bath too!  Annamaree is checking that out now.  The blinds are automatic and close or open with the flick of a switch.  We also have a kitchenette and a lounge room and two televisions.  I will enjoy that as we have different tastes in shows.

We booked a trip to the Grand Canyon on Wednesday and hoping to go to see Cirque de Solei on Thursday night for their "O" show.  Annamaree got sucked into going to a session on the hotel chain time share and for the 1.5 hour presentation we get a free dinner and show and will see the Motown Show.  We even get a ride in a limousine as they take us to the other Hilton.

Our hotel is right beside the strip as it is joined to the magic mile shopping centre and Planet Hollywood Casino.  The Bellagio is right over the road and we went there after dinner to see the free fountain display to music.

From a first glimpse this town is all about the gambling and night life.  There were even poker machines at the airport.  I don't think I could stay very long given my lack of interest in either.
 
We are quite tired tonight as we lost the three hours and the body hasn't caught up yet.

Will be out and about tomorrow if we can handle the heat.

Finally got to have a decent conversation with Peter tonight on FaceTime.  The time difference makes it a bit easier.  

Cheers
Roz