America – Part 1 – New York, Washington, Tennessee, Nashville
America – Part 2 – Memphis, New Orleans, Lake Charles, Texas
America – Part 3 – Carlsbad, Roswell, Santa Fe, Monument Valley
America – Part 4 – Grand Canyon, Route 66, Las Vegas, San Diego, Los Angeles

Part 4

GRAND CANYON

I think this might be the highlight of the tour. Seven of us did the helicopter ride over it. We then went and watched the sunset, got up at 4am and watched the sunrise, then at 7am we went on a 12 mile hike on The Bight Angel Trail to Plataeu Point – that was probably the most intense thing I’ve ever done, especially in their summers heat I can assure you.

The helicopter ride by Maverick was amazing, truly amazing. I was a bit nervous since I’ve never been in a helicopter before and the fact when our pilot did this (video below), it made my stomach go like I was on a roller coaster! I’d definitely recommend people to do the helicopter ride. P.S. I didn’t scream.

You all know about the Grand Canyon, formed from a river millions of years ago, tectonic plates there still pushing the ground up etc etc. Well this thing is huge beyond my pictures can show and beyond your imagination (unless you’ve already been there).

ROUTE 66

On our way to Las Vegas we stopped off at a town on the old Route 66 trail. Pretty safe to say everyone on the trip was aching in some sort of way after our trek so it was a quick visit. This town was Seligman, we only got about 30 minutes there but just by that short stint it was easy to see the town was quirky, even the people in it. It’s a shame the trail doesn’t really exist any more. It makes me think of the Disney film Cars (mainly because my three year old brother has made me watch it many many times) – but the old rustic style, the retro cars around the place, it’s generically what a Route 66 town should be.

It did feel a little they were purposely trying to be too ‘quirky’ at times though, putting on a bit of show for the tourists. But the people were too nice there, we’ll let it be.

LAS VEGAS

Right, I’m going to stick to my first thought on Vegas: ‘It’s like Disney Land for adults, except you can gamble your life away and teach your kids about hookers on every corner’. It doesn’t help that the taxi driver at our motel on first meet came out with “Just think of it like a Nike shoe, Just do it”.

As soon as you hit Nevada there are casinos, right up until you hit the other side of the border. Although more sleazy are on the out skirts. Vegas is not as it appears on the films. You hit a lot of suburbs before you hit the strip, which isn’t too long either. Easily walk-able from one end to the other.

It’s just… just all overwhelming… and fake… and massive… and stolen all its ideas from elsewhere. Some people love it, some people hate it… I’m indifferent about it.

For those thinking of hiring a party bus. Don’t. It’s two hours wasted on places you could easily walk to. I think we ventured into New York New York, Bellagio, The Venetian and a few others. It doesn’t matter what hotel you go in, there’s a casino. Even eating at restaurants, if you want the toilet you’ve got to walk through the casino.

Me and a friend did the roller coaster in NYNY – the first half was good, the second half was rubbish. A waste of money really. We only managed to catch the Volcano show and the fountains at Paris – The fountains were gorgeous to watch though.

The thing to note about Vegas, it’s all set up into different cities, lights everywhere to attract you, gimmicks, ploys, shows to watch outside, so, so many men that try to hand out (hooker) cards to men, families, anyone they can… Awful. Just awful. It can be a little corny. But hey, that’s Vegas for you. I think not being a drinker affects my liking of places. Like here.

Also, if you get the chance. See a show in Vegas!

SAN DIEGO

We stayed in the downtown, which is actually their ‘new town’ – feels like a baby city compared to others. We actually buggered up! We went to the zoo of course, and when we decided to venture around in the town after we completely missed the harbours/piers/shops they have there. So, here’s some photos of animals. Enjoy.

We did have our last meal together as a whole group here, that turned the mood around. Sad, sad times!
I’m pretty sure we wanted to just keep doing this for ever!

LOS ANGELES

Our final stop and in one hell of a big city. There’s no way you could walk to places, especially where the wonderful annoying STA lady booked us. We knew we’d stay there for one night as it’s where the tour ended but it was a mistake to stay there for a few more days extra. Right by the airport, she said there’d be good transport. There was not – which then cost us a lot of money in taxi fares. Bad STA!

We stopped off at Melrose Road, for someone like me it was basically full of alternative shops, tattooists, artists, so I thoroughly enjoyed it. Probably could have spent loads of money there but I had to keep that for cabs. Again, thanks STA. Anyway, Melrose Road, take a look and look out for the upcoming writers and artists there.

We got taken to the Walk Of Fame then, you know, that place where there’s lots of celebrity names on stars down a long, long road. Oh, and the Chinese Theatre where they all sign their name in cement. Lots of people I’ve never heard of and some quite amusing like Judge Judy, a true legend. Not much to say about ‘Hollywood’. It’s a big place but it doesn’t feel crowded or cheesy. You can also see the Hollywood sign clear from here. It’s a lot smaller thank you think!

Next day that was it, people had left and we were down to only four. After a struggle and haggling argument with the taxi driver (it does work so give it a try), a hop on and hop off tour it was. If you’re thinking of doing that choose Starline. A very reasonable cost and you can take it to Santa Monica beach, which we did. It also drove us past Beverly Hills. Again, I was expecting very glamorous and ludicrous places but I think that was Vegas rubbing off on me. Some fun facts: Their fire hydrants are painted silver. Their rubbish bins are kept in a back lane not to spoil the look of the front. And lastly, each street has a different type of tree along it.

LA just seems right, it all fits together nicely and has a nice atmosphere about it. It’s hard to explain but I can see why some friends and our tour guide said they could see them selves living here in the future.

We walked around Santa Monica Pier – which is where Route 66 ends and the Bubba Gump Shrimp shop/restaurant is, you know, another Forest Gump trademark. And Venice beach – which is basically an alternative beach with skate parks, stalls, markets and real street performers (not statues). It’s a first I’ve seen of older (I mean much, much older) men skateboarding, surfing… Every thing’s cool and relaxed, that sort of vibe. Just love life.