14 Dec 10 Los Angeles - Universal Studios, Universal City

Temp: 18 Degrees C, Overcast clearing to afternoon

Today started early with a big American breakfast. I went for the 'Hollywood special' - scrambled eggs, bacon, breakfast potatoes and pancakes. Freshly squeezed Orange Juice was complimentary and could not say a nasty word. After breakfast we raced off to catch the train to Universal Studios. We caught this at the corner of Hollywood Blvd and North highland Ave. Descending two levels to the ticket machines by escalator or lift if needed. Tickets were $1.50 USD one way or $6.00 USD for a multitrip that lasts all day. We decided on the single as we were unsure what the full day plans were, and the hotel restaurant waiter suggested there was plenty to do at Universal City once the studios were closed. We caught the train a further level down and headed towards North Hollywood. We only needed to go a single stop to Universal City station. Signage to the Universal Studios shuttle bus was non-existent, however a council employee directed us to the shuttle bus stop. Crossing the roads at pedestrian crossings here is interesting. A recognisable amber palm indicates no walking while a white figure striking a walking pose indicates you are able to cross. Nothing particularly concerning, however when the signal turns back to amber it also gives a countdown in seconds presumably to indicate how long you have left to cross. Novel idea, and we made the mistake of tempting fate to cross. Not actually an issue since there was about 20-25 seconds to cross the four lane road. However, I did not take into account my back pack opening partway across spilling my camera, 200mm zoom lens and video camera to the bitumen. Another pedestrian following at a great rate of knots managed to snaffle the video camera before it rolled under a car, and I picked up the remaining items. All I can say is thank God its a Nikon. No damage to any of the devices and they still function well. It seems each day is set for some form of a disaster, although as Kylie put it 'It is all part of the adventure'.

We arrived at Universal Studios – a short trip by shuttle bus up a steep incline, to be dropped off outside Universal City. The group, in typical sheepish style, followed the lights and sounds to a shopping mall. This area circles the outskirts of a portion of the Studios, sporting numerous shops, restaurants stalls and the car parks for the Studio. It wasn't long before we realised we were headed in the wrong direction and retraced our steps to Universal Studio's front gate. This is marked by a large rotation globe, Emblazoned with 'Universal Studios', smoke poring from the base for added dramatic effect. We approached the turnstiles with the rest of the growing minions. Thankfully we purchased 'Front of Line' passes and as we found these were a worthy investment. Not only no queues but waiting was non-existent meaning getting to the 'behind the scenes' shows running in close succession was easy. You also get reserved seating in prime viewing locations. The only behind the scenes show we missed were the animal actors.

First show up was Shrek 4D. This is precisely the same as at Movie World on the Gold Coast so no surprises there. Next we took on the Studio tour. This was vastly different to the tour taken in 1978, with three notable features back then changed slightly for the modern audience. The first was the Jaws scene where earlier a fisherman in a boat is taken by the shark. In the modern version a diver disappears in a bubbling pool of red, and secondly setting off the pyrotechnics on the wharf doesn't prevent jaws from taking off with the pier. In keeping with the classics you still get sprayed as Jaws leaps from the water towards the tour bus. The second change is the Grinch (played by an actor rather than animatronics) warning of the tunnel and the falling rocks. Slight changes to the set lead the passengers into the tunnel before the avalanche occurs. In 1978 it was an ice fall. The parting of the waters in 1978 followed a biblical theme, where the new version incorporated a vehicle under water. The pond here used for notable films including King Kong, Mc Hales Navy and any film with vast water required. Some of the old classics remained including the western sets, Psycho set (where Norman Bates, wielding a knife, chases the bus ) amongst others. Newer additions include King Kong in 3D which was amazing, and the recently re-built European set (burnt down two years ago), and the Desperate Housewife's Wisteria avenue. The tour took us through the studio lots where at studio 27 they were making the latest Muppet movie.

The Waterworld stunt show was sensational with some incredible props used. Of note is the massive mock-up aircraft that launches into the air to drop in the water just before where we were seated.

The Terminator 2D show incorporates both 3D cinematic effects as well as live action. Very well done. The Special effects show really gave a good understanding of how technology has impacted special effects in movies.

The animal show was interesting with one highlight how they train birds to fly in front of a fan to get better flying shots.

Notes on my own observations in LA:
Population is around 4 million. i didn;t count them, just took that off a city population sign. The city definately has a bit of a haze around it due to the smog. The climate is similar to Adelaide, warm and dry. The people are very friendly. There appears to be a significant South American influence and Spanish is practically the primary language. Especially with the locals on the street. The suburbs and towns are clean with pavement sweepers employed to do this.

There is a sad component to the streets with a huge number of homeless and beggers practically on every street corner. This is not an affliction to any age group with couples in their early 20's pushing shopping trolleys to the next bin for a rumage. Women in the early to late 30's stand outside the seven-eleven asking for spare change, and groups of men of all ages wrap themselves in blankets or coats to shield against the colder night air.

One surprise were the shopping centres and stores. Vast buildings of all sorts of product for sale. Every item imaginable. Interestingly devoid of customers. Possibly not a shopping day though. prices are very good compared to Australia.    Sports shoes around a third of the price.