Let me take you back in time to 1983. Not long married we decided to take an adventure we would never forget .
After months a saving we finally left on our American dream. All photographs were taken by a very small old style open and shut camera . Images are a bit hazy but memories are strong.
Greyhound passes let this can still be booked at http://www.greyhound.com/
After months a saving we finally left on our American dream. All photographs were taken by a very small old style open and shut camera . Images are a bit hazy but memories are strong.
Greyhound passes let this can still be booked at http://www.greyhound.com/
Our AMERICAN DREAM
Monday 10th October, 1983. We left our home in Renfrew, Scotland travelled from Glasgow to London by train. We stayed a night in a clatty hotel in Victoria. Our Spanish host had put bars over The windows (to stop anyone escaping) We never slept a wink.
That was our first travel experience of the trip not a very good one. After that sleepless night, we caught the tube to Gatwick Airport. We were on the British Caledonian flight to Los Angeles departing at 9.30am. The aircraft was quite old so there was plenty of room for my long Legs.Good news the drinks were on the house .So that helped make this long flight a bit more pleasant. Round about 4.00 in the afternoon local time the flight crew announce we are approaching Los Angeles.
Los Angeles looked huge from the sky and it took more than 20 minutes before we land at LAX Los Angeles Airport . This is the first time we had been to the States so we were very excited . We collect our bags and we head off to find our hotel. We had spent nearly a year planning this trip and it all went out the window when we ask the local cop how to get to our digs. Our hotel was downtown on Olympic Boulevard but what we didn't know was that Olympic Boulevard was 20 miles long and we didn't have a clue where the Royal Olympic Host Hotel was. We eventually found it.
Monday 10th October, 1983. We left our home in Renfrew, Scotland travelled from Glasgow to London by train. We stayed a night in a clatty hotel in Victoria. Our Spanish host had put bars over The windows (to stop anyone escaping) We never slept a wink.
That was our first travel experience of the trip not a very good one. After that sleepless night, we caught the tube to Gatwick Airport. We were on the British Caledonian flight to Los Angeles departing at 9.30am. The aircraft was quite old so there was plenty of room for my long Legs.Good news the drinks were on the house .So that helped make this long flight a bit more pleasant. Round about 4.00 in the afternoon local time the flight crew announce we are approaching Los Angeles.
Los Angeles looked huge from the sky and it took more than 20 minutes before we land at LAX Los Angeles Airport . This is the first time we had been to the States so we were very excited . We collect our bags and we head off to find our hotel. We had spent nearly a year planning this trip and it all went out the window when we ask the local cop how to get to our digs. Our hotel was downtown on Olympic Boulevard but what we didn't know was that Olympic Boulevard was 20 miles long and we didn't have a clue where the Royal Olympic Host Hotel was. We eventually found it.
We decided to go out for a walk to try to get a feel for the place we weren't out for long as we were a bit jet lagged after the long flight.
Wed. 12th Oct. We took RTA bus 484 to Universal Studios where we spent the day. This was our first ever visit to a theme park and we really enjoyed it. . We boarded the True Glamour Tram to go behind the scenes and experience the effects of Movie and TV making . We sat next to this Japanese Couple for the Ride. As the tram goes along we enjoy the the thrill of the movies. Our friends from Japan are really enjoying them self until they meet up with Jaws . THE DEADLY SHARK ATTACKS THE TRAM and our friends nearly have a heart attack and their camera goes up in the air.
THURSDAY OCT 13 LOS ANGELES
Hollywood MANN`S CHINESE THEATRE
The Chinese Theatre was commissioned following the success of the nearby Grauman's Egyptian Theatre which opened in 1922. The theater opened in 1927.
Among the theater's most distinctive features are the concrete blocks set in the forecourt, which bear the signatures, footprints, and hand prints of film stars from the 1920s to the present day.
Wed. 12th Oct. We took RTA bus 484 to Universal Studios where we spent the day. This was our first ever visit to a theme park and we really enjoyed it. . We boarded the True Glamour Tram to go behind the scenes and experience the effects of Movie and TV making . We sat next to this Japanese Couple for the Ride. As the tram goes along we enjoy the the thrill of the movies. Our friends from Japan are really enjoying them self until they meet up with Jaws . THE DEADLY SHARK ATTACKS THE TRAM and our friends nearly have a heart attack and their camera goes up in the air.
THURSDAY OCT 13 LOS ANGELES
Hollywood MANN`S CHINESE THEATRE
The Chinese Theatre was commissioned following the success of the nearby Grauman's Egyptian Theatre which opened in 1922. The theater opened in 1927.
Among the theater's most distinctive features are the concrete blocks set in the forecourt, which bear the signatures, footprints, and hand prints of film stars from the 1920s to the present day.
Vegas and my red face
FRIDAY OCT 14 LAS VEGAS 1983
Early doors we took the Greyhound to Vegas, We Arrived early evening. We walked from the bus station to the famous Las Vegas strip but we did not know our hotel was downtown. We ended knackered carrying our backpacks in the heat. The hotel was a pit. A real pit.
God, I wish we had Tripadvisor then.
That night we went out to get the Buzz of Vegas.
The first Casino we went into we were offered a voucher for a free burger and raffle ticket. After a short while, the raffle ticket was announced.
Mrs B looked at her ticket. God -never believe that I am one number out. How unlucky was that? We had heard all about the fortune people
make from Vegas.
I checked my ticket--YES YES I have the winning ticket. We were hugging each other. Jumping up and down shouting we are rich.
There was an announcement --We have a winner-We have a winner.
Could the owner of the ticket please come to the front of the casino.
I had a smile from ear to ear. This day could change our lives forever.
The announcer asked me--Where are you from Sir.
Scotland I proudly said. In my head I was saying--Gee uz the bloody cash.
Come with me, Sir. I walk over to the Glass box. Like a telephone box.
I am helped into the box. There were dollar bills up to my ankles. I said to myself what the hell is going on. Right, sir, you have one minute to get as much money you can get through that slot. The slot was wafer-thin. I mean thin. Like a slot on a piggy bank.
A fan started. The cash was flying about the box. I ran around the glass box grabbing dosh. Trying to get it through the slot. There was a big fat American with his nose stuck against the glass.
The seconds ticked away. In the minute I had I got one dollar and red face you could see from space.
The announcer said Sorry sir you didn`t do that well. Do you think you could have done better? - get your raffle ticket from the door.
We left the casino in a hurry. I was embarrassed and cheesed off I didn't win my fortune. As the night went on we seen the funny side of being a fanny in Vegas.
Apart from that Las Vegas was brilliant Circus Circus, Ceaser`s Palace and of course the Slot machines.
FRIDAY OCT 14 LAS VEGAS 1983
Early doors we took the Greyhound to Vegas, We Arrived early evening. We walked from the bus station to the famous Las Vegas strip but we did not know our hotel was downtown. We ended knackered carrying our backpacks in the heat. The hotel was a pit. A real pit.
God, I wish we had Tripadvisor then.
That night we went out to get the Buzz of Vegas.
The first Casino we went into we were offered a voucher for a free burger and raffle ticket. After a short while, the raffle ticket was announced.
Mrs B looked at her ticket. God -never believe that I am one number out. How unlucky was that? We had heard all about the fortune people
make from Vegas.
I checked my ticket--YES YES I have the winning ticket. We were hugging each other. Jumping up and down shouting we are rich.
There was an announcement --We have a winner-We have a winner.
Could the owner of the ticket please come to the front of the casino.
I had a smile from ear to ear. This day could change our lives forever.
The announcer asked me--Where are you from Sir.
Scotland I proudly said. In my head I was saying--Gee uz the bloody cash.
Come with me, Sir. I walk over to the Glass box. Like a telephone box.
I am helped into the box. There were dollar bills up to my ankles. I said to myself what the hell is going on. Right, sir, you have one minute to get as much money you can get through that slot. The slot was wafer-thin. I mean thin. Like a slot on a piggy bank.
A fan started. The cash was flying about the box. I ran around the glass box grabbing dosh. Trying to get it through the slot. There was a big fat American with his nose stuck against the glass.
The seconds ticked away. In the minute I had I got one dollar and red face you could see from space.
The announcer said Sorry sir you didn`t do that well. Do you think you could have done better? - get your raffle ticket from the door.
We left the casino in a hurry. I was embarrassed and cheesed off I didn't win my fortune. As the night went on we seen the funny side of being a fanny in Vegas.
Apart from that Las Vegas was brilliant Circus Circus, Ceaser`s Palace and of course the Slot machines.
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We loved the rest of our time in Vegas.Doing the usual things. Getting a real for feel from the Gambling capital of the world.We have returned and still loved it.
SUNDAY OCT 16 1983
We jumped on the Greyhound bus to the Grand Canyon. Drove past cowboy towns of Flagstaff and Williams. We chose the North Rim.
We read that the Bright Angel Point offers some of the best views of the Canyon. There are places on earth when you see them for real you are a bit disappointed. This time we were not.
When you walk from the car park you can see nothing. Flatland.
After a short walk, you look over a small fence. There it is.
WOW --The GRAND CANYON
Your eyes were open as wide as possible. Autumn colours are beautiful.
How deep is this place? The Canyon goes as far as you can see.
My cheap camera pictures can`t give you a feeling for this wonder.
When looking over the rim we met a guy from Paisley that said it was nothing other than a big bloody hole. He was joking.
After a few hours admiring the area, we head back to Vegas.
The Grand Canyon is carved by the Colorado River in the United States in the state of Arizona. It is contained within and managed by Grand Canyon National Park,. It is considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World
We jumped on the Greyhound bus to the Grand Canyon. Drove past cowboy towns of Flagstaff and Williams. We chose the North Rim.
We read that the Bright Angel Point offers some of the best views of the Canyon. There are places on earth when you see them for real you are a bit disappointed. This time we were not.
When you walk from the car park you can see nothing. Flatland.
After a short walk, you look over a small fence. There it is.
WOW --The GRAND CANYON
Your eyes were open as wide as possible. Autumn colours are beautiful.
How deep is this place? The Canyon goes as far as you can see.
My cheap camera pictures can`t give you a feeling for this wonder.
When looking over the rim we met a guy from Paisley that said it was nothing other than a big bloody hole. He was joking.
After a few hours admiring the area, we head back to Vegas.
The Grand Canyon is carved by the Colorado River in the United States in the state of Arizona. It is contained within and managed by Grand Canyon National Park,. It is considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World
TUESDAY OCT 18
We leave Vegas.We pass the famous Hoover dam.
We are on route to San Francisco.Very long journey. Nearly a whole day.Over night on a Greyhound bus in 1983 was not very comfortable.
In the morning we pass lake Tahoe and Reno.Carson city as well.
In the afternoon we arrive.
THURSDAY OCT 20 SAN FRANCISCO
My highlight of our American adventure. San Francisco. The city by the bay.Like the Grand Canyon you can`t see the bay until you get close. This time over a hill. Here we seen the famous Golden Gate bridge and the Oakland bridge with Alcatraz Island in the middle.
Stunning.First whole day is really about getting our bearings.
We had a great night out in the Edinburgh Castle pub. Dinner from the Chip shop next door owned by woman from Partick.
FRIDAY OCT 21
Today I went to Jail -Alcatraz Island
Superb tour. They told us many stories that are true and told us what was fiction.Birdman of Alcatraz didn't have his birds here.
Wandering around Fisherman's Wharf.Watching the seals diving for scraps left by the restaurants. Finally we get to ride the famous Cable car over one those hills.A busy day.
SATURDAY OCT 22 SAN FRANCISCO.
Chinatown and Castro district today .Enjoyed our last night at the Edinburgh castle.Final look at the bay and wander up and down a few of those hills.
We leave Vegas.We pass the famous Hoover dam.
We are on route to San Francisco.Very long journey. Nearly a whole day.Over night on a Greyhound bus in 1983 was not very comfortable.
In the morning we pass lake Tahoe and Reno.Carson city as well.
In the afternoon we arrive.
THURSDAY OCT 20 SAN FRANCISCO
My highlight of our American adventure. San Francisco. The city by the bay.Like the Grand Canyon you can`t see the bay until you get close. This time over a hill. Here we seen the famous Golden Gate bridge and the Oakland bridge with Alcatraz Island in the middle.
Stunning.First whole day is really about getting our bearings.
We had a great night out in the Edinburgh Castle pub. Dinner from the Chip shop next door owned by woman from Partick.
FRIDAY OCT 21
Today I went to Jail -Alcatraz Island
Superb tour. They told us many stories that are true and told us what was fiction.Birdman of Alcatraz didn't have his birds here.
Wandering around Fisherman's Wharf.Watching the seals diving for scraps left by the restaurants. Finally we get to ride the famous Cable car over one those hills.A busy day.
SATURDAY OCT 22 SAN FRANCISCO.
Chinatown and Castro district today .Enjoyed our last night at the Edinburgh castle.Final look at the bay and wander up and down a few of those hills.
SUNDAY OCT 23
We joined the bus again.This time overnight journey south to San Diego.We stayed at Carke`s Lodge. Which was very good.
MONDAY OCT 24
We visited San Diego Zoo. One of the largest in the world.
Interesting.Today we would say cruel.
TUESDAY OCT 25 TH
Today we take a trip south to over the Mexican border to Tijuana
Lots of poverty and begging.We went into Woolworths and bought sweets for the young kids. We never stayed in Tijuana long. Nothing special-Didn`t have a good feel.
WEDNESDAY OCT 26TH
ANAHEIM our base for going to the most famous theme park in the world.The town itself is nothing special.
THURSDAY OCT 27TH DISNEY WORLD--Never been to a Disney theme park before.So never knew what to expect. Super Day out with the usual suspects. Minnie,Mikey and that duck.Was going to meet up with those guys in the future.
Saturday OCT 29TH Santa Monica
Next few days we have time to chill and have a beer in the Mucky duck bar.Super beach-great pub
TUESDAY NOV 1ST FLY HOME TODAY
What an adventure --Never forget till I die.
We joined the bus again.This time overnight journey south to San Diego.We stayed at Carke`s Lodge. Which was very good.
MONDAY OCT 24
We visited San Diego Zoo. One of the largest in the world.
Interesting.Today we would say cruel.
TUESDAY OCT 25 TH
Today we take a trip south to over the Mexican border to Tijuana
Lots of poverty and begging.We went into Woolworths and bought sweets for the young kids. We never stayed in Tijuana long. Nothing special-Didn`t have a good feel.
WEDNESDAY OCT 26TH
ANAHEIM our base for going to the most famous theme park in the world.The town itself is nothing special.
THURSDAY OCT 27TH DISNEY WORLD--Never been to a Disney theme park before.So never knew what to expect. Super Day out with the usual suspects. Minnie,Mikey and that duck.Was going to meet up with those guys in the future.
Saturday OCT 29TH Santa Monica
Next few days we have time to chill and have a beer in the Mucky duck bar.Super beach-great pub
TUESDAY NOV 1ST FLY HOME TODAY
What an adventure --Never forget till I die.
Well that`s our adventure to the USA --To see more USA>>>>>>
Postcards from America
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