Brunch with the Fields

On Sunday we took the train out of the city to Summit in New Jersey. Back in New Zealand I'd sent a postcard to the family in NJ who I spent some time with (back in the 80's!) being their au pair, saying that we'd be in the New York area in September and did they want to meet up. Anyway, Scott (the father) got in touch and we invited us out to their place for Sunday brunch.

So here we were, the train taking us past towns that I recognised from my time there and Scott was waiting at the station, not looking very much older despite the years that have sped by.

We had a lovely time, a delicious brunch and really enjoyed meeting up and sharing stories with Scott, Nancy and the 'boys' - all grown men now of course, with the exception of Christopher who was away for the weekend.

Thank you Scott, Nancy, Andrew, Matt and Tim!

An interesting scene awaited us back in Harlem. We came out of the subway and there were police vans and NYPD everywhere. We were only about a block away from the hostel when we finally asked a policeman what was going on. He told us it was the aftermath of 'Africa' day (actually it turns out it was the African American Day Parade - the largest in the US) and to go back to our hotel immediately. Then he repeated it several times in such a way that we did exactly as we were told.

Orlando

We arrived in Orlando on Friday night. Luckily we had somewhere to stay, despite me. I'd booked a hotel weeks ago, but when I went in to check the reservation it wasn't there so I'd clearly made the whole thing up in my head. Cliff found another place that looked better than the original place and for cheaper so it was all good.

We had a good five nights in Florida, we didn't go to Disney (no stand against commercialism, just been there lots before) but we did visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal. They really have made a good job of it, right down to the butterbeer.

Later in the week we went to Universal Studios (Simpsons ride, Jaws - still scares the life out of me and a huge rainstorm which made us look like we'd taken baths with our clothes on).

We went back to Winter Park and visited the farmer's market and Petebrooke where they do really good chocolate covered popcorn and freezer truffles (still trying to work out that recipe).

We played mini golf next to the baby crocs on International Drive. And ate lots of salad all over town.

Vasquez Rocks

You may recognise Vasquez Rocks from Bonanza or The Flintstones. Or probably Star Trek - the episode 'Arena' where Kirk is fighting the alien Gorn. We drove north out from LA, stopping for lunch at a tasty Panera Bread on the way. We started making our way up the jagged sandstone rocks - only Cliff & Liam making it to the top. We then took a short hike around the base, looking out for snakes and mountain lions. We didn't see any.

LA

First stop was the La Brea tar pits. We had a good look around the museum and surrounding park and tar pits.

Then it was over to Hollywood for lunch in a huge mall that was just a car park when we last came, passing good old Kermit on the way.

Onto Grauman's Chinese Theatre to have a look at the footprints. Liam had been there before but he was only 9 months old so it was worth a return visit.

Here's Liam posing by his own star - just waiting for it to be engraved...

Then, just to be jolly, we drove over to the Hollywood Cemetary. It's a beautiful place with some of the most stunning gravestones. Johnny Ramone's was pretty impressive.

Finally, we went over to Randy's Donuts, and although my preference remains with Krispy Kreme, you've got to admire their advertising.

A thoroughly enjoyable day, despite following the tourist track.

Green Day

We could only get hold of one ticket for this, so Cliff and Liam went to the dollar movies (yes, every movie a dollar; they watched two - Karate Kid and Shrek) and I went to see Green Day and AFI at the Irvine Ampitheater (for a bit more than a dollar). It's an outdoor venue, it was warm, the sound was great, they played for 6 minutes short of three hours (always get your money's worth with this lot) and they were superb. They always get people up on stage to sing, etc but at one point Billie Jo gave away the guitar he was playing to someone from the crowd. Here's the setlist. and the review from the local paper.

Thanks to the LA Times for the picture - I was a bit further back!

Scream for me Long Beach!*

*apologies to Iron Maiden for borrowing the quote

On Monday night we had tickets for the American Carnage tour at Long Beach arena - Slayer, Magadeth and Testament. I watched amused at the rather odd mosh pit; a swirling mass of people just running around it circles. And right in the middle a guy in a wheelchair giving as good as he got during Testament's set.

Megadeth played the Rust in Peace LP. But as I said to Cliff; Dave Mustaine does need to come out of his shell a bit and become a shade more confident!

I really enjoyed Slayer's Raining Blood and Angel of Death. Here are the set lists for Slayer, Megadeth and Testament.

The Emmys

It was the Emmys on Sunday so we (at my bidding; you can imagine how enthusiastic Cliff and Liam were about this) headed over to the Nokia Theater to see if we could spot any of the cast of Lost. Oh god, I've just realised how stalky I sound. I had them pegged for a least a win for Matthew Fox, but they didn't come away with any awards. Very disappointing. Anyway, I got lots of pics of overdressed people getting out of limos (bearing in mind it's only 4pm) - some nice dresses though. Although at least I didn't go to the extent of this lot!

Watching the ceremony on tv back at the hotel, I realise that host Jimmy Fallon is pretty unfunny. And to top it off he does a bad impression of Billie Joe Armstrong.