Day 6

Time to pack up and move on to Las Vegas with some outlet shopping on the way. Thank God for TomTom-it was a breeze to get out of LA. The girls hit the shops and were gone for a few hours. The shopping is amazing, Paul and Robert did well. We arrived in LV about 4 pm and checked into the Luxor. It is huge and quite comfortable. We walked the strip, tacky but maybe everyone should see it once in their life(once is enough for me and Robert but Kate and Sarah said they are defiantly coming back with Igor and Cain). The Statue of Liberty, MGM lions, Eiffel Tower and people everywhere! We were tired and decided to call it a day after a couple hours, it was very hot as well, about 40 degrees.

Day 5

We picked up our hire car today, it's great, a Kia van with plenty of space for all of us and our luggage. Time to explore Beverley Hills. A quick stop at Pretty Woman's apartment, George Clooney's house and the Playboy Mansion. Not forgetting Rodeo Drive. We then headed to Santa Monica for lunch on the pier. Lovely beach and the pier was interesting but lunch was disappointing. Next was Venice Beach and we had trouble getting parking. Well after all the beat up of this place it was disappointing. I am pleased we didn't decide to stay here. A more relaxing day finished with a nice meal at a Mexican restaurant.

Day 4

Time to slow down today, we are all tired. Slept late and then made our way by bus to the Farmers Market for lunch. Paul and I had gumbo and he thought it was delicious and so did I.we walked around the markets and then Paul and Robert headed off back to the hotel for a swim and the girls and I went shopping. We found Bloomingdales and Macys. We managed to get some bargains. Next was another trip into Hollywood and Sarah got to pick where we would have dinner. Guess what she chose Hard Rock. Robert was not impressed with the loud music but the rest of us loved it. The technology is great-interactive tables to play on while you wait to be seated. You can choose a song and it's voted on as to whether it is played or not. Guess Billy Joel is not popular with the Hollywood crowd? Kate arranged for Sarah to have the complimentary birthday sundae and the staff sang happy birthday with the patrons joining in-it was fun and Sarah enjoyed it. Paul was in his element! Another full day.

Day 3-Sarah's 24 birthday and Disneyland

Sarah wanted to go to Disneyland for her birthday so we set off early. Again we were able to get a special pass for Paul that meant we did not have to wait more than bout 10 minutes to get on a ride. Sarah also got a badge that said it was her birthday and the staff at Disneyland were suppose to wish her happy birthday-some did but most ignored the badge. Robert and Paul had the first ride in a car, Paul had a ball but Robert almost had a nervous breakdown getting Paul in and out of the car. Next was Tomorrowland - not much and they hurried me through the technology enhanced house-the family that is, next was Fantasyland. Disney certainly knows how to export you into a different space. I haven't been able to get "...It's a small world after all" out of my head since. We went on so many rides and visited all the worlds. Splash Mountain was so scary, I will scan the family photo went I get back-it's a classic!. After many hours we left and had a quick dinner before heading home. Such a big day, I think Paul was overwhelmed. The rest of us were pleased we had fulfilled the dream to bring Paul to Disneyland. It is so unreal and it's uplifting to think that such a place of delight and amazement exists in this world.

Day 2 in LA

Off to Universal Studios via the subway. Sarah sorted out a pass for Paul and it was so good, we didn't have to wait in line for very long-we were fast tracked and some rides had a car which allowed us to take more time to get Paul in and out. Our first stop was Waterworld, it was a great show but Paul didn't like the airplane landing and blowing up. Next was the studio tour, the 3D Godzilla display was amazing. I think this tour is the best part of Universal-so good. We went on most rides and it was a great day. After about 8 hours we skipped dinner because we were so exhausted and went to bed soon after getting back to our hotel. We all had a great day and Paul's highlight was the Simpsons ride, and meeting Maggie and Marge.

Day 1 in LA

We arrived in LA without any issues Paul was great on the flight but it is so long! I caught up on all the movies I have missed over the last 6 months. Paul watched the last 6 months of the Next Generation TV show and Mr Bean. Sarah and Kate sat with him and were great managing him, although it was up to Sarah to do the toilet run. LAX is quite unimpressive but it was easy to get out and find a Taxi. The customs people were great with Paul.Our hotel was interesting, just like the moves and painted with stars on the outside. Clean and right next door to a subway station. We couldn't check in so walked up the road and found a Pizza place for lunch. Kate and I ordered 2 large pizzas for us-they were huge! People were walking out with pizzas the size of a dinner table! After lunch we had a sleep-think Paul would have liked to stay in bed until morning. We then made our way via the subway to Hollywood. Walked the street of the stars, checked out some of the stores and had dinner at Hooters(the girls were amazed that I had never heard of Hooters). It was then time for bed, we were all exhausted.

@the Airport

Well the day has arrived and we are sitting in the Qantas Lounge (thanks to Kate) sipping Champagne and nibbling on some cheese and bikkies. Paul is subdued, I  think he is tired as he was so excited this morning when we got into the taxi and arrived at the airport. Paul is very settled, he may think you always get free wine, beer, food etc when you travel. Robert is worried I will want to join the Qantas Club.....not a bad idea. Time to back up and get ready to board. More later....