Trip to Universal Studios

Started the day with the rental from Hertz. Got a red Toyota Camry. Feeling jittery cos will be driving on the other side of the road. Fortunately, there is GPS to guide me all the way to Universal Studios. However, GPS was unable to let me know that I was on the wrong side of the road. True enough, I turned into the wring side of traffic. Was a real shocker to see oncoming traffic heading my way. Luckily, there was a hazard lane in which I could hide for a moment and let all the traffic pass me by. Phew!

Traffic in LA was crazy and it took some time before I got used to the GPS. With a few trial and error, made it to Universal Studios in one piece. Bought the Front of the Line Pass to save time (highly recommended). Much better than Disney's Fastpass which only allows one fastpass per ride. This was unlimited rides. Woohoo!!! The wait time was significantly reduced. I feel so SPECIAL. I am numero uno! Also you get the best seats in the house! E.g. the WaterWorld show.

Universal Studios in LA was different from that of Osaka. Besides the thrilling rides, there was also the tram tours around the studios. Got to see Wisteria Lane of the Desperate Housewives. How cool is that. There was even a trip to all the different well-known movie sets. I got a chance to go on the Simpson's Ride, which I missed in Osaka because they were still building it. Didn't get any souvenirs as they were not as nice as those sold in Osaka. Got a Lakers Championship T-shirt though on Universal Downtown.

Then it was time for the most thrilling ride. THE DRIVE TO SAN FRANCISCO. It was a a 382miles drive or 615km drive. It was unbelievably long. Had a brief stopover then it was on with the drive. The coolest part of the drive was driving through the Golden Gate Bridge. Simply magnificent! No fog! Arrived at the Grant Plaza Hotel at 2am and off course in one piece. Zombified though! What's worst is that the next day, I've booked a 9am Alcatraz tour. Boy, is this going to be challenging or what! I'm already feeling like an inmate, with the schedule and all.....