LA and Las Vegas

[Violet Indy]

Hey, Violet Indy is finally getting a passport!!!! The family's finally opted to go for a trip overseas, since Dad got a small promotion recently, and I got a paid film job. We're looking at going to the US at the moment and they're having this special that if you get this LA package you can fly to another destination in the US for free. I was just wondering if anyone could give some suggestions as to the most interesting places in the US.

[indifan101]

The United States of America, land of over 15 million different sites and monuments. Here's a list of places to go, and not to go (in the summer time)
Since were into summer going to the beaches is a bad idea. Too many tourists, too many lines and too much traffic! Save yourself the hassel by going to places like...
Gettysburg, Smokey Mountain National Park, Yellowstone, Williamsburg, Hollywood, Washington D.C, Mount St. Helens National Park, Cedar Point, Shiloh, New New York City, Niagara Falls NY, Denver, Aspen, Portland, Siox Falls, Mount Rushmore, etc. Any other suggestions ask me or ask your travel agent about interesting places in America. The best one you can buy is the Gettysburg package! All expense paid trip to Gettysburg! See the dramactic re-inactment of one of the United States most biggest battles! You'll find plenty to do in america no matter where your at!;)

[Abe Vayoda]

Teehee. That sounded like a bad infomercial... :p
101 had made some good suggestions... though, unless you really enjoy them, I've never liked in battle re-enactments. Williamsburg was interesting, but it's been several years since my last visit don't know how (or even if) it's changed.
Edit: Oh, 101 already mentioned Williamsburg, good on ya 101.

If you enjoy musicals, I can also give you several great plays to go to if New York interests you. As well as shopping districs that are nice.

[Violet Indy]

Great suggestions guys! My mum's thinking of going to Las Vegas. Personally, I'd try for New York and sadly, we can't do Hawaii... Too Damn expensive.

[Abe Vayoda]

I hate rubbing it in, but if I'd have thought I'd recommended Hawaii. It is a BEAUTIFUL place, with some of the friendliest folks you'll ever meet. Great scenerey as well. I wish the last time I visited I'd brought my hat with me.

[Gustav]

You're finally travelling and you got a paying film job?! I'm jealous. What are you doing?

I would definitely recommend New York City, but as with any city you don't know you should find out where the bad areas are. Savannah, Georgia is beautiful and there aren't so many people there. You should go there at least once in your life, and I'm talking about in and around the historical district. Some places outside of that are pretty bad. I also recommend Chicago, Illinois in which you should spend a day at the Field Museum if you go, and you should probably hit one of our Colonial places some time in your life, like Williamsburg, Virginia or Salem, Massachusetts where they had the witch trials! If you're into witches you might want to see Burkittsville, Maryland like I did. It's where The Blair Witch Project was filmed and at night you won't find anybody on the streets and they will have all the lights on in their houses...almost like they're afraid of something. Whatever you do, don't go to Las Vegas. It's the cheesiest place on Earth and your dad will lose all his money. Also, I've never been to New Orleans but I hear it's quite a gas. Actually scratch that, it's not really there anymore. You also might consider going to see the Grande Canyon or Washington D.C. to see the monuments and they also have some good museums. If you're looking for a tropical sort of thing you should go to Key West or you could come to Orlando and we can go to Disney World and watch the Indiana Jones stunt show with all the other tourists!

And there ya have it. An American's favourite places to go in the United States of America.

[Magda]

I may be biased, but I'd choose Las Vegas. It's not too far away from Los Angeles, and it's different enough from California to have a great experience. Everyone should go to Vegas at least once.

[Jay R. Zay]

personally, i'd especially recommend Monument Valley, Death Valley, Maui, and L.A.

[roundshort]

As someone who lives in California and travels in America, alot, California really has a lot to offer. If youa re in LA, San Diego is a short drive to the south, and really really awesome. Around L.A., check out Pasadena, Orange County, but drive north and see Santa Barbara, Carmel and Big Sur (the 17 mile drive alone is worth it). And, of course the Bay City. San Francisco is an awesome town. Check out a giants game in AT&T park, visit some of the best restaurants in the world. Then my neck of the woods, Napa Valley. The first great wine area in the new world. Beautiful mountains, vineyards, and the food!

Vegas is nice, but plastic. I would say, stick to the coast and drive north!

Check out Colorado, probably the most beautiful spot in the US, that is not by an ocean. New York is also a must.

[Luisiana Jones]

Sry but im in love with NYC visit it, wont regret it. ;)

[Jay R. Zay]

As someone who lives in California and travels in America, alot, California really has a lot to offer.

for example you could drive along and beat shorty off a bit. :p

[Violet Indy]

You're finally travelling and you got a paying film job?! I'm jealous. What are you doing?

I would definitely recommend New York City, but as with any city you don't know you should find out where the bad areas are. Savannah, Georgia is beautiful and there aren't so many people there. You should go there at least once in your life, and I'm talking about in and around the historical district. Some places outside of that are pretty bad. I also recommend Chicago, Illinois in which you should spend a day at the Field Museum if you go, and you should probably hit one of our Colonial places some time in your life, like Williamsburg, Virginia or Salem, Massachusetts where they had the witch trials! If you're into witches you might want to see Burkittsville, Maryland like I did. It's where The Blair Witch Project was filmed and at night you won't find anybody on the streets and they will have all the lights on in their houses...almost like they're afraid of something. Whatever you do, don't go to Las Vegas. It's the cheesiest place on Earth and your dad will lose all his money. Also, I've never been to New Orleans but I hear it's quite a gas. Actually scratch that, it's not really there anymore. You also might consider going to see the Grande Canyon or Washington D.C. to see the monuments and they also have some good museums. If you're looking for a tropical sort of thing you should go to Key West or you could come to Orlando and we can go to Disney World and watch the Indiana Jones stunt show with all the other tourists!

And there ya have it. An American's favourite places to go in the United States of America.

What am I doing? I'm filming a Griffith University's Open Day commercial and documentary. Nothing much to be jealous of. My university is paying me to do it. We are trying to choose between Orlando and LA, but it looks more like LA at moment coz Disneyworld is way more expensive than Disneyland and because of Hollywood. And it's my Mum who wants to go to Las Vegas, NOT my Dad. But, considering the prices to see shows in Las Vegas, we might not go to Las Vegas. My Dad wants (and so do I) to go to New York. If we do go to Las Vegas, we will try for the Grand Canyon as well where you can go in one of those gliderplanes and Dad wants to give that a shot and I'm going with him. My Dad's pretty adventurous. Probably why I like Indy.

[Magda]

Pretty much anywhere in the U.S. is expensive. New York is probably number one.

[Edward The Head]

If you're into witches you might want to see Burkittsville, Maryland like I did. It's where The Blair Witch Project was filmed and at night you won't find anybody on the streets and they will have all the lights on in their houses...almost like they're afraid of something.

No it wasn't. I grew up in the area and they might have filmed the Burkittsville sign, that was it. They filmed it in Black Rock park, which is near me now. Though Burkittsville does have a lot of history around it, there is Gathland State park at the top of the hill, and two major civil war sites there, Antietam battle field is the biggest one. You're also close to DC and Baltimore.

[Violet Indy]

Officially, my Dad went to the Travel agent and it's almost finalised. We going to LA, Disneyland, Universal Studios and Las Vegas. And yeah, we're going on Qantas coz they're got a special on and it's more direct than Air New Zealand and United. We definitely going in September. Can't wait!:whip:

[Webley]

Vegas
http://www.vegas.com/index_gl.html?ic_campID=26

[Magda]

Yep, and more than 100 F (37+ C) during the days. Ah, home sweet home. :p

[Finn]

Ah, home sweet home. :p Still can't decide on which side of the pool it is?

[Magda]

Wherever my family happens to be is my home - that includes Poland, Vegas, and Southern California.

[Violet Indy]

Yep, and more than 100 F (37+ C) during the days. Ah, home sweet home. :p

Thanks for the Celsius conversion. Australia doesn't use Fahrenheit. :p

[VP]

Only the losers do. Tough guys use Kelvin. :whip: ;)

[Violet Indy]

Ok, guys. My mum just asked me the basic climate in LA and Las Vegas in September Can anyone give me a ball park, so we know what to take in terms of clothes, etc.

[San Holo]

Ok, guys. My mum just asked me the basic climate in LA and Las Vegas in September Can anyone give me a ball park, so we know what to take in terms of clothes, etc.
It is very hot and sunny in the daytime-so bring alot of shorts and t-shirts, and at night it gets pretty chilly-cold enough to wear a jacket. I'm sure you are familiar with desert climates.

[Doctor Jones'89]

Choose Miami, a wonderful place; however if you will travel abroad choose my beautiful Italia.:)

[Magda]

Italia is too bloody expensive. :p

[Doctor Jones'89]

You're absolutely right they're f***ing us with Euro (our Europen money) and in Italy there is also a tax on everithing called "IVA", so for example a videogame in the States costs 45$ in Italy it should cost around 35 Euro but with the Iva you'll pay it around 45 euro: 57 dollars (there is an economical crisis that you can't possibly immage:dead: ). But I don't wanna bore you ...there will be so much to say about our thief govern...
However Italy is simply amazing, and if you like archeology, you won't lose it! ;)

[Magda]

One of things I remember when I visited Italy three years ago is the small bottle of Coca-Cola I bought for three Euros or about five US dollars in Rome. That is the probably the most expensive soft drink I have ever purchased. :O

[Violet Indy]

Thanks guys. In regards, to Italy, I actually am an Italian citzen as well as being Australian. I would loved to have gone to Italy to see my heritage but, it's even more expensive than going to LA and Las Vegas.

[Violet Indy]

Yay! I'm on plane in 2 weeks from this Thursday (rest of the world's Wednesday). :whip: Within a couple of weeks, I'll be at the Temple of the Forbidden Eye!!!

[Violet Indy]

Yes, as many of you know, I am going to LA and Vegas. I'm on the plane in two weeks!!!!! Yay!

[Magda]

I hope you have tons of fun! I like Los Angeles better than Las Vegas purely because I live in Vegas, and I get bored of the Strip that other people covet so much. It's really a place for people twenty-one years of age and over. The casinos, clubs, and hotels probably won't interest me until I can actually enter gamble or drink alcohol without getting a fake ID confiscated.

However, I am sure you and your family will find plenty of other stuff that all of you can enjoy. The shopping is wonderful (if you're are into it like I am), and the sites surrounding the city are worth seeing. Are you going to the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon?

[roundshort]

Ahhh two of my favorite places to go in America. LA (all of southern California rock! Sure it is kinda dirty, traffic sucks, people are crazt, and the smog, but there is a ton to do. Disnery, of course is a must, but all of the OC is actually pretty cool. As I have never seen the show, I still like the beach there. Pasadena is a wicked cool plac esp. up around the Ritz. The restaurants are good, but not like in Northern California. Have fun, check out Melrose and Hollywood, it is really fun.

Vegas is fun as I have a bunch of friends there, so there is always a million things to do. The shows are funa nd getting better. Check out Pantom at the Venitan, a nice show, that is not too long. Also the New Beatles tribute thing is also cool. If you and your fam want to got o a great restaurant, Picsso is one of the best meals I have ever had, top 10 (that includes all the 3-star paces in Frnace I have been to. Also there are some cool musems and things. The Venitian usually has some great shows. The stuff in Belliago is fun to. Just go into all the big resorts and check them out. There is so much art and great things to see, it really is like no other place in the world.

[Pale Horse]

LA (all of southern California rock!) Sure it is kinda dirty, traffic sucks, people are crazy....

Hey now, don't scare em off. We live here.

[roundshort]

Hey now, don't scare em off. We live here.
Hell I live in Northern cali, where Traffic is worse, people are craizier, it is dirty, AND it is cold at night, still the greatest state in the greatest country in the world! California is what the 5th largest economy in the world, that is fun to think about!

[roundshort]

Too late. I think most people living outside of the California area don't have a very good impression of the L.A. area.

It really is fun, I thought I would hate it now I jump at any chance to go and visit. Really Southern California Rocks!

[etobicoke indy]

hey i was planning a scenic trip to perhaps sunny and family based compton,or east la??? any suggestions???:p

[Magda]

Vegas drivers make Cali drivers look like model citizens.

[Violet Indy]

Hey now, don't scare em off. We live here.

The Americans at film school have already tried scaring me off from LA. :) Rather amusing.

However, I am sure you and your family will find plenty of other stuff that all of you can enjoy. The shopping is wonderful (if you're are into it like I am), and the sites surrounding the city are worth seeing. Are you going to the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon?

Not sure about the Grand Canyon. I think we'll probably go to Hoover Dam. The Americans at film school also said that Grand Canyon was pretty far away, like in Arizona or something. I'm not that good with American geography, so I don't really know if they were telling the truth.

[Magda]

Far from Las Vegas? It's probably two hours away.

[Violet Indy]

2 hours isn't too bad. Have you been there?

[Magda]

Yes, I have been there twice, and it never seemed very far when driving from Vegas. It probably depends on the amount of traffic on the road. You may be able to find tours that take you to the Grand Canyon and arrange for you to stay one night so you don't have to rush. When you arrive in Vegas, I would check with the hotel you are staying in to see if they can refer you to any tours. If you can't do Grand Canyon, you can definitely find a ton of other stuff to do.

[Violet Indy]

I'm going to stay at MGM Grand for 5 nights. I would think they'd have plenty of tours coming out from there and shows as well.

[Magda]

I haven't been to any shows myself, but I hear they're wonderful.

[roundshort]

MGM has KA, a cirque du Soleil, which like all cirque shows is awesome! If you like the Beatles (one of the greatest bands ever, Check out LOVE at The Mirage, it is Killer. Mystere at TI (Treasure Island) is still very cool. But the two best are Blue Man Group and Phantom both at the Venetian. These are all quailty shows, but they all cost a lot!

Vegas is some of the best people watching you can do anywhere in the world. You have everything! Eurotrash, Rednecks, Latin "Ganstas" we will sit and just watcht he people go by! You will h ave a lot of fun in Vegas.

[Violet Indy]

Thanks for the advice everybody. :whip: I'm on the plane in 2 days. So this might be the last time I post for 3 weeks. So behave for the mods while I'm gone. :p

[Moedred]

Comfortable walking shoes! The most important thing your whole family needs to bring to Vegas. Spend a day walking the strip, wandering into casinos. They all kinda smell like ashtrays (except maybe the Wynn), but the decor gambling revenue can buy is awesome.

[Violet Indy]

Yep, did that Modered. Just thanking everyone for their advice and I'm now back home safe and sound. :up: Had a great time, would have been better if it weren't for the food being soooooooo bad in America. I got food poisoning from the MGM Grand. :(

[Violet Indy]

Yep. VI is back!!! I just got off the plane yesterday. Recovering today. Film school tomorrow. :up: :whip: It's all good. Man, I bought loads of stuff back. I bought two Indy shirts (one Raiders, one Mickey as Indy), an Indy mug (for me to drink my favourite tea, chamomile), an Mickey as Indy baseball, an Temple of Forbidden Eye map and two Indy postcards and a Mickey as Indy riding the ride pin. That was just at the Indy outpost. I also went to Planet Hollywood and found "Snake Surprise" and "Monkey Brains." At Downtown Disney, I found the Grail Knight's sword (no photos of that unfortunately). But, yeah a great adventure that even Indy would have been proud to go on. :up:

[Kill Cavalry]

Heck, I live only a couple hours south of the Indy outpost and I still haven't been there in years...Glad to hear you had a good time!

[VP]

Miss you? Well not really, since it was only such a short trip. If you had been away for months then perhaps.

[Jay R. Zay]

i missed her. :( but actually, an australian always is away. :p

[IndyBuff]

I'm glad to hear you had a good trip and got back safely! Those Indy stores are definately addictive.:up:

[Canyon]

Of course!!! :D

Violet, sounds like you had a blast!!! I wish I could have been there! :up:

I bought five Indy tee shirts when I went to Disney in California last year and went on the Indy ride also. :D

[Violet Indy]

Nice to know I was missed. ;)

@ Jay: Duh!!!

@ VP: You'd actually miss me after a few months.... I'm touched. :p

@ Indybuff: Yeah, they are. I wish they had some down here. It was soooooo hard to choose what to bring home. :up:

@ Canyon: Your kind comments always make me feel at home at the Raven. :hat:

[Gustav]

Welcome back, Violet. Yes, you were missed. I admit it.

So what did you think of Americans? Obviously you experienced a lot of liberty and justice. But tell us about it. What did you think of the way Americans drive, talk, dispense justice, eat fast food? Were there more nice ones than mean ones? That kind of stuff. Compare with Australia.

[Moedred]

I got food poisoning from the MGM Grand.
Yeah, next time don't eat anything the Lollipop Guild hands you.
Did you see the Ka (http://www.mgmgrand.com/ka/) show?

[Violet Indy]

Sure, glad to. Unfortunately, I met more Americans with bad attitudes rather than nice ones. A lot of people particularly in LA seemed really peeved off all the time. Don't know why. People would hate it when you try to ask for directions, what a certain dish contains in it, etc. For example, when we were walking around Sunset Blvd, we were looking for the Hollywood sign. We had walked for about a hour and Dad decided to ask for directions. So he asked a fellow who was locking his car. My Dad asks him where it is, the guy simply points and gets back to trying to ignore us. My Dad then asks how far. The guys says "oh, six miles." We realise at this point that it is too far to walk. Now in Australia, busy or not, an Aussie would have said in the first place, "Don't bother walking. You're better off catching a cab in six miles in that direction." Believe or not, I do that all the time on the train to film school everyday. There's always tourists from around the world, asking me that stuff, but I'm happy to help. I could be bothered and in a huff about it but it isn't really that big a deal.


Americans, I have found to be rather rough drivers. You guys, can turn into the line of traffic when the lights are red. In Australia, this is illegal. Americans will run you over asnd the crossings' timing really doesn't last long enough for the amount of people who use the crossings. I'd hate to be disable crossing the street in America. Or a little old lady for that matter.

The food is bad. I ended up with food poisoning in Vegas near the end of the trip. The food portions are larger. In fact, your small McDonalds combos are our large combos. However, the American apple pies from MacD's are better than Australia's. There are more Italian restaurants in America (that's a plus). There is way too many hot dogs and burgers for my liking. Aussies eat way less and personally, I think better food. And the sodas in America, have a strong aftertaste, ours don't. Ours is much more subtle.

Showmanship in America is phenomenonal. I have never seen such effort and detail in the Vegas shows, in Disneyland's rides and in particular, the regal beauty of Grauman's Chinese Theatre. We don't have such a grand scale.

Tipping is really what Americans live on. In Australia, there is no tipping, however our wages are much bigger so we earn better money than we would with tipping and low wages. We have a national health system, so if you do get sick you're not thrown into the gutters like in the US. We can reach doctors and we can get medicine for a decent price. Our university's are cheaper and fairer. For example, US film school you paying what about 100 000 bucks at the end of it and you don't touch a camera til 3rd year or so I've heard. In Australia, at the end it totals up to 15 000 bucks, plus you touch a camera in your first week and right up til graduation.

One last thing... the Pollution.... I shudder at it. The smog that never dies in LA and black rain in Las Vegas. I've never seen anything like that. Australia have deep blue skies, no smog and clean fresh air, even in Sydney, the busiest city. And United Airlines doesn't clean their planes at all. Our planes are always cleaned, even before a half hour flight.

I know I've written a lot but these were my observations. I'm sorry if I have offended, but this is what I've seen.

[Violet Indy]

Actually, it was the Room Service hot dog.:sick: No, didn't see Ka. I'm not a huge fan of Cirque Du Soliel. They come to Australia a lot anyway. However, I did see Phantom at the Venetian. That was amazing!!!!! I also saw Celine Dion at Ceasar's and Lance Burton at Monte Carlo (that wasn't good). I also saw Tourney of Kings at Excalibur (that was awesome, one of the best meals in Vegas too).

[Magda]

If you are going to eat in America, it's better to stay away from the fast food. No wonder you think it's bad.

[intergamer]

I know I've written a lot but these were my observations. I'm sorry if I have offended, but this is what I've seen.

Your observations are mostly off-base. Please note, America certainly has the best university system (how many Aussie schools are ranked in the top 20 world wide?); especially in that most colleges offer need-blind admission and pay financial aid to the full extent necessary. This thing about "not touching a camera until 3rd year", where did you get it from - it's completely FUD. Come to MIT and tell me US universities don't give you your money's worth.

You're basing all of your judgments off of singularities: "Americans don't clean their planes"? wtf? And I dare you to produce one statistic that suggests that aussie waiters get higher all in pay on average (hint, it's not true). Also, you went to some trashy parts of LA, and Las Vegas - not at representative of anything. And the national health system just comes out of your taxes..
you seem to be turned off because you met one guy that's not as nice as you (think you) are. well that's why this country is a melting pot. Next time try San Fransisco, Boston, Chicago, New York.

[Indy Benson]

On behalf of our country, I apologize for the rudeness. However, it sounds like you hit the touristy areas, and I'm sure the locals sometimes get tired of helping out the tourists. L.A. is not representative of our entire country (especially in the natural beauty department), so please don't think that the whole country is this way. If you want to see the true beauty of America, go to Colorado, for example, and see the Rocky Mountains, or come here to Michigan in the fall to see the amazing fall colors.

Traveling all that way...and end up eating at McDonalds? I think I would do the same thing, though, just to see how they compare. :)

[Magda]

Your judgments do seem a little harsh, VI, especially since you were only in the United States for two week, which was split between two different cities. I wouldn't generalize Americans and what you "observed" by single experiences, just like I wouldn't judge Australians based on my online observations of you.

And were you honestly expecting clean air in L.A. and Vegas, as well as five star cuisine from hotel room service and places like McDonald's? As for your judgments of the American health system and education, you got this information second hand, right? Also, who says that Australians are healthier eaters than Americans?

http://www.katelundy.com.au/obesity.htm
http://www.health.gov.au/internet/wcms/publishing.nsf/Content/factsheet-obesity.htm

[qwerty]

Why are you jumping on Violet Indy like that? She is just saying what she saw and giving her impresions of USA.
Sure, she did not see entire country, and her words do not apply to everything in USA. But still she saw what she saw. And that's the truth. Do not run away from it.
When you go to Australia you can compare it to your city and say whatever you want. For now let the girl see the world with her own eyes.

[Indy Benson]

Sorry, but her post may be what she saw, but it was also very negative. It paints a poor picture of the US, and of course we Americans will try to defend it. I'm sure you would do the same, qwerty.

[Jay R. Zay]

I wouldn't judge Australians based on my online observations of you.

that's true. the number of australians who don't communicate per kangaroo mail is a small group of sci-fi fans, anyway. you can't expect some online representative of australia to be a typical one.

[Violet Indy]

Amazing how quick peple turn on you. I'm surprised that you all think that the examples I gave were the only things that happened thus giving my generalisations. Similar things had happened eg. Waiters giving strange looks whenever I asked about certain dishes, Mexicans getting angry because I couldn't speak Spanish and because they got my order wrong. I didn't just eat fast food, I ate various foods at various restaurants. I wasn't expecting luxury, I was expecting just common eatable food standards. We do have people who are overweight, but not as many in number, nor as large.

Education info was second hand, so go ahead correct me if I'm wrong.

American universities are better funded and have been for longer. I would also like to point out Australia's Geelong Grammar, at which Prince Charles future king of England attended.

In the end, a person is truly the nly one who knows their home. I am only a guest. I maybe a nice person, but I am not a "Yes" woman. If anyone were to come to Australia, and say anything negative, I accept our faults, and would defend, but in the end get up and move on.

As for the Health System, there are well known facts. Go look up Medicare Australia and see what I'm talking about.

As for waiters, try 10 bucks an hour and up depending on where you work.

I also said positive comments and none have noticed. For all who think Australia is a backward country, you really need to see the place for yourselves before you go attacking Australia just because I made some negative observations.

[fortuneandglory]

Sure, glad to. Unfortunately, I met more Americans with bad attitudes rather than nice ones. A lot of people particularly in LA seemed really peeved off all the time. Don't know why. People would hate it when you try to ask for directions, what a certain dish contains in it, etc. For example, when we were walking around Sunset Blvd, we were looking for the Hollywood sign. We had walked for about a hour and Dad decided to ask for directions. So he asked a fellow who was locking his car. My Dad asks him where it is, the guy simply points and gets back to trying to ignore us. My Dad then asks how far. The guys says "oh, six miles." We realise at this point that it is too far to walk. Now in Australia, busy or not, an Aussie would have said in the first place, "Don't bother walking. You're better off catching a cab in six miles in that direction." Believe or not, I do that all the time on the train to film school everyday. There's always tourists from around the world, asking me that stuff, but I'm happy to help. I could be bothered and in a huff about it but it isn't really that big a deal.


Americans, I have found to be rather rough drivers. You guys, can turn into the line of traffic when the lights are red. In Australia, this is illegal. Americans will run you over asnd the crossings' timing really doesn't last long enough for the amount of people who use the crossings. I'd hate to be disable crossing the street in America. Or a little old lady for that matter.

The food is bad. I ended up with food poisoning in Vegas near the end of the trip. The food portions are larger. In fact, your small McDonalds combos are our large combos. However, the American apple pies from MacD's are better than Australia's. There are more Italian restaurants in America (that's a plus). There is way too many hot dogs and burgers for my liking. Aussies eat way less and personally, I think better food. And the sodas in America, have a strong aftertaste, ours don't. Ours is much more subtle.

Showmanship in America is phenomenonal. I have never seen such effort and detail in the Vegas shows, in Disneyland's rides and in particular, the regal beauty of Grauman's Chinese Theatre. We don't have such a grand scale.

Tipping is really what Americans live on. In Australia, there is no tipping, however our wages are much bigger so we earn better money than we would with tipping and low wages. We have a national health system, so if you do get sick you're not thrown into the gutters like in the US. We can reach doctors and we can get medicine for a decent price. Our university's are cheaper and fairer. For example, US film school you paying what about 100 000 bucks at the end of it and you don't touch a camera til 3rd year or so I've heard. In Australia, at the end it totals up to 15 000 bucks, plus you touch a camera in your first week and right up til graduation.

One last thing... the Pollution.... I shudder at it. The smog that never dies in LA and black rain in Las Vegas. I've never seen anything like that. Australia have deep blue skies, no smog and clean fresh air, even in Sydney, the busiest city. And United Airlines doesn't clean their planes at all. Our planes are always cleaned, even before a half hour flight.

I know I've written a lot but these were my observations. I'm sorry if I have offended, but this is what I've seen.

You know, I missed you. But if you ate fast food, and got food poisoning, welcome to America. You really got a small sample there, and it's hardly a representative one of ALL American food. Especially Home cooked. Eat a real apple pie for goodness sake!;)

As for the pollution, you went to LA and Las Vegas. What a surprise there. You should've gone to Maryland, my Home state. Maryland is quite the beautiful place. And pollution is low. You go to LA and Las Vegas, then you were bound to inhale somethin' bad. You could've gone to the midwest too, someplace cleaner that is. Big skies and clean air. I live in Oklahoma right now. Oh, and if you want good pedestrian traffic, and people who won't run you over, come to a College town like Stillwater. Drivers roll over for pedestrians here, because they are all jerks and don't care if they get run over. Just kidding.

And tipping. It's what low paying jobs live on. Like waitressing. They get like two bucks an hour, and have to make it up somewhere.

And BTW, you don't really get a good picture of us Yankees in LA and Las Vegas. They are kind of the mutant of America when it comes to nice, sensible people. And when Mexicans get mad 'cuz you can't speak spanish, blame it on California appeasing them like they do. It's disgusting. You'd never experience that in other places. The fact is, those cities are strictly buisness and don't care all that much about people, nor their happiness.

As for Sodas, well... it's the metal. Drink it straight from the bottle, or not at all. Try for glass too, it's better, I swear. If you want hospitality, you better meet a person like me. Just kidding, but avoid resorts and rich College towns controlled by philanthropists, and you'll be fine. Visit Maryland, like I said. Go to Gettysburg too, that place is amazing. In Maryland, the drivers better, the people are nicer, the pollution isn't there, and there is ALOT to do. They've got Ocean City, and Washington DC (the smithsonian), and... well I'm blabbering. Just giving you suggestions though, trying to set the record straight. I'm certainly not turning on you. I'm sorry people were so mean to you here though.

[Jay R. Zay]

For all who think Australia is a backward country, you really need to see the place for yourselves before you go attacking Australia just because I made some negative observations.

i've been there, it's like

http://www.totaltravel.com.au/photos/outback-track-tours-pty-l/outback.jpg

but hey - europe had its middle ages, too. just a couple of centuries earlier. :p

on the other hand, she's right, the USA are one dirty hole.

http://www.bibmondo.it/att/opu/img/harlem.jpg

you should visit germany.

http://arno.breker.free.fr/photos03/konigsplatz01.JPG

[Moedred]

We have a national health system, so if you do get sick you're not thrown into the gutters like in the US.
I heard this urban legend all over Europe. Like the KKK Marlboro box and the old lady living on cat food, it's total hogwash. Every American - plus 12 million illegal immigrants - can get "free" health care (technically it's free only if you don't pay taxes). We see them every day where I work. Mostly for preventable situations. We just shrug and bill Medicare, Medicaid and SSI. It's wrong, because if these people place such a low value on their health, taxpayers shouldn't be forced to value it highly.

I don't base my opinion of the French on the Parisians I've met. Of course LA is full of jerks. That's why I gave you precise directions to the Hollywood sign in June (http://raven.theraider.net/showthread.php?t=9359). By the way, did you get a backstage tour of Paramount?

[fortuneandglory]

Jay, your pictures are a small sample, just like Violet's experience here.

Beautiful places in America:
http://www.mariettapa.com/images/PA105.jpg
A Georgian House
http://www.campchase.com/ArchivePhotos/Gettysburg/Gettysburg%2043%20-%20D2%20-%20Up%20Little%20Round%20Top.JPG
Gettysburg
http://images.google.com/url?q=http://www.beyonddc.com/images/photos/md/frederick/sidewalk03.jpg&sig=__806UVZH9HgJiCVlvk1HfEUcSAlo=
Downtown in my hometown of Frederick
http://www.oklahomariverwalkcabins.com/images/kiamichi2.jpg
A road in Oklahoma near where I live now
http://www.jdhodges.com/l_photos/1/photos_2003_08_16_cross_usa_trip/dsc00335.jpg
A coastline in California

Beautiful Places in Australia -
http://www.gowithapro.com/classifieds/media/ci79cm245.jpg
A coastline in Australia
http://www.screensavershot.com/nature2/australia1.jpg
Sydney at dusk
http://home.vicnet.net.au/~anzses/bushgrp.jpg
A safari group in the Wilderness

Since you countered with Germany, heres one for you

Beautiful places in Germany-
http://www.imprs-astro.mpg.de/images/munich_and_bavaria/Neuschwanstein2_small.jpg
Neuschwanstein Castle
http://www.babinets.com/singles/germany_4.jpg
A Cathedral

Not So nice things in Germany
http://www.jaunted.com/files/3/dirty_germany.jpg
A Trash can
http://www.oxfam.org.uk/coolplanet/ontheline/explore/nature/oceans/images/polluted.jpg
The Wadden Sea off of Germany

All I'm saying is, you can't judge a country off of one picture. Each place has it's merits and it's shortfalls.

I heard this urban legend all over Europe. Like the KKK Marlboro box and the old lady living on cat food, it's total hogwash. Every American - plus 12 million illegal immigrants - can get "free" health care (technically it's free only if you don't pay taxes). We see them every day where I work. Mostly for preventable situations. We just shrug and bill Medicare, Medicaid and SSI. It's wrong, because if these people place such a low value on their health, taxpayers shouldn't be forced to value it highly.

I don't base my opinion of the French on the Parisians I've met. Of course LA is full of jerks. That's why I gave you precise directions to the Hollywood sign in June (http://raven.theraider.net/showthread.php?t=9359). By the way, did you get a backstage tour of Paramount?

By the way Moe, I totally agree. We do not by any means refuse treatment to those who are in dire need. We certainly do not throw people out when they need it and can't pay for it, that is a load of crap.

[Jay R. Zay]

as i've said, i have been to both countries where i visited many different places, which might have lead you to the conclusion that i wasn't being serious... :rolleyes:

about my last "photo of germany", it's a concept model of hitler's architect albert speer that never was realized at all.

by the way, i don't find this trash can bad...

[fortuneandglory]

Guess I didn't pick up the sarcasm. Oh well, we're in agreement. Nice photo, that was funny in retrospect.

[Violet Indy]

That coastline is where I live.:) Serious.

As for that backstage tour of Paramount, I didn't bother contacting Stephens. It was hard to get to a decent internet cafe.

And I agree with you, fortune and glory. I didn't see those parts of America and I'd like to one day. A lot of people that I met that were from the Mid West in my travels, were the only nice people. We met a lovely professor from Chicago State University and we now keep contact with her via email. Friendliest person in Vegas. She was on holiday too.

As for Germany, it's another place I've always wanted to go, actually. My mum went twenty years ago when she went to Hungary. She said that Frankfurt was beautiful. But, c'mon Jay. Don't tell me you just went to the Outback??? It's boring out there. Sydney is the best. :up: So is Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

[VP]

Finland:

http://www.saunalahti.fi/retki/kuvat/v2/Trut20102.jpg

http://personal.inet.fi/koti/unto.valli/galleria05/tmaisema24.jpg

http://www.kimppa.fi/images/hirsim%C3%B6kin%20j%C3%A4rvimaisema.jpg

[Indy Benson]

Ooooh! That lake has fishing written all over it, VP. :D

[Gustav]

For example, US film school you paying what about 100 000 bucks at the end of it and you don't touch a camera til 3rd year or so I've heard. In Australia, at the end it totals up to 15 000 bucks, plus you touch a camera in your first week and right up til graduation.

One last thing... the Pollution.... I shudder at it. The smog that never dies in LA and black rain in Las Vegas. I've never seen anything like that.


Maybe I should move to Australia then.

As for pollution, you've seen the worst of it. LA is notorious for its smog. The smog capital of North America.

Most of your observations were not unexpected. And thank you for be so honest. I can't speak for others, but it doesn't offend me in the least because I know it's probably all true.

There is still plenty of America left though so as much as you liked LA and Vegas you should see some other parts of the country because there is such a wide variety of customs and scenery and cities that I seriously doubt you happened to land in your favourite part. Sometimes just crossing a city limit feels like going into another country.

[Violet Indy]

Yeah, well when I do get enough money I will see the more cultural parts of America, like Washington and Boston. Maybe New York, but it's the distance of flight that puts me off going to New York, more than anything.

One question... Is it true what I was told about film school in America? Is it really that expensive?

And may i say, VP Finland does look beautiful. I enjoy fishing so it looks like a good spot...

[intergamer]

for the best schools (like USC), that figure is about right (although the nonsense about "not touching a camera" is complete FUD). However, as I said, US schools offer need-based scholarship; ie. they ask you to pay only exactly what you can afford.
Since I do not receive financial aid, I pay (including room and board) $45,000 a year for (non-film school) university - which is expensive but very much worth it.

[Jay R. Zay]

But, c'mon Jay. Don't tell me you just went to the Outback??? It's boring out there. Sydney is the best.

well, actually i liked the outback. but no, i've been to melbourne, cairns, sydney, the uluru and a couple of smaller towns and villages along the roads. sydney is nice but actually, as well as melbourne, in my view much alike cities around the world. if you can have the outback every day, it surely can be boring. for somebody like me, who has to travel 10.000 miles to see something like it, it actually was impressive.

however, i understand that a populous and busy area like sydney provokes a similar reaction in the average australian. :p

[Canyon]

@ Canyon: Your kind comments always make me feel at home at the Raven. :hat:

Glad to hear it. :D

[Violet Indy]

well, actually i liked the outback. but no, i've been to melbourne, cairns, sydney, the uluru and a couple of smaller towns and villages along the roads. sydney is nice but actually, as well as melbourne, in my view much alike cities around the world. if you can have the outback every day, it surely can be boring. for somebody like me, who has to travel 10.000 miles to see something like it, it actually was impressive.

however, i understand that a populous and busy area like sydney provokes a similar reaction in the average australian. :p

Yeah, you're probably right. I have to agree about cities being very similar around the world, but I just love Sydney. Brisbane isn't as big but, it's just as nice and has plenty of parks in it. My film school actually is located in the major parklands, South Bank. The Outback, I'm sure is interesting to visitors and I'm glad you liked it.

[etobicoke indy]

well, i agree with most...every country has the good and the bad...for example i live in Canada...people say what a nice,and safe country it is...and the people are super friendly etc....blah blah blah....there are some morons here that i would like to shoot personally, i have been almost robbed 4 times in my life, and in the summertime Chinatown smells like some serious sweaty ass....but come down and visit us....oh ya, and our health care is free!!!!:D

[Violet Indy]

Here's some photos....

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m221/Violetindy/DisneyCastle.jpg

You should know where this is...

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m221/Violetindy/SnakeSurprise.jpg

Snake Surprise! Planet Hollywood, Las Vegas.

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m221/Violetindy/IndyOutpost.jpg

The Indy Adventure Outpost.

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m221/Violetindy/Indytruck.jpg

If you don't recognise this truck, how can you call yourself an Indyfan????

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m221/Violetindy/GraumansChinese.jpg

My favourite part of LA. Grauman's.

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m221/Violetindy/MGMView.jpg

View from our room at the MGM Grand.

[Matinee Idyll]

Oooh, looks excitin' VI! Must've been amazin'!... Glad y'had a lovely time.

Erm, the Indy Outpost... what is this? A theme park? Is that where the Raiders truck is?

[Gustav]

Grauman's. What was it like? Did you go inside?

Good pictures. It looks like you have a good family. Reminds me of when my family and I used to go on vacations to Disney World and Washington D.C. and places like that. Is that your only sibling?


Matinee, the Indy Outpost is essentially a gift shop, but it's probably the coolest kind of gift in the world because it has Indiana Jones stuff that you can't find anywhere else except online.

[Violet Indy]

Yes, I went inside!!!!! It was soooooo beautiful. :D It has inspired me to keep going in film school. Yeah, my brother's my only sibling. My Dad was taking most of the photos (he thinks he's the greatest holiday photographer) so that's why you don't see him in these photos.

The Raiders truck is at the entrance to the Indiana Jones Adventure ride aka Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye. The best ride of all time!!

The Outpost is also the best gift shop of all time. I bought most of my souvenirs from there. :o

I also went to Univrsal Studios, I forgot to post a photo from that. When I get time, I will do it.

[Indy Benson]

Indiana Jones Adventure ride aka Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye. The best ride of all time!!

The ride itself is decent, but it's the set-up, the before stuff, that is top notch. Another great "set-up" ride is the Tower of Terror in DisneyWorld.

[westford]

Cool pics Violet! I think I'd spend a fortune if I ever visited the Outpost :D

[Violet Indy]

Yeah, the set up is fantastic. The Roger Rabbit ride was another ride with a great set-up too.

Yeah, I spent a small fortune of the money I had made from my uni shooting footage to be used in promos and commercials at the Outpost. It was soooo hard to pick what to buy. If I had more room in my luggage and more money, I probably would have bought one of everything in that store. That was not spurprisingly, the place I bought the most from. I bought a couple of shirts from Vegas (Planet Hollywood one and a couple of shirts that I needed from Walmart after being sick) and a few little bits and pieces from Grauman's and from Universal, but that's about it.

[ninepinejones]

Violet,Im heading back to LA in December, I live in Venice Beach when Im there, its a circus of people every day, definetly something to see. I lived in Kauai in Hawaii before I moved to LA, Kauai is awesome for Indy fans because thats where they filmed Raiders and thats where Lucas and Spielberg agreed on doing the project together. I lived directly under the paramount rock that the camera fades into in the very begining of Raiders, it was a dream come true to live in the exact spot where they filmed it. I used to don my fedora and hike along the river where indy swings on the vine to escape the natives. They have a;) Raiders tour on the island where they bring you to the spots that were used in the film. Speilberg used the island for Jurassic park also. Im in Venice Italy right now, it looks just like it does in the Last Crusade, its sweeeet I tell yah. :)

[vaxer]

I lived directly under the paramount rock that the camera fades into in the very begining of Raiders, it was a dream come true to live in the exact spot where they filmed it. I used to don my fedora and hike along the river where indy swings on the vine to escape the natives. They have a;) Raiders tour on the island where they bring you to the spots that were used in the film. Speilberg used the island for Jurassic park also. Im in Venice Italy right now, it looks just like it does in the Last Crusade, its sweeeet I tell yah. :)

Welcome ninepinejones! :)
Do you by any chance have pictures of these places so we could see how it looks like now?

[ninepinejones]

I actually have a few really good pictures of Venice, Italy, but as far as Kauai goes I will be there in January and will definetly take some good shots of these Indy areas. My past roomate still lives on a parcel of land directly under the The Raider rock which is about a quarter mile from the river where the plane c3-po was parked. Im not sure how to post pictures yet so I will ask a friend to give me a hand and in January I will post what I get from Kauai. I actually left my fedora on the bookshelf where my roomate still resides, its probably covered in spider webs by now, cant wait to get it back, the spiders in kauai are huge and move extremely fast, the rats where larger than my cat who I named Zatoichi after the blindswordsman, Zatoichi could still take them out though.:hat:

[qafir]

its probably covered in spider webs by now, cant wait to get it back, the spiders in kauai are huge and move extremely fast,

hillllarious:)

[Violet Indy]

*ba-bump*

Guess who's coming back? :p

Got a few questions:

Is Disneyland quite busy around the actual Christmas Day and New Year's Eve? Is it still open on New Year's Eve (as I did find on WkikAnswers, that it is open till 2am, but you know, I just want to make sure)?

Is it really, really cold in December/January in LA? Like enough for 3 or 4 layers worth of clothes, or not that cold?

[Insomniac]

*ba-bump*

Guess who's coming back? :p

Got a few questions:

Is Disneyland quite busy around the actual Christmas Day and New Year's Eve? Is it still open on New Year's Eve (as I did find on WkikAnswers, that it is open till 2am, but you know, I just want to make sure)?

Is it really, really cold in December/January in LA? Like enough for 3 or 4 layers worth of clothes, or not that cold?

First off I've never been to Disneyland but in Disney World it is usually at it's peak around Christmas.
all Disney parks are open year round 365 days a year except on leap years!(Pun)

It's pretty nice year round in LA but it can get a bit uncomfortable nothing sweatshirt shouldn't cover.

To my knowledge those are the facts!
:hat:

[Violet Indy]

First off I've never been to Disneyland but in Disney World it is usually at it's peak around Christmas.
all Disney parks are open year round 365 days a year except on leap years!(Pun)

It's pretty nice year round in LA but it can get a bit uncomfortable nothing sweatshirt shouldn't cover.

To my knowledge those are the facts!
:hat:

Thanks Insomniac. Would also like to hear from more people in general on the weather and also if anyone can let me know about the local restaurants in regards to whether any would be open on Christmas Day for lunch?

[IndyWolf15]

*ba-bump*

Guess who's coming back? :p

Got a few questions:

Is Disneyland quite busy around the actual Christmas Day and New Year's Eve? Is it still open on New Year's Eve (as I did find on WkikAnswers, that it is open till 2am, but you know, I just want to make sure)?

Is it really, really cold in December/January in LA? Like enough for 3 or 4 layers worth of clothes, or not that cold?
Last year when I was living in Cali with my parents, we went to Universeal Studios in Dec it was not bad at all.

Ah my family went back to or town we lived at Oxnard CA, in LA it gets cool because of the beach but not freezing cold, It gets around 70-80 F in LA. My family went to LA mostly every Sunday. Theres a place you mght like in LA and thats China Town. My parents mostly shopped at mall and my brother and I went to game stores like GameStop and ate at McD, BK, Wendy's and Chinese food thats about it, Oh and we went to the beach.

BEWARE some beachs have rules where you can walk around nude so be careful, my family ran into that problem..

[Agent Crab]

Sounds like a nice trip! Hope you have fun.

[Violet Indy]

Last year when I was living in Cali with my parents, we went to Universeal Studios in Dec it was not bad at all.

Ah my family went back to or town we lived at Oxnard CA, in LA it gets cool because of the beach but not freezing cold, It gets around 70-80 F in LA. My family went to LA mostly every Sunday. Theres a place you mght like in LA and thats China Town. My parents mostly shopped at mall and my brother and I went to game stores like GameStop and ate at McD, BK, Wendy's and Chinese food thats about it, Oh and we went to the beach.

BEWARE some beachs have rules where you can walk around nude so be careful, my family ran into that problem..

Yeah, I do plan to go to Chinatown, I missed out on it last time, because I was only there for a week and a bit (and we went on to Vegas, personally didn't like Vegas that much, they had some great shows like Phantom of the Opera, and the buildings are interesting but that's all there was).

We also plan to see some of the beach places, like Venice Beach and Newport. We've also heard stories about some of the beaches in the area so we're aware of such things (kind of happens around here too, though not as much). We also want to take a closer look around the OC and go to an American shopping mall just to compare (we did go to shops last time, but not a proper mall and all the hotels kind of make you go to all the upclass expensive ones, and well, my family and I certainly couldn't afford to buy things from those places, though I did get to a Walmart, and bought some shirts coz I need some).

Sounds like a nice trip! Hope you have fun.

Thank you very muchly. I hope so too. This decision to go was only made recently so it's been a bit of a spur of the moment type of holiday unlike last time, which was planned further in advance. At least, this time, we're more prepared and more knowledgeable of LA and Anaheim.

[Agent Crab]

No problem! I wanna go there. I been to Toucsan Arizona, which was great in my opinions. Even visted the moutain towns there.

[sandiegojones]

*ba-bump*

Guess who's coming back? :p

Got a few questions:

Is Disneyland quite busy around the actual Christmas Day and New Year's Eve? Is it still open on New Year's Eve (as I did find on WkikAnswers, that it is open till 2am, but you know, I just want to make sure)?

Is it really, really cold in December/January in LA? Like enough for 3 or 4 layers worth of clothes, or not that cold?

I'm from LA and my brother-in-law works at Disneyland (he does the canoes around the lake out front of Pirates of the Caribbean).

Thanksgiving and Christmas are the best days for Disneyland. You'll have at worst a 10 minute wait for stuff. It's won't be too cold. It'll likely be high 70's or low 80's, but in the early morning hours it could maybe be in the high 40's. It's usually warms up fast around 10:00 am. Blue jeans and maybe a long sleeve t-shirt should be good unless you're the type who's always cold.

New Years might be crowed because of the out of towners out there for the Rose Bowl and Rose Parade in Pasadena.

The best beach is Santa Monica. The pier is fun and it's near 3rd Street Promenade. Venice is where all the freaks are (if that's what you're looking for). If you go to Chinatown, try "Hop Louie" for a meal. It's kinda greasy but good. I generally only go to Chinatown to buy cheap trinkets (and to see places from moves). Also across the way is Olvera Street which is an old Mexican street with real Mexican food and vendors (kinda looks like the little village Indy & Mutt walk through in KOTCS). Sometimes they have Mayan and Aztec Dancers too. http://www.olvera-street.com/html/olvera_street.html

[Violet Indy]

Thanks sandiegojones. :hat: What about Long Beach? Is that one ok or is that weird like Venice Beach?

Olvera Street sounds interesting so I definitely look into it.

I didn't do the canoes last time. I did go on the rafts onto Tom Sawyer Island (which I was just reading on one of Disney's websites, that it's now to do with Pirates).

Even if it's crowded, that's where we want to go on New Year's Eve. It's pretty interesting to hear that the queue is going to be pretty short on Christmas Day. I totally thought it would be full on crowded (at least, it would be if the theme parks were opened on Christmas Day on my side of the pond).

As for the Rose Parade in Pasadena. How far is Pasadena from Anaheim or LA? I have seen footage of the Parade, but we always see it later, so which day is that on?

[sandiegojones]

Both my parents grew up in Long Beach! I wouldn't recommend going to Long Beach for the beach. There is a beach, but the coast there gets more use as a harbor. There's some nice restaurants & stuff on Shoreline Drive and you can go see the Queen Mary and get a lot of ferries to go to Catalina, but other than that I wouldn't recommend going out of your way. Long Beach does have a cool Christmas boat parade though (people put lights all over their boats)!

I would say Santa Monica is as good as it gets, unless you go up the coast a little ways to Malibu.

Disneyland's great for Christmas. Main Street is decorated with a a lot of holiday flair. I also love how they decorate New Orleans Square. Very colorful!

Pasadena (lived there too!) is only about 10-15 minutes from downtown LA (with no traffic). From Anaheim it's about 40 minutes or so. The parade starts at 8:00 am on New Years day and then the game is later in the afternoon. Sitting out on the parade route on New Years Eve is fun. Thousands of people camp out along the 5 mile route and party all night. People throw marshmallows, tortillas with whipped cream and other sticky stuff in the street overnight and then when the parade comes by in the morning all of the marching bands and horses have to step in all of that!

I usually would hang out in front of the City College on Colorado Blvd from about 10:00 pm until midnight since they would have fireworks when the clock stuck 12:00 am (but I heard they haven't done that recently). You don't have to have tickets or stay outside all night to see the parade (it can get very cold!). Colorado Blvd is closed after midnight, but you can drive down Foothill Blvd (one block north) at about 5:30-6:00 am and then park on a side street near the college like Hill or Allen Street and make a very short walk to Colorado.

One of my favorite things to do for New Years is to go out on the Star of India (or any of the harbor excursions) in San Diego. They take the boat out into the middle of the bay and the fireworks are shot right over you and reflect off the water!