Things to do in LA, while you live

Dylan · Post by **Dylan** » Sun Jun 15, 2008 9:18 am

Hey folks,

I hope you're all doing wonderful. I've been pretty good myself, thanks, and looking forward to my summer holiday. The missus and I are going to the States!

We plan to spend some time in Los Angeles, a few days in Las Vegas and possibly also a couple of days in Chicago.

Would any of you have any recommendations for me? Such as nice restaurants, things to see, places to hang out, things I should definitely not do etc... ?

I greatly appreciate ideas and suggestions!

Love ya,

Dylan

ps: If anyone wants to meet up, then I'd certainly consider that as well of course. If you have a couch to spare, or want me to by you dinner, by all means give me a shout, in this topic or at dylan@paladinstudios.com . Cheers!

sprunkner · Post by **sprunkner** » Sun Jun 15, 2008 7:42 pm

L.A... do the Getty art museum if only for the view. Hit Manhattan beach and attempt to surf, and Griffith Observatory is always nice for that James Dean feeling. If you get a lot of time, drive up the coast on Highway 1 for some nice scenery.

Dylan · Post by **Dylan** » Mon Aug 04, 2008 5:21 am

I forgot to say thanks, sprunkner... thanks!

I've been in the States for a week and a half now, thoroughly enjoying myself. Just spent the day at Universal Studios in Hollywood, CA. In one of the stores just outside of the park, I found Animated Grimlock. Was about to buy him, but decided I'd hold off until the end of my trip.

Could anyone recommend cool TF / toys / comic stores in Chicago maybe?

Thanks in advance! Hope y'all are enjoying your summer!

Dylan

Post by **Best First** » Mon Aug 04, 2008 10:14 am

Missed this:

Chicago

- take a boat trip - you can get one that does a tour of the city via te river and then goes out onto Lake Michigan - wear suncream when you do
- Go to the bar in the Hancock tower at night and take in the city with an over priced drink
- Take in some blues - Kingston Mines or House of Blues is good
- There used to be an FAO/Scwartz in Chicago - not sure if its still there, if so may be good for TFs
- Eat pizza

Vegas
- make sure you see the Bellagio fountains at night
- Worth taking in a show of some kind, its part of the experience
- helicopter trip over the strip and the grand canyon
- depending on what day you are there and which hotel you stay at try and go to one of the afternoon pool parties, they are good fun
- Fashion Show mal is good fortaking advantage of the crappy $
- visit as many hotels as you can to take in all the various ridiculousness - def check out Bellagio, Cesar's, Venetian and the Wynn at least
- Palm's nightclub is great for views over the city at night
- Gamble, doesn't have to be much but at least hit the tables once to sample the experience

Sounds like you have already done LA, to be honest i would have said skip it and go to San Diego or San Francisco instead

sprunkner · Post by **sprunkner** » Mon Aug 04, 2008 2:52 pm

Or Seattle. Seriously. When will you guys wise up? Is it the English-esque weather?

Definitely plunk down the scratch for Cirque Du Soleil in Vegas. It'll break your bank and be worth it.

Professor Smooth · Post by **Professor Smooth** » Tue Aug 05, 2008 3:25 am

There's a place called "Quake's Collectibles" in Chicago. It's a pretty good spot for vintage toys and games. It's somewhere near Western and Montrose. I know the Lincoln Bus 11 route passes it.

There's also a Japanese marketplace called Mitsuwa outside the city. Nearby is an import shop call J1 Toys.

100 E Algonquin Rd
Arlington Hts, IL 60005
(847) 956-6699

I'm visiting relatives near Chicago this month, so if you want to get together, drop me a line and maybe we can work something out!

Cheers!

Dylan · Post by **Dylan** » Tue Aug 05, 2008 6:33 am

Hi folks!

Awesomeness, thanks a bunch for all the suggestions. I'm happy to say that I had thought of some of those already (including the Grand Canyon, Cirque du Soleil, and Chicago pizza).

We're staying at the Planet Hollywood, because it is affordable (semi) and just across from the Bellagio. We should definitely see the fountains.

We'll be in Chicago from Friday August 8th to Tuesday August 12th. If anybody is in the neighbourhood, I'd be up for meeting up! My cell phone number is +31 6 5314 2023 (that's a dutch country code). Feel free to call or send a text message. E-mail's dylannagel@hotmail.com .

Thanks again guys, you rock!

Dylan · Post by **Dylan** » Sun Aug 10, 2008 6:54 pm

Chicago's cool! I like it.

Quite hard to locate a toystore though, are these citizens not needy of cool items to play with?

I think I will take the bus / metro to a Toys R Us up north. I hope they have Animated Grimlock, but not sure. If not, then I'm a fool for not taking the one I had in my hands in Hollywood. Lesson learned! =)

Smooth One - are you still interested in meeting up? If so, send me a text message on my mobile, number is above. If not, then see you around!

Professor Smooth · Post by **Professor Smooth** » Mon Aug 11, 2008 3:28 am

I'm glad you're having a good time, Dylan!

I can't send text messages from the phone I've got here.

If you're gonna be around for another day or so, I'm totally up for getting together. If you can, drop me a line via PM or Email (prof_smooth@yahoo.com) and we'll try to make something work. I've got nothing but time on weekdays.

Cheers!

Dylan · Post by **Dylan** » Tue Aug 12, 2008 9:20 pm

Sorry I saw your message this late, can only check the Internet in a cafe near Michigan Avenue.

That's a real shame, Prof, my plane is leaving in less than four hours... fraid we can't meet up anymore then!

Perhaps next time!

ps: Toys 'R Us didn't disappoint - I got Animated Grimlock, Snarl, Jazz, Megatron and Starscream! I'm happy!