The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the world's first and largest Koala sanctuary (founded 1927). Located only 20 minutes from Brisbane, it is a short drive, or you can easily take one of the buses which stops right in front. There are many other animals here but the focus is on the Koalas. You can even have your picture taken with one of the cuddly animals. Note some of the celebrity photos on display with the animals. Another highlight is the … [Read more...]
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles anchors the heart of Southern California and LA is the 'King' here in the south land. International tourists who visit California often say to me, I visited Los Angeles and San Francisco, and I really didn't like Los Angeles, but San Francisco was so awesome; it is such a small city - easy to get around, manageable, picturesque etc. Well that is not what LA is about. To the casual visitor Los Angeles can be extremely overwhelming to … [Read more...]
Los Angeles, CA – Venues and Theatres
The following are select venues that we have visited and or attended an event at - in the Los Angeles area. Some of these venues are also discussed on our Hollywood page. Also note that sports stadiums and arenas often hold live performances and host major entertainment stars. We provide reviews of the major LA area stadiums and arenas here. Bob Baker Marionette Theatre. If one spends some time digging through all the layers of Los … [Read more...]
Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood
Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood. Few locations in the world have the instant International recognition and exposure that Hollywood has. Hollywood is only a name that most movie goers associate with the Film and TV industry. However, most people have no idea that its only a cog in the wheel of the vast movie making business which is centered in Southern California. In fact, of the major studios, only Paramount Studios is still located within Hollywood … [Read more...]
Los Angeles, CA – Irvine
Irvine (current population over 230,000) takes its namesake from James Irvine, the founder of Irvine Ranch (along with two partners). This huge ranch was originally 185 square miles of land (about a 1/4 of the entire present day Orange County). Irvine's son, also named James - inherited the ranch and then founded The Irvine Company in 1894. After his death in 1947 the company was controlled by his Foundation and stock holders. Eventually it was … [Read more...]
Los Angeles, CA – Torrance
Perhaps Torrance is not the first city you think of when visiting Los Angeles - but when digging into the city's history and unique attractions you quickly find that this is a city worth exploring. While flight was invented by the Wright Brothers near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina - it is in Torrance that flight was developed as a commercial entity. A number of company headquarters are located here - it is ground zero for International auto … [Read more...]
Los Angeles, CA – Venice Beach
Venice Beach is located just south of Santa Monica along the edge of the Pacific Ocean. This is a town of eclectic dichotomy of street side artists and backpackers along with a mix of trendy upscale establishments. Venice is home to numerous actors and actresses and the city has been featured in a number of films and TV shows including Baywatch. Very popular with surfers and you will often see surfers riding bicycles with their surf boards … [Read more...]
Los Angeles, CA – Watts – Compton
Watts & Compton lie in the southern shadow of Los Angeles and are both separated from each other by the 105 freeway. There is a lot of history in this part of Los Angeles. The Watts Riots of 1965 started here - the command center was located at the corner of Compton and Nadeau streets (still there). What is now Bethune Park at the corner of 61st and Hooper Ave used to be a gathering point for the Black Panthers. The history and neighborhoods … [Read more...]
Los Angeles, CA – Restaurants
There are literally thousands of restaurants in Los Angeles and compared to some large cities, overall the food here is generally quite good. Unlike in some cities, excellent restaurants are not always the most expensive or 'polished' - rather often some of LA's best food is found in unassuming strip malls. Pick any type of food you can think of. Los Angeles will have it. Any type of food. Chances are you will find a number of restaurants serving … [Read more...]
Prince Albert of Monaco Goes To The North Pole
More used to Grand Prix cars than dog sleighs, Monaco's Prince Albert's forthcoming trek to the North Pole has been greeted with surprise by many. But the Prince is fairly accustomed to the cold, in contrast to the Mediterranean warmth of Monaco where he became ruler last July following the passing of his father Prince Rainier, who had ruled the tax haven for over 50 years. Albert represented Monaco at the last five Winter Olympic Games in … [Read more...]