After a fawlty towers moment where a leaking pipe threatened to relocate us, we headed down to Beverly Hills for a quick peek down Rodeo Drive. Luckily for our wallets, both the shops were closed and we were running behind the well oiled schedule.

Universal Studios beckoned, and after a minor hiccup getting through the gates we wandered into the first 'ride' for the day. We could have almost left contented after that first 20 minutes because we laughed like drains through the entire experience. The House of Horrors was just a haunted house on steroids, with various (and lots of them) well-costumed ghoulies coming out of the dark - but it was pitch black, noisy, full of special effects and lead to a Conga line of Danielle, Sarah and Brooke clinging to the back of me, screeching all the way. Yvonne nearly wet herself at the back cackling over the girls reaction, and I mixed up screaming in terror with teary laughter as they shoved me into each dark corner full of knife and chainsaw wielding monsters. I suspect Sarah will never trust my guidance again. :-)

the rest of the day was an anticlimax after that, although there were some amazing 'rides'. Favourites were the Terminator 3d presentation and the studio tour with the new 3D element. Sarah still not that keen so most of the 3D was 0D as she had her eyes closed. We did get her on to the Simpson's virtual rollercoaster, which was the best of those we've come across. Very convincing rollercoaster for a 'flight simulator' gadget.

After a few more shows and rollercoasters and one 'splash' ride, we raced home to dump the car and head in to Madame Taussaud s for lots of photo opportunities. Dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe was brilliant, followed by MORE shopping. The movie folk were at it again and we got to see dry run of the action, cars, buses, gunshots and all.

Back home, to bed, exhausted by the day and wiped out by an overenthusiastic bar tender at Hard Rock. It was just one cocktail in a souvenir glass that cost $14 on Hollywood Boulevard . Didn't expect much, but, boy were we wrong!! Pure alcohol!

All up a great day with lots of laughs. Tomorrow - a theme park, just for something different! Six Flags magic Mountain - rollercoaster city.....