Our final day

For our last day of our awesome adventure, we decided we couldn't leave the USA without spending a day looking around Hollywood. So, we checked out of our hotel and jumped on the shuttle bus. 2 buses and 3 trains later, we were stepping out of the subway and straight onto the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It was lunch time and as we were checking around for somewhere to eat, when a guy approached us offering to take us on a $40 Hollywood tour for $20 each. We couldn't think of a better way to see the sights, so, without confirming we said we would ponder our decision over lunch. In the meantime, another guy approached us and offered to match his offer and explained why their tour was better. Again we said we would discuss it over lunch.

Now, Genna spotted an Irish Pub with her's & Bluey's favorite words on the door - Happy Hour! A great feed and a couple of $3 pints of Guiness for Genna & Bluey and we were off to get on the bus for the second tour company. Why the second company? We could see where their bus was, so we went there!! So, off we went and straight up to the big Hollywood sign we went. We made a slight detour on the way - past the apartment building used in the final scene of Pretty Woman, where Richard Gere comes to 'rescue' Julia Roberts.

This is the fire escape used in that famous scene

Bailey & Riley posing in front of 'Hollywood' 

Next, we went for a cruise through the Hollywood Hills, going past many of Hollywood's biggest and most expensive residences (and we were informed of which stars lived where) in this area.

Lake Hollywood with LA in the background

We got to see some great sights and famous buildings in the Hollywood area which was a great way to end our vacation. There are some amazing venues in this area and we got to find out a lot of things with regards to how some of the entertainment world's biggest names got their starts in the world of show business.

Christina Aguilera's place

Sylvester Stallone's new mansion being built

Frank Sinatra's mansion

We actually pulled in to Mickey Rourke's driveway - very cheeky

J-Lo's house that she recently sold

This is the front of Bill Cosby's mansion - there were bronze statues everywhere

Riley & Bailey on the Beverly Hills sign

Drive down Rodeo Drive - of course there is a $1.8M Bugatti parked there!

Madonna's place - it has lemon trees all the way around the property

The world famous House of Blues in Hollywood

The very popular Saddle Ranch bar & restaurant

This was a great finish to a great holiday. At 6.30pm, we started our trip back to our Hotel to grab our bags and head to the airport for our 15 hour flight home. We were at the airport by 8.30pm and checked in. That was 100kg of luggage of our hands. Thankfully we had free internet in the airport to pass the time away - Bluey & Gena (of course) were talking travel with an American couple who were on their way to Australia. The only surprise - they didn't invite them to our place to stay during their visit!!

So, after nearly 20000km's, 26 States & 4 Provinces we were boarding a flight for Melbourne. It is hard to believe but our trip of a lifetime is officially over. I certainly have mixed feelings. Whilst I am looking forward to seeing all of my family and friends, I am really going to miss North America. The around the clock sport,  the places - and mostly the people we have met is something I will never forget, nor will the rest of my family. 

~Riley