MR

After talking about it for ages, I'm finally heading over to the States for just short of three months. In 24 days time, I'm jumping on a plane to San Francisco - how crazy is this; I leave Australia on November 24th at 12.15pm, and I arrive in SF on November 24th at 10.45am; thanks to the International Date Line, I'm arriving before I leave. I'll be there until February 17th next year

So, I have some plans already, but I want to know from you out there - what should I make damn sure I see while I'm here? I'll be on a limited budget, and mostly staying in the Bay area. There will be at least one long weekend to L.A. and probably a weekend in Las Vegas; everything else is subject to time and driving distance.

But I want it all - not just touristy stuff, I want the full American experience (because this is a bit of a trial run to possibly moving here); what are the bands I have to see playing, the TV shows I have to check out, the food I have to try? What sports do I have to see a live game? Which bits of American living do I have to be sure to experience? And what should I avoid like the plague, or at least not tar the entire country with if I come across it? Justin Bieber's already got a big tick on that score.

And, of course, how many MR peeps would be in for a meet up? Any good bands to go see as a group? Weekend? Event? Bueller? Bueller?

That's freaking awesome, Ari. Muir Woods would be first on my list... Just north of SF ... But then I'm a tree hugger.

I've been to Muir woods - have to go again!

Ari - if you end up planning a get together with other Melodic Rock folks near SF, I may be down for meeting up for a hang.

There are a few great venues in SF, but it really depends on the show. There's the Warfield and The Fillmore (Saw Neal Schon band there earlier this year).

May want to check out Napa Valley - california's best vineyards - but generally not cheap.

Killer Indian food at a place called "Shalamar"

If you are going to Los Angelas, right next to Universal Movie Studios, is a place called "The Baked Potato". If you're into world class jazz/rock/fusion, definitely recommend checking out: http://www.thebakedpotato.com/home.htm

That's about it off the top of my head.

cheers,

- Brandon

Say hi to dean for me ari Enjoy your trip. I hope there won't be too much jet lag

DrFU wrote:That's freaking awesome, Ari. Muir Woods would be first on my list... Just north of SF ... But then I'm a tree hugger.

Tree hugging is awesome - and I have been promised ginormous redwoods

I've spent all day alternatively bouncing off the walls and thinking "Oh god, so much to organise!" Sometime tonight I'll calm down enough to find all the bits of paper I've been writing stuff on and put it all on one list.

Everett wrote:Say hi to dean for me ari Enjoy your trip. I hope there won't be too much jet lag

In not-quite-three-months, jet lag is the least of my worries. The question is, can L.A. handle Dean and I in the one space?

brandonpfn wrote:If you are going to Los Angelas, right next to Universal Movie Studios, is a place called "The Baked Potato". If you're into world class jazz/rock/fusion, definitely recommend checking out: http://www.thebakedpotato.com/home.htm

- Brandon

DEFINITELY!!!!

YOSEMITE.

slucero wrote:YOSEMITE.

Will I be required to wear a large hat, grow a tash and chase rascally rabbits?

Arianddu wrote:

slucero wrote:YOSEMITE.

Will I be required to wear a large hat, grow a tash and chase rascally rabbits?

Nope... just stand there awestruck....

slucero wrote:

Arianddu wrote:

slucero wrote:YOSEMITE.

Will I be required to wear a large hat, grow a tash and chase rascally rabbits?

Nope... just stand there awestruck....

agreed....

Wow, that is great news - I hope you have a wonderful experience!

A drive up to and a weekend at Lake Tahoe is a must in the winter time.

For some delicious seafood - Crustaceans in SF, Moss Beach Distillery near Half Moon Bay, or if time permits a drive down to Monterey (historic cannery row there is great).

A trip to the Filmore in SF is a must for any rock fan. Tons of classic rock artwork and photography to check out.

A day in the North Beach area and China Town in SF can be fun.

I personally love Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39 in SF, but they are definitely tourist traps, so if you are not into that, avoid it.

Napa/Sonoma area for wines.

I think a drive across the Golden Gate bridge is a must (not a big deal, but if you are in SF might as well) and a cable car ride of course.

Other touristy attractions include the strange Winchester Mystery House, The Mystery spot in Santa Cruz (which is actually quite cheap and Santa Cruz is a cool little beach town), the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum in San Jose, Goldeng Gate park (with the Palace of fine arts, exploratoriam, Steinhardt aquarium & academy of sciences, Japanese tea gardens, etc).

You will be here in the Rainy season though, so bring some warm clothing for sure. One good thing, places won't be as crowded during that time of year.

Wishing you a safe and fun "journey".

go by Frigas vineyard and urinate on his grapes,then ride up to Deanos and show him your rack

stevew2 wrote:go by Frigas vineyard and urinate on his grapes,then ride up to Deanos and show him your rack

This is, without fucking question, the funniest thing that's been posted on here in weeks!

PS I think Friga moved to Nashville ... to be closer to you.

Saint John wrote:

stevew2 wrote:go by Frigas vineyard and urinate on his grapes,then ride up to Deanos and show him your rack

This is, without fucking question, the funniest thing that's been posted on here in weeks!

PS I think Friga moved to Nashville ... to be closer to you.

Theyed whip his girly ass in Tenn. Aint that close to that shit hole Kentucky ?

Welcome to the US girl, you will love it! Just wished you were closer to me. Call me when you get here! I will send you an e-mail later with my number.

Saint John wrote:

stevew2 wrote:go by Frigas vineyard and urinate on his grapes,then ride up to Deanos and show him your rack

This is, without fucking question, the funniest thing that's been posted on here in weeks!

PS I think Friga moved to Nashville ... to be closer to you.

I just spit out a mouthful of crackers. Jesus, where does he come up with this stuff?

Ari, you're first problem if you are on a budget is staying in the world's most expensive city, San Francisco. Granted it is indeed awesome and you can spend weeks there sightseeing, but like many others have said, you MUST go to Yosemite. One of the most gorgeous places on Earth. You just stand there in awe. Also, I second the trip over Donner to Tahoe. Another awesome place, however, the snow may make it tough getting there. I would recommend a ride down the Coast to LA...this is intself a beautiful day or even two days drive. Whilst in LA, you MUST do Disneyland. You will never forget that place. As for bands, meh. You can see any type of band here that you can over there in AUS.

Rockindeano wrote:

Saint John wrote:

stevew2 wrote:go by Frigas vineyard and urinate on his grapes,then ride up to Deanos and show him your rack

This is, without fucking question, the funniest thing that's been posted on here in weeks!

PS I think Friga moved to Nashville ... to be closer to you.

I just spit out a mouthful of crackers. Jesus, where does he come up with this stuff?

Ari, you're first problem if you are on a budget is staying in the world's most expensive city, San Francisco. Granted it is indeed awesome and you can spend weeks there sightseeing, but like many others have said, you MUST go to Yosemite. One of the most gorgeous places on Earth. You just stand there in awe. Also, I second the trip over Donner to Tahoe. Another awesome place, however, the snow may make it tough getting there. I would recommend a ride down the Coast to LA...this is intself a beautiful day or even two days drive. Whilst in LA, you MUST do Disneyland. You will never forget that place. As for bands, meh. You can see any type of band here that you can over there in AUS.

Fortunately I'm staying with a friend who is happy to be a taxi service for me, so my living expenses are effectively nil - I just don't have a lot of cash to flash on flights, etc.

While I might be able to see any type of band I could see in the US, the reality is few bands tour here from the US - unless they are doing a skin-of-the-teeth-working-holiday tour because they like the country, or they're on a huge mega-ticket-price tour, it's just too expensive to tour here. Quite apart from the costs of getting here, this is a country the same size as mainland USA with only 22 million people, with realistically a dozen (admittedly huge) cities in the whole country.

Anyway - so Deano, are you going to take up Stevie-Woo's suggestion? I'd prefer a slight modification - we get pissed and then I'll show you my rack. [1]







[1]At the moment, it has dishes drying in it.

See Hoover Dam while in Vegas, it is worth the trip out there. In L.A. make sure to visit Griffith Park and all that there is to do there.

Rich the Dam Guy

Maui Tom wrote:

slucero wrote:

Arianddu wrote:

slucero wrote:YOSEMITE.

Will I be required to wear a large hat, grow a tash and chase rascally rabbits?

Nope... just stand there awestruck....

agreed....

at this time of year, the chances are high that you might see a double rainbow...

zigzag wrote:

Maui Tom wrote:

slucero wrote:

Arianddu wrote:

slucero wrote:YOSEMITE.

Will I be required to wear a large hat, grow a tash and chase rascally rabbits?

Nope... just stand there awestruck....

agreed....

at this time of year, the chances are high that you might see a double rainbow...

If you do see one, see if you freak completely the hell out like this guy. This cracks me up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQSNhk5ICTI

zigzag wrote:at this time of year, the chances are high that you might see a double rainbow...

Am I missing some joke here? Or are they not very common in the US?

Fact Finder wrote:

But I want it all - not just touristy stuff, I want the full American experience (because this is a bit of a trial run to possibly moving here);

If you want it all then don't waste all of your time in the West. The real America is >>>>>>

Moving here? That would be great! And yes, things are cheaper>>>>>>>>>>>>>>way, and closer to me and Dan. You should live in a big city though, I know what you like, either that or a very fun small place. I would love to meet you so much someday! We are a strange lot, but a good lot..........well most of us................LOL!

Arianddu wrote:

zigzag wrote:at this time of year, the chances are high that you might see a double rainbow...

Am I missing some joke here? Or are they not very common in the US?

No, they're not common here at all. The guy in the video is hilarious. Obviously on some kind of drug.

Ari...your 1st trip to the US and coming over during the holidays? How exciting!!! No shortage of things to do/see in these locales you are anchoring down, so your trip will go fast. Nights in S.F. will be nifty, so make sure you bring overcoat.

No...no more baseball...but there's football, basketball, and hockey. You'll be able to catch any of these games in the Bay Area and LA/San Diego.

Since you're asking for suggestions: while staying in SF, why don't you hop on a casino bus over to Reno, and I'll spend the day with you. It's not all gambling. There's good food and good (inexpensive) shows. PM me if you want to talk about it.

Welcome Ari! If you are going to go to Vegas, try to fit in a side trip to the Grand Canyon. You really shouldn't miss it. I hope you have a great time while you're here.

Thanks for all the suggestions - you've given me lots to think about.

I've been told by three people I HAVE to try Wendys and by two that I should avoid it at all costs. Mind you, I loathe Hersheys but I've been told by a few people that there is good American chocolate - any suggestions? Because life is too short to eat bad chocolate.
Also been told I need to eat at a place called Baha (sp?) Fresh, if I want good, quick Mexican.

Arianddu wrote:Thanks for all the suggestions - you've given me lots to think about.

I've been told by three people I HAVE to try Wendys and by two that I should avoid it at all costs. Mind you, I loathe Hersheys but I've been told by a few people that there is good American chocolate - any suggestions? Because life is too short to eat bad chocolate.
Also been told I need to eat at a place called Baha (sp?) Fresh, if I want good, quick Mexican.

Wendy's!!! You're going to San Francisco with one of the highest number of restaurants per capita in the United States. SF has a tremendous selection of excellent restaurants in various price ranges. Why in heaven's name would someone tell you to eat at Wendy's... blech! Most name brand chocolate in the US is terrible, but I would recommend Dove, or a local SF product Ghiradelli Chocolate. You can also find european chocolate in the grocery stores as well. Or just skip the chocolate and enjoy all the great California wine instead.

Skip Wendy's. Actually if you want, you will have plenty of time to try it. It is only a fast food joint. For fast food you may want to try In & Out burger. Try Mo's Grill in the North Beach area for a really good quality burger. While there, North Beach Pizza is an SF icon. Original Tommy's Joynt is also a nice casual place to eat.

For mexican food - baja fresh is good, but again that is like fast food mexican (much better than taco bell though). Go to the mission district in SF and you will find some really good authentic mexican food.

Chocolate- Ghiradelli in SF is excellent. And although it is massed produced, I really enjoy See's also.

(Sorry, I know we are all probably flooding you with too much info. One thing I can't stress enough though for your trip, bring lots of warm clothing. Enjoy)