Lights .... camera ..... action!

Driving along Hollywood Boulevard in a convertible with the top down - that is how I'd imagined LA ....... and it did feel good, apart from the polluted air we were breathing in, and the hot sun burning our skin. We parked in the heart of Hollywood for an extortionate $12, and had a wander round. First stop was Mann's Chinese Theatre, where the Oscars used to be held, with actors' handprints in the cement outside. Having seen this on TV so many times, it was fun to to be there in person, putting our hands in the gorilla-like imprints of Arnie, and the like.

Jostling along the pavement with the camera-toting hordes we looked at the famous names on pink stars set into the pavement, finding the act of recognition oddly pleasing. We were, essentially, worshipping at the altar of celebrity - we all know these names, and we associate them with (mainly) pleasant memories. But I enjoyed myself - which I find surprising, and slightly worrying.

We were reminded of just why Hollywood has such a hold over us, when we went that evening to see Charlie and The Chocolate Factory . We are all fans of Johnny Depp and Tim Burton, but didn't think the film could be a patch on the original. But it was fantastic, possibly even better than the original (except for the songs, most of which aren't as good), and had us singing all the way home.