While I expected to see lots of flowers what I hadn't realized the ruled is ALL surfaces must be covered with un-dyed plant material. Depending on the surface and the colours required they use coconut, flax-seed, cotton seed, dehydrated carrots, crushed walnut shell.... the list goes on. The huge bugle-playing soldier had shiny black boots--- what were they made of? Japanese seaweed, like for sushi. Just incredible. They were already broadcasting from the streets of Pasadena and people were staking out their spots, planning on sleeping on the street overnight. Uncomfortable? They brought gas infrared heaters, portable bonfires, barbeques, hammocks, blow-up mattresses and more. What a production In the afternoon we returned to Hollywood directed by that GPS hag. Being complete tourists we visited Universal to see the studio tour but didn't realize it was a whole theme park. Left the car with the valet (everyplace has valets which is pretty easy to get used to) and geared up for some rides which were pretty basic though Jim enjoyed the 3-d stuff. The studio tour itself was really good, very interesting to see the back lots and all the locations and the different ways they're used.
They showed the sets used in multiple movies - amazing how exactly the same thing looks completely different depending on the angles, lighting and props. They had a huge replica of a subway station with the exteriors above to get continuous shots.... and this is used for countless scenes depicting all kinds of cities. The whole thing was really cool. Couldn't be bothered with dinner and needed an early night (had to get up at 4 am for parade) so we picked up champagne and strawberries and rang in the new year in the room on east coast time.
