Georgia Peaches

As we started this last week together I cannot believe how far we have come.  From those first two weeks in Rockford, IL I would have never known that we would have become as close a what we have.  We are all from different places around the world and are able to come together for nine months and be our own little unique family. 

We travel together, celebrate together, make the most of the holidays together, and are there for support when we all need it the most.  I never thought I could get so close to a group of people that were so different, but it happened.

We have shared so many memories and good times together and I am going to miss each and every one of them. 

If it were not for the love of the sport, determination, and hard work, I would have never even had this opportunity of a lifetime.  I am truly blessed and feel incredibly honored to say that I am able to perform for a living.  I feel like I am living the dream.

There were times over this year however that it was hard, but we all pulled together and are finishing strong.  This was an amazing group of people that I am very pleased to say that I was a part of.  I wish them the best of luck on their journey and hope that our paths cross again in the future. 

Finishing up the last week in the south made for a warm ending after all those long, cold winter months we have had. 

I cannot even believe we made it this far.  It feels like we just started tour yesterday. 

See you all again on the road next year! :) 

Back to Texas

From the booming, flashy town of Las Vegas, Nevada to the small-town atmosphere of Corpis Christi, Texas we were in for a change. 

Travel day started off with a bang when both flights were overbooked and then the second plane could not fit all of luggage on.  About 30 pieces of luggage were left behind and some people were left with no luggage whatsoever.  Rest assured though, all the bags were returned to the owners later that night.  Thank goodness because the next day was our closing night party. 

Located along the beach, with access to the restaurant as well as volleyball nets, corn hole, and other beach-themed games, it was time to have some fun.  Everyone was mingling and watching the basketball and hockey games that were on the television screens throughout the building along with enjoying the view from either inside, outside, or right along the beach. 

It was a more relaxed atmosphere than what opening night party was and it really brought everyone closer together again.  It was the last big hurrah with everyone together because from here, not everyone will be continuing on to next year with the same group.  It is very sad to realize that this year is coming to end, but it does show us all how far we have come as a group and the triumphs that we have had. 

It is not goodbye forever; just maybe for some it is goodbye for now.

Until then though, we still have a little time left and are going to make the most of it!

One more week!

What Happens in Vegas…

So, other than New York City, Las Vegas, Nevada is probably the largest and flashiest city that we have seen thus far.   It definitely brought new experiences and sights to see.  I have never seen so many limos in my life, let alone all in one place.  Everything was so bright and extravagant.  There definitely is not a dull moment in Vegas and I really think that people here do not sleep.

If you are looking for a relaxing lifestyle, Vegas is definitely not the place to be. 

On the other hand though, if you like hustle and bustle, and don’t mind always being around people, then you will be just fine.

There is always something to do!  The Linq is a new area that went in along the Strip and is home to the largest Ferris wheel in the world along with numerous shops and Sprinkles; a cute cupcake and ice cream place. 

Of course there are the famous hotels and casinos like the MGM, Caesars Palace, the Rio, and the Aria.  I cannot believe that in the hotels there are casinos, nightclubs, bars, pools, spas, and so much more. 

The Bellagio Fountain was beautiful and has shows every 10 minutes.  It is definitely a sight to see and a well-known attraction of the city.

And, there is so much shopping!  High-end shops and boutiques to the typical Forever XXI and Pac Sun; you name it and you can find it in Vegas. 

Not to mention, all of the amazing shows that Cirque Di Solei puts on like La Reve and O and Zarkana. 

In the week that we were here and the few days we had off, there needed to be more time to do some exploring.  It really was not possible to see everything. 

GO UNLV REBELS!

On to the next city we go.

West Coast! West Coast!

The ocean is literally right there!  The Pacific Ocean is within walking distance of the hotel!  It may not be the best beach being a port and all, but at anything it is still a beach!  Not only that, but that very beach was the one that I saw my first shooting star on!

It’s moments like those that reality sets in.  I still cannot believe I am doing what I am doing as a profession.  It still amazes me each and every day. 

We only have a few short weeks left and honestly, it is still all a dream to me.  Maybe one day it will all set in and I will finally realize all that this year has brought to me. 

For now though, it was a busy week full of shows and putting our very best foot forward and trucking along. 

There were numerous famous faces of actors or actresses along with choreographers and many other well-known people in the audience of our performances.  Of course, this kept everyone on his or her toes. 

That, and the fact that the arena was 72 degrees at all times!  I honestly don’t even know how that was possible for it to be so warm. 

Along with that heat, it was also perfect for sight seeing and driving up and down the Pacific Coast Highway. 

It may be a longer route, but the sights of the scenic route are always a better experience.  I mean, in one shot you can see the beaches of Dana Point, Laguna, Huntington, and Sunset Beach!

On top of that, the Pike was gorgeous; with a lighthouse, whale sighting tours, and the Queen Mary.   This was also the very sight of the Toyota Motor Speedway and some very delicious food from none other than, Bubba Gump’s Shrimp!

After all this fun time at the beaches and along the coast, it was time to head inland, on our final bus trip of the season. 

Off to Nevada we go!

Cali!

Finally making it all the way to California for the first time ever! It was a decent bus trip, but nonetheless, the second-to-last one of the year.  It is crazy to believe that tour is coming to an end, so we are making the most of the time that we have left.

In Ontario, CA it was the week to rent a car and go exploring.  Everyone was off in one direction or another trying to catch as much sun and warm weather and see as many beaches as possible. 

Laguna Beach was absolutely beautiful and really made the scenes from the television shows “Laguna Beach” and “The Hills” come to life. 

The houses that surrounded the beach on the hill overlooked the water as they barely hung onto the hillside.   Although, massive in size, there were still larger mansion-type houses further down the road.  It was almost as if one was bigger than the next.    

There were cute shops and eateries around and of course ice cream, but what surprised me the most was how laid back and relaxed the atmosphere was.  For being a famous town, I was shocked at how nice the people were.  It really made the whole experience that much better on top of seeing the sunset on the beach.  There really is nothing quite like that.

Aside from all the beach scenes, it was time for some amusement park fun!

Off to Knotts Berry Farm and time to meet The Peanuts characters!

Since it was close to Easter, Snoopy was even dressed in his Easter best!

There were dance parties in the center of the park, roller coasters, water rides, stunt shows, re-enactments, train rides, and horse rides through the park.  There was so much to see!

However, when we weren’t off exploring everyone made sure to make a trip to the mile-long Onatario Mills Mall that was just out the back of the hotel.  Let’s just say, there was a lot of shopping going on for very little room that our luggage has left to spare. 

Cramming it all in to make it fit; it was time to pack up and make our way to another beach city in California!