D34!
Leaving the sun and warm weather and headed back to the snow
and cold. Not exactly something
that we wanted to do especially since we almost didn’t even ALL make the
flight.
It’s not exactly every travel day that you are told that not
everyone is going to be getting on the plane and there isn’t another flight out
until the next day. Thoughts like
“Are we going to miss the show?” or “Does that mean we have a day off?” started
buzzing around the waiting area. Then,
just as soon as we were ready to face that facts that something strange was
about to happen, we were reassured that we would all make the flight.
Later we find out that maybe we all made the flight, but the
same could not be said for most of our luggage. Talk about a shock, walking outside and needing a winter
jacket after the last time being outside in shorts and tank tops. It definitely wasn’t a pleasant
feeling.
However, with all of this behind us, we did have a few
things going for us and that was, Minneapolis, Minnesota is home to the Mall of
America so that gave us all something to look forward to and plenty of shopping
to do for warm clothes so we could make due until the luggage arrived.
And if shopping wasn’t enough, the indoor theme park, Lego
World, or the miniature golf course, as well as the movie theater were also
options at the mall; Furious 7 was a
big hit for most.
Back to business though, it was time to make preparations
for Judy Thomas. It was that time
of year again for contract talks…
And with a big sigh of relief, it was time to keep on going
and we were back to south! Warm
weather and sunshine here we come!
Or at least we thought so… However, the weather was not on our
side. The thunderstorms came
harder and harder each day. It was
to the point that the rumbles of thunder were even in sync with the show track
as well as the entrances and exits of numbers and the pyrotechnics of the show.
It was wet outside and inside. We just could not get dry. If it wasn’t raining outside, we were ringing out our
costumes inside because the tank ice was literally melting in the heat and
humidity of Houston, Texas.
At least we were able to see some familiar faces during all
of this. Lisa Scuffell was in for
a few days and she took over the role of Performance Director for a few days
which brought us all back to the rehearsal days in Ellenton seeing her and
Tashi Kuchiki as well as Cindy Stewart.
Before we knew it though, we were on the road again and
loading into Hildago, Texas. The
crew got the brunt of it going from load-out straight to the building and right
into load-in so we would be able to open the show on time.
And if that was not enough, they did all of this in crazy
heat. The temperatures were in the
mid-90s every day and it felt like 100% humidity as well even when we had a 9
AM show! That didn’t stop the fun
though; it was time for a company BBQ!
Boosting some spirits we were onto New Orleans, Louisiana; a
dream vacation spot to many and most of us couldn’t get there soon enough. Being split up on two different
flights, we all wanted the early flight, but some of us were not so lucky. Making due though, we enjoyed the new
city to its fullest. The weather
was beautiful, the hotel was like one you would see in Las Vegas, and there was
so much to do! Whether it was
going to Bourbon Street, the French Quarter, the Garden District, or the
University of New Orleans campus everyone was bound to find something to do. The grass was green and everyone
couldn’t get enough of it. It
meant open space where we weren’t literally on top of each like we were on the
ice. I have never been on ice that
small…five headers!!
After that, we could not wait to get to bigger ice. Some never thought we would say that,
but it happens. We took all
the time we could to enjoy our few days off and sprawl out. While some stayed in NOLA a few days
longer, most of us enjoyed the short bus ride to Baton Rouge.
Coming from a place like NOLA, Baton Rouge was very low
key. Yes, there was a nice
mall and movie theater that were easy to get to and a real gym that was in
walking distance from the hotel, it just wasn’t the same atmosphere. That was ok though, we all needed a
break and a chance to slow down.
So sights like the LSU (Louisiana State University campus)
as well as the River walk along the Mississippi River and the USS KIDD were
nice relaxing strolls that many took.
Then it was back to fame and bright lights, but not for
us. We were enjoying soaking up
the sun, enjoying Clearwater beach and hoping for a week off, while the Tampa
Bay Lightning were in the spotlight.
We ended up having shows as schedule that week, but I must
admit, it was pretty cool performing on Stanley Cup Playoff ice during the
show. All the decals and
hashmarks were still on the ice, so it was more like ice that most of us grew
up skating on as kids. Topping it
all off, the boys entered in a soccer tournament since its’ their thing to do
this year for warm-up and we performed our 400th show!!
Needing a break from all the hype and excitement we headed
to Birmingham, Alabama and for the first time this year, the seats in the
stands were not completely full.
It was something new to us.
It was definitely an adjustment, but we kept pushing on and there were
days off in the future!
Three days off and we were headed to the beach on a mini
vacation while we were in Florence, South Carolina. With ocean views from the hotel room and balcony along with
the resort style living and our freedom along with go-carting, and the sea
breeze, anyone could see why it was so hard to leave and go back to
reality. However, Florence, South
Carolina was quite nice at least in the area we were in which made it quite
nice since it was In-Show week!
And then there were more big things that we were gearing up
for in Huntsville, Alabama like Viola Jackson’s annual Fashion Show and the
final BBQ of the year!!
It is hard to believe that we are finally almost done.
Greenville…the last city! It was time for closing night party and boys and girls
night parties and go-carting and bowling and then it was done! 443 shows done!
WE DID IT!
Places of Interest:
Minneapolis,
Minnesota – Mall of America, Rock Bottom Brewery, Sky Walk
Houston – Buyou
Trail, Hermann Park, lots of museums, Fiesta Grocery store – food from all over
the country, Sonic, Five Guys, Panda Express, Olive Garden
Hidalgo – Mall,
the Beach, BBQ, shopping in close distance from the hotel, 9:00 AM show
(routine for this city)
New Orleans – Bourbon
Street, French Quarter, Café Du Monde, University of New Orleans, Mississippi
River, Garden District, Open Air Market, ghost tours, Lake Ponchitrain
Baton Rouge - City
Park, LSU (Louisiana State University), Spectrum (gym), Mississippi River, USS
Kidd, River walk
Tampa – Tampa
River Walk, Clearwater Beach, the mall, Frenchy’s, Crabby’s, St. Pete, Sarasota
Birmingham – The
Summit, the Art Museum, the Tutwiler
Florence – Myrtle
Beach, Charlsetown, Longhorn’s Steakhouse, Chili’s, Red Lobster, Mall
Huntsville –
Steak ‘N Shake, Powerhouse Gym, Chiptole, there are lots of restaurants along
the same road as well as a Target, Walmart Super Center, Texas Roadhouse, Taco
Bell
Greenville – Closing
Night at The Loft, Girls Night at the Copper River Grill, Guys Night go-carting
and arcade, the mall, downtown Greensboro, Last City!!
THREE WEEKS OFF!!
Well that was a nice little break that we all needed at
home. It was a short one, only
three weeks, but definitely appreciated.
Now we were headed back to where it all began only this year
most of us already knew the show, our show track, and basically everyone that
was going to be on the show. We
also knew the hangout spots like Gecko’s and Freddy’s Frozen Custard, the
grocery stores and the beaches along with the hotel staff and their chocolate
chip cookies.
Some things never changed. It was as if we never left. Both the grills and picnic table were still in the same spot
that we left them last year. It’s
amazing the memories that came pouring back stepping out of the vans upon
arrival.
Just like last year we were also sporting our numerous mini
vans that we used to get back and forth to the rehearsal facility. The typical daily thunderstorm was to
be expected along with the Florida heat that just seemed to be even warmer
inside the facility. However, this
year, the ice was smooth and dry!
There weren’t inches of water lying on the top. It felt like real house ice, instead of
man-made tank ice.
But all the reminiscing was short lived because before we
knew it, we were off to Mexico and the first stop was Mexico City!
Topping off at 7,000 feet above sea level, we were
performing in our Opening City.
So, if being in Mexico alone didn’t test your immune system,
the elevation definitely would put your body to a test. That along with the long, bumpy van
rides to and from the arena each day where you prayed for your life hoping to
make it home alive. Not really
sure how there weren’t more accidents because there were no lines on the roads,
no stop signs at intersections, speed bumps in the middle of busy roads, and
people just drove not really looking at what was coming in either direction. Not to mention that every week for three
weeks there was some sort of protest that also backed up the traffic.
Some how though we managed to get around and even found some
time to do a little sight seeing.
Some were able to the see the castle that was near by as well as going
to the floating market and there was still more to see outside of the little
shops and places to eat that were conveniently located close to the hotel.
A total of 53 of us were able to take a group trip to the Teotihuacan
(Pyramids) with a huge thank you to MARIO
CASTRO for arranging the whole trip.
The itinerary went as follows:
Zona Arqueologica – pyramids site
la plaza de la Piramide del Sol (Pyramid of the Sun)
la plaza de la Piramide de la Luna (Pyramid of the Moon)
Cueve de la Region – cave
Tepantila District
Taller Artesanias – art craft
Fabrica de licor – liquor factory
Lunch at the Gran Teocalli
It may have been a long day with lots of walking, but we
were grateful that we had a tour guide to show us through the whole site. Some of the steps that went up the side
of the pyramid were at a 90-degree angle and other steps as large as you could
take literally using hands to help you up.
Then, there were the caves and they gave you chilling
feeling just like the street of the dead.
We took part in a sacrifice ceremony and learned the rain dance; who
would have ever thought.
We were all very tired at the end of the day but so thankful
that we are able to see such places as we travel for work.
Rounding out the week and excitement it was time for our
first company BBQ to start the tour off.
Closing Mexico City on a high note, we ventured to
Guadalajara, Mexico.
Slowly coming back down closer to sea level we dropped to
5,200 feet in elevation and also lowered the pollution levels so we were all
able to breath a little easier in the second largest city in Mexico.
We were all looking forward to a few days off and the crew
was even able to spare a few brief moments as well, which was well deserved
heading into performing in a tiny theater. That meant that there was a lot of work adding onto the
stage that the tank ice would be laid on and even at that the ice was only
seven headers long by five headers wide.
This is the first time that our show has been condensed to such a small
area both building size as well as ice size. However, we made it work and took full advantage of our down
time.
Whether we were hanging out by the pool, going to the
casino, or shopping at the mall right across the street along with Chili’s
there were always things to do.
Especially since the Cirque Du Soleil show Corteo was performing just up
the road and staying at the same hotel that we were in.
It was definitely a nice change of pace boding with another
show business group of people while we were on the road.
And then it was back to real life again and we were headed
to Monterrey for our last stop in Mexico.
Making the most of it and soaking in all the sun that we
could, the rooftop pool was the place to be on the day off and then it just
kept getting better as the week went.
From a real Mexican BBQ to breaking piñata’s to Carl’s Jr and Chili’s to
the river walk to a hike up the mountain, those were the places to be.
It was the last week on this portion of the tour before we
all headed home for a week in preparation of the West Coast.
As we say goodbye to those that just joined us for Mexico,
we know we will see you again somewhere along the line and to those that are
leaving us for good; you will always be welcome back with your D34 family. :)
Places to see:
Ellenton –
Freddy’s (Frozen Custard and Burgers), Gecko’s, numerous beaches around the
area if you have a chance to go while you are there
Mexico City - Karisma Cantina, Superama, Xochimilko
(Spelling- floating market), the Pyramids (Teotihuacan), Zona Arqueologica –
pyramids site = la plaza de la Piramide del Sol (Pyramid of the Sun), la plaza
de la Piramide de la Luna (Pyramid of the Moon), Cueve de la Region – cave,
Tepantila District, Taller Artesanias – art craft, Fabrica de licor – liquor
factory, Lunch at the Gran Teocalli, BBQ!
Guadalajara - Cirque Du Soleil – Corteo, Casino,
Shopping Mall across the street, Chili’s
Monterrey – Chili’s,
Carl’s Jr, hiking, river walk (Santa Lucia)
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