Drifting through Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

 

Sometimes scenes from certain movies just stick with you and when you are finally there where it took place it doesn’t even feel real.  It’s almost as if you are dreaming and you’re going to open your eyes any minute and wake up in your own bed in your own home and start your day.  However, this was not the case; I was standing in the middle of the Shibuya Crossing, the busiest intersection in the world and the very place that one of the Fast and Furious movies, Tokyo Drift was filmed!  It finally hit that I was here, like literally here.  

 

I would have never imagined ever, that I would be in Japan, let alone its capital of Tokyo where one of my favorite movies was filmed!  I guess it just goes to show, that you can’t plan everything.  There are moments that come up that are unexpected that you have to take and if you don’t, you’ll never know what you could have had and what you could have seen.  Life is a journey and we are just along for the ride.  There is a plan out there for each of us, but for now we just have to see where it takes us.  

And as for the week, we were in for some well-known sightseeing that is if the weather cooperates.  I never imagined Japan to be as humid as it is here, let alone all this rain.  Luckily, we crossed our fingers and had a few hours every now and then where we could make it out and stay dry.  

 

Since we already drifted through the Shibuya Crossing; more like walked through or were pushed through the crossing, it was fitting just make our way to Harajuku street which was famous for all the Japanese-style shops and Roppongi Hills as well, which is considered the Beverly Hills of Tokyo.  

On the calmer side of things, we were also around just in time for the lantern lighting that took place in Odaiba at the beach.  Small candles were placed into different colored paper bags that were arranged in all different patterns along the water in the sand as the famous Rainbow Bridge landscaped the background.  And just around the corner were the Ferris Wheel followed by the Giant Robot (Gandamu).  It was as if there was something to see at every corner you turned.  However, one must be aware at all times because you never know when an earthquake may strike.    

 

There were three earthquakes alone this week, some stronger than others, but all while we were at the arena.  I thought that I would probably experience one while was here, but not four or five already and it hasn’t even been a month yet.  Things just keep getting more and more interesting.  

 

Keeping us on our toes, we were off to Nagoya and 29 shows in 11 days; bring on the craziness.  

Premier of the World Tour

Sendai, Japan

I literally cannot believe I made it.  I can’t believe I got on that plane and came all the way here.  It was definitely off to a rocky start though all the way from the beginning.  At first, I was even going to be allowed to get on the plane because the lady at the flight counter didn’t find my work visa, but instead only the Certificate of Eligibility.  Then, the conveyer belt for baggage stopped so my bags couldn’t be loaded on so I thought by the time I would get there I wouldn’t have any luggage.  And just when things couldn’t get any worse and if goodbyes couldn’t get any harder, they did.  My dad is normally able to take me through security and sit with me at the gate until it is time for me to take off, unfortunately this time, was different.  Due to new regulations he wasn’t able to come through with me unless he had a special pass so he left to hurry off for that leaving the last goodbye to be quick and rushed.  Hoping to see him come around the corner at the gate, I opened my phone to see that he was not going to make it.  Of course at that point, the tears just kept coming at a steady flow, but it was time to board and as usual the tears kept coming.  One thing is for sure; I am not good with goodbyes no matter how many times I have left home. 

                             

But, just like that, flight one was done and I was reunited with a few familiar faces for this long 13-hour plane ride that was yet to come.  I dried my eyes and we were off, but as the windows tinted and it was time for bed they grew heavy again knowing that I was getting further and further away from home.  With sleep setting in, my tears subsided and before I knew it we were flying over Alaska and the beautiful ice-covered sea before making it all the way over to Japan. 

        

And just when I thought I was in the clear, I had made it all the way there with my ice-skates in the my carry-on and now I was forced to pay a fee and check them, even though four other skaters made it through with their skates.  Sometimes, I just don’t understand.  Oh well.

                                      

     

Finally, after all that we touched down and all my luggage made it including my late checked bag as well.  We were reunited with more familiar faces and once we arrived and settled in at the hotel I was able to Facetime home and see everyone again. 

         

Here goes nothing…I was in it for the long haul and never once did I ever think I would be here right now, but I am and its time to make the most of it and show myself that I can do this.  It was going to be a challenge, but it was time to explore new opportunities and see the world.

                            

           

And we started out with a bang.  We didn’t even make it to rehearsals yet and there was an earthquake.  Yes, you heard right, an earthquake.  I was sitting on my bed when it happened and it was the weirdest feeling.  All of a sudden things started moving and shaking and swaying back and forth and after a short time it was all over.  I felt sick to my stomach after and didn’t know if it was me or if everyone else felt it too.  Later, it was confirmed that it was an earthquake. 

         

   

I guess it was Japan’s way of welcoming us to the country and boy we were in for some changes.  For one, driving on the other side of the road was really messing with my head and some of these roads are two lanes and well, its amazing just one car fit down them let alone two!  I now have a new respect for compact cars because nothing else would fit over here.  There was not a single pickup truck; Dodge-made or Ford-made vehicle to be seen and only about four Jeeps were spotted in the two weeks we were here.  As for parking, well everyone backed into parking spots; no one pulled in, maybe I should take some lessons…haha.  And even though it’s so crazy, busy over here there was only one time that I heard a single horn blow.  In cities in the states and even Pittsburgh to be exact, its almost as if a horn is blowing every five minutes. 

                                  

Sometimes if one culture experienced another more often, maybe we could all learn from it.  Just take communication for example, in Sendai there was little to no English spoken, but that didn’t mean that it was for lack of trying.  Natives would go out of their way to try to help and figure out what you needed and what you were looking for.  You can’t find that in the states.  Thank goodness for Google Translate and pictures especially because the sentence structure is completely reversed from English.  Some phrases are read backwards to us in English where some phrases are just completely omitted.  It definitely makes for a challenge, but its always rewarding when you are making progress and are able to figure everything out and find what you needed and the natives are as kind and caring as they are. 

          

         

I mean, they even help you count your money that is owed if it looks like you are struggling.  They don’t have many bills here in their currency, so its best if you invest in a change purse or even a little Ziploc bag. 

       

They will also go as far as leaving work just to show you where you need to go if they can’t explain it via words.  They really are kind people. 

                                    

                                    

And you can completely forget about the sketchiness and grime that normally comes with any other city.  Everything is so clean and even 7/11 is a typical spot to find dinner.  There are even vending machines that sell coffee and Romen!

       

        

However, with all this aside, the weather is a little less desirable.  If the humidity level isn’t sky high then it’s raining and if its not raining now, it will be in 10 minutes from now.  Air conditioning really isn’t a thing here either, so the buses and trains are normally pretty uncomfortable, even the arenas are pretty toasty.

       

    

That wasn’t going to stop us from sightseeing though.  We finished and survived not only Week #1 of rehearsals, but also Week #1 of shows too!  It was time for a little reward.  We were off to Karaoke, Darts, Korean BBQ, Sendai Castle (Aoba Castle), Aobayama Park, Company BBQ, Akui Falls (waterfall), and Matsushima (islands).  We were living the life with so many days off.  I think probably more than what we saw in five weeks in the states, but that was all about to change and change quite quickly.  Things may have started off a little slow, but it was about to get very busy and what better place to start picking up the pace than, the capital of Japan itself, Tokyo!  

       

 

The Last Lap

Cincinnati, Ohio

Well, it was all down to this.  One last run out, one last warm-up, one last time to lace up your skates, one last time to pack out your costumes, one last time that you have to clean up your make up spot; it was the last and final show of the 2015-2016 tour season. 

434 shows later (443 shows last year)…

79 three-show days later (91 last year)…

298 days later including Mexico…

25 break-workers to our 42 casted skaters later…

13 holdover Mondays in California later…

1 one-show Sunday in two years…

20 months later…

877 shows later…. We were DONE!

I cannot believe it, but we actually made it and did what no one else has ever done nor will they probably ever do.  This next six-week break is going to be heaven all things considered.  Having only a total of four weeks off over the course of the last two years, this break is going to feel like an eternity.  However, I am totally ok with that, but not before we enjoyed our final week together as a tour family. 

As our Company Manager always says in some form, “Enjoy these days because soon, we will not all be the same and our family will change forever.”  And that’s just what we set out to do. 

From a chartered flight to being picked up on the tarmac to rainy baseball games to dinners with the girls and ice cream of course, to late nights to one last hug; we made sure to take it all in, enjoying every last moment.  For most of us, we will see each other in a few weeks, but for some it may be a while. 

We are going to miss you all dearly and cannot thank you enough for all that you have done for us over these last two years.  You will always be welcome with your D34 family and much luck with your future endeavors:

Tila Tilley – Line Captain

Meagan Midkiff – Training Line Captain

Mel Clysdale

Kailee Sawatzky

Becky Bereswill

It’s never goodbye, but instead “See You Down the Road.” 

Just as this journey came to end, we all looked back on the good times and the new ones that lie ahead.  Next season will bring all sorts of new experiences.  Let’s go international D34!  See you all in Japan!

Rock City

Little Rock, Arkansas

Little Rock definitely had the small-town feel from the little coffee shops like Mugs to the street trolleys and brick sidewalks.  Along Main Street there were local places to eat and small boutiques, but when you crossed the bridge that had a colorful light display at night, it was a completely different story.  Everything was commercialized.  Typical chain stores and restaurants were all around.  It’s crazy what a little distance can do.

However, one thing that didn’t change unlike the scenery, in such a short distance was the friendliness of the people.  It was a nice surprise that everyone was always happy and willing to talk.  There was not a single day that we walked into the building without someone greeting us and telling us to have a good day and wishing us luck with our shows.  Definitely, a refreshing way to start the day; sometimes that’s all you need and you’re in a good mood all day.  

Which was something to fall back on when things didn’t exactly go the way they were planned; such as opening night when we lost power for the first time since the show opened.  It was the first time that I was actually involved in an All- Stop in my three years on the road and I must say its one of those situations that you talk about all the time, but really don’t think it will ever happen.  Then, when it does, you almost freeze and really have to think about the exact procedures that you have to follow to ensure not only your safety, but also the safety of others around you. 

Thank goodness that was the main excitement for the week and things just went up from there.  I mean, it was our second-to-last week on tour and we just completed our 850^th ice show!!

However, the fun was not ever yet.  Not only did we cash in for the room upgrade that we won at the auction at the beginning of this tour season, but there was also the final formal of the year.  That still wasn’t all; we had our last BBQ too! 

We even went to a trampoline park and let’s just say that we were there for two hours and thought we were close to being done after only an hour passed.  From the dodge ball games to learning back flips, to seeing how many times we could rotate in the air, we were all like little kids again. 

So we bounced off all of our extra energy before we had our final travel day of the tour, off to Cincinnati, Ohio: the last and final city on this 2015-2016 tour. 

When it Rains; it Pours

Lafayette, Louisiana

Too much rain is always a fear in most areas, but it brings a new meaning when you’re in Louisiana.  Even without the aid of the ocean water and the breaking of levies, water still seems to rise in overflow creek beds as well as in the streets.  It’s almost as if this area just can’t handle more rainfall on top of all the water that is already within the state itself. 

It was mile after mile of bridge that extended far off into the distance.  Clearly, we spent more time traveling over water than we did driving over dry land on our travel day.  I mean it was unique itself.  First the day started off a little rocky when the buses never showed in Duluth to transport us to the Atlanta airport.  Therefore, we all took ubers there.  That was one pricey drive to say the least, about $100 later for each just to find that the busses were never confirmed and booked.  Anyhow, we all made it and that was the important part.  Thank goodness it was a direct flight and then we were off on another two-hour bus ride to our hotel, which just so happened to be located close to the Lafayette Airport; too bad though, we flew into the New Orleans Airport. 

While some chose to head to NOLA on the days off, others took to the calmer route and stuck around the hotel.  Not too far down the road, was Girard Park right off the grounds of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.  It was a nice little escape with basketball courts, a swimming pool, volleyball courts, swings and play equipment, as well as a large pond with ducks and baby ducks, turtles, and fish! 

It was just what I needed before the whirlwind of a week started because when it did; we were off to the races.  It was in-show time.  The nerves were evident, the countdown was on, the five-minute warm-up was over and it was time to take the ice, one, two, and three times.  Within a blink of an eye it was all done.  And finally, it was onto finishing the workday and time to relax and enjoy the company of a college friend and some yummy food at Don’s Seafood and Steakhouse.     

It was delicious and catching up was great!  It always brings back so many memories and I am so grateful that I am able to see as many people as I have since I joined tour.  To think that if I was not doing what I am, I may have never seen the people that I have in the last three years. 

As usual we parted ways and hit the road in differing directions; off to Little Rock, Arkansas. 

Nearing the End

Duluth, Georgia

The week started off calm and relaxing.  We were able to get to the hotel at a decent time instead of 4 or 5 o’clock in the morning.  This never happens.  Groceries, sporting goods stores, a movie theater, banks, and all the other places to eat and necessities were just a short walk down the road.  Just be sure to watch out for cars, there was no sidewalk.

However, a short-skip-and-a-jump to the side of the hotel and you were in the parking lot of a vacant building surrounded by woods and squirrels.  The leaves crunched under your footsteps and the sun played hide-and-go-seek behind the trees.  It was just what I needed; my little escape.  

Back to reality though, the sound of the cars racing by on the road in front of the hotel took away all the tranquility that the woods devout a few short moments before. 

Sticking to the same outdoor-theme though, we ventured to the Norcross County Gun Club and Range to brush up on our safety gun skills and try our hands at target practice.  I really felt like I was at home now, except for the fact that this was all taking place inside instead of outside in an open field.  However, it was nice not to be in a big city for the moment. 

So far, it was a pretty chill week until we had to make the trek into work.  Not only was the traffic really heavy, but we were also 11 miles away from the venue this week.  Therefore, when the bus driver gets lost in tandem with those two things, that only means one thing…we are going to be late.  And that we were, so the combination of having all the bus times moved ahead 30 minutes and going from a 7:30PM show at night to a 10:30AM show the next morning really wore us out. 

We were trying to make the most of it though and even found time to make it to the gym.  The owners of TAPOUT FITNESS were both nice enough to allow the D34 cast and crew to workout for the week for a small fee of $20 for the week or $10 for the day.  I mean, that’s pretty reasonable considering most places don’t offer deals like that nor do they give the option to rent a key card to allow you 24-hour access to the gym.  And keep in mind, that this option was given to us, who were only there for a week, imagine if you were a routine client, and could go to the gym whenever you wanted. 

The gym itself catered to boxing, but still offered your typical cardio, weight training, machines and dumbbells, and classes, but unlike most of its’ type, it was clean!  I mean this gym didn’t even have dirt on the floor or in the corners.  The equipment was up to date and in constantly being maintained for member’s safety.

It has only been open since September, but has grown in size to 600 members already.  One thing though, not all 600 of them come at the same time like LA Fitness.  Instead, they seem to come sporadically throughout the day so there aren’t any lines waiting for your piece of equipment.   No one there judges you either, so it’s not like LA Fitness where everyone is watching your every move.  And everyone is friendly, which you don’t find most places. 

So, a huge thank you and shout out to Eric Boxer and Sean Boxer at TAPOUT FITNESS!  We all know where to come workout next time we are in Norcross County, GA.  Until then though, we must be on our way.  A bus ride, a plane flight, followed by another bus ride calls our name: off to Lafayette, Louisiana.