Meeting a great family and a crazy excursion...

I can't believe the week we have had….a crazy long week!! We haven't had a normal cruise since we've been here…haha!!

Here's where we left off…

After sailing away in Barcelona without Laura, I have to definitely say that I was freaking out. Shocker. We are only 2 cruises in and we are now without one of our girls and we have to make the shows work…NOW. There is nothing like live theatre, but I'm very thankful for my training because it taught me everything I need to know to prepare myself for an issue like this. Also, having such talented peers and their abilities to just conform to a new show instantly, makes me proud to be apart of this cast. That night a few members of the cast went to the crew bar and tried to forget our troubles and needed a night of not worrying about our week ahead. I normally don't drink much cause I've never liked to drink but tonight I just wanted to relax and I've just started to enjoy red wine. So it was a good night. 

Next we were again in Sete, France but this time we were docked in the port instead of anchored off the city like 2 days prior. I didn't know anything about this city because I was on IPM the last time we were here. This morning we had an Abba rehearsal to try and make everything work with only 5 people. Luckily the rehearsal went very smoothly and I feel the show will go well tonight…fingers crossed. After the rehearsal everyone had decided to get off the ship and go to lunch. I guess everyone misunderstood what I said, they thought I said I was having lunch with Zach on the ship, so they left to go have lunch off the ship without me. Well crap. I left the ship not too long after them, not having ANY idea where they would have gone nor knowing where any food places were in this town. Now, I'm not saying that I was hungover by any means, but I needed to have some food to make myself feel better haha. Needless to say, walking up and down the streets of this town, looking for my cast mates, not feeling my best, I can imagine I looked crazy. At one point, I even needed to sit down on the steps of a building because I needed food and I thought that I was going to be sick. Ehh, this day couldn't get better. After walking around the town like a crazy person, I eventually just stopped at the first place I saw had wifi because I wanted to relax and possibly chat with my mom. Luckily by this time, I had a nice chicken sandwich and a coke…finally didn't feel sick. Had a great time chatting with my mom on FaceTime and eventually made my way back to the ship, now feeling much better. Later that night, we had our performance of Abba and everyone loved it. No one even guessed that we were originally a cast of 6…thats a great sign. 

Ajaccio, Corsica, France was our next port of call and finally I got to do an excursion. Not just any excursion but something that I've wanted to do for YEARS….zip lining!!!! HOLY CRAP, I was so excited to do this. The description just hooked me right away and I went very nicely to the shore concierge ladies and ask to let me go on this tour. We started by meeting on the dock and getting on our bus for the 30 min drive up to the top of this mountain to the zip lining location. Our tour guide was this wonderful lady that was born in Corsica but now lives in Germany teaching French and we talked about her life and her interests in learning languages. I was very curious which language was harder for her to learn, English or German. She explained that growing up, you have to learn your native language and English, thats what it taught, so obviously English was easier of the two. I always feel stupid when I meet these incredible people around the world that can speak multiple languages but I only speak one. She said that English is a language everyone has to learn, if you want to be successful in life. How lucky are we Americans to have English as our native language but what an interesting woman she is. ANYWAY….back to the tour. We eventually made our way on VERY narrow roads to the top of the mountain. I had to change my clothes on the bus cause I didn't want to wear my Silver Sea uniform while I was zip lining tree to tree. I think the guests knew I was from the ship, they didn't need to know that while in the air as well. Haha. Once we all were suited up and sat by the information spot to learn about zip lining, I noticed that every sign was either written in Corsican or French…no english….uh oh. Our instructor then came and sat on the ledge next to this tree and started speaking French. Holy crap…if he is talking about safety instructions, I'm screwed haha. Luckily, we had our amazing guide with us that started to repeat everything he said to us in English. THANK YOU!!! During this instructional talk, we started to realize this wasn't going to be a normal zip lining tour, where a guide goes with you. No, no…you had to hook yourself up to the wires…ALONE and all they were judging you on was from this 4 wire test that you had to complete while he sat on his butt and watched you. Red connects to red and then blue is the wheel thing that has red and red in front and behind and BLAH!! Confused? I sure was. I let all the passengers go ahead of me, like a good tour escort / I wanted to see how to do this damn thing so I was watching how everyone else did it before I went myself. HAHA. Right before me was a family, The DeNicola's originally from the Michigan area (Go Buckeyes haha) and I had began talking to them, joking about what we were doing in our test run. Once we all passed the test, they invited me to hang out with them for the day. They were SO much fun!! We went to our first course…yes I said course because this was more like a marine training camp instead of just easily zip lining from tree to tree. It was an obstacle course with you laying on your back crawling through tunnels, walking on a tiny wire while holding another wire above your head and then the kick was riding a bicycle across a wire. Yes, I said a bicycle. It was duck taped at the handle bars, attached by 4 wires to another wire above you and you just have to hook your two "red" clips on the bike and pray to god that you don't die. I felt like the wicked witch in the Wizard of Oz haha. After about 30 mins, we finished our first course. Then we headed over to this course that was a LONG zip line, which was a lot of fun but you kinda burned your hands…ouch. Our last course that we went to, however, was a more difficult course. The DeNicola family and myself had another great time on this one. I haven't laughed so hard or had a bigger adrenaline rush in a LONG time. One part of the course, we had to walk on a small wire while another wire is above your head but this time being VERY high in the air…it was scary. When we got to the tree, there was a little sign that CJ, the youngest of the family, told me about. It had 2 death skulls on it making sure that you clipped both your red clips on the rope. OH LORD. We were SO high in the air so that was already freaking me out but CJ did this rope swing before me but got stuck in the middle instead of making it all the way to the "spider web" net. So while he is hanging on this tiny rope for dear life, I was attached to the tree trying to get him unstuck haha. I was so nervous because I was so high up but I also was the next one to do this…which both Ted and Kaley (CJ's siblings) reminded me from another tree…haha. I hooked myself up and jumped off, gliding across with this stupid rope, then picking up speed, spinning around to my back and slamming into the spider web net that catches you. If you didn't grab with one hand and wrap your leg around it, you would swing back into the middle of the wire. I have NEVER had so much fun in my life. After this LONG but awesome excursion we all headed back to the bus for our drive back to the ship. Needless to say, I was EXHAUSTED after this excursion, with my hands and body hurting but I have never had so much fun. By far the best excursion I've ever done. I can't wait to come back here in a few weeks to do more of the course. I promised the DeNicola's that I would do one of the black courses, which is the hardest course and let them know. If I write another blog around that time, you know I survived haha. 

The next day we anchored off the coast of Algehro, Sardinia, Italy where Zach and I got off the ship to have lunch somewhere in town. I was feeling a little sluggish this day, a combination of zip lining and being tired from not sleeping well lately…my neck has been killing me. Zach and I eventually found this little cafe on the main street and had a nice lunch. He had this DISGUSTING looking seafood risotto that I wouldn't have ate to save my life but he said it was good. YIKES. I had a nice spaghetti and some bread. At the end of the meal, I tried to pay on my credit card and was denied. I freaked out because this was my new card and what if something happened to my account. The waiter tried a few more times, no luck. I gave my other card, no luck. Zach gave his card, no luck. We both looked at each other and thought, what are we going to do?? I don't clean dishes well, so I can't do that haha. Eventually the owner came out to us and said that the credit card machine was having issues connecting to internet and eventually my card worked. WHOOSH. After lunch, Zach and I walked into the old walled in city and enjoyed this amazing place. However everything was closed so we couldn't do much. Eventually we got some gelato because what else do you do in Italian city that's closed haha. The sweet lady talked to us the entire time in Italian, even though we spoke english to her, she kept speaking Italian…it was cute. After a great ice cream, we headed back to the ship. What a great day. 

Porto Mahon, Spain was our next port of call and BOY, was it hot and humid today. Mercy. I stayed on the ship until Zach got back from his 5 hour biking excursion with the DeNicola family. They had a great time but wasn't ready for the crazy adventure that they went on. Apparently the bike guide showed them on a map how far that they were going, which they all laughed at first cause they thought he was joking…nope, he sure wasn't. Later they joked with me saying during the entire tour, he didn't break a sweat while everyone else was dying and he was about to have a football (soccer for us Americans) practice later that night…haha. There was one little problem on this tour, however…there was a man on the tour that had never ridden a bike before…only an exercise bike in the gym. Ooo, I knew this story was going to end bad. Apparently at one of the off road turns onto a wooden bridge, the older gentleman flipped over his bike, flat on his face and broke his nose. WHAT?!?!? In my entire time on the Spirit, I never had anyone cut themselves or fall, but Zach's second tour he escorts and someone breaks their nose and has to go to the hospital. Poor Zach. After he returned to the ship and he told me this story, we headed out to get something to eat. We walked all the way up to the city, which was like 1,000 steps (not really, but on this hot day, it felt like it). We wanted to eat at a local restaurant and enjoy the cuisine but we were tired and over it so we ate at Burger King. HAHA. It was good to have a nice burger and fries. Later that night, we sat with the DeNicola family during the BBQ. It was SO hot that Zach and I were sweating during the dinner. Just lifting our forks to our mouths was making us sweat. Sheesh. We had a wonderful night talking with them and eating the great food. 

The next day, we were docked in Palma De Mallorca and I was on IPM. I was feeling a little worse this day, getting really hot, then really cold throughout the entire day. Ehh…whats wrong with me. Zach and Jemma did get to go into the city, have a nice meal and see the big cathedral with the largest rose window in the world but unfortunately didn't get to go inside. Apparently it was too expensive and they didn't have time to do it anyway. Later that night, still feeling really warm, I headed to the doctor just to get checked. Apparently, I had an 103 degree temperature and strep throat but wasn't contagious thankfully. To bring down my temperature, however, they had to give me a shot. I warned the nurse that I wasn't a fan of needles to which she laughed at me. Isn't that sweet? She then told me to lay down and she was going to give me the shot in the butt. Um, what? I have NEVER had a shot in my butt in my life. Okay Jason, you can do this…You can…wait, you're done? I didn't feel a thing, thanks to having a big ole butt as the nurse put it…HAHAHA. The doctor then ordered me to take medicine for a week, get plenty of rest and drink as much water as I could. So THIS is what had been wrong with me for about a week…I was really sick. Unfortunately for me, we had High C's (our opera show) this night, which is my hardest show. I have never felt so horrible while performing and even at one moment almost passing out after my big number but didn't thank the lord. After the show and greeting the guest, I came back into the theatre and just sobbed. I just felt horrible and I couldn't believe that I just sang opera with strep and a temperature. I then went directly to my room and fell asleep, It was a LONG day.

We then headed to Valencia, Spain on August 8th (my brothers birthday) which I stayed on the ship all day and slept so I don't really have much to report for this day. Zach did, however, go into the city with some of the girls and they said it was a lot of fun. Lots of beautiful buildings, churches and had some great stores to shop in as well. We come back here in a few weeks, so hopefully I can get off then and enjoy. 

We ended our cruise back in Barcelona where we had to stay goodbye to the awesome DeNicola family. We both are really going to miss them because they were an awesome family and really down to earth. Throughout the week, they were so nice to both Zach and I, making us feel like apart of their family, which was great. Being so far away from home, its wonderful when you find a group of people like that. When I get back to the states, we're all going to go to Cedar Point (we talked about it all week and they LOVE Cedar Point…I can't wait to go!!!!). If you don't know what Cedar Point is, you'll have to research it but I'll tell you that its only the best place on earth. HAHA. 

It was a great week, awesome cruise itinerary with some wonderful people. Love this part of my job to meet nice and interesting people from around the world and start friendships.

Yikes, this blog is long…guess I'll stop typing haha.

Until Next Time,

Jason

New cruise with a crazy ending

Here we go again….off on another adventure that I can't believe that I'm doing. I'm a little bit behind but I'm trying to catch up. 

Here's where we left off…

We embarked all the guests for the upcoming charter in Civitavecchia, Italy in the hottest terminal…EVER!! I don't think that I have ever sweat so much in my life. They had an AC working but they knew we were singers (or someone had told them) but they had turn the AC off because of our voices. I really appreciate that and I'm glad they were understanding but seriously…I wanted to jump in the ocean I was so hot. What made it worse was the fact that we had shifts of 50 guests coming at one time in 15 min intervals…for 2 hours!!! Holy crap, talk about sweating and rushing for a little while and then stopping and then rushing to get people boarded….whoosh. Later that night, we had to wait in the harsh heat (later finding out it was more than 100 degrees out this day) to just walk out on the pool deck and say our names and what we did. Sometimes I don't think people quite understand us because we are entertainers…they don't quite get who we are and what we are doing….just something silly that I notice but alas. 

Our next day, we were in Portovenere, Italy where Zach, Bri, Laura, Jemma and I all got off to enjoy the city. I didn't quite remember this place when I was here the last time until we got to the island and I realized where I was. This was the place at the end of my last contract where Lesley, Jodie and myself played Tag by the old church. Ah memories. The 5 of us walked around the city for a while but were all a little hungry so we sat down at a restaurant, had a good meal and some great laughs. Love this group of people…a lot of fun. Eventually, we headed to the old church thats on the hill in this old port town. Last time I was here, we couldn't go into the church, it was closed but today they had a wedding there and the church was open. It was so small but so beautiful. What a crazy place to get married at but really really stunning. We then walked through a walled area of the city to the cliffs / place where people swim. You could totally tell we were not from there and just complete tourists as everyone walking around was half naked in their swim suits and there we are…in shorts and t-shirts with our cameras….tourists, ehh. If you look to your left….haha. Later on, Laura, Zach and myself climbed to the top of the hill to try and get into the castle that was there…to no avail. So we walked down another way to the bottom of the city where they got gelato and I got a coke icee. All in all, it was a very good day. 

Next we were in the port of Portofino, Italy…one of my favorite ports but one of the most expensive. I was on tour in the morning with a great group of people, going over to a part of the bay thats only accessible by boat. Also, we saw the statue of Christ that is in the ocean. The story is that the statue is there to remember and protect those people that have died at sea. The entire time, we were on the boat watching our guide scuba dive, looking at the marine life in the area. It was all very interesting except the fact that it was so rocky on the boat, half of the people on the ship got sea sick. Luckily, I didn't get sick but I can definitely understand how people would get ill. We then spent an hour on the remote beach that housed a church / convent and watch tower…very interesting. We then headed back on the boat and made it back to Portofino where I headed back to the ship and enjoyed the rest of the day. 

We were in Nice, France the next day where Jemma, Bri, Laura, Michael and I went off to enjoy the city. We left the port to walk around a little bit and eventually found a restaurant that we all wanted to eat at. The only problem, I have found with France, is that they don't like the speak English in a lot of the ports. The entire time at the restaurant, the waiter was having the worst time trying to understand us and I could tell he was getting frustrated. Eventually, I just ordered at caesar salad with chicken…thought that it would safe and it was…actually it was very good. After lunch, we wanted to find a beach to lay out at but first stopped at a pharmacy so everyone could pick up their suntan lotion…which I don't need, I tan really easily and don't burn…I'm very lucky I know. Afterwards, we were having the hardest time trying to figure out where the beach was and just walked around the city until we eventually found a Irish pub. Yes, thats right…an Irish pub in the middle of this french town. Random? Anyway, we had a nice drink (for Bri's birthday) and used the wifi…which is always nice. Afterwards, we found the beach which was gorgeous. The water was very interesting though because it was a combination of fresh water and salt water. When the two mix together, there is a clear separation that you see…its kinda interesting. We didn't stay long at all because we had to be back for the sound check for the BBQ. We walked back and had a great night, dancing and singing with the guests…they really enjoy the BBQ.

Monte Carlo, Monaco was our next port on July 30th. I know this port really well because we came here a lot when I was on the spirit. That morning, Zach and I went off with Eleonora, one of our International Hostesses. We went to the restaurant that we always ate at…Stars and Bars. I had a great meal and so did everyone else. They have really changed the port since the last time I was there, it looks a lot better. After a VERY filling meal, Zach and I went to the pool that is in the center of the port. The last few times that we came to the city on my last contract, we wanted to go to this place SO bad but it wasn't warm enough. Well, it was definitely warm enough this time. Walking into the pool was very interesting because we didn't understand any of the signs or how much it would be. It was only 7 euros, which is not that bad for Monte Carlo. We then were given this little blue hangers with a little box attached and then they pointed at the changing rooms. I figured that we were suppose to leave all our stuff on these things and I thought that it was really clever…since we wouldn't have to worry about our stuff while in the pool. We walked all around the pool until we eventually found a little area to lay our towels down. After a little while, we got into the pool to come to find out that it was SO cold…a little too cold for my taste. Also, the pool was sea water which I wasn't expecting but I guess it makes sense, since we are so close to the ocean. The pool was very nice, an olympic size with tall diving boards and a slide. After 2 hours, Zach and I decided to leave and get some Gelato. We sat in a little cafe for a while, had great gelato and got some wifi. After we sat there and people watched for a while, we headed back to the ship because I wasn't feeling very well. After I took a nap for a little while, Zach and I climbed to the top of the city to where the castle for the monarch was…which was so nice. We sat there for a while because there were so many cars and a lot of people outside the castle…we thought that we were going to see the Prince…but we didn't…oh well. We made our way back down the mountain and headed back to the ship for a relaxing night off.

The next day was St. Tropez, France, Zach and I relaxed throughout the morning and only got off around noon to get some lunch…we were getting sick of the food on the ship, it's not as bad as the last time but sometimes you just want a variety of options and the ship doesn't give that to you. We had rehearsals this day for Motown so we didn't get to go out and explore. Also, I wasn't feeling that great so we just stayed on the ship and just relaxed. I will say that for the past few days the humidity has been very bad…the moment you think about going out on the ship, you sweat…gross. I hope that the weather cools down here soon.

Our last port of this cruise was Sete, France. Zach did his first tour for this contract and did kayaking throughout the canals of the city. He said that he walked throughout the old fishing town until they got to the kayak base. They then picked up the kayaks and then took a 2 hour tour throughout the old canals. Zach was so excited for his first tour to escort but was SO tired after his tour because they were actually in kayaks, in the middle of the ocean, going against the current. I'm sure that it was very exhausting and it was the first time that I've ever seen him take a nap during the day. He must have been pretty tired because he normally doesn't nap. I wasn't feeling very well this day…I don't know whats been going on with me. I was very thankful that I was on IPM this day because it gave me the excuse to lay around and relax…hopefully I'm not getting sick. 

We ended our cruise in Barcelona on a very interesting day. All of us had to work embarkation all day except Brianne and Laura because they were headed to the doctors off the ship. Laura had been feeling crappy lately, went to the ship doctor the night before and they just wanted to get a second opinion. Laura thought nothing of it and told me not to worry…so I didn't. After the LONG day of embarkation, Laura then arrived back on the ship and told us the news. It was worse than she thought and they wanted to do more tests on her. We then had to go up for the muster drill, so I told Laura to stay downstairs and rest…she had been through a long day. When we got done with the drill, we came back downstairs to see Laura standing outside of her room, with her luggage and the Human Resources manager. I had a freak out moment in my head and then she told us that she was being medically disembarked and is leaving right now. Oh….my…..gosh!!!! We started the day with 6 singers and when we left Barcelona that night, we had 5. This next cruise is going to be a LONG one. Lots of rehearsals to make a 6 person show into a 5 person show and as dance captain, I have to work with the director and music director from on shore to make the shows work. 

Well, here we go…haha.

Until Next Time, 

Jason

First Cruise

First cruise…complete… 

Well, what a crazy two weeks it has been. Here's what's happened our first week….

For the first cruise, we traveled from Venice, Italy to Civitavecchia, Italy and had rehearsals for most of that time. Which means for us that we don't get to get off the ship that much, but we did a little. Our first port that we all got off on was Zadar, Croatia on July 20th. It was so nice to start this adventure again, with exploring a new city and seeing the sites of that port. When we got off the ship, we were greeted by a lot of people swimming right there off the port. Sometimes I find it odd that people of certain cities swim right there in the port, instead of having a specific area to swim but oh well. When we were walking to lunch, we kept hearing these random noises from the ocean. Jemma had told us that they had drilled holes into the concrete to make different noises…which when the sea comes in and out would sound like instruments playing…which I thought was really cool. We all headed to a cafe and tried to get some wifi. Here we go again haha. I got to FaceTime with my mom which was nice…its nice that we both have IPhones and that you can use them with wifi. After lunch we all headed back to the ship and had some more rehearsal. 

Next we had our first show of Abba. The hardest part of this show is the costumes, which are so much fun but the shoes are very hard for me to walk in. When we were in rehearsal and did our dress run for our family and friends, I was the one that almost killed myself with the shoes and costumes combine. Every time I walk in those shoes (which have to have a 4 inch heel) I feel like Bambi walking for the first time. I'm sure you are all laughing right now..imagining me walking like that…ehhh. I'm going to hurt myself one day…I just know it. After our show, we met the passengers in the bar and they praised us and the shows so much. They LOVED our cast and said it was some of the best entertainment that they've seen on Silver Sea in a long time. That made us all feel very good and a little relieved since it was our opening night!!!

Our next port of call was Dubrovnik, Croatia on July 21st which was a lot of fun since we got a few hours off to explore the city. This is the port the last time we met Stanley the goat on the mountain. When I got off the ship, I told Zach all about the story with Stanley, which made him and myself laugh…hope to see him again, when we make it back to Dubrovnik. Zach and I walked around the city for a while and just explored. Its great that I'm getting to experience these places that meant so much to me last time with him…its going to be a great contract. We sat in the main square of Dubrovnik and had a great meal..just enjoying each others company and talking about how crazy it was that we were doing this. 

Our next show was the BBQ, which was something that the artist put together once we boarded the ship. It's something that we are trying as a new concept with Choozi Entertainment. We all didn't know how the show was going to run because it needed to have a spontaneous feel to it. We socialized with the guests for a little while and Zach and I had dinner with 3 awesome guys that we had meet during the cruise. Everyone kept asking us if we were going to perform and we said..maybe, you'll have to find out and they were like OH ITS A SECRET!! By the end of the show (which my song is almost at the end) we had the audience on the dance floor and singing the song with us, having a great time!!! I told my mom when I talked to her, that I felt like a rockstar when I was singing my song. People were dancing like crazy and had a GREAT time. Mission accomplished. 

Kotor, Montenegro was our next port of call and what a beautiful port this is. I was so excited to get off the ship for a little bit to see the city again. Its a really interesting port, hidden within the most southern most fiords…its a beautiful sail away and Zach and I stood up on the top deck for a good hour just enjoying the view. Zach kept saying how he couldn't believe that this was happening, that he was finally working on a ship and traveling the world. Its funny to see someone experience the same things that I experienced 3 years ago. Its really a beautiful sight to watch the sun set on the ocean while you're sailing through the fiords….how lucky are we :-)

Our next show was High C's, which is our Opera show and boy, did everyone LOVE that show. We had the loudest applauses for that show and people were so impressed that we sang in those languages so well. THANKS CESAR!!! The High C's show is my busiest show…I do a lot in it and I really enjoy singing these songs. I'm so happy that the guests love the show.

Our next port of call was in Sorrento, Italy which is by far my FAVORITE port. I don't know why I enjoy it so much. Maybe its because it really reminds me of what Italy is. In my head, Sorrento is Italy :-) I was so excited that Zach nor myself were on IPM so we could go explore this city and I could show him my favorite port. We had lunch at the same restaurant that I would always go to in the middle of the main square. Its a great place for food, people watching and WIFI. After our great lunch, we headed down the cliff to the beach area, where they have these platforms on rocks with lounge chairs on them. Its really clever and wasn't that expensive to get into. Zach and I laid out for a little while and then we decided to go into the ocean. It was such a cool experience and one that I never got to do when I was here the last time 3 years ago. This just made me love Sorrento even more and I can't WAIT to go back :-)

We ended our first voyage with our embarkation in Civitavecchia, Italy (which is the port of Rome) and received a 9.42 out of 10 in our ratings. FOR OUR FIRST CRUISE!!!  Can you believe it!!! We then gathered up the new guests, which was part of a charter and off we went for another 7 day cruise :-) 

New blog coming soon. More about the charter and the interesting ending to that cruise.  Stay tuned!!

Until Next Time,

Jason

Flying day...oh lord.

First cruise is complete!!!

What a crazy first cruise this has been but before I venture onto that blog, lets start with the LONG LONG LONG days that we had of flying from San Fran to Venice. 

EHHH

We had our last day of rehearsals with a entire run-through of our shows, Motown / High C's / Abba but this time for family and friends. I was lucky to have my mom and grandma come out from Ohio to California for a little vacation but also to send us on our way and to see our shows. It was great having them here for a few days as Zach, my mom, grandma and myself got to sight see around San Fran for one of the days off we had. It was awesome :-) Later that night of our last rehearsals, we had a GREAT farewell party as a cast and creative team. It was a great time that we got to have before we left for the ship. I really enjoy the creative team from Choozi, they all really care about you and care about the experience that you're about to have. What a great group of people. 

Since we had a very early flight, we had decided to stay up that night and not go to bed. We had to be at the curb early in the morning and when I say early, I mean 2:30am. OMG…I have never started a travel day that early in my life. We had all of our bags in front of the hotel, all 13 of them ready to get picked up from the airport in the dead of night haha. Our first issue was getting to the airport because our van that picked us up wasn't big enough for all our bags. We had crammed ourselves into this shuttle van…luggage here, person there…thank the lord it wasn't a long trip to the airport because I can't believe we actually fit everyone and everything haha.  

Once we arrived at the airport, we were dropped off at the international terminal and then we found out that our first flight was coming out of the domestic terminal. We weren't starting this travel day well…since we had to drag all 13 bags all across the airport to the complete opposite side of the terminal…not fun. We were already tired and we hadn't even checked in yet. Checking in was a little bit of an issue since a few bags were overweight and thats expected…we have packed for 8 months…HELLO!!! The lady checking us in was very nice and let a few bags go through a little over weight. She was nice to us or it was too early to deal with that crap. Hopefully it was the first option haha. 

Once we arrived in the gate area, we didn't have long to wait until we got on the flight. Well, it wasn't a long time until we changed gates because the plane that was at our gate, our original plane, had some technical issues. That didn't make me feel very good but I'm thankful that they moved us before we got on the plane. They had to drag the new plane from the hanger, so it was a little delayed but I wasn't worried cause it was a new plane…no problems.  Now, once we got on the next flight, we didn't take off for another hour and 30 mins than we were suppose to. The first reason was because we were on our way, taxiing from the gate and the whole electricity on the plane turned off…which was scary. I have never been on a plane that its happened to me before. It took them an hour to fix the plane, mind you we didn't get off while this happened. So instead of having a 5 hour flight to NYC, we had a 6 hour flight. It made me quite nervous the entire time being on that flight that something might go wrong with the plane, I mean wouldn't you think that way too….but Zach and Jemma were very comforting and they promised me that nothing would go wrong and they were right. I think that I was quite tired and wasn't wanting to deal with that sort of things that early…ehhh.

So we land in JFK's airport about 30 mins late…I guess we picked up some speed in the air, which is nice. Unfortunately, we had missed our second flight to Paris and in turn, would miss our flight to Venice. Luckily, our cruise travel agent had re booked our flight while we were in the air and we all had a direct flight to Venice….maybe our travel day is looking better! The only problem, I was afraid our bags wouldn't meet us in Venice. So I stood in line for 30 mins and made sure that they understood how important it was for us to have our bags show up. They assured me that the bags would be there so I was hoping they were correct.

We eventually got to our second flight. By this time, most of us were tired except Laura who had slept the whole first flight…lucky haha. The second flight was an overnight flight that everyone could sleep during…except ME, of course. I have a very hard time sleeping on planes…I wish I was better at it but I'm not. The second flight was nice, I watched a few movies and had a nice meal…much better than the last time that I had to do an international flight from my last contract. YIKES!!

Once we arrived to Venice, we all headed down to the baggage claim area where we had…NO LUGGAGE. This then began the long process of filling out the proper paperwork for 12 bags, not 13 because our Choozi bag, with all our costumes made it with us…which made us all laugh.  During the time standing in line, we missed our shuttle bus pick up for the ship so we then had to make other arrangements to get on the ship. Now this all happened, you must remember, after already 24+ hours of flying and barely any sleep. Needless to say, none of us felt very good but onto the ship we went. 

Once we got on the shuttle, we started to get excited that we were heading to the ship. Zach was like a little kid that was going to Disneyworld or something because he just lit up when he saw the ship. I am excited for him to have this experience and I'm even more excited to share it with him. 

When we arrived on board the ship, they had been informed about our luggage issue and luckily for us, we weren't leaving until the following evening…we had a little time for our luggage to get here and eventually it all did get here…WHOOSH. We met Brittany, a past Artist on the Wind and she showed us all around the ship and was talking about the do's and don'ts of the ship. During this whole time, I didn't really pay attention because the only thing I kept thinking about was that I wanted to take a shower and a nap…haha. Of course, I couldn't have either yet because we all had to head upstairs and experience our first Muster Drill. Lord, looking back at us, we probably looked quite gross standing there without having a shower after flying so long but we couldn't do anything that and the guests already knew our entire story…guess the news traveled fast haha. I tried my best to socialize with the guests but I don't think I remember what came out of my mouth…I was that tired. 

Needless to say, we had quite the flying experience from San Fran to Venice. One that I hope doesn't happen again. 

Next blog will be about our wonderful first week on the Silver Wind. What a lovely staff thats aboard the ship. Been having a lovely time!!

Until Next Time,

Jason 

Rehearsals...Rehearsals...Rehearsals

Rehearsals…

The most stressful part of any contract is the rehearsal process. Having to memorize lyrics and learning intricate harmonies to learning the choreography all at the same time. Now, the great thing about Choozi Entertainment is that everyone in the production team is so chill that as a performer, we bring our A game knowing that the rehearsal room isn't a panicked…learn this now…you're wrong, sorta place. The entire time of rehearsals either with Chris, our UBER talented director/choreographer or Cesar, our equally talented musical director, who has this incredible knack for languages (thank the lord), they both made us feel comfortable to explore, laugh a little bit but also get the job done that we are all hired to do. That is why I feel so proud of my cast because we all came to this rehearsal process with one thing in our minds…to work hard to get to that polished finished product. What a rehearsal period it has been….

Our first week was spent just going over our music (which there is a lot of music this time around…which I LOVE)…and trying to figure out who would sound best at each vocal part as well as solos. I was placed majority of the time with Tenor 2 which I was happy with. Now don't get me wrong, I sing the occasional bass line or even high falsetto as well..but a lot of the time, Tenor 2 (or the middle male singing line haha). Once the parts had been assigned and solos given out, that was when it was our jobs as musicians to learn our music and to make this process even better. Now the great, but challenging part of these shows with Choozi is the diversity within the shows. Abba, Opera and Motown music. Now, as a performer thats a HUGE variety of music to sing…different techniques that need to be introduced at different times but such a challenge and a rewarding one at that! 

When we weren't rehearsing throughout the day, we would all hang out as a cast at night have dinners together…which is so nice. Great to have a cast that is already bonding together and really enjoy each others company. Redwood City (which is where we are rehearsing) offers so much to do in such a confined space…which is awesome!! We have 2 groceries stores in walking distance from our hotel, which was nice because eating out all the time can make you feel fat (at least it does me) but its also not too great for the walle..hahat. Right across the parking lot from our hotel, there was a HUGE building that housed a movie theatre, which we all saw The Heat, which was AWESOME and Zach and I saw Despicable Me 2, which we loved…so cute. Also, on the lower level, off of a side street of that building…there were so many nice restaurants to eat a quick meal…chipotle, five guys, a gormet grilled cheese place, seafood place, pizza place and all of our favorites, a frozen yogurt place. The amount of frozen yogurt that we all consumed in these past 3 weeks probably shouldn't be legal…but when its that good, who really cares, right?

While we've been here we also celebrated Fourth of July and what a crazy experience that was. Apparently, Redwood City has the oldest parade in Northern California and they don't joke around. There were over 200 floats and they were so clever with their ordering of the floats (my favorite was these beautiful horses that were followed by a poop scooping company and the city sanitation cleaners…so funny). After the wonderful parade, we all headed over to the town centre for the festival that was going on. So many people were there but it was so fun to see this little town pretty much shut down for the holiday. It was a hot day this day, so we only walked around a little while until we decided to see a movie (The Heat). 

Majority of the rehearsal period is spent memorizing and rehearsing, rehearsing, rehearsing….but this time was so lovely that I kinda don't want to leave…..kinda, cause who would pass up 4 months in the Med and 4 months in Africa…haha. 

So with that, I have to thank everyone at Choozi Entertainment…Chris, David, Michael, Cesar, Soozi and Val for this incredibly rewarding rehearsal period. It has to be, by far my favorite rehearsals EVER….which means a lot cause normally rehearsals and I don't really get along haha.

Next blog will be about my flights over to the ship (yikes) and the first cruise which is: Venice, Italy on July 17 and July 18th / Pula on July 19th / Zadar, Croatia on July 20th / Dubrovnik, Croatia on July 21st / Kotor, Montenegro on July 22nd / Day at Sea on July 23rd / Messina, Italy on July 24 / Sorrento, Italy on July 25 and we end our first cruise in Civitavecchia, Italy on July 26th. 

Hope everyone has had a wonderful July!!!

Until next time, 

Jason

Best Luggage Packer....EVER!!!

Welcome back to the blog everyone!!

Well, what an exciting past month this has been. First, let me catch you up on what happen on my travel day…as you know how much I love to fly...ehh. 

Zach and I flew from our respective hometowns (Hartford, CT for him and Dayton, OH for me) the week of June 24th. Getting to San Fran was going to take a LONG time since its a long distance flight across the country. My day started quite early as I had an early flight (don't they know I'm not a morning person…ehh). The night before I did all my packing (yes, I waited until the night before to pack…oh well haha) and weighed my bags to make sure they weren't over 50 lbs. When I got to the airport, it was early and I wasn't in the right mindset to be traveling yet. The lady at the counter had to ask me 2 times to put my bags up to be weighed, very nicely I might add (thank you nice airport lady…haha). Would you believe that my bags were 49.5 and 50.0 lbs. OH MY GOSH!!! I am the best luggage packer in the WORLD!! My flights were Dayton to Atlanta and Atlanta to San Fran. I knew the Dayton to Atlanta flight wasn't going to be bad…I've done it a million times. The second flight however, I knew was going to be a beast…5 1/2 hour flight…ehh. The airport lady that I talked about earlier was SO nice to me with the luggage AND she even gave me an upgraded seat on my first flight. Needless to say, my morning started off well, but knowing me, my luck wouldn't last long. Oh look, I was right!!! 

My second flight however was delayed 4 hours because of "weather" in San Fran. Now, I checked the weather channel a few times and even talked to people from the San Fran area and there wasn't a thing wrong with the weather. Everyone kept telling me that the planes were delayed because they had to close a runway due to construction but were blaming "weather". EHHHHH…now I have to sit in the airport for 4 hours before my 5 1/2 hour flight!!!

Eventually I got on my flight and had a relaxing time over to the west coast. When I landed in San Fran, I got in touch with two of my cast mates who had also just landed!!! HOOORAY!!! Finally getting to meet the people I'm going to be traveling with on this crazy adventure!!! Brianne and Michael met me in the luggage claim area and what a hassle that was. It took a good 30 mins to get my luggage because it was the LAST piece of luggage to come out onto the machine. Of course!

Once we got all of our luggage we dragged our 3 pieces each up to the elevator, across a busy street to where the Shuttle service pick up area was. Eventually we got on our shuttle and took our 30 min ride to Redwood City. What a cute little city this is…which I'll explain in the next blog about rehearsals. When we arrived at our hotel/hostel, Zach had already arrived and was waiting in our room. It was great to see him and we were both really tired cause we had a long day of traveling. Later on in the evening we got to meet Jemma, our only Brit in the cast. Michael, Bri, Jemma, Zach and myself later went down the street to a little mexican restaurant to get to know each other and have a drink…it was a long day for all of us. Laura unfortunately couldn't make it cause she was finishing up some doctor appointments but after our dinner we had ran into her on the street. Our cast was finally together…all 6 of us. What an incredibly diverse but yet, cohesive cast we are…this is going to be a fun contract. 

Next blog coming soon (like a day or two) will discuss the events of rehearsals. From learning all the music, movie nights in the town square, 4th of July festivities to FRO YO!!! 

Can't believe this adventure is beginning!!! Here we go!!

Until next time, 

Jason 

Almost time!!

Less than a month to go until rehearsals!!!! HOORAY!!! 

At the end of June, I will fly from Dayton to San Francisco to start our few weeks of rehearsal before flying half way around the world to join the ship. I love this time in the contract because even though you have a lot of work to be done, most of all memorization…you get to create something, which is a big part of why I perform to begin with. The journey of creating a show is so rewarding…knowing that these few people are bringing all their creative thoughts and energy to the room to produce shows that we all are proud of... there isn't a better feeling in the world…

However, preparing to put your life into a suitcase for 8 months comes with its challenges…as I'm sure you would think it would. You have to think about how much space you'll have. Then what's the weather gonna be like where you're traveling. Luckily, I have been to these areas for the time of the year that I'll be there (at least the European part of the contract) so I have a pretty good idea of what I need to bring (hopefully). Even with that knowledge, its still a bit overwhelming to put your life into a suitcase and pray to above that you haven't forgot anything. Oh, please let me pack enough underwear…haha.

This isn't even half of it...haha.

Also the other fun thing (not for me because I hate needles) is getting all the medical paperwork in order to be able to work on a cruise ship. I totally understand why this is needed, I just still don't like getting shots or getting blood drawn…ehh!! Curse you nurse from when I was a child that scarred me for life.

Paperwork, paperwork, paperwork.

For the past month and a half, I have done so much to prepare for this contract that I hope that I haven't forgotten anything, I'm sure I have. Copy this, buy that, learn this, print those…WHOOSH. But at the end of the day, I get to have this incredible opportunity to share my love of music and performing with people from around the world. See places that I never in a million years thought I'd go back to or see in the first place. I can't wait!!!

We performers have a crazy life but there is NEVER a dull moment!!!

Until next time, 

Jason