Caitlin is sick. ARGH.
Not sick like last year, just a really bad cold/flu. I had to skip the social dancing last night and slept for 14 hours straight (with the aid of some cold and flu meds). Unfortunately that hasn't knocked it over, and I'm still pretty bad today.
I'll struggle on though. Try and do what I can today, but still rest up for our competition tomorrow night. Yes that's right, we'll be hitting the famous stage ourselves tomorrow night to compete as a team... here's hoping we manage to get through the choreo with no mistakes! There's nothing quite as intimidating as performing in front of that crowd. If they love you - they let you know. If they don't....
crickets.
Friday, July 30, 2010
The Competition: Thursday
So on Thursday afternoon, the second round of the competition kicked off. This is a choreography round, where couples who have won their national title (or pre-qualified the day before) perform a 2 minute choreography to fight for the right to make it into the semi-final.
This year there were 22 couples competing, with 13 to make it through to the semi-final round.
Our own Uly and Jas competed in this round, and did a great job. Unfortunately they diodn't make it into the semi's, but theirs competition was ridiculously amazing!
Special mentions from this round to a Brazilian couple (who were Elli and my favourites last year) and again the Italian couple from Tropical Gem.
Following the second qualifier, a semi-final round then reduced the numbers to just eight couples.
The plot thickened with this round, as Adrian and Anita from Spain, who have won this competition twice before and narrowly missed out on a third consecutive win last year (after he threw her to the floor in a final trick gone wrong) also appeared to make their debut in the semis (as past champions they didn't need to complete earlier rounds).
The betting is already beginning as to who will take out the crown, and the crowd is going to be loud and crazy on the night of the final. Can a hometown (Puerto Rican) couple take the crown? Will the Italians nail it? Will Spain complete a year in which they already won the Soccer and take the Salsa as well?
Stay tuned! (Literally - if you like - the whole competition streams live here:
http://www.puertoricosalsacongress.com/2010/content/video_live.html
This year there were 22 couples competing, with 13 to make it through to the semi-final round.
Our own Uly and Jas competed in this round, and did a great job. Unfortunately they diodn't make it into the semi's, but theirs competition was ridiculously amazing!
Special mentions from this round to a Brazilian couple (who were Elli and my favourites last year) and again the Italian couple from Tropical Gem.
Following the second qualifier, a semi-final round then reduced the numbers to just eight couples.
The plot thickened with this round, as Adrian and Anita from Spain, who have won this competition twice before and narrowly missed out on a third consecutive win last year (after he threw her to the floor in a final trick gone wrong) also appeared to make their debut in the semis (as past champions they didn't need to complete earlier rounds).
The betting is already beginning as to who will take out the crown, and the crowd is going to be loud and crazy on the night of the final. Can a hometown (Puerto Rican) couple take the crown? Will the Italians nail it? Will Spain complete a year in which they already won the Soccer and take the Salsa as well?
Stay tuned! (Literally - if you like - the whole competition streams live here:
http://www.puertoricosalsacongress.com/2010/content/video_live.html
The Competition- Wednesday
So on Wednesday the competition officially began with the first round of the couples division. This is a 'last minute' qualifier, where people from around the world who placed 2nd - 8th in their national championships, or whose country doesn't have one, can compete for the right to win the World Salsa Open title.
The couples each come out in groups of three, and freestyle to a song. The judges then decide which couples will go through to the second elimination round.
This year there were 18 couples competing for the right to make it to the choreography round. Only 6 of them were chosen to go through. This included the stand out performers of the round - none other than Fernando (Mandee's new 'friend' from Tropical Gem).
The standard of the freestyle dancers were amazing. Yet this was just a taste of what was to come.
The couples each come out in groups of three, and freestyle to a song. The judges then decide which couples will go through to the second elimination round.
This year there were 18 couples competing for the right to make it to the choreography round. Only 6 of them were chosen to go through. This included the stand out performers of the round - none other than Fernando (Mandee's new 'friend' from Tropical Gem).
The standard of the freestyle dancers were amazing. Yet this was just a taste of what was to come.
Status Update: Wednesday
What can I say? Sun. Sleep. Salsa.
Occasional gin and tonic or tequila shot.
More sun, not enough sleep, more salsa.
Occasional gin and tonic or tequila shot.
More sun, not enough sleep, more salsa.
Status Update: Tuesday 2pm
Location: Hotel, San Juan
Weather: Beautiful, hot and sunny. Love it.
Best shopping moment so far: An awesome pair of new dance shoes. My feet don’t hurt nearly as badly today. Mandee, Elli and I all bought the same pair and they are super cushioned.
Best food moment so far: The marinated steak at Latin Roots. Although there was also an awesome quesadilla at a local café recommended to us by a security guard we chatted to.
Best new friends so far: A couple Carlos met from Malaga, Spain (Jose & Maria). They don’t speak a lot of English (so it’s a good stretch for my Spanish to understand them), but are absolutely lovely. They’re competing as a couple this week, so we’ll be cheering them on as well as our own Aussie couple (Uly & Jas).
Cutest compliment so far: A couple stops to ask Elli and I if we are Italian. She says “You dance so beautifully you must be from Italy.” I explain we’re from Australia. They are shocked. They chat between themselves, then the man turns back to me and says “Australia, Nicole Kidman country!!”
Weather: Beautiful, hot and sunny. Love it.
Best shopping moment so far: An awesome pair of new dance shoes. My feet don’t hurt nearly as badly today. Mandee, Elli and I all bought the same pair and they are super cushioned.
Best food moment so far: The marinated steak at Latin Roots. Although there was also an awesome quesadilla at a local café recommended to us by a security guard we chatted to.
Best new friends so far: A couple Carlos met from Malaga, Spain (Jose & Maria). They don’t speak a lot of English (so it’s a good stretch for my Spanish to understand them), but are absolutely lovely. They’re competing as a couple this week, so we’ll be cheering them on as well as our own Aussie couple (Uly & Jas).
Cutest compliment so far: A couple stops to ask Elli and I if we are Italian. She says “You dance so beautifully you must be from Italy.” I explain we’re from Australia. They are shocked. They chat between themselves, then the man turns back to me and says “Australia, Nicole Kidman country!!”
Mandee Meets 'Tropical Jam'
So for the non dancers reading this, there’s a brilliant Italian Salsa Team called “Tropical Gem”. They’re one of the best teams in the world, amazing to watch. They’ve been to Australia in the past, and are also all over youtube. I pretty much thought anyone who’d been heavily involved in the salsa scene for a few years (and who hangs out with us) would know who they are.
I didn’t count on the lovable Mandee.
Mandee Moment #1: Mandee overhears Elli and I talking about the fact that Fernando from Tropical Gem has definitely been sighted in the hotel. We were excited, because last year they were meant to come to the congress but didn’t. Mandee overhears us and asks who’s we’re talking about. Elli explains. A little later Mandee explains proudly (and loudly) to a newcomer to the group “Oh they’re excited because Tropical Jam is at the congress.” Needless to say we can’t contain our laughter as we explain it’s “Gem” not “Jam”. Mandee’s response? “Well tropical jam sounds better anyway. Cause it sounds like something you can eat!”
Mandee Moment #2: A little later that same day, we get in the lift with the very same Fernando from Tropical Gem. I’d had a brief encounter with him a bit earlier, and as Mandee had been with me, I thought she also knew who he was. I had forgotten the fact she can’t see anyone’s face without her glass on.
“Hi. I’m Mandee. Do you dance salsa?”
Yes. Mandee just asked Italy’s best if he dances salsa. I try to contain my laughter at the back of the elevator. Fernando just smiles and says “Yes I do.”
Mandee continues: “Oh, so you’re here for the congress?”
Fernando: “Yes, teaching and competing.”
Mandee: “Oh great. Me too. Good luck!”
We arrive at Fernando’s level and he smiles, thanks her and exits.
I finally burst into audible giggles as I explain to Mandee that she just asked the head dancer of ‘Tropical Jam’ if he dances salsa. It’s like meeting Eddie Vedder in the lift and asking if he’s ever played a guitar.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen her turn as bright red as she did in that moment.
I didn’t count on the lovable Mandee.
Mandee Moment #1: Mandee overhears Elli and I talking about the fact that Fernando from Tropical Gem has definitely been sighted in the hotel. We were excited, because last year they were meant to come to the congress but didn’t. Mandee overhears us and asks who’s we’re talking about. Elli explains. A little later Mandee explains proudly (and loudly) to a newcomer to the group “Oh they’re excited because Tropical Jam is at the congress.” Needless to say we can’t contain our laughter as we explain it’s “Gem” not “Jam”. Mandee’s response? “Well tropical jam sounds better anyway. Cause it sounds like something you can eat!”
Mandee Moment #2: A little later that same day, we get in the lift with the very same Fernando from Tropical Gem. I’d had a brief encounter with him a bit earlier, and as Mandee had been with me, I thought she also knew who he was. I had forgotten the fact she can’t see anyone’s face without her glass on.
“Hi. I’m Mandee. Do you dance salsa?”
Yes. Mandee just asked Italy’s best if he dances salsa. I try to contain my laughter at the back of the elevator. Fernando just smiles and says “Yes I do.”
Mandee continues: “Oh, so you’re here for the congress?”
Fernando: “Yes, teaching and competing.”
Mandee: “Oh great. Me too. Good luck!”
We arrive at Fernando’s level and he smiles, thanks her and exits.
I finally burst into audible giggles as I explain to Mandee that she just asked the head dancer of ‘Tropical Jam’ if he dances salsa. It’s like meeting Eddie Vedder in the lift and asking if he’s ever played a guitar.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen her turn as bright red as she did in that moment.
Status Update: Monday
Time/Day: Monday 5pm
Location: our room, El San Juan Hotel
Jetlag status: We feel fine, but are not even remotely in the right time zone. But as we’re going to bed every night between 3 and 5am after dancing …. Well it’s hard to establish a ‘normal’ rhythm. At the moment we wake up around 11 or 12, and then have an early evening siesta before the party starts. This will become a problem once we start doing training and workshops all day. Lucky red bull is cheap over here!
Highlight Moment: American Airlines calls to say that Mandee’s bag has been located. It will be at the hotel by 7:30pm. Mandee does an ecstatic happy dance. She can finally stop recycling her underwear (wait, did I just say that out loud?)
Location: our room, El San Juan Hotel
Jetlag status: We feel fine, but are not even remotely in the right time zone. But as we’re going to bed every night between 3 and 5am after dancing …. Well it’s hard to establish a ‘normal’ rhythm. At the moment we wake up around 11 or 12, and then have an early evening siesta before the party starts. This will become a problem once we start doing training and workshops all day. Lucky red bull is cheap over here!
Highlight Moment: American Airlines calls to say that Mandee’s bag has been located. It will be at the hotel by 7:30pm. Mandee does an ecstatic happy dance. She can finally stop recycling her underwear (wait, did I just say that out loud?)
The Saturation of Salsa
It’s hard to explain to my Australian (non-dancing) friends, the culture of salsa in Puerto Rico. When you walk into the hotel elevators, Salsa music plays over the hotel loud-speaker. When you wander around the streets of Old San Juan, salsa music floats out of all the bars you pass. It doesn’t matter that the old Puerto Rican couple in the restaurant don’t know fancy footwork and complicated turn patterns, their bodies just feel the groove as the music talks to them.
On Sunday, we went to lunch at a local restaurant owned by one of the members of El Gran Combo (one of the world’s best, and my personal favourite, salsa band). Called “Latin Roots” the restaurant was tucked away on a side-street of Old San Juan, which we got to by taxi (after negotiating our price – taxis in Puerto Rico don’t have functional meters, so if you ever visit, make sure to negotiate the price before you get in.)
The restaurant tables were spread around the outside of a dance floor, with a stage for – wait for it – the live band. Yep, every day you can find amazing live music to get your foot tapping while you eat. The band was a 5 piece that day (quite small for a salsa band) but they were fantastic, and filled the room easily with some brilliant beats. Sure enough, it didn’t take long for us to start the dance floor, much to the delight of the locals – who were thrilled to find out that people dance salsa in Australia!
But the unforgettable moment for me was not our dancing, or the amazing music, or even the tasty food. It was at the end of our meal, when the band played a slow cha cha cha. There were about five older Puerto Rican couples on the floor dancing. All of them danced for each other. Completely captured in their own private worlds. Just them, their bodies, and the smooth, smooth music. Maybe it was caused by the VERY strong gin and tonic (possibly missing tonic?) I had with lunch, but I felt a warm glow at what was a completely beautiful moment.
That is why I dance.
On Sunday, we went to lunch at a local restaurant owned by one of the members of El Gran Combo (one of the world’s best, and my personal favourite, salsa band). Called “Latin Roots” the restaurant was tucked away on a side-street of Old San Juan, which we got to by taxi (after negotiating our price – taxis in Puerto Rico don’t have functional meters, so if you ever visit, make sure to negotiate the price before you get in.)
The restaurant tables were spread around the outside of a dance floor, with a stage for – wait for it – the live band. Yep, every day you can find amazing live music to get your foot tapping while you eat. The band was a 5 piece that day (quite small for a salsa band) but they were fantastic, and filled the room easily with some brilliant beats. Sure enough, it didn’t take long for us to start the dance floor, much to the delight of the locals – who were thrilled to find out that people dance salsa in Australia!
But the unforgettable moment for me was not our dancing, or the amazing music, or even the tasty food. It was at the end of our meal, when the band played a slow cha cha cha. There were about five older Puerto Rican couples on the floor dancing. All of them danced for each other. Completely captured in their own private worlds. Just them, their bodies, and the smooth, smooth music. Maybe it was caused by the VERY strong gin and tonic (possibly missing tonic?) I had with lunch, but I felt a warm glow at what was a completely beautiful moment.
That is why I dance.
Status Update: 4am
Time/Day: Sunday, 4am
Location: Our hotel room, San Juan
Highlight: Yet again the three girls lie down and try to pretend we can’t feel our feet. Tonight the band maybe wasn’t quite as hot, but the dancing was even better. I found the young kid I danced with last year at the congress – and we tore it up on the floor. Plus I ended the night of a string of about ten amazing dancers in a row – each better than the last. Pretty sure I lost a few kilos in sweat, but it was totally worth it!
Highlight #2: The Puerto Rican man-posse hasn’t made an appearance yet, but we’ve already found some VERY good looking tight-shirted men to perve on. Such a pity they like boys!
Location: Our hotel room, San Juan
Highlight: Yet again the three girls lie down and try to pretend we can’t feel our feet. Tonight the band maybe wasn’t quite as hot, but the dancing was even better. I found the young kid I danced with last year at the congress – and we tore it up on the floor. Plus I ended the night of a string of about ten amazing dancers in a row – each better than the last. Pretty sure I lost a few kilos in sweat, but it was totally worth it!
Highlight #2: The Puerto Rican man-posse hasn’t made an appearance yet, but we’ve already found some VERY good looking tight-shirted men to perve on. Such a pity they like boys!
Sunday, Puerto Rico
Sunday started with swimming, then sight-seeing, then salsa. A pretty awesome day.
Swimming: The amazing pool at our hotel is sure to become our hot-spot for the trip. Carlos reserved some great little bed/huts for us, and we spent the morning alternating between lazing in the sun (or shade for me) and pool-time.
Sight-seeing: We headed to a restaurant in Old San Juan (see “the saturation of salsa”) followed by some pina coladas and shopping. Then we headed back home for a quick siesta.
Salsa: Another night of amazing salsa! I can’t even explain the atmosphere, the crazy music, the awesome people. It really has to be experienced to be understood. God I love dancing in Puerto Rico.
Swimming: The amazing pool at our hotel is sure to become our hot-spot for the trip. Carlos reserved some great little bed/huts for us, and we spent the morning alternating between lazing in the sun (or shade for me) and pool-time.
Sight-seeing: We headed to a restaurant in Old San Juan (see “the saturation of salsa”) followed by some pina coladas and shopping. Then we headed back home for a quick siesta.
Salsa: Another night of amazing salsa! I can’t even explain the atmosphere, the crazy music, the awesome people. It really has to be experienced to be understood. God I love dancing in Puerto Rico.
The 'un-hibitions' of travel
I would never chat to strangers in the street in Brisbane. I would never stand up and dance and sing in a public place for no reason. I would never get tipsy on pina coladas and then go shopping.
This is why I love travel.
At home, in our natural environment, we are firmly in our comfort zone, and trapped by the inhibitions we have created for ourselves. Whether it’s social expectations, friends and family, fear of humiliation, laziness, or just the comfort of a settled routine – we’re rarely uninhibited.
Travelling? It’s like a free pass to do whatever the hell you want, feel, or have a vague inclination to try.
Now don’t get me wrong. It’s not like I do anything too crazy. I’m still me, but possibly a version of myself I like better. Someone who’s a little bit free-er, a little less worried, and a little more uninhibited. Even on the dance floor – when I’m in Puerto Rico, I honestly dance like nobody’s watching. And I have an absolute fucking ball.
This is why I love travel.
At home, in our natural environment, we are firmly in our comfort zone, and trapped by the inhibitions we have created for ourselves. Whether it’s social expectations, friends and family, fear of humiliation, laziness, or just the comfort of a settled routine – we’re rarely uninhibited.
Travelling? It’s like a free pass to do whatever the hell you want, feel, or have a vague inclination to try.
Now don’t get me wrong. It’s not like I do anything too crazy. I’m still me, but possibly a version of myself I like better. Someone who’s a little bit free-er, a little less worried, and a little more uninhibited. Even on the dance floor – when I’m in Puerto Rico, I honestly dance like nobody’s watching. And I have an absolute fucking ball.
Status Update: 3am
Time/Day: Saturday 3am
Location: Our plush hotel room in the El San Juan Casino.
Highlight: The three girls (Mandee, Sonia, and I) lie on the bed and breathe deeply through the pulsing agony in our over-danced feet. The first night was amazing. Band was hot. Plenty of good dancers. The highlight? I know there’s much better to come!
Location: Our plush hotel room in the El San Juan Casino.
Highlight: The three girls (Mandee, Sonia, and I) lie on the bed and breathe deeply through the pulsing agony in our over-danced feet. The first night was amazing. Band was hot. Plenty of good dancers. The highlight? I know there’s much better to come!
Saturday, San Juan, Puerto Rico
So we arrived in San Juan mid-morning, and headed straight for the hotel. A short taxi ride later, we were there, and I quickly located Mandee and Sonia in our room. But already, it seemed, minor travel disaster had struck.
Mandee’s bag was…..
Missing. Last seen in Los Angeles. Not seen since.
Uh Oh.
Still aside from the fact Mandee was now wearing Sonia’s bra and shorts and my singlet top, we were okay. Good news? She carried her costume on the plane.
Our first day in Puerto Rico was spent loading up on supplies, having a siesta, and trying to recover from jet lag. Then hitting the foyer downstairs for live music, and some seriously shit-hot salsa. WOOT WOOT!
Mandee’s bag was…..
Missing. Last seen in Los Angeles. Not seen since.
Uh Oh.
Still aside from the fact Mandee was now wearing Sonia’s bra and shorts and my singlet top, we were okay. Good news? She carried her costume on the plane.
Our first day in Puerto Rico was spent loading up on supplies, having a siesta, and trying to recover from jet lag. Then hitting the foyer downstairs for live music, and some seriously shit-hot salsa. WOOT WOOT!
Status Update: San Juan Day #1
Time/Day: Saturday, 2pm
Location: San Juan, Supermarket
Weather: Inside, a nice chilly air con. Outside, sunny, humid, and hot. Mmmmm.
Jet Lag: Still pretty bad.
Highlight: The supermarket is full of cheap booze. I pick up a bottle of Tanqueray No. 10 for $US30. The boys buy local rum in two-litre bottles. Uh oh.
Location: San Juan, Supermarket
Weather: Inside, a nice chilly air con. Outside, sunny, humid, and hot. Mmmmm.
Jet Lag: Still pretty bad.
Highlight: The supermarket is full of cheap booze. I pick up a bottle of Tanqueray No. 10 for $US30. The boys buy local rum in two-litre bottles. Uh oh.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Status Update: Santa Monica
Location: Spent the day on Santa Monica pier and surrounds. I was totally in a Sheryl Crow song.
Next Flight: In just a few hours we head to San Juan. Another 7 hour flight. eek!
Jetlag Status: Bad. Although I just had an hour long nap to save myself from complete breakdown, after Elli and I pretty much fell asleep on a bus in LA.
Weather: Still grey, although it warmed up a little in the afternoon.
Blingy Bear Highlight of the Day: "Wanted" by Santa Monica Police. What can I say - that little bear knows how to take a great selfie.
Next update will be in San Juan! Not sure on the wireless internet status over there, so don't hold your breath. Plus I make apologies in advance - I may be drinking pina coladas next time I'm typing. Josie please don't judge me for any resulting typos or poor grammar. You may sub-edit later.
Next Flight: In just a few hours we head to San Juan. Another 7 hour flight. eek!
Jetlag Status: Bad. Although I just had an hour long nap to save myself from complete breakdown, after Elli and I pretty much fell asleep on a bus in LA.
Weather: Still grey, although it warmed up a little in the afternoon.
Blingy Bear Highlight of the Day: "Wanted" by Santa Monica Police. What can I say - that little bear knows how to take a great selfie.
Next update will be in San Juan! Not sure on the wireless internet status over there, so don't hold your breath. Plus I make apologies in advance - I may be drinking pina coladas next time I'm typing. Josie please don't judge me for any resulting typos or poor grammar. You may sub-edit later.
Status Update: Lounging in LA
Status Update: Currently in LA, chilling with coffee at a hotel near the airport.
Next Flight: Tonight at midnight we leave LAX to head to San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Current Weather: Smoggy and cloudy. LA is disappointingly grey. Can't wait for sunny PR.
Quote of the day: "My only goal is to be the best! Oh wait, Juan and I are already the best!!" (Elli, claiming she's the best... note: last time she started claiming this, she then kicked Juan in the eye with a high heel... karma's a bitch ;)
PS - Bling Bear is already enjoying his first tour as Latin Steps Mascot.
Next Flight: Tonight at midnight we leave LAX to head to San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Current Weather: Smoggy and cloudy. LA is disappointingly grey. Can't wait for sunny PR.
Quote of the day: "My only goal is to be the best! Oh wait, Juan and I are already the best!!" (Elli, claiming she's the best... note: last time she started claiming this, she then kicked Juan in the eye with a high heel... karma's a bitch ;)
PS - Bling Bear is already enjoying his first tour as Latin Steps Mascot.
Day #1: Brisbane to LAX: Long-haul Highlights
A long haul plane flight is really a fascinating thing. No two experiences are ever exactly the same.
First, there’s the issue of personal space. Out in the real world, to lay your head gently on the shoulder of a perfect stranger, and possibly leak a little drool onto their clothes – this wlould be a social faux pas of massive propotions. To climb over the top of (and possibly step on) a deeply sleeping stranger in order to relieve your bladder? Unheard of. And even to breathe and re-breathe the air of a hundred strangers for 14 hours of enforced confinement while diligently counting down the hours til it’s over? Sounds a little like punishment. But this jail-time comes with a voluntary sign-on sheet and a sweet reward at the other end.
Plus – I must confess, I totally have a thing for plane food. Yes. I do. Really. The delicious mashed goo encased in shiny alfoil covers. The cheese and crackers waiting to be popped out of the plastic and into my mouth. The cute mini bottle of champagne and the stemless wine glass. The regular delivery of snacks. I’m like a little kid who gets christmas delivered over and over for fourteen hours.
So what were the particular highlights of this 14 hour haul from Brisbane to Los Angeles? Let me pick three:
1. Carlos, Elli and I were all the same flight. All seated in aisle seats in front/behind and beside each other. (We all appreciate a good aisle seat.) Not all passengers had boarded the plane yet, and Carlos still had two empty seats beside him. I had one empty seat beside me. “Hey Hey” says Carlos “Looks like I’m going to be comfy during this trip, I have all three seats to myself!” Elli responds: “No way, they just haven’t boarded yet papi, there will totally be people.” Caitlin backs her up: “I wouldn’t get too get excited Maestro. You’re not that lucky.” Carlos raises his finger as if about to speak great wisdom, “We’ll see who has the laugh last when I’m stretching out my legs in comfort and you’re both squashed in! And don’t think I’ll share my extra space with you for all your doubt!!” The punchline? Carlos had both seats beside him filled, while the seat beside me remained empty for the whole flight. Needless to say, I enjoyed the last laugh.
2. Elli and I discover we really are twinsies. According to Carlos we both fall asleep and then wake up at the same time. I’m not sure if this is a highlight, or if we’ve just spent way too much time travelling together.
3. Highlight 3 would have to be finally getting the first real twinges of excitement starting to kick some adrenalin into my bloodstream… after so much stress and craziness, I’m finally on holidays, I’m going to get to dance with the best in the world, AND I’ll see Europe for the first time.
What a high.
First, there’s the issue of personal space. Out in the real world, to lay your head gently on the shoulder of a perfect stranger, and possibly leak a little drool onto their clothes – this wlould be a social faux pas of massive propotions. To climb over the top of (and possibly step on) a deeply sleeping stranger in order to relieve your bladder? Unheard of. And even to breathe and re-breathe the air of a hundred strangers for 14 hours of enforced confinement while diligently counting down the hours til it’s over? Sounds a little like punishment. But this jail-time comes with a voluntary sign-on sheet and a sweet reward at the other end.
Plus – I must confess, I totally have a thing for plane food. Yes. I do. Really. The delicious mashed goo encased in shiny alfoil covers. The cheese and crackers waiting to be popped out of the plastic and into my mouth. The cute mini bottle of champagne and the stemless wine glass. The regular delivery of snacks. I’m like a little kid who gets christmas delivered over and over for fourteen hours.
So what were the particular highlights of this 14 hour haul from Brisbane to Los Angeles? Let me pick three:
1. Carlos, Elli and I were all the same flight. All seated in aisle seats in front/behind and beside each other. (We all appreciate a good aisle seat.) Not all passengers had boarded the plane yet, and Carlos still had two empty seats beside him. I had one empty seat beside me. “Hey Hey” says Carlos “Looks like I’m going to be comfy during this trip, I have all three seats to myself!” Elli responds: “No way, they just haven’t boarded yet papi, there will totally be people.” Caitlin backs her up: “I wouldn’t get too get excited Maestro. You’re not that lucky.” Carlos raises his finger as if about to speak great wisdom, “We’ll see who has the laugh last when I’m stretching out my legs in comfort and you’re both squashed in! And don’t think I’ll share my extra space with you for all your doubt!!” The punchline? Carlos had both seats beside him filled, while the seat beside me remained empty for the whole flight. Needless to say, I enjoyed the last laugh.
2. Elli and I discover we really are twinsies. According to Carlos we both fall asleep and then wake up at the same time. I’m not sure if this is a highlight, or if we’ve just spent way too much time travelling together.
3. Highlight 3 would have to be finally getting the first real twinges of excitement starting to kick some adrenalin into my bloodstream… after so much stress and craziness, I’m finally on holidays, I’m going to get to dance with the best in the world, AND I’ll see Europe for the first time.
What a high.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
The Night Before
It's beena hectic few weeks, but it's finlly here. Tour 2010 begins.
As I wrapped tour mascot "Bling Bear" (you'll meet him in future photos) in his pink tutu and diamantes, I thought to myself, "what adventures will he have to tell in four weeks time?"
Never mind, cause you'll get all the stories first - here on CaitOnTour.
Stay tuned!
As I wrapped tour mascot "Bling Bear" (you'll meet him in future photos) in his pink tutu and diamantes, I thought to myself, "what adventures will he have to tell in four weeks time?"
Never mind, cause you'll get all the stories first - here on CaitOnTour.
Stay tuned!
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