Hamburg, Germany

What a lovely night I just had! Some wonderful friends of family were so kind to wait 2.5 hrs for our tardy ship (due to a backup at the locks on the Kiel Canal). Since we’d never met nor seen pictures of them, Jens and his son, Bjoern told me what license plate to look our for on a black SUV at the cruise terminal. Brooke and I were so impressed with their perfect English and their hospitable welcome - greeting us with hugs and opening car doors for us all night. Jens drove us around Hamburg to show us some sights: the extensive shopping, the post-war cathedrals, the inner and outer lakes, some theaters and music halls, the wealthy villas, and the infamous Red Light District.  It was quite unsettling to drive by prostitutes standing on corners in their knee-high boots under pink and black umbrellas. He pointed out a wall that was guarded to keep women out...only men are allowed to enter the street behind the wall, because there are window peep shows to entice them in to “buy.” 

We ended up at an upscale lounge called the 20 Up Bar inside the Riverside Hotel...right outside the Red Light District, but very classy. We took the lift 20 stories up, checked our coats, passed the dress code up-and-down “scan,” and struggled to find a place to sit or stand. It was über-packed! I learned that in Germany, the drinking age is 16 for beer and wine and 18 for hard liquor (18 as well as for driving!) I also learned that when I am standing in your way in Germany, it is common and acceptable to physically move me out of your way with the back of your hand or elbow. Bjoern chose our fresh juice cocktails, Jens treated, and we had a lovely time chatting about careers and customs while appreciating the drizzly yet colorful view of the city.

The whole night Jens kept apologizing for the rain, which we really didn’t mind at all, especially since we were in the shelter of a nice car and bar! To top off the night, Jens gave us a packet of pages he printed off from home about Hamburg. I think I’ll use this rainy night on IPM to snuggle in and read it!

Stockholm, Sweden

What a beautiful city! I have such fond memories of visiting here with my Mom a few years ago to discover our Swedish roots...I think it remains one of my very favorite cities I’ve ever seen. Clean, proper but kind, smart, with crisp air under the sun. People mind their own business and wear sensible shoes. It was a bright and brisk day when Todd, Joe, Brooke and I got to ride the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus for free as crewmembers! We didn’t have enough time to actually hop off due to tech rehearsals, but we thoroughly enjoyed the 2 hour tour atop a double decker bus. 

I decided to adopt my brother Danny’s tradition of collecting a Christmas ornament from each country I visit :) So I bought a sweet little Swedish girl with a red, wool dress and blonde braids. Whenever I settle down (?) I will have a delightful Christmas tree! 

Helsinki, Finland

The smell of fish, the salty cool air, the taste of raspberry jelly donuts, and blonde hair, blue-eyed, round-faced people with ski jump noses...that is how I will remember Finland. Todd and I got to walk around for a few hours before rehearsal and loved seeing the tall cathedrals and markets with trinkets and fish. We were told that the ‘church in a rock’ was a must-see, so we briskly walked another 20 minutes to see what it was all about. At first glance, it was a disappointing dome church with some rocks built up around it, but after Todd insisted we peek inside, we were much more impressed with the view from underneath. Along with the flood of tourists, there was an organist playing hymns that echoed from the rocks to the rest of the world. It really made me think of one my favorites, How Great Thou Art. 

One of my favorite things to see was how the outside dining was set up in cafes: There were rows of tables, and the chairs belonging to them were all side by side, and facing the sidewalk. This intrigued me! It’s as if they are set up for people-watching. Noticing your surroundings, and sitting next to the person you came with, not across from them. I  am absolutely fascinated with this custom!

Tallinn, Estonia

I had a lovely day with my wonderful roommate, Brooke, in Tallinn, Estonia!  I must admit that I didn’t know anything about the culture before my feet hit the cobblestone there. The people were friendly, blonde, light-eyed and light-skinned with cute little ski jump noses and they all spoke English, as well as Estonian and a slew of other European languages. We walked around, took pictures, stopped to listen to an orchestra in the main town square (apparently it’s a very musical country), and split a chicken and strawberry salad, chocolate cake and rhubarb ice cream at a small cafe. We were about to leave when it suddenly down-poured! Our hialrious server, Martin, told us that it would only last a few minutes, so we had to stay for delicious (Illy...Italian) coffee :) We met Leo at a nearby table, from NYC and in the Opera business. He was very excited to meet 2 Rockettes and gave us his card, saying if we needed anything in the NYC Opera world, he’d be happy to help! I’d like to dance in an opera I think.

Tonight we had off for the first time! We ate at the Lido (buffet), then went to the Guest Entertainer’s show...a husband and wife from Nashville who sang and played guitar, banjo, mandolin and steel guitar. Then we went to the Crow’s Nest for a sing-along haha! I requested some Elvis and Ring of Fire :) THEN we went to the Ocean Bar for more live music and dancing! Todd whisked me on the dance floor for a swing, a cha-cha, a merengue and a slow dance...so fun! Our casties joined and had wine and watched. I like them a lot. 

Last night we opened “It Takes Two,” my hardest show. 8 dances...and that’s a lot for a 50 minute show! During a quickchange into Proud Mary gold fringe pants and a crop top, my mole got zipped and I didn’t realize it till I took off my last costume....a WHITE dress...blood all over the lining! The costumers didn’t seem phased. They told me to use my own spit to rub it out. Worked like a charm! Weird! Something with the enzymes.....??? I guess it only works with your own spit/blood. I am learning new things each day. 

Today we were in St. Petersburg but weren’t allowed off the ship because you have to have a visa or a Seaman’s Book, and our Seaman’s Books haven’t been processed in Holland yet. Boo! Hopefully when we return to Russia I will be allowed off. I would love to see the ballet here!

Copenhagen, Denmark

We really didn’t get too much time off at this port due to rehearsals, but we did manage to get the night off to celebrate Angelina’s birthday! We chose a tiny, vacant restaurant close to the ship and had a fun time :)

Londontown

Fish 'n' Chips in London followed by "Bodyguard" the musical on the West End...all with great company!

We arrived safely on the ship yesterday and are getting settled when not in meetings or rehearsals. We had our first show and I think it went swimmingly (pun totally intended.)

Thought for the day: You know you're on a cruise ship when.....you can hit your knee on the toilet and your head on the sink WHILST in the shower...