When in Rome

Posted on August 28, 2014 by CaseyT

When my sister and her husband were cruising, their friend wrote out a thorough tour for them to follow in Rome. I was able to take part in a “Rome on Your Own” tour for the crew, so I decided to follow the same tour. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to do everything that was recommended, but I still had one of the greatest days of my contract.

St. Peter’s Square

The tour bus dropped us off near the Vatican Museum. I pushed through the crowds with my dance captain and her boyfriend– two of my frequent travel companions. We started at St. Peter’s Square, a large piazza designed by Bernini. The sight of St. Peter’s Basilica was fantastic. Since the weather was so beautiful, we chose not to go inside, but rather to keep walking in the sunshine.

In front of St. Peter’s Basilica

My goal of the day was to see the Pantheon, so we made our way across the Tiber and strolled down Via Dei Coronari, a beautiful little pedestrian street that would take us to our destination.

Via Dei Coronari

We got sidetracked while passing Piazza Navona, and decided to stop for lunch. I had a vegetable risotto that put all other risotto dishes I’ve had to shame. I also enjoyed an Aperol Spritz, my favorite Italian indulgence. Our table was outside, so we were able to people watch, and enjoy the beauty of the piazza while we ate.

Surrounding building at Piazza Navona

I learned from the tour notes from my sister’s friend that the surrounding buildings at the piazza were build on the foundations of a Roman circus, this the space is in the shape of a large oval. In the center of the piazza is Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers. There are two other statues in the space, the Fontana del Moro and the Fountain of Neptune.

Fountain of the Four Rivers

Fountain of Neptune

Next, we walked the final few blocks to the Pantheon. Access is free, so we were able to go in and really appreciate the structure. The Pantheon was build around 126 AD. It is one of the best preserved Ancient Roman buildings, and was shockingly advanced for its time. The concrete dome has an oculus that opens to the sky. This dome is still the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome. The Pantheon has been in continuous use since it was built, and since the 7th century, has been used as a Catholic church.

Exterior of the Pantheon

Oculus

Interior walls

Time was already running out, so we started back towards the bus. We walked down Via Dei Coronari again, and stopped at the Gelateria del Teatro. I had “pure chocolate” and pistachio flavors in a small cup. The chocolate was rich and delicious, and the pistachio was probably the best I’ve had.

Near the Gelateria

We crossed Ponte Sant’Angelo, a pedestrian bridge flanked by angel statues, and came upon Castel Sant’Angelo, also known as the Mausoleum of Hadrian. In the past, the mausoleum has been used as a fortress and a castle, but now is a museum.

Across the river from the mausoleum

Outside Castel Sant’Angelo

We continued walking, and had just enough time for a glass of wine across fro the Vatican Museum before getting back on the bus. I would have loved to have more time in Rome, but I was able to enjoy every minute of my day there. No complaints!

No Plans, No Problems

Posted on August 25, 2014 by CaseyT

I got off the ship in Cartagena with no agenda. I had heard that it was a nice town, but knew no details.

First view off the ship

Heading into town

We grabbed a map and just started wandering down a main street. On the way, we saw some beautiful old buildings, street performers, and plenty of nice shops. We wove our way over to a small park, and then went searching for food.

Wandering

We found a nice tapas restaurant on a side street with each plate only 1.50 euros. The food was great, and the place had fast wifi… A precious thing when you work on ships!

Roman Theater

After lunch, some of our group was going to the beach. Since I am part vampire and can’t take too much sun, I opted to instead go to the Roman Theater. There was a museum part first, with interesting information about the theater and the city. Next, we went through a tunnel under an old church. The tunnel led to the theater, a huge old proscenium stage with views overlooking the city. Dancer that I am, I had to get on the stage!

Always on stage

Leaving the theater

My friend and I were enjoying the warm weather, so we sat under an umbrella with a glass of sangria before getting back on board. It was a short, but fun, outing!

Sunny Spain

Fantastic France

Posted on August 21, 2014 by CaseyT

We stopped in Villefranche, a small town between Nice and Monte Carlo on a perfect, sunny day. I got off the ship with a fellow dancer, hoping to find food and wine. We took a tender boat from the ship to the terminal. During the boat ride, I enjoyed some fantastic views and a nice, light breeze.

On the tender boat

Once on land, we walked through a small outdoor market, then wove our way through some small side streets, looking for a good place to stop. We settled on a restaurant near the water, where I had some delicious pizza and a mediocre glass of rose.

Beautiful town

After lunch, my friend went to find her boyfriend, and I went back to the market to buy a locally made perfume. I then stopped at a small café, where I had another glass of rose. This time, the wine was great! Sitting outside, sipping vino, and people watching was the perfect way to end my day out.

Looking for a restaurant

This cruise has confirmed my desire to move to the Mediterranean. I never want to go home!

Wandering the streets

Looking Around Lisbon

Posted on August 17, 2014 by CaseyT

Last cruise, one of my sisters and her husband came to visit me. The voyage had some wonderful ports, including Rome, Gibraltar, Malaga, Nice, and Lisbon. Due to extra rehearsals for mystery theater and parades, I was only able to get off in port with them once. Luckily, we still had plenty of time to enjoy together on the ship. I enjoyed showing them around the ship, my home for 6 months, and introducing them to my friends and cast mates.

Sister came to visit!

Our final port and only day to play on land was in Lisbon. It was my first time in Portugal! We took a cab to Commerce Square, walked under the Rua Augusta Arch, and continued walking to find food. We sat at a lovely little outside table for lunch. My sister heard that cod fritters were a local specialty, so we both tried them. They had two variations, so we ordered both to compare. They were tasty, though not good enough for me to need again.

Arch in Lisbon

After lunch, we started walking towards Alfama, the oldest district in Lisbon. On our way there, we came across the St. Jorge Castle. We circled the outside, did a bit of shopping in souvenir shops, and then made our way down the hill to Alfama.

Once there, we continued strolling, found some nice local pastries, and then I had to head off to find a cab back to the ship. They stayed in town, and walked all over the city. I’m a little jealous of all that they saw that day, but I was able to return to Lisbon today!

Commerce Square

Today, I got off the ship with a Serbian friend, started again in Commerce Square, had lunch outside, and walked through the city before stopping at a park café for a drink. Although we didn’t really stop at any tourist destinations, I had a lovely, sun-filled day.

Lisbon is an interesting city. The architecture is beautiful, with many buildings covered in painted tiles. However, there’s a lot of graffiti all over the city. It makes for an interesting contrast. Some of the graffiti is actually really pretty, but most of it just makes the city seem dirty. Although it’s not my favorite port, I think I’ll enjoy going back next cruise.

Pretty in Pisa

Posted on August 13, 2014 by CaseyT

The last cruise was extremely busy! In addition to installing murder mystery, we had multiple parade rehearsals during port days, and one of my sisters was on board. Thus, my free time was spent entertaining. I haven’t spent that much time in heels in ages! Actually, I don’t think I’ve ever spent that much time in heels!

When we stopped in Livorno, I luckily was able to get off the ship. My sister had gone out with a friend of the family while I was still in rehearsal, so I was left to explore on my own. I buddied up to my roommate and her Italian-speaking boyfriend, and we made our way to Pisa.

Pisa

To get to our destination, we had to take a shuttle out of the port, a bus to the train station, a train, and then another bus! Although it was time consuming, I really enjoyed the journey. I got more of a local feel by riding the city buses, and was able to see some more of the beautiful landscape while on the train.

Worth the trek

When we arrived at the Leaning Tower of Pisa, we walked through a small market with souvenirs, and then joined the masses taking photos by the tower. The neighboring church was stunning, but we weren’t able to go inside.

Once we had enough photos with the tower/supporting the tower, we went off in search of food. We settled for a small café with outdoor tables and a view of the tower. I had an espresso and a sandwich. I have to say, bread in Italy is much better than it is at home!

Obligatory tourist photo

While eating, I was amused by the other tourists. The amount of effort people put into getting a good photo was impressive. They were standing on fences, taking selfies, crouching, climbing, and battling for the best views. I was tempted to take a photo of the tourists taking photos, all lined up posing the same way.

Espresso in Italy. Yes.

We ran into some friends from the ship as we finished our lunch, and then headed home. Two buses, a train, and a shuttle later, we were back at the ship. I had just enough time to take a nap and get cleaned up for my production shows! It was a busy, but very fun day.

At the bus stop

Blissful in Barcelona

Posted on August 3, 2014 by CaseyT

In Barcelona two weeks ago, I set off with one goal… to see La Sagrada Familia.

La Sagrada Familia

When I was about 11 years old, my sister and I went to Europe with our dance company. Being “big girls”, we didn’t want our parents to chaperone. Mom and dad agreed to stay home, but wanted to make sure we had some sort of cultural experience, so we had to write a research paper about something we would see on the trip. My sister and I spent a day at the library, and ended up writing about Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia. When we finally saw the church, we were so excited. Now, 14 years later, I was anxious to see the changes in the building.

So incredible!

When we got off the ship, some of my girlfriends and I got in a cab and went straight to the church. The line to go inside was already wrapped around the block, so we opted to just enjoy the view from outside this time. It is such an amazing structure. I wish I had my photos from my previous visit so I could compare then and now. Next time we’re in Barcelona, I hope to pre-book and inside tour.

Lunch time

Our next stop was for food. With maps in hand, we set off in the direction of Casa Mila. About halfway there, we found a cute restaurant with tables outside. Since it was a beautiful day, we decided that was the perfect place to stop. I had a “small” sangria (AKA a pitcher), and a chicken copa. It was delicious!

Casa Batllo

We then continued on to Casa Mila. Unfortunately, it was covered up for repairs, so we were unable to see it. We walked down the street to find Casa Batllo, another one of Gaudi’s creations. The house is incredible. The front is covered in blue and green mosaic tiles, and the windows are full of stained glass. I hope to go back for an inside tour there as well.

Beauty everywhere

We kept walking in the direction of the ship, and along the way stopped in some shops, a square with statues and lovely flowers, and then came to Las Ramblas. Las Ramblas is full of street vendors and tourist shops, and since it was where the shuttle from the ship dropped people off, it was also full of guests and crewmembers. After running into some friends in the ice cast, we followed their recommendation and went into a market. There was so much food! The butcher stands were unlike anything we see in the States. For example, there were heads still on some chickens! There was also some delicious looking candy, and an abundance of juice stands. I tried a mango coconut juice, and enjoyed it so much; I will probably buy it again next time!

Sweets in the market

Since the weather was so nice, we opted to walk all the way back to the ship instead of catching the shuttle. On the way, we stopped in a few more shops and ran into some other friends. By the time we reached the ship, I was exhausted, but happy. It was one of the best days I’ve had since joining the Adventure. I love Spain!

Las Ramblas

The Good Life

Posted on July 13, 2014 by CaseyT

My first stop in Spain was in Malaga. I went out with my Spanish friend and a few other girls in search of food and sunshine.

In a park in Malaga

We took a shuttle bus to the downtown area, and ended up walking halfway back to the port to get to the beach. The walk was lovely, though. We strolled through a little park, full of flowers.

Beautiful

Our first stop was a small restaurant on the beach. I left it up to the Spaniard in the group to order something tasty for me. We ended up all sharing a few things. The highlight of the meal for me was sangria, but I also had some tasty fried calamari, tortilla de patata, and for the first time ever, tried fried sardines. They were surprisingly good! We also were able to watch them be cooked, right on the beach.

Sangria. One of the best things about Spain!

Fried fish

After eating, we walked straight onto the sand. I’m not good at sitting still, so I left my things with my friends, and walked the entire length of the beach, wading my feet in the water. I was able to do some people watching and really enjoy the fresh air.

On the beach

After a couple hours, we walked back to the ship. It was a simple day, but a great one. Life in the Mediterranean is alright with me!

Beautiful Bruges

Posted on July 10, 2014 by CaseyT

Bruges

Canal

The final day of last cruise, we stopped in Zeebrugge, Belgium. A few friends and I took a tram and then a train into Bruges, a lovely town full of beautiful old buildings, canals, and lots of beer and chocolate!

Welcome to Belgium!

Our first stop, after wandering around for about half an hour, was for lunch at a small pub. As we were sitting on the covered patio, the sun broke through the clouds, and the temperature warmed up.

Such a nice town!

Sunshine!

After lunch, we walked to the Beer Wall, a pub serving 6 beers on tap and over 100 kinds of bottled beer. Each beer had a signature glass. I tried two, one hibiscus beer, and one cherry, and enjoyed both! We grabbed a spot at an outdoor table overlooking a canal. I happily could’ve sat there all day!

Very true words…

Beer Wall

We left extra time to walk back to the train station, so we could see some more of the city. I never made it into the main square, but was impressed by everything else I saw. I would love to go back for a weekend trip. Chocolate, beer, and sunshine… What more could you want?!

Can’t wait to come back

Roaming Around Russia

Posted on July 7, 2014 by CaseyT

The day after opening our final show, we had an overnight in St. Petersburg. I’d never been to Russia, so I was brimming with excitement. I got off the ship with two musicians and my dance captain, ready to explore. … Continue reading →

It’s Showtime

Posted on June 24, 2014 by CaseyT

Manivela

I’ve now completed my first cruise on the Adventure of the Seas. We’ve been working in the theater every day since we got onboard. During the cruise, we opened two of our three shows.

Invitation to Dance

The ballroom show opened on day 6 of the cruise. Despite some technical malfunctions, the shows went well! A lot of fellow crewmembers came to support us, and the feedback was really positive. We’ll be performing it again the day after tomorrow!

Mambo #5

Our rock themed show opened last night, the final night of the cruise. One of the dancers was confined to his cabin due to illness, so we had to re-block the show in the morning. Some of our spacing changed, and people were taken out of some numbers to balance the stage. After 5 straight days of rehearsing the original blocking, we had to work extra hard to make those changes. By the end of the second show, I was mentally and physically drained. Even so, I was pleased with our performances!

Candyman

Tonight we have our first tech run of the third production show. We are scheduled to open it halfway through this cruise. We had a costume fitting a few days ago, and now that I’ve seen the costumes, I’m even more excited to get this show on the stage!

Singing in the Rain

So far, I’m enjoying this ship! The crew is so nice, and what I’ve seen of the ports is lovely. I’m looking forward to having more time to explore in port this cruise.

Baby, take a bow!

waltzing on water

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