It's true you know; "Time Flies, when you're having Fun"

Can you believe it's already the end of February? I still have to remind myself that it is 2014, and not 2013 anymore. On that note, can you believe the Sochi Olympics are already over? I was lucky enough to only be two hours behind the local time in Sochi, here in Sweden. However, not so lucky that we seemed to have shows during all the skating events! Oh well, that's what YouTube.com is for! Judging by all the Facebook Statuses and Instagram updates, I saw that many of you were awake at 5:00am to watch Canada bring home the Gold in the Men's Hockey event. So nice to see the pride Canadians have for their country. Team Canada did so well at these Olympics, proud to be Canadian!

Well, we are in our last week in Sweden, then heading off to the UK for two months, our last leg of tour. Time is flying by. I am looking forward to being able to read and understand English again, as well as know what I'm lip-singing in the show! I just simply could not learn, Greek, Serbian, Italian, Hungarian, Swedish, Norwegian, Finish, Estonian, or Danish in that short of time. So, without further ado, Primark, Marks & Spencers, and Costa Coffee shops, here I come! :)

Before we get too far ahead of ourselves, let me tell you about my time in the Scandinavian countries. We visited and performed in Sweden, Norway, Finland, Estonia, and Denmark. Surprisingly, the weather has only been 'cold', and not 'Scandinavian cold' (the bitter, freezing winter weather we were all expecting). Each city had it's own uniqueness; full of history, yet thriving in modern times. The ancient buildings in Sweden, Finland and Denmark were furnished with modern furniture, while the coffee shops in Norway and Estonia were decorated as if it were still 1945. In Oslo, Norway, Kelsey and I went snowboarding on a local mountain in the middle of the city. Surrounded by mountains, Norway is filled with skiers and snowboarders. We hopped on the metro line in the city (five minute walk from our hotel), and stayed on till the last stop, the top of the mountain. Easy as that! A fouty minute subway train ride offered us a beautiful view of snowy Oslo as we slowly made our way up to the top. It practically dropped us off at the door step to the rental lodge were we rented our equipment. It was a beautiful day to be out too. I can now say I have skied the French, Swiss, and Norwegian alps. Check, check, and check! :)

In Helsinki, Finland, I was able to see two girlfriends of mine who I toured with on Toy Story, who live there. Had dinner at Laura's apartment in the city, which turned out to be right around the corner from our hotel. Laura and Riikka came to see two of the shows and proved to themselves they still remembered the choreography to the Toy Story segment of our show as they were dancing along in the audience. It was so nice to see them and to catch up. It was as if no time (two years!) had passed.

I was able to see another friend of mine from Toy Story in Copenhagen, Denmark, Michelle. Once again, as if no time had passed. We were able to get together, catch up and reminisce about life on tour. Like Laura and Riikka, Michelle too was up and doing the choreography with us during the Toy Story segment when she came to watch the show. Needless to say, I pulled out some "Hoe Down Throw Down" moves just for them :).

Oh, and for my parents too! Mom and Dad visited in Copenhagen for two full days! That's right, not 24 hours, but 48 hours! Mom was able to get a two day layover in Copenhagen and brought Dad along for the ride. I was able to go into the role of Jessie the Cowgirl for them, where they watched from front row! While I was at shows all day, Mom and Dad spent a day exploring the city of Copenhagen, and re-tracking their footsteps from when they were there on their honeymoon, 30 years ago! Short, but sweet as always. It was such a nice visit.

We are now back in Sweden for our final week in the Scandinavia. I am thankful to be heading out of this very expensive part of the world, and back to paying only $4 for a cup of coffee instead of $8. Now what to do with all my leftover Norwegian Krones, Swedish Kronas, and Danish Kroner?

xox

Stockholm, Sweden

Copenhagen, Denmark

Michelle and I :)

Oslo, Norway

Talin, Estonia

New Beginnings

Well, it is that time of year again. The time to reflect on the past year, what experiences you have had, new friends you've met, challenges you've conquered, and goal you've achieved. That time of year to set new goals and challenges for yourself, to be merry, and grateful for the life you live...

Okay so I know it's nearly been a week already into the New Year, I'm sorry, but I am still working on my procrastination, I suppose I should put that one at the top of my 'things to work on' list... If I ever get around to making one of those. :)

So without further ado, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and were able to spend time with your loved ones. I was lucky enough to have my Mom visit me over the holidays while in the Netherlands, for approximately 3 and 1/2 hours. Yes, you read correctly. She worked a flight to Belgium, where a family friend, Hilde, was kinda enough to pick her up from the airport, bring her straight to the show in Utrecht (a two hour drive), watch the show, and proceed to visit for a few hours before driving her back to Belgium that same evening to catch her flight home early the next morning. The record has officially been set for the shortest visit yet! Fortunately, like all of my mother's visits, short, but certainly very sweet. She was able to bring a little bit of Christmas to me. But for real, the whole shebang, from wrapped presents, to a whole turkey dinner with Christmas cookies on the side! Not only did she bring Dad's delicious, and very traditional, homemade stuffing (my favourite), but enough baked goods to feed the entire cast! Needless to say, I'm sure her carry-on luggage surpassed the TSA's (Transportation Security Administration) carry-on weight regulations.

It was so so so nice to see my Mom and Hilde over the holidays! And Hilde, thank you so very much for delivering her to me! It was a real treat! I am truly thankful for all my family and friends around the world! Love you all so much and wishing each and everyone of you a safe and healthy 2014!

2014. That still sounds weird to me. I am going to be 24 this year... okay now THAT sounds weird!
A new year is upon us all. A new beginning as many like to call it. However, it seems to be a half way point for many of us. Middle of a school year, middle of a work term, and the middle of a Disney on Ice tour season! Time has been flying. I am entering the second half of my fourth year with Disney. I like to take this time to reflect on all the adventures I've had, and the places around the world I've been to. Did you know I've been to over 25 countries? Pretty cool, right? :) I have certainly gained a love for travelling. It is in my blood after all. But seriously, between my Mom being a flight attendant with Air Canada, my Dad's engineering craftmenship at airports around the world including Hong Kong and Sydney, and now, my brothers! Kyle has now been on two business trips with work; first to Korea, and most recently, Japan. And congratulations to Mark on completing and receiving his Private Pilot's licence! Now, him and my Dad often go flying together, no biggie :).

I am currently in Stockholm, Sweden, and surprisingly, it is colder at home right now. In fact, there isn't even any snow here. With that said, we will be in Sweden for the next couple weeks, and then we are off to Norway, Finland, Estonia, and Denmark.

I know we are already a few days into the new year but I saw this quote and fell in love with it:

"Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365 page book. Write a good one. - 2014"

Well, what are you waiting for? Start writing :)

With love,
xox

Missing my Family so much! xox

Mom and I during our 3 hour visit!

Played Jessie for Mom and Hilde!

Kelsey and I at Christmas dinner

My Tour Family :)

Check, Check, and Check!

In case I hadn’t mentioned it earlier, I am currently travelling and performing with Disney On Ice, World’s of Fantasy, and as I continue on with my journey around the world, I seem to keep adding to my ‘bucket-list’. I find something new to see or do in each new city I travel to.

For example, while our show was in Tel Aviv, Israel, they were celebrating their New Year. On this occasion, it is forbidden to drive a vehicle for a day. On that day, the streets were filled with families walking, running and bicycling. A number of us joined in on rented bikes and cycled through the streets of Tel Aviv. That day I decided to add; “ridding a bicycle in the middle of a freeway” to my bucket-list, let alone in Israel! What an amazing experience that was! However, I was able to check off pre-existing adventures off my list as well; Jerusalem and the Dead Sea. Float in the Dead Sea… Check! Write down a wish at the Western Wall… Check! Walk through the Old City, swim in the Mediterranean Sea, have dinner with my Mom on the beach in Israel… Check, check and check!!! Oh, did I forget to mention my Mom was able to work my flight to AND from Israel? Well she did, and she spoiled us all very much during the long flights!

What’s next? Oh yes, have a Thanksgiving dinner(s) in Canada with the family… Check! After Israel, our show was on break for three weeks. For the first time in three years, I was able to be home for Thanksgiving, which I was very thankful for! While I was home, I was also able to not only attend, but be a bridesmaid in Rebecca's wedding in Warren, PA! We were on Toy Story together my second year on tour. Kathryn also came to the wedding, creating a small Toy Story reunion. It was so much fun!

With that said, Happy Thanksgiving to all my American Friends!!!

Okay, next on the Bucket List, Athens, Greece. What a beautiful country. Unfortunately we only had a couple days off to go exploring. I would have absolutely loved to check off Santorini from my list, so I’ll save that one for the future. My parents however were lucky enough to see the Island! Mom and Dad decided to treat themselves to a Mediterranean cruise, of course, planning the trip around the dates they knew I would be in Athens. On the last day of their vacation, they de-boarded the ship that morning, and saw a performance that evening. Short and sweet; a wonderful visit as always J.

After Greece, we were off to Belgrade, Serbia for a week. Another very different city, yet surprisingly charming and full of character.

Needless to say, I was really looking forward to Italy! Having been to Rome with my Mom and brother several years ago, I already knew how much I would love the country. For the next three weeks we performed in Milan, Turin, and Rome. We were fortunate enough to have a Friday Opening in Turin, meaning we had four days off to explore! Many of us took side trips across the country to Venice, including myself. Venice, Florence, and Pisa… Check, check, check! Absolutely enchanting cities, a piece of history on every corner. We did all the ‘tourist must-dos’, including a Gondola ride in Venice, and a photo of myself trying to hold up the leaning tower of Pisa. Of course, the ‘tourist must-dos’ list insisted on indulging in all of Italy’s culture too… their food and wine. Well, we had to right? Pizza, pasta, gelato, red wine, white wine, eggplant, caprese salad, etc, etc. Let’s just say, I’ve been spending a lot of time at the gym recently!

I absolutely loved Italy. The food is so fresh and delicious, the language is beautiful, and the scenery is spectacular. I would love to go back one day to explore outside the large cities. I think an ‘Italian wine tour’ was just added to my bucket list J.

I am currently sitting inside a Pub in Dublin, Ireland (how appropriate). A Christmas song just came on over the speakers and there is a large Christmas tree set up at the front door, sparkling with flashing lights. I feel right at home. We are in Dublin for the week before heading to the cold weather in Poland. I look forward to bundling up for the winter weather, and even more so, to seeing snow for the holiday season.

I’m enjoying a Bulmer’s Apple Cider, and get this; the coaster my drink is sitting on had a quote written on it. Ignoring the fact that the costar is advertising a beer, it read…

“Experience. It’s what you do with it that counts”.

I thought that was very fitting for my blog.

That’s it for my bucket list for now!

Keep travelling on! J

xox

Dead Sea mud anyone?

Making a wish at the Western Wall

Dinner with Mom on the beach of Tel Aviv!

Old City in Jerusalem 

Empty streets during Yum Kippur 

Cotton and I at Becca's Wedding!

Congrats Darrel and Becca!

Happy Canadian Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving on Isabella Lake :)

Acropolis 

Will, Liz, Erika, Kelsey, Joonas, and me!

Serbia with Sasha, Steph, and Kelsey! :)

My Twin, Netzly

Belgrade, Serbia

VENICE

Gondola Ride!

On top the Clock Tower in Mark's Square, Venice

St. Mark's Square

Milan!

Florence 

Leaning Tower of PISA

Lions, Lions and Lions, Oh My!

Twenty hours in the air, three airports, and three continents later, I arrived in South Africa. Wow. Firstly, still cannot believe I was there. A place like no other, a country that offers new adventures that cannot be experienced anywhere else. Since joining Feld Entertainment, each year I have been asked the same question; “What was your favourite place”. I could never answer that question because I had so many places that I loved… Until now. South Africa is currently number one. And not so much because it is my ‘favourite’ place, but was a location I only ever dreamt of going to. I am so thankful I was given the opportunity to check another continent off my list J.

When we arrived in Johannesburg, we went straight into rehearsal mode. We had one week of rehearsals to prepare the show (Passport to Adventure) for opening night later that week. Our first few shows went great and the audiences’ response was better than expected!

Unfortunately, we only had four days off total during the three weeks. Fortunately, we had an amazing security team that hooked us up with amazing trips and excursions. On our first day off, we drove nearly two hours outside of Johannesburg to a Game for a Safari ride. A real African Safari. Pretty neat I must say. Live, in their own habitat, we saw a lion, elephants, rhinos, giraffes, warthogs (Pumba J), zebras, and more. Needless to say, it was pretty cool.

After the safari and some lunch, we hopped back onto the bus to our next excursion; a ‘Walk With the Lions’. The title says it all. We went on a walk with two full grown, tame, adult lions. Like a stroll in the park, a group of about ten of us walked along side a Female and a Male adult lion, accompanied by two employed trainers. The only things stopping these Lions from looking at us like a gourmet feast, were two buckets of raw chicken donated to the reserve by yours truly, KFC. Seems like the humans and cats have something in common.

We walked with them for about twenty minutes, making three stops to feed them. At each stop, the trainers had them jump, pose, and climb trees (Note: cats, including Lions, can climb trees. You will not out climb a lion. Trust me). 

We were able to hold and cuddle with a 9 month old Lion cub, and later play with 1-2 year old cubs. These cubs were nicknamed ‘The Devils’. At this age, they are teething and are at their most playful stage. Many of us came out of the playpen with playful scratch marks and ripped clothing!

The next day was our second day off. We went to another Lion reserve only about 20 mins away from our hotel in ‘Joburg’. There, we saw African, White, and Albino Lions. The rest of the day was spent at our hotel relaxing. We stayed at a beautiful, five star hotel with a casino complex next door. There were all kinds of shops and restaurants at our disposal.

Before I knew it, we were off to Cape Town, the southern tip of Africa. What a beautiful city; very green, bright and full of character. Surrounded by mountains including ‘Lion’s head’ and the most popular, ‘Table Top mountain’. What a spectacular view! A cable car ride to the top will give you the most beautiful view of Cape Town, the southern most tip of Africa, and an island with the prison which housed Nelsen Mandela for many years.

A number of us spent our first day off in Cape Town by taking a tour to near by wineries. The scenery was gorgeous, the company was wonderful, and the wine was delicious! We visited four wineries and enjoyed them all very much.

On the second day off in Southern Africa, I went bungee jumping. Yes, bungee jumping J. Off one of the largest, and highest bridges in the world to be exact! A 216m jump off a concert bridge into a valley with a small river at the bottom. Although it only lasted 6 seconds, it was unforgettable, and I can now check that off my bucket list!

All in all, South Africa was, well, amazing, unforgettable, and inspiring. I want to travel and see as much of the world as I can. I have a wandering heart for the world and cannot wait to see where it takes me next!

I thought this quote was very appropriate for this post:

“We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.” – Anonymous

xox

Zebras!!

Our Jeep on our Safari ride!!

Lotta, Sam and Christiana :)

Only 9 weeks old!! 

1 year old!

Meet Maximus! 

Mark and Andrea at our first winery of the day!

The bridge I decided to jump off from. :)

Hehe