Saturday, April 30, 2011
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
April 26
It is Tuesday and I am in Civitavecchia Italy. Try to say that fast 3 times!!! Hee hee... We are about 2 hours from Rome and not to sound like a broken record, but I hope to get there on another day.
Today started off with a couple of inter-department meetings. They were fine as some honest opinions needed to be shared. It will make it a bit better. What I have found out in 10 days is what I have learned from working with many companies over the years. They all have about the same issues. Everyone wants respect. On ships it definitely is amplified times 10. Hard to explain, but I still have a smile on my face.
I expect it is from the travel, lack of sleep and a bit of stress getting the shows open, but I have a head cold. NOT FUN... Especially since we opened the Rock Opera show last night (Con Molto). Besides going back to my classical training, it is by FAR my easiest show. I enjoy the music I sing!!!
Okay... I don't have my itinerary in front of me and I can't recall where I was the last couple of days. Wait... I was in Amafli Italy for Easter. Soooooooo pretty to see from the ship. Yes, I have pictures. Had dinner at a local restaurant and had "Mom's" lasagna . Quite honestly... It was incredibly tasty. The pasta was much thinner than American style. I was with most of the cast and a couple of the cast's boyfriends and it was a GREAT group. We shared fresh mozzarella, ricotta, brushette (spelling), proschutto (spelling) with melon. It was my first Italian Easter dinner.
Yesterday... where were we??? Portofino??? I don't think so. BUT... Wherever we were, it was a nice place with wonderful views, architecture and shops. I found out that Italy celebrates Easter for 2 days. The 2nd day is called Angel's day and is an official holiday in the country. The streets were crawling with people and it was wonderful.
Today is the beginning of a new cruise. Here's where I will be for the next 10 days... You'll notice we are in Venice for 2 days... It's actually 3 as the beginning of the next cruise will be there as well. THREE DAYS IN VENICE!!!!!!!!!! SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Something for you to know. There are 49-50 nationalities on board this ship at any given time and American's are BY FAR the minority. There are 800 crew members and 6 are American. Interesting for sure.
Well, I have to get going and explore this port city before heading back to the ship for a couple hours of "duties".
I hope everyone enjoys their Tuesday!
Oh... The Preds advanced!!! So excited!
Until next time. Ciao'
Today started off with a couple of inter-department meetings. They were fine as some honest opinions needed to be shared. It will make it a bit better. What I have found out in 10 days is what I have learned from working with many companies over the years. They all have about the same issues. Everyone wants respect. On ships it definitely is amplified times 10. Hard to explain, but I still have a smile on my face.
I expect it is from the travel, lack of sleep and a bit of stress getting the shows open, but I have a head cold. NOT FUN... Especially since we opened the Rock Opera show last night (Con Molto). Besides going back to my classical training, it is by FAR my easiest show. I enjoy the music I sing!!!
Okay... I don't have my itinerary in front of me and I can't recall where I was the last couple of days. Wait... I was in Amafli Italy for Easter. Soooooooo pretty to see from the ship. Yes, I have pictures. Had dinner at a local restaurant and had "Mom's" lasagna . Quite honestly... It was incredibly tasty. The pasta was much thinner than American style. I was with most of the cast and a couple of the cast's boyfriends and it was a GREAT group. We shared fresh mozzarella, ricotta, brushette (spelling), proschutto (spelling) with melon. It was my first Italian Easter dinner.
Yesterday... where were we??? Portofino??? I don't think so. BUT... Wherever we were, it was a nice place with wonderful views, architecture and shops. I found out that Italy celebrates Easter for 2 days. The 2nd day is called Angel's day and is an official holiday in the country. The streets were crawling with people and it was wonderful.
Today is the beginning of a new cruise. Here's where I will be for the next 10 days... You'll notice we are in Venice for 2 days... It's actually 3 as the beginning of the next cruise will be there as well. THREE DAYS IN VENICE!!!!!!!!!! SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Day | Port | Arrive | Depart |
Apr 26 | 6:00 p.m. | ||
Apr 27 | 8:00 a.m. | 11:00 p.m. | |
Apr 28 | 8:00 a.m. | 6:00 p.m. | |
Apr 29 | 8:00 a.m. | 8:00 p.m. | |
Apr 30 | 12:00 p.m. | 6:00 p.m. | |
May 01 | 8:00 a.m. | 4:00 p.m. | |
May 02 | 9:00 a.m. | 6:00 p.m. | |
May 03 | 8:00 a.m. | 10:00 p.m. | |
May 04 | 8:00 a.m. | 3:00 p.m. | |
May 05 | 10:00 a.m. | ||
May 06 |
Something for you to know. There are 49-50 nationalities on board this ship at any given time and American's are BY FAR the minority. There are 800 crew members and 6 are American. Interesting for sure.
Well, I have to get going and explore this port city before heading back to the ship for a couple hours of "duties".
I hope everyone enjoys their Tuesday!
Oh... The Preds advanced!!! So excited!
Until next time. Ciao'
Saturday, April 23, 2011
April 23
Hi everyone... It's April 23 and we are in Livorno Italy today. While I am sure Livorno is a nice town, there really isn't much at first glance except shopping. The draw to this port is that you can get to Pisa and Florence. I would have gone today , BUT... there was a crew boat drill. What is a boat drill you ask. Well for about 95% of the crew it involves putting on your life vest and going to a specific spot and standing for about an hour. Not fun for most, but necessary for a few.
We come back to Livorno at least one more time and I will make to to Pisa and/or Florence.
No show today, but we have our 70's bumper tomorrow. It's about a 17 minute non-stop fun and exciting review of some of the best and iconic music of the 70's. We have not rehearsed as a cast yet, but I am confident on my own with this show. The following show (on Easter boo!) is needing much rehearsal as the other guy in the show will be doing different material. I hope we rehearse soon.
Question? Do Italian dogs bark in Italian?
Hope to report something fun soon, but I am concentrating on the shows first.
Thanks for following!
We come back to Livorno at least one more time and I will make to to Pisa and/or Florence.
No show today, but we have our 70's bumper tomorrow. It's about a 17 minute non-stop fun and exciting review of some of the best and iconic music of the 70's. We have not rehearsed as a cast yet, but I am confident on my own with this show. The following show (on Easter boo!) is needing much rehearsal as the other guy in the show will be doing different material. I hope we rehearse soon.
Question? Do Italian dogs bark in Italian?
Hope to report something fun soon, but I am concentrating on the shows first.
Thanks for following!
Friday, April 22, 2011
April 22
Hello everyone -
Yesterday we were in Monte Carlo. We had show rehearsal (Groovin' - a 60's show) in the morning and finished around 1pm. I went ashore in search of some essentials, with no luck. The Grand Prix must be soon as they were setting up bleachers. The cars a very small there and so are the roads. We will be returning to Monte Carlo a couple of more times and I really just explored the port area for a couple of hours and will make more of the return visits.
The show went well. I made a few mental mistakes, but overall very happy to have it open as well. Now 2 more shows this week!!!
Today is Portofino Italy and I am unable to leave the ship as I have what we call "duty day". I basically play games with the guests (miniature golf, shuffle board, table tennis, paddle tennis and croquet. Not all day, but enough where I can't get off. I don't believe we return to this port and that makes me sad as the landscape looks amazing! Oh well... You can't have it all.
Enjoy your day everyone!
Kyle
Yesterday we were in Monte Carlo. We had show rehearsal (Groovin' - a 60's show) in the morning and finished around 1pm. I went ashore in search of some essentials, with no luck. The Grand Prix must be soon as they were setting up bleachers. The cars a very small there and so are the roads. We will be returning to Monte Carlo a couple of more times and I really just explored the port area for a couple of hours and will make more of the return visits.
The show went well. I made a few mental mistakes, but overall very happy to have it open as well. Now 2 more shows this week!!!
Today is Portofino Italy and I am unable to leave the ship as I have what we call "duty day". I basically play games with the guests (miniature golf, shuffle board, table tennis, paddle tennis and croquet. Not all day, but enough where I can't get off. I don't believe we return to this port and that makes me sad as the landscape looks amazing! Oh well... You can't have it all.
Enjoy your day everyone!
Kyle
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
April 20 (2)
Hello again -
Today is Wednesday, April 20 and I am in St. Tropez, France. My parents lived in France for 5 years (before me) and it's cool to me that even though I am no where close to where they lived, that I am stepping on the same ground they did about 30 years ago. Love you Mom and Dad! And sister too - she was there.
I'll be honest... I am not sure where I was on Sunday (it was Spain) - I had to work ALL day. Many ship related mandatory meetings (or as they say compulsory) as well as shadowing the other entertainers in their duties as I will have to do them as well. The interesting part of the day was that there was NO rehearsal for the show that I was to go into TOMORROW!!! When I brought this up to the ACD and the company manager, there were different reactions... neither what I would have wanted, but I am a team player and will do what is necessary. I was able to coerce a rehearsal and felt much better about where I stood! Whew!!!
So far, it has been a daze because I have still not adjusted to the time change... Been sleeping about 1-3 hours a night (ugh)... Not beneficial to a mind that needs focus... ugh... I have slept more each night and should be up to about normal soon - my normal was about 7, so I am ready!!!
Monday was a full day... tried on all the costumes that had been altered and they were perfect. Followed by a tech walk though - mostly for blocking, then a full sound check. We are using in ear monitors and I have never liked in ear, so I had trepidation about it. The sound check was very useful and I'll be able to live with the mix of the in ear (although the show was different from the sound check - lots of variables). After the sound check we ran the first show (River Rhapsody) and I ran it as a show - with costumes. It went very well and I felt good about the show that night. I ran the show on my own about an hour before call JUST to make sure I knew the flow... Those who know me well know this is very normal for me. :-)
River Rhapsody started at 9:45 and I felt apprehensive for about 20 seconds and then it all came back to me. It was AMAZING to be back on stage, doing what I love. Show came down and the cast was SOOO supportive of me (not only after the show, but every second I have been on board!!!). They invited me to the crew bar for a small celebration. I gladly accepted and couldn't have been happier to be a part of this team!!!
So... Tuesday... we were in Marseille France. I had to follow some duties until about noon and got off the ship with Keely and Terra Jo (my Nebraska friend). It took 1/2 hour to get to the city center and we needed to be back in 1 1/2 hours, so we had about 1 hour to explore. We found a starbucks - Yup... I'm in France and I am enjoying Starbucks. Next time in Marseille - no starbucks. What I did see in the brief time I was there is that the architecture is AMAZING!!! I want to tour the city to see all the detail, age, etc... There is a carousel right in the middle of city center (downtown in American). Something to look forward to!
So... I wanted to catch up and I feel that I may have forgotten MANY details, but hopefully once all the shows are open, I will have more time to post more frequently.
Last thought... So many of you have been so supportive of me and it has been a driving force! I can't wait to show you videos of the shows!!!
Love and Peace... Especially to those who lost someone in the storms that passed though...
Kyle
Today is Wednesday, April 20 and I am in St. Tropez, France. My parents lived in France for 5 years (before me) and it's cool to me that even though I am no where close to where they lived, that I am stepping on the same ground they did about 30 years ago. Love you Mom and Dad! And sister too - she was there.
I'll be honest... I am not sure where I was on Sunday (it was Spain) - I had to work ALL day. Many ship related mandatory meetings (or as they say compulsory) as well as shadowing the other entertainers in their duties as I will have to do them as well. The interesting part of the day was that there was NO rehearsal for the show that I was to go into TOMORROW!!! When I brought this up to the ACD and the company manager, there were different reactions... neither what I would have wanted, but I am a team player and will do what is necessary. I was able to coerce a rehearsal and felt much better about where I stood! Whew!!!
So far, it has been a daze because I have still not adjusted to the time change... Been sleeping about 1-3 hours a night (ugh)... Not beneficial to a mind that needs focus... ugh... I have slept more each night and should be up to about normal soon - my normal was about 7, so I am ready!!!
Monday was a full day... tried on all the costumes that had been altered and they were perfect. Followed by a tech walk though - mostly for blocking, then a full sound check. We are using in ear monitors and I have never liked in ear, so I had trepidation about it. The sound check was very useful and I'll be able to live with the mix of the in ear (although the show was different from the sound check - lots of variables). After the sound check we ran the first show (River Rhapsody) and I ran it as a show - with costumes. It went very well and I felt good about the show that night. I ran the show on my own about an hour before call JUST to make sure I knew the flow... Those who know me well know this is very normal for me. :-)
River Rhapsody started at 9:45 and I felt apprehensive for about 20 seconds and then it all came back to me. It was AMAZING to be back on stage, doing what I love. Show came down and the cast was SOOO supportive of me (not only after the show, but every second I have been on board!!!). They invited me to the crew bar for a small celebration. I gladly accepted and couldn't have been happier to be a part of this team!!!
So... Tuesday... we were in Marseille France. I had to follow some duties until about noon and got off the ship with Keely and Terra Jo (my Nebraska friend). It took 1/2 hour to get to the city center and we needed to be back in 1 1/2 hours, so we had about 1 hour to explore. We found a starbucks - Yup... I'm in France and I am enjoying Starbucks. Next time in Marseille - no starbucks. What I did see in the brief time I was there is that the architecture is AMAZING!!! I want to tour the city to see all the detail, age, etc... There is a carousel right in the middle of city center (downtown in American). Something to look forward to!
So... I wanted to catch up and I feel that I may have forgotten MANY details, but hopefully once all the shows are open, I will have more time to post more frequently.
Last thought... So many of you have been so supportive of me and it has been a driving force! I can't wait to show you videos of the shows!!!
Love and Peace... Especially to those who lost someone in the storms that passed though...
Kyle
April 20
Hello everyone -
I am sorry it has been a while since my last blog. I landed in Barcelona Spain last Friday and had the whole day there. I can't wait to go back there and explore some more. I spent MOST of my day hanging out at a small cafe at a central park close to the city center enjoying cafe americanos, watching people come and go, dogs chasing balls and eating some nice simple French cuisine... What a morning and afternoon. I made my way back to my hotel in the early evening and spent most of the rest of the day sitting on the patio enjoy the atmosphere. At 7pm, the desk clerk came to me and said "dinner is served". Went to the kitchen and had my salmon dinner - COMPLEMENTARY to guests of the hotel. WOW... Apparently, this is not unusual. NEWS TO ME!!! I LOVE IT!
Didn't get much sleep (Jet Lag) and had to be in the lobby at 7am for my ride to the ship. Boarded, and had to fill out some paperwork to become "legal" on board. After that, I had nothing to do (or so I thought) so I wanted to go to my room, but couldn't get in for several hours, so I just toured the ship to see where everything was. It is a gorgeous ship...
I did get into my room at about 1pm and didn't even unpack. I laid down on my new bed with all my clothes on and fell asleep for about 5 hours - NICE!!! Unfortunately, I was supposed to be at a couple of meetings and a boat drill. The safety officer was NOT happy about me missing, but I didn't know I had any responsibilities on embark day. Something to note for those in charge (wink wink)...
At about 7pm, the ACD (Assistant Cruise Director) contacted me to tell me that I had missed several meetings and the boat drill... Long conversation later, I was told that I needed to perform that night... WHAT??????? I took a deep breath and calmly said... "excuse me?" The ACD is cuban and while he is VERY fluant in English, it is not perfect. He meant I had an appearance... I basically had to be an emcee for about 5 minutes... If you know me, I can Emcee for hours on end - LOVE IT!!!
Well, that was the first day... I don't want to go on, so I'll stop there and start another blog for the following day(s).
Would love to hear your feedback!
Kyle
I am sorry it has been a while since my last blog. I landed in Barcelona Spain last Friday and had the whole day there. I can't wait to go back there and explore some more. I spent MOST of my day hanging out at a small cafe at a central park close to the city center enjoying cafe americanos, watching people come and go, dogs chasing balls and eating some nice simple French cuisine... What a morning and afternoon. I made my way back to my hotel in the early evening and spent most of the rest of the day sitting on the patio enjoy the atmosphere. At 7pm, the desk clerk came to me and said "dinner is served". Went to the kitchen and had my salmon dinner - COMPLEMENTARY to guests of the hotel. WOW... Apparently, this is not unusual. NEWS TO ME!!! I LOVE IT!
Didn't get much sleep (Jet Lag) and had to be in the lobby at 7am for my ride to the ship. Boarded, and had to fill out some paperwork to become "legal" on board. After that, I had nothing to do (or so I thought) so I wanted to go to my room, but couldn't get in for several hours, so I just toured the ship to see where everything was. It is a gorgeous ship...
I did get into my room at about 1pm and didn't even unpack. I laid down on my new bed with all my clothes on and fell asleep for about 5 hours - NICE!!! Unfortunately, I was supposed to be at a couple of meetings and a boat drill. The safety officer was NOT happy about me missing, but I didn't know I had any responsibilities on embark day. Something to note for those in charge (wink wink)...
At about 7pm, the ACD (Assistant Cruise Director) contacted me to tell me that I had missed several meetings and the boat drill... Long conversation later, I was told that I needed to perform that night... WHAT??????? I took a deep breath and calmly said... "excuse me?" The ACD is cuban and while he is VERY fluant in English, it is not perfect. He meant I had an appearance... I basically had to be an emcee for about 5 minutes... If you know me, I can Emcee for hours on end - LOVE IT!!!
Well, that was the first day... I don't want to go on, so I'll stop there and start another blog for the following day(s).
Would love to hear your feedback!
Kyle
Monday, April 11, 2011
April 11
Hi all -
Trying to get on here daily, but it is just soooooo crazy right now trying to get ready to leave for 2 months. ugh... I'll catch everyone up soon.
Things are going well!
Kyle
Trying to get on here daily, but it is just soooooo crazy right now trying to get ready to leave for 2 months. ugh... I'll catch everyone up soon.
Things are going well!
Kyle
Saturday, April 9, 2011
April 9
Hi there -
Okay, so I think I only have 3 followers, but I have received a couple of emails asking about details on the blog, so I am a bit confused.
Regardless (notice I didn't say "irregardless"? BECAUSE it isn't a word!!!) :-) hee hee...
I sang though and rehearsed all 3 main stage shows twice today and I am feeling mostly comfortable with almost everything. The last piece to add is staging and the first rehearsal for that is Monday. I'm not sure how much it will help since I will be by myself and it is only staging - no dance. But.. ANY rehearsal will be beneficial!!!
I've run 16 miles in the last 4 days. I wasn't able to do ANY cardio the last 10 days because of a knee contusion, so it feels great and of course is so good for the heart, body and soul!!!
Tomorrow, I am suppose to meet with the vocal director to go over the other material (which they are calling bumpers, but are 14:34, 17:33 and 17:56. Those are pretty significant "bumpers" if you ask me... Happy to do them!!!
I'm looking forward to hearing comments about my blog. Let me know what you want to know about!
Kyle
Okay, so I think I only have 3 followers, but I have received a couple of emails asking about details on the blog, so I am a bit confused.
Regardless (notice I didn't say "irregardless"? BECAUSE it isn't a word!!!) :-) hee hee...
I sang though and rehearsed all 3 main stage shows twice today and I am feeling mostly comfortable with almost everything. The last piece to add is staging and the first rehearsal for that is Monday. I'm not sure how much it will help since I will be by myself and it is only staging - no dance. But.. ANY rehearsal will be beneficial!!!
I've run 16 miles in the last 4 days. I wasn't able to do ANY cardio the last 10 days because of a knee contusion, so it feels great and of course is so good for the heart, body and soul!!!
Tomorrow, I am suppose to meet with the vocal director to go over the other material (which they are calling bumpers, but are 14:34, 17:33 and 17:56. Those are pretty significant "bumpers" if you ask me... Happy to do them!!!
I'm looking forward to hearing comments about my blog. Let me know what you want to know about!
Kyle
Friday, April 8, 2011
April 8
Hi there -
Today was spent with Steve going over music and there is A LOT to learn. I found out the cast had 1 month to learn all the material ready for the stage. Ummm... I got the music 48 hours ago and go on stage in about 10. So about half the time and with NONE of the cast, so it's all on me. LOVE the challenge!!!
Also had to revisit the doctor again today. I finally learned what reading the tb test to me means. They actually have to measure the area the stuck the needle into me - ugh... Good news - TB FREE.
Spent the rest of the afternoon at Centennial Park rehearsing on my own. So peaceful land warm!!! loved it!!!
Hung out with Ethan tonight at the Vanderbilt baseball game at Hawkins field on the Vandy campus. So gorgeous - May not go back to the Sounds... Well... IF you know me, that isn't true.
I see that I know have 4 followers and I promise that these blogs will get much better once I get to Europe! Someone please explain to my parents that they have to "follow" to actually be following. I tried to explain. Love them!!!
Happy Friday all!!!
Kyle
Today was spent with Steve going over music and there is A LOT to learn. I found out the cast had 1 month to learn all the material ready for the stage. Ummm... I got the music 48 hours ago and go on stage in about 10. So about half the time and with NONE of the cast, so it's all on me. LOVE the challenge!!!
Also had to revisit the doctor again today. I finally learned what reading the tb test to me means. They actually have to measure the area the stuck the needle into me - ugh... Good news - TB FREE.
Spent the rest of the afternoon at Centennial Park rehearsing on my own. So peaceful land warm!!! loved it!!!
Hung out with Ethan tonight at the Vanderbilt baseball game at Hawkins field on the Vandy campus. So gorgeous - May not go back to the Sounds... Well... IF you know me, that isn't true.
I see that I know have 4 followers and I promise that these blogs will get much better once I get to Europe! Someone please explain to my parents that they have to "follow" to actually be following. I tried to explain. Love them!!!
Happy Friday all!!!
Kyle
Thursday, April 7, 2011
April 7
So with 7 days to go until this journey, there is so much to do. Today's list includes oil change, dry cleaning, medicine, haircut, paying utility bill (in advance), cancel a hotel reservation, eat, workout, oh yeah... and rehearse the about 3 hours of music to learn - YIKES!!! It's all good!
Rehearsal was postponed today because of a sick child - get better Greta!!!
Happy Thursday everyone!
Rehearsal was postponed today because of a sick child - get better Greta!!!
Happy Thursday everyone!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
1st blog
Hello everyone -
This is sure to be a journey to talk about, which is why I created the blog! I will do my VERY best to post every day, but I don't know if I'll have access everyday or be able to access the internet everyday. Again, I will do my best, so... stand by!!!
Today was my physical... So many pokes and prods. Besides the time I had to spend, it was really a wonderful experience. Concentra at Royal/Elm Hill should be commended for not only being professional, but for being kind and respectful... YEAH for customer service!!!
First day of ACTUAL rehearsal tomorrow (4/7)... Vocals only... Should be painless as the vocal director is a great friend!!!
Talk again tomorrow.
Kyle G.
This is sure to be a journey to talk about, which is why I created the blog! I will do my VERY best to post every day, but I don't know if I'll have access everyday or be able to access the internet everyday. Again, I will do my best, so... stand by!!!
Today was my physical... So many pokes and prods. Besides the time I had to spend, it was really a wonderful experience. Concentra at Royal/Elm Hill should be commended for not only being professional, but for being kind and respectful... YEAH for customer service!!!
First day of ACTUAL rehearsal tomorrow (4/7)... Vocals only... Should be painless as the vocal director is a great friend!!!
Talk again tomorrow.
Kyle G.
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