After our week in Canada we crossed the border back into America and into Toledo, Ohio, our first stop in the state this tour. Toledo is a growing city with much to offer to its locals and tourists. With grand visions in their minds in the 1800s, the founders of this city named it "Toledo" after the Spanish city of the same name. Toledo was once the capital of Spain and, today, is known for its beautiful cathedrals and rich history, full of romantic stories about courageous men-at-arms. The American city, like its Spanish counterpart, also has many beautiful churches and is home to the only Plateresque (an architectural style of 16th century Spain) cathedral in the world. This city is a huge exporter of glass and boasts several world-renowned glass factory outlets. The University of Toledo is also located here and our hotel was situated right on the Medical campus of the University.

An evening sunset of the downtown Toledo Bridge

The fine Ohio weather and the open playing fields and sports facilities of the campus made it a very sporting week in the Boyne. In between lying out in the sun and sunbathing many cast members took to the basketball and tennis courts displaying all sorts of competitive abilities. When the heat became too much we took to the indoor pool to cool down. Many of the cast participated in Water Aerobic classes after the show each night, where dancer Ciaran Connolly put the troupe through their paces.

Ciaran Connolly leading the water aerobics class!

Toledo is home to one of America's top zoos which we couldn't resist taking a trip to. This world-renowned zoo is home to the world's first "Hippoquarium", an underwater viewing area where patrons can watch the daily activity of a hippopotamus family. In addition to having more than 4000 animals and 600 species, the zoo has a new exhibit of polar bears. No matter what age you are, the Toledo Zoo has something for everyone. The diversity of animals present include an African Elephant Calf, a baby Cape Clawless Otter (the only in the U.S.A.) and a baby Orangutan.

Alligator at Toledo Zoo

Another day trip took some of us to Cedar Point Theme Park. People throughout the entire world know about this wonderful park. It's the number-one rated amusement park on the planet. It's also the second oldest park in North America. With a history dating back to 1870, Cedar Point on the shore of Lake Erie has seen its share of rides and roller coasters. It currently boasts 68 rides making it by far one of the country's best amusement parks for people who love the thrill and excitement of roller coasters.

Eileen and Liam deciding what rollercoaster to do next at Cedar Point

The second half this week took us to Grand Rapids, Michigan. The comforts of a friendly, small-town atmosphere combined with the pleasures of big city life made Grand Rapids a lovely stop on the tour. Once known as the furniture capital of the world, the city has a reinvigorated downtown area and a thriving arts and cultural community. It's most popular attraction is the museum dedicated to native son Gerald R. Ford, 38th U.S. President, where interactive exhibits take you to the White House and the 1976 Republican National Convention. The Ford Presidential Museum offers a fascinating view of Mr. and Mrs. Ford throughout their lives and it takes visitors back in time, particularly to the 1970s, a time of turmoil in America and Vietnam. The informative museum tells so much about Gerald Ford and the unique situation he was in after Nixon's resignation. He is portrayed as being the "healing" president and in doing so, you walk away feeling an enormous amount of respect for him and his accomplishments.

The Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids

The water sport theme from Toledo seemed to continue onto Grand Rapids and many of the cast got great enjoyment out of the 90ft waterslide in the hotel swimming pool. Audiences were delighted to have Riverdance return to Michigan and they certainly proved it with sold out shows and standing ovations. Until next week, and a special Riverdance Anniversary Celebration from Wolf Trap Park in Virginia. Goodbye for now.

Waterslide fun in Grand Rapids