Anyone who has ever heard anything about New Orleans, Louisiana is aware of the city's reputation for partying and fun. This theory was proven very true during our week long stay. The weather was perfect which allowed us to experience the elegance of the French Quarter, the craziness of Bourbon Street and the beauty of all the natural surroundings at our leisure.

Several people decided to take advantage of the many day trips that are offered around New Orleans. One such trip took us into the bayou and had us riding around the swamps in a boat, admiring local plants and trees and looking for wildlife. Several movies, including The Waterboy, Interview with a Vampire and Dead Man Walking, had scenes filmed in these very swamps. The tour guide also said that famed author Anne Rice regularly rents a private boat and tours around the swamps for inspiration for her vampire stories. On our trip we didn't see any vampires but we did see several alligators, cranes, a poisonous snake, an owl and two nutra rats (giant dog-sized rats that inhabit the swamps and eat the vegetation).

The famous bayou swamps

A group of the boys went on a deep sea fishing expedition. They awoke very early in the morning to drive to the ocean and board a boat which took them miles out to sea. It was worth the early rise, as they all caught several large fish before the day was done. The best part was that they stopped and had someone fillet and clean the fish on the way back to the hotel. With this done, we were all set for a massive fish cookout after the show, hosted by the proud fishermen poolside on the hotel rooftop.

The boys prepare the barbeques for their fish cookout by the hotel pool

Everyone dives in to try the fish

One of the most amazing parts of New Orleans is the French Quarter. Taking up many city blocks it is lined with old two story houses with very unique upper level porches closed in by intricate wrought iron railings with an abundance of spring flowers hanging in baskets from the ceilings. This area is also home to the original Café du Monde French doughnut stand. It's always crowded with locals and tourists who are eager to get their order of 3 of the square shaped doughnuts smothered in icing sugar and a café au lait (coffee with hot milk).

Riverdancers at Café du Monde in New Orleans

Paddy Quinn in Mardi Gras feather mask and boa

New Orleans was a very busy week with lots to see and do but by the end of our stay I think everyone was ready for a less hectic pace - which we found in Norfolk, VA. Norfolk is situated on the Virginia coastline and is home to both US Navy and Air Force bases. One of the Riverdance crew members, Gavin Holmes, has a son in the Navy who works on one of the ships that was docked in the harbor while we were there. This was fun because he and some of his Navy friends came out with us several nights. Not only did we get to hear lots of exciting military stories but they took us on a tour of their aircraft carrier one of the days (and it was very impressive!).

Gavin Holmes with his son

The aircraft carrier

The Riverdance girls and the Navy boys

Another ship we were able to tour while in Norfolk was the USS Wisconsin. This massive vessel is no longer in commission but is anchored in the harbor for tourists to see. Before it was retired the USS Wisconsin fought in many battles and wars including WWI, WWII and the Gulf War.

The water was just a few short blocks from our hotel and on the way down to it there was a beautiful Japanese Tea Garden. It had unusual vegetation and a pond with an exceptionally large collection of Koi fish (similar in appearance to a goldfish but much larger).

The audiences in Norfolk were some of the loudest and most enthusiastic we've ever encountered. It was great to dance for them as their energy seemed to transfer to us onstage and made our dancing almost effortless. It is times like these that make us realize how lucky we are to have a job performing onstage doing what we love.