Chicago commenced with a bang as we descended upon the Windy City with excitement and anticipation. Everyone was thrilled at the prospect of being in such a metropolis, full of brilliant sightseeing, shopping, cuisine, and nightlife. In addition to all of its attractions, we would be there for a full two weeks, another exciting enticement.
On arrival to Pittsburgh we all got a big city feel for the first time in a while and we were looking forward to being in one city for a full week. As the convergence point of three major rivers — the Allegheny, the Monongahela and the Ohio — Pittsburgh was once described as the only city in America with an entrance.
From Kentucky we moved to Kansas and to the quaint town of Lawrence. Lawrence is truly a college town with a vitality and diversity uniquely its own. The city is home to two universities: the University of Kansas and Haskell Indian Nations University.
After our 4 great weeks in Florida it was time to start our whirlwind tour of the rest of North America, starting in the ever charming Savannah, Georgia. Savannah’s old southern architecture certainly hasn’t “gone with the wind”; beautifully restored mansions, a picturesque waterfront, pristine beaches, massive churches and quaint little shops coupled with the great southern charm and gracious hospitality made our stay in Savannah very pleasant.
Sunny Naples is a popular, sophisticated and charming beach destination on the Gulf of Mexico. With white beaches, ample water access, and upscale restaurants and shops, this was an ideal city to enjoy our last week in the Floridian sun.
Our third week in Florida took us further down the Gulf coast and to the seaside resort of Sarasota. Sarasota is an affluent waterside town and the cultural capital of Florida. Much of the Main Street has been restored to its early twentieth-century splendor, and Sarasota Quay boasts some of the Gulf Coast’s best dining and nightlife destinations.
After a busy Monday at the theme parks, city number three in Florida awaited us and it was the colourful Daytona Beach, located a little up the coast from Melbourne. Daytona is the ultimate beach town and one of the biggest draws in Florida.
After a nice 8 week break for Christmas, the Boyne Company descended upon Richmond, Virginia in late January to commence the 2007 tour of Riverdance in North America. It was great to catch up with all our fellow company members, on all our different holiday stories and it was nice too to see some old familiar faces return to the show again as well as some new members joining the company for the first time.
The Riverdance troupe, led by Padraic Moyles and Melissa Convery donned their seafaring legs to mark Riverdance’s return to Dublin this June on the tall ship the Jeanie Johnston down at Dublin’s Docklands.