Craig's Travel Log
April 25, 2008
I'm enjoying a beautiful day on a beautiful beach in the New Territories (Kowloon side) of Hong Kong. Who said that Hong Kong was only good for shopping?
April 5, 2008
The Venetian Hotel in Macau, China. This is one of the biggest hotels in the world now! I stayed in this hotel several times and it is really gorgeous. Macau is the "Las Vegas" of China.
Craig and Lu Chen (Lulu)
At the 2007 Asian Junior Figure Skating Challenge at Glaciar (Festival Walk) in Kowloon, Hong Kong
Surf's Up!
I'm having a GREAT day hitting the waves in Waikiki (Hawaii). Oh no...now I'm addicted to surfing!
Michael Chack, me and our Surfing trainer at Waikiki Beach in Hawaii, 2007
The "Hawaii" Gang at the Ice Place- October, 2007
I taught a really fun clinic to the kids (and adults) at the rink in Hawaii. My Seminar lasted for three hours and I covered Spins, Jumps, Edges, Choreography, Theater and then I talked about how to be the best skater
(and person) possible. We all had a great time.
Idaho Falls, 2007
Well...I'm just telling this strange man a funny secret. He was shocked!
10/07/06
Freedom of the Seas. I just performed onboard the largest cruise ship in
the world! What a wonderful experience! This ship is HUGE. It is 100
feet longer than the other ships I have skated on. But wait... they are
going to make an even larger ship in the next couple of years!
We would do 7 day cruises that started in Miami and ported in Cozumel,
Mexico, Grand Caymen, Jamaica, and Haiti. I was on for 3 glorious weeks.
I can't wait until my next ship job. Life is good. :-) Craig
10/6/06
Welcome aboard the largest cruise ship in the world! Freedom of the Seas
from Royal Caribbean International. I just finished up a 3 week stint,
as a specialty comedy act, with this incredible cast of skaters.
Pictured above Left to Right are: Svetlana, Alexey, Yukiko, Makoto,
Anastasia, Danny, Angela, Joel, Annie, Maxim and Craig (me). I had such
a good time being funny!
9/5/06
My own private Idaho. On the way back to Sun Valley from a quick trip to
Twin Falls. Ride anyone?
7/20/06
Craig with the Phoenix kids and the Rochester kids with Roxy (my car) in
the parking lot of the Sun Valley Ice Skating Center.
5/30/06
Madonna's Confessions tour in San Jose, California
What an amazing show! Madonna is a constant inspiration to me and this
show is yet another reason why. She was incredible. The show was
incredible and the energy in the arena was amazing. For a 47 year old
diva, she proves yet again that she is the #1 Diva of all time. If you
can go see it- DO!
www.madonna.com
Madonna tour photo taken from: www.madonnalicious.com
4/22/06
Craig with Lisa and Eric Harryman outside Starbucks in Boise. Lisa is a
fellow spin teacher and Eric is the anchorman for Good Morning Idaho. We
were enjoying a nice little afternoon on a beautiful spring day. I used
to skate with Lisa and Eric. We have many fun stories together. I adore
both of them.
4/19/06
Sun Valley Spring Skiing
I have not been skiing for about 22 years! This was my first time back
up onto the mountain. When I first stepped off the chairlift it was as
if I had been skiing all those years. It was like riding a bike,
everything came back instantly. I went back three times and could not
get enough. If you are ever in the area, check it out!
www.sunvalley.com
4/18/06
Craig and Gia Guddat getting ready to hit the slopes during the
incredible spring skiing in Sun Valley, Idaho. I had an amazing trip to
the valley. This is the first time I have been there in the winter since
I have been working there in the summers for the last 10 years. I saw a
whole new side of Sun Valley and loved it.
Publicity poster for my guest teaching job in Hong Kong. If you are in
Hong Kong, come check out the rinks!
Craig
5/20/06
Craig and Phyllis at Festival Walk in Kowloon (Hong Kong). I created a
program for Phyllis that we were both very happy with.
4/15/06
Craig and Dominant at Festival Walk in Kowloon (Hong Kong). Dominant is one of the promising young skaters that I worked with.
4/15/06
Craig and Wayne at Festival Walk in Kowloon (Hong Kong). Wayne is one of
the promising young skaters that I worked with.
4/20/06
Craig with the Hong Kong gang at Citiplaza Ice Arena in Hong Kong. This
was my last evening with all the skaters and we were saying goodbye. I
truly had a magical experience during my teaching stay. I was there for
one month and was able to work with many very wonderful children..and
adults! I look forward to my return in November, 2006.
4/10/06
Craig with Tamami and Ria at Festival Walk Mall in Kowloon (Hong Kong).
I had the pleasure of working with these two lovely skaters during my
teaching stint in Hong Kong. I choreographed programs for both of them
and was quite happy with how they turned out!
3/18/06
Shanghai, China
This is actually a movie set at the studio in Shanghai. All of the
buildings are real and this street is used in many movies, TV shows and
commercials in China. All of the lights are the Mont Blanc logo's for
the special party that was held and there were actors walking the
streets dressed like it was the olden days. The guests walked through
this street to get to the actual party in the sound stage.
3/21/06
Beijing, China
Summer Palace. This is a boat make entirely out of marble. Apparently
the "dragon lady" who lived in the palace, would sit on this boat and
look in the mirror of the lake behind her. She seemed to be a very
interesting character. She really loved herself. She had an entire
temple built for her birthday! There is a gigantic man made lake on the
property along with temples, residences and gardens. A must see!
3/21/06
Beijing, China
Forbidden City. I had no idea how big this temple city was! We walked
and walked and walked. We did find a Starbucks in the heart of it too!
Hire a private tour guide and driver to take you around the city. It is
not very expensive but well worth it. There are many tour groups but it
is much better to be on your own. Most of the hotels have private tours
available so check it out.
3/21/06
Beijing, China
Outside of the Forbidden City. I could not resist getting a photo of
these soldiers. They were so serious! I was standing in Tienanmen Square
where these soldiers were and I was about to walk into the Forbidden
City. There is so much history here and it surpasses my wildest dreams.
3/20/06
Beijing, China
Ashley Clark and myself with Starbucks on the Great Wall of China!
3/20/06
Beijing, China
The Great Wall was incredible. More than I ever expected. I went with
Ashley Clark and we had the best day of walking and taking photo's. We
took a chair lift up to the Wall and then walked for about 4 hours
taking photo's, video's and dancing with our ipods. At the end of our
journey, we took a slide all the way back down to the very nice cab
driver who was waiting for us at the bottom to take us back to the city
that was an hour and a half away. We went to an area that was not very
touristy, which was great. Climbing the Wall has been on my list of
things to do for many years. What a wonderful accomplishment!
3/18/06
Shanghai, China
Cast of the 100 year anniversary show for Mont Blanc with choreographer
Billy Chapel and Producer Jeb Rand.
We had such a fantastic time in Shanghai. The show was part of an 18
million dollar party that was held at the only movie studio in Shanghai.
The entire studio was transformed into a winter wonderland and no
expense was spared. We did an ice show in the middle of one of the sound
stages with thousands of party goers screaming and cheering us on. I
don't think that most of them had ever seen anything like it in their
life time.
3/30/06
Adult Nationals in Dallas, Texas
"Team Wade" in action. Friends and supporters of Wade Berry who won the
silver medal at Adult Nationals.
3/7/06
Ice Theatre of New York performance at Riverbank State Park. This photo
is of the cast.
3/5/06
Rockefeller Center, New York
I had the amazing opportunity to perform with the Ice Theatre of New
York in one of the world's most famous ice rinks, Rockefellar Center in
Downtown Manhattan. What an amazing experience it was to finally skate
in such a beautiful setting and with such great skaters. The Ice Theatre
of New York does some really amazing work and if you are ever in the
area should really check them out. For more info go to
www.icetheatre.org
2/10/06
Las Vegas, Nevada
I went to Vegas to get a new costume made for this summer and I ended up
at a party with a bunch of Disney on Ice-Toy Story cast and crew
members. Check out this photo! Those were fun times on tour and ones
that I will always cherish. I also was able to sit third row, center for
Elton John The Red Piano show. I have not seen him live for quite a few
years and he was better than ever. I also went to the Cirque du Soleil
show 'KA'. I have to say that it was the best show that I have ever
seen. I was completely mesmerized the entire show and afterwards I
walked around in a daze for about an hour. Excellent!
1/8/06
Taipei, Taiwan
Ashley, Craig, Kristen and Liza (Reporter for ETTV) during a photo shoot
for Holiday on Ice- Hollywood.
1/01/06
Taipei, Taiwan
The cast of Holiday on Ice-Hollywood about to go on stage at the Taipei
Arena with the Ministry of Sound, to do the final countdown for the New
Year! Incredible experience!
1/05/2006
Taipei, Taiwan
This was my second trip to Taipei and boy was it fun! I went to 2
fabulous vegetarian restaurants, one had food the used to be for the
Royal families only! Be careful when you go into ay 7-11 store, they
cook these really smelly eggs that have a very distinct odor!
Holiday on Ice played the brand new Taipei Arena. What an incredible
experience! We were treated like superstars and played to over 40,000
people during 7 performances.
The television station ETTV did a fantastic job publicizing the show.
After we did the final show, we all flew home. Holiday on Ice-Hollywood
is under negotiation to tour the U.S. starting in October.
12/25/05
A very Merry Starbucks Christmas in Hong Kong!
We had 2 shows on Christmas day, but it started of with a fabulous
Christmas morning with friends and of course, Starbucks! Hong Kong is a
wonderful city and definitely a must see in your lifetime. If you go,
make sure to go to the Peak Lookout restaurant for a fantastic menu and
excellent views of the city.
Live life to the fullest, believe in yourself, conquer your fears, take
time to enjoy your life and look as cute as you can as much as possible!
Craig
12/23/05
Hong Kong.
I had the great opportunity to teach a seminar for the Vision on Ice
skaters and coaches while on tour with Holiday on Ice in Hong Kong. This
was a publicity event for our show and for the ice rink. After the
skating seminar I gave a backstage tour to all of the participants.
Check out my new skates. They are Jackson Ultima Hinge skates with their
new blades that you can change the runners on. It took me a few weeks to
get used to them but now I absolutely love them. My back, knees, and
hips feel so much better as these skates lower the impact on them.You
really use your ankles and that makes your whole body stronger. They are
also great for spinning!
12/23/05
Victor, Craig and Samantha in Hong Kong
Being in Hong Kong for the Holidays has been a trip! Wow, do they know
how to celebrate! You have never seen so many stores and people!
I had the amazing experience to help out a few of the skaters and
coaches while playing Hong Kong with Holiday on Ice. This photo is of 2
of the skaters I worked with.
I hope to someday come back to this amazing city!
12/22/05
I took a fun trip to see the Big Buddah in Hong Kong. It took about 2
hours to get there from the city and I made it 10 minutes before it
closed for the night! I did, however, get some great photo's of the
gigantic Buddah and I was also able to see a beautiful sunset while I
was at it.
Definitely worth the trip if you ever get to Hong Kong. I also recommend
going to the Peak Lookout restaurant overlooking the city of Hong Kong.
If you go, make a reservation and sit outside. Amazing food and scenery.
There are lookout areas near so you can take some amazing photo's while
you are up there. Muti-task!
12/18/05
And a VERY Merry Christmas from Santosa Island in Singapore!
What a great way to spend the winter!
I have always said that Singapore is like Beverly Hills- The country! It
is extremely clean and manicured. Every road is meticulously taken care
of and the flowers and trees are beautiful. There is a price to pay
though. There are more government rules here than any other place I have
ever been to. I loved it on my first visit and I loved it even more on
my second.
If you go, bring shorts! It is very hot and humid- always.
12/23/05
Taipei, Taiwan.
Max, Mel, Fred and I went to Taipei early to promote our show that will
be playing January 6-8, 2006. This a photo of us with a very famous
woman from Taiwan. Did you know that the world's tallest building is in
Taipei? But...not for long. Shanghai is working on one that will be
taller!
I'm looking forward to spending New Years in Taipei and bringing in
2006!
12/01/05
Singapore is probably the safest country in the world. There is
virtually no crime. I have traveled there twice so far and really loved
it each time. From meticulously maintained streets with beautiful,
tropical trees everywhere- to Little India (you feel like you really are
in India).
I taught some of the skaters from the local skating club during a
seminar for them at Holiday on Ice. What a treat. I so enjoy working
with skaters from all over the world. We are all similar in many ways.
Skating is our common language.
Craig
11/25/05
North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii
I had another wonderful trip to Hawaii. I was there for two glorious
weeks. I took the first week as a vacation but I was back in the Ice
Palace skating and teaching for the second week. My friends William and
Jeri came to visit and fun was had by all.
I flew from Jakarta, Indonesia to Honolulu and then back to Kuala Lumpur
to continue my Hollywood Asia tour with Holiday on Ice.
Keep smiling! Ask yourself good questions. Your brain will give you good
answers!
Craig
North Shore Sunset from Sunset Beach in Hawaii
12/5/2005
This photo is of Krikri (another skater on tour with me in Asia) and
myself in Kuala Lumpur in front of the Twin Towers.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is really a fantastic city. There is incredible
shopping and anything and everything that you would. It doesn't matter
where in the world you are from. Every culture is represented here and
everyone gets along. While walking in the mall, you will see Buddhist
monks, strict Muslims, Westerners, Indians and everything in between.
What a mix!
The city is manicured to perfection. There are beautiful parks
everywhere. The climate is HOT and tropical. The night life is plenty.
Enjoy!
Craig
Photo of the Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Photo of a fountain in the heart of Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia
Freedom memorial statue in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
At the Snake Farm in Bangkok.
Bangkok, Thailand
10/12/05
Bangkok, Thailand
This was my first trip to Bangkok. I really did have a great time
and there were many things about it that I liked. The weather was
hot and humid. The food was very good. The people were nice. There
were many fascinating temples to see and islands to visit. There
is, however, a lot of poverty. People begging in the streets and
the like. You can buy just about anything. My friends were eating
fried cockroaches, grasshoppers and frogs. Don't ask me why! This
photo was from a fabulous day of sightseeing. I took a boat trip
and visited a few temples and also got to see how the locals live.
The woman in this photo was selling things to tourists. I did
actually buy a few things from her and then we took a photo
together.
You can get just about anything you want in Bangkok. Be safe and
have fun!
The outer wall of a Temple in Bangkok, Thailand
Craig, Ashley, Kristen and Shelley at the Temple
of Dawn in Bangkok
Craig performing in Bangkok, Thailand 2005
10/25/05
Amazing experience. Kristen Treni and I were able to meet the
Princess of Thailand when she came to see our HOI-Hollywood show in
Bangkok. Kristen gave her flowers and I escorted her and bowed. It
is always interesting meeting royalty from other countries.
I was told how to bow and I was also told NOT to point my toes up as
that is considered rude!
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