Craig's Travel Log

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January, 2009- the Big Buddha on Lantau Island in Hong Kong

Tourists from all over the world come to see the Big Buddha. They just built a gondola to transport people up to one of Hong Kong's biggest attractions. Hiking is another fun way make the trip and there are busses as well. Don't worry....they just put in an outdoor shopping area that includes a Starbucks and some nice restaurants.

December 26, 2009- Boracay Island (Philippines)

This was the view from the beach to my hotel. What a magical place! I was so lucky to spend Christmas there with 2 very close friends.I had been there eight years ago when I was on tour with Disney on Ice-Toy Story and it was so fun to return.

April 2009

Steffen Mueller, Craig Heath and Matthias Grabe at a going away party cruise for a friend. We were on Pier 9 waiting for our ship to arrive. Yes, it was a costume party!

Steffen Mueller, Ashley Clark and Craig on my favorite beach on Lantau Island in Hong Kong. We were celebrating Ashley's Birthday after a long hike.

Hong Kong Skyline from Victoria's Peak. This is one of the most famous views in the world. I have enjoyed it many, many times!

11/27/08

Kylie X 2008 tour in Hong Kong!
Kylie Minogue is a huge superstar in many parts of the world. She is bigger than Madonna in Australia where she is from. For some reason the USA has not fully embraced her. She has one big hit in the 80"s called Locomotion but since then there has not been much about her. Since I have lived in Europe so much, I have really come to love her and her music. I have always wanted to see a concert of hers and I finally had my chance when she came to the Asiaworld Arena in Hong Kong. She put on a great show and everyone in the arena had fun. I took this photo. Kylie is in pink, obviously. :-) To discover Kylie for yourself, check out www.kylie.com

11/3/08

Craig and Andi on Alcatraz Island

11/3/08

Alcatraz Island in San Francisco. I born and raised in the San Francisco bay area and I am actually still living here and I have never been on the Alcatraz Island tour! I finally went and absolutely loved it! If you are visiting San Francisco then this is a MUST do! I suggest going online and googling Alcatraz and buy tickets online so you make sure to have a spot a the time you want to go. This will eliminate waiting in line once you get there. You need between 2 and 3 hours for the whole trip. Once on the Island, make sure you get the audio tour of the cell block. It is very interesting and informative. The Island has some amazing views and great photo opportunities. The 12 minute ferry ride to the Island is fun as well.

11/01/08

Madonna's "Sticky and Sweet" tour 2008! What can I say? Amazing!!! I liked it so much that I went on Craigslist and bought tickets for the following night! So, I went to two shows in Oakland, California and had a blast both nights. She looks great and watching the show was like being at a big party. I didn't sit down once on either night. I danced more than I ever had before at a concert. This show was the most 'interactive' of all her shows. She had the crowd in the palm of her hands both nights. At one point she asked everyone to vote. Then she asked everyone to vote for Obama! The crowd went wild!!! She has so much energy on stage. It is really hard to believe that she is 50! The staging was really good as was the lighting. My two favorite parts were the "Like a Prayer" remix and also the "Devil Wouldn't recognize you" where she sang on top of a piano. Her guitar playing is really getting good too. Go Madonna! If you can go see this show....do it!!!! Photo from www.madonnalicious.com

9/22/08

Diamond Head crater in Honolulu, Hawaii

9/21/08

Hanauma Bay on the Island of Ouahi, Hawaii. Hanauma Bay is one the the most spectacular nature preserves in Hawaii. This the world famous snorkeling spot that people from all over the world come to enjoy the natural marine ecosystems. There is an entrance fee and a 10 minute video to watch before entering. This is to help protect the reef for generations to come. You can rent snorkel gear right down on the beach. They do not sell food on the beach so bring your own or you can buy something at the concessions stand at the gate entrance.

9/22/08

View of Honolulu and Waikiki Beach from the top of Diamond Head crater. I suggest to take this short hike (about 1 hour round trip) up to the top of Diamond Head to see the magnificent views below. Wear good shoes and bring water!

9/22/08

A gorgeous waterfall in Kauai, Hawaii

9/22/08

Matthias, Steffen and Craig after an outstanding helicopter ride around Kauai, Hawaii I highly recommend taking a heli tour while on the island. This was my first time doing this and definitely not my last. I give it 5 stars out of 5. You can see all the amazing coast lines and breathtaking canyons and waterfalls. The ride lasts for about 1 hour and there is not 1 second that isn't amazing.

9/21/08

Napali Coast, Kauai, Hawaii

I have to say that this was the most beautiful hike that I have ever been on. Every step was magical and around every corner was another gorgeous view to behold. You can park at Tunnels Beach and then take the trail head there. Start early so you avoid the afternoon heat. Take plenty of water! There is a beautiful day hike that goes 2 miles (up and down with many rocks) to a gorgeous beach and then another hike that goes up to an amazing waterfall. This is a must do during your lifetime experience!

There is another 11 miles to hike but you need to get a pass from the ranger station in order to do this. You must also be ready to camp and have food with you. I give this 5 stars out of 5. It is truly amazing!!

9/21/08

Napali Coast, Kauai, Hawaii

9/20/08
Steffen, Craig and Matthias hiking the Waimea Canyon in Kauai, Hawaii.

9/20/08
Waimea Canyon, Kauai, Hawaii This is the largest canyon in the Pacific. 10 Miles long, 1 mile wide, 3,500 feet deep. It is absolutely amazing!

8/25/08
Craig with his cousins Deb, Natialie, Erin, Nick and Tim Christian on the beautiful Sun Valley outdoor rink with the famous Sun Valley Lodge in the back round.

9/15/08
Another beautiful sunset on Sunset Beach on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii

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

11/27/05

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

12/5/2005

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

10/12/05

At the Snake Farm in Bangkok.

10/12/05

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!

10/12/05

The outer wall of a Temple in Bangkok, Thailand

10/12/05

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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