Since then, I've nearly been run over by motorcycles, elephants, horses, and a variety of other crazy things. I've sat and chatted with performers while standing a foot away from tiger cages (thank God people give you lots of heads up when you are new and have no idea where to stand backstage). I've been a creeper and stood backstage during several shows with a picture cast list of all performers and staff, trying to figure out who's who and have straight up stopped people and made them point out their picture. I've met more people that I can count, and realized I'm going to need to brush up on the Spanish I abandoned in 12th grade if I want to keep up here. I've had the opportunity to attend several PR events and have even gone to a catfish and steak BBQ at the train tracks with new friends after a long weekend of shows.
I've also begun moving into my train car (more pictures to come). Buses take employees back and forth between the arena and the train throughout the day, so I've seen a couple miles worth of freeway in SLC and of course, the strip mall thats right across the street from the arena. :)
Life is insanely crazy here and it almost feels unreal. But I am loving every second of it. I have an awesome job.
I also get to hang out with the Production Manager's puppies everyday. Bonus. They live in the production office with us.
A few fun facts I've overheard and found interesting since starting:
- There are over 18 languages spoken on this tour (so I've been told). Everyone can understand at least 1 of 4 languages, however (English, Spanish, Russian, or Chinese).
- Most of the time, the train is hooked up to running water while we are parked at the train tracks; however, in some cities (like this one), we are not ... so 11,000 gallons of water are trucked to tracks every morning.
- There are approx. 300 people on this tour. Half of those people wear crazy make-up, headpieces, and costumes that make them unrecognizable when in plain clothes; needless to say, learning names and remembering their main spoken language is no easy feat.
- There was a new baby elephant (Piper) born last month to Ringling Bros. She's hanging out in Florida right now, but I secretly hope she joins our tour when she's ready :) I got the cutest little stuffed elephant as a memento of her birth from the SLC Promotor. :)
We leave for Denver tonight after our closing show, so it will be my first train run. I'm pretty stoked. Once we arrive in Denver, I'll have the opportunity to go to my first Animal Walk (where all the animals walk from the train to their home at the arena). That should also be pretty cool.
Wifi and cell service can be limited and spotty, so updates to this blog will be when time and service permits :) If you ever feel like sending mail to someone in the circus, here is my forwarding address:
Emily Ritter
RBBB - Blue Unit
PO Box 1869
Palmetto, Fl 34220
Packages must be sent to:
Feld Entertainment Inc
Emily Ritter
RBBB -Blue Unit
1313 17th Street E.
Palmetto, FL 34221
Until next time :)
