So, after I finished dancing, we just walked around the area. We had to meet the YOAMD crew on the bridge over to Africa. On one end of the bridge, we saw one of the Photopass people, so we got him to take these shots of us, which we really liked:
Now, finally we found the YOAMD lady who granted us the VIP viewing status for the parade. She was upset, because she couldn't stay with us as planned. Then, she walked us to our area and told us about the YOAMD cast member who would be with us. We walked over to a cordoned off area, on the bridge that was labeled VIP. It was a great location. We began chatting with a family from England, who was already there and then, the actor Edward James Olmos and his family were being escorted over to the area, as well! For those of you who don't know him, he is a famous actor, who is now probably most known for being the commander in "Battlestar Galactica". In case that doesn't ring any bells, here's a picture of him:
My DH and I had heard him narrate the Candlelight Processional the prior year, and we were excited to see him, but not so bold as to approach him with his family. He was narrating that evening, over at Epcot, and was making sure his family got settled in for the parade, before he went over to practice for the evening. We really wanted to go over and say hi, but we didn't want to intrude. All of us, including the cast member assigned to us, were excited. Later, we spoke with his family, who really seemed sweet.
Okay, so in preparation for the parade, the CM held out a basket of African instruments for us to choose from and use during the parade. This was the one I chose:
When you shake it, it sounds like a bunch of little maracas, but even better. I'm Puerto Rican, so I felt drawn to this instrument. I wish I could have taken it home. It was a neat sound.
We were told to play our instruments, those of us who chose to borrow one, and that those who are in the parade know to give special treatment to the VIP guests, so don't be surprised by all the attention. They weren't kidding. Here, I'll show you what we saw:
The part you don't get to see is when he gets closer and I suddenly found myself in a huge monkey hug! It was funny and shocked my DH so much that he forgot to take a picture of it!!!
This is just the beginning. . .
Can't wait to hear some more!!
Now that all of those pics are downloaded, I'll figure out what the next installment will be. We have a Nor'easter heading this way, so chances are I won't have work tomorrow, which will give me plenty of time for updates. I can't believe how many pics we have! Thanks for hanging in there with me. . .it will be worth the wait!
I am a huge BSG fan. In deep depression we are down to the final 3 episodes.
