Thoughts & Travels of Rick Gerber

Shanghai was the first stop on my China tour. I flew there on Christmas Day - Dec. 25th. I kept thinking that since I was flying across the date line that maybe I would see Santa…but no luck. Right after I checked into the hotel, I got out and starting exploring. It was a very cold and rainy day as I found myself walking along a street called Zhongshan Road. This is the famous waterfront area in Shanghai that starts at the Baidu Bridge, which spans across the Huangpu River.

Walking Along The Bund

The people there are very friendly. It’s not unusual for strangers to walk up and start a conversation with you. Within minutes I was invited to an art exhibit, which turned out to be quit interesting. An hour later some girls visiting from Xi’an, China invited me to join them for tea in a traditional Chinese tea house. It was really fasinating. I even bought some “flower” tea to bring home. To show my appreciation to my new friends, I treated them to dinner at a Chinese hot-pot restaurant.

The start of my China tour had begun, and I was excited to see what new adventures await.

My Tea Room & Hot Pot Buddies

For the next few days it was mostly business. Training 30 or so local Bud Girls how to perform simple magic tricks as we did our promotions, a press conference announcing my arrival in Shanghai, and of course the actual appearances in Shanghai’s top clubs, bars and restaurants. The two bud girls that worked with me did a great job. Lots of long days, but we managed to have a great deal of fun along the way.

Blowing Some Minds!

My New Year’s eve ended up in Shanghia at a large night club. As the clock approached midnight, I found myself on stage counting down the seconds with some of the local Shanghai dignitaries and celebrities. After the confetti and noise makers, I, along with several of the Budweiser people I worked with all week, all adjourned to a private room and toasted one another. “To a great week of promotions, to new friends, and to a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year”. It was all really nice. The only thing missing were my own family and loved ones.

One of the main sacrifices of my job is the time I’m away from my family, loved ones and friends. It’s times like this that I wish they were all there to share these special moments with me. But I’m not the only one making sacrifices. My fiancé and our three children make the same sacrifices on there side too. I miss so many important moments in their lives. I am so lucky and fortunate to be surrounded by loved ones that understand and accept the work that I do.

Shanghai Nights

2007 started off with a bang. Anheuser-Busch Asia asked me to come to China and do a five week tour performing in bars, night clubs, restaurants and super markets.

The tour included Shanghai, Lhasa, Chengdu, Zhengzhou, Changchum and Xi’an. This was my third trip to China in the past 10 months. To say the least, the show I created for China went over very well. The people there are wonderful. They are so full of life and eager to experience new things…and witnessing magic performed live is one of those things.

The night clubs there are amazing. Many of them are HUGE and could easily rival the best night clubs in Las Vegas.

I really did not know what to expect the first time I went to China. Somehow I envisioned more of a third world culture. I could not have been more wrong! It is a bustling, growing, thriving economy. Imagine the wild west, but with state-of-the-art technology and the new found ability to achieve financial freedom through capitalism. It is a place I would encourage everyone to go visit. The blend of centuries old with modern and new. It is really quit fascinating and exciting to witness.

For almost 30 years I have had the incredibly good fortune of traveling the world for Anheuser-Busch. As there Corporate Magician, I perform magic at promotions and appearances as there “magical” goodwill ambassador. I’ve shared my daily adventures with my children, Greg and Chad for many years. They’re always fascinated with my stories about the people I meet, the shows I do, and the places I see. Recently, I’ve added to my list of story recipients my future bride-to-be Raleigh, and my new son Jason.

I am so lucky and fortunate to have done and seen so much, and to have the opportunity to meet and work with so many wonderful people around the globe. But for me, most importantly, I have loved ones to share my life’s adventures with.

Last week my son Greg sent me an e-mail with the subject line, “Time For A Blog”.

He took it upon himself to create this blog site for me and instructed me to “start writing!” He thinks people will be interested in all the crazy places I go and the things I do. Well, I’m not much of a writer, but I figured I would give it a shot.

So for those of you who might be curious about what I do, enjoy! And if you like what you read, thank Greg!