Hey Birdgang! Andrea here with the Arizona Cardinals Cheerleaders! I was lucky enough to represent the Cardinals overseas on the beautiful island of Diego Garcia during Super Bowl 51. Trust me, if you're not sure what or where Diego Garcia is, I was in the same boat. Diego Garcia is a tiny island in the middle of the Indian Ocean shared by both the U.S. military and the British military.

I started my adventure flying into Singapore where I met Samara, a Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleader, Evony, a Tennessee Titans Cheerleader and our tour manager, Tandra, an alumnus of the Tennessee Titans Cheerleaders. We also had the opportunity to share this trip with two football players, Cam Lynch of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Manny Arceneaux of the BC Lions. We stayed one night in Singapore where we had some free time to explore before we headed to Diego Garcia. 

Diego Garcia is about 37 miles from tip to tip and shaped like the letter 'U.' Crystal clear waters, sandy white beaches and some of the sweetest people you could meet; it was truly a one-of-a-kind experience. The most unique part of this island is that it's impossible to visit as a tourist. Unless you're a contractor, associated with or in the military, it's off limits to regular tourists! During our seven days on the island, we had the chance to meet and spend time with the military men and women through several social events.

These consisted of a radio interview with the island radio station, a meet and greet with the commanding and executive officers of the island, coconut bowling, leading an aerobics workout, touring a submarine and even taking a tour of the island on a patrol boat. In addition, we went deep sea fishing, sailing, snorkeling, bike riding and even took advantage of the outdoor movie theater! 

Due to the time difference (roughly 13 hours ahead), the Super Bowl landed on Monday at about 5:30 in the morning! We celebrated Sunday too at the annual Pre-Super Bowl Tailgate where we participated in kick, punt, and pass and limbo tournaments! (I made it to the top three!) During the Super Bowl, we signed autographs, gave out goodies and even performed during halftime! 

I'm still in shock that it's over (jetlag is just kicking in), but I feel extremely humbled to share Super Bowl week with our service men and women sacrificing their lives every day overseas. I also want to give a huge thanks to ProTour Productions for sending me on this trip of a lifetime. Everyone on the island constantly thanked us for our time and making the trip out there but we were the ones so thankful to be there with them.