Monday, August 18, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
All good things come to a close...
Hallo all!
As is presently obvious, I have not posted in while. And don't look now, but we are flying our of Graz in the morning! Our stay in Graz has proved chaotic and very busy. We have had lots of rehearsals and then some more, but we did get Sunday off, in which several of us went to Vienna. Vienna was wonderful, and even more so, since being here in Graz, which is, compared to everywhere else we have been, quite dull. Lotsof great shopping but that's about it. No mountains. the water isnt as good. much much less free time. But we are staying at a convent-hotel,and it was been very nice experience - being served by nuns. And we have had out own rooms, which if you know me to be the loner that I am, I am enjoying for a change.
But it is all about to come to a smashing end. We just got out of a long rehersal at the venue for the performance tonight - the Choral Fireworks. We are free until 7ish, so I am going to spend it well. See you soon!
Ver Sut!
post script. Upon the following days, months, years of my arrival, I will post more pictures. It will be easier to do once I am home. check back!
As is presently obvious, I have not posted in while. And don't look now, but we are flying our of Graz in the morning! Our stay in Graz has proved chaotic and very busy. We have had lots of rehearsals and then some more, but we did get Sunday off, in which several of us went to Vienna. Vienna was wonderful, and even more so, since being here in Graz, which is, compared to everywhere else we have been, quite dull. Lotsof great shopping but that's about it. No mountains. the water isnt as good. much much less free time. But we are staying at a convent-hotel,and it was been very nice experience - being served by nuns. And we have had out own rooms, which if you know me to be the loner that I am, I am enjoying for a change.
But it is all about to come to a smashing end. We just got out of a long rehersal at the venue for the performance tonight - the Choral Fireworks. We are free until 7ish, so I am going to spend it well. See you soon!
Ver Sut!
post script. Upon the following days, months, years of my arrival, I will post more pictures. It will be easier to do once I am home. check back!
Friday, July 4, 2008
So much to say, so much to do...
AHHH! I wish I could tell about everything that we have seen, done, eaten, visited, and sang, but time will not allow and I would just assume tell you in pictures. I will try to give you a brief overview of occurrences and give a very small offering of pictures. Again, I wish I could post them all right now but that I quite impossible, so we shall just have to wait.
On our free day, Wednesday, A group of us went to Fussen to see the Neuschwanstein Castle, which is the castle Walt Disney is modeled after. So far 75% of the greatness of anything we do comes from the landscape and such that is so often breathtaking. Pictures will help, but they can by no means grasp to any real degree of accuracy, for example, the magnificence of the snow capped Alps and broadness of the green valleys, etc. The view of the countryside from the Mountain was terrific and when we went to a nearby bridge to get a great view of the Castle etc, wind started rousing in force and the rain was soon to come and I can't express how it felt. I guess that's what's is special about being there instead of at a computer reading this. On what turned to be a long journey back to marktoberdorf we enjoyed rain, good WeinerschnitzelI and some Scared Harp whilst waiting for the train to arrive at the station. It was great.
In truth, I was just beginning to become attached to Marktoberdorf and the Musicacademie where we made beautiful music as it was time to move on to our next destination - here in Spittal der an Drau, where the competition takes place. Last night we enjoyed being the audience to some great choral music in the Opening Ceremony. There are 10 choirs here from 10 different countries and it is very special to be here for the same reason and to be making music with and for each other and sharing our own musical backgrounds with the other countries. It appears the SudAfrikans (south afrika) are most excited about seeing us. And I think we will most easily bond with them.
Yesterday during our first roam of Spittal, in the courtyard where Castle Porcia resides (where we will be performing tonight) a band was playing American music like Stars and Stripes ´Forever (though I don't think that was of them) and it was a really great sensation to be in an Austria city and here American music played by a German band. I met a little boy and tried to speak to him. I asked him "what is your name" in German and he appeared dumb, in the original sense of the word. When I motioned to him that I wanted to take a picture with him he ran over to his parents and they told him everything was ok so he came back and we got the picture, which I have posted. Come to find out they are Italian, which explained well the boy's confusion. The band is in the background with red uniforms on.
After hearing the Sudafrikens practice today (who sounded great) I think all of us became extremely motivated, because we had the best rehearsal today that we have had all trip as far as people paying attention and the energy with which we were singing. I don't have any expectations as to how we will do in the competition, mostly because I am unfamiliar with the other choirs, but I know we will have the time of our lives singing in the castle for all the people - who love to sing. This is just great.
I really can't express how unique this is. I consider myself among the most privileged to be able to experience this. There is so much more to tell, but must suffice at present. Dinner will be served presently, and as I am in an internet cafe, I must allow myself time to return to the hotel. The performances begin at 8:30 local, so 1:30pm in Memphis. Think of us. I miss you all.
AB.
post script. The pictures essentially loaded backwards, chronologically speaking, but the descriptions should help. enjoy.
The brown building behind the church is where we eat lunch on our way to Spittal Austria. the view was incredible.
Castle Porcia where the competition is - in the heart of Spittal.
The lad who was not German. Also the band behind us.
We who walked twenty minutes UP a road (up the Alps, no less) to Neuschwanstein Castle.
A view the Countryside from the road up to the castle.
This is me, against the wind, hence the hair-do, with Neuschwanstein Castle at my back. it was incredible.
The group eating after getting soaked by the rain whilst retreating from Neuschwanstein Castle. It was such an AWESOME (and I do mean awesome) day!
Dr. E and the choir in front of him´. This is a cool picture, which I do say so myself. We were preparing for a picture before leaving Marktoberdorf. My fourth home. ::huge grin::
The Musicacademie and the Cahtedral attached, inside which is just breathtaking. I do have pictures.
Lunch at the Acadamie
From the top floor of the Acadamie (the castle we stayed in, in case anyone is confuseled) where we rehearsed, we could see most of Marktoberdorf and of course the Alps behind it. The picture by no means does it justice.
My first gulp of beer. I did take only one. gulp, that is.
Hannah, Michael P. Jones, Kathryn and I explored the area around the castle one morning in Marktoberdorf. Here Kathryn and I are with the Cathedral portion of the castle visible in the background.
On our free day, Wednesday, A group of us went to Fussen to see the Neuschwanstein Castle, which is the castle Walt Disney is modeled after. So far 75% of the greatness of anything we do comes from the landscape and such that is so often breathtaking. Pictures will help, but they can by no means grasp to any real degree of accuracy, for example, the magnificence of the snow capped Alps and broadness of the green valleys, etc. The view of the countryside from the Mountain was terrific and when we went to a nearby bridge to get a great view of the Castle etc, wind started rousing in force and the rain was soon to come and I can't express how it felt. I guess that's what's is special about being there instead of at a computer reading this. On what turned to be a long journey back to marktoberdorf we enjoyed rain, good WeinerschnitzelI and some Scared Harp whilst waiting for the train to arrive at the station. It was great.
In truth, I was just beginning to become attached to Marktoberdorf and the Musicacademie where we made beautiful music as it was time to move on to our next destination - here in Spittal der an Drau, where the competition takes place. Last night we enjoyed being the audience to some great choral music in the Opening Ceremony. There are 10 choirs here from 10 different countries and it is very special to be here for the same reason and to be making music with and for each other and sharing our own musical backgrounds with the other countries. It appears the SudAfrikans (south afrika) are most excited about seeing us. And I think we will most easily bond with them.
Yesterday during our first roam of Spittal, in the courtyard where Castle Porcia resides (where we will be performing tonight) a band was playing American music like Stars and Stripes ´Forever (though I don't think that was of them) and it was a really great sensation to be in an Austria city and here American music played by a German band. I met a little boy and tried to speak to him. I asked him "what is your name" in German and he appeared dumb, in the original sense of the word. When I motioned to him that I wanted to take a picture with him he ran over to his parents and they told him everything was ok so he came back and we got the picture, which I have posted. Come to find out they are Italian, which explained well the boy's confusion. The band is in the background with red uniforms on.
After hearing the Sudafrikens practice today (who sounded great) I think all of us became extremely motivated, because we had the best rehearsal today that we have had all trip as far as people paying attention and the energy with which we were singing. I don't have any expectations as to how we will do in the competition, mostly because I am unfamiliar with the other choirs, but I know we will have the time of our lives singing in the castle for all the people - who love to sing. This is just great.
I really can't express how unique this is. I consider myself among the most privileged to be able to experience this. There is so much more to tell, but must suffice at present. Dinner will be served presently, and as I am in an internet cafe, I must allow myself time to return to the hotel. The performances begin at 8:30 local, so 1:30pm in Memphis. Think of us. I miss you all.
AB.
post script. The pictures essentially loaded backwards, chronologically speaking, but the descriptions should help. enjoy.
The brown building behind the church is where we eat lunch on our way to Spittal Austria. the view was incredible.
Castle Porcia where the competition is - in the heart of Spittal.
The lad who was not German. Also the band behind us.
We who walked twenty minutes UP a road (up the Alps, no less) to Neuschwanstein Castle.
A view the Countryside from the road up to the castle.
This is me, against the wind, hence the hair-do, with Neuschwanstein Castle at my back. it was incredible.
The group eating after getting soaked by the rain whilst retreating from Neuschwanstein Castle. It was such an AWESOME (and I do mean awesome) day!
Dr. E and the choir in front of him´. This is a cool picture, which I do say so myself. We were preparing for a picture before leaving Marktoberdorf. My fourth home. ::huge grin::
The Musicacademie and the Cahtedral attached, inside which is just breathtaking. I do have pictures. 
Lunch at the Acadamie
From the top floor of the Acadamie (the castle we stayed in, in case anyone is confuseled) where we rehearsed, we could see most of Marktoberdorf and of course the Alps behind it. The picture by no means does it justice. 
My first gulp of beer. I did take only one. gulp, that is. 
Hannah, Michael P. Jones, Kathryn and I explored the area around the castle one morning in Marktoberdorf. Here Kathryn and I are with the Cathedral portion of the castle visible in the background.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
The Challenge (German style)
I just walked up the steps that link the castle to town. 129 steps. And I am every bit of it out of breath.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Day is done, gone the sun, from the Alps.
Guten Abend!
Its really weird to think that it is merely close to supper time were yall are, and it is a bit past midnight here.
Rehearsals went very well today - I think we are getting close to being able to perform these bad boys, so to speak. Some of us discovered a ping pong table in the celler, and we have played a good many times today. I think the German cooks tried to be nice today by feeding us american-like food. We had chicken nuggets that were orangeish colored and some other meaty substances - in very large servings. I have noticed since today and the day previous that they consistently dish out very large servings. I guess that is just how they do it, r maybe they see all us skinny guys and think we are mal-nourished. So far I have not eaten anything I didnt like, and Mom you will be glad to know that I have tried everything put in front of me.
After this evening's rehearsal, mostmof us eventually made or way down to the local pub, the name of which I cannot remember. I played some pool and darts and fared fairely well most of the time. I had my first gulp of german beer - only one at this pub, (and I guess I should find out the name, since this was such a memorable moment.) It did not tast bad, and I can certainly see how one might aquire a taste for it. But don't worry dear ones, I don't plan on making a habit of it. I'll just stick to Root Beer. (I do have picture of the special occasion.) I wouldn't be posting more pictures except that it is somewhat time consuming and I would rather not spend much time loading pictures and instead be taking pictures of great things.
One more thing before I hit the hay. I did found out that the mountains we can see very well from the top floor are the Alps. And they have snow on them. yay! Tomorrow we have a morning rehearsal and then we are going places and seeing things the rest of the day. It will be grand I am sure.
Miss you all.
AB.
post script. please overlook any typing errors. i was hurried and this german keyboard has some keys rearranged - like the letters y and z.
Its really weird to think that it is merely close to supper time were yall are, and it is a bit past midnight here.
Rehearsals went very well today - I think we are getting close to being able to perform these bad boys, so to speak. Some of us discovered a ping pong table in the celler, and we have played a good many times today. I think the German cooks tried to be nice today by feeding us american-like food. We had chicken nuggets that were orangeish colored and some other meaty substances - in very large servings. I have noticed since today and the day previous that they consistently dish out very large servings. I guess that is just how they do it, r maybe they see all us skinny guys and think we are mal-nourished. So far I have not eaten anything I didnt like, and Mom you will be glad to know that I have tried everything put in front of me.
After this evening's rehearsal, mostmof us eventually made or way down to the local pub, the name of which I cannot remember. I played some pool and darts and fared fairely well most of the time. I had my first gulp of german beer - only one at this pub, (and I guess I should find out the name, since this was such a memorable moment.) It did not tast bad, and I can certainly see how one might aquire a taste for it. But don't worry dear ones, I don't plan on making a habit of it. I'll just stick to Root Beer. (I do have picture of the special occasion.) I wouldn't be posting more pictures except that it is somewhat time consuming and I would rather not spend much time loading pictures and instead be taking pictures of great things.
One more thing before I hit the hay. I did found out that the mountains we can see very well from the top floor are the Alps. And they have snow on them. yay! Tomorrow we have a morning rehearsal and then we are going places and seeing things the rest of the day. It will be grand I am sure.
Miss you all.
AB.
post script. please overlook any typing errors. i was hurried and this german keyboard has some keys rearranged - like the letters y and z.
Guten Tag!
Indeed, here in Marktoberdorf it is a good morning! The fire alarms went off at 5:30, and the church bells sounded at 6, I think it was. Then my alarm sang at 6:30. And you wouldn't believe it but I still almost missed breakfast. Were it not for my rooming pal, Michael P. Jones, I surely would be much hungrier than I am now. I slept very hard last night, which I am thankful for, and feel quite rested today. The jet lag effect yesterday was suppressed to a minimum, and today I am ready to saok in some more Germanic...things. I We rehearsed this morning from 9-11:30 and lunch is just now being served. I canät wait to see what it is. Yesterday's was excellent, which i have pictures of, and will of today's in a manner of minutes. The weather remains georgeous.
AB
post script. the time shown at the top of the blog is two hours early. I am not sure why. We are 7 hours ahead of Memphis time. so here is is approximately 12:22 pm.
Indeed, here in Marktoberdorf it is a good morning! The fire alarms went off at 5:30, and the church bells sounded at 6, I think it was. Then my alarm sang at 6:30. And you wouldn't believe it but I still almost missed breakfast. Were it not for my rooming pal, Michael P. Jones, I surely would be much hungrier than I am now. I slept very hard last night, which I am thankful for, and feel quite rested today. The jet lag effect yesterday was suppressed to a minimum, and today I am ready to saok in some more Germanic...things. I We rehearsed this morning from 9-11:30 and lunch is just now being served. I canät wait to see what it is. Yesterday's was excellent, which i have pictures of, and will of today's in a manner of minutes. The weather remains georgeous.
AB
post script. the time shown at the top of the blog is two hours early. I am not sure why. We are 7 hours ahead of Memphis time. so here is is approximately 12:22 pm.
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