Today started at 7:30am for most of us. We ate breakfast at around 8:00 and met in the lobby at 8:30. Shortly after this we boarded the buses and were headed for the Jazz Cafe.
We spent the morning with Novel Voz a group of talented jazz musicians. We performed three of our pieces for them and they performed a number of pieces for us. After this we had a short shopping break in the mall that the cafe was located in. Lunch was eaten in the jazz cafe with Novel Voz, we had a great time eating our delicious lunch and getting to speak with this amazing group. After our lunch we returned to the hotel to get ready for our concert in the evening.
After a quick rehearsal we were seated in the audience to hear Coralina's performance. They sounded great and of course had some great dance moves. We then sang our portion of the concert and the whole thing ended with a joint performance of "Si tu supiera".
The bus ride back to Atlantico was a memorable one, as it would be the last time we would see our drivers and tour guides who we have come to love. We had one last "Julio" chant followed by many pictures with Marcos, Julio, Ilyiana and Jami.
After our very late supper, we enjoyed a night of socializing...and maybe even some dress up :)
Alexandria, Julie and Emily
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Thursday, March 12, 2009
March 11
This morning began quite early with wake up calls at 630am.
Choristers gathered for breakfast at 730am and ate their meals groggily, some able to function more than most. There was some frantic peanut butter sandwich making and the hoarding of various fruits and pastries before we grouped up and headed to the buses. We left the hotel at 830 and began the long drive to Soroa. Many choristers slept for the first bit, only to wake up and peer out their windows at a strikingly different mountainous landscape. After a twisted drive, through the foothills, we came to a stop and divided, some heading towards the orchid garden and others to the waterfall.
The first group headed to the waterfall was fortunate note to have to travel in incredibly hot weather, climbing more than 250 steps to the waterfalls base. We arrived to find it quite beautiful and breathtaking. Unfortunately, we were not able to swim, but some of the choristers (two whom will remain nameless, but you know who you are) took it upon themselves to scale the slippery rocks and take an unexpected dip, full clothed.
After the visit to the falls, the first group headed back the 250 steps, but unlike before the heat had risen extensively causing some to climb much slower than others.
Once we returned we headed towards an outdoor restaurant and practically bought all of their ice cream (tubs which cost an incredibly cheap $1.35) and gulped it down just minutes away from returning to the bus for lunch. As you might have guessed, not many ate much for lunch.
Once lunch was through we continued on our way to the Viñales Valley. Along the way stopping to donate our unwanted food to a rural elementary school, where we also sang to them and them to us. We were frightened back onto our bus by a giant flying black beetle. And so continued our journey to the caves.
Many chickens and roosters greeted us upon entering the site for the cave tour. Once we managed to climbt the steps to the cave entrance. Choristers clung to their friends as they prepared to face the monstrous beings inside, rocks formation that looked like bats.
Travelling through the perfectly framed cave we made it to the river. We all split off into groups to travel in a boat that would take us through the rest of the cave. Seeing many formations in the rocks (skulls, fish, crocodiles, etc.) the choristers made it to the end of the cave and into a small souvenir market where many stocked up on huge chocolate bars. Not only was there shopping, but a funny looking oxen named Thomas that many choristers paid to have a ride on.
During the ride home we stopped to view a wonderful mural painted on the side of the mountain and at a lookout to see the valley.
Once we returned to the hotel we had a wonderful meal and were serenaded by a live Cuban band. On top of it all it was Norah Davis´s sweet sixteen, so the band and the choristers sang happy birthday and delivered cake to her. She loved the cake, but especially enjoyed her dance with the Cuban waiter.
After dinner we had rehearsal before heading to bed for another early rise tomorrow.
Love and lots of hugs and wishes for those at home in the cold.
Justine and Elizabeth
Choristers gathered for breakfast at 730am and ate their meals groggily, some able to function more than most. There was some frantic peanut butter sandwich making and the hoarding of various fruits and pastries before we grouped up and headed to the buses. We left the hotel at 830 and began the long drive to Soroa. Many choristers slept for the first bit, only to wake up and peer out their windows at a strikingly different mountainous landscape. After a twisted drive, through the foothills, we came to a stop and divided, some heading towards the orchid garden and others to the waterfall.
The first group headed to the waterfall was fortunate note to have to travel in incredibly hot weather, climbing more than 250 steps to the waterfalls base. We arrived to find it quite beautiful and breathtaking. Unfortunately, we were not able to swim, but some of the choristers (two whom will remain nameless, but you know who you are) took it upon themselves to scale the slippery rocks and take an unexpected dip, full clothed.
After the visit to the falls, the first group headed back the 250 steps, but unlike before the heat had risen extensively causing some to climb much slower than others.
Once we returned we headed towards an outdoor restaurant and practically bought all of their ice cream (tubs which cost an incredibly cheap $1.35) and gulped it down just minutes away from returning to the bus for lunch. As you might have guessed, not many ate much for lunch.
Once lunch was through we continued on our way to the Viñales Valley. Along the way stopping to donate our unwanted food to a rural elementary school, where we also sang to them and them to us. We were frightened back onto our bus by a giant flying black beetle. And so continued our journey to the caves.
Many chickens and roosters greeted us upon entering the site for the cave tour. Once we managed to climbt the steps to the cave entrance. Choristers clung to their friends as they prepared to face the monstrous beings inside, rocks formation that looked like bats.
Travelling through the perfectly framed cave we made it to the river. We all split off into groups to travel in a boat that would take us through the rest of the cave. Seeing many formations in the rocks (skulls, fish, crocodiles, etc.) the choristers made it to the end of the cave and into a small souvenir market where many stocked up on huge chocolate bars. Not only was there shopping, but a funny looking oxen named Thomas that many choristers paid to have a ride on.
During the ride home we stopped to view a wonderful mural painted on the side of the mountain and at a lookout to see the valley.
Once we returned to the hotel we had a wonderful meal and were serenaded by a live Cuban band. On top of it all it was Norah Davis´s sweet sixteen, so the band and the choristers sang happy birthday and delivered cake to her. She loved the cake, but especially enjoyed her dance with the Cuban waiter.
After dinner we had rehearsal before heading to bed for another early rise tomorrow.
Love and lots of hugs and wishes for those at home in the cold.
Justine and Elizabeth
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Hola!
If you are experiencing cold weather, we advise you NOT to read this blog because...
March 10, began with a difficult decision to make (choir tours are full of these): when to wake up - we could go for the "early" morning wake up swim in the ocean at 8:30, followed by a light breakfast at the buffet or some cool drinks and food from the snack bar or we could go for the slow wake up - it could be 1:29 that our alarms would go off as long as we can dash out of our rooms and grab some food in one minute; because at 1:30 we all gathered onto our two buses with our wonderful tour guides.
We drove to Havana to a museum on fine art. There was a variety of art there, from colonial art of ladies and gentlemen in fancy clothes to modern abstract art with bright colours and funky shapes. One piece of artwork was really interesting as it was a huge sculpture of a boat which were faces, music lines, plants and other images that depicted the culture and history of Cuba. Also, this sculpture had been done as a gift for Castro on his Eightieth birthday. As usual, the choir found a place to shop...event at an art gallery. So a few purchases were made there of small sounvenirs, etc.
Than, after a short bus ride we were heading off for some real, intense shopping time! An hour and a half at a market and many, many paintings, Cuban music CD's, dolls, food and hats bought...or in Mikey's case - bartered, we headed back to the hotel.
Did you know it it possible to trade your hat for a painting when you're all out of money? Well, Mikey found out today that that was very possible. Also, as this time we were able to give away some more donations to those at the market. They were really excited and grateful to receieve them.
At the hotel we had another buffet supper and then we had a choir practice, since afterall wsinging is th reason we are in Cuba. We finished our rehearsal by surrcoudning and singing Esto les Digo to our choir moms and dads and some other hotel guests. All that is left is anotehr night of relaxing and sleep.
Lots of love to all at home! (especially you Emilie!)
Lucia and Claire
If you are experiencing cold weather, we advise you NOT to read this blog because...
March 10, began with a difficult decision to make (choir tours are full of these): when to wake up - we could go for the "early" morning wake up swim in the ocean at 8:30, followed by a light breakfast at the buffet or some cool drinks and food from the snack bar or we could go for the slow wake up - it could be 1:29 that our alarms would go off as long as we can dash out of our rooms and grab some food in one minute; because at 1:30 we all gathered onto our two buses with our wonderful tour guides.
We drove to Havana to a museum on fine art. There was a variety of art there, from colonial art of ladies and gentlemen in fancy clothes to modern abstract art with bright colours and funky shapes. One piece of artwork was really interesting as it was a huge sculpture of a boat which were faces, music lines, plants and other images that depicted the culture and history of Cuba. Also, this sculpture had been done as a gift for Castro on his Eightieth birthday. As usual, the choir found a place to shop...event at an art gallery. So a few purchases were made there of small sounvenirs, etc.
Than, after a short bus ride we were heading off for some real, intense shopping time! An hour and a half at a market and many, many paintings, Cuban music CD's, dolls, food and hats bought...or in Mikey's case - bartered, we headed back to the hotel.
Did you know it it possible to trade your hat for a painting when you're all out of money? Well, Mikey found out today that that was very possible. Also, as this time we were able to give away some more donations to those at the market. They were really excited and grateful to receieve them.
At the hotel we had another buffet supper and then we had a choir practice, since afterall wsinging is th reason we are in Cuba. We finished our rehearsal by surrcoudning and singing Esto les Digo to our choir moms and dads and some other hotel guests. All that is left is anotehr night of relaxing and sleep.
Lots of love to all at home! (especially you Emilie!)
Lucia and Claire
Monday, March 9, 2009
Day four!
Hello to everyone at home!
We have had an extremely difficult morning here in Havana. All of the swimming and tanning is getting hard :) Just kidding. We are having an amazing time here.
The wind died down today which has given us the best weather we have seen so far. A bunch of girls got in the water for water aerobics, while some other choristers had an intense game of beach volleyball. The rest of us could be found by the pool, on the beach or eating hot dogs at the snack bar. A few people saw a stray dog on the beach and Emily Costello felt so bad for the poor thing that she ran to the snack bar to get the dog its own hot dog.
After some lunch, we all got on the bus and headed to a school in Havana that specialized in music for children ages 8 to 18. We heard the younger kids sing first, they were great and so sweet! The older choir sang after them and they were amazing. We then left on our own for 20 minutes to do some quick rehearsal to get ready for our performance for the Cuban students. All the kids seemed to like our songs, but they were really impressed by our last song "Ride on King Jesus". We were kind of nervous about that one, especially considering who we were singing it for. To our surprise, they loved it. One little boy in the audience yelled "Wow!" when the last high note was sung. On the way back to the bus a few girls were able to get a picture with Carlos, the trumpet player. We all then proceeded to make fools of ourselves on the bus, waving goodbye to him and taking pictures as we drove away.
After a quick supper at the hotel we went to the Las Cabanas Fortress. We saw a ceremony where they set off a cannon to signify the closing of the bay. We then went back to the hotel for a good night's sleep after another amazing day in Cuba.
Hilary
We have had an extremely difficult morning here in Havana. All of the swimming and tanning is getting hard :) Just kidding. We are having an amazing time here.
The wind died down today which has given us the best weather we have seen so far. A bunch of girls got in the water for water aerobics, while some other choristers had an intense game of beach volleyball. The rest of us could be found by the pool, on the beach or eating hot dogs at the snack bar. A few people saw a stray dog on the beach and Emily Costello felt so bad for the poor thing that she ran to the snack bar to get the dog its own hot dog.
After some lunch, we all got on the bus and headed to a school in Havana that specialized in music for children ages 8 to 18. We heard the younger kids sing first, they were great and so sweet! The older choir sang after them and they were amazing. We then left on our own for 20 minutes to do some quick rehearsal to get ready for our performance for the Cuban students. All the kids seemed to like our songs, but they were really impressed by our last song "Ride on King Jesus". We were kind of nervous about that one, especially considering who we were singing it for. To our surprise, they loved it. One little boy in the audience yelled "Wow!" when the last high note was sung. On the way back to the bus a few girls were able to get a picture with Carlos, the trumpet player. We all then proceeded to make fools of ourselves on the bus, waving goodbye to him and taking pictures as we drove away.
After a quick supper at the hotel we went to the Las Cabanas Fortress. We saw a ceremony where they set off a cannon to signify the closing of the bay. We then went back to the hotel for a good night's sleep after another amazing day in Cuba.
Hilary
Sun :)
After dealing with a bit of confusion from daylight savings time, we spent the morning getting tans, doing ridiculously fun water aerobics and divalicious dancing. We also had a few experiences with some jellyfish :)
After lunch, we hopped on the bus and with the help of our tour guide, Iliyana and Yami, we visited a 16th century fortress and market! After that we drove deep into Havana where the bus had a bit of trouble taking corners, but we finally made it to our African Temple. Inside the temple the local musicians played great songs and dances that showed their culture and religion. Everyone had a great time dancing and singing, some people even got to have a turn to play their percussion instruments with them.
When we returned to the Atlantico, a few of us were anxiously waiting our dinner when about one cup of sugar was mysteriously launched into another choristers face. Unfortunately, the unlucky chorister was wearing contacts and this did not have a good result :)
The night concluded with a very productive rehearsal which many other guests listened happily to.
Tomorrow we are visiting an arts school, be sure to check back tomorrow evening.
Luke, Bridget, Rachel, Maria, Colleen and GEMMA LANGOR!!!
After lunch, we hopped on the bus and with the help of our tour guide, Iliyana and Yami, we visited a 16th century fortress and market! After that we drove deep into Havana where the bus had a bit of trouble taking corners, but we finally made it to our African Temple. Inside the temple the local musicians played great songs and dances that showed their culture and religion. Everyone had a great time dancing and singing, some people even got to have a turn to play their percussion instruments with them.
When we returned to the Atlantico, a few of us were anxiously waiting our dinner when about one cup of sugar was mysteriously launched into another choristers face. Unfortunately, the unlucky chorister was wearing contacts and this did not have a good result :)
The night concluded with a very productive rehearsal which many other guests listened happily to.
Tomorrow we are visiting an arts school, be sure to check back tomorrow evening.
Luke, Bridget, Rachel, Maria, Colleen and GEMMA LANGOR!!!
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Day two!
On our first full day in Cuba, we woke up bright and early to go on a tour of the beautiful capital, Havana. We started at Revolution Square and then went on a walking tour of old Havana. After a lovely visit, and maybe some shopping, at an artisan's market, we returned to the hotel for lunch and to prepare for the afternoon.
As soon as we were all ready, we got on the bus and headed to the Basilica to have a workshop with Alina and her choir, Coralina. The choir sang beautifully and we gave them all the donations we brought for their families. They were very grateful and we were happy to help.
After our exciting rehearsal we went to CafeTV for dinner with Alina and her choir. The food was delicious and after supper everyone got up and danced with the restaurant staff to Cuban music. After a long and eventful day, we headed back to the hotel and immediately fell asleep (hehe).
Niamh, Lauren and Amelia
ps. we are still trying to figure out how to upload all the beautiful photos we have taken. We do not have wireless and we are unable to plug our camera into the hotel computer. Stay tuned!
As soon as we were all ready, we got on the bus and headed to the Basilica to have a workshop with Alina and her choir, Coralina. The choir sang beautifully and we gave them all the donations we brought for their families. They were very grateful and we were happy to help.
After our exciting rehearsal we went to CafeTV for dinner with Alina and her choir. The food was delicious and after supper everyone got up and danced with the restaurant staff to Cuban music. After a long and eventful day, we headed back to the hotel and immediately fell asleep (hehe).
Niamh, Lauren and Amelia
ps. we are still trying to figure out how to upload all the beautiful photos we have taken. We do not have wireless and we are unable to plug our camera into the hotel computer. Stay tuned!
Friday, March 6, 2009
Hello everyone at home!!!
Hope you've all recovered from your early morning trip to the airport. Not having gotten much sleep yet, we certainly have not.
After taking a quick flight to Halifax we embarked on a longer trip to Varadero, which meant we had to say good-bye to our new favorite flight attendant, "Ken the Barbie". On our way from Halifax to Varadero, we indulged in High School Musical 3 and decided we're all in this together.
We then got off the plane and fell in love with the heat. After a very informative hour and a half bus ride with Brian and Roxanna, we arrived at Hotel Atlantico, got our keys and found our rooms. We gathered for a meeting and then went for some much-needed beach time. Unfortunately, the waves were too strong to swim in so we relocated to the pool to continue our fun. Sunset pictures and frolicking on the beach soon followed and gave us an appetite for a tasty supper. Most of us are now off to enjoy a show and some sleep. You'll hear more tomorrow!
Love, Your Chorister Council
Andrea, Luke, Phlippa and Erin
p.s. Just like to say hope everything is goes well this week and love you Gran (Phlippa)
p.p.s. Emilie Power!! We all miss you tons and wish you were here with us. Love you xoxo
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Welcome!
Hello everyone and welcome to SHALLAWAY's tour blog for 2009.
On March 6, 2009, Camerata will be traveling to Cuba for an exciting week of various activities and performances.
Please stay tuned to the blog, as our choristers will be updating daily with what is happening on tour and also with pictures.
On March 6, 2009, Camerata will be traveling to Cuba for an exciting week of various activities and performances.
Please stay tuned to the blog, as our choristers will be updating daily with what is happening on tour and also with pictures.
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