| |
Day 1
To all the Cantare Choir families. This is the first time that we can
communicate with you and so much has happened already. Yesterday we visited
the Prater Park in Vienna where we had a lot of fun. It takes a lot of
courage to get on all those huge things, but we made sure that we had all
the rides possible. The weather is beautiful, midsummer and that is when the
summer tummy bug can hit us. Fortunately we have enough muti to treat upset
tummies and tonight everyone is OK again. We decided to invest in about 60
litres of mineral water to avoid any further trouble. Today we visited the
thermal baths for which Budapest is so famous. All the kids forgot about
their bugs and had a great time so that tonight everyone is so exhausted
that we don't hear anyone anymore. That excludes the tour mummies who are
having their coffee in Tannie Ida's room, sitting all over the floor and on
the beds. You only see the bare toes and feet sticking out from underneath
the duvet's.
We were happy to see that tannie Trix arrived safely at the hotel after her
long trip. Tomorrow promises to be very exciting. In the morning we will
have a trip through the city. There are 2 million people in Budapest and
they have the same traffic problems that we have. Tomorrow night we will
tell you about the trip and the concert in the cathedral. Everyone who has
heard us so far is very impressed with the sound that we make. The workshop
in Vienna gave us a good idea where we go wrong and how we can still improve
our singing. We are looking forward to speak to you tomorrow night. Much
love and greetings from all the Cantares
Day 2
To all our Cantare members
Today was unforgettable. First we went with the guide to the city centre to
see how the old and the new city were joined together. We had to climb a few
hundred steps to get to the top from where we had the most wonderful view of
the government buildings and the Danube river. On the other side was the
Pest side where we stay. The Buda part has a few mountains, but the Pest
side is totally flat. We had a quick impromptu concert on the steps at one
of the many statues that you see all over the city. After the tour we had an
opportunity to admire the beautiful stuff in the outdoor shops.
There were still a number of kids who were fighting the stomach bug. What a
pity, as we had lunch at the same place where we went swimming in the
mineral waters. We were treated on a super lunch, strawberries and all sorts
of Black Forest goodies. Too many calories and not good for people with
stomach bugs, but very very special. The choir had to go the cathedral for a
practise session. We were worried that the kids would be too tired, so we
went back to the hotel to ensure that everyone would get a good afternoon
nap.
Everyone was anxious about the concert for tonight. The south African
ambassador was our guest of honour and the choir did her proud. The choir
got a standing ovation after producing the most fantastic sound you can
imagine. The choir had to do encore after encore. With such joy in our
hearts we took to the street and Hungary will certainly remember what South
African choirs sound like. Tomorrow is our shopping outing but don't worry
we won't overspend. We will go to Szentendre where the flea market stylle
and other shops are a lot cheaper than right here. It is an interesting
village where all the houses have red roofs, hence the name Szentendre. We
hope to provide some entertainment when we will sing in the park for all to
hear. We love you all and hope to speak to you again tomorrow
Arrival in Graz
Dear Cantare members
Next time I will greet you as the Cantare family, because that is what we
have become here. Everything is going well despite the odd bugs that are
still floating around. Now it seems that the kids have all recovered from
their tummy bugs, while the parents are now getting their turn. That does
not dampen their spirits as we had a super coffee session tonight. Yesterday
was our big shopping spree in the most beautiful little town you can
imagine. it was like escaping to fairyland. The kids loved the beautiful
linen and all the novelties of Hungary. If you want to taste hot red pepper,
come to Hungary. We had lunch in a restaurant in the little village where we
did our shopping. I have never in my life seen such a lot of practical maths
as yesterday with all the currency conversions. The kids will definitely
perform better in maths. We had an excellent tourguide who gave us a very
good idea where we should go and what we should do. After lunch we gave a
performance on the circle and people were hanging outside their windows to
get a view of the choir. The choir sang for 35 minutes in the sweltering
sun, but the people loved it. The whole town came to a standstill. One lady
donated a thousand forints on the spot. By the time we got back at the hotel
everyone was exhausted from all the activities.
Today we travelled to Graz. From the heat to the cold. When we arrived the
temperature dropped and now we are all freezing in midsummer. Everyone is
excited with the lovely resort where we are accommodated. It is situated in
one of the most beautiful parts of Austria, close to the mountains. It is
mainly used for sporting activities and offers excellent rooms and service.
The kids are overjoyed. We admire the bus drivers who manage to get the bus
through these meandering narrow mountain roads. Some of the ladies were too
scared to look down, while others were busy taking pictures of the fantastic
scenery.
Tomorrow we have to go into Graz for the soundtest and after that you will
have to hold thumbs for the real stuff on Thursday.
To all the moms and dads, the family and all our friends we think of you and
love you. Thank you for your support to make this event so unforgettable.
all our love
Cantare family
Opening of Games
Dear
Cantare family
From now on it is serious business. Early this morning we left for Graz,
about an hour's drive from the resort where we stay. We had to go for a
sound test in one of the halls here in the centre of this very old town. We
had 20 minutes to work through our program and get all the computer settings
in order. If you are late you have had it. They check each choir with a
stopwatch. Over means get off the stage within 30 seconds. Then back to the
main centre for the next sound test. Same procedure. Over lunchtime we
visited a very old castle built against the mountain as backdrop and a lush
park around it. We were amused by the many screaming peacocks who have an
endless appetite for peanuts and they come begging for it. At 16:00 it was
time for the formal march towards the centre. More than 400 choirs marching
behind their flag and a brass band in front. Graz now knows pretty well that
the choristers have arrived. Some spectators' eyes filled with tears when
they saw us passing. The three South African choirs joined in to sing our
national anthem. What a great moment. Then back to the big dining hall where
all these thousands of people had to be fed. That was quite an organisation,
but everyone's plate was full. We arrived back at the resort at about 20:00,
dead tired and ready for bed. Will you please!!!!! hold thumbs for us for
tomorrow! So far our people have produced fantastic sounds and I am sure
there are a number of choirs who got a good fright when they heard us. Until
tomorrow, we love you all and think of you all the time.
Saturday 12th July update
Dear Cantare Family
You get good better and best, but yesterday was excellent, awesome and
Cantare! The choir has passed all three qualifying rounds and have to sing
the final rounds today. Last night we did the first of the finals and
tonight the other two. You can imagine how the adrenaline was pumping. After
hearing our first results the choir went outside and sang our great "Thank
you Lord" song. One can hear in the corridors how the people speak about our
choir and the beautiful sound they make. After their performance last night
all the other supporters broke out in a loud cheer.
Here at the resort is another choir from Heidelberg, Germany. The hotel
authorities begged both choirs to give a performance on the veranda and for
more than 45 minutes these two choirs took turns in singing and entertaining
the guests. We are so glad that the kids have an opportunity to play and try
out all the activities here, from trampoline to scooter to netball and all
kinds of sports. This is exactly what they needed, a full day to relax and
play.
Tonight it will be serious business again, dressing up and performing like
never before. To all the parents I can honestly say that all the kids are
happy and relaxed and one of the boys asked this morning how many more
nights we can stay and only three is far too few.
Tomorrow we will hear the final results so pray for us and hold thumbs that
we get medals. Sorry, the kids are too busy playing to send messages now,
but we think of you.
from the proud Cantares.
Gold for Cantare!
Dear
Cantare family
I am sure that you have all heard already how well the choir has performed.
Yesterday we first received a silver medal and then the real anticipation
started. Although we were happy and grateful with silver we were still
hoping for that long awaited for gold. Then as the marks went higher so did
our hopes until the final result came - gold for the gospel section.
Excellent Cantares. Also excellent for South Africa. Our country received 15
of the gold medals where the nearest following country United States and
Indonesia only received 6 each. Guess who are the world champions in choral
singing! Each child will proudly display his/her medal when we arrive back.
Another silver followed so we will return heavily laden with medals. At last
we can relax today. We will go back to Graz once more to have a look at the
old inner city and to take some more photos. I nearly forgot to tell you
about the unforgettable champion concert last night. The champion choirs
each gave a special performance, absolutely unforgettable. I have never seen
such high quality choral singing before. Tonight we pack and tomorrow we
will be on our way back home. See you there! Much love and smiles from all
the Cantares.
|
|
