Day 7: up the coast

We had a relaxing morning this morning before our trip up the coast. Our first official function was lunch at the school at noon. Many of the choristers were allowed their first real sleep-in in days. Other’s whose host families had to go to work (poor things) came in to meet us downtown at the cathedral and then had some free time to enjoy window shopping and hanging out with their friends.
We all met at the school, well except for Shawn who missed the bus up to the school – don’t ask. He managed to arrive by taxi a short time later. We had lunch and then the choristers sang Dream a Dream for the staff as a thank you for the wonderful hospitality. It has been marvelous and we all feel like we have been treated as honored guests.

After lunch we headed up the coast for some sightseeing on our way to our final (yes, final) performance of the tour. The drive took a little over an hour. Our first stop was in Kladesholmen, a small village on one of the many islands that make up the south-east coast of Sweden. Along the way we picked up a tour guide who gave us a bit of a history lesson, and were able to stop for some great photo ops.

The scenery is remarkable like home – anyone who has ever been to Nova Scotia would have felt right at home. Like our east coast, many of the young people have left for the bigger urban centres in search of employment and enjoyment – now the population consists of older generations who have chosen to remain or wealthier Swedes who can afford the real estate prices and high taxes. Hmmmmm… does sound like home, doesn’t it?

The choristers had a great day, relaxing on the bus and sharing some good together time that a few choristers have been missing since they are not staying together in one hotel. We have found though that the billet experience, while not only making the tour more affordable, has also given them a much better insight into the culture (and the food too – Abbey Cleaveland had raspberry jam for the first time today and has discovered that it’s not so bad!)

Our next stop was the Swedish Watercolour Museum where we saw an exhibit of watercolours by the Sweden’s equivalent of Beatrix Potter. After the tour of the museum the kids were set free to explore the beach and surrounding landscape. A few choristers (Nick, Gord, and even Chelsea – you go girl) braved the very cold waters of the Baltic Sea and jumped off the pier! The rest of us watched in amazement and disbelief – btw – it was a little chilly and windy on the coast – we were glad that we brought our hoodies!

Next stop Valla Kyrka for our evening performance. This concert was set up for us by the host group in a church built in the 1800’s. Tonight was all HCC and it was a rousing hour long performance of most of our repertoire. The church was packed – for which we were grateful, as Valla appeared to be one of those ‘in the middle of nowhere’ spots. I know it’s getting boring but … they were again outstanding and were treated to yet another standing ovation. Watane and Past Life Melodies were probably the best I’ve ever heard. As a thank you Zimfira allowed Joel to lead the whole choir in a rocking cover of Dancing Queen. The audiences sang and danced (!) along with them and were so appreciative of the talent and heart of our choir. I’m not sure if I’ve said this already, but it needs repeating – it’s one thing when the ovation comes from family and friends, but when it is given by an audience who don’t know us, but do know music and choral singing it is a very special tribute to this amazing team! We stayed in the church to pose for more group photos

And then the second highlight of the night for the choristers – ICE CREAM!!! Zimfira has cautioned them all week to take care of their voices, avoiding anything too cold like iced cappuccinos and ice cream. Finally, however, the restrictions had been lifted – to make the treat even better there were enough toppings that the kids could make sundaes.
We got everyone back on the bus by about 9:00pm, did our head count (magic number = 52) and headed back into Gothenburg.

We’re up early tomorrow to return to Stockholm and two more days of camaraderie with the students and billet families from the AF school – I’ve heard rumour that they have something planned for the choristers on Thursday morning – I’ll keep you posted…