Day 9: We're Coming Home!!!

Well, it’s hard to believe it but our tour has almost come to an end – nothing left now but re-packing the suitcases and getting to bed for our early morning trip to the airport. WE ARE COMING HOME!!!!

Andrew and Spence - sorry forgot that the two of you were also brave enough to test the waters of the atlantic (oops not the Baltic - must have mis-heard our tour guide) along with Chelsea and the other guys - will you forgive me?

Today was cold and rainy, but it didn’t dampen our spirits. The original plans for the day had to be changed due to the weather, but the AF School was on top of things. We met at the school this morning at 9 AM and set off on the city bus for the Nordic museum a beautiful building built in 1907 (btw, the first one is not my picture).

The main hall is dominated by a huge statue of King Gustav Vasa, who is considered the founder of Sweden. The exhibits focused on a variety of aspects of Swedish culture and traditions. We had our lunch in the museum and then left on a short walk to the Vasa Museum.

The Vasa Museum is dominated by a huge – and I mean huge - warship that was built for King Gustavus Adolphus in 1628. Unfortunately it sank about 10 minutes into its maiden (and only) voyage. It was recovered in 300 years later and now rests in the main hall of the museum. It was awesome, and the carvings were beautiful.

We wandered around and took pictures, then gathered at the front of the museum to begin our trip to the Globe Arena – site of the Let the Future Sing Good-Bye ceremony.

I have to admit that I began this leg of the journey with a little trepidation. Imagine travelling with 52 choristers - first by bus then by subway – in a city that none of us are particularly familiar with. Well, we made it safe and sound – even though we were crammed like sardines onto the subway car. The Globe Arena is a combo arena / shopping mall / office complex. Much to everyone’s delight we were half an hour early – the Annex, where the party was to be held wasn’t even open – guess what we got to do? Shop!! It’s amazing what you can accomplish in a short period of time.

We (all 10 choirs and the students from the AF School) went in sat down and were treated to one more song from each of the visiting choirs. HCC was the last choir to perform and after much discussion Zimfira decided that they should sing Tjack! One more time – I watched the kids in the audience and they had already started to learn bits of the song – I don’t think it will be long until other choirs start doing the Hatfield piece too.

After the presentation of the choirs we had some non-alcoholic champagne and what we think, but cannot confirm, was a reindeer meat wrap. Some of the kids even ate them! We were then treated to pop songs performed by a few of the students from the AF school – then we got ready to go back to the billets for one last night.

oh, yes, one other rather important thing - Happy 16th Birthday to Sadie!!

Tomorrow is a very early start for us – we meet at 6:30 at the school and head for the airport and home. As much fun as it has been and as wonderful as our performances have been, I know we are all looking forward to our triumphant return to Pearson.

It has been a privilege for me to be here and bear witness for all of you following along at home – know that you have raised smart, well behaved and extremely talented and dedicated children – it has been a pleasure to get to know them all better.

Can hardly wait to see you tomorrow!