GMC in Europe 2008

As the group discussed our transit from Vienna to Salzburg, we realized that we would be passing through Linz, less than five miles away from the village of Mauthausen and its Nazi-era concentration camp. About 40 of us requested the opportunity to deviate from the planned program and visit the camp. (I should add that those who chose to go on to Salzburg had either visited a camp previously, or had other good reasons not to go.)

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Wow…the Greater Middletown Chorale is in Vienna.

No exclamation mark, just a fact. We’ve been grounding ourselves in the local culture for the past two days and having a blast.

Our two groups were reunited at the Hotel Ananan on Friday evening, and those of us who were on the Northwest/KLM flight were reassured to know that the Lufthansa folks had had their own “hardships” (no choice of movie on the plane; an early arrival that resulted in an unscheduled wait for two hours; a Mozart visit that was less than spectacular). By comparison, our wait due to “technical difficulties” at the Amsterdam airport (we were finally airborne at 2:30, about three hours past our scheduled departure) was almost pleasant.

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I’m in Amsterdam as I write this…in an airport that Alison described as “one giant Ikea.” Euro-style is certainly different. It’s more humane, for one thing…the terminal in which we’re laying over has a whole section devoted to “comfort chairs.” They have foot rests and can recline, and you don’t need to be a member of an elite flying club to sit in them.

Our travel is going well. We departed from First Congregational Church in Cheshire promptly at 10 a.m., on board a bus that just needs wings to be fully competitive with an airliner. We met up with the rest of the chorale in Middletown, and then we were off to Boston.

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When was it? November, 2006? Ahhh, yessss…

We were rehearsing with the terrific choristers of Coginchaug High School in Durham, and singing about snakes and such. (Just to be Candide about it!)

And, following the concert, we started hearing about an idea that sounded wild and attractive at the same time: What if we were to organize a Chorale tour of several European cities?

One thing led to another, and after many meetings, presentations, and plummeting dollar rates, here we are, about to board our planes for the flight to Vienna.

It doesn’t seem like the day should be upon us so quickly, but here we are. It’s time to go.

We’re looking forward to posting lots of photos, perhaps a snippet or two of our performances if all goes well, and following Patricia’s advice about all things pastry (and her other advice that also turned out to be about pastry) and Adam’s intelligence about Czech beer. And most of all, we will be anticipating the day when we return and are reunited with our friends to put on an outstanding concert on May 4.

Because of the flight schedules, we’ll be “teleported” six hours ahead and thus launched into Friday before we know it. I don’t expect you’ll be seeing any blog entries until Friday evening. (Note we’re on Central European Summer Time — CEST — which is Greenwich Mean Time plus two hours. You should add six hours to Eastern Daylight Time to know what time it is in Austria and the Czech Republic.)

Keep reading this blog, and leave us lots of comments. Despite my ritual disclaimers, your comments are very much welcome and will keep us going during our tour!

Me again…the one NOT going and wishing she was… I want details…DETAILS ladies, and/or Colin (I know you have a sweet tooth). Wondering what to eat?

• Austrian Apple Strudel with vanilla sauce, Sacher Torte, rich chocolate cake with thin layer of raspberry or apricot jam served with whip cream.
• Linzer Torte, the famouse fruit tarte but not like we make.
• Damf Nudeln with plum filling and Vanille sauce—this big lump of steamed dough with a filling, usually plum or mohn (poppy seed) sometimes displayed in a tiny oven (if they have that up there)

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Hello everyone! Boy was that hard staying by last night knowing I would be missing SOooooooooo much fun with you wonderful people. Then all that Cake and wonderful bread and rolls you will be eating without me! 

I just wanted to chat about a few things that I thought could be useful when out and about. We are amid a bunch of savy experienced travelers so some of  you may know this already. 

There are some big differences with eating out in the States and in Europe. Firstly (and I am mostly speaking from what I remember from living in Germany- and being on tour), the service is slow—waiters and waitresses do not work for tips. So when tipping, you round off to the nearest Euro or giving a Euro is acceptable. Or, two or more if you feel like it was exceptional service.

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Well, I must tell you that connections are everything!  As it so happens my partner’s college-age daughter spent considerable time in Prague last summer and was kind enough to pass on her impressions.  Her report was most enthusiastic.  The following are some verbatim excerpts:

Language:  “Most people speak english, though knowing some czech is nice”.  Some suggested key terms spelled phonetically: 

“Dob-ry-den” means “good day, pardon, excuse me”.

“De-koo-yoo” is “thank you”.

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We heard some great advice about packing from Ann at Sunday’s rehearsal (thank you!), but I need to see it as well as hear it.

Here are links to relevant packing information from our airlines.

Lufthansa

Checked Luggage (note that 23 kg is approximately 50 lb)

Carry-on Luggage (note that 8 kg is approx. 17 lb; 55 cm ≈ 21.5 in; 40 cm ≈ 15.5 in; 20 cm ≈ 7.8 in)

Northwest/KLM

Checked Luggage

Carry-on Luggage

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

Complete information about items accepted and prohibited at airport security checkpoints

Hope this helps!

Hi ya’ll!  Counting down the hours!!!!

I have been warned that the Gypsies in Prague are world-renowned pickpockets.  They are audacious, fast, smart, and subtle.  For example, swarms of 6 children will gather around you and simultaneously rifle through every pocket and parcel you have, and scatter before you even know what’s happening.  Areas that are especially targeted are tourist magnets such as the marketplace, and the Charles Bridge at night.  My friend suggested keeping money and credit cards securely around your neck in front of you, not around your waist - keep nothing valuable in your pockets - don’t burden yourself down with packages or luggage - try not to look vulnerable, kind or lost - and be very very aware.

Well, believe it or not I have come across yet another patient who is well-connected to Vienna.  She is an American native who spends the better part of each year in the city and she recently offered the following recommendations to us as it pertains to working the muscles of mastication and ambulation:

Consumption:

1.  DeCapo restaurant, in Schulerstrasse district.  A “European” Italian as opposed to “American” Italian place which is known for taking full advantage of seasonal foods, e.g. asparagus (”spargel”) and pumpkin, in order to always keep the menu fresh and interesting.  This is her favorite place in Vienna where she swears she has never had a bad meal.

2.  Cafe Demel, near the Hofburg.  A “MUST” for the best pastry.

Observation:

I personally don’t know what the following sights are, yet anyway, or what they signify, but these are what she recommends.  Some of you I’m sure are familiar with these places.  Please feel free to comment:

1.  Hofburg Palace

2.  Schloss Shonbrunn

3.  Stephansdom-a “Must See”.

4.  Kunsthistorches Art Museum- “Absolutely fabulous”.

5.  There is also a music museum, just off Kartnerstrasse, and a Freud museum (Rich, this one has your name written all over it.  I’d love to check it out with you).

There you have it, from someone who knows. 

Cheers,  Adam