ING presence
I've forgot to write down what happened on 28/7. I was cordially invited to meet other ING members and their partners at a reception in a museum. Course i went. I know a lot of people of ING Gala and must say it is always fun to meet up with them form time to time. And aspecially here in Canada. So I went down on the streets and walked for 15 minutes and arrived at the museum. Smartly dressed i might add. Wore my white trousers, and a kind of see through blouse, topped with a striped blazer.
It was approprieate for this occaison. Talked to the General Consul, who was invited to make a short welcoming speech.
Ws rather fun, to be able to talk to him. And than to my suprise an other member of the choir came along. So that was fun.
The food was supurb served by nice looking guys. Ofcourse i left in due time, and with me by coincidence one of the waiters was leaving to, so we talked for a while whilst we were walking. Turned out that he served two jobs, one in the hospital, and one with this cateringcompany. And it was his birhtday as well!! Me being polite, offered him to buy him a drink since it is his birthday. He kindly reclined. Well it's the story of my life. Nevertheless i had a great evening. And met again with some people
later during the opening ceremony..
impressed...
I forgot how it was. But being here, and feeling a bit nervous about how the official opening would proceed, and seeing all those men and women it really gets to you. This time, we were to march into the stadium as one but last. The hosting country is the last one. The Dutch delegation consistst about 500 people. All wearing something orange...
Some with inflatable crowns, others with drapes and flags and make up. And the best part is, singing and yelling. We cheered every nation that passed by, Mind you this is even before entering the stadium, but during line up. I never shook so many hands. 109 coutries entered the stadium.
Procedures take a lot of time. Two hours in advance we had to be there, Having to endure a rainshower, getting soaking wet but frivoulish with anticipation time flew by. And then the final moment. It took for ever to get into the bowels of the stadium, underneath the visitors seats, and moving slowy up th isle But than all of a sudden, you have to rush, and run and your in...
30.000 spectators cheered, roared, clapped their hand and stamped their feet. Waving and wistheling. Unbelievable, unforgatable, shivers down my spine.
Helas, i didn't take any photo's. Battery failure. shit. But we stayed in the innercirckel enjoying the show:
Saw K.D. lang perform. it was great. But then going back with the metro...
It was on ordeal. Packed like beans in a can, we were. I was lucky enough to get out before the great wave of people was turning up. I was in the first section to leave. Great atmposhere in the trains too. Not a bad thing happened, Dieu mecri.
But being on my feet for more than 8 hrs was a have tole to pay. I was truly broken, and was in bed at 11.30 sleeping till sunday 8.0 oclock, and had to rush for my first rehearsal. Tell you more later..
everything is set and go, greenlights only: let it all begin
Inspite of walking the wrong direction, i made it to the theater, i was a bit late but entered the hall anayway. And there before my own eyes were all the choirmembers gathered and introduced by the speaker. large applause sounded accompanied with yelling, every time a choir stood up and took in this warm welcome applause. It was nice. Even us: the lonely ones, without a choir to belong to, were asked to stand up. It was great. After this initial act, facts and figures were told, and what was excpected of us. And at the end of the meeting the Canadian choirs stood up and sang a welcome song for us (an ancient one that was song to all kind of visitors of Canada). That was also heartwarming. The weather for today is really great: high temps and a lovely sun is shining. This morming I went to the Palais the Congres, to find out were the theater was that i was suppose to be in at 11.30. It was hard for them to find it. They gave directions on a small map, and as i can tell now, unfortunately in the wrong direction. My feet are burning, but it was still worthwile. And now it is 3.30 pm and i am getting ready to leave the hotel.
I've slept for a little hour, and will go to the village, and have a sort of meal (and a drink hahahah) and proceed to the olympic stadium we are to be there at 6.00. Fingers crossed...
a good start is everything...
And while waiting, i still felt uneasy about my suitcase. Friends told me to be sure and let the suitcase be labeled to its final destination. So when it was my turn, i asked the lady to do so. But new regulations forbid such thing these days, if your in transit throught The States.. So i was not at all reassured. Next thing was the information that the flight was overbooked. And my tciket was orginally set on an earlier date. i had to step aside, while she called flightdesk of US Airways. You can imagine, i kept my fingers crossed. But all's well that end well, thanks to my early checking in, i was able to board and even manage to get my aisle seat.. I wnet straight trough immigration, and spend two hours shopping and proceeded to the gate.
There another suprise: i was asked several questions: who packed my suitcase, was everything in it my possesion, was there a chance somebodey else did something wiith it etc. And after approval i got on board. And already six hours in action.
a journey..
It was just a few minutes after take off, i looked out of the window. Already we left Holland and we were climbing fast.
It shows how relative it all is. we were passed Holland. I was not amazed, but felt a bit futile about things. The morning started real early for me. At 6 'o clock i took a shower and did some chores in the hous, closed my suitcase and started walking to the trainstation. Temperatures were alreadyt high, i gave myself thirty minutes time to get to the station, must say i barely made it.
Already sweatty is sat down, and war carried away to Amsterdam Airport. Thank God i took a three hour incheck time...
The shelter was not busy at all, and i was third in line...
