This morning, following our city-tour of Bietigheim-Bissingen, our entourage was formally welcomed by Jürgen Kessing, the Oberbürgermeister (Mayor) of the city. Mr. Kessing addressed all of our students, reinforcing the importance of our exchange as a means by which peoples of the world can come together to discover our commonalities. His message was inspiring. Following his remarks, he presented all of us with gifts (I trust you'll probably hear more about this from students in their posts). I, along with Mr. Williams, read aloud a proclamation from Downers Grove Mayor Ronald Sandack, thanking the city of Bietigheim-Bissingen for their hospitality toward our students, and formal inviting the string orchestra and band to return to Downers Grove in 2010 and 2011. A Downers Grove flag was also presented to the city.
After the formal presentations our students were treated to lunch by the Musikschule. The picture above was taken from the third floor of the castle which houses the Musikschule, looking down onto the courtyard where lunch was served.
