Home at last

Well, as we have now been home for a day, I thought I'd post my last blog (and first blog in a while, as it turns out) as a reflection on the trip as a whole. One word sums up my feelings on the tour: epic. Epic music was performed in our concerts. Epic experiences were shared among friends as we saw the historic sights of Germany and the Czech Republic. Epic perspectives were gained, through learning what it was like to live in communist housing during the Russian occupation of East Berlin and the Czech Republic. Epic food was most certainly ingested, as Mr. Williams will enthusiastically attest to. I myself, had an overall epic cultural experience. The knowledge I gained of Germany, magnified by my love of Germany and the German language, is priceless. The friendships we made and fostered were most definetely epic. The constant feeling of brotherhood and selflessness towards those who need a little help to get by was astoundingly epic. As many may know, without these epic qualities, I would not have been able to finish a successful trip. Sure, we had our rough patches, as all trips and tours do, but we got there and oh, what a ride it was. We all miss Europe very much, I'm sure. We miss our epic host families, or "German parents," as I and other students have dubbed them. But we also are happy to be home with our real families, and a nice summer to share with friends and family before we embark into future years. For many of us this means college. Some others are continuing their high school careers. Whatever the case may be, we are better people because of the epic experiences we shared together on this most epic tour to Europe. I want to extend a personal thanks to everyone for all your help and caring, and I wish everyone this best in their future endeavors. As we say in German, "Gesundheit, schoenheit, und viel Gluck!" (To good health, beauty, and lots of luck!), auf wiedersehen...CP

Second Trip to Neuschwanstein...

Hello, friends and family! Today was a great day. I know that I speak for myself and the whole group when I say that we all had a great time today touring the fairy tale castle of Neuschwanstein. For most on the tour it was their first time visiting this magical location, but it was my second (I took a trip with the DGS German Club in 2006). I think, however, that going for a second time was just as enjoyable as the first time. It was certainly helpful for the chaperones and other students to have someone who knew the area. The castle was very beautiful--I remembered ít well, and perhaps I was able to enjoy it further this time. I would have posted some pictures, but cameras are forbidden inside the castle.

Here at my 'German parent's' home, we are always eating! The garden is huge and always fresh. 100% organic and 200% delicious! I find that I am sleeping very well in a nice comfortable bed. I know that my German has improved even in just one day, and it will continue to do so. I am speaking German probably 90% of the time--sometimes even by accident to my fellow American students! My german teacher would be proud, I'm sure. But now, ''Ich bin sehr müde'' (I am very tired!). Tomorrow we are looking forward to our first concert, which will include the European Premiere of my original composition Hockets and Offbeats, which we played in May back home. Wish us luck; haben Sie eine Gute Nacht (have a good night)! Bis morgen (Till Tomorrow)...CP

We are here!

Hello, friends and family. It is so very nice to be back in good old Deutschland. My family that is hosting me recognized me as soon as we got off the bus, Dieter speaks good english, while Maria speaks only German, so I really have the means to practice a lot. For the most part we are only speaking German all the time! Our house is beautiful, with a large garden with fruit, nuts, veggies, and other flowers. It is so nice! I am really enjoying myself. Now I must go join my hosts as we watch Austria play Croatia in Fußball (soccer). Until later...Bis später...CP

On the eve of departure...

As we get closer and closer to our eminent departure, I keep getting more and more excited. I have finished packing--yay!--and have made sure that my bag is under 50 pounds (although, just barely--it's 49!) I even bought a new suitcase just for this trip and it works very well. But you probably don't care much about my executive upright suitcase by Samsonite (even though the roller wheels really are extraordinary), so I will instead tell you a little bit about what some of the people I've talked to are feeling, as we approach our departure, just to give you an idea of how we the students are feeling...

I've talked to a lot of people about how they are feeling about this trip. Most people are feeling really good about it, some have mixed feelings, and some are a little unsure and anxious. Here are some of the things people have said to me (some are paraphrased for brevity and clarity, in which case they are marked as '...' instead of "...")...

'Yeah, I think it'll be a good time. Seems like this week [of rehearsals] is dragging on forever! I can't wait to get there!'

"Should be good."

'Yeah, I've never been out of the country, so it'll be a little weird at first, but I'm sure I'll like it.'

"I am so incredibly excited for tomorrow!"--Mr. Teague (I think he might be the most excited out of all of us.)

"The word tour reminds me of our church choir tour and that was so much fun, so I can't wait!"

As you can see, many people are very enthusiastic about this trip. This will be my last blog before we depart. I look forward to writing about our travel experience on Sunday. Until then...CP

Eagerly Awaiting Depature...

Hello friends! As I write this, when I should be sleeping, I am filled with positive feelings and expectations for this my second trip to Germany. In many aspects, I think that this trip will be more worthwhile since I've been there once before, for a variety of reasons. Once you know what to expect, it can make the transition next time all the easier. Also, I now know what to "look out for"--both in positive ways and about "things to avoid." I learned the hard way that certain things we say in english directly translated into German do not mean the same things, and can be offensive and embarassing, even. Learning the intricacies of the language and figures of speech the hard way was beneficial for me, albeit humiliating.

As I mentioned earlier, though, it is also very positive to know things ahead of time. For example, we will be visiting Neuschwanstein Castle, a place which we went on my last trip and I absolutely adored. It will be great fun to go and see it again, especially since I know more about German culture now. It will also be a unique opportunity to perform for European audiences, which on my last trip we did not do. This will be exhilarating, I am sure and I can't wait to share our hard work with the German public. I also have learned to speak the language better--two more years practice makes a big difference--so I will be able to practice and enjoy this skill even more thoroughly this time around.

Overall, I am really looking forward to this. Of course, I always have slight trepidation when it comes to 9 hour transatlantic flights, but that's just me being me. I look forward to finishing up the heretofore outstanding rehearsal process and embarking on our journey!

P.S. One last final nugget of advice: Bring earplugs (multiple pairs) and an eye shade for sleeping. On the plane, they will be a godsend--and also in your hotel rooms/host homes, if you are around anyone who feels the need to add some percussion sound effects during their sleep!

More later...CP