Stroll through Vilnius

The guys and I are currently in Vilnius, Lithuania for a really great project call "The Process." It's a gathering of student composers and lecturers from the Baltic/Scandinavian region. Eight composers have written new music for us, and we'll work with them this week and perform a concert next Saturday.

We arrived yesterday afternoon...after leaving the hostel in Stockholm at 4am! We were a bit sleepy after a fun-filled and work-filled 3 days in Stockholm...

Charles had a computer music gig on Wednesday, but we all had too much work to do to take any time off. So, we literally went "coffee shop hopping" on Thursday. First, 2 hours in Espresso House at St. Eriksplan, lunch at Kura Cafe, then 4 hours at Espresso House at Odenplan! Jake, Charles, and Anna worked on their thesis's, and I made a ton of progress on the Midnight Sun Tour (phone calls in Swedish and fake Norwegian and everything!)

On Friday, we played and gave a seminar to the percussion students at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm (KMH) It was nice to meet some of the percussionists and teachers in the city and play our Aussie tour music once again. We also performed Anna's Song "It was the Start of Something New"

So....out of bed, and onto the Tunnelbana, then bus, then airplane on Saturday. To our excitement, we were randomly upgraded on our Frankfurt-Vilnius flight...made the travel a little more bearable!

Our hotel room is great! A nice view (with a fireworks show last night) and even a nice tub....that Charles is so nicely modeling!

 But...we are always working! Still editing recordings, writing grant applications, and thesis work! 

Today we met all of the composers and presented a "Writing for Percussion" seminar. It went really well, and I'm happy that I have a composition seminar prepared and in my back pocket. We also played some of our music for the group to hopefully give them some new ideas. We will be diving into each composition with the students this week. Lots of gear, and lots of notes!

I am continually surprised that the three of us live, work, and travel together and still have some fun! JENGA

Vilnius is a beautiful city! We took an evening stroll, before coming back home and staring at our laptops...again :)

Aussie Tour: The Food

Of course, one of the most enjoyable parts of traveling is experiencing the FOOD! Although we were on a pretty tight budget, we made sure to try as many yummy meals and treats as possible! 

 Before our first rehearsal in Canberra, Charles took us to get his favorite Korean food. 

We picked up some Chilli Wine at a local market. Mixed with Ginger beer and lime - probably one of the best drinks I've had!!! Contemplating ordering a case....

 Our first Australian BBQ! no....there were no "shrimps on the barby"....but this lamb, sausage, potatoes and mango salad were more than satisfactory! Thanks to Charles' parents for the great meal! 

 MEAT PIE

 In Melboune with Lou! Being an amazing host, foodie, deal finder, she took us out for $4 pizzas when we arrived. We split three....one with Salmon and greens, one with sausage and peppers, and one with lamb and amazing seasoning. Plus a cold beer = the perfect reunion of the Brit and the American! 

Coffee is Australian is an art form...a very delicious art form :) 

Fancy, "fast food"burgers in Melbourne (at Grillers)...pineapple, greens, and spicy mayo....enjoyed outside on a trendy side street in a great city, with great people! 

In Sydney, we enjoyed amazing Japanese dishes at Chrissy's favorite place! It was great to know where to find the good stuff! 

 After Jake and I went "out on the town" in Sydney, we stopped by the Golden Arches. same...everywhere in the world...

Stopped by a cute coffee shop for breakfast before leaving Sydney. 

Back in Canberra, Gary France (Charles' old teacher at Australia National University) invited us over for dinner! Along with being a motivating person and great percussionists, he's also a fab in the kitchen!  

 Between gigs and masterclasses in Canberra, we were able to enjoy lots of home cooking and restaurants. One of Jake's favorite places in London was Nando's....and conveniently there was one in Canberra! I also can't express how thankful we were to stay with Charles' fam! They made sure we were well fed, and I loved eating outside in their beautiful backyard, listening to the crazy birds, and soaking in some sun!

After our gig at ANU, Gary treated us to some Indian food!

We hung out with the percussionists from ANU after the concert. I attempted to make Swedish Chocolate Balls...but the ingredients were a bit different! Used sprinkles instead of pearled sugar...which made for a very colorful creation!

We had two days to spend on the coast. On the way down we stopped at a little cafe. I love all the yummy carbonated juices! Schwepps Agrum: sparkling blood orange drink...find it, drink it! 

Two course BBQ at the summer house! With the kangaroo watching over us! Jake finally gets the steak he wanted the entire trip! 

 It wouldn't be a day at the beach without some fresh fish and chips! 

Hungry? :)