Kangaroo Safari!

The most important item on the bucket list for this tour was to see a kangaroo. Charles promised me that this would be possible, since his family's house is just next to a beautiful park/hillside where many kangaroos reside. I was more than pleased with the outcome of this adventure!

On our first day, we went up to the conservatory to meet Gary (the percussion teacher here) and some students/Charles' and Chrissy's friends. After a yummy pizza dinner with the Martin's I was eager to get our Kangaroo Safari underway (also know as a walk in the park, literally) We were only had to explore for about 10 minutes before we stumbled upon a little family of kangaroos!!

I was so excited!!! (as you can tell...ignore the singing and strange comments during the video...I blame my silliness on jet-lag!!) Also notice the awesome bird and animal sounds! Love it! 

 We are such adventurous explorers!!

We saw a lot of little kangaroo families during the hike. So COOOOOOOL!!!

 "Hey guys, let's be kangaroos!"

Jake and I scream "we're in Australia" about 5 times a day. this is so awesome! 

It's been raining in this area for most of the summer (the last few months), so the ground was really wet. On the way up the hill we avoided this really muddy/soggy area by walking to a bridge that was a bit out of the way. On the way back, we decided that we were now skilled enough to take on the treacherous pathway. Needless to say, we have ruined our shoes. Australia: 1, Ensemble Evolution: 0

Getting there is half the battle!

I always tend to wait until the last minute to pack. Tuesday night was no exception! I decided I needed to go to the gym to try and balance out the idle 2 days that we would spend on the flights...which meant late dinner, laundry, and packing. I returned to EE's "hus" (pronounced "hoos" in Swedish...meaning house. Since I am living in Jake's kitchen, all of us live in the same building now!) to find a lovely send-off dinner made by Anna. Starting at 8:30pm and ending at 1:30am, I only almost fell asleep 2 or 3 times. Oh, plus I was attempting to do laundry while being social/staying awake. One with common sense would have said goodnight at 10pm (had already finished their laundry the night before), packed, and been in bed by midnight. Jake and I were packing and dancing around to our favorite Glee tunes (ok, maybe that was just me) and were in bed by an early 3:30 am.

My alarm went off at 7am, took a shower, finished packing up my bathroom stuff, and we met the taxi at exactly 8:35am (this was Wednesday, March 7)

I've been on quite a few long flights, but this itinerary would be a first. Five total flights, about 26 hours in the air, plus layovers! We were to arrive in Canberra at 9am on Friday (meaning we pretty much lost a day!) When dressing and preparing for such a long journey, it's important to remember a few things:

1. Look fabulous. Seriously, for every hour you spend traveling, you become exponentially more disgusting and ugly by the end. So, you might as well start by feeling great!
2. Wear layers. Airplanes are either too hot or too cold, and it's impossible to predict which it will be.
3. Shoes should be easily removable. Some European airports don't require you to take them off at security, but I usually do anyway. Plus, that's the first thing to come off when getting comfortable in your seat (that sounds a bit wrong...) Also, wear nice socks, and try not to have stinky feet!
4. Don't wear a lot of makeup..but take some in your bag for touch-ups :)
5. Have all things that need to be removed from your bag for security easily accessible. I will give you dirty looks if you take too long.

The first leg of the trip was routine: Luleå to Stockholm. Then a very annoying 5 hour layover in Arlanda, followed by the 2 hour flight to Frankfurt. At passport control in Germany, they were not very chatty. They asked me "so, you live in Sveden?" I answered "I do" and he waved me through. Then, they asked Jake "are you wis zee woman?" To avoid confusion, jake laughed and answered "yes" and was waved through. We had a short layover there, but had enough time for some beer and Japanese appetizers. We had a super nice waitress and then super nice security people (all three of us were extensively searched due to the odd objects in our bags...mallets), so the stop was actually enjoyable!

We needed the kindness to prep for the 12 hour flight to Singapore! Qantas is actually an awesome airline company and the flight was so tolerable :) slept a ton!

Best part about traveling with friends...no need for airplane etiquette! Plus, Jake was always there to fetch my bag :) Although, I do remember waking up from a weird dream to find a lanky Charles climbing over me to go to the bathroom....

The Singapore airport was fun to explore. As we walked around the airport (we had to get off he plane so they could refuel and clean), it was the first time I felt like we were really going to an exotic place! I was getting really excited! After an hour, we re-boarded for the 7 hour leg to Sydney. We ate and slept...again!

This is nothing for Ensemble Evolution! 

Then....we finally landed in Australia! Getting through customs was simple and we had time to grab a Flat White (Australian version of a latte) and boarded the plane to Canberra.

We were officially allowed to be cool 

So excited to be down under!!! The sun was shining and it was soooo warm!!! The excitement was slightly short lived...the pilot announced that due to fog at the airport and low fuel levels we had to turn back and return to Sydney!!! NOOO!

We were slightly bummed to have to add another flight, especially since we were so close to our destination!

When we finally did arrive in Canberra, Chrissy was there to pick us up. It was so cool to see her! She drove us to Charles' family's house (she drive on the WRONG side of the road! AHHH! I can't wait to attempt to drive down here!) The landscape was beautiful, weather perfect, and company couldn't be better! I took loads of pics on my real camera, and will upload them and write about all the adventures later! Time for bed...exhausted!!!

here we go!

I was hoping to have the chance to blog about the amazing guest artists that have been in Piteå the last few weeks. We were really fortunate to host Bill and Ruth Cahn (performed Bill's music to the silent film "A Page of Madness," and they gave numerous masterclasses and seminars), and then organized a concert and events for RoseWind Duo (Scott Herring and Clifford Leaman.) We had a blast interacting with such top musicians....and I have so much to say about it (and pics to share)

...but in about 30 minutes I'll jump into a cab to begin the long journey to Australia!!!

So, I guess it will have to wait! There are plenty of photos on Facebook, and some info on ensemble-evolution.com. I'll do my best to share stories as soon as I have time to wrap my head around everything that is happening! :) 

Windy Days

There was an insane wind storm in Piteå yesterday. With so much snow on the ground, at times it looked like the world was going to end! I tried to have a productive Saturday (gym, attend afternoon concert, practice, rehearse with Charles), but by 5pm all I wanted to do was relax inside with a cup of tea and listen to the wind howl. And that's just what I did! 

The past 2 weeks have been a wind storm in a different way...so a good night of 11 hours of sleep (I forgot that was possible) was definitely necessary. I'm feeling great today! 

Last week I had a fantastic little trip "down south" to play with a group of Baltic musicians at the Russian Embassy in Berlin, that was followed by my audition for next year's group in Copenhagen. I was barely prepared for the trip...Chrissy was just leaving and I wanted to spend as much time with her as possible. We were also deep in organizing the Aussie tour, and preparing for guest artists. I desperately wanted to get out of Piteå, but was also so focused on what we were doing, I couldn't even wrap my mind around the thought of traveling and such. But, I guess sometimes the best trips are those with no expectations! 

I had to leave late on Wednesday night (Feb. 8) to get to Stockholm, stay overnight, then catch a super early flight to Berlin on Thursday. The orchestra put me up in an awesome place! There is a hostel at the Stockholm-Arlanda airport that is an actual airplane! I've always wanted to stay there, but never had the proper excuse, so I took advantage of the situation. It was actually quite cozy, clean, and comfortable!

It was a snowy walk up to the hostel. 

The reception desk

The guy working was really funny...I asked if he could bill the credit card that the room was reserved under (from the orchestra), so I didn't have to charge mine, then get reimbursed (I always loose money because of the Euro - Kroner currency exchange)...His response was very Swedish.."Well, I can...but that's a lot more work for me. I have to put the numbers in manually." I just stared at him and smiled, in a girly...yet stern way... I wanted to say "really? the 10 extra seconds that it takes you to punch in some numbers won't ruin your night! There is no one else here!" After a few awkward seconds of silence, he did his job. Oh, Swedes. 

The rooms were small, but nice! Bigger and more comfortable bed than my own! The windows ere cool, and overhead compartments could be used for storage. 

A surprisingly lovely 4:30am breakfast. 

Made it to Berlin...on our way to the Embassy! Waiting for the top secret security force to let us in...just kidding. One dude just had to unlock the door....and there wasn't even any hi-tech scanners. Disappointing! haha :) 

 Rehearsal! 

 What a crazy place! everything was huge...floor to ceiling windows and pillars; multiple ornate chandeliers; and dark, complicated patterns on all the chairs and carpet.  Definitely never thought I'd be playing in this building, very cool experience! 

 After a great night out with the group at Alexa's...bagels and coffee with two of my favorite double reed players is a must. We are still a bit out of it...

That's better! Leann and Katia! 

It was a beautiful day! And so nice to be in a city! 

 No time for sight seeing, and no need to anyway...but, here's a shot of the Brandenburg Gate. 

Kristjan arrives for the dress rehearsal! So great to play for him! 

The concert was for a room filled with supporters of the orchestra and important diplomats. It was a stress free gig, and a lot of fun. Everyone needs to see Kristjan conduct at some point to truly understand what I am talking about! Never a dull moment! 

After the concert, the Embassy provided a lovely reception full of interesting food and...free vodka. Thanks Russia! :) 

BYPers always know how to have a good time! Due to the nice reception and a great beer garden after, most of us on the 7:30am bus to the airport didn't get much, or any, sleep! Whoops! But, hey...being surrounded by great people and having no responsibilities all weekend make it ok! There are always good stores and memories after a gig with BYP! 

Next stop was Copenhagen...one of my favorite cities (as of last tour with BYP. We were there for a week recording at the Radio House and performing at Tivoli). I stayed with a friend, who was a great host! Had tons of good food and, although felt directionally challenged at times, figured out my way around the city. Even got to meet up with Anu and Leann for lunch and some yummy cheesecake!  

I was so nervous that Leann was going to miss her flight! The very clean and seemingly perfect Copenhagen metro was delayed! 

I got back to Piteå on Monday night, and went straight up to the studio to rehearse with the guys. We didn't want to loose any time preparing for the millions (ok, not millions....but a lot!) of projects we have coming up. First on the list was to finish the pieces we've each written for our Aussie tour. Anders came up on Thursday, and we spent the whole day working, playing, laughing, and trying to get better. We've been recording everything (mostly thanks to Charles!) and I plan to make a little video of clips so you can see what it's like to rehearse with Ensemble Evolution! I promise it will be much more entertaining than it sounds! 

Next week, two of my favorite mentors/percussionists will be visiting Piteå: Bill and Ruth Cahn! I've been working hard on their itinerary that will end with a collaborative performance of Bill's music to the silent film "A Page of Madness." So exciting!!! I will write more about this soon!!!   

Just a bit chilly

One downfall of living 100km south of the arctic circle: it's COLD!! It is supposed to stay between -30º and -40ºC (-22º to -40ºF) for the next few days. This may deter many from daily tasks...but not here. Just bundle up, and go about your normal business! 

Every Saturday I go to the gym for two classes, Bodypump and Spinning. I cancelled my Friday workout because I was too tired and lazy to put on so many layers of clothes to walk all the way in town. So, when I woke up this morning, I gave myself a big pep talk and convinced myself to make the 25 minute trek to the gym, regardless of the plummeting temperature. I'm definitely glad I did because the workout out was great! However, the excursion did call for some embarrassing photos...

Ready to go! 

Pair of leggings, sweatpants, and snow pants. Tank top, long sleeved shirt, sweatshirt, huge parka coat. Neck warmer, scarf. Funny fur hat that ties around my chin. Mittens. Fuzzy socks. Boots. 

**change into work out clothes at the gym to make sure clothes are dry on way back!**

8am view from my place

Typically, the sky is clear and sunny when it is so cold! 

and...this is what I looked like after being outside for 20 minutes. Frozen face!

Now, I'm cuddled up in my snuggie (yes...I made room in my luggage to bring it from home!) and my computer. Going to do some work, then pile on some layers to go up to the studio to practice. What have I learned from today? Nothing should stop me from my Saturday workout...and I should probably move farther away from the Arctic circle!