Day 14 - the day before the competition

After a relatively early night by recent standards, we met in the lobby (clever use of local vernacular) and ventured across to the International Choir cafeteria adjacent to our hotel. How exciting to be sitting at tables with hundreds of choristers from around the world!

Once again, an American idea of breakfast is several ounces of sugar with some fruit thrown in for odd reasons. We survived this event to reassemble back in the hotel to walk to the Performance Venue for our Acoustic rehearsal for tomorrows competition. Did I mention it was hot? If you think of those Adelaide mornings where it's 35 degrees at 9am, then you get the picture (plus humidity)!!! Fortunately it was a short walk (and some cunning choristers found a Macy's store for a rendezvous later!)

After that, we returned to the cool of the hotel for a short rehearsal, with Christie ramping up the expectations for tomorrow's competition. We then had a couple of hours to rest, although there was a break out to Macy's! Many of those "renegades" consider shopping a rest, so to object would have been futile! We need happy choristers for tomorrow!

After a really good lunch back in the cafeteria, we boarded a school bus (just like you see in all of the American movies) and headed out to the Friendship Concert at Hamilton, outside of the city. It was an interesting ride, another bus driver who had to be helped with directions! We made with time to spare and quickly prepared for the concert.

The first choir was The Rockford Aces , an all male group from USA, followed by YAV. Our performance was met with enthusiastic applause, with many comments audible as I sat on the side of the small auditorium. Towards Infinity received a loud reception, with Currawong receiving another standing ovation. We finished the set with Waltzing Matilda, and received another standing ovation as we left the stage. We always get a lot of great comments when we gather in the foyer after the concerts, and CD sales have been healthy. (Side note: our Facebook page has attracted several comments for locals who look us up after performances - great!)

Back on the school bus for another hot ride to our hotel. We had organized a buffet meal in our hotel, with an early night in our rooms requested by Christie.

We are all really excited about tomorrow's competition and will be doing our best. Past the half way mark now, but so much more fun to be had!