Leaving Buenos Aires Airport
















Thursday, August 25
By: Hilary Grant

Today was a day of mixed feelings. Until I woke up Wedbesday morning (August 24, I hadn’t really believed I would be leaving. I carefully placed all of my gifts for my friends and family in my suitcase thinking of all I had done and seen. But there is no time like the present so instead of feeling sad I decided to stop counting the hours till I had to go and enjoy my last afternoon. After all I wouldn’t be back for a long time, if ever.

A small group of the choristers went to the museum of natural history and the rest shopping. Deep in my heart I knew I’d learn much more at the museum but I couldn’t resist the thought of finding the perfect pair of shoes. The afternoon was filled with many long waits in banks for ATMs, traveler checks and trying to find a place that would change Canadian money. Many of us take our shopping very seriously resulting in a lot of power walking and the odd fight over the last black t-shirt. I cannot lie so I admit I enjoyed the way the sales people would stare at me and my friends. (We were very excited and became very loud when someone found the perfect item.)

Before we headed to the airport everyone on the trip came together to share how we felt about the tour and what is in the cards for the choir next season. At times it was very emotional. Our graduates, and people who for different reasons can’t continue with us, found it very hard not to cry. I was practically in tears. It was really special to all have some time together before the airport.

The airports have been pretty good except for the long lines. It takes so long to get all of us on or off of a plane. Coming through customs was particularly slow. Checking in our bags wasn’t exactly my idea of the best way to pass an hour either. I suppose it’s a very small price to pay for traveling so far. Everyone managed all of their stuff. Some things were left behind but that’s to be expected. To my surprise I remember very little of the plane to Toronto because I got an excellent sleep.

That brings me back to the present. Mr. Thompson joked that there was a lot of pressure to sum up the trip nicely. This is hard because I can’t speak for the whole choir because we are all so individual. What I do know is this has been the most incredible trip and we’re all very lucky. Everybody has taken away something different, learned something new or have been changed in their own special way. So instead of writing my own feelings, which would take far too long, I’ll leave you with the one common truth I can find. This had been a trip that we will all remember forever.

Tuesday, August 23
By: Emily T. and Tiffany P.

Tuesday was a very… interesting day. The choir woke up very early to meet the tour bus at the Lincoln school for a bus tour of Buenos Aires.

Although many of us were tired our spirits were lifted by our amusing tour guide. Very, very amusing. The bus tour brought us to many famous sites in the city, but which were unfortunately hardly visible because of the miserable weather.

Soon after, we took a train ride and then a boat to one of the islands in the delta close to Buenos Aires. We saw many things such as a “school boat”, which is needed since no one uses cars on the island.

Lunch during Buenos Aires Tour




After lunch the chaperones decided to take us to a mall to shop before the concert. The mall was very expensive so many of us did not purchase anything, but we were glad to be inside in the warmth.

When we finished at the mall we had to go to the church for our evening concert. Well now, that was an adventure.

The weather decided not to cooperate with us. Rain was pouring down and the wind was enough to take you off your feet! After walking for what seemed like forever, a group of tired, cold and extremely wet choristers walked wearily into the church. But, the show must go on!

We quickly changed into our gowns and made ourselves presentable. Then, after a calm, uplifting warm-up we went on stage.

The concert went quite well, even though many of the audience couldn’t show up due to the weather. But nonetheless, the small audience was an appreciative one.

Concert at Anglican Cathedral
of St. John the Baptist, Buenos Aires





After the concert, we went to a reception, where many of the choristers were shedding a few tears for the graduates that would be leaving the choir after this tour. It was a very emotional night overall.

When the reception was over we all returned to our hotels or billets and rested for the last full day of our Argentina tour.

Monday, August 22
By Erin Woolridge

I never really understood the point of people being so adamant of keeping journals on a trip, because it never feels like you are being focused on experiencing the trip, but retelling it. But this is for a good cause. Because you poor souls are missing out. Argentina is super incredible. Yesterday the 22nd, was our first day in La Plata and we spent it at the Lincoln college, a local school.

It was the first day we got to sleep in, and I took full advantage of that. We performed two mini sets for two age groups, first the older crowd and second the very young children, and we gave them the chance to experience what it is like to be a member of the choir and to stand in our midst. Myself and Allie Malone were fortunate enough to have a gorgeous little girl named Ayra stand next to us. She had great taste in shoes and told us places we could go shopping for more shoes!!! What a precious doll.


Questions and Answers with students at the
Lincoln School, La Plata







After our performance she came to get our picture taken. Then her choir performed a song and her friends asked me a million questions about Canada. I signed so many autographs as well as signing a shirt. It was almost as cool as signing autographs in Mendoza where they thought I resembled Christina Aguilera. His autograph signing was mixed in with lovely sandwiches and Canada/ Argentina flag cakes. Yay food.

Before our billets picked us up, Ayra gave us a letter telling me she “want to miss me” because I go back to Canada. She showed me a Canada flag which said, “Ayra y Erin, amigas por siempre” which translates into “Ayra and Erin: friends forever.”

We were then picked up by one of our fantastic billet families and had an afternoon full of shopping and sightseeing for Anna and myself. This brought out the serial shopper in me. Shopping is really wonderful. After a long but glorious afternoon of shopping, we returned for support and an exchange of cultural stories and songs with our billets. What a great day.

His country is beautiful and amazing. I DO NOT WANT TO COME HOME. But I gotta.

See you all soon. XOXOXO

Happy birthday Catherine Trainor and Gary Dart.

Sunday, August 21
By Kathleen Allan and Erin Eaton

Today was one of the most exciting days yet. It was our last day in Mendoza and it began with a very early rise at 6 am. We had to have our luggage ready before we left for the day, so it was quite a rush in the morning to get packed. To make things a bit more difficult, the power went out leaving us to gather our things in candlelight.

When we arrived in the school, we were divided into three buses, and headed for the Andes Mountains. Our witty tour guide Andrea, made our scenic trip much more enjoyable. It was a very long bus ride but we were not troubled by this as the scenery was so stunning. As we knew it was going to be cold, the choir decided it was going to rent winter boots. This stop was also an opportunity to purchase much needed snacks and hot drinks. We continued enjoying the beautiful scenery, stopping once to see a herd of creatures called Guanacos in the mountains.

When we reached our destination, we could see Aconcagua, the second highest mountain in the world. We were reminded of home by the snow and the ice that covered the ground. At an altitude of 6959 meters, Aconcagua is an enormous mountain. From where we were standing at over 2500 meters, some people left feeling slightly sick. After we spent some time climbing around and taking pictures in our fashionable winter boots, we slid back to the buses and headed down the mountain.

Aconcagua




On our way back we stooped to see a bridge, that was used by the Incas in their travels, between Chile and Argentina. It has been preserved for over 500 years and is miraculously still standing.

On the site there were markets which sold authentic Argentinian crafts. At this time many of the choristers required to venture into the disgusting bathrooms, which by now we had been accustomed to. The lack of toilet paper, soap, and flushable toilets, made an outhouse seem elegant.

We ate packed lunches on the bus and continued enroute to the school. When we arrived we were greeted by our billeting families who yet again presented us with a feast. We exchanged gifts, and enjoyed our last time together. Together we drove to the airport managing to squeeze two huge suitcases and six tall people into their intimately small vehicle. When we arrived we said our goodbyes and joined the rest of the choir.

The flight was delayed for what felt to be an eternity but the time was spent enjoyably. As many made out exceptionally well with their Mendozan counterparts, the airport was full of passionate and drawn out goodbyes. The flight and bus ride to La Plata was uneventful, but by the time we arrived at our new billet home it was 1 a.m. and we were all exhausted. Yet once again we managed to consume another meal before heading to bed for some much needed rest.




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Saturday, August 20
By Allison Malone and Erin Aylward

The Blog to end all Blogs!!

Today began at a slightly excruciating hour, but us choristers rose bravely to the challenge as our “day of purchases” was upon us. And purchase we did! After three hours of fabulous shopping, many a chorister returned laden with quite heavy shopping bags (special mention should be given to Mrs. Noble whose tireless leadership and fierce determination resulted in the purchase of three tremendously fashionable pairs of shoes).

From downtown we were bussed to the school where we feasted upon lunches from our billets (who have been phenomenal).

We were then educated in the delicate art of wine making at a renowned winery here in Mendoza. From there we went to an amazing archaeological museum about pre-earthquake Mendoza, which was followed by a trek to a stunningly beautiful park, where we enjoyed Empanadas, tree climbing and a spectacular view of the city from the monument high in the park. It was then time for the final leg of our Day of Purchases at the mall, which bore witness to some inspirational power shopping.

War Monument in Mendoza Public Park



And finally, we returned to our billets’ house for packing (which has become quite a challenge with all of our purchases), gift giving, and lots of sleep for an early rise in the morning.

Friday, August 19

By Alanna, Beth, Emily, Mike and Susan (the Choral Scholars)

LOS BLOGO:

Hola Mendoza!

Friday morning we arrived at the school of our hosts to be greeted by the many children who make up the Coro de Ninos and the students at this special school which teaches regular curriculum and a specialized music program. A converted train station, this school is a very special place in Mendoza as it was created by its Director, Juana Mauro as a place to foster and develop a solid music education programme for the children of Mendoza.

Rehearsal at Mendoza School






Our first rehearsal of the day began at nine as we prepared for the evening concert. During the rehearsal, twelve choristers along with Kellie and Mrs. Knight left to go to a park where a local television station filmed the group singing “Tell My Ma” as a promo for the evening concert.

At 11 am we took a short break and joined the children in their classrooms where we taught them new games and they shared their musical talents.

In the afternoon we sang for the children at the school and were treated to a few performances by them as well. The group was conducted by senior students within the school.

After returning to the hotel to rest for a few hours, we returned to the school for the concert. It was a long concert for us to sing but it went well and was well-received by the audience. Following the concert we were treated with the phenomenal Mendoza hospitality. The school prepared a traditional Argentinean barbecue for the choristers and the billeting families. The food was incredible and we were treated to music by a band formed by students of the school. It was a true fiesta.

Barbecue (world's largest) for fiesta at
Mendoza School















We all enjoyed this day of friendship, music and cultural sharing.

Un Beso!

Alanna Fitzpatrick
Beth Reckling
Emily Noble
Mike Fisher
Susan Bennett

Thursday, August 18

By Anna Westin and Erica Bradbury

Hola!!

What started out as a calm sleepy bus ride soon turned into an exciting and unusual experience. We were quite relaxed, watching movies and driving through a flat desert terrain, when suddenly, out of the blue, we were rudely interrupted by a cluster of military looking personnel. Apparently they were targeting buses with innocent foreign singers, looking for deadly substances……FRUIT!!!! Storming onto the buses they demanded that we turn over our fruit or eat it all immediately. This included a full, hot, chili pepper which Chris Moran bravely consumed. Apparently chili peppers are “the new fruit”. We were whisked out of the bus and lined up for an inspection of baggage. After searching everyone we got back on the bus, fully awake, and with fruit-filled bellies.

One of our buses, and some of the many dogs of Argentina,
during a stop on the way to Mendoza





After the rest of our “non-eventful” journey we finally arrived in Mendoza. We were enthusiastically welcomed by our families, who were lined up in a path. Walking through them, we felt like celebrities on the red carpet. After meeting our new billets, we headed “home” for a nice meal and a relaxing evening. It was a fun day for sure! Chaio!

Wednesday August 17

BLOG EXTRAORDINAIRE !!

Blog for Mike Fisher (who I have never seen fish.)


Today had a teary start as we had to leave Salta. Sad isn’t really the word as the air was so thick our tears could barely find room to leave our eyes (though in the spirit of sadness they somehow found a way). Though e-mail’s and addresses were exchanged to ensure contact and friendships were not lost, we were still losing something though nobody really knew what. A power of some sort, the kind nobody fears and nobody can experience second hand. Maybe it was dreaming, maybe it was possibility, or maybe it was just importance. I don’t think any of us really knows. Whatever it was we will find it again and share it, because it would be too hard to forget.


Tearful goodbye in Salta; NSYC and Billet
Families around the Guemes Monument






We then had an eight hour bus ride which proved enjoyable (though others who aren’t in love with bus rides might have chosen another adjective). The adults rushed to the first class seats while we settled comfortably upstairs to watch Mr. and Mrs. Smith, The Pacified and Legally Blonde, while many of us slept.

When we arrived at the hotel, we settled and walked around in groups of six. After some brief shopping spurts we returned to the hotel for supper, had a brief meeting and proceeded to shower, and finally to sleep.

Meaghan Aylward.

Tuesday, August 16
By Katie Stenson and Melissa Legge

It was our last day in Salta, our adopted home, and it dawned colder than the previous mornings. Being the first day since we arrived that the Ars Nova singers had school, we spent the day together as a choir on a walking tour. First we walked to the San Francisco Church where we saw a small procession in honour of St. Lorenzo, the patron saint of both dogs and the sick. Next we continued to the main Cathedral of Salta. Though it was less imposing than the San Francisco Church in size, the gleaming gold designs and intricately-done patterns, far outshone anything many of us had seen before.

From there we went to two museums – El Cabildo, the historical home of two of Argentina’s former Presidents. The other was El Musee Alto Montana where we learned about the ancient Incan culture and the discovery of three mummified children.

Posters promoting the concert





As the day warmed up we had some time to shop around before joining our billet families for a large lunch. In the afternoon the choir broke apart to do as they pleased. Some stayed home to rest while others went shopping. At that time a select few were taken to be officially welcomed by the Governor of Salta.

Finally at 6:30pm we made our way to the concert hall for rehearsal. By the time it came to sing, we had shared our favourite memories of the last few days. Teary-eyed and on an emotional high, we finally stepped onto the stage to deliver one of our most amazing concerts yet. Finishing with a joint set of songs with Ars Nova was the perfect way to end our time in Salta.

The Salta Concert

Monday, August 15, Salta
By Hilary Wicks and Miriam Westin

Ola from Salta!

This morning we all met up at the Hotel Presidente at 9:00am (okay, so maybe it was a little bit after nine) where we got onto our buses for our 200km drive to Cafeyate. Most of us slept on the bus since we’d been up pretty late last night. (Has anyone mentioned that we eat supper at 11:00pm here? Well, we do.) Anyway, we made a few stops on the way to Cafeyate. First we stopped at a small café which sells excellent cakes and breads, and then we stopped twice more for Kodak moments. One stop was for the scenery, which the second stop was supposedly for. But I am pretty sure that most people got out of the bus at the second stop to get a picture with the llama! As we continued our journey to Cafeyate we saw stunning views of the Andes Mountains. At times we could see six layers of mountains, and we enjoyed seeing all the cactus (cacti, cactuses?? - this was a major discussion on the bus).

The Andes Llama on the way to Cafeyate,
by Miriam Westin




Then we reached our destination - the town of Cafeyate - where we had lunch. At lunch we were serenaded by some Argentinean musicians - one of our many cultural experiences. Actually, it reminded me a bit of Newfoundland when the locals started to clap with the music. Some of us joined in, only to realize that we didn’t know when to stop and some of us were left clapping after the locals had all stopped. After lunch we did some shopping around Cafayate. There were a lot of traditional stores selling everything from panchos to drums to necklaces to little fake llamas. Back in the bus.

We were headed for a place called Garganta del Diablo, or Devil’s Throat. I am pretty sure none of us knew what to expect of this “natural amphitheatre”. It was amazing! It wasn’t a cave really, because the top was open to the sky. The only way I can explain it is as a cul-de-sac carved into the mountain, but naturally. The walls of the amphitheatre made for great acoustics and there were a couple of musicians playing the accordion and a type of flute. You could hear the music throughout the theatre, even though it was huge and there were so many people there. Our choir sang O Canada, Can You Hear Me, Hoj Hura Hoj (this was a per.fect place to sing this song because of the echoes), She Moves Through…, Arbol del Ovido, and the Ode. There were some booths set up by the theatre where we made a few purchases on our way back to the bus. About two hours later we were back in Salta. At 9:00pm everyone was wishing each other “good suppers” as well as “good nights”.

From Salta, Argentina, this is Miriam and Hilary signing off. Stay updated on our great tour. Tune in next time for blogging from…whoever blogs next.

Buen Dia

Sunday, August 14, Salta
By Daniel Alacoque

Justin and I are being billeted by Juan’s family (Juan is the boy that came to Newfoundland singing with Ars Nova during Festival 500). They live about one hour from Salta, in a small town, unlike other choir members.

Try believing this. We are in South America right now, and on Sunday we traveled up into the Andes and back ON HORSEBACK!!!. Yes its true. Our family owns two horses and we borrowed seven horses from a friend of the family. The ten of us left at 9:30am. Sara, the younger, rode with her mother. For lunch we cooked steak, ribs and sausages on a fire. WOW. GOOD. Then we rode back down to the house and played soccer with some of Juan’s friends.

So, things are different.

There are soooo many stray vicious dogs

No dry wall, mostly concrete walls

Coke and Fanta are very popular

Supper at 9:00 or 10:00pm.

I’m writing on the 15th, so I’ve heard other stories that are just as good as ours.

p.s. - they treat us like kings.

Saturday, August 13, Buenos Aires to Salta
By Chris Earle, Hilary Grant and Allison Nicholas

Saturday began early, among other things, but let’s just say early. Eventually, everyone made their way downstairs for a continental breakfast in our Hotel in Buenos Aires. We all collected our belongings and gathered to wait for our buses to the airport. After an unnecessarily long wait, they arrived and we all made our way to the airport. It turns out that the choir, as a whole, has particularly heavy luggage; we were fined accordingly by our airline. The plane ride went as per usual with one exception - the striking view of the mountains as we entered Salta. Upon our arrival we were enthusiastically received by members of Ars Nova (our billeting choir here).

Everyone departed with their new found families, some with more difficulty than others as language barriers permitted. The afternoon pressed on as we spent time with our billet families doing a multitude of activities ranging from shopping to horseback riding. In the evening, everyone went to a rehearsal to practice our tour repertoire; nothing out of the ordinary. In exception, we ended “with a bang” by singing with Ars Nova. Then we were treated to our new homes for an excellent night’s sleep.

Sidenotes

The weather is crazy warm (and they call it winter);

None of us will need to eat for the next 1768269 years (they feed us that much);

Argentinian ice cream is the best(especially the only-available-in-Argentina flavour “Dulce de Leche”.

Friday, August 12
By Deirdre Costello

After nearly 24 hours of flying we finally made it.

When we boarded the plane in Toronto there was a 40 minute delay. However we were soon in the air and on our way to South America. The flight was smooth and, after about ten hours, the plane landed in Santiago, Chile.

As we descended into Santiago, you could see the Andes Mountains through the clouds. They were so beautiful!

We had a quick security check in Santiago and then reboarded the flight for another hour and forty-five minutes.

Then we landed in Buenos Aires!

After clearing customs we took an hour bus ride to the Waldorf Hotel in the downtown. There was so much to look at - many different kinds of trees and lots of apartment buildings. The best part of the ride was when we actually got downtown. We drove on a road that is currently the widest street in the world! I think it has about 20 lanes.

After freshening up the whole choir headed to “Complejo Tango” for an evening of dance. First there was an hour tango lesson in a studio. I think that all for all beginners we did pretty good. Then it was up to the theatre part of the buiding for dinner and s ashow.

The dinner was amazing. We had a salad, a choice of chicken or steak, and an apple pie dessert. Then there was a fabulous show with singing, live music and, of course, Tango.

All the costumes were beautiful and the dancers were so graceful. The musicians were amazing. In the middle of the show the performers presented birthday brownies with sparklers to all the choristers who are celebrating their birthdays around this time.

I loved the whole night. And if this was any indication of what else to expect in Argentina, I already know that this is going to be an amazing tour.

Thursday, August 11
By Emily Thompson and Tiffany Pinhorn

Today was the first day of the NSYC’s tour of Argentina. We all arrived in St. John’s airport at 3:15pm to check in and have our picture taken at the steps. The excitement was definitely building! After we kissed our parents goodbye we left for Toronto’s Pearson Airport. After a three hour flight we landed and jumped at the chance to spend our last few Canadian dollars before switching to pesos.

Soon we got into our chaperone groups once again and took a shuttle bus to another terminal to catch our flight to Santiago, Chile, en route to Buenos Aires.


Fifty-six tired choristers piled on the plane, got settled and awaited a late night meal which consisted of either chicken or beef. After filling our stomachs most of us were ready to get some much needed sleep.

Although today was long and tiring, we all know that this is shaping up to be one of our best tours yet. Get ready Argentina: here comes the Newfoundland Symphony Youth Choir!

The choir departs from St. John's International Airport. The spirits are high. Many hugs and kisses. Right now we are in Toronto airport and everything is OK.

Camerata 

Planning is well underway for the NSYC Tour of Argentina from August 11-25, 2005. The tour will take the choir to Salta, Mendoza and La Plata.

This Blog will record the thoughts of choristers throughout the journey, as well as pictures along the way.

Join us daily during the tour, and send messages to the choristers using the Comments function at the end of each posting.