Day 13: Sarreguemines, France

Bonjour! I thought I would give Kenny a break today and try my hand at writing the blog. Here goes it! All the pictures were taken from my tiny, iPod Touch camera... so I apologize for the low quality. It is kinda hard to compete with Kenny's.

Today was a day of rehearsal, visits, and exploration. We got up relatively early. Arriving at the church, we found that some small breakfast had already been prepared for us. Smells of sweet breads, tea, and coffee filled the air. Once the boys settled in they had a small rehearsal at the church. They practiced for a good hour, and really polished up a few of their pieces. The church is a decent sized building and promised to have excellent acoustics for the concert later on that day. At around 11:30 am, Francis wrapped up the rehearsal and we all piled on the bus for a short ride to a local school.

Just like at school visit at back in the states, the boys performed in a large cafeteria before a large audience of French boys and girls. Having sung for their meal, they got to enjoy the school lunch. It was almost universally agreed upon to be one of the best school lunches they had everhad! It consisted of a small salad,chicken breast with white mushroom gravy, French fries (How appropriate!), and a chocolate moose for desert. It wascertainly one of the best school lunches I’ve ever had! The boys then had a fun time relaxing and intermingling with the French children. With the music teacher and principle serving as last minute interpreters, many of the boys were quickly overcoming the language barrier and having a fun time socializing. Just before leaving, themusic teacher brought us all upstairs and had a few French children demonstrate some of their own more contemporary music (Queen's "We Will Rock You" and others).

Once again, aftermany goodbyes and “Au Revoir’s!” the boys boarded the bus for some sightseeing. After a short 30 minute drive we arrived at our destination: Ancient Roman Ruins at Bliesbruck-Reinheim! The boys were quickly submersed in

the more “Touristy” type area. Gift shops, tour guides, and monuments surrounded them.After getting n explanation of Roman Culturefrom a tour guide (Did you know the Romans were the first to invent in-floor heating?), the boys got to walk around the grounds. There were many opportunities here for fun and adventure!Old stones, long forsaken walls and foundations were quickly observed and scaled. It was actually encouraged by our tourguide to walk on the ancient low walls! I guess “when in Rome,do as the Romans do”! The boys had a great time wandering around the site, and upand down some large hills. Finally, they got to visit an old Celtic burial Mound of a Gallic Princess, and actually go inside it! In a little bit of a rush, we had to cut short souvenir shopping time and get on the bus again.

The acoustics for the concert turned out to be as good as was promised. The 6:00 concert was excellent. The church was of medium size, and perfect for the boys to sing in. At last, all their hard work practicing this morning got to pay off! There was a decent sized audience and they were quite enthusiastic for the concert. Afterwards, they all got a chance to try some more sweet coffee cake before heading back to their host homes for dinner.

Overall, it was a very fascinating day. Music, school visits, and even some sightseeing. France has rendered itself to be an excellent experience for all.

Well, as the French would say it,

Au Revoir! (Till we meet again!)

Adam