Today was the Opening Ceremony for the Yilan International Arts Festival. It was actually a day off the instruments for us. All the groups perform a short selection in either the opening or closing ceremonies. We perform in the closing ceremony on Sunday.
The day was filled, however, with many logistical rehearsals--getting everyone to the appropriate places. Like the Olympics, each group is heralded in separately with an honor guard and their country's flag. A LOT of pomp and circumstance. Also, A LOT of photographs!
We had a 5-course Welcome Lunch. I was excited to see that they purposefully mingled all the groups together---splitting up our group to sit with those of other countries. Four of us sat with a group from Japan. They where very kind and delightful to chat with. They even helped some of the students with the chopsticks technique. The meal itself contained a variety of traditional Taiwanese fare--all of it was delicious.
We had short break (very needed) break in the afternoon to get some rest. Then... Back on the bus for the Opening Ceremony (which first included 2 more rehearsals). The Ceremony itself was quite amazing--translated into both English and Chinese and including a fusion of the different ethnic music that is present at the festival. Our VERY tired students retired back to the hotel getting ready for Day 4 which includes a "Store Stay." More on that tomorrow.
Commentaires