6 July update

We met the boys at 8am at a local Methodist Church.  The boys were all animated about their overnight stay with their hosts and reported positively on the experience.  Some staying up until 2am talking to their host’s daughter!

We arrived at the venue for the Kayaking – on the banks of a wide, slow flowing river in incredible heat. Only 35 boys were able to kayak and they were soon decked out in life-jackets and a paddle.  Shazi brandishing his paddle like a spear.  A quick lesson and the boys set off on a 45 minute paddle up the river and a 45 minute return journey.  There was no ‘white water’ so all boys felt safe and secure on their journey.  The balance of the group was given free time for an hour and a half.
We discovered Andy Warhol’s museum (http://www.warhol.org/) where we found the following quote, “In the future everybody will be famous for 15 minutes” – Andy Warhol.  We wondered if it would be possible for us to choose the timing of our 15 minutes of fame…..  The boys returned from their calm trip up the river – Brendon Cooper powering about 4 kayaks whilst the occupants rested and suntanned.

We then headed off for an hour of shopping before lunch at an Italian Restaurant. The shopping centre was quaint with unique type of stores – the one which created the most interest was the artist who drew caricatures whilst you sit.  Kimi Naidu had a wonderful likeness of himself done.
We crossed the road to the Italian Restaurant, the décor created wonderful atmosphere.  There were black and white pictures adorning the walls with a room devoted entirely to the Pope.  There was even a “miniature” Sistine Chapel ceiling and a bust of the Pope on a lazy Susan in the middle of the table.  The Chef baked us all fresh choc chip cookies straight from the oven and in appreciation the boys sang them Shosholoza.
Then it was on to Chatham University – a wonderful community of old buildings – for a rehearsal for tonight’s concert with the Eastern Area Youth Chorale.  We spent a couple of hours rehearsing and then were ready for our performance.  It was still incredibly warm, even though it was 7:30pm.
We shared the concert and performed our Choral and Religious Sections first and were overcome with the cd sales during interval.  Then did our Pop-Choral and Scenic Folklore – all to standing ovations.  The boys then left the venue with their host families.
We would like to thank the Pittsburgh families who so graciously hosted our boys, fed them, washed their clothes and transported them to their various venues.  We do appreciate your efforts.  The boys have thoroughly enjoyed their experience.