May 2 to 6, 2007
Gubbio was our 5 days of rest. We walked on those ancient cobblestone streets. Up and down.What a good stretch for the quads. The food, every meal, was so delicious and memorable. Well, Janne says it below. Photos show more than we can say. I want to remember Fabio who ran the local internet center. He was so kind to us and to all the visitors. It was like a little U.N. there.
Gubbio was our 5 days of rest. We walked on those ancient cobblestone streets. Up and down.What a good stretch for the quads. The food, every meal, was so delicious and memorable. Well, Janne says it below. Photos show more than we can say. I want to remember Fabio who ran the local internet center. He was so kind to us and to all the visitors. It was like a little U.N. there.
Gubbio,Gubbio, small medieval village in the mountains of Umbria. Said to be the most intact village of the period. We walked and ate and slept. The red table wine from the region was yummy and so smooth. The coffee, a delicacy to be had in late morning with maybe a little something sweet, never to go--no to go cups--superb. The time given to eating and being with people gave me pause. Never was I given a check to leave, I had to ask. Stores close from 1-3. And dinner around 8:30 or for the Europeans, 20.30. Every restaurant served what was local for the time of year-rucola, lettuces, local meats, salamis, cheeses, and fish when it came in from Ancona (on the coast of the Adriatic), thrilling gelatto on every corner. Narrow, narrow streets--small cars, some classics. David and I fell in love with the Fiat 500L-pictures shown! As well a beautiful meal at Maestro Giorgio's and the ancient landscape and walls of the old city where we walked every day for hours. We were there just before an annual celebration Tre Ceri in Gubbio, that has existed for 700 or 800 years where thousands fill the street carrying these saint Orbs (for lack of a better word). The street shots are of the entrance into town the week before in which the children are carried down the streets on them and the young boys carry them-on the day 15th of May the men do it all. The photos will give you a taste of this wonderful village, thank you Mary, for our home away from home and Sasha, our friend from home...enjoy the images. (More Photos on my 'Posts from the Road Blog').
May 10, riding the City Night train from Tilburg to Munich.
Taught for three days in Tilburg at the Fontys School in the theater department. 42 wild and inspiring theater students singing for all they are worth, and they are worth a lot.
First I want to apologize to Hubert Beethovan and Jozie for not thanking them publicly at the performance. My head was so full, I missed saying your names.
Hubert, I want to thank you for coming to all the classes and participating with full heart. Your enthusiasm, musical intelligence and your clear devotion to the students are gifts I won’t forget.
Jozie, you were there at every turn to be sure we had everything we needed, all details covered in a beautiful way and your singing is splendid. Wishing you to be recognized as the leader and deep teacher that you are.
Thank you both for all you bring to these students.
Continuing thanks to Marcel, Kaase, Nicoline and Angelique. We speak of all of you as we are riding the train tonight and our gratitude spills back to you. We will see you again soon.
Then the students from Tuesday and Wednesday….
Not so easy for us to meet one another in this short time, but it was a deep dive into heart and soul through the language of music. Thank you for being so available, wild, funny, willing, rhythmic in all vocal drum set ways and able to cross the circle staying authentic to yourselves. We toasted you tonight as we ate dinner rolling along. Remembering many of you by hair, clothes, attitude and story. Too hard to get everyone’s name, but believe me you are in our hearts.
Each of us had stories to tell of our separate sessions with you, comparing how you were and what we learned being with you. Mostly that the future is secure with you all coming to your power and creativity in the coming years. Keep moving on and in and out. We believe in you.
The students from Thursday, we want to thank you for giving so much in just one day. Hope to have more time another day, as it was just a taste of what we can give one another. I loved how brave you were jumping into soloing and creating voicestra parts by the est of your pants. Do you have that expression in Dutch?
I urge you all to keep the music alive as you study theater. Keep connecting your artistry in all realms. Find ways to perform even as you prepare to teach. They are so connected.
We are all tired tonight as I imagine you are, but feeling very fulfilled.
Sleep well…….
Soooooo sorry, no photos yet, but maybe Kees Kool will send some soon or Nicoline. We will get them up as soon as possible because of course you were beautiful.
On to Munich.
