Well 5am did not hurt as badly as I thought it might. We were all up and ready to move on to our next country!  Our train departed Salzburg at 6:15am and I really thought everyone would fall right to sleep.... NOPE! To much to talk about, recant, relive.... and how in the world could anyone sleep as the sun gave light to the breathtaking views we witnessed from our windows as we were winding in and our of the Austrian Alps. 

Such comments as "I have never seen something so beautiful".... "How do people live in so much snow"... "Look... I am so going to live in a castle like that in the Alps"

No longer tired weary eyes.... every angelic face sported wide sparkling eyes! What amazing sights.. both in and outside the train cabin! 

As we approached our transfer stopped, we realized it will take much longer than the normal 3 minute stop to get all 48 of us and ALL our luggage off the train. What is a person to do when they need to move a massive force in a strategic fashion with a desired outcome... You assign Erik Kimery! He was the man with the plan... and we were off that train in plenty of time... All of us enjoyed being under Erik's coaching if only to move bodies and luggage! 

We enjoyed pastries and cafe's and chocolates in the small town of Villagh before boarding our final train to Venice. As we gather in the center of the train station, I heard yet the familiar cry.... Lets Sing! Hillard... lets sing... and that is we did! Delighting travelers who instead of rushing to their platforms, paused to see what in the world these American teens were doing. Before stepping to their trains they whipped out cameras and video recorders to capture the moment they were experiencing. As we sang our 3rd or forth number,,, i wonder how many personal videos the SE can be found on from all over the world? Hmmmmmm.

Well we arrive to meet one of my old friends Rita Felici... someone who has guided me on a few occasions... but also sat in the front row of our last concert here in Rome years ago. She is so excited to see these young singers! I look forward to the days she has planned for us.

With what time we had, we took the kids to Menestra city center, for they will be spending alll day in venice tomorrow! Still quite chilled, they return to the hotel for their first Italian meal...

A big bowl of pasta came first along with endless rolls and olive oil! Most grew stuffed on that not realizing there was a salad round and the main course... AND of course dessert! Oh tummies were full and eyes could hardly stay awake. Everyone headed back to there rooms ready for us to check them in for the night. Tuck in went faster this night than any in the past!

Speaking of which... I need to hit the sack!!!!

All is well.... Still waiting on the missing luggage.... very big trip 

OK... Im actually falling asleep as i write this! Tomorrow I am going to make a student write the next blog! I need my bed........

Hillard