Well we're about a month away from our Excellent European Adventure and I want to touch base with you regarding various and sundry items as well as:

The Music

If you've been watching the website you'll see we are gradually getting there with several pieces in place. Tim is doing 2 long ones this year as we don't have Roger along (past participants should get that). Keep checking the music page if you can please so you don't miss anything. Marcus's pieces are coming soon but he's up to his eyes in Report Cards (elementary teacher) but they'll be there soon. 

We are asking you to print your own copies and put them in a binder of your choice. We don't provide binders or folders. Alphabetical order of titles makes it easy to find things at rehearsals. If for some reason you are unable to copy the pieces, we need to know that asap and we will take that on for you. But we must know now. And you won't get the music until you arrive. And you'll need to bring a folder or binder.  

The Arrival

Tim and I will be meeting the group flight and any earlier flight, in Berlin. (we're arriving on the 16th). As we are not on the group flight the point person for the group flights will be Elda Scott (photos below) so you can meet her at Pearson. If you are not going to be at the airport in Berlin because you're on a much later flight, please let me know so we won't wait around. You will have to make your own way to the hotel.  I only have Debra's list for those on the group flight. If you are outside the group flight, please send me your flight details so we'll know who we're meeting. Thanks for that. 

The Berlin Hotel: NB: Our Berlin Hotel was called the Ramada Alexanderplatz but is now called the H4 Hotel Berlin Alexanderplatz. If you are making your way there on your own, I suggest you get on-line and get directions from Dr. Google. There is an express bus from Tegel Airport to Alexanderplatz then a walk to the hotel. As it's on the surface it might be slower but it passes many famous sites so you might find it interesting. It's cheap as well. A taxi would be over 30 Euros, cheap if sharing. I think we might take the bus! We'll see how tired we are. As we are arriving on the 16th I'll be able to send out an email about our journey. I am also attaching a photo of Tim and me so if you haven't met us, you'll know what we look like.

I know of only one person and her sister arriving earlier than the group as well us. I hope you've notified me if you are arriving before the 18th as the hotel needs to know this. Please tell me again as I have hundreds of emails from you all.  The hotel gets consistently good reviews on Trip Advisor. Alexanderplatz is in the former East Berlin in an area called Mitte. It's a hub for great transit facilities and many sites you'll want to see.

There is a laundry service but not self-serve, so bring a bar of Sunlight for washing out those delicates!! 

Here are some photos of us and of Elda who's the point-person on the group flight:

The Meet-and-Greet this Sunday the 18th:

If you haven't yet replied can you please let me know today so I'll know numbers. Far away people do not need to RSVP. The venue, the Atrium/Narthex of Christ Church St. James is Air-Conditioned and there's lots of parking. We'll only be serving dessert items, coffee, tea and wine so make sure to have a bite of lunch. Could we ask you to wear a name-tag if you have one? Helps us and you get to know one another.

Other:

If you are not coming to the above intro gathering, and you have any questions, please send them ahead this week or jot them down as we'll have a question period and I'll send out an FAQ email next week. A lot of people have asked about concert dress and it is usually white or cream top and dark bottoms (slacks/skirt) but all black or navy is fine too. And a dress is fine too if that's your preference. Gents, ties please. It just looks so good. Roll it up to pack and put it in a shoe! LOL!