TravelStream™ news feed for member so29 on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/so29 en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Wed, 09 Jul 2008 13:43:30 -0400 http://www.travelpod.com http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/so29/2/1215476940/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/so29/2/1215476940/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/so29/2/1215476940/tpod.html Wed, 09 Jul 2008 13:43:30 -0400 White House or Bust!

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Oakland, California, United States

Here is the flight info:Jet Blue flight #321 arriving Oakland International Airport @ 10:27 p.m.
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Washington DC, District of Columbia, United States

7/6/08As I type, the boys are enjoying a BBQ and pool party at the home of Mr. Vazirani's Parents.  There is an amazing spread and everyone's in the pool (even Mr. Meyer, Mrs. Torrey, and Terri....just kidding).  We have been enjoying our stay at Trinity University's dorms very much for the past two nights, accept that the Internet does not work for us.  So, let's catch up: July 4th was an incredible day in many ways.  We began by seeing the White House with our professional tour guide.  She showed the boys lots of interesting things like the actual house that foreign visitors and dignitaries stay in when visiting "The White House".  We also saw the place where the D.C. correspondents broadcast in view of the House.  After taking our official D.C. tour picture which was the last picture posted, we sang at the opening of the July 4th parade on Constitution avenue betwixt the White House and the Washington Monument.  Then came an incredible privilege;  the boys performed for wounded veterans at the Veteran's Hospital.  Like many performances of that nature, it was incredible sobering for the boys.  When we began the Armed Forces medley, the veterans came alive and the boys could really feel the appreciation.  Singers were able to greet the patients and enjoyed a reception from the hospital director.  This was a very different and unforgettable July 4th for us all, but we would soon have a traditional flash bang Independence Day.  After dinner at the Grand Central Station's food court, including ice cream, we were able to take in "A Capitol 4th", which is an incredible concert that most of us have only seen on PBS.  The National Symphony Orchestra, Jerry Lee Lewis, American Idol Taylor Hicks, Broadway and opera stars Brian Stokes Mitchel and Harolyn Blackwell were among the incredible lineup of performers.  In addition, Jimmy Smitts Hosted and we also saw Athletes who will be representing the US in Beijing later this summer.  The boys seemed to be having the most fun all tour while they danced and sang along with the concert before the incredible fireworks display.  I'm sure it was just their most outward expression of the fun they've been having all tour.July 5th was the culmination of the Pueri Cantores festival at the Basilica of the National Shrine to the Immaculate Conception.  After a rehearsal in the morning and our visit to Arlington Cemetery, the boys were able to sing with 500 other voices to fill the gigantic space.  The bellringers were also prominently featured, providing additional accompaniment for the mass and playing the preludes as well as a solo reflection.  That brings us to today when we woke up early....very early, and ate a wonderful breakfast at Trinity University.  We then traveled back to Silver Spring where we had spent 6 nights with wonderful host families.  We sang a mass for many of these families at St. Bernadette's Church, and are now enjoying a wonderful party on a mild Maryland afternoon; some well deserved R&R.  Tonight we will see the Lincoln memorial lit up for the evening, and tomorrow, we will be able to visit the Library of Congress and squeeze in another museum before flying back home.Just over 24 hours, and we will have completed an incredible successful tour!Until then,Tim 
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Washington DC, District of Columbia, United States

Hello! Today the boys had the wonderful opportunity to visit Arlington National Cemetary.The boys were able to see the Unknown Soldiers Tomb and well as JFK's grave. I know that was quite memorable!Tim asked me to let you know via a message, that the internet was down where they are staying, so we'll be getting pictures up tomorrow.Until then~Homebase ( Samara)
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Washington DC, District of Columbia, United States

Today was a memorable day for the boys, and it isn't even over! They began their morning by singing in front of the White House!Can you imagine the significance of singing in front of the White House on July 4th? The Boys understood, and will never forget this experience!Until next time, Happy 4th of July!~Samara
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Washington DC, District of Columbia, United States

Today the boys participated in the opening ceremonies of the Pueri Cantores Festival. Boys had a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Mass with hundreds of other young children frmo all over America. They also had another day of reliving history.Tim Silva had this to say:"Ben's Chili bowl was not only fun and delicious, but a great lesson in civil rights history as it was the only local African American-run business to remain open all through DC's post MLK assassination riots and the following drug/slum problems in the neighborhood until the rebirth of the area in the '70s.  The boys marvelled at a video of newsreels, including Bill Cosby's appearance on Oprah's show when she had 6 dogs flown in for the adamant regular." "The Basilica was beautiful and the boys sounded incredible in the HUGE building!  They also met choristers from around the U.S."Tomorrow the boys will begin the 4th of July Parade at the White House, and I will be posting pictures from that event.~Samara
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Virginia, Virginia, United States

Just a quick note before you read the update. I spoke with Terri today she has said that the tour is going really well. And Tim SIlva, the amazing tour director, has spoken highly of the boys and their behavior. Tim is a great example of the type of person the GGBC produces. Under Mr. Meyer's direction, the student has become the teacher.So without further adieu, here is Bray Mcdonnell's update!~Samara ( Homebase)2 July 2008[Today's update is from Soprano, Bray McDonnell.] Today was a very fun day! We went to Monticello, home and plantation of Thomas Jefferson, which we thoroughly enjoyed. We also went to the University of Virginia, where we toured the campus that was build by Jefferson. We didn't give any concerts today, but we did sing a shortened version of "Consider Yourself" for our UVA tour guide. My favorite memory will be seeing Monticello in its restored splendor. We didn't see as much of Monticello that we did of Mount Vernon, but it was cool still*. We also saw National Treasure II on our 2-hour bus ride. I hope you enjoyed my little report. As you now know, we had a day of touring and we enjoyed it very much. Bye! -Bray *A note from the tour director:Actually, I think we saw much MORE of Monticello. Perhaps Bray makes this comment because the Mount Vernon estate is much more spread out. Though we were not able to enter the actual Mount Vernon household, today we toured the entire lower floor of Jefferson's Monticello. This grand household is filled with many original items including the bed that Jefferson died in, his office furniture, paintings, busts, and several of his books (including Don Quixote and several volumes of Shakespeare). We also saw his stables, orchards, garden, and cemetery. A major point of interest for the boys were the secret service agents who were preparing for President Bush's visit to Monticello this Friday for the annual July 4th naturalization ceremony. The tour guides were very impressed with the boys' knowledge of not only the history of Monticello, but of 18th century American history. This is no doubt partially due to the studying and quizzing that History Liaison Kevin Young has been implementing. Good work, boys! -Tim
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Virginia, United States

You'd think that July 4th would be the most patriotic day of this tour... It may very well be, but July 1st was pretty amazing! After singing a noontime mass for appreciative Maryland workers on their lunch break, we travelled to a whole different state! Virginia, that is - to the Mount Vernon estate. After learning so much about the man who was instrumental in giving birth to our nation, the boys could not wait to "discover the REAL George Washington", as the tour company says... Not only did we get to tour the beautiful grounds which overlook the Patomac river, but we were able to see spots that most groups do not, such as the basement, the very interesting ice house (where frozen river water was harvested and stored deep in the earth year round), and the waterfront. This was all part of the special "National Treasure" tour which details some of the filming of the Nicholas Cage movie which was partially filmed on the grounds. We were also proud to be allowed to sing "America the Beautiful" for a crowd of onlookers at Washington's tomb. It was a great way to honor the man, and everyone enjoyed our singing. The tour guides even opened the gates of the tomb for us. It was quite moving. After a sunny and cool day (our mildest yet, and very comfortable), the boys enjoyed fruits, water, and ice cream sandwiches purchased by Mr. Meyer as the bus drove back to the district. We were then escorted directly to the Iwo Jima memorial with a special clearance for our bus (so we didn't have to walk or wait in line!) and were then escorted directly to our cushioned seats by a US Marine (most people had to scout out spots on the grass). From this vantage point, we were able to take in performances by the very impressive Marine's Drum and Bugle Corps and the silent drill team (rifle flipping/twirling and precision movements performed with no verbal commands). Taps was played by a lone bugler from atop the base of the memorial (the largest bronze statue in the world!). It certainly was a thrill to end our day by finally seeing the famous statue in person. The "Marine Corps Sunset Parade" was indeed very inspiring. Now we may have some Marines in addition to our senators from the GGBC. Tomorrow we visit another president's home: Jefferson's Monticello; and the boys will have their first day with no performances! I'm sure we'll find a spot to sing a few, though! -Tim
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Washington DC, District of Columbia, United States

Wow! What a great day! The boys began their day with a trip to the capitol building. Thanks to the Vaziranis we did not have to wait in the line! It was hot and sunny today, and this made for a beautiful backdrop for pictures outside the dome. The boys learned a lot about the most important building of our government. Our tour guide was excellent. He told us all about the statues, paintings, and other artwork that adorn the Capitol's grand rotunda and the national statuary hall (formerly the House of Representative's chamber). He explained to the boys about the separate wings for the House of Representatives, and the Senate, and the wide variety of backgrounds that congress men and women often come from. I'm sure that one day we will have a GGBC alum on the hill. For now, it was exciting enough to walk by Nancy Pelosi's office. We had another moment of California/San Francisco pride when we learned that each state is allowed to send two statues to the capitol, and we saw a bronze likeness of Junipero Serra. The only requirements for the statues are that they be made of bronze or marble, and that the person portrayed be deceased. One statue may be replaced at any time, and we learned that a Statue of Ronald Reagan will soon replace Civil War Politician Thomas Starr King. After much more exploring, guided by History Liaison Kevin Young, we ate lunch as we waited in the line for the National Archives. The boys were inspired by the video and could not wait to see the famous documents which included the Magna Carta, The Declaration of Independence, and the US Constitution. Other highlights included the emancipation proclamation, interactive exhibits such as an insight into the making of the movie "Glory", and of course, the gift shop. We have never felt more American! SO much in one day! But it the day was only half over... We travelled to a park on the waterfront for some play time and relaxation. Some boys slept or read on the bus (deemed a QUIET zone) and others relaxed on the waterfront or played games in the shadow of the Washington monument. The boys especially enjoyed "Bach, Bach, Beethoven" (duck, duck, goose) which is a game created (sorta) by David Cortes' music teacher, and GGBC blogger Samara Olivier. Finally, after snacks and hydration time, we arrived at the Kennedy Center. We were surprised to hear that our performance would be broadcast live on the web. You can see the archived performance on the web (and I believe the link was provided by Adam's mother). The performance was a success, as the boys received another standing ovation from the FULL HOUSE!. There were at least 300 people in attendance, so, this was no lightweight performance, and the boys did very well. They were rewarded with a delicious dinner of chips, hot sandwiches, and cookies at the local favorite - "Potbelly Sandwich Works". Thankfully the rain waited until the end of the day! It doesn't seem that we could top this day, but we have many more exciting things to come. Tomorrow we will visit George Washington's home at Mount Vernon, the Mall (no, not the shopping kind), and we will take in the silent veteran's parade at sunset, near the Iwo Jima Memorial. But for now, we will sleep. -Tim
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Washington DC, District of Columbia, United States

Click the following link to see the boys perform live right now!http://www.kennedy-center.org/programs/millennium/schedule.html#
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Washington DC, District of Columbia, United States

This is from Tim SilvaFirst off, the boys have been very well behaved. Starting in Oakland, the security agent said that the boys were a very good group. The flight crew also said that our group were good passengers. When we arrived in Virginia, it was hot and muggy. Quite tropical but without the sunshine. We were greeted by our wonderful hosts which were coordinated by the Vaziranis. We found it hard to sleep because of the loss of 3 hours and the weather, but we had a great day today. We started by singing mass at St. Bernadette's in Silver Spring. Then we travelled to the John Paul II Cultural Center which was very interesting! Following a ride through "The District", we toured the World War II memorial, and took a picture in front of the Washington Monument. Guided by our History Liaison - political intern and alumnus, Kevin Young, we learned about the layout of the city which, we learned, branches outward from the capitol building. So, the boys should be able to tell you how many blocks 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. is from the capitol... The SHOULD be able to. Finally, we arrived back at St. Bernadette's where we were treated to pizza and then performed a concert. The audience was very appreciative and the boys received a standing ovation! It was good practice for the Kennedy Center tomorrow! We will be exploring the capitol some more before performing on their Millennium Stage which hosts performances 365 days a year.
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