DAY 4- an unbelievable day

Today was definitely one that the kids (and the chaperones) will not soon forget.  All of out expectations were blown away. We started the morning with our usual delicious breakfast and then started our commute to the UN headquarters in Vienna. These headquarters are known all over the world as there are only 3 worldwide. We entered through what felt like airport security and then we're greeted by 193 flags and a fountain...

We then took pictures, hung out and waited until it was our turn to sing In this beautiful outdoor space.

After we sang for 20+ choirs and important representatives at the UN, we got a short but great tour from our tour guide Petra..

Yes- that is one oft he famous conference rooms!

 We learned all about how the 193 countries that are part of the UN make important decisions- even though they speak all different languages.  The kids were fascinated. 

Then- my favourite part of the day- the balloon release. We happened to be singing at the UN headquarters for the day of Human Trafficking Awareness.  We heard emotional speeches made by representitives explaining what human trafficking is, and how an awareness needs to be made. Although most of the kids didn't quite understand why we were releasing balloons.... It was emotional nonetheless. 

Amazing pictures hey? It was incredible. 

After the balloon release we were given certificates,  commemorating our visit to the UN headquarters, one for each of the kids to keep.

We aren't kidding when we say there are a lot of choirs here! Us Canadians are vey popular too- many picture requests! 

The next part of day was unfortunately not allowed to be documented with pictures...my camera and iPad were instantly confiscated upon entering the Golden Theater. You need to Google this place so you know what the kids got to sing in today. Just picture a gigantic theatre, walls and ceiling covered In gold paint and amazing art pieces.  It was a truly incredible sight. Google "musikverein" , and you'll find some YouTube videos that will show you this amazing space. 

In the theatre the choir had a "sound check" and time to practice getting on and off the stage for the big concert tomorrow evening.  They also had a mass choir practice with Gerald, where 350+ singers come together and sing 3 pieces.  It was a wall of sound coming at the chaperone filled audience, another highlight of my day.

Finally, the kids got some time to relax at a peace festival choir function.  We took the train (conveniently with the Belgium Boys Choir) to the theme park in Vienna where there was a complimentary BBQ for all the choirs. 

Here we got to eat, take a breather, and make some new friends! 18 choirs from China alone made our choristers feel very comfortable :) it's amazing to watch them interact. We exchanged gifts from our home countries, took pictures, and made some new friends. Even the chaperones and myself made some new friends and some potential new tour buddies... ;) 

Last thing- we happened to walk home from the train in a torrential down pour... Oops! It was quite the sight when we got back to the hotel, I couldn't help but take a picture-

Or two..

That's the end of day 4- hope you enjoy! Stay tuned for another exciting day tomorrow!

-R.P