Day 3

Yesterday was not quite the same adventure as the long travel day, but still a great day. While Cliff had to teach all morning and part of the afternoon, the start to my day was leisurely. Woke around 8:00, went for a run around this part of the city, breakfast, then created the blog.

Around noon, I decided to visit Bar Jameson, just down from my hotel. I enjoyed a great Cafe Americano and sat at one of the outdoor tables reading my book. Gradually the tables filled with groups of younger and older women, all socializing and having lunch. I just couldn't resist the La Estrella Damm beer they were all drinking, so I had to sample a few myself.

Later I walked to the conservatory to meet the Leamans and Mariano. We had lunch at the conservatory cafeteria (yes inside the music building!) and they even have an espresso bar! I may be moving to Europe!

One of the highlights of my day was talking with two of the percussion students from the Conservatory. They told my about their recent percussion ensemble concert and the guest artists they have had. As they helped me get the marimba set up, they were very interested in my mallets, so I let them try them out. I guess Innovative Percussion mallets are not widely used here, so they were fascinated! They began playing pieces they are working on....Two Movements for Marimba by Tanaka, Caritas by Michael Burritt, Four Rotations by Eric Sammut. It was just like being at home! I also took some pictures of some of their percussion set ups for the multi pieces. I'll post those later as I'm in a hurry this morning.

Cliff and I rehearsed, then off to Mariano's house for a wonderful dinner he cooked for us. A rich chicken dish in a tomato, red pepper sauce with a fried egg on top. Delicious! Also he brought out some VERY expensive cheese to go with the terrific wine we had.

Then back to the hotel for some sleep....didn't really sleep all that well.

Concert today at Noon. I'll post some pics from yesterday later.

Adios!