Sunday 27 February 2011
ETA Tombland 11.30pm
DD has just been talking to our coach driver and we are now expected back at 11.30pm- NOT midnight as previously advertised!
See you all soon.
See you all soon.
Saturday 26 February 2011
Final concert
Well the final concert is over and another great success. Wonderful Stanford ( For lo I raise up) and the other usual numbers sung with great stamina by the boys and men.
The boys have been complete stars and even though it is late they are in good spirits as we travel to Drammen.
In-between the TV recording ( see NRK.no ) we went ice skating in the centre of Oslo- there was a rink and outdoor Market in one of the squares near the cathedral. We also had a very brief shopping opportunity. So watch out for the souvenirs!
There is a service tomorrow then heading home. Hope that Oslo airport is ok as it is still pouring with snow. The Norwegians are good at dealing with snow though.
See you all soon- we're all looking forward to a long hot bath and loads of uninterrupted sleep!
The boys have been complete stars and even though it is late they are in good spirits as we travel to Drammen.
In-between the TV recording ( see NRK.no ) we went ice skating in the centre of Oslo- there was a rink and outdoor Market in one of the squares near the cathedral. We also had a very brief shopping opportunity. So watch out for the souvenirs!
There is a service tomorrow then heading home. Hope that Oslo airport is ok as it is still pouring with snow. The Norwegians are good at dealing with snow though.
See you all soon- we're all looking forward to a long hot bath and loads of uninterrupted sleep!
Maihaugen museum
We are now on our way to Oslo and TV stardom!
Boys all slept really well last night after their pizza and hot chocolate. This morning the Lillehammer Kantor (Tim Collins) and a lovely English lady (who married a Norwegian farmer 30 years ago) came to make us breakfast- the usual bread and jam but also cornflakes which we have not had every day - so they have become a bit of a treat.
On the recommendation of Tim we then went to the Maihaugen museum- this is an outdoor museum of Norwegian architecture. All the lovely timber buildings had been moved piece by piece to Lillehammer in about 1904. Some were 17th century so v pretty. The excitement for the boys was finding houses without padlocked doors to explore. Some had little balconies or haylofts and trapdoors. Also lots of snow- there has been snow on the ground since October and there was a big fall 2 nights ago so v fresh and deep snow. In places boys could go nearly up to their waists in snow- however it is only about 0 degrees which is relatively mild compared to a few days ago.
Sadly we will not now be able to go to the Munch museum- our coach driver is relieved as it is in a dodgy part of Oslo apparently.
Boys all slept really well last night after their pizza and hot chocolate. This morning the Lillehammer Kantor (Tim Collins) and a lovely English lady (who married a Norwegian farmer 30 years ago) came to make us breakfast- the usual bread and jam but also cornflakes which we have not had every day - so they have become a bit of a treat.
On the recommendation of Tim we then went to the Maihaugen museum- this is an outdoor museum of Norwegian architecture. All the lovely timber buildings had been moved piece by piece to Lillehammer in about 1904. Some were 17th century so v pretty. The excitement for the boys was finding houses without padlocked doors to explore. Some had little balconies or haylofts and trapdoors. Also lots of snow- there has been snow on the ground since October and there was a big fall 2 nights ago so v fresh and deep snow. In places boys could go nearly up to their waists in snow- however it is only about 0 degrees which is relatively mild compared to a few days ago.
Sadly we will not now be able to go to the Munch museum- our coach driver is relieved as it is in a dodgy part of Oslo apparently.
Friday 25 February 2011
After concert in Lillehammer
After a delicious meal in a local restaurant- chicken and bacon salad with potatoes( though this description does not do justice to it), the choir performed fantastically in Lillehammer church to an audience of over 200 people. Paddy and Alex L both not quite feeling well ( though fine now- nothing serious) but others stepped up to the mark and the sound was really good.
Another standing ovation and at the end- after taking off robes in the organ loft Alex L had a play of the organ.
Now back at the 'church rooms' where we are staying and the Kantor has ordered pizza for boys! They are definitely not going to go hungry today- I expect they will manage a bit of pizza, just out of politeness of course.
Tomorrow to Oslo where the boys are going to be filmed for Norwegian TV! Playing in the snow then singing apparently. We may even fit in a quick whizz around the Munch museum too so we are told.
Alex Law: yesterday we were staying in a school where there was a huge ice mountain. We climbed up it and I climbed up it as part ofa game. Unfortubately I bumped my head but it didn't bother me too much and I just kept playing. It was really slippery everywhere.
Today we spent a long time on the coach but it was great when we got here cos we had a snowball fight. The meal was really nice.
I am looking forward to being on TV tomorrow and then going home.
Love to all my family from alex.
Another standing ovation and at the end- after taking off robes in the organ loft Alex L had a play of the organ.
Now back at the 'church rooms' where we are staying and the Kantor has ordered pizza for boys! They are definitely not going to go hungry today- I expect they will manage a bit of pizza, just out of politeness of course.
Tomorrow to Oslo where the boys are going to be filmed for Norwegian TV! Playing in the snow then singing apparently. We may even fit in a quick whizz around the Munch museum too so we are told.
Alex Law: yesterday we were staying in a school where there was a huge ice mountain. We climbed up it and I climbed up it as part ofa game. Unfortubately I bumped my head but it didn't bother me too much and I just kept playing. It was really slippery everywhere.
Today we spent a long time on the coach but it was great when we got here cos we had a snowball fight. The meal was really nice.
I am looking forward to being on TV tomorrow and then going home.
Love to all my family from alex.
Friday evening in Lillehammer
We ladies are stil in the restaurant in Lillehammer ( with wifi) while boys having quick practice. Now need to 'do the robes' so sorry that we can't put more right now. Alex Law keen to write something later so watch out for that!
Back after concert! CF
Hope u like pics
Back after concert! CF
Hope u like pics
Joseph (Pino)
Joseph: hi mum Millie and dad
Hope you are enjoying yourself with uncle
Philber,and the rest of the crazy swedish relatives(has Millie got past that bit on the narnia game?)today we had a 7.5 hour journey which was made up by a fantactic snowball fight and wading in 3 ft snow!!!!
See you soon
In a restaurant some where in Norway
18:30 fri
Pino
Hope you are enjoying yourself with uncle
Philber,and the rest of the crazy swedish relatives(has Millie got past that bit on the narnia game?)today we had a 7.5 hour journey which was made up by a fantactic snowball fight and wading in 3 ft snow!!!!
See you soon
In a restaurant some where in Norway
18:30 fri
Pino
In restaurant, Lillehammer
Tad: today we had a very big snowball fight. Yesterday we slept in a school sports hall and outside there was a very slippery hill which everyone tried to get up.
Is it warm in England because it is freezing here!
Tad ;)
Is it warm in England because it is freezing here!
Tad ;)
Thursday 24 February 2011
After concert at Forde
Harry: hello this afternoon the lower school were try ing to getup this icy hill to this little tower however the senior school were defending it!but eventually
we all got up there!byyyyyyyyyyyyyyy bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbby bbbbbbbbbbyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!
James B: Hi Mum Dad and Lucy I cannot wait to see you soon and tell you about all the things we have been doing.The Concerts have been going really well!
Dai: Thursday another extremely successful concert. Mr. Lowe was happy. We had a giant hill made entirely out of ice and I could not get up it until the end. Lunch was quite good but dinner was much better. It was pasta and after the concert we had my mum's homemade brownies which were delishhhhhhhhhhh. Hope mum and dad are alright.
Ed: thanks for the cakes Mrs M the boys are now enjoying them with some hot chocolate.
we all got up there!byyyyyyyyyyyyyyy bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbby bbbbbbbbbbyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!
James B: Hi Mum Dad and Lucy I cannot wait to see you soon and tell you about all the things we have been doing.The Concerts have been going really well!
Dai: Thursday another extremely successful concert. Mr. Lowe was happy. We had a giant hill made entirely out of ice and I could not get up it until the end. Lunch was quite good but dinner was much better. It was pasta and after the concert we had my mum's homemade brownies which were delishhhhhhhhhhh. Hope mum and dad are alright.
Ed: thanks for the cakes Mrs M the boys are now enjoying them with some hot chocolate.
On to Forde
Great concert last night and we had a little party with lemonade and popcorn and a game of charades for Paddy's birthday!
DL: Choir really excelled itself lastnight in Concert 4.Real passion and panache. It made the whole tour and an old man (well, middle aged then!)very happy. DL
Ed: after a 2 hour journey with 2 ferries, we are now in Forde which is quite an industrial town but has another beautiful wooden church. We have been very well fed with a sandwich lunch and just now a yummy spaghetti bolognese and salad. The accommodation tonight is in a school so we have showers! Mums all v pleased! This evening we have hot chocolate which we will prepare in the home economics classroom.
This afternoon the boys played in the snow- well ice really- as the school playground is like an ice rink and has a big hill in the middle with a hut on top. The ascent was like climbing an iceberg but lots of fun. They all finally made it to the top.
Concert tonight is at 7pm as we have an early start to go to Lillehammer in the morning.
DL: Choir really excelled itself lastnight in Concert 4.Real passion and panache. It made the whole tour and an old man (well, middle aged then!)very happy. DL
Ed: after a 2 hour journey with 2 ferries, we are now in Forde which is quite an industrial town but has another beautiful wooden church. We have been very well fed with a sandwich lunch and just now a yummy spaghetti bolognese and salad. The accommodation tonight is in a school so we have showers! Mums all v pleased! This evening we have hot chocolate which we will prepare in the home economics classroom.
This afternoon the boys played in the snow- well ice really- as the school playground is like an ice rink and has a big hill in the middle with a hut on top. The ascent was like climbing an iceberg but lots of fun. They all finally made it to the top.
Concert tonight is at 7pm as we have an early start to go to Lillehammer in the morning.
Wednesday 23 February 2011
Horse riding
We have just arrived back after horse riding- most of the boys had a go and Seemed to enjoy it. The horses were beautiful Norwegian fjord horses- quite lively.
Now eating a super lunch of burgers and salad. Then Paddy's CAKE- which we have all enjoyed- thank you very much Trish.
Now something from the boys:
Harry:hello I'm in a nice warm room.today we went horse riding it was fun. Yesterday we were in a minibus for half the day but all is well. The consists (concerts!) are one hour fifteen minutes! I am enjoying it greatly.
Now eating a super lunch of burgers and salad. Then Paddy's CAKE- which we have all enjoyed- thank you very much Trish.
Now something from the boys:
Harry:hello I'm in a nice warm room.today we went horse riding it was fun. Yesterday we were in a minibus for half the day but all is well. The consists (concerts!) are one hour fifteen minutes! I am enjoying it greatly.
A photo! (In Dale)
Gillean: Yesterday we went looking for icicles we where
expecting some big ones but nothing like the ones we found
Some of them where as tall as me but nobody could get them down!
Paddy:today it's my 13th birthday and we are going horse riding I have never been horse riding before but I am always keen to try things.
expecting some big ones but nothing like the ones we found
Some of them where as tall as me but nobody could get them down!
Paddy:today it's my 13th birthday and we are going horse riding I have never been horse riding before but I am always keen to try things.
Tuesday 22 February 2011
The film was 'Avatar'
Have tried to put on photos but it's too hard without a computer. Apologies all.
Suggestion is to have a 'slideshow' on our return.
Suggestion is to have a 'slideshow' on our return.
Cameron's Norway
Cameron: The coach trip was very enjoyable. We took the plane after lengthy arcade games. We went up a mountain on a cable car and sang up top. We then went to the first church which was in a shopping mall! And very modern. I had a lower school dorm and we invented a new game. Tuesday,the bus journey went very quickly. Arriving at our next destination we had lunch and went to the film (good film!)
Message from Alex W and Jon
Alex: hi mum the best thing we've done is Sledging,today we had a longish walk round town and I collected loads of big icicles and I found it really fun. I've had a really good lunch today I don't really know what it was! And also we went to our own private cinema. Mr Lowe said that I that I was singing really well,tomorrow I am going to ride a horse which I'm kind of scared about!there is loads of ice outside and I've slipped a couple of times but it was quite funny and I hope England is ok with u BYE!
Jon: Hi mum, Happy Birthday, hope the kings speech was good.It doesn't seem as cold as people said it would be, but I was holding an icicle and it froze to my hoodie! The cinema was good but I am getting bored of coach journeys. :/ Apparently England is raining. HA HA HA
Hope you are well
Love,
Jon
Jon: Hi mum, Happy Birthday, hope the kings speech was good.It doesn't seem as cold as people said it would be, but I was holding an icicle and it froze to my hoodie! The cinema was good but I am getting bored of coach journeys. :/ Apparently England is raining. HA HA HA
Hope you are well
Love,
Jon
Dai and Dougal's Norway
Dai:Ithink this place is great. We had a sauna which was very fun. Last night i was very cold and the matress was herrendous but so far a good trip nevertheless.
Dougal: hello England. We had an early morning walk and collected icicles from frozen waterfalls. It is very cold abut the people at the concert seem to like us. See u soon. Dougal
Ed: Not only did the people at the concert like them but some liitle old ladies had tears running down their faces. Alex L said after 'was that because we were so bad?'
The applause reassured him that this was not the case.
'How lovely are thy dwellings', Rutter's 'The Lord bless you and keep you' and 'Steal away to Jesus' went down particularly well ( I think Paddy's solo in the latter was the cause of the tears).
'Abide with me' was a request from the Kantor which was also much enjoyed.
Also at both concerts so far the applause has become a rhythmic hand clapping to indicate the desire for an encore.
The church hall was fairly warm but rather more basic than Asane. Food great though- lasagne last night and White bread at breakfast which boys liked.
We are now on the way to Eid. Hope to be able to send photos soon.
Dougal: hello England. We had an early morning walk and collected icicles from frozen waterfalls. It is very cold abut the people at the concert seem to like us. See u soon. Dougal
Ed: Not only did the people at the concert like them but some liitle old ladies had tears running down their faces. Alex L said after 'was that because we were so bad?'
The applause reassured him that this was not the case.
'How lovely are thy dwellings', Rutter's 'The Lord bless you and keep you' and 'Steal away to Jesus' went down particularly well ( I think Paddy's solo in the latter was the cause of the tears).
'Abide with me' was a request from the Kantor which was also much enjoyed.
Also at both concerts so far the applause has become a rhythmic hand clapping to indicate the desire for an encore.
The church hall was fairly warm but rather more basic than Asane. Food great though- lasagne last night and White bread at breakfast which boys liked.
We are now on the way to Eid. Hope to be able to send photos soon.
Monday 21 February 2011
News from Dale
Yesterday's concert was a great success- a standing ovation for the choir and two encores.
Today we have travelled to Dale- a two and a half hour journey which included a ferry trip across the biggest fjord.
It is now just before the concert and boys have decided to say something:
James E: the flight was the best thing so far. It was exciting and a little bit scary. Much smoother than I expected - thought it would be bumpy. The first place we stayed was nice and warm (I didnt expect that).
The Sledging was AWESOME The second place we went sledging was the best. I lost both shoes on the way down first time but it was great. So fast.
Food is good- best was the pizza.
We have invented a game called Worm Wars! You slide about in your sleepingbag on the floor until you get the other people or are told to stop!
And finally James says YO FAMILY! See you soon.
Jakob: Happy Birthday to my sister Hannah.
My best thing was the Sledging.
Today we have travelled to Dale- a two and a half hour journey which included a ferry trip across the biggest fjord.
It is now just before the concert and boys have decided to say something:
James E: the flight was the best thing so far. It was exciting and a little bit scary. Much smoother than I expected - thought it would be bumpy. The first place we stayed was nice and warm (I didnt expect that).
The Sledging was AWESOME The second place we went sledging was the best. I lost both shoes on the way down first time but it was great. So fast.
Food is good- best was the pizza.
We have invented a game called Worm Wars! You slide about in your sleepingbag on the floor until you get the other people or are told to stop!
And finally James says YO FAMILY! See you soon.
Jakob: Happy Birthday to my sister Hannah.
My best thing was the Sledging.
Sunday 20 February 2011
Boys having fun in the snow
Hello all. We had a good journey and have had a warm welcome from our hosts here in Asane.
Were met at the airport by charming coach driver and driven through Bergen to bottom of Floyen mountain. The choir master here, Jan then took us up the mountain on the funicular railway. The boys sang two songs at the top as publicity for today's concert.
Then came to the church where we are staying 2 nights. It is a new church with lots of rooms and underfloor heating throughout so lovely and warm. Boys are in 2 dorms with lower school boys and James B together and seniors in the other dorm. We were given a warming meal of stew and ice creams. Then a bit of singing and playing in the snow followed by supper and sleep!
It is cold, sunny and snowy- perfect for Sledging! This morning after an extraordinary service one of the host ladies lent us 6 sledges and spent the rest of the morning going up and down a steep slope. Photos to follow when we get onto a proper computer! All boys covered in snow and rosy cheeked but v happy.
Then lunch which was pizza and cake and fruit.
Now off on a bit of a walk before this evening's concert...
The Norwegians are v kind and love the singing.
Photos to follow soon...
Were met at the airport by charming coach driver and driven through Bergen to bottom of Floyen mountain. The choir master here, Jan then took us up the mountain on the funicular railway. The boys sang two songs at the top as publicity for today's concert.
Then came to the church where we are staying 2 nights. It is a new church with lots of rooms and underfloor heating throughout so lovely and warm. Boys are in 2 dorms with lower school boys and James B together and seniors in the other dorm. We were given a warming meal of stew and ice creams. Then a bit of singing and playing in the snow followed by supper and sleep!
It is cold, sunny and snowy- perfect for Sledging! This morning after an extraordinary service one of the host ladies lent us 6 sledges and spent the rest of the morning going up and down a steep slope. Photos to follow when we get onto a proper computer! All boys covered in snow and rosy cheeked but v happy.
Then lunch which was pizza and cake and fruit.
Now off on a bit of a walk before this evening's concert...
The Norwegians are v kind and love the singing.
Photos to follow soon...
Saturday 19 February 2011
In departure lounge
Don't know when we will easily post again so hi everyone. Were just boarding plane.
Friday 18 February 2011
Setting the alarm
Hope everyone nearly ready- boys were very excited this morning.
The robes are all packed, plus needle and thread, buttons. Teresa very handy with the iron and surplices all suitably angelic looking.
Need to set the alarm for 2am, could we get away with 2.15? What a thought.
Next post- Norway. See you in the morning!
The robes are all packed, plus needle and thread, buttons. Teresa very handy with the iron and surplices all suitably angelic looking.
Need to set the alarm for 2am, could we get away with 2.15? What a thought.
Next post- Norway. See you in the morning!
Thursday 17 February 2011
Response to blog idea
So far it seems to be a popular idea to do a blog- but we all have other things on our minds at the moment.
Where on earth did I put that European adapter? I know I used to have two.
Will the boys be OK? Will the clothes they have be warm enough?
Will they actually enjoy the trip?
Surely they will get really bored on the coach journeys? Will there be enough for them to do the rest of the time? Will they get a chance to see some of the real Norway (whatever that is) and not just the inside of a church or a coach?
Hope they don't all return exhausted. They probably will- but also (we hope) full of fabulous memories.
Where on earth did I put that European adapter? I know I used to have two.
Will the boys be OK? Will the clothes they have be warm enough?
Will they actually enjoy the trip?
Surely they will get really bored on the coach journeys? Will there be enough for them to do the rest of the time? Will they get a chance to see some of the real Norway (whatever that is) and not just the inside of a church or a coach?
Hope they don't all return exhausted. They probably will- but also (we hope) full of fabulous memories.
Wednesday 16 February 2011
Someone said we should do a blog in Norway
Someone said we should do a blog in Norway, so I thought, well it can't be that difficult to do one. So I just went on the internet and put in 'How to set up a blog' and it came up with this which seems to be linked to Google. Probably no-one will read it and we haven't even gone anywhere yet, but might as well just start I suppose.
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