Day 8: Herndon, VA

Another day; another bus ride. The biggest lesson we learned today is that they should make GPS's for buses, not just cars. From being too heavy for some roads, too long for others, and too tall for the rest. I cannot even begin to tell you how many detours we had to take! But I guess as long as you get from "A" to "B" it doesn't matter much.

We set out from New Jersey this morning en route to Herndon, VA. Along the way we saw the New York skyline from the bus. Andy was beginning to get a little worried that Hilde (our GPS) was going to make us drive through the city, but we turned off onto the New Jersey Turnpike (a relief until we saw the sea of cars...). On the skyline we could make out the Empire State building and the Chrysler Building. The boys tried taking pictures, but it was quite hazy out. I have a good feeling that the pictures won't turn out...unfortunately.

After experiencing the thrill of the "Big Apple," we played our own version of Bus Bingo. Or, as we like to call it...Bus "Mingo" with our own special host...Ming Sin! ;) We played a couple of rounds with the winners getting, of course, fabulous prizes!!! Today's "big money" winners were Joel Alfveby, Evan Jones, and Alex Oelke. Jack Strub ALMOST won...but was disqualified after some dirt arose on his strategies...apparently he chose to play two cards...uh oh...!! haha :) After our very intense game of bus Mingo, we made a pit stop for lunch. The boys had a chance to stretch their legs and eat some candy that the New Jersey Youth Chorus had given them. In their "goodie bags" they each got a music note stress ball. I'm thinking the NJYC gave them to the wrong people...it's the staff that need those, not the boys!!! Just kidding!!! :) We're all fine and having fun--don't worry! As we left New Jersey we crossed the Delaware River over the Delaware Memorial Bridge. The structure itself was very unique...very beautiful...quite a spectacle!!

After lunch, we took our daily nap as we drove through Delaware and Maryland. Outside of Baltimore we woke them up to take a quick bathroom break and so the boys wouldn't miss the skyline--particularly M&T Bank Stadium (Home of the Baltimore Ravens). By now, we were running late...the boys did warm-ups on the bus to help save time. We arrived at the church at 5:00, only to find out our concert started at 5:30! There was no service...just a full concert. In the short amount of time we had we had to set up risers, have a sound check, eat a quick snack (to prevent sickness and fainting on stage), and get changed. The boys surprised me once again and their speed and professionalism. We managed to line up and be ready for our entrance at 5:38! How did we stall the audience, you may ask? Well, for those of you who don't know...our bus driver happens to be the founder of the choir! ;) Andy graciously took advantage of the opportunity to talk about the choir and the influence the Vienna Choirboys have had on us. By the time he was done talking, the boys went on stage and sang their hearts out. It was a great concert--and I'm not just saying that because it was air conditioned!!! :)

Following the concert, there was a pot luck supper for all the boys and the host families. Following the Pot luck, we divided the boys into host homes for the night. The boys are excited to see what's in store for them in D.C.! But in all honesty, I don't know who is more excited...me or the boys!!

That's all for now! Check back soon for more updates! Feel free to comment!

-Kenny