So I leave for China in 16 days.
I’m nervous! In a good way, yes, but still nervous. Without my computer (which crashed in May, and will be fixed upon my return to the States in August), it’s been difficult to find and listen to a recording of the music to know how fast things that aren’t marked should be sung, etc, but I’m getting there. I think.
This is a rather unique opportunity that I managed to jump on and that will provide me with many, many memories for the rest of my life. My digital camera and its batteries are packed, but I still need to buy power adapters so I can take pictures to share when I’m back!
Kunming at night
All of that being said, here’s what I’m actually doing: I’ll leave Chicago on July 27 and arrive in Kunming, China, on July 29 to spend 2 weeks there learning and eventually performing the title role in Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi, and a supporting role in Mozart’s Die Zauberflote. We [the students] will have yoga and Tai Chi classes in the mornings, voice lessons, diction classes in French, Italian, German and English, and lots of rehearsal time. Additionally we’ll sing in master classes and apparently attend some local performances.
We’ll have a little time to explore the city (and perhaps some touristy something or other), but most of our time is apparently budgeted out for us. However, I fully plan on at least one session in a KTV (karaoke bar), and taking pictures in at least one cab. Any more ideas? We’ll see what I can fit in … and I think I have a pretty swell layover in Beijing, in addition to a 6-hour layover in San Francisco. Get excited!
