Day 1: A chilly flight into the future!

On the bus to O'Hare from VU.

Day one gets off to a grand start when all are accounted for at the Valparaiso bus and we set off about 6:15 AM--we will connect with the rest of our group at O'Hare's American International check-in before 8.  For those that made this journey two years ago, it was remarkably different--no bus showed up, it was cold and snowy and when we finally got to O'Hare by our own devices, it was packed with unreal crowds and lines due to the previous day's attempt by the "underwear bomber".   Security was at an all time high.

So by comparison, this morning when all gathered in a designated group check in line--the airlines even knew we were coming and ushered us to a very organized process--the weather balmy and all the rest of group accounted for...it looked like it was going to be even a grander entree to this year's tour. 

Once beyond security, acquaintances were renewed, food was sought, and new friends were made as the musicians and traveling companions bonded before boarding.  Deb from Michigan chatted with Stacy the saxophone soloist; Randy form Richmond, VA shared his connection to Tracy from Michigan and association with the Windiana Brass;  and Beth, a school speech pathologist as well as violinist with the Oak Park Symphony of Chicago, bonded with Mark, recent Master's graduate who related he was a former student of conductor Troy.  Looks like it will be an interesting, fun group.

Part of our group from Lansing, MI.

Compared to the last China concert tour where there was a larger percentage of the core South Shore Orchestra group, this time several groups were recruited by a few key players.  Kamen Vatchev, concertmaster, who has played with many orchestras in NW Indiana and Chicagoland area, as well as Tracy Sonneborn of Grand Rapids, brought on about 40 collegial and willing participants to fulfill the 70 plus group desired by Confucius Institute.  I am beginning to refer to them as I meet these travelers as part of the Kamen or Tracy club.  About 45 of this group has made this trip before.

So as we crossed over the North Pole a few hours ago and continue to watch our monitors flight path inch nearer to Shanghai and anticipate our timely arrival 14 hours after departure, we continue to bond, chat and find out what got us on this collective collaborative adventure.  A little trivia: it's a 14 hour flight and there is 14 hours difference in time and the distance is 7000 miles.  Today we flew into the future.  When we depart to return, we get home when we left.  Average temperature outside -70 degrees F.

We look forward to a grand night light tour of Shanghai and getting our show on the road.

Mom Sandy and Beth Andert reclaim bags in Shanghai...bass players pack stools to go!

(Article written by Kirsten Renehan, SSO Publicist.)