Volleyball and Meat Grinding

After some very funny and creative presentation on program rules and a panel presentation from former UWP participants (two from the Boston. We represent!!!), the bulk of the day was focused on the “modules”. These were basically small group meetings with us to determine our skills in singing and dancing. Though I’ve had experience in both, it didn’t save me from some of the old butterflies. I’m definitely rusty. I do hope that I’m able to do at least a little singing and dancing while I’m on tour. (Oh, and apparently, I’m a tenor again. Man, always gotta squeeze for those notes, huh?)

While we waited for the modules, we were left to our own devices. Many of us played games, like improvised soccer or volleyball. I was thrilled to have a chance to do something “athletic again”. It had been a while and when the soccer players began, I felt a bit self conscious. By the time I started thinking naturally, telling myself “Why wait? Who cares if you make a fool of yourself?”, Wouter had pulled out another soccer (or futbol) ball and started volleyball. WHAT A BLAST!!!!???? We had people of every nationality and skill level playing (which, in retrospect, I’m sure was the case with the soccer game). Then I truly understood why I had been told in these past few days that music and sports are excellent avenues for world unity. For once I didn’t hold back in playing. I let myself fall, dive, get hit….whatever. I have the rug burns on my legs to prove it. J

Back in Bloomfield, Wouter and I helped David and Thora make enchiladas. For the first time in my life, I ground beef! I was so excited. I’ve never ground beef in my life! Our conversation for the night: American vs. European educational systems.