yum part 1

Last night I sang Bach's B Minor Mass, one on a part, in Boston at Old South Church with the Freisinger Orchestra. I cannot reiterate how wonderful these people are. I love being in Boston and being a part of the singing culture here. Perhaps more opportunity will arise in the future, but I could not ask for a kinder introduction. The concert was great fun and great challenge - and to sing such an intimate Benedictus with Thomas Dawkins and Alyssa Griggs was quite memorable. Christopher Guest film...nothing beats Bachumentary 2011.

We are so small. People...our society is so small in relation to the world around us. Boston is so active and though I am only in one part of the city there is just so much going on elsewhere in this city! I must have watched two thousand people walk off the green line at Boylston the last several hours sitting at the Starbucks and looking out the window. Down in the South End of Boston there is a massive St. Patrick's Day Parade marching down the street. There are over twenty choral concerts this past weekend here in town. In Boston Common, there is a group of birth control activists rallying. Who knows what else is going on here? I feel very small here. Large, but small.

In terms of the weather, it cannot be beat. The last several days have been gorgeous. Hardly any cloud in the sky...though today is a bit chilly the past days have been pretty warm (60s). People are finally out of their winter coats and ready to break from a hibernated state.

My favourite element of traveling is the food aspect, obviously. It really tells me a lot to the culture of a particular region. It is also my way to get to be a part of a new location...not just a visitor.

Piña Colada in a Coconut from Kowloon Restauran 948 Broadway, Saugus, MA.
Delicious...a little weak on the booze but to keep the touristy coconut...sweet. Have fun, indeed!

Deep Dish Pizza at Lou Malnati's, 805 S. State St. Chicago IL
Crust is so buttery...yes. And deep. So deep.

Midwestern Cheese Plate at Act One Pub, 1330 W. Morse Ave Rogers Park, IL
High End Cheese Curd! Delicious appetizer for a good price. The bottle of Las Rocas was fantastic.
Just a block away from the Red at Morse and close to the No Exit Cafe...terrific evening of theatre and fantastic singing, Ms. Schoch!

Bevy of Irish foods at Kitty O'Sheas in the Hilton, Michigan Ave, Chicago IL
Corned beef and cabbage, pub chips and other meats and cheeses. Top it off with a good ale! GOOD ALE!