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My Cantabile ExperienceWritten by Kimberley Symons (Year 12)  This account of Kimberley’s Cantabile Experience was written as a report for her Gold Expedition Award through the Duke of Edinburgh program. Her aim in this expedition was “to represent Australia in the World Choir Olympics, and spread friendship and goodwill throughout the world”. She certainly achieved this aim! Introduction: In 2004 I was fortunate to be chosen as a member of Canterbury College’s elite girls’ choir ‘Cantabile’. It was a very exciting moment and one which would give me opportunities beyond my wildest dreams. Two years later, following many hours of intense rehearsals and performances, Cantabile had become official ambassadors for Queensland Tourism, had a Principal Sponsor in Buildev and were heading off to China to represent Australia in the World Choir Olympics. Not only did we compete amongst over 400 choirs from all over the world, but we came home with three silver medals – one for each category we entered! This was an amazing achievement, however it was not only our success which will remain in my mind forever, but my journey over those two years which was a life changing experience. To be given the opportunity to spread goodwill and friendship amongst people from all parts of the world was for me truly a gift and one I hope I have shared with many others. Preparation and Training: My journey with Cantabile began in 2004 after spending many hours rehearsing a song for my audition. I chose ‘Lean on Me’ and rehearsed it over and over until I felt confident enough to perform it in front of Mrs Gouchee, Mrs Gyte and Miss Amies. My audition was probably the most nerve racking experience of my whole Cantabile experience, as it was something I wanted so dearly. Once I heard I was to be a member of Cantabile, I was thrilled and made a commitment to practice daily and make Cantabile my first priority. In order to completely prepare for the 2006 Choir Olympics in Xiamen, it was essential that each member of Cantabile commit herself to regular practice and performances. We rehearsed as a group for two hours every week, and I also practiced every day at home. We had many songs to learn as well as choreographed movements. We had several rehearsal weekends at the Gold Coast, where we stayed at various hotels and rehearsed as a group. During these weekends we also had photo shoots around the hotels and on the beach, and took the opportunity to form strong bonds of friendship within our group of girls. We attended a week long camp at Mt Tambourine each January and this was a wonderful opportunity to really focus on our music and have intensive rehearsals. It was also lots of fun to be away together and helped to prepare us for our overseas trip. We were divided into small groups to share rooms and were responsible for keeping our rooms tidy, as well as assisting with meals and dining duties. We performed at a wide variety of functions in our lead up to the Choir Olympics, and each performance added to the experience we were gaining as performers. At many of these functions we were expected to mingle with guests and other performers, which was really interesting. On many occasions we were performing in the role of Gold Coast or Queensland Ambassadors and took this role very seriously. Over this period our confidence increased, and our skill as performers also steadily improved. We were gaining a very important foundation for our forthcoming performances. I joined Cantabile at the conclusion of their successful performances in Germany and, along with the other new members of our ensemble, knew we had a very high standard indeed to live up to. The first exciting moment of being part of this Choir was when in recognition of our Choir’s international success, Cantabile were appointed Honorary Ambassadors for the Queensland Government by the State Minister for Tourism, Fair Trading and Wine, Mrs Margaret Keech. The same year Cantabile performed at the launch of Gold Coast Tourism’s ‘Very GC Campaign’ held at Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast. One of the most memorable performances of Cantabile in 2005, included singing the US and Australian National Anthems at an International Basketball Event. We received a standing ovation from both the American and Australian supporters and it was the start of another exciting year for our ensemble. We also performed for over 400 guests at a football dinner at the Wynnum-Manly Leagues Club, and sang at the opening night celebrations for the Tourism Futures Conference at the Marriott Hotel in the Gold Coast. We performed and featured as ‘Spotlight Artists’ for an audience of several thousand in the finale of Brisbane River Festival 2005 sponsored by Channel 9. This concert, ‘Sing for Water’ was held on the River Stage and we performed a solo item and also backed Kate Cerebrano. We also performed at ‘Opera in the Canefields’ alongside members of Queensland Opera and the ‘Two Tenors’. This event was held in the gardens of an old homestead in Beenleigh and we performed on the balcony. My time with Cantabile became even more exciting in 2006. We performed for our Prime Minister, the Honourable John Howard, at a charity event at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. Mr Howard took the time to speak to each one of us and congratulated us on our achievements. As official ambassadors for both Queensland Tourism and Gold Coast Tourism we performed at the Australian Tourism Awards held at the Gold Coast Convention Centre. We performed with Christine Anu, and were fortunate to spend the day rehearsing with her and getting to know her. Cantabile’s story was featured on Channel 10’s “Toasted TV” as an example of what can be achieved by talented young people of Queensland and the segment was taped at Movieworld on the Gold Coast. We have also performed at several Beneleigh PCYC dinners. In 2006 we featured once again at ‘Opera in the Canefields’ with Queensland Opera at Woongoolba homestead in Queensland, and this has now become an annual event. We performed on ABC radio for a live broadcast from the Powerhouse Theatre, Newfarm also. This was a 30 minute segment and we performed several of our songs to a rousing applause. That was our first live radio broadcast. We also performed at a Family Variety Show in Roma Street Parklands raising money for victims of Cyclone Larry, and this included Australian Idols Dan England and Anne Robertson. Cantabile were invited to perform at the Local Heroes Dinner by Hon. Margaret Keech MP, where Steven Bradbury, Olympic Gold Medallist was the special Guest Speaker. Cantabile also performed at the Anglican Schools Conference at the Radisson Hotel on the Gold Coast, and at a special function for our Principal Sponsor, Buildev, which was a ‘sod-turning’ at their new Industrial Estate in Yatala. We have also enjoyed performances at weddings and christenings. Along with our parents and supporters we have put a tremendous amount of time into fundraising to assist with the cost of our overseas tours, and we were also fortunate to have gained the sponsorship of Buildev who have contributed enormously to our expenses. Buildev have been very supportive, both financially and also in attending all our public performances and fundraising activities. We have also taken part in the organising of auctions, raffles, a mystery bus tour and dinners to held raise funds to assist in the cost of our forthcoming trip. One of our songs which we learnt especially for our overseas tour, was Jilbamyn; an Aboriginal song written by two well known Australians, the Briscoe Sisters. The girls travelled from Melbourne to Brisbane to teach us the tune and lyrics, as the music had never been written down. In appreciation of the Briscoe sisters’ wonderful support of Cantabile, our Musical Director, Mrs Susan Gouchee, wrote the musical score for Jilbamyn and presented it to them as a gift. It was most appreciated. As we prepared for the World Choir Olympics in July, our rehearsals intensified, our fundraising increased, we had more performances and our special book ‘On Reflection - A Cantabile Anthology’ was created. This is a book I shall always treasure, as it contains memories of my journey with Cantabile, and photos of the special friendships I developed. A very special event was our Farewell Concert – it was a truly fabulous event with such a wonderful atmosphere. The Concert sold out very quickly, but I am lucky enough to also have it on DVD. We thoroughly enjoyed the performance and finished with savouries and an auction. Up to this point, my time with Cantabile had been filled with special moments, and special friends, the support of wonderful people such as Mrs Susan Gouchee and Mrs Lissa Gyte, and opportunities to meet interesting people, perform at exciting venues, and participate in fundraising activities supporting our whole community. I was now about to embark on the ‘trip of a lifetime’. We were very well rehearsed, our costumes were made, we had been supplied with bright pink cabin bags, T shirts and hats, and I had a pink suitcase also (this was to ensure none of the luggage, or students, were mislaid.) All we needed to do was to pack our suitcases and head off to the airport. We were to travel via Sydney to Hong Kong where we would rehearse for several days before heading to Xiamen, China where the World Choir Olympics would be held. Following competition we would travel to Beijing and see some of the interesting sights in China. Xiamen The City of Xiamen is a bustling coastal and university city in the south-east of China, and was about to be host to over 25,000 singers from over 400 choirs from all over the world. The city is one of the most beautiful coastal towns of South China, located on the same latitude as Taiwan, about 500 kms to the north of Hong Kong and about 100 kms to the south of Shanghai. Its exceptional infrastructure and highly modern congress and concert halls are of the highest standard. The open air concerts would be held in the subtropical gardens and squares, providing an ideal background. Xiamen offers many interesting sights to visitors, including extensive and beautiful parks, the Nanputao Temple with its Buddha statues, and the beautiful University of Xiamen. A small island called Gulangyu is situated off the coast of Xiamen and this is known as ‘The Island of the Pianos’. It has more pianos per square kilometre than any other part of China and also has a piano museum. A short flight away is Beijing with the ‘Forbidden City’, the Great Wall of China and Shangai which has several million inhabitants. The people of Xiamen are known to be the most friendly, happy, proud and hospitable people in all of China. Many locals do not speak any English, however most will welcome westerners with a smile and a ‘hello’. There is a sense of safety in the streets and the crime rate seems to be relatively low. The food is inexpensive, but delicious and contains an enormous variety of local cuisine. Transport is quite easy with buses running regularly. Xiamen has been often referred to as ‘China’s cosiest city’ as it has a pleasant climate, picturesque views and clean and tidy environment. It is accredited as a National Sanitary City, National Garden City and National Model City for Environmental Protection. 2006 World Choir Olympics in Xiamen: The competition is the largest and highest standard of all choral music contests in the world and lasts for 12 days. There are various categories and each has a qualifying and final round. It is necessary to be awarded a gold certificate in the qualifying round, to be able to compete for a medal in the final round. At the Opening Ceremony a letter from the President Hu Jintao was read, congratulating all those competing and welcoming the choirs of the world to Xiamen, China. He said the Games symbolized the heartfelt wishes of the world for peace, development, co-operation, unity, friendship and harmony. He also said that the Chinese people were willing to join with the international community in building a peaceful and prosperous world. The motto for the 2006 World Choir Olympics was ‘Singing together brings nations together’. Equipment and Clothing:
Although we were responsible for the washing and care of our performance outfits, Mrs Gouchee kept our white sequined performance tops in a special case as they were so delicate. Food: The food in both Hong Kong and China was very interesting and different to anything I have tasted previously. Nothing could have prepared me for the culture shock – for example when I went to eat chicken soup one day, I was surprised to find that it actually tasted like thick sugar and was really sweet! So much of the food which I expected to have a savoury taste, turned out to be sweet, and we ate lots of steamed vegetables. I shall always remember the smell of the dried seafood each time we walked down the street. Another thing I shall always remember is the appearance and taste of the vegetarian food at the temple – it looked like a giant mushroom and tasted like a half-cooked cake! I enjoyed this once in a lifetime opportunity to taste Chinese food, but don’t plan on repeating the experience in the near future. First Aid and Safety: Our own tour nurse, Mrs Janet Redman came on tour with us to Hong Kong and China; however I carried my own first aid items also. I have my Senior Certificate in First Aid from Queensland Ambulance, and knew I could look after myself in a number of minor situations. I carried with me my standard Queensland Ambulance pack and added a few additional items. This included a chap stick, sunscreen, scissors, splinter probe, various bandages, gloves, bandaids, various dressings, paper tape, tweezers, Panadol, saline solution, antiseptic solution, antiseptic gel to ensure good hygiene, Imodium tablets, Paraderm Plus, Nurofen tablets and cold/flu tablets. Mrs Redman was like a third mum (first being my Mum and the second being Mrs G). She ended up helping the majority of Cantabile who were struck down with the ‘Cantabile mystery illness’. Towards the end of our tour I was sick and had to see the doctor, and I am so grateful that Mrs Redman came with me, as the Chinese doctor in the hotel had some rather strange ideas. The doctor wanted to send everyone to hospital, regardless of the problem, but Mrs Redman was always there to buy our medicine and look after us. Log of Expedition - Our Overseas Tour Begins: Day 1: Our tour began on Monday, 10th July 2006 when 23 members of Cantabile met at Brisbane Airport, along with their parents, families, friends, our Tour Director - Mrs Susan Gouchee; Music Teacher - Miss Nicole Amies; Tour Manager – Mr Greg Hall; Nurse – Mrs Janet Redman, and Translator – Mrs Ginny Renouf. Photos were taken, a few tears shed, hugs and goodbyes were exchanged, and finally, with our bright pink cabin bags in tow, we boarded our plane for a short flight to Sydney. Our plane arrived in Sydney later than we had expected, but it did not delay our connection to our overseas flight. As we were slowly making our way through customs, we happened to spot Pat Rafter! It was so exciting but we couldn’t take photos, so we will have to just remember the moment. Running from customs, we barely made our connecting flight to Hong Kong. I sat next to Amanda and Emma and we all sat drinking hot chocolates and watching movies. The window began to frost outside and when we checked, it was -45 degrees outside. 
When we arrived in Hong Kong, we met our tour guide Ben. He was so funny and he was really trying to sell Hong Kong; especially just after we stepped outside and into the heat-wave of the city. He took us to our hotel in the middle of the city. We were tired by then, so we went for a walk to McDonalds for dinner. From someone who works at McDonalds and knows the food backwards, it was so strange to see the different food. We walked back to the hotel afterward and slept for a long time. I kept thinking about how humid it was, even in the middle of the night. Day 2: Today we had the biggest buffet breakfast I have ever seen. It was so good to see western food after the shock of McDonalds. We were all really hungry after the hours of plane food, so it was a good way to start the day. After breakfast, we did what a group of 23 girls do best…shopping!! We decided to split up into groups in the hotel lobby and headed for Nathan Road. It was really good looking at the different fashions available in Hong Kong. Most of the stores we looked at were extremely expensive and we had limited money, so we just looked around. We decided to save our money for the markets and I had my first bartering experience. Near our hotel, there was a lady selling little souvenirs. I found a red tie with yellow dragons and decided to see how well I could barter. I bought the red tie for my dad for half the price she had asked for. I was so excited! We went out for dinner to a restaurant and I was amazed at the array of food. After dinner, we went to the edge of the harbour to see the light show. We had a picture taken at the harbour and there were a lot of people watching as the photo was being taken. While we were still posing, heaps of Chinese people began jumping in and having photos taken with us. It was cool to feel so famous. Day 3: Today we went on a half day tour of Hong Kong. My favourite part of the day was travelling up the Funicular Railway to see the views of Hong Kong Harbour. The views travelling up the railway were amazing! The railway was so steep that our seats were leaning back. We also visited Aberdeen Fishing Village and went on some boats to see what the housing was like. The boats people live on were completely self-contained with some even having a fridge and oven. The people who live there fish for their whole lives and their wives live on the boats too. When we went down, they were on holidays, so there were not many people around. We did walk past some other choirs on our journey. 
That night, we went shopping to the Temple Street Night Markets. It was amazing! I could not believe the number of people or stalls that were contained in one street. We walked through and found some really good buys. It was also our first encounter with market etiquette. As we walked past, the people would grab our arms and pull us into the stalls saying, ‘Oh, beautiful girls… pretty girls… so beautiful… you like? You buy?’ For us, this was a huge culture shock as it never happens in Australia. We made it out of the markets with bags of goodies and hustled to call over taxis to get us back to the hotel. Day 4: Today we packed all our gear, struggling to close our cases already, and prepared to leave Hong Kong. The flight was interesting with a meal of a bacon and egg muffin and while we were eating it, something which looked like liquid nitrogen came flowing from the ceiling of the plane! The flight seemed to take forever but we arrived in Xiamen already tiring. By now, I was fairly used to the customs procedures. As we walked out into Xiamen, we could see bus loads of other choirs in coloured shirts and big banners welcoming everyone to the Olympic Games. It was so exciting! We also met our next guide, Lily. She is a student at Xiamen University. I was talking to her on the bus and she was excited to be looking after our Choir. Day 5: Today we began the hard work for the Games. We practised for the whole morning and began to finalise our songs. We were in the middle of rehearsal when we were told that the whole choir had to go to the Grand Hall of the People to register for the competition. We all grabbed our Australian tattoos, bags, flags and souvenirs and headed out. At the hall, we sat down and waited for Mrs Gouchee to register us. While we were waiting, I went up to another choir and began talking to them about their country. They were from Slovenia and were very excited about being there. I gave them all souvenirs and told them that we were the ‘Aussie Girls’. They gave me a book and a DVD on Slovenia and said that they hope to keep in touch. I also met a choir from Denmark who were excited to hear that I would be travelling over there next year. As they went, I met the choir from England. They were all girls like us. I gave out koalas and kangaroos and talked to them about England. Soon we had to go for lunch. In the hall, we were sitting in front of a choir from the Philippines. They said hello and we chatted about the games and our choirs. They left with Australian pins and Cantabile soon became known as ‘The Friendly Australians’, having photos taken wherever we went. Day 6:  Today we had lunch in the Great Hall and went to the next venue where we would perform, to have an acoustic rehearsal for the Opening Ceremony. We stayed there for the rest of the day. While we were backstage, I made friends with the ‘International Children’s Choir’ from Utah, America, the South African Boys’ Choir, some little Thai girls and the older choir from Thailand. When we had lunch, I saw the choir from Thailand again and one of the girls gave me a bracelet she had made herself. I was so happy to already have made so many friends and they all knew my name! We were only one of 6 choirs invited to perform in the Opening Ceremony – it was such an honour and so amazing! We all walked in covered in Australian flags and animals, cheering and had many photos taken of all of us.
That night I was so tired! I didn’t think any other choirs were staying in our hotel, because the staff were giving us such special treatment – the Manager even put up a ‘Go Aussie’ sign in the lobby of the hotel. Day 7: Today we registered for the Youth Choirs Section and competed in Round One. We had lunch at the Great Hall and waited for our results. We placed 6th out of 22 choirs and were awarded a Gold Level 3. That night we performed in a Friendship Concert at another hotel. It was fun and everyone was swapping trinkets and taking photos. Day 8: Today we had a free day as we weren’t sure if the Youth Choirs finals would be on. We went shopping again and bought a lot of souvenirs. Day 9: The finals of Youth Choirs were on today. We spent the day rehearsing for the competition and doing our hair and makeup as perfectly as we could. After we competed, we saw some of the other choirs we were up against. We were very nervous after hearing them sing as they were all really good. The rest of the day was spent nervously wondering about our results. Day 10: This morning we had the medal ceremony for Youth Choirs. We were so nervous! We listened intently as each choir was called out and we were excited when we heard that we were still to come. We all screamed so loudly when we were awarded a silver medal and even Lily was screaming with me! After the ceremony, we decided to go shopping again as we were still really excited. Lily took Fritty and I to some shops and we had the best time ever! Day 11: Today we went on a trip to Gulangyu Island, also known as the ‘Piano Island’. While we were there, I saw the Slovenians again who were so friendly. Everywhere we went on the island, we walked. It was unbelievably hot and all we wanted to do was to sit in air conditioning. The island was nice and the piano museum was really interesting. We left the island and retreated to the Hotel. That night we hit the markets again. Day 12: Today we practised again in the morning. We had to get the popular and gospel sections really nailed before the sound check. Today must have been the most stressful sound check we’d ever had. Halfway through, one girl ran off sick, one ran off crying, some followed and the rest of us were left trying to sing and make up for the missing girls, with our throats aching. At least it all happened in the rehearsal, not the real thing. Day 13: Today we had a rehearsal all day. After the day before, we wanted to make sure we could perform to our best ability. It was hectic and intense, but it was worth it. That night was the Opening Ceremony, Part Two. I couldn’t make it as I was sick, and stayed at the hotel. The staff at the hotel were really nice and called my room to make sure I was ok. Day 14: Today we registered and competed in the Popular Section. It was fun and I really enjoyed the section. As soon as I walked onto the stage, I saw our Supporters Group with flags everywhere. It was really helpful knowing they came all that way to support us. We sat in the audience to see the other choirs and were surprised to see a German group singing ‘Old Macdonald’s Farm’ and even incorporating animal noises! Day 15: Gospel Section and registration was today. We went really well and were very strong. I made friends with the American choir. They were huge and were very strong. They were very friendly and I gave out all the koalas I had left. We then had the Popular Section finals. It was a very eventful day. Day 16: Today was the last time we would perform in China. The Gospel finals were fun and we met some of our old friends. The Americans congratulated us afterwards and so did the choir from the Philippines. Day 17: Today we had the Award Ceremony for Gospel and Popular. We were awarded a Silver Medal in each section and were very happy with the result. Later that night there was a Champions Concert, which was very good to see. Day 18: Today we packed up and left Xiamen and Lily. I was so sad, because Lilly and I became very close friends. She cried when we left and I did too. (I’m so glad to have kept in such close contact with Lily – since I arrived back in Australia we have been writing to each other and we plan to keep in contact and one day see each other again.) Before I left Xiamen, Lily gave me a gift of a beautiful bracelet, which I will always treasure. I think of her every time I wear it.  We flew China Airlines to Beijing and were shocked when we stepped out of the airport into the most polluted city I have ever seen. The smoke was so thick that some of the girls had to wear face masks in order to stop coughing. When we arrived we were told our Tour Guide and Bus Driver were both called Mr Shu. The Tour Guide told us to call him Mr Right Shu and the Bus Driver Mr Left Shu! We all laughed! Our hotel was very different to the one in Xiamen where all the staff had been so nice and friendly. At the hotel in Beijing the staff were unfriendly and the room smelled of smoke. We went out for dinner, then Fritty, Jasmine and I went for a spa and sauna.
Day 19: We went to Tiananmen Square which was absolutely packed with the most people I have ever seen queuing up to see Mao’s tomb. While we were in Tiananmen Square we were constantly approached by deformed people, old people and really young children asking for money. We felt extremely bad for them, however after seeing one mother training her daughter to beg, we realised that we had to ignore them. This was also the case when we stepped out of the bus and were swarmed by people trying to sell us goods on the side of the street. We crossed the street to the Forbidden City where there were also many people. It was very crowded and was undergoing renovation in preparation for the Olympics in 2008. Day 20: Today we climbed the Great Wall of China. We hopped on the bus with the Shu’s and drove for what seemed like hours towards the mountain range. Once we were near the Great Wall of China, we started seeing huge car parks. We were excited as we thought we had arrived, but after driving past five car parks and hundreds of people walking up the mountain, we realised that there were several kilometres of car parks before actually reaching the Great Wall. We were extremely thankful that our driver was able to drive us up to the Great Wall itself, as were already extremely tired from our trip so far. Once we began climbing the Great Wall we found an area where we could get a group photo taken. It took four men and one photographer to stop the Chinese people from jumping into the photo with us. When climbing the Great Wall we had two possible options – either to take the easy but busy way, or take the more difficult option with less of a crowd. Being teenage girls, we all decided we were fit enough to take the hard road, only to realise ten minutes later that we should have taken the easy way. It was so foggy that we could barely see two metres around us, and we were walking up the steepest climb I have ever experienced.  I was extremely pleased with myself when I reached the top of the Great Wall and received my certificate, only to look down at my watch to realise that I had ten minutes to make it back to the bus with Bree. We soon found ourselves running back down the steepest slope I have ever seen.
We then drove to a farmers’ store where they show off their skills, including the most delicious Chinese meal I have ever eaten. We went on a tour with Mr Shu and saw the many Chinese workers making copper vases. We walked down the Sacred Way to the Ming Tombs and passed stone statues of pairs of animals and people who were guarding the tombs. That night we watched the Chinese Acrobatic Show and couldn’t believe the abilities of children at such a young age. Day 21: Today we went to the Silk Markets. As soon as we walked down an aisle of stalls, the salespeople grabbed us tightly and pulled us into their market stall while someone else guarded the doorway. It was so scary and we soon learned that we had to be strong and ignore them pressuring us to buy their goods. I also had a ride in a rickshaw with Fritty – our driver looked so old and frail that we offered to get out and pedal him, however he turned out to be the strongest driver. As we were riding along, we were surprised to turn to the left and see the street sellers now riding after us still trying to sell us their goods. Fritty and I made friends with a lady selling little bags and ended up getting them for a good price. Day 22: After checking out of our hotel we went back to the silk markets to buy more bargains. We were more confident this time as we knew what we were up against. I decided to improve my bartering skills and went along to every shop I could find to see if I could grab a last minute bargain. Every time I hit a new shop, I would tell the seller that the previous stall offered me this price. They matched it and I explained I might as well get it at the previous stall. They then offered me a cheaper price, but I moved on to the next stall to repeat my bartering skills. I ended up buying a pair of converse gym shoes for 20 yuan, which is equivalent to about $3 Australian. I was very proud as the next cheapest buy for them in our group was 80 yuan.  We then went to the airport and checked in, then became distressed to find that everyone’s bags were being weighed individually and were far too heavy. As I waited in the queue, all I could see was the Cantabile girls in front of me madly trying to throw things out of their bag. I called my Mum stressed and worried as I had no money left to pay excess baggage and Mum said that as I had already taken out heavy but unnecessary items, I should be fine. I was still stressed and weighed my bags. The lady at the counter said they were perfect weight but my small bag was a little bit heavier than it was supposed to be so I had to transfer some to my suitcase. Both cases were locked and I couldn’t find the keys so the lady at the counter let me through.
By now we were extremely hungry and tired and walking around a deserted airport. Fritty and I found a coffee shop and bought coffee and popcorn just before boarding the plane. During the twelve hour overnight flight I could not sleep so I was extremely tired by the time I reached my parents. Day 23: I was excited to step off the plane wearing my three silver medals and to see a huge ‘Welcome Home Cantabile’ banner and so many people who were so proud of us. Mum, Dad, Melanie, Josh and James were so excited to see me and they took more photos of us arriving home. We waited with Amelia at the airport because she had lost her mum in Sydney and her dad had not yet arrived at the airport to meet her. Finally her mum arrived on a later flight and her dad arrived also. We headed home and I was so excited I unpacked my case and showed my family all my souvenirs. I was really looking forward to western food, so Mum and Dad took us to the Lone Star Tavern for dinner where I had a delicious steak and salad. I then went home and slept for 16 hours straight. Purpose: My purpose was to compete in the World Choir Olympics in Xiamen, China as a member of the elite girls’ choir ‘Cantabile’ as an official ambassador of Canterbury College, Queensland Tourism and Australia. I was very proud to have been given this opportunity to represent my country and as an Australian, wanted to make a very good impression amongst people of other nations. I hoped to take this wonderful opportunity to spread goodwill and friendship throughout the world, and make some new friends from other choirs. Over 25,000 singers from over 400 choirs around the world performed in the Olympics and I was going to have the opportunity to meet many of these performers.  I also wanted to continue to improve my group skills, by being able to co-operate in a group situation and support and assist my fellow Cantabile members whenever possible. I hoped that the other Cantabile members would enjoy my company as much as I would enjoy theirs, and I hoped that we would have fun as we experienced this adventure together.
This was also going to be a wonderful lead up to 2007 when I shall be living in Denmark for 12 months as a Rotary Youth Exchange Student. This trip would give me a taste of what it would be like to be away from home, in fact overseas, for an extended period of time. I would find out what it would be like to be away from home, and how I would cope both emotionally and physically. Reflective Component: I am really happy I made so many friends while I was overseas and carried on the easy going, fun and warm nature of Australians. I found a special friend in Lily whom I still keep in touch with and hope to see in the future. I also enjoyed meeting the members from the other choirs who recognised me whenever we saw each other, and have still continued to keep in touch with me. Whilst in China I formed a special bond of friendship with Jasmine who was my roommate and we still share personal jokes at school and laugh about our time together in China. I also came to know Fritsene, Natalie and Breanna better and theirs is another friendship which we will continue once I leave school.  This trip was a wonderful preparation for my Rotary Exchange to Denmark next year, especially travelling through international airports. I now have more confidence to approach people I have only just met and create conversation about a range of topics.
This experience of being a member of Cantabile and travelling to Hong Kong and China to compete in the World Choir Olympics has truly been an opportunity of a lifetime. (I am still excited that I was accepted as a member of Cantabile following my initial audition.) I have met the most amazing people and made some very special friends. I have laughed and cried and formed a bond with some friends which will last a life time. I have experienced competition at a world class level and competed against others who are the best in the world in their skill. I have visited two foreign countries, seen new sights and experienced new cultures. My memories with Cantabile will last a life time! |