More detail

I have found the internet is still free and I have a little more time. So thought I would get down a few more reflections.

The flights over were as expected long and the third leg from Hong Kong particularly so although when it was clear the landscape was fascinating - China - lots of terraces the whole landscape looked brown and some green but carved over. Then the desert of the Gobi but some areas of green in patches. The mountains of the north Tibet plateau could be seen to the south. Slept and then we were passing over Russia very green with very dark brown ploughed soil showing. The rest was too cloudy over Baltic, Denmark Holland and into Heathrow. We had a delay here due to a gas leak on the runway but only about 40 minutes. We reached Prague around 11pm local time and then had an hour and a half bus trip to Padubice and bed. The students have been fantastic.

The next day it we into the festival. My role while they are singing and practising has been largely that of a gofer. I have done a lot of walking and now know the centre of town really well - including ice cream shop and money machines and the quickest way to our various venues. geography rules! This meant I have also been able to see a lot and have found lots of interesting sculpture and historical items - need to ask students if want to know the shopping options!

The choir also sung in the town of Chrudim yesterday - about 15 minutes due south of Pardubice . This was a concert for the choirs who didn't win gold awards. This town has an extremely interesting puppet museum. Puppets are a feature of Czech culture. Later in the afternoon we walked around the castle and historical area of Pardubice, including the castle and Green gate.