Preparing for Venezuela #3

So now we have a vague idea of the itinerary of our upcoming Venezuelan odyssey! We were very fortunate to have a meeting not only with Erik Holmgren, who has helped organise fellows trips to Venezuela, but also Rodrigo Guerrero - part of El Sistema management and he's done a lot of work to make our trip possible! It looks like this:
Caracas - 4 days
Barquisimeto - 1 week
Guarico - 1 week
Caracas - 9 days

Other fellows have said this and Erik reiterated today that seldom do you embark on an experience that you *know* will be hugely positive, transformative, and so inspirational that it will guide your life's work and dreams for years to come. Wow. Is it American hyperbole? Let's find out! ;)

Salon evening

We had a great evening at 18 Dalrymple - food, some excellent cider, and sharing music. It was awesome to play and sing some Venezuelan songs with our Venezuelan guests of honour, Aristides and Andrea - the song 'Alma Llanera' accompanied by the cuatro, ukulele and sign language with a White Hands Choir alumni! Aristidies also joined us for an acapella arrangement of 'Caballo Viejo'.

 

Finally, the Venezuelan National Anthem - Glory to the Brave People!