Wow, none of us can believe our last non-travel day of tour has arrived! While our first days in Hannover definitely feel like a long time ago, in many ways this tour has gone by in a flash. It will be sad to say goodbye to our Hochhausen family tomorrow, especially Sue Malick, who has been such a generous and hospitable host. This place definitely feels like a home away from home!

We started today off with an 8:45am call time at the buses to set off for our tour of the Saltzwerk Bad Friedrichshall (salt mines) for an incredibly special tour. We learned a ton about the salt mines, in addition to the history about Bad Friedrichshall, the surrounding area which, two hundred million years ago, was part of an immense shallow inland sea. Saltwater flowed from this ocean into the inland sea which did not have an outlet. This inflow ran dry and, at the same time, the water evaporated due to a desert-like climate which led to an increase in the salt concentration. As a result, salt crystals formed, settling on the sea bed and covered by rock layers. The amazing excavation chambers near the shaft have now been converted to a visitor mine, which is what we had the opportunity to explore today – and it was more massive than you could ever imagine! Highlights of our tour included various “cubes” inside of the mines, which showed movies and had interactive laboratories. Some of us, especially Elizabeth and Max, were drawn to the Concentration Camp Memorial exhibition about the Kockendorf Camp, through which these thoughtful singers learned about the prisoners who were forced to set up an armament factor in the salt mine during the Third Reich. Finally, I think most of our singers would agree that their favorite part of the tour was at the end, which had a huge slide to go down. Ken and Julia seemed to be shooting down particularly quickly! It was fun for all to watch and experience – even Bob took his turn, coaxed by a valiant Calin who went right after him. And, of course, we ended our tour by serenading the other visitors – Gutten Abend sounded particularly resonant in the underground chambers.

After about two hours exploring the mines, we boarded our bus to head back to the Mallicks’ house to enjoy our last picnic lunch, once again generously provided by our host families. The count and his wife made a guest appearance to provide Sue, Bob, an Suzie with their afternoon sustenance, which, among other things, included fresh Boar meet, some impressively large and tasty apricots, and local sheep’s milk cheese.

Once everyone was satiated and had some time to run around, we all moved into the Malick’s impressively renovated barn to have “Closing Circle.” This tradition is something that happens at the end of tour each year, and provides everyone the chance to reflect on the past year. It was a very moving circle, with many heartfelt thank-yous, and some tearful goodbyes. We also have the tradition of giving each of the singers a little gift for each of the years they have been on an Ensemble tour. This year, Owen and Kyle, each having been on the most tours (four!) were excited to get some really fun hats from Denmark.

We had a little over an hour to rest and get cleaned up before our final concert tonight in a neighboring town called Obrigheim, at St. Laurentius Catholic Church. Bob led the singers in a brief dress rehearsal and sound check, before getting ready for the show. Seeing as it was the last concert of tour, singers prepped by joining hands in a circle and “passing the squeeze” (led by Owen, who is the President and moving up to Ecco next year).

The concert was a huge hit! We had many repeat audience members from last night, in addition to some new folks, all of whom seemed to really enjoy the set. We even did 3 encores!

After the show, we boarded the bus to head back to Hochhausen for a farewell banquet and party at the Malick’s house. All of the host families provided delicious side dishes and desserts, and the Count carved the meat! We all enjoyed a delicious feast, and singers had a chance to give their chaperone gifts, which were all extremely thoughtful. Katrina loves her blue necklace that her group “Katrina’s Waves” got her at the Salt Mines, and Chris got a huge kick out of the lederhosen apron his group bought.

Filled with chocolate pudding, trifle, and way too much candy, we all headed to bed happy. Tomorrow is a super early morning travel day with a 5:30am call time at the bus. Plenty of time to relax after a spectacular tour!

Fun at the Salt Mine: https://youtu.be/Y_IA5-WGOLM

Final song for our friends in Hochhausen: https://youtu.be/kI4m96C3MTI

Click through the slideshow below for highlights: