Day 4: Exchanges and Enchiladas

Today started with Chaperone Rachel leading a beloved “rich mom walk” around the lake on our hotel’s campus with those that wished to participate. Following another yummy breakfast with fresh fruits, eggs, and beans and rice, we boarded the bus for the ride to San Ramon. En route, singers and chaperones alike enjoyed some lovely nap time. 

We had a quick pit stop, where some singers got snacks, and others got smoothies or just stretched their legs for a second. 

Upon our arrival in San Ramon, we lunched at a restaurant called El Jardin, which was surrounded by a butterfly garden, a giant gift shop, and even some farm animals; some of the singers got to meet a baby horse!

We continued to the Muestra de ilustración en ceràmica, where we exchanged with a local choir, Coros del Instituto Músico Vocal del Occidente. 

While waiting for the concert to begin, the singers played the infamous Pony Game, as well as a loosely translated version of Down By The Banks. It was heartwarming to see the singers from both choirs bonding regardless of the language barrier and age difference. 

Ensemble performed Canticum Novum, Like a Stream, and Nagasaki, which brought tears to many in the audience. Ancora blessed our ears with Winges and Randall, and the mass pieces were stunning. 

We then went to local restaurant La Lira for dinner, which was salad, squash soup, and enchiladas. We then boarded the bus for an hour to reach our final hotel stay of the trip; the Radisson in San Jose. 

Click here for photos from today: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/2q74xetehuscvg0/AAA58DwYhAWUvBrJvacs4tcxa?dl=0