Day 1 & 2: Our Journey to Cambridge — A Harmonious Start in England
10 hours after we said goodbye at SFO, we finally touched down in London and were greeted by the welcoming faces of our tour manager Hellen, and coach driver Darren. The excitement of the singers outweighed the fatigue and hunger they felt while loading their luggage onto the bus. With a two-hour drive to Ely Cathedral ahead, we settled into our seats and experienced the English countryside at the steady hands of Darren.
As we ventured out of London, the scenery quickly became picturesque. Rolling hills blanketed in greenery, charming thatched-roof cottages and tiny cars navigating narrow roads provided a delightful introduction to rural England. Some of our singers seized the opportunity to catch up on much-needed rest, the gentle hum of the bus creating a soothing backdrop for their naps.
Upon arriving at Ely Cathedral, the grandeur of the structure left us in awe. The cathedral's intricate architecture, as we learned was a mix of styles and eras, was a sight to behold. Before diving into our tour, we dispersed to explore the local shops, eager to sample some British snacks and recharge with a bite to eat.
Refreshed and ready, we reconvened to begin our tour of the cathedral grounds. The tour was thorough, offering insights into the rich history and architectural splendor of Ely Cathedral. As we explored, the resonant sounds of the church choir's rehearsal for that evening's service filled the air adding to the experience of our tour.
The highlight of the tour was when Ensemble gathered in the Lady Chapel and performed Salve Regina. Here, we were treated to the remarkable acoustics of the space, characterized by a seven-second reverb. Singing in this historic chapel was an ethereal experience, as it was a song for Lady Mary sung in a space for Lady Mary.
With the day's main event behind us, we boarded the bus once more and headed towards the Hilton Hotel for a quick dinner. The meal was a welcome respite, providing us with the energy needed to continue our journey to Cambridge.
As we arrived in Cambridge, our group split into two. Half of us were welcomed into homestays, where we would get a taste of local hospitality and daily life. The other half settled into their hotel rooms, looking forward to a good night's rest after a day filled with travel and exploration.
Can’t believe it's been 2 full days already! Time is flying and we’re proud of the singers for prevailing through an international flight and a full day of sightseeing and light singing. Cheerio!
Access photos from today here
