Tea, Anyone?
Yet another two-hour rehearsal today, at Matthews church with their orchestra. We are getting ready for their anniversary celebration tomorrow (three services). Following that rehearsal, we left for two concerts: one in Araisi and the other in Limbazi.Yes, we were in Araisi just a few days ago for sightseeing, and now we were back to perform for about 30 people in the oldest building I've ever been in—the church was built in 1225. We were warned that it would be cold (it was) and we also found it was lit by candles. Our host once again was Tomar; today his younger son and his daughter translated for us. Tomar will be playing with us tomorrow at Matthews.
After lunch we travelled to Limbazi, very near the Russian border. Our host was Janis, the music director at the Aloja music school, in conjunction with the Limbazi Baptist Church. We performed for approximately another 30 people in their cultural center and then had tea and coffee with our hosts.
Speaking of tea, I've had more tea to drink in the last week then I've had in my whole life. Every time we perform we have hot tea and coffee and some type of snack laid out for us. Although I do not normally drink tea or coffee, it would be rude not to partake, so I drink some tea loaded with sugar. Even the children drink tea in Latvia! The ladies are very diligent in ensuring that we have enough to each, pressing food upon us at every turn.
Another ritual is the giving of flowers. After our Matthews concert, Eric received a bouquet and each of us was given a small spray of blooms. I think Eric received some flowers after the Aluksne concert as well. Some time is spent after each concert with our hosts and the residents of the area who stay to visit. Many of the people can speak a little English, but mostly we speak through our hosts, who interpret for us.
posted by Don @ 12:02 PM
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