Wednesday

International travel always makes for an adventure, and today was no exception. We had a minor passport issue, but Continental Airlines was great and helped us solve the problem without too much trouble. We arrived in Paris at 7:30 AM and spent the morning and afternoon on the town. After the river cruise we went in every direction - the Louvre, cafes, historical churches, shopping, time in the parks, and the Eiffel Tower.



Paris is incredible, a city like no other. The weather was gorgeous, and perhaps the most wonderful moment was just pausing and watching everyone take in the day. Most of the group stopped by Notre Dame to see where A Cappella will be singing in just two days. The choir was selected because of their reputation and recordings as one of only 60 choirs from around the world to be featured this year. Notre Dame is one of the most important places in the history of church music, and it is a fantastic honor for our students to receive this invitation.



We loaded the bus and headed to the beautiful town of Chartres. A catnap on the bus, quick shower, fresh clothes, and a nice meal at the Hotel Chatelet, and we all felt much better. A few hearty souls went out on the town to enjoy the festival of lights. "Lumiere" is something of a laser-light show featuring the Cathedral and many of the city's buildings. As you tour the city at night, you also enjoy the music and lights of "Lumiere."



Tomorrow we have our first concert at the Cathedral of Chartres. We look forward to our first full night's sleep in two days.

View more photos of the choir in Paris and Chartres on Flickr.