| | The Cold and Windy Conditions at the Golden Gate Bridge |
OUR TRIP
Each year, one of the fine arts performing arts groups (orchestra, band, and choir) is afforded the opportunity to tour a part of the country and minister through music. This year it was the Concert Orchestra's turn.
In my orchestra blog, I want to tell you about our trip to San Francisco, California. |
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| | Our Sightseeing Tour |
DAY 1
We began in an airport. This was a very long day for us because we had to be up at 3:00 am, to be at the airport by 4:30, for a 6:00 flight. We arrived in San Francisco at 11:something with an entire day ahead of us. Our first stop was a Holiday Inn Express at Fisherman's Wharf, near Pier 39. Next was lunch at...what was that memorable burger place called? Where is McDonald's when you need it? Very crowded, hard to find location, we had our first introduction to the many homeless of SF. By the time we had lunch, it was time for our three and a half hour bus tour from Mr. "Glad to see you-now have a seat and don't talk". He took us all over (and I mean "all over") San Francisco. |
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| | The Mission, a Catholic Church |
This 19th century Catholic church served as a missions station to the Indians during the early years before California's statehood. Currently it serves the city's poorer residents. (It also happened to serve us well for a desperately needed bathroom break and group photo shot). |
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| | Our Home Away From Home, The Holiday Inn Express |
After an informative but tiring bus tour, we had dinner at BubbaGumps (who was that guy who stood on the chair and asked us funny questions at the end of our meal?). We were wiped out. It was roughly 9:00 pm which was 12:00 am e.s.t. Factor in jetlag and it was probably 29:00 pm. We crashed for the night.
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| | Performing for Chapel |
DAY 2
One of the main purposes for our trip was to share the love of Christ with another student body. We were invited to perform for a chapel service at a local San Francisco Christian school called Bridgemont High. Their school was quite different in many respects. First off, their student population was roughly 60, yes, you heard me right. This was not the senior class size but the entire student population. Secondly, their student body was quite diverse, economically, socially and culturally. And lastly, their school based on a missions/outreach model (concerned primarily with reaching non-believing students for Christ) while ours based on a covenant model (equipping students to serve Christ in their field). They loved our performance and received us very warmly. Two seniors, Carmen Curro and Daniela Feitosa also shared testimonies and encouraged us all to look to Christ. After the service ended, we introduced ourselves to them and thanked them for their hospitality. |
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| | The Muir Woods "Adventure" |
After our chapel performance ended, the rain began and we had to consider alternate plans. Despite the dreary weather (see the photo taken as we crossed the Golden Gate Bridge), we decided to pursue our original idea, a trip to Muir Woods. Let me just say that this unique forest just a few minutes outside of the city was an adventure. This park was populated mostly by Redwood trees which were thicker at the trunk than a humvee and as tall as a thirteen story building, and which dated from 13th century. While we were all forced to purchase ponchos to keep from getting wet, some of us shrugged off the weather and enjoyed the peace and calm that the surroundings provided and made it a special time with GOD. Those who were too distracted by the wet conditions resorted to splashing in puddles of mud. Mud doesn't look to good on white. On our trek out through the foggy and windy roads of Muir Woods, one person was able to catch a cloud in a Dasani water bottle but later released it. |
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| | The Chaperones at the Chinatown Restaurant |
After a brief time spent recovering from our outing, we all went out to eat in Chinatown. Above is pictured the chaperones, Mr. Miller, Mrs. Soleyn, and Mrs. Stolley, and myself. The students and I were very thankful for those brave and faithful van drivers who sacrificed much in order to keep up with the convoy. |
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| | Pier 39 |
DAY 3
The third day afforded us an opportunity to slow down some. We spent the morning hours before our Alcatraz trip, sleeping in (can anyone say, "Thank you, LORD"?) and shop hopping. With the temperatures hovering around 55 degrees, some of us even decided to visit the local Ben and Jerry's. |
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| | Crowds Gather Around Local Talent |
Along with the many tourist sites (and traps), we found many people sharing their talents with the crowds hoping to make some money. There was the "bushman" who hid behind a bush and jumped out at passersby, this fellow pictured above, who, along with his two compadres, entertained the crowds by spinning on their heads, a man who played the same rhythm on his bongo drums for hours (one of our students thought of giving the man money to play something else), and lastly, a man painted silver who pretended to be a statue. The enterpeneur spirit is alive and well in San Francisco. |
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| | "The Rock", small "r" |
One of our main attractions to visit was Alcatraz. This island had been used as a fort during the Civil War, a prison for disobedient soldiers, and a prison for the incorrigibles of our society. The rock also happened to be taken captive by a local Indian group for 19 days during the 1970's as a means of making the public aware of the rights of Indians. |
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| | "Broadway" |
Above, students and tourists wonder around the prison guided by audio/headphone sets. (Its an odd thing to watch people silently move about the prison in tandem without any external cue.) This main row was called by the prisoners, "Broadway", and was the main walkway through the prison. |
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| | The Jail Cells |
Alcatraz never housed a capacity crowd though it was home to the likes of Al Capone and the "Birdman". |
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| | The Ferry |
The ferry ride both to and from Alcatraz was quite tumultuous. Mr. Schwartz who doesn't travel well on boats raced downstairs to grab a coke while the rest of the students enjoyed the 6 minute ride. So much for the cruise idea in 2009. |
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| | "The Famous Executive" |
Who let the cat out of the bag? Someone told.
Ok, yes, he's my brother, my younger brother, Jonathan. Get it? David and Jonathan. Funny thing that my father is an atheist. The other Mr. Schwartz began by starting a small computer tools company called Lighthouse Design in the late 80's with some friends from Carnegie Melon University. Though they struggled initially, they moved to Silicon Valley and were then purchased by Sun Microsystems in the mid 90's. Mr. Schwartz, the younger, then started his climb up the management ladder. It wasn't long before his talent was recognized and he became president. He was very gracious to treat us to a very nice meal at the Chalet which overlooked the Pacific Ocean and a gorgeous sunset. |
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| | The Other Beach |
How many students can say they've been to both beaches, west and east coast (and I'm not talking about the coasts of Florida, either). Though it was freeeeeezing cold and very windy, many of the students braved the weather and put their feet in the water. Brrrr! |
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| | Karoke anyone? |
After a wonderful dinner at the Chalet, we were invited back to his house for ice cream. He purchased a Steinway piano for his home a few months ago. Above a small number of orchestra students took advantage of the opportunity to sit down and play for the group. My brother lives in an old four story home with an elevator, built in 1904, two years before the earthquake. |
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| | The Tea Garden |
DAY 4
Our last full day, Sunday, we attended a wonderful congregation where communion was served and we heard a very challenging message. After lunch at a fun sandwich shop, we crammed in a number of last minute activities (a performance of the San Francisco Youth Orchestra-boy, where they good, a trip to a Japanese Tea Garden, one last shopping spree in Chinatown, and dinner at the Cheesecake Factory on the 8th floor of Macy's. Nice view! |
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| | Shooooooping |
Shopping was a favorite pastime of some of the freshman. Here we are in Chinatown, posing with a Chinese fiddle player. Notice how much rosin he has under the strings. He must practice a lot, hint, hint!:) |
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| | "HOME AGAIN" |
DAY 5
After crossing 3 time zones and spending 5 days travelling all over San Francisco, our trip was over. We had a great time but I think we were all glad to be back in sunny and warm Florida with family and friends to enjoy the remainder of our spring break.
Now where shall we go next time? Any ideas? |
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