Our fearless leaders

Shawnda, Dennis, and Brandi taking a much deserved long lunch in Timisoara, Romania. 

Tour History, Sunday, July 13, Erin McBride and Heidi Burnett

1 What is today's location, weather, and landscape?
Timisoara, Romania.
Sunny, warm, and beautiful.
City landscape.

2. What was today's most interesting/delicious/gross food?
The smorgasbord!

3. Where and for whom did Clog America perform?
At the festival for over 2,000 people, in a parade, and at the wreath laying ceremony.

4. What was today's funniest overheard comment?
"I have a ton of gas." (Carbonated water.)

5. What act of kindness did you observe today?
Alyssa's birthday and everyone singing to her on stage.

6. What was today's funniest performance moment?
Jen kissing the Mexican mariachi singer.

7. What was some wisdom gleaned from Miriam?
It's hard to believe, but nice to see, that people who have had it so hard, can be so happy.

8. What word best describes today?
Parade!

9. Describe today's miracle.
The parade happened and didn't get rained out.
We kept the birthday surprises from Alyssa.
Amy, Heidi, and Erin found the church.
And no one was trapped inside the elevator for very long.

10. What cultural a-ha moment did you experience?
See- Missionaries! (during our private church services)
Touch- Felt the sun (during the parade)
Hear- Hymns
Smell- Crowds of people
Taste- Smorgasbord and birthday cake

Sunday

It was a LONG and fun Sunday. There's much to be said about it, but it's after 2 a.m. in Romania, and this Blogger needs her sleep.
So enjoy a few of the pictures from Sunday, and we'll get back to you soon with real stories and explanations. (We leave for Serbia in less than 7 hours.)

The Show Must Go On!

After you've traveled thousands and thousands of miles to attend a festival, you don't let a little rain stand in the way of your show.
The rains came down and down again in Timisoara today, but "the show must go on!" With the audience huddled under umbrellas, several countries put on a great show tonight. Due to the rain the audience was fairly subdued most of the evening. But when Clog America took the stage, people got excited.
The audience clapped along, and little kids even got up and started to dance the do-si-do in the rain.
The stage is a large shell, with amazing acoustics. The taps of the clogging shoes resonate and echo loudly, creating a thunderous sound combined with the pouring rain outside. This video doesn't do it justice, but here's the last few seconds of "precision" tonight.

Timisoara, Romania

We have arrived in beautiful Timisoara, Romania. We're staying in a nice little hotel, right off the main town plaza (called a piata in Romanian). There are dozens of shops, cafes, gelato, live music, and more just a few walking steps away from our door, and we are loving it. Last night many of our group members took advantage of "Jazz Fest" happening in the square, and stayed out late for a lively, packed concert with Al Jarreau.

There was supposed to be a parade when we arrived yesterday, but due to the rain, it got canceled at the very last second. But since the band was in costume already, they decided to make the most of it, and went out into the square and put on their own show.

The next thing you know, dozens of people had gathered around to watch the band. They even called out a few requests! The highlight was when a Romanian woman, who now lives in the States, suddenly stepped out and started to clog! Our founder and leader, Dennis, quickly joined her. The crowd loved it! It was fun to watch!

After dinner we went over to the festival, held in the "Park of Roses" and watched a few of the other groups. This festival has street vendors with lots of food, local wares, etc. We're very excited to spend more time there today, and perform tonight!

Tour History, Thursday, July 10, Ashlyn Maynes and Aly Langworthy

1. What is today's location, weather, and landscape?
Timisoara, Romania. Rainy, green, and beeeautiful!

2. What was today's most interesting/delicious/gross food?
The chicken that tasted like a chain smoker's mouth!

3. Where and for whom did Clog America perform?
The dancers performed parade routines for people in the hotel lobby while the band performed out in the street and earned over 200 lei!

4. What was today's funniest overheard comment?
While saying goodbye to our cute Herculane guides, one said, "Keep touching!" instead of "Keep in touch!"

5. What act of kindness did you observe today?
Everyone carrying not only their own luggage down the hill, but going back up to help others.

6. What was today's funniest performance moment?
Adam froze on his turn playing Arkansas Traveler. The band had to skip over him before they crashed and burned.

7. What was some wisdom gleaned from Miriam?
When you see something you love, buy it!

8. What word best describes today?
Traveling!

9. Describe today's miracle.
The rain stopped at least long enough to watch some of the countries perform.

10. What cultural a-ha moment did you experience?
See- Beautiful green trees and picturesque houses
Touch- Wet rain
Hear- The sounds of Romanian folk music
Smell- Meats, juice, and roasted nuts at the festival
Taste- Chocolate! Mmm!!