What I Did Over Summer Vacation... · 1:24am Jul 27th, 2013

Way back in the summer before freshman year, I went to a music camp in order to improve my abilities as a vocalist. I enjoyed myself greatly, and made sure to return again the next year, this time going for two sessions. This camp, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, also happens to have an international exchange program, in which every year they send multiple music ensembles with a mission to "...creating international understanding through the arts". I was immediately intrigued both years that I had gone, and had applied and been accepted both times. But the second time I applied, I had received my acceptance letter whilst still being at camp. A little known fact is the sooner you receive your acceptance letter, the more they want you to come. So I decided that it was time for me to participate in the program.

All the ensembles involved had multiple rehearsals throughout the year leading up to our departure in June. We had two one day rehearsals, one weekend rehearsal and one 10 day rehearsal time, known by all as Intensive Week. At the end of Intensive week we were shipped off to Europe in order to live with host families and experience new cultures and be United States Ambassadors.

The Choral Ensemble, which I was involved in, was sent to 6 different German towns and cities, Landau, Kropp, Augsburg, Halle, Minden, and finally, Dillingen. All I can say is wow. All the towns were amazing and absolutely gorgeous, the people were so friendly and kind to us all, and I am so happy that I went. I even spent my 16th birthday in Halle! What a way to spend my birthday!

Now, some random things that I saw:

You know what this is?

Yep! I saw the castle that inspired Walt Disney? And let me say, it is GORGEOUS! So elaborate and absolutely stunning.