Eric Conway, D.M.A.:
Today we left for Bar, Montenegro - yes Bar! Bar is shortened
version of Antivari which comes from Bar's opposite position across the
Adriatic Sea from Bari, Italy. This is a coastal town which like the
rest of Montenegro is very beautiful, but happens to be on the shore.
The natives here proudly proclaim that the sun shines in Bar 280 days
out of the year!
We left our ski resort hotel
at 10 a.m. after an incredible breakfast featuring crepes (pancakes with
fruit or other toppings like chocolate). We left for Bar, Montenegro a
2 1/2 hour drive from Kosalin, Montenegro, where we had to drive back
through Podgorica to get to the shore. The drive was in many ways more
beautiful than the drive to Mojkavc because the landscape was even more
green. We passed Skadar lake, the biggest lake in the Balkans. We
travelled next to two islands, where the country built-up road right
next to the mountain to get to the shore. We then traveled 4 kilometers
through a mountain to end up 3 kilometers from the beautiful shore.
If
the Bianca Ski resort was not beautiful enough, the Hotel Princess in
Bar, a 4 star hotel, was next to the Adriatic Sea. The US Embassy in
Montenegro used every contact that they had to make our stay as
comfortable as possible. Every room had a balcony and view to of the
ocean. Each double room was a suite where each choir member had their
own bed and room. Yes, the Bianca resort was nice, but cannot compare
to an ocean suite hotel with a beautiful view. The only thing that I
was disappointed in was the beach. Once again, this beach did not have
beautiful sand, but many rocks. We are told that there are beaches with
beautiful sandy beaches, however, they all are very typically very
crowded.
After a smooth check in, we went to a
planned cultural exchange activity. One of the reasons for these tours
is for cultural exchange. There is no better way to exchange culture
than via music. The exchange occurred at the home of former King
Nicholas I which is now often used for concerts. Both groups warmly
received the culture of the other group. Musicians always appreciate
other good musicians.
After the exchange, we
went back to the hotel, just a few blocks aways to relax before the
evening concert. The concert was in an old fortress (castle) at the
highest peak in the town. Prior to leaving many took advantage of the
pool on the premises. The Morgan State University Choir never saw a
pool that they didn't like!
We left at 7:30
p.m. for our 9:00 p.m. concert. We drove up the mountain to the site of
the fortress. We then unboarded the bus to have a very steep walk up
the hill to the fortress. When we arrived, we knew that we were in a
place with much history. The fortress was in the "old" section of Bar -
obviously. We were pleasantly surprised at how nicely the castle had
been turned into an arts venue. After a good soundcheck, where the choir
members gave an impromptu open mic session those who arrived early, we
changed to perform at 9.
This was a huge event
for the Embassy and Bar. The castle was filled to capacity! I am told
that at least fifty or so were outside the performing space to just
listen to the choir, despite the limited sight lines. There was an
electricity in the air. The temperature was perfect, despite the day
being very warm at 88 degrees. Being on the coast, we felt a very
comfortable breeze as we performed in robes. The evening was quiet and
perfect for music making. We had an outstanding concert, certainly the
most exciting for us with the environs.
After the rocky start to our time in Montenegro, we are beginning to enjoy this small country and are happy that we are here!
Eric
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