It's all done!

Well, Saturday came and (eventually) went. A very long day but we managed to complete our recording. It may have been sunny outside (at least for part of the day) but St Peter's, as usual, had its own unique climate. In fact if global warming ever gets so bad that Edinburgh is transformed into a desert landscape I really feel that those in the know will congregate in this building to escape the heat. The day started in an interesting way with our recording of 'Geographical Fugue'; one take ended with the exclamation 'oh pants' which is never a good sign but often an appropriate response to this piece of 'music'. Got it sorted eventually though and Susan and I giggled at the thought that we (the two sops) have only ever got this piece completely right twice- the first was the concert at Canongate Kirk last year and the second was the final take on Saturday. We smiled at our diva tendencies to only get it right when it matters ;-)

After a few bum notes, lots of stretching (man, standing up for eight hours is tough on the back) and, most of all, some great singing it was in the can (is that the right expression?...I am new to this recording artist business). Now poor old Helen just has to edit the whole thing...good luck with that! Oh and what are the chances that on the day Rudsambee want to record, a helicopter spends all day flying backwards and forwards over the church. If you were flying this thing beware- you are now on the Rudsambee hit list (otherwise known as the Chris-will-tickle-you-until-you-pass-out list).

Anyways, only two more sleeps until we hit the Czech Republic. A few of our number have left for the continent today (hope you are having a great time guys!). So I thought I would update the blog each day before then with a few Czech phrases and points of interest that might help. So a couple of phrases...

Nice to meet you: Těší mě (jeshi m-na)
I'll have a beer please: Dám si jedno pivo prosím (actually this sounds exactly as you would imagine. Good on the Czechs for simplifying where needed!)
Would you like to dance?: Smím prosit?

But I couldn't finish this post without mentioning the difference between British and Czech underground/subway announcements. In Britain (actually I'm basing this observation on London) a polite lady tells us to 'please mind the gap' and to 'please mind the doors'. In the Czech Republic apparently the announcer says something like this...Ukončete výstup a nástup, dveře se zavírají! which means 'Finish exiting and boarding the train, the doors are closing!' So much more direct than we are! Basically 'stop dilly-dallying around you fool and get off before you lose a body part in the closing door'. Fabulous- I love it.

Anyways (this is the final 'anyways') must just mention Kay who is due to have the baby sometime in the next week. She amazingly managed nearly the whole recording session. I'm pretty sure this baby will come out with the rhythms for 'Hide and Seek' already down! Much love and all the best for the next couple of weeks Kay. We'll miss you. Of course she isn't the only member of our group to be expecting. Rachel and Jake are also waiting on a wee one so I'll add a 'baby watch' entry when we have news.

Over and out until our second Czech culture report tomorrow
CSW

p.s. in answer to Chris' (my esteemed editor's) inserted comment of last post, no this diva will not be setting fire to any tables...sadly...barring any accident...