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Published: June 13th 2011
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gonna buy me a bike and move to Salaya I wasn't sure who to tell; who would appreciate my going out on my own, being a little risky, for music. Only you; thus, I write my story to you.
Last Monday, we were in at work a good 30 minutes before anyone came to open the door. Kyle found The Bangkok Post so we read the news while we waited. My attention was caught by a section of local news featuring performances and exhibits. I had had no idea there was such a thing as the Thailand Philharmonic, but there is. I decided then and there that I needed to go. I asked a few people if they'd like to join me, but there was little interest. Nevertheless, I kept my plan alive the rest of the week. I didn't know whether I would work too late to get to Salaya campus in time to get a ticket, but I was quite lucky in that work on Friday was the following: sit around, streak plates, eat lunch, sit around, chat, go home at 2:30. I was able to catch the 515 around 3:30 and good thing I did. I thought I would miss traffic going that early, but I was
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this got me where I needed to be just fine. wrong. Salaya is about 20 minutes past the Southern Bus Terminal where we caught the bus to Krabi. In rush hour traffic, it took me 3 hours to get there. I wish I knew a scale of the distance that I traveled, but I can tell you that the bus ride home only took an hour. I spent most of the time reading, but the last hour I kept an eye & ear out for "Salaya" because I had no clue where to get off.
I finally got there at 20 after 6. I wanted to soak in the scenery--the campus is so gorgeous--but I didn't have much time. I still hadn't booked a ticket...and I needed to find the auditorium yet. I walked about a half mile through campus and found the beautiful school of music. It made me want to change my major to music, buy a bike, and move into the dorms. I would just die to practice my cello in those buildings, in the Arbor, in the fantastic (yet small) hall with amazing acoustics. I was so happy, so excited to see something so beautiful dedicated to something I really do love.
I practically ran to
the ticket booth at this point and you'll never guess: I got the last ticket. There weren't student tickets left so I paid 300 baat for a seat in the front row. I can't tell you how I was feeling at that point. Really...no words. It was about 6:30 so I quick went to eat in the Music Square restaurant...well, it wasn't quick and I was almost late for the concert. But it was full of Americans so that was...refreshing and I wanted to take my time a bit there. I feel ashamed to say it, but sometimes one just needs to hear English spoken with correct grammar.
The concert started with a slideshow--about Mahidol and its excellence, of course. Then we all stood as they played the Royal Anthem. I had a tear in my eye when they played. It was one of the most beautiful things I'd ever heard in my life. It was one voice.
The concert was called Brass from Boston because Boston Symphony's principle trombonist, Ron Barron, was soloist. I almost burst of laughing when he started playing the Palmetto Suite. He was a really old guy, playing some really sensual music...on a trombone. It
didn't seem to fit at first. Then, it all did. He was fantastic and I have a whole new appreciation for that instrument. Of course you're wondering about the cellos, they were wonderful as well, but I didn't pay too much attention. Mostly because 2nd chair looked like my cousin Paul, the piccolo player looked like my 4th grade teacher Mrs. Skinner with maroon hair, and the conductor must have thought we couldn't hear him saying "ha," "yup," and "hmmmmmmmm" as cued the trumpets and shook his fist at the violas. bahaha damn violas 😉
Anyways, that was all. Just wonderful music and probably my favorite night so far in Thailand. I almost missed my bus back into town. Ajahn had told me it wouldn't come until 10 so I thought...I'll just walk around a bit. I saw a bus pull up and had to run down the block! haha I got on and got home fine. Wish I had gone to bed earlier than I did that night though...I was in for quite a surprise for Saturday's events.
Until we meet again Reno,
Amy
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Auntie Carol
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FUN~~
Amy, It sounds like the concert was wonderful. For some reason though I can't see Paul sitting in 2nd chair...ha ha. It is funny how many look a likes there are for him..Kubel and know in Thialand...that is cool. Sounds like things are going well and what an adventure for you. I am so proud of you...for you to do what you have been and then to take the adventure and go to the concert by yourself...wonderful...you are my hero! Love you!