Comments on: Travel Is Not Tiring!

By: Alban

Alban — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 04:14:33 +0000

Hi Penney,
yes, I have arrived already, it’s raining cats and dogs – but I have so much to do that I don’t really mind. People are lovely and I am looking forward to my concerts in NZ. I am giving a talk? Well, must be in my schedule, haven’t read it yet. I hope it won’t be too boring…
Enjoy concert, class and talk (if you can), best wishes,
Alban

By: Penney Cameron

Penney Cameron — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:37:12 +0000

Kia ora Alban,
Haere mai ki Aotearoa. I’m not sure if you have arrived yet, but I just wanted to say welcome to NZ. My daughters and I are coming to observe your masterslasses in Hamilton and listen to the talk. They’re really excited about hearing the ‘other’ Haydn cello concerto for the first time live the next evening. Both have learned cello for years, only the youngest (11) currently. Your attitude to travel is very refreshing, I just wanted to let you know that we really appreciate the effort artists put in to coming so far. I hope you have a wonderful visit and take some good memories home to your families. Sounds like it will be a lively home coming with lots to share. Having traveled solo to Europe recently I found the homecoming so sweet.
Aroha nui, naku noa.
Penney

By: Jacob Shaw

Jacob Shaw — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 03:22:13 +0000

Ok Alban, perhaps my legs aren’t quite against my chest 😉 but about leaving the plane and going immediately to rehearse, somehow it seems to happen for me quite often!
You never got the second meal?! I feel obliged to eat it because someone has paid for the extra seat 🙂
All the best,
Jacob.
p.s. and poor little Mozart, all the hardship he had to endure and he still left us such beautiful music 🙂

By: Alban

Alban — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 22:13:29 +0000

Hi Jacob,
well, I am really not sure how good the food in a little cavern along the road from Vienna to Prague was – I guess not only the means of travel but also of conversation of fresh food have improved until now. And when do we really have to get off a plane and go to rehearsal straight away? But yes, I agree, tall people have it much worse in a plane, but you see, it is also an attitude thing: you say that you have your knees against your chest for the entire journey, which obviously is a big exaggeration; I sat once next to a 6’6 guy, at least 270 pounds, and yes, he didn’t look comfortable (neither me!), but his knees were definitely not against his chest.

What I am trying to say is that once you think in these terms, the journey will be much less comfortable than if you would tell yourself that it isn’t all that bad, and if you would learn exercises how to relax while sitting not so comfortably. I am sure that still economy class for a 6’5 footer is more comfortable than a horse carriage with no heating in the wet-cold Austrian-Hungarian winters for little Mozart…
Happy travelling, and no, I have never achieved to get the second business class meal – also because I am usually full after one 🙂
All best,
Alban

By: Jacob Shaw

Jacob Shaw — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 16:26:20 +0000

Hi Alban,
Interesting blog entry, however I have to disagree with you… I’m 6’3 and when I get off the plane to go straight to a rehearsal and concert if there is no feeling in my legs after having my knees against my chest for the entire journey. It puts me in a bad mood: therefore making it harder to immediately get my mindset into reh/concert mode…
And Mozart got to stop off in various taverns along the way and eat proper food (no Lufthansa vegetarian, kosher, halal risotto with a 22cl bottle of water..).
So business class definitely is preferable!
And of course, with the cello we always get 2 business class meals… 🙂
All the best,
Jacob.

By: Maria Grenfell

Maria Grenfell — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 01:43:38 +0000

Hello Alban,
I am a composer living in Hobart and just wanted to say how much I enjoyed your fantastic playing on Friday night. The Shostakovich was amazing! Thanks for playing in our freezing city. 😉
Enjoy New Zealand. I am originally from there and know many people in the NZSO too.
Best wishes, Maria

By: Shunske

Shunske — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 08:12:55 +0000

hey Alban…very true. leaving aside the security checks and idiots behind airline counters (at least at Paris CDG) i too enjoy the time on the plane, being forced to do nothing. the flip side of which means, you’re free to do anything you want!

safe travels, a great summer to you.

Shunske

By: Kate

Kate — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 01:51:46 +0000

P.S. South Island Sauvignon Blanc is amazing so do try the odd glass!It’ll help keep you warm!Haha!

Kate.

By: Alban

Alban — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 01:00:09 +0000

Hi Kate, thanks for supporting my thoughts 🙂 That happens to me all the time that I think something is much nearer than it actually is… Oh yes, I am looking forward to “my” Prom as well, what a venue!
Just arrived in Hobart, it’s freezing!!!

All best,
Alban

By: Kate

Kate — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 22:48:46 +0000

Hi Alban,

After numerous recent flights between various places i commend your attitude! It’s all in the mind! Enjoy your time down under. NZ is a beautiful place. I went there from China in May (not as close as i thought it was! Oops!) and loved every minute of my time there! Have told my friends to look out for you. Myself, partner and parents are looking forward to your Prom concert in London next month!

Have fun. :o)

Kate.