Happy 4th of July!

What a kick, to sit on the grass outside the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel and watch 4th of July fireworks over Coconut Island!

Greetings from Hilo, on this our second to the last full day of the tour. This morning our Vivace singers were all up, packed, dressed and at the bus by 7:55 am, ahead of our 8:00 departure time! Our first drive was only 15 minutes, to the Lutheran Church of Honolulu, where Erik Floan was the substitute organist for three months in 2003, and where Kristi Seifert's cousin is a member of the choir. It was like one big "ohana." This was Vivace's last musical presentation of the tour, and it brought all of the chaperones (and one of the staff members) to tears. The musical growth that happens on a concert tour like this is remarkable and moving. At least one member of the congregation asked when we were planning on returning to Honolulu. Another asked if we practiced every day!

Following a wonderful potluck lunch which included various flavors of mochi, papaya and chicken katzu, it was off to the airport for our short flight to Hilo. Afternoon activities included time in the hotel pool (at the edge of the Hilo Bay) and a walk to a nearby beach. The setting here is beautiful, and the fireworks were outstanding. Quite a memorable 4th of July for all of us.