Planes, Trains, and Automobiles: An Adventurous Day with yet Another Successful Performance!

By Denise Sturrock, PSYO Parent & 2016 Tour Blogger

and Desiree Sturrock, age 12, Assistant tour blogger and emoji editor 

Before I go into too much detail regarding today's events, let me start by complimenting parents on the wonderful job you've done raising these kids. Today was a major travel day. We started early in the morning, everyone had to listen carefully and follow directions exactly, conditions for communication were challenging (often we had to take directions in loud, crowded locations - like the train station), and our cellos and low brass instruments arrived a little late (long story but suffice to say it all worked out). Despite these travel and logistical challenges, the kids were wonderful - always following directions, maintaining their good moods and manners, going with the flow, then arriving to the venue and going straight into rehearsal (they really had to muster their energy and they did it!). It's truly a pleasure to observe their professionalism and poise first hand! Thank you for all you do as parents to instill these characteristics and thank you especially to all PSYO members for your exemplary behavior. 

Now for the details...starting with yet another surprise from the PSYO staff. Unbeknownst to all tour participants, a crew from Hollywood joined us today for filming of the remake of the Steve Martin/John Candy comedy classic, Planes (well not really, but it felt like it), Trains  (665 miles traveled), and Automobiles  (actually busses - 1 hour to the Beijing train station, 2 from the Shanghai train station to Wuzhen and 2 back again)...I don't even want to think about total overall mileage...

Unfortunately, none of us are SAG  members, so despite the potential for 90 minutes of silver screen fame, the contract negotiations for payment of PSYO members as extras must have been a struggle. Maybe if we had unpacked the instruments and played during the train trip (5 long, I mean, glorious hours) empty cases would have been filled with donations and our efforts to put a new spin on this beloved and classic movie would have been monetarily rewarded. Perhaps next time...

On the train, a few "fun?" facts...

- there was a temporary misplaced passport scare, but that's all it was - a temporary scare...phew...

- vegetarians scored today with Subway sandwiches - the carnivores received mystery meat sandwiches that also include a layer of hard-boiled egg and sliced cucumber (hmmm...Chinese interpretation of a club sandwich?)

- Overhead train bin space was plentiful - I'm sure the 100% PAC pass rate among PSYO members also contributed to this

- Motion sickness issues were non-existent as far as I could tell (well maybe I was the only one feeling a little green around the gills), which compels me to comment on the aftermath of all this travel in one day...

After reaching terra firma in Wuzhen, I'm certain many of us suffered from that weird feeling you get when you get off a moving vehicle after many hours and you feel like you're still moving. What a blast! Hopefully the hotel room won't spin as we fall asleep tonight! Dramamine anyone? Or on a more optimistic note, perhaps this is just good conditioning for all the roller coaster-type rides at Shanghai Disney tomorrow. 

Anyhow, after a quick rehearsal, we traveled by golf cart from the performance venue to dinner and had another fabulous banquet-style meal (every time we eat, I feel like I'm going to a cousin's wedding banquet!). 

The culmination of our day was certainly the concert! The Grand Theater at Wuzhen was a gorgeous venue. We had a sold out crowd - packed with families that brought children of all ages. After introductions (translation by our own Danielle who gave the remarks in Chinese - again Chinese school pays off in a big way!), we were treated to an amazing performance, and once again, PSYO's show was outstanding. I'm in awe of the fact that after such a long, strenuous travel day they were able to play with such grace, musicality, passion, and exuberance (and with a sense of humor - not naming sections, but sunglasses  were again donned for the encore and another section had coordinating Flintstone-style hairdos, actually think of Pebbles. LOL!!!) But overall, there is no doubt that they are true ambassadors of music! This audience was clearly very appreciative of the performance - they gave the kids a standing ovation! I even heard some guests humming the imperial march as they exited the venue. What a treat for everyone present to be a part of this. Parents, be proud of these amazing young performers, they are truly something special.