The Singing Cook (cont)
...or how not to make it to an organ recital
So we arrived at a possible but unpalatable solution. We would take the bus to Rome, stay overnight, and take off
at 5 AM Sunday for Denmark. We stayed in the town of Fiumicino, near the Rome airport. At 5 am we took a
taxi to the airport and got on a plane for Zurich, where we caught another flight to Copenhagen. From Copenhagen
we took a train to Hellerup, then another train to Hillerod.
From the train station, we took a cab to the castle,
arriving at 3:35 pm for a 5:00 recital! Two planes, two trains and two taxis! Sounds like the title of a
Steve Martin-John Candy film or an episode of The Amazing Race.
Meanwhile, Sven was standing in the courtyard of the castle wondering, "What should I play if he doesn't show up?"
We came screeching into the castle courtyard; Andrea took the luggage to our apartment in the castle, while I hurried to
the organ. With Sven pulling stops, I made it through a couple of pieces and then it was time to get dressed and
play. I ran back to our rooms, jumped into my concert clothes (didn't even shave), and ran back to the church.
I think I had 3 minutes to spare.
Although the trip had been an exhausting ten-and-a half-hours, my adrenaline was
sky-high! Those listening told me I played well, but I was in "focus" mode, and could only zero in on what I was
doing. More >>
