A BUSY WEEK!

We have been hard at work these last 6 days. We started out with a workshop on June 17 from 3 - 6 pm. We had 20+ people (I forgot to count) mostly from other towns. Some were Ukrainian refugees, a man from Zimbabwe, a girl from the Balkans, etc. We tried a number of different activities, first outside and then later in the studio at the Musik und Kunstschule where Thomas works. The pictures will tell you more. First I have to figure out how to add a video! On Sunday Elizabeth and I went back to Berlin to take a break. Last break until after our opening on July 1st. I returned to Schwedt on Tuesday. A long ride since the trains here have been stopped off and on for repair work. The little two car shuttle from Angermunde came in but then closed it's doors and everyone was told to leave. With info from Thomas, (thank goodness for cell phones) I got a bus to Schwedt thinking I could stay at our usual hotel but no rooms anywhere in town!!! After waiting an hour or so to connect with Thomas (his kids were involved in a guitar concert) we went to the little old pottery studio/house in town where he and his friend had spen hours clearing up. I stayed there 3 nights on my own and now am back at the hotel with Elizabeth. Our first big rehearsal was yesterday. Six lovely young dancers, two Ukrainians, two Schwedters, an American who is now a German and an Afghan young woman. Today we will be meeting them again wih hopefully two more coming. Last night was the beginning of a weekend of festivities in Schwedt to celebrate mid-summer. Seeing how many people were there Elizabeth and I realized we would need to revise our plan for performing during the Sound City festival on July 15th. This is East Germany and the presence of "skin heads" was obvious but also the sense that there is a sense of privilege and ownership here. I hope I can share my video of the country line dancing group. Lot's of American culture has seeped in here: music, dancing, clothing, etc.