Lisbon Part 2

The last full day of Concert Choir has been one incredible ride. From a beautiful and historical sightseeing tour, to our last glorious walk through the streets of Lisbon after our concert, we've had it all.

Chipper and excited, CC gathered into the dining room of the hotel and was greeted by a generous spread of various breakfast items. After a few cups of expresso, we met our tour guides and embarked on a sightseeing tour of some of the most treasured Portuguese monuments: the Tower of Belém and the Padrão dos Descobrimentos.

Even though we had an opportunity to visit the monastery, I (and just about everyone else) made a beeline for Pasteis de Belém for some delicious egg tarts.

On the next leg of our tour we explored Alfama, the traditionally moorish quarter of the city characterized by narrow and airy corridors.

After the tour, we were free to explore as we looked for lunch and a good view of the city. My group and I decided to climb to the top of a large hill in town, but the view cost €8.5 so we settled for some lunch down the hill instead. 

After walking back to the bus, we returned to the hotel to grab music and before we knew it we were already headed to our concert venue. A gothic church with mighty stone corridors and a massive echo, the Sé of Lisbon lived up to all the acoustic needs of our choir. Because the church is open the public, we had acquired a large group of onlookers who were more than willing to take video as we performed even our simplest of warm-ups.

After returning to the hotel to change, we were free to find a late dinner before the concert. My group of friends and I decided to eat at Café Pit and we're greeted warmly with free vegetable soup and a bread course with the most exquisite olive oils.

Piling into the side room of the Cathedral, I could already tell that everyone was dreading the bittersweet minute of performing together for the last time. Tearful eyes watched happily around the room as the choral cooperation and synergy we had developed with each other would be utilized one last time. Dr. Nelson had us line up and before we knew it, we were standing in front of a packed house. Even through the poignant tears, Concert Choir delivered an incredible concert full of raw emotion and sentiment.

As we headed into the night, we simultaneously cried and laughed, wishing we could stay in such a beautiful city for just a few more days.

The memories we made in Lisbon will stay with me forever, and I'm immensely proud of this years' seniors. Equally as exciting, the underclassmen hold the responsibility of shaping the culture of next year's choir.

-John Graham

John Graham is a rising junior double majoring in History and Spanish