VOENA London Trip - Day 4! Westminster, Opening Ceremonies Gala!

Woo-hoo! Today we're performing at the Central Hall Westminster Concert, then to the Opening Ceremonies Gala!!

Where do we go?

Gotta have our badges!!

Those silly Americans! (Not that anyone is admitting anything!) Maybe this guy can get cell reception!

Performing at Westminster!!

We saw really cool groups from other countries too!

Then we got to relax and explore a little!

Tea, anyone??

Sadie's sister Savina got to meet the US Men's Gymnastics team!!

Why is Seth not happy? Missing someone back home?

The Eye!

Bobby, arrest those girls, they look guilty!

All decked out in their Opening Ceremonies Gala attire!



VOENA London Trip - Day 3!! Torches and Baebes!

Along the torch route!!!

Torch relay hand-off!

A bystander captures a moment of video!

Interview with Addy and Aly on London PBS station:

Some gorgeous shots of London's sights:

Tower Bridge:

Two beauties in front of a beauty!

And.....we're not tired yet!

Okay, maybe Elaine is: "Either Elaine is done for the day or she is emulating the many tombs in the Abby. Isaac newton, Shakespeare, Darwin, Handel and all the Kings and Queens and royalties and kids of royalties and well...if I had to name them all then they are "Elizabeth" and "David" with roman numerals attached!" (Doesn't she look tall when she's sleeping?)

Then later that evening, a spectacular concert with the Mediaeval Baebes at St. John's at Hackney:

Rehearsal!

Followed by a stunning performance, unforgettable!

Some brief footage! Doesn't it sound beautiful in this incredible church?

Noa and Baebes!!

VOENA London Trip - Day 2!!

We've finally arrived!!

On the "coach"

At the dorm!

Sadie and Savina making friends already! Chatting with a local to find a place to eat, LOVED his accent... And he loved ours!! LOL!

 

"No Mom, We're not at a pub!"

About 30 of us arrived in London to hear the news that the larger group of performers were delayed 4 hours!  We left our luggage in waiting for their late arrival and did an excursion to Westminster Abby. Emily and Fina are discussing the essence of life, amidst the amazing Abby garden with Parliament in the distance. The essence of their lives?  "food"

VOENA London Trip - Day 1! The Airport is FUN!

One the plane, going to the Olympics!!!!!

Stuck for three hours in Chicago? No problem! LaPaula and Maddy are chill...

A chaperone's perspective:

"While we sit in Chicago airport with a 3-hour delay, it's so touching to see the kids together having fun and caring for each other. We got meal vouchers and those who had extra money on theirs bought for others and passed things out. I'm a chaperone, standing here with my napkins and spare banana, so proud of them all. Love these kids!" -Stephanie, chaperone

Jessica is already feeling silly!

Ceilidh and Reilly are already feeling REALLY silly:

Singing at SFO! Doesn't that seem like a loooong time ago?

More From London!!!

From Diana:

More fun today!  Walked across London Bridge and spent a few hours at St. Pauls Cathedral.  Prince Charles and Diana were married here and we walked in their steps!  We climbed 524 to the top of the dome and had fun in the whispering gallery.  Isabella was one side of a dome gallery, whispered into a hole in the wall and I could here her on the other side of the gallery.....what was strange was that I couldn't hear anyone else, only her talking to me.  More sight seeing today, then see you tomorrow!  

 St. Paul's! View from the top of the 524 steps!

Wenlock, Official Mascot of the Olympics! (Don't you think it should be Isabella? -ed)

First London Blog! Costume Designer's View of London!

Here's VOENA's first blog from our London trip! From Diana, our amazing costume director:

"Visited the Victoria & Albert museum yesterday.....ahhhhh...was "sew" in my element!  There is going to be a big celebrity event there Wed. Night....this city is buzzing with activity EVERYWHERE!  There are Olympic events taking place all over the city and traffic is insane!  Get ready and pack an extra suitcase of PATIENCE!  You will need it.  Wed. Is forecasted at 80 degrees!  then cooling down from there. C u all soon.  P.S.  Abbey Road is in Camden town if you didn't all ready know that.  Camden town is one of the quaint areas of London.  D"

And....the changing of the guards:

"The ceremony was intriguing to watch!"

We can't wait to get there!! London, here we come!!

  

VOENA'S ONLINE AUCTION OPEN!!!!!

It's the last big fundraising push before London!!! Bid, bid, bid!!! Tell your friends, tell your co-workers, tell your neighbors, SHARE on Facebook, Twitter, and all of that stuff! You personally can help by spreading the word!!

https://www.biddingforgood.com/auction/AuctionHome.action?auctionId=151765194

Some of the many fascinating items up for bid!

A PRIVATE home performance by Peppino D'Agostino and Jeff Campitelli. THEY WILL COME TO YOUR HOUSE!! Food and wine provided! What's not to love? NO BIDS YET!! Opening bid: $850!!!

https://www.biddingforgood.com/auction/item/Item.action?id=171233380

Cyndi Lauper personally donated this autographed package to VOENA's London auction! The Barbie doll alone is a collector's item worth up to $1000! NO BIDS YET! Opening bid: $75!!!

https://www.biddingforgood.com/auction/item/Item.action?id=171188771

For more local excitement, there's the "Downtown Benicia" Items: An Ice Cream Social for 4 at Double Rainbow, Camellia Tea Room and Shopping Spree at Christina S, Nourot glass paperweight, Lindsay Art Glass "Lustre" Bowl, Gift Certificates to the City of Benicia, and a $50 Gift Card to Lucca Bar & Grill!!!

https://www.biddingforgood.com/auction/item/Browse.action?categoryId=167323435&auctionId=151765194

Get great items at a steal while supporting VOENA's London Olympic Trip!!!!