Sunday, May 25, 2008

Shipping of the Bus...enfin

After Charleston, we made our way to the Leaf festival in North Carolina, where we were able to perform our show on the hat.
That same week end we were aired on NPR (National Public Radio) and this is how we got in touch with Jeff who organized a show for us in the montessory school of Pantops in Charlottesville for the next Sunday.
We decided to drive there straight away on the Monday after the festival as we didn't know how long it would take us. The plan was to meet Jeff, see the performance space and find a campground nearby where we could start organizing the bus for the shipping.
In my wildest dream, maybe Jeff would know of an empty garage where we could park and empty the bus. Little did I know then that my dream would be met and much more.
We arrived on Wednesday and met Jeff , NOT ONLY did he had a big empty house for us to use BUT it was right next to the Montessori school who kindly took Theo in during our stay. AND on Saturday morning, we got 2 extra show, 30 miles away in Stanton, organized by Julian who had seen our show in Honduras. Because we couldn't take the bus there (big hill), Julian picked us up AND when when we got back, Jeff (WHO ALSO happen to be a wood worker) had already builded some necessary cabinets inside the bus.
It took us 5 days from 6am until drop dead to get the bus ready.
 On Wednesday with a really empty looking bus and all our stuff to take with us packed up in boxes and bags, we left for Baltimore. We arrived on Thursday, took a hotel room to empty the bus and did a last tiding up and painting job on the bus.
On Friday we drove the bus to the port where it is now sitting waiting to be drove onto a ship which will depart on the 3rd of June and arrive in England on the 20th.
Had a last frantic moment on Friday morning, back at the hotel, when we couldn't find two passport (Scott's and mine). Drove back to the port, search the bus, all the offices we had been through that morning and finally got them back at the custom office.
 At 2.30 pm that afternoon, we finally were on the way to David and Regine house in Maine ,in a rental car full to the rime. After an all night drive we arrived at 6.30 am and jumped into bed but couldn't stay there too long as we had to drop the car back at noon at the rental place in Portland.
Sunday now, we are feeling more rested after lots of sleeping, happy to be here and full of hope that the bus will be drove onto the ferry. We will be flying back to England on the 4th of June after making sure that everything went smoothly.

Thursday, May 22, 2008

quickly

We are now in Baltimore about to bring the bus to the port, scary. This is a quick blog but lots happens since Charleston and I will tell everything soon but not right now. sufice to say we've met an angel, Jeff (also he does'nt know it and definitly doesnt realised what he gave us). When time is right I'll blog.We are happy and hopefull albait a little stress.

Tuesday, May 06, 2008

Huntsville to Charleston

After Huntsville, we stoped In Sopchoppy, Florida, where we met Robert Seidler.He was quick thinking and within a day had organised two shows, one in Sopchoppy and one in Clarabelle. Both went down well and were very well attended. Apart from performing we explored the natural areas which were outstanding and diverse. All in all a perfect week.
We are now back in Charleston and our feeling are mixed between stress (dealing with shipping) and enjoyment (outing with friends).
We now have a confirmed booking on a ship living Baltimore on the 3rd of June and arriving in Southampton, England, on the 20th.
Between Fletch, Scott and myself, we have started the tedious process of writting a book on this world tour.
We will be going back on the road this Wednesday and are now trying to spend as much time as possible with friends.
 


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