My Family 2009

imikimi - Customize Your World!

My Family 2009

imikimi - Customize Your World!

Merry Christmas

imikimi - Customize Your World

Yurana Carols Candlelight 2008

Alexander sang for the Carols Candlelight at Yurana Home for the Aged, 19 December 2008

Alexander in Lachlan's Lullaby 2008

Alexander sang 'Lachlan's Lullaby' at the Australian Youth Choir Spring Concert 2008 at QPAC last October 2008.

Here at Yurana Home for the Aged last 6 December 2008 showcased the repertoire aside from the normal Christmas sogs.

Alexander in Any Dream Will Do, 2005

Alexander with the Australian Youth Choir in Manly Retirement Home in 2005 under Mrs Elizabeth Thomas, sang Any Dream Will Do, from Joseph and His Technicolour Dreamcoat.

Alexander during this period was at Training Level 2 but also at Recital Choir.

Christmas 2008 AYC

Alexander in AWAY IN A MANGER

Away in a manger, no crib for his bed

The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head

The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay

The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay

The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,

But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes.

I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky

And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay

Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.

Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,

And take us to heaven, to live with Thee there.

Alexander with Helen

Christmas at Yurana 2008



Whatever health we are in, whereever we are ... YOUNG or OLD... we can never stop ...


........C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S!

Silent Night at Carols Candlelight @

Beenleigh Historical Village, 5 Dec 2008

Fotos in Review 2008

Another school year has come to an end. It is not really the end though… it’s just another route to another great adventure.

2008, was a year filled with laughters, celebrations, and heartaches or even headaches. I suppose life won’t mean a thing if everything stays the same. Imagine not having any challenges. All these things make life colorful and very expressive. It’s like you try to put it in an easel with your paint and brush.

So, let’s wait and see for the upcoming arrival of another year…

Alexander's 13th Birthday 2008

Alexander's 13th birthday today, 25 November 2008, Tuesday. We celebrated it at Hogsbreath Cafe for dinner after Taylor's swimming lessons at Chandler.

Wishing my wonderful Alexander will treasure everything he has...

Love you so much...

Alexander @ McHappy Day 2008

November 15, 2008, Saturday, McHappy Day!

Alexander being a Youngstar Achiever of McDonald's donated his 2 hours to help raise funds for children.

Ronald McDonald runs a halfway house and helps lots of kids.

It was a fun day...

Matthew Cooper 13th Birthday Fotoshow 2008

Matthew Cooper 13th Birthday Oct 2008 Celebration at Moreton Island

It was a beautiful Sunday sunny day!

Matthew's mom and dad hired a 37-footer boat at East Coast Marina in Manly and was booked since June 2008.

Alexander, Taylor, myself, Cameron Parrish, and Matthew's mom and dad, brother Brendan, and sister Nicole... celebrated it at Moreton Island.

The bbq didn't work so ended up having bread roll with cheese and cabana, watermelon, and fruit salad. Missed the bbq sausages and hamburgers...

Oh, well... rolling in the sand dune hill and swimming compensated it though!

What a lovely WET Birthday Celebration!

Foto Galore

Alexander London 2005

Taylor 2001

Alexander 3rd Birthday in Manila

Alexander at Emma Wolff's 100th Birthday

What is a birthday? How many of us get to celebrate 100th birthday? Is it another milestone in life?

Emma Wolff celebrated her 100th birthday at Yurana Home for the Aged last 6 October 2008. She had seen the formation of history... from World War II to first Hobart Yacht Race to Indigenous Australian rights, etc... a wonderful lady.

It was a great honour for Alexander indeed, became a part in this grandeous celebration. He performed for Emma and sang an Elvis Presley song, 'Can't Help Falling In Love With You', and Emma's favourite, 'Amazing Grace.'

Taylor Jazz Concert 2006

Taylor learned jazz under Mrs Janice Heale since he was at Childcare. When he was at Preschool in 2006, I enrolled him for the jazz.

He loved it... though being joke about by his elder brother that it's for girls only.

At the beginning of the year, there was a chinese boy but dropped by Term 4.

Taylor Performances at JPC Yr 2 Choir 2008

This year, Taylor joined the school's schoolchoir; though, he's not too keen in following his big brother's footsteps - joining the Australian Youth Choir. He thought he will have to go to Germany and speak German... like Alexander did with the Vienna Boys Choir.

Who knows though it may change in the future....

Taylor during performance of John Paul College Yr 2 Choir during Grandparents Day, 12 Sept 2008




Taylor at John Paul College Yr 2 Choir, 21 May 2008




Taylor during Yr 2 Choir at Mayfair 2008 performance

Alexander at Yurana Sept 2008

Alexander during performance at the Yurana Home for the Aged one Saturday afternoon on 13 September 2008.

He sang Amazing Grace and Panis Angelicus. Surprisingly, the residents joined in singing Amazing Grace. It must have been their favourite.

There were 14 other performers: pianists and soloists from John Paul College under the instruction of Mrs Sophie Allen.

After the performance, Pauline Williams who managed the place, asked Alexander to perform in celebration of the 100th birthday of Emma Wolff. She loved Alexander's performance.

It was a lovely musical treat of entertainment for the elderly residents because a lot of them feel sad being in such a place. Some of them rarely had relatives/visitors to come and see them.

The kids enjoyed being part of it... giving life through music...!

Nothing's Good Enough! I Can't Win...!

Since my Dad’s eldest sister passed away in 2000 (I knew it would never be the same), I have looked after and supported my Dad’s two other sisters: Auntie Cora (passed away in 2006 at the age of 73 years old) and Auntie Bitang who is currently aged 86 years old, without a single cent from anyone (from Auntie Vicky, unmarried, been in America since 1969; Uncle Tony, married with 2 daughters, been in America since 1969; Auntie Pacing, married with 4 sons, in Paniqui; Uncle Toming, unmarried, very sick though, migrated to America in 1985)… in the house that was left to me in Manila. I knew that once she’s gone… bundled with it were billions of family problems that she used to carry in her shoulders, which I was shielded from it when she was alive.

My Auntie Delang was a doctor and she raised me and sent me to a Catholic private school and to university. My own father didn’t spend a cent for my education. I actually grew up with my Auntie Delang and my grandmother since I was two years old. I barely saw my mother… only saw her once in Manila as she can’t travel very far. My Dad came to Manila every month until I was in Uni.

When I was nine years old, she formally adopted me. Her reason behind it was the allowance allowed for taxation. She told me this at that time. However, as I was growing up she told me: “Do study very well because one day the things you see now will no longer be there. And the only thing in this world that no one can take it away from you – your knowledge.” Being young and carefree, I never understood the latter part.

This was the reason I burnt my eyebrows. Part of it was to prove to them that I was different from my brothers and sisters who were hanged up on inheritance, and I had a different outlook in life. I’ve always put my best foot forward. I never answered back (otherwise, I'll be deemed as ungrateful and disrespectful) to my Auntie Delang or other aunts/uncles whenever I get a dressing down. I just bowed my head and took it all in with tears covering my eyes. I only left the room when told so.

Now, even to this day especially from Auntie Vicky, it seemed to her that whatever I did it wasn’t good enough. When she came to visit me here in Brisbane in 2006, I treated her to lunch and dinner, drove her everywhere – Byron Bay, Currumbin Sanctuary, Tamborine Mountains, Noosa, Gold Coast, and Southbank. I said to her when she said I am spending a lot on her. I replied to her: That it’s nothing. I'm just happy you're here. It was my way of saying Thank You to all the things you’ve done for me." And one night while I was washing the dishes, she said to me: “I regret you being adopted.” I just dispensed what she said and pretended that I didn’t hear. But when she went back to Manila, she told everyone that I was a show off, lazy for not cooking because I took her out a lot, that she was sorry for my boys because I didn’t know how to look after them, that I was spoiling them, and that bragged about it was just right for me to treat her and make her stay free.

Honestly, I felt I don’t have a place anywhere. In Manila, being where I am in status, my unfortunate brothers and sisters would be relying on me. Just like now, thanks to Auntie Bitang during her interference, I actually supporting my two sisters. They’re living in the apartment for free since 2004. They claimed that they aren’t making any money from student bedspacers. I didn’t want them in there because I didn’t want to have a fight with them about money... but I couldn't do anything then. Auntie Bitang accused me then of being selfish.

How on earth I've been selfish? In fact, I brought: Koyang Fred in 1988, tomboy Ate Cita in 1989, Koyang Celes in 1990- to Melbourne, tomboy Ate Lita in 1993 in Brisbane, tomboy Ate Cita in 1996 in Indonesia.... I paid all their airfares and allowances.

Then, when Auntie Vicky comes back for a holiday, she claimed she owns the house and she made repairs to the house and asked for reimbursement. Whenever she's in Manila, she stayed in the house free of charge because I paid for the maid, electricity, food allowance, etc. She complained about trusting my maid, Rose. The bottom line: How can you be comfortable working for someone if you know they don't trust you???

Rose had been with me since 1997 before I left her in 2002 to care for my Auntie Delang, Auntie Cora, and Auntie Bitang. The thing was Rose gets paid 2500 pesos a month (never had an increase since 2002), a live-in maid who did eveything and including babysitting my boys when we were in Manila (bathing, cooking, feeding). She was so great with my boys and had put up with my nagger Auntie Bitang. Mind you, she wasn't allowed to watch the television when I wasn't there....

What about here in Brisbane? Nobody seemed to understand that I have this pressure of how my two boys will be. In our culture, I will be blame for the outcome of my two boys because I was the adult who was supposedly had the input in their lives. Their father is always away working overseas.

Life...

I just don't understand people. I just don't understand the life we evolve in. Everywhere I turn it seems this neverending problems and woes of life.

People seem in such a disbelief when I say: 'My life is full of problems. '

They don't seem to see through me, all these burden I am carrying. How I tried so desperately to live as normal as I can. I suppose I had been living my life in a fascade since time immemorial.

Do you know when was that? I tell you. I had been living in my cocoon since I was 5 years old. It was the best escape for me for survival. I had several other ways of escape and stop thinking that I am missing something. And now it seems catching up on me and it started since my Auntie Delang died in January 2000. Since then everything had dramatiically changed in my life.

Posted with LifeCast

Alexander Tamowicz, Redlands Eisteddfod Vocal Solo, June 2008 - 11 to 12 yrs old

Alexander, born on 25 November 1995... throughout these years, never in our imagination - our Singing Nightingale...

The above video was a Vocal Performance on March 2008. Alexander sang "When You Wish Upon A Star". It was to perform out there to close families and friends...

*******
The following 3 videos below were taken on 24 May 2008, during the rehearsal with the accompanist Kim.

The competition was Alexander's first time to be in it. Didn't have any idea about what's happening on this competition. It was nervy and not knowing what to expect.

Aside from the 3 videos below, Alexander also sang during the competition: Vocal Solo Pop - One Voice by Billy Gilman. He didn't get any reward but got 92% for his performance. He held back unlike the others who had actions and more of stage presence though the adjudicator Rosemary Arthas wrote: "What a great song! Love it! Great words and your singing grew on the song went on. Great! In time all the way! Good. Do you like this song? I (And the audience) want to feel you do...Good to hear a different style of singing too. Great job!"

And the Vocal Solo Musical Theatre-When You Wish Upon A Star, got 92% and HIGHLY COMMENDED AWARD, a purple ribbon... the other contenders performed like broadway musical sytle and were great! Though the adjudicator Rosemary Arthars wrote: "You break my heart everytime... When you grow up-I know you'll be a lovely man. GREAT facial expressions and lovely feelings out to us. Good boy-keep the tone even and it will grow and grow. FAB. Well done."

The actual competition was June 2-3, 2008 at Redlands Performing Arts Center in Cleveland, Queensland, Australia.

Still, a wonderful experience for Alexander... bringing the 3 trophies unexpectedly knowing all the contenders were great.

A wonderful thanks to his lovely/beautiful vocal teacher, Mrs Sophie Allen, who believed in him and decided to join him in this competition... more so her patience.

And, thanks to Kim, who initially rehearsed with him... to Peter Crane, who was the accompanist during the competition and intially gave Alexander techniques during the rehearsal...

And, thanks to adjudicator Rosemary Arthas...for her wonderful, encouraging comments...

Vocal Solo Folksong - Amazing Grace, First Place 96%

from Rosemary Arthas: "How Sweet the sound! Lovely long phrases...well done! Good strong last verse! Very moving Alexander. I thought you did a great job! Beautiful Boy!"


Vocal Solo Unrestricted - How Beautiful Are The Feet The Messiah, Second Place 95%

from Rosemary Arthas: "Lovely face! Smile? What a lovely pure voice! Keep strong in breath and support. Good diction and musicality. Well done Alexander!"

Vocal Solo Sacred - Panis Angelicus, Second Place 95%

from Rosemary Arthas: "Smile Alexander, if you can-I know you're nervous! Such a lovely sweet voice-and the top notes pure and ringing. Support those lower notes as much as the high notes. Gorgeous voice. Good fellow!"

Below more videos but during the rehearsal on 30 May 2008 with accompanist for the Redlands Eisteddfod, Mr Peter Crane...

Amazing Grace

How Beautiful Are The Feet - The Messiah

Panis Angelicus

When You Wish Upon A Star

Thailand 2008

How many of us had been anywhere aside from our comfort zone? Well, one thing I do perhaps will definitely suggest – go on a trip with your family and with your most trusted friends or close family relations.

This year 3 families went on a most awaited trip to Phuket and Bangkok namely: Cooper family (Ian/Debbie with children Lauren, Brendan, Matthew, and Nicole), Pomeroy family (Colin/Karen with daughter Simone), and yours truly Tamowicz family (Alex/Myself with sons Alexander and Taylor). As I can recall it was all out of the blue came up with the idea to go to Thailand last July 2007.

We went together before to Vanuatu in January 2006 (plus the Francis family: Rob and Jane with twins Brett and Megan), stayed at Le Lagon for a week. It had kids club and the kids enjoyed themselves as well as the adults got together. There was kayaking, tennis, golf, table tennis, sailing, etc.

On 29 March 2008 (Saturday) at around 7:30pm Debbie together with Brendan and Matthew picked us up, Ian with Lauren and Nicole, Colin with Karen and Simone, drove to Brisbane International Airport. Colin and Debbie drove their cars to Eagle Farm then went back to the airport with Ian while he parked his car at the airport. We flew to Phuket at midnight. Since it was early morning we all went to sleep which I believe except for Debbie who was unsure of flying (mind you, she’s been on the plane several times in her life).

We arrived at Bangkok early morning of Sunday and met Alex (he flew from Guinea) and caught another flight for Phuket. Since Alex had a business class ticket we swapped so he can stay with the boys. We arrived at around lunchtime.

We stayed at Phuket Hilton Arcadia Resort with free buffet breakfast. The Pomeroys stayed in 1 room, Coopers in 3 rooms, while we had 2 rooms. All of us had a wonderful view of the ocean in Kerong Beach. The children were so delighted when they saw the waterfall slide at the pool and in fact the hotel had 3 pools all in all. The resort also had steam spa, spa and massage in which we ladies and the girls indulged ourselves, games room, tennis, kids club, etc.

We just lazed around the pool on this day while we planned the tours we wanted to do. We had buffet dinner and watched the traditional dance after dinner.

Monday morning, had our first buffet breakfast which they catered for everyone: Japanese, Korean, Continental Breakfast, Thais, you name it! We hired a van and took us to Festival Mall. We thought we could buy something at a bargain price but in disappointment so we decided to go to Patong Beach instead. The beach was so busy and shops everywhere. You can buy Billabong, Ripcurl shirts for BHT199 equivalent to around AU$8, and also imitation watches.

It was a very tiring and a hot day. Back to the resort and plunged into the pool until we met at 6:30pm for dinner together (which we did every night except for one night as we were exhausted).

We went to Phi Phi Island. It was an all day trip to the 3 islands. We snorkelled and saw lots of beautiful fishes. We went to Monkey Island where the tour guide fed them with bananas. Came back to the resort and met up for dinner again.

We watched 2 shows: Fantasea where they had show elephants and traditional dances. It also had a story about a little boy with a magic elephant who saved the kingdom. We had buffet dinner and the dining room I believe can accommodate around 4000 people.

The other show was called Simon Cabaret. The performers here were transvestite. They were so lovely and wouldn’t be able to tell the difference until they opened their mouths. They sang and danced beautifully and lipsang singers like Tine Turner, Both shows were entertaining.

We also went to James Bond Island where Roger Moore in 1982 apparently filmed his movie, The Man with the Golden Gun. On the way to the island, we went kayaking first at Newfern Island. It was only during low tide that you can access these beautiful caves and inside was like another room. We had lunch at a floating village of Newfern before headed off to James Bond Island.

On 7 April 2008 (Monday), left very early at around 5:00am for Bangkok. We arrived Bangkok at around 9:00am. We stayed at Royal Orchid Sheraton and those of us who had several rooms had adjoining rooms and a view of the Bangkok river. We also had free buffet breakfast.

We went to Phantik, a mall with several floors selling electronics, and MBK jewelries, clothings, bags, electronics, etc at a bargain price.

We went to tour The Grand Palace where the royalties lived. It was magnificent and a huge place. The paintings on the wall depicted a legend believed by Thais were exquisite.

We also got on the ferry serviced by Hilton then caught the Skytrain and walked a few kilometers to MBK. The Skytrain cost BHT30 one way and airconditioned.

As always, dined together for dinner and on our last night we all boarded the ferry to watch Bangkok river at night after our dinner at the Italian Restaurant.

On early Thursday morning of 10 April at around 4am, we got up as we flew back to Brisbane at 8:30am. We arrived Brisbane at around midnight and home in bed early morning of Friday. Poor Debbie had to drive us back home!

On the first 2-3 days, for some reason Taylor and Nicole were not well. Taylor threw up and Nicole had tummy pain.

But above all, it was an exhausting though exhilarating and memorable trip.

PS: Once at home, had all these videos and photos to convert into a movie. Quite interesting! Took me a week and thanks to Windows which gave me a nightmare anything over 20 minutes o f videos. Never trust Windows Moviemaker!

Fotos 2007 in Review

Another year has come to an end without us knowing how time flies so quickly. It was certainly an amazingly interesting heart throbbing event in our lives. This whole year was just incomprehensible for simple minds like mine.

For so many of us who were in the throes of wanting to do exciting and different just for once in their lives. How often we were trapped for the day to come for us to be able to have done it; and when it did, we’re left dumbfounded for no reason at all. Words wouldn’t come out to express everything we were going through.

Fotos 2007 in Review, was the answer to all of these. It depicted the events that transpired in our lives but perhaps mainly in the lives of my two boys, Alexander & Taylor... filled with joys and tears that were worth remembering and perhaps most especially... for Alexander.

And to all who had been involved and been part of it... thank you.

And, we would like you to join us and share it... Life Is Like A Rollercoaster!

... View the slideshow with captions

Relax and watch ...

JPC 25th Anniversary 2007

Many of us had been confronted with the dilemma which school to send our children. Basically our main goal was giving the best education to help them formulate and manipulate their future.

Who would say that after going through challenges and uncertainties that John Paul College survived and made its mark in the world of high-tech education?

This year it celebrated its 25th year anniversary. John Paul College vision of providing young Australians the best education and technology had come to reality and focusing to achieve international recognition.

Like any other schools, John Paul College through its integrity provides the foundation in the making of the future of Australia and perhaps great leaders of this country. But nothing can make it all possible without the dedication and perseverance of the students and support from their parents.

Alexander joined in June 2002 as a Yr 2 student while Taylor in 2004 in Childcare. This year, Alexander finished Yr 7 while Taylor finished Yr 1. Both loved their school and the teachers they had this year, especially for Alexander who luckily had compassionate and caring teachers and a headmaster with a big heart. Thank you.

We take our hats of ... Speech Night 2007

Alexander in AYC with KSB 2007

Though already in John Paul College Primary School Choir, Alexander joined the Australian Youth Choir in 2004 as Probationer – Level 1. He moved his ranks over the years and currently in Chamber Choir, for the first time this year 2007.

In 2005, he was in Training - Level 2 at the age of 9 years old and toured with the Australian Youth Choir in May for 3 weeks to Wales, Ireland and Wales. He rehearsed 1 hour every Thursday night in Carina being Level 2. However, in addition due to International Tour commitment he had to rehearse every Friday night for 1 hour and 30 minutes in KPUC with the Recital Choir and 3 hours every Saturday morning in Paddington. He learned so much and became responsible after the tour though homesick but enjoyed it so much.

In 2006, he was in Performing – Level 3 and formally a member of the Recital Choir. He rehearsed 1 hour and 30 minutes every Thursday night in Carina and every Friday night for 1 hour and a half in KPUC as a member of the Specialist Choir.

It was this same year that he performed with the Vienna Boys Choir when they came to Brisbane. That was the eye opening for his unbelievable keen interest with the Vienna Boys Choir. He was so greatly impressed with the excellent performance of the infamous chorister group. This was then the beginning of his dream and to achieve it eventually.

In 2007, he was in Chamber Choir which was the top level of the Australian Youth Choir and rehearsed every Friday night in KPUC for 3 hours. Again, he toured with the Australian Youth Choir in May for 3 weeks to Vienna, Prague, Dresden, Berlin, Amsterdam, and London. He rehearsed every Friday nights and rehearsed every Saturday mornings for 2 hours in Paddington for the Tour.

It was during this tour he auditioned and passed the Vienna Boys Choir. He went back to Vienna and joined them in July 2007 for a month in their music camp as part of the one month trial period. Hopefully, he can be recalled back to officially join them when the space becomes available for 2008-2009 season.

Before Alexander left for Vienna, the Keystone State Boychoir came to Australia to perform with the Australian Youth Choir. He billeted American boys his age which was very interesting experience.

Alexander with Kai Heen and Sam Pritchard of KSB

The Keystone State Boychoir is a singing group for young men ages 7 to 17, based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, founded in 2001. They travelled performing to South Africa, Brazil, Canada and Alaska, Japan, and Southeast Asia and came to Australia in July 2007.

The Australian Youth Choir for the first time with the Keystone State Boychoir was a very an exciting event for both of the chorister groups. The performance from KSB was very entertaining and they were magnificent.

Alexander was definitely exposed to different style of performances and he learned from it like the rest.

AYC Chamber in Buderim 2007

My Most Unforgettable Memoir

Everyone in us had one or more unforgettable memories but no matter what there will always be one that will stand out among the rest. The rushing of the adrenalin where you were left wondering and always in suspense-when it ever end with its excruciating and almost unbearable to bear. But once it stopped, you were like stung by a bee stunned with pain but with a great difference in a sense that there was over joyous emotions enveloped inside.

I would like to share what life has in for us, that there will always be the ups and downs, the glory and sorrow, just like a wheel and for some a rollercoaster ride! But it only meant one thing just like the old saying: "Never give up. Tomorrow is another day."

However, my Dad also had said this to my mom: "Opportunity knocks only once. Grab it when it comes." I wondered to this day how come he didn't allow me to do so, without any dissrespect.

Mine started during that Australian Youth Choir European Tour last May 2007. Mr Gerald Wirth, the artistic director of the Wiener Sangerknaben, auditioned me which according to him I passed and said that I had a beautiful voice. He told me then that I can stay to start straight away and no longer continue with the tour group. I replied I will ask my mom. Then Mr Wirth added perhaps during summer. I was ecstatic after that encounter. I wanted to be in it since 2005 after the concert with them. The more I was very much impressed watched them rehearsed. I went on my tour with the Australian Youth Choir as originally planned.

I returned home from the tour in early June 2007. I asked my mom excitedly and sheepishly while at the airport if she knew I passed the audition. She replied that she hadn't heard yet. When we got home mom checked her email and there it was, Mr Wirth's email confirming it all.

It was an agonising waiting for the day I will join the Wiener Sangerknaben in their Music Summer Camp for a trial period from July 29 to August 25 in Sekirn, 4 hours by train south of Vienna. The trial period was meant for me to find out if I like it or not, if I can deal with homesickness, and able to speak German.

While in preparation for the camp though; it was nervewrecking and stressful to my mom. She was very much concerned of my studies leaving it behind for another month when I just got back from the three weeks European Tour. Then there was my school to consider how will they react being away again for another month and if they'll take me back on after a year or so.

My mom said that I had a better deal last year in April 2006 when I was invited to audition with the Wiener Sangerknaben. At that time I was in Year 6. I was supposedly gone to Vienna for an audition, lived and attend school for 2 weeks intially for free. There was a place for me then. But my Dad said "No" at the last minute because I was only 10 years old then.

Anyway, everyone was very excited and very supportive most especially Mr Stephen Paul, headmaster of John Paul College. I was very much honoured at the same time taken aback when he attended (I knew he may come if his tight schedule allows it) to my Go Away Barbeque Day at home to personally congratulate me which I will never forget that one lovely Sunday afternoon... He came not as a headmaster but as one of our friends who extended their support.

Before I departed for Vienna in July 25, there were 2 important events unfolded in as well. First, I received an award for the Young Star Achievers for May/June 2007 which the Quest Newspapers nominated me in. Second, during the Redlands Eisteddfod on 23 July, my group in Strings Orchestra which I played the violin won the First Place in the 12 years and under Division.

My mom and I flew to Vienna in July 25, Wednesday. I ws thrilled because we got upgraded to business class using her points from Brisbane-Singapore leg of the journey. The seats were great that you can lie down to stratch and the food was first class. I never stopped ordering meals at my heart's content.

We arrived in Vienna the next day then on July 29, mom took me to Sudbahnhof Train Station to meet the others. I commented to my mom that it was like in Harry Potter the act of parents taking their kids to the train station. Mom was sad because I will be away for a month. As for myself, I was so into staying no matter what it takes that is why during the 3 weeks June term break I took crash German language lessons for 3 hours a week for 3 weeks. Ms Amanda Kuhnemann, out of her big heart was very generous in sparing her most wanted break from teaching. I owed her a lot as she was such a lovely lady.

At the camp, I found that there were 54 old and new boys for the trial period. A lot of them were old members and from the primary group age starts 10 years old are now qualified to join the touring group age starts 11 years old. I made new friends straight away as the boys were very nice. There were also 2 new American boys who spoke fluent German.

I was assigned to Bruchnerchor group and sang soprano I. We practised 4 hours a day and learnt songs in German like Tota Pulchra, Pueri Concinite, Waltzer de Freude, etc and in American like Ain't She's Sweet, What a Wonderful Day, Stormy Weather, etc. We had one public concert at the church on the Sunday on Aug 19.

After each practices everyday, we had free time. We went to the lake for a swim, played tennis, played PSP, inner tubing, downhill sledding, hiking, torch walking, etc. I practised my violin as well once every 2 days. We went to Minimundus, a place of miniature of icons from different countries like Eiffel Tower, Giant Ferris Wheel, Leaning Tower of Pisa, and more.

I was able to put my German laguage skills into practise and understood the language itself well. Surprisingly found myself speaking German most of the time fluently and learned quicker with such ease.

I rang my mom on the first week on Thursday afternoon Brisbane's time. We were allowed to ring 4 times. I told her I can speak a bit of German hwen she asked me.

But on that unfateful day of Wednesday evening of August 22 they told me that I may not be in the choir because there's not a space for me. Space? Perhaps, it would have been a lot easier to accept if I was told I didn't passed the audition because I understand the very high standard they have. It seemed that the whole world came crushing on me. I got angry at myself. I didn't cry then though. It was totally different from what I have been told on that day in May. My wish, hopes and dreams were suddenly pierced out from my heart. No matter how much prepared I was for the inevitable I still went through these feelings.

I rang home on early Friday morning, August 26, to tell my mom but my Dad answered the phone instead that I may not be in it but my mom was in Frankfurt already on the way to Vienna with my other suitcase.

Mr Peter Oberndorfer, the camp manager of Sekirn, told me on this same day that Mr Gerald Wirth will contact my mom to tell her whether I had the chance to be in it or not. At the moment, the Brucknerchor left for Italy fgor 2 concerts with Mr Gerald Wirth.

Mom met me at the train station on Aug 25, Sunday. She explained that Vienna Office Mrs Turner and Victoria Iadgarov admitted to her that they made a mistake in letting her know too late and that it should have been informed a week ago or earlier. She had just spoken to Victoria on Monday, Aug 20, that everything was fine. It was only on Wednesday that the Vienna office was informed by Sekirn Office. Mrs Turner rang mom on Thursday evening Brisbane time but she already left that mornng. My mom was always in communication with them and even herself she couldn't understand the turn of the events. Apparently, there were too many boys at the trial period this time with very limited spaces and Mrs Turner showed concern about my age turning 12 years old this November, if I join later.

My mom just said to me not to lose hope as tomorrow is another day. Just keep on dreaming and aiming for it to make it happen she said. One important thing was to continue to be fluent in German language. While in tears she said she was very proud of me for me to get this far and she was heartbroken in my behalf and this time I cried because like she would always say to me she'll do everything for me to succeed but as always it will always be dependant on me to take it to do something with it or leave it. Every step of effort I made she's always behind me...and just study well to get those A's she added on! Academic performance still matters she said in anything you want to do.

And she added that there was one person who will be so jumping for joy on my coming home because he missed me so much, my younger brother, Taylor, who was patiently waiting in the car since 2004 for hours during my rehearsals with the Australian Youth Choir.

I knew it was a trial period and even if I had only a month it would be such an immeasurable experience that I should treasure it in my heart. Just the fact that I was inside of the Wiener Snagerknaben for a month... lived, ate, sang, performed, and played with them should have made a great difference in my life. It was an experience worthwhile to reminisce every now and then to console my aching heart once reminded. There weren't enough words to describe the whole experience with the Wiener Snagerknaben properly. I had so much fun though I'd wish it had a better turn in the tide.

For now when I put my head on my pillow, I can't help myself and always been suspended up in the air with only 2 things in my mind while enjoying the icing on the cake of my experience with the Vienna Boys Choir... if only I... I wish...!!! By this time I was already in the land of nod.

Perhaps now you have a better understanding why this was my most unforgettable memoir in my life. I suppose you can't have everything. Well, life must go on and just like as they say the show must go on!

I may still be unsure and still trying to comprehend everything what happened, I am glad to be home and the suspense was finally over which given me time to pick up the pieces where I left it. There will always be a silver lining in the midst of the grey clouds!

As the Courier Mail editorial about me in July 4 - Alexander the great hope... I'll never lose hope for as long as I live! And for the Wiener Sangerknaben... they were great and it was an honour even for such a short time I was part of it! I am very thankful I still have my wonderful family behind me always!!!!

by Alexander
Yr 7 / 2007