| Archive for The Royal Marines Band Service On-line Community Bringing the serving and ex serving communities together |
| mrbassbone |
China with the Mantovani OrchestraAs I get prepared to head to the Orient, I will be sure to take plenty of pics and keep notes. Not sure how much TRUE internet access I will have there, but I will post things when I return. |
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| RAB |
Re: China with the Mantovani Orchestra
 ..Chow Man.....  ..Have a good run... 
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| Hornblower |
Break a tooth Shell (Quaint Old English Saying).
And - how much FALSE internet access will there be? Oh - I think I get it now, does it have something to do with censoring Google? I'll answer that actually. Yes. If you get anywhere near, give 'The Wanch' my regards?
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| mrbassbone |
"The Wanch"? |
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| Hornblower |
Find out when you get there! OR maybe some kind soul will FILL you in. Waaaaaahhhhhhhhhh |
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| mrbassbone |
I will be in Beijing, Wuhan, Gwangchouo, Hanhchou and Shainghai. My spelling is awful as I do not have my Itinerary handy...LOL |
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| Hornblower |
Bit cruel with that answer really. Sorry...
If you have the wisdom to go to Hong Kong, you would find it there. |
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| mrbassbone |
Ahhh...sadly the Hong of Kong is not on our trip.... |
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| Hornblower |
It's an amalgam of many diverse cultures... 
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| FFoglamp |
.....and the Wanchai is inland now ! (Like this is relevant to the conversation).
Anyhow, Shell, have a good trip, me ol' China 
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| Aaron Aardvark |
Can you bring me back some China Pipe Clay please........my belt looks a bit ganky.
Have a good trip Shell
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| mrbassbone |
I apologise to all for being a bit of a lurker. My main computer crashed and working on my 8 year old Vaio laptop reeks.
I had a problem with my hard drive and ended up replacing it. Fortunately I had a lot saved on an external hd but not everything. I am working my last two events tonight and tomorrow <Red Hot Chili FFeffers and Magic...errr..Tragic Basketball> and then dealing with the orchesra here. Shell |
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| bootybandy |
Father Christmas was especially kind to me this year Shell. A nice new Mac.....
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| MrJpig |
Glad you put the picture in to qualify that Botty. I had other visions....
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| RAB |
..Ditto.....phEWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW..!!!
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| Hornblower |
OH BOY OH BOY OH BOY OH BOY!!!!   
Hope there's internet access!!!!!!! WOOHOO!!!!!
Hully back MBB |
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| mrbassbone |
Thanks HB. The one thing I am NOT looking forward to are the 13 hour flights from Chicago <where we connect going to and coming back from> to Beijing and returning from Shanghai. | ||||||
| Hornblower |
Got more ironing to do now... 
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| RAB |
..Crikey HB.. I've been watching these eggs boiling for so long, I forgot to do me pressing... 
Thanks for the reminder mucker...
 .."Oh, I'd like to take you...On a slow boat to .....
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| bootybandy |
Just in case you forgot the rest of the words Rab..... SLOW BOAT TO CHINA WORDS LYRICS by Frank Loesser 1948 I'd love to get you On a slow boat to China All to myself alone Get you and keep you In my arms ever more Leave all your lovers Weepin' on a far away shore Out on the briny With the moon big and shiny Melting your heart of stone Honey I'd love to get you On a slow boat to China All by myself alone |
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| MrJpig |
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| bootybandy |
Sorry MJP, a little bit before your time. | ||||||
| MrJpig |
Thats OK Botty .....I am always looking to broaden my musical horizons and appreciate the experience of an older rank passing on his wisdom.
Knowing your passion for being factually correct may I suggest that the words Scottish Constabulary in your location be replaced with the title L&B Police . There is enough Tar being brushed about in the real world without it being spread in here...I thank you in anticipation and invite you to join me in this little tune..... 
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| Hornblower |
Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
ROFLMFHO |
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| RAB |
..Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah
 ..Is that the signature tune of the L&B Pipe band ANDY..??..
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| bootybandy |
Great post HB. Original, authentic, and if I may say so the first time I believe you have said anything noteworthy..... | ||||||
| Hornblower |
OUCH!
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| bootybandy |
Sorry...twice   
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| Siegfried |
Did MrJpig's little tune have a bum note there...the fourth 'La' maybe?
but I will be guided by you experienced Musicians. |
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| Hornblower |
No no Seigfried, it was a good 'un.
You'll KNOW when he hits a bum one - believe me...
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| Siegfried |
Whatever you say - of course he may have been reaching for that top note...as he has a smart uniform on. | ||||||
| mrbassbone |
Arrived safely yesterday <Monday> and had a very comfortable night. We have our first concert in a few hours in the Great Hall of the People. Should be very interesting.
Shell |
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| RAB |
Wow..!! Sounds fantastic Shell...If there's internet connection in the hall, you can maybe give us an update at the interlude mate...
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| Hornblower |
Ooooooh what a BRILL idea Rab!
You're full of 'em aren't you? *To be said in awe* Any more where that one came from? Video streaming link maybe??
Oh well - back to the ironing...
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| admin |
Ohhh a web cast! I wonder if they'd let it happen? | ||||||
| Aaron Aardvark |
Ohhhh I hope so. i had a fabbo Mantovani collection once and I 'lost' it. I could do with some more to blast out in the retirement home lounge. (whilst i'm doing the Ironing)
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| Hornblower |
I'd give my eye tooth to hear it. | ||||||
| mrbassbone |
Concert is over now. Our rehearsal was delayed over an hour as the local crew and I use the term loosely did not have the stage set up for us. We finally got started and was still rehearsing when the doors opened to the public. Not good form on their part. Well....we dealt with it and finished off our needed bit then went down to change and do the show. Glad I was not one of the females...the loos were BOMBSIGHTS!!!!! Not my idea of fun. Anyhow off to bed then the Great Wall and the REAL performance at Great Hall of the People. |
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| Hornblower |
Can't wait to hear how THAT one goes!
Shame the first one got gummed up... |
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| RAB |
Shame about the roadies messing you about Shell..Good time to have a video camera at your side..
Await with "baited" breath for your next update from the Great Wall and Hall... Great thread indeed...
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| 2nd Clarinet |
Mr MBB While your there, can you find out the following? How many bicylces are there in Beijing? Thanks velly velly much....... . |
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| bootybandy |
What's the security like there Shell? are you able to get around easily, or do you have to have chaperons where ere you walk? | ||||||
| mrbassbone |
lets see....where to start.
More cars now than bicycles...traffic and smog will attest to that. Both concerts reeked....fumes of acetone or glue or whatever practically made everyone on stage sick. Security was TIGHT in the hall but around town you could go anywhere without an escort. The hall was not designed as a concert hall but like our house of representatives. Big stage lots of seats but lousy accoustics. Great Wall was fun. Very hard to climb but something one has to do if there. Todaywe flew to Wuhan and when we arrived...my trombone, the other trombone, the accordian and THE MUSIC failed to arrive. It was left at the counter. IDIOTS!!!!!! They all arrived 45 minutes before we were scheduled to leave the hotel <now>for our next performance. More later. |
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| bootybandy |
Thanks for the update Shel. Can I ask, "How are the concerts being received over there, as their music is very different to Western style music?. Do they appreciate Montovani as much as we do? Hope things are going well and we eagerly await your next installment. Take care mate.....
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| MrJpig |
Good to hear things are going to plan Shel..45 minutes before the gig?? LUXURY!! Can`t remember the venue but on a Starboard gig once we were all ready to go for a 1930 curtain up and the Truck hadn`t arrived with 90% of the kit on. I remember when it did roll up having had a puncture fixed, Steve Cook sat on his stool and watched his drum kit appear around him  . approx 5 minutes to get the whole band set up! 
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| RAB |
WOW..!!! The great wall sounds..well..great MBB...They say you can see it from outer space...What can you see from the wall...??? | ||||||
| mrbassbone |
Things just get better and better. On this tour, the local presenter was required to provide 4 chelli, a double bass and all the percussion gear. So far the strings provided have been in such poor condition that you would not even use them for begining students.
It is funny that you mention a drum kit appearing as he played as that is what happened tonight. All the cymbals for the set were missing as well as the drum stool. The vibes and bells were complete noshows. Despite all this...we put on a grade a performance. now it will be off to guangchou and see what else can happen. |
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| Aaron Aardvark |
My missing Mantovani record collection. I'm gutted. It was my pride and joy. Now all gorrrrnnnnn  I bet someone nicked them and frizbeed them over to China.......I cant live without Mantovani......Andy, Rab.....can you copy all yours for me please. Id be velly grateful.
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| RAB |
Sorry AA..All my stuff's on vynil, and I don't have a needle for me old HMV player.. ...Perhaps someone else can help..???
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| bootybandy |
I'm surprised that the strings have not been up to scratch. I remember the Chinese "Lark" model sounding as sweet as a bird. |
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| MrJpig |
Charmained I`m sure, I will try and cascade some sounds onto disc one of these enchanted evenings....but for now....Adios Muchachos
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| bootybandy |
Such generosity, my eyes are getting a little Misty. | ||||||
| MrJpig |
See you made it to the Geat Hall of Fame then Shel !!( scroll down)
http://www.hallowquest.com/whoweare.htm |
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| Siegfried |
Very Good Mr.Jpig !!!
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| 2nd Clarinet |
Depends on which way you're looking.... If you look UP on a clear night...... Outer Space! If you look LEFT or RIGHT...... more Wall!
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| RAB |
Hmmmmmmmmmmmm..I thought I'd left myself a bit open for "reprobatory fire" when I posted that question..
Nice humorous answer Bob, but I was really hoping for a rather more detailed description from MBT.. He just seems to have that way with words mate...
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| bootybandy |
Well said Rab. We don't want people hijacking MBT's thread. An answer from the man himself regarding the Great Wall will be most welcome. | ||||||
| mrbassbone |
Tonight we played in Gungzhou. The setting was the Sun-Yet-Sen Concert Hall. We flew from wuhan to here and then checked into the hotel. Lunch was waiting for us and after that was done, I had to go to the venue to make sure things were set.
As luck would have it, nothing was set. They had our site plan and a work crew. No percussion gear yet or the big strings....hmmm...sounds like a broken record. Again, Jay <our percussionist> and the Cello section and String Bass worked wonders with horrible stuff. The audiences have been very receptive to the concerts. The only such ?polite" applause was the first private concert in the Great Hall. Now...the wall. It is very impressive to see. Where went was a section out of Beijing about 45 KM away. The first thing you notice is that it is NOT user friendly. The steps are not even nor even the same height. I cnnot imagine troops defending it being able to run up it in a hurry. An interesting feature is a long chain with thousands of locks on it. Tradition states that if you leave a lock there, your relationship will last as long as the wall. The whole area is hard to see as the smog is bad. What I thought about was the movie RETURN OF THE KING and the chain of fire stations on the mountain peaks. Always manned but never sure IF the call was going to come. I still have not had the chance to deal with my pictures but I will when I get a day off....most likely in two days in Shenzen. Shell |
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| bootybandy |
Oooohhh.. Famous in his own lunchtime.
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| bootybandy |
Did no one carry out a risk assessment before you went then Shel.
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| Pablo |
My missing Mantovani record collection. I'm gutted. It was my pride and joy. Now all gorrrrnnnnn I bet someone nicked them and frizbeed them over to China.......I cant live without Mantovani......Andy, Rab.....can you copy all yours for me please. Id be velly grateful. [/quote]
PM me. Just as per Siegfried, this was another collection I converted from Vinyl to MP3 format. Its formsatted at 128mps. Any good to you then you can PM me. PS I'll do an "exchange" for the Massed Bands BR recording Paul |
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| mrbassbone |
OSHA was previously occupied. |
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| Hornblower |
Having been incommunicado yesterday (Friday) I was extremey intrigued as to what was going on over in China with the Mantovani Orchestra - I've also been worried aobut Aa Aa's collection and am pleased to see that forum members are pulling together to re-equip him with the sounds. BZ.
This is now the first thread I access when log on - even my wood-warpiing club has taken 2nd place!! More, more more please!!! |
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| mrbassbone |
Myslf and some of the orchestra ladies at the Wall. |
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| Hornblower |
And his wish was granted....
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| bootybandy |
Well done Shel. Have you gat a picture of all of those padlocks you mentioned earlier? | ||||||
| Hornblower |
Yeah - what a great story and idea!
I love the thought of an enduring padlock to keep the spirits locked together as one. 
I think I'll introduce the concept on a carpentry basis in the WW club. |
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| MrJpig |
This just in from China.....The man himself on stage
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| bootybandy |
Is that the full orchestra Shel? Looks a little short on Chelli... | ||||||
| mrbassbone |
Our isnstrumentaion is as follows: 17 Violins 6,6,5 violas 4, Celli 4, Bass 1, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bssoon, French Horn, Trumpts 2, Trmbons 2, percussion 1, guitar, accordian and solo pianist. Typical Mantovani size. Shll |
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| mrbassbone |
Well....we are in Shanghai now and staying at the Pacific Hotel on NanjingRoad smack dab in the middle of the FUN part of the city. We had off yesterday ad this moring then played the first of two concerts. We were on the Grand Stage and tomorrow play on the Opera Stage. These are both in the same complex and are really fabulous.
Anyone have ny ideas for shopping as we will have friday and saturday off then fly home on sunday. We DO have to contend with Chinese New Year over the weekend. What a problem...LOL Eventually I will have mor pics to share and a complete recap when I return to Uncle Sugar. Shell |
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| bootybandy |
Excellent Shel. Much appreciated man. How long do your performances normally last and can you give us a run down on the music that is in the programme. Baby Elephant Walk? is that in the programme? | ||||||
| RAB |
It would be most interesting to know what they have in the shops over there Shell. And a run down on some of the prices would make good reading.. Hope there's no snags with your final concert. Keep us posted..
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| mrbassbone |
You want the real stores or the "REAL" ones? In the real stores you can find everything you want. For example justnext door to our hotel is the NEW WORLD BUIDING which has 12 floors each dedicated to a different segment of items like a regular dept store. The 10th floor is Madame Tooussauds Wax Museum. When I went there yesterday all the prices were set but as soon as you stopped to look the attendant there dropped them in half immediately. I didn't think that the biig stores would haggle prices. I was looking for Silk Robes and the prices went from RMB 280 on up to over 1200 RMB. The exchange rate from YUAN or RMB to US DOLLAR is approx $100=RMB765 so that gives you an idea of value. Now...some of the street vendors will sell you practically anything for any price. I went into an antiques shop where I saw a Leather Jacket decked out in NBA Patches. Very nice coat. He wanted $500 to start and when I was walking out he dropped it to RMB 400. You can find knockoffs for nearly everything here. I bought a "genuine" Rolex...err...Polex watch for RMB 120. I should have gotten it cheaper had I taken a closer look as it was missing some stones from the outside case. I did not notice that until i got back to th hotel. The weight of the watch was the correct feel. I am looking for 2 Louis Vuiton purses for my boss and her daughter. I should be able to get them very cheaply. If you are familiar with the bronze vase works called Cloisenette <cloy-zen-AA> then you will know what I am talking about. You can find all sizes of them with varying prices from RMB 20 on up. All in all you can find whatever yuo want and haggle the prices to nearly othing. |
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| bootybandy |
They've got RMB's over there Shel? Blimey we get everywhere. I thought 3rd Commando Brigade Band disbanded in about 1969/70 ish. Has nobody told them yet. Waaaaaaaahhhh | ||||||
| mrbassbone |
OOPS...did not mean to confuse you. RMB <unless you are yanking my lg> is the Bank name for the YUAN. Booty....read my live chat post |
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| mrbassbone |
Sorry about the double post. I removed it. We leave for our last concert in an hour and then two days off to shop, rest, party for Chinese New Year then fly home. Am looking forward to that. | ||||||
| Hornblower |
I really don't think Booty's clever enough to yank a Yank's leg M8!
And Booty, I hope you've read the live chat post by now... 
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| bootybandy |
Live chat is never my first port of call on this site. In fact I only glance at it looking down the page for new posts to de-rail or hijack.....
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| RAB |
...and well done you Brian.. .I'm planning a China trip sometime next year, and was so interested in MBT's "on site" recce..
Then you go and spoil it by suggesting a leg pull...
Now this is not a post to hijack.. or to put it a better way.. "Shanghii" Please let's get as much info as poss... before Shel has to take the Slow Boat To China stern first... Plzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz... |
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| mrbassbone |
Youmust mean Slow Boat FROM China whichwill happen sunday when we leave the hotel at 0900 for the airport. Today is now Friday and it is around 0700 here. Weather is rainy for the day. Makes no difference...a taxi will get you to the shopping area just as slowly as if it was clear and sunny. Still havesome shopping to do so will take care of that today. |
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| bootybandy |
Actually Rab, this is one of the most interesting threads on here, and it was one that I was not hijacking. I really did not know that RMB was the currency used. I thank Shel for enlightening me.
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| mrbassbone |
Thats ok Booy. The locals do NOT know it eithr....LOL |
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| bootybandy |
Shel when it gets to about midnight on Friday (Your time) can you email the Euromillions lottery numbers please. I'll cut you in for a share. |
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| mrbassbone |
Got a link? |
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| bootybandy |
No...it's missing. |
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| Hornblower |
Ohhhhh - toooooo much!
Stop now!!!!! Me belly's bustin'!!!
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| admin |
Wahhhhhhhhhh Snot, coffee & flapjack + keyboard and monitor = I thank you sir! |
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| mrbassbone |
Somehow as I sit here in my hotel room listening to firecrackers going off in the mist shrouded city of Shanghai...I seem to have started another joke. Care to enlighten me....LOL |
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| RAB |
Don't worry Shell....It's just the old RMB sense of humour bubbling to the surface...The missing link is a phrase used quite often this side of the Pond, and is in no way disrespectful to you or your "firecracking" thread..Must be quite a spectacle in Shaghi...(Oops spelling mistake.. )
safe journey home mate..
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| mrbassbone |
SOUNDS like a battlefield...cannot see anything due to mist... | ||||||
| MrJpig |
Did you get Brahms and Liszt in the mist as its your last night? 
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| FFoglamp |
Waaaaah ! Shel. I had the (mis)fortune to be away and miss your entire trip to China on this forum. I have now read the whole thing, and as you can imagine I am absolutely GUTTED at missing the excitement of the trip as it unfolded in front of our very lucky eyes. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Well done.
Now, just for me, and the other unfortunates who missed it, can you continue this thread with some of the other stories you didn't have time to relate, and of course get some more photos on ! P.S. - Just found it in the attic - The Magic of Mantovani, my box set from the Readers Indigest.
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| mrbassbone |
Yes...I will do so as soon as I get my pics and such reloaded into my main computer which I am in the process <again> of restoring everything to it. |
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| Hornblower |
Good call Ffoggy! 
I was only thinking yesterday that this thread was starting to get a bit dry... Keep 'em coming Shell!!! 
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| mrbassbone |
I have not done much with my pics but here are two links to tour photos:
http://www.flickr.com/gp/90236864@N00/85YM57 http://www.flickr.com/photos/katiekellert/sets/72157594514915839/ |
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| Hornblower |
Thanks Shell - there's some great photos there! | ||||||
| RAB |
WOW Shel...It's true what they say "Everything's bigger in The states"
That's an awesome photo album... 
Is that the only one or is there more to follow..??? Looks like y'all had a great time, apart from the litle blips in the organisation....
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| mrbassbone |
We are trying to get everyone who took pics to upload them or send them to one of the orchestra who will post all of them. Here are 3 pics of me conducting a Chinese Ceremonial Band on Chinese New Years near our hotel in Shanghai. oops...somehow the pics did not post. |
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| MrJpig |
Just to let you all know that Shel has 3 pics of him conducting a chinese band. For some reason he couldn`t upload them so he sent them to me.
Here they are..... Oh no ....I can`t upload them either......DELI !!! |
