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On the Road Again

November 12, 2007 at 4:07 PM

Yet another business trip to Asia with laptop and viola in tow. Nevermind the issues about bring your precious instrument onboard! I had more problems getting used to the time zone difference and cramped quarters in Hong Kong to get any real productive practice time.

This frustration finally came to a climax late in the week when I felt that I "lost my touch". I couldn't even play a simple scale without falling apart intonation-wise. A desperate plea to my teacher for help via e-mail gave me the best advice and perspective: "Don't be so hard on yourself. It is great that you brought it. Any chance you can do an impromptu performance? on the street for lunch money perhaps?
try to have some fun".

Well, I didn't end up playing on the streets of Hong Kong for lunch money, but instead I played in the hallway in the hotel while the housekeeping staff cleaned my room on Sunday. The arppegio was as popular as the 5th Suite with the housekeeping staff and the few guests that were still in their rooms. At the end of the day, I got in a good 6 hours of practice time in before heading up to the Peak with my colleagues for dinner.

I can't wait to get back home.

From Terez Mertes
Posted on November 13, 2007 at 1:17 AM

>...instead I played in the hallway in the hotel while the housekeeping staff cleaned my room on Sunday.

Oh, what a great image! I, for one, am glad you brought your viola with you, even when the practice got sparse and frustrating. I like traveling with mine; it's like touching home base from time to time. Hope you (and listeners) enjoyed your hallway performance! : )

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