Battle of the Choirs

Well someone suggested that we post some thoughts on our experience at BOTC, so I thought I'd have a go (and also have a go at this blog thing!).
Day 1 - 5 June 2008
For me the day started before 4am, and about 10mins earlier than I wanted as I had to get bonfire smell out of my hair. Mum picked me up to take me to the airport at 4:15. The day before she had said something along the lines of 'I hope you'll be bright and chatty on the way to the airport'. Surely she was joking! I said 'will you settle for awake and quiet as opposed to grumpy?' Amazingly enough I was more actually relatively cheery (mornings are not my strong point). We were supposed to be at the airport by 5am for the 6am flight, and arrived in good time at 4:45. Heaps of people were there already, with cases and suitbags galore (had to have somewhere to stash our snazzy duds). At long last John & Jo arrived with the new choir costumes that had been finished the day before, and the sashes for another outfit. We all hustled through the check-in and up to the departure lounge. Coffee seemed the next order of business for most people and did have the desired effect of warmth and life. There was a bit of bustle about who was in what seat. Eventually our flight was called and we trundled along with our hand luggage and suitbags (just in case!!).
I ended up next to Robin & Michael, thanks boys, you were good row buddies. We enjoyed some Umbilical Brothers on the TV for 15mins, before we had to pay. Between the three of us we managed to complete the In Flight crossword puzzle and other brain teaser items (I was the back up, the boys did most of it). I read some Agatha Christie, the boys shut their eyes and attempted to fit their long legs in the space provided.
At some time in the future we began the descent into Sydney. It was overcast. We landed. It was raining. Urgh. When the captain had mentioned descending, several of the ladies of the party buzzed around finding make up bags and further beautifying themselves. It paid off, the Channel 7 (Granada) little film crew were indeed waiting at the Gate for us (camera on). Cindy & I escaped into the Ladies before they saw us to do a final check. Then there was some very exciting 'yay, we're here' filming in the Virgin arrivals lounge. Sorry, tongue in cheek there. We hustled off to get our bags and then on to the 'BOTC tourbus' for a quick trip over to the QANTAS arrivals. Apparently, Virgin were a bit reluctant to allow freedom of filming. So we went up and down escalators ad nauseum, and then pretended to hail a taxi, but really all ended up at the bus.
Some singing ensued as the producer wanted to get some audio footage, for an idea of our sound for the studio. Interesting: bus...studio...bus - not seeing the similarity here!
At very long, long last we arrived at the hotel and got our little induction to the hotel, then were able to go upstairs and dump our stuff. I am a little fuzzy on the exact events that came next, but I'm fairly certain we headed over to Westfield Parramatta...you can feel what's coming, I know. Food. Yes, food, glorious food! Bearing in mind, I ate breakfast about 4am Perth time, lunch time was at 3:30 Sydney time. We were all extreeeeemely hungry. I feel it would be rude to say starving as we don't live in a third world country and we had eaten that day. Bit of shopping for minor food items (we weren't going to get every meal at the studio) and then back to the hotel for a rehearsal. This turned out to be a bit later than planned, possibly due to the infernally slow Green Man traffic signal.
Rehearsal of current pieces and of the opening theme tune. Break, change into snazzy new costumes (actually, it was seeing if they fit!), then back downstairs for some further rehearsal. Most of the dresses fit well, but a few had some interesting gapage. A bit more rehearsal and then we were allowed out for dinner. Matt, Kristy, Svenja (hmm checking spelling before I hit publish - gold I got it right!! You do have a way cool name) and I went to Lone Star, for dinner at about 9ish.
By then I was on sleep mode, so it was more than definitely time for bed when we had finished.
There is probably some more detail that I could put, but my fingers are pretty chilly, due to this frosty Perth weather, so signing off for now. Hopefully this will actually work and someone else will add their five cents soon.