Early 1990s
The Czech McDonald's
by Cliff Chamberlain
Lasting Impressions of Poland '90
by Marsha DiFrango
Many Sides of Choir
by Katie Campomizzi Clews
The Czech McDonald's
by Cliff Chamberlain
I am here at work, bored, so I thought I would share
a few random thoughts about my 1994 European Trip.
Many funny things happened, several of which I am sure have long
forgotten. However one incident continues to live in my forward
conscious: One of the most vivid memories occured during a long
bus ride. We were traveling through the wonderful Czech countryside
via tour bus, with Sven (of course, this was not his name at all)
our bus driver at the wheel.
The road noise kind of put you in a trance, and thoughts often
wandered. . . . In my daze, my attention continued to revert back
to the fact that I had not eaten western style food for many days.
Yes, I had convinced myself that I would no longer eat bread, funny
little meat things, and jellied chicken. I am going on a hunger
strike until we get back to the States.
As we lumbered along at 98 MPH, my vision panned to the window.
As if my prayers had been sent express mail to heaven, a sight that
I had not taken in for some time became apparent. It was the big
"M", the Golden Arches, the epitome of American fast food culture!!
Could this be real? Here, in jellied chicken land? Are the long
miles and the endless tour schedule dulling my senses? No, it is
real!! YES! A McDonalds Resturant!!
Sven made a quick exit from the highway and within seconds we were
disembarking and heading toward real food. Everything looked familiar
enough, golden arches, Ronald McDonald, red, yellow, yes, I was
definitely in familiar territory.
I was accompanied by several of my burger-loving friends, namely
Mike Saulnier and Sean Hart. We entered the doorway, and proceeded
to order our meals. Would it be a "number 2 supersized with a coke"?
Or how about a "6 piece Mcnuggets with a orange soda"? Quite frankly,
it would be none of them. The menu consisted of "Big Mac" and "French
Fry". Slightly disappointing, however I was willing to make do.
We promptly ordered, and I remembered that we had been told that
this was a quick stop, and that we should make our way back to the
bus as soon as possible. But I figured we could take a few minutes
to eat our food.
While eating, I noticed that several things were a little different
than the old USA Mickey D's. We already mentioned the menu. In addition,
there was an armed guard at the doorway. This was a little surprising.
I was also shocked to notice a small child with her father. You
may ask why this is abnormal, and I would continue by saying this
was abnormal because the father was allowing the child to "Take
a #2" (not a value meal this time) on the lawn in front of the resturant.
Additionally, this was in full view of the armed guard, who apparently
did not feel this was a problem for the lawn. Very strange people
here.
Whoa! Look at the time!! We have to get back on the bus. Mike,
Sean and I quickly finished our "Big Mac's" and made our way to
the door. We were kind of in a hurry, so Mike decided to cut through
the lawn of the resturant. Mikey had taken about 3 steps into the
grass, when we heared loud shouts comming from the resturant. Looking
back, we noticed the armed security guard running our way. We stopped
to watch, and the man immeidately ran up and took Mikey by the arm.
He was shouting at him and us, however we really didn't know what
he was saying. It appeared as if he was telling us not to move and
was atttempting to keep us from leaving. We had apparently violated
the "keep off the grass" law.
The man yelled a few more things, motioned as to indicate "Do not
move", and turned to go back into the resturant. At this point,
we looked at each other and figured it would be in our best interest
to run like hell. We promptly did this, not really looking back
to much. We heared a few shouts moments later, more than likely
from the lawn police, but my this point, we had made it to the pedestrian
underpass near the highway and were halfway to the bus. We didn't
really stop running until we were on board the bus.
I learned alot about other cultures on my European trip. I learned
much about their food (I also lost about 10 pounds). I also learned
alot about various uses for your front lawn, some of which are more
excepted than others in the eyes of some.
Respectfully submitted, Cliffy
Lasting Impressions
of Poland '90 by Marsha DiFrango
One of my fondest memories of Lyco Tour Choir is
our trip to Poland ('90). I can't even begin to list all the wild,
crazy and touching things that happened on that trip. That trip,
in addition to helping me make some very dear friends, had a real
impact on my life. My goals in teaching were forever changed after
the choir's visit to Auschwitz, the Nazi concentration camp. It
has become my mission to make students aware of the dangers of prejudice
and ignorance through the study of the Holocaust. In 1996, I returned
to Germany to gather more information. All the while I was there,
I thought of the choir, its dear director, and its universal message
of music.
Many Sides of Choir
by Katie (Campomizzi) Clews
I can't recall a specific favorite, but there's quite
a few that stick out in my mind: The 12-hour volleyball marathons
that gave me some pretty good workouts, Graduation weekends, and
the choir spirit gift-giving. I can't forget to mention the Christmas
Candlelight Services that would pack Clarke Chapel and all of the
candles flickering in unison. My parents always looked forward to
coming to participate in it and to hear the choir sing.
If I think about it, the one event affiliated with choir that I'll
never forget is the trip to New York City to sing at St Patrick's
Cathedral. The acoustics were breathtaking, they sent shivers up
my spine!
|
