Flight Delays, Weinachtsmarkt, Lindt’s Chocolate Musuem, and Italian in Algiers–with an accordion!

- Alan Kay, Clarinetist and Artistic Director

Our 2011 EuroTour began in John F. Kennedy airport with a slightly-delayed Lufthansa flight to Munich.  We flew in an Airbus A380, which apparently is the largest aircraft in the world—a flying behemoth, but smooth!

Unfortunately, we had a major delay in Munich with our flight to Cologne.  We were herded to a Lufthansa service center (baaaaaaaa!) and then shepherded to a new gate (baaaaaaa!!), where we hung out in a sleep-deprived stupor, many Orpheans spread out on the floor and waiting area seats, snoring away.

It’s been fun to be back in Cologne again—last time was in February 2009, with Jonathan Biss.  There’s an incredible, famous “Weinachtsmarkt” (Christmas Festival Market), which was storybook-like. I told my touring partners Cynde, Olivia, Melissa, Susan, and son Jonathan, that I felt like I was in Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley.  Freshly-made licorice, the best wurst, pommes frites, and gorgeously presented arts and crafts items— a shopper’s paradise.  But no magic wands…

Orpheus Bassist Jordan Frazier at the Christmas Festival Market (c) Matt Dine

Bill Schimmel - accordionist extraordinaire (c) Matt Dine

Today, Thursday, we headed to the Chocolate Museum, run by Lindt’s, spectacularly situated on a little island in the Rhein river.  Looking for excellent marketing ideas, anyone? Check out their gift shop!  You cannot escape it without dropping 40 Euros on a huge variety of chocolate things in all shapes, sizes and flavors.  They know how to present their wares and make a sale.  Highlight of the shop: a completely chocolate—and edible—cellphone.