The Arrival of the AYO

Today was hot, humid, and rainy. The one thing that made the day a bit brighter, however, was that the orchestra members arrived. They came on planes and buses and arrived full of anxiousness and excitement. Carrying their massive instruments and some wearing the famous red AYO shirts, they looked ready for 2 weeks of rehearsal albeit a bit nervous and also exhausted from travelling. I look forward to getting to know all of them. Meeting all of these people in the past 2 days has been absolutely amazing. Besides the AYO orchestra members and staff, the people of Taiwan that I have encountered such as the taxi drivers, shop owners, and hotel staff have been so kind and welcoming. It is truly the people who make a place feel like a home. 

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