Finally made it to Vancouver. Had a good meetup with friends in Seattle, one of whom let me borrow some of his flutes in the hopes that at least one of them would work. Finally made it and met up with everyone. Still a little dazed and trying to get my bearings....that's just the way I work at really intense workshops. Everyone's really nice, and Dharmonia was right, everyone bonds here really quickly. I think it took us all of 15 min into dinner to decide that we should declare war on the Baroque camp when they get here. The first day of actual classes (there was just a meet and greet and dinner the first night) was really intense. Lots of learning by ear (thank God I'm used to it) and a lot of communicating what we want out of the course to some of the instructors. This morning started out well, with a trip to the library to see an AMAZING copy of the Codex Calixtinus, and a great class of chant and learning by ear. The instrumental class is this afternoon. There are only 4 of us instrumentalists. Myself (flute), Roomie (vielle/rebec), 19-year-old recorder phenom, and Aussie studying at IU (vielle). What's truly amazing is the calliber of musicianship here. It makes you really want to work on your craft, plus it's nice to be with people you have to make sure you keep up with. Last class of the day coming up, and I'm hoping to snatch some coffee before our instrumental class.

Peace, Love, and Tunes,

Mac.