As parents of choristers we were privileged to accompany our children on the choir’s residency at the National Cathedral, Washington DC. Excitement about the forthcoming trip appeared as soon as they had broken up from school.
In the days before we left for Washington a frenzy of activity ensued—focused, it has to be said, around the washing machine and ironing board as we made sure their robes and surplices were in pristine condition. Then followed checking that all music was complete, and finally packing of suitcases. Because of the security alert, no hand luggage was allowed so we had to ensure that everything went in one case each.
The increased security alert involved a late foray to the shops for clear plastic wallets for valuables. That achieved we attempted an early night prior to a crack of dawn start the next day—a singular failure, I have to report.
The flights to Washington passed without incident (if you don’t count a two hour queue at Paris), although we were not sitting together, rather being dotted around the plane. The in-flight entertainment of films and games occupied the children well, but we were all pleased when we landed at Washington Dulles. A coach trip to the hotel followed, with our teenagers delighted to spot the shops.
We attended each service that the choir sang and were so proud of their singing and the way that they gave their all to each one. Some of us were also privileged to read a lesson at Evensong. We also enjoyed time together as parents, sitting in the sun in the delightful Bishop’s Garden, with ice creams and cold drinks to hand while our choristers practised in the cathedral.
We enjoyed sightseeing trips, making up large family groups in excursions to the museums, and none of the restaurants seemed fazed by large groups of noisy children, who occasionally broke into song. Teenage daughters particularly enjoyed the Pentagon City shopping mall and the late night opening of the shops in Georgetown.
It was lovely to see how our children bonded together as a group, and had fun together, eating together and playing together, particularly enjoying a late night trip to the ice cream parlour—almost every night. We all agree that Max’s Best really is the best ice cream. Particularly recommended are the mango sorbet and rum and raisin but the list is endless.
The hotel accommodation was excellent and once we had discovered the laundry room in the basement—well, it felt like home from home. With an iron and ironing board in our rooms we were able to ensure our trebles were well turned out for every occasion. And what bliss not to have to cook a meal for ten days.
So what will stay with us from the trip? The friendliness of everyone we met, the fun we had together as a large family group, sightseeing in Washington with trips to museums, negotiating the metro and bus systems. But most of all the wonderful cathedral building (with the largest shop we’ve ever seen in a church) and the exquisite singing of the choir. Were we proud? You bet we were!