Sing out loud, sing out strong

Sometimes I get my wires crossed.  I misunderstand little details and big ones as well.  A friend invited my family to join her family for her daughter's choir concert via Line.  You would think I would get the details right, but you would be wrong.

I was wrong today on multiple levels.  First, I didn't share the details with my husband (aka my official translator) beforehand.  Then, I misread the invite and got the time wrong. 

After encouraging my husband to get his errands done this morning, we embarked on our journey to the choir concert.  We made it in great time, flowing easily between our two trains and 10 minute walks on both ends of the trip. 

The Christmas concert was at a hospital.  We walked in and found no one else there.  I asked at the front desk and was told we were 2 hours early!  I couldn't believe I had messed up.  My husband rolled his eyes and we headed to a park. 

We bummed around for the two hours - playing at the park, going for sushi, and walking.  When the time for the concert came, we headed back to the hospital. 

The audience was mainly patients and family members.  We didn't mind that we weren't either, because we were guests of a performer.  It was fun listening to the choir sing holiday classics like "Silent Night" and "Angels We Have Heard On High" in Japanese.  I found it interesting that the choir leader chose such religious songs for a very non-religious holiday (according to how the Japanese celebrate it). 

They also sang several Japanese songs.  My husband commented on how dated the songs were, but also noted they were perfect for the older audience.  I really enjoyed hearing the songs about Mt. Fuji, skiing, and a cat that dances the tango.  My son loved hearing a song that he used to love about the wind. 

The performance ended with a very interesting rendition of "Feliz Navidad".  My husband and I sang along during the chorus with abandon. 

I was so proud of our friend's daughter.  She looked so happy singing in front of all those people.  The choir did a really fantastic job and brought a lot of joy to everyone who listened.  I'm so glad we were able to go and enjoy her performance.

I may have started the day off on the wrong foot, but we ended it well with a fun time at the concert.  Everything worked out in the end.