WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2023 – PERFORMANCE IN BERGEN:
Everyone was in the lobby at 6:30 am ready to go. The hotel had made breakfast boxes for the group. The only thing missing was our driver and the equipment. He was supposed to go to the venue and hook up the trailer, then be at the hotel by 6:30 am. The stage hands were loading all the equipment on the trailer after the show last night.
At 6:40, I tried calling him and every other number I had – no answers anywhere. At 6:45 he pulled in. He said the trailer was not loaded and I have no way of knowing if that is true or not since we left the venue with the understanding that the stagehands would load the trailer.
I was able to check everyone in and fortunately – because of the extra duffle bag – there were no excess charges! I was dreading the flight because Wideroe only has little prop planes. But, I was surprised that we all had a seat assignment because usually it is like SWA – get on and pick a seat. It was a wonderful surprise when a small jet actually pulled up to our gate.
The flight was 1 hour and 35 minutes. All our luggage and equipment were on the flight and Helge – our driver until we depart to the USA –was waiting for us. The drive from the airport to the hotel was about 25 minutes. We stayed at this hotel last time we performed at this venue. I remember the only thing it is convenient to is the train station and our concert hall.
Since we arrived at the hotel at 11 am, not all the rooms were ready. Thankfully, the rooms for Howard and David were ready. By the time I got everyone checked in, everybody had their room except for me and Jim. We decided to check out the “Laundry Room” and let him start a load of clothes while we were waiting. There was one small “stacked” washer and dryer combo! But, better than nothing! He got his clothes started and Stephanie and Randy showed up with theirs. We all decided to walk down to the Fish Market and have Sushi. I knew the outside market was closed but not they have restaurants that are inside an enclosure. Unfortunately, it had gotten colder and much windier. We opted for a sort of “health food” restaurant and the food was great! I had carrot soup and a fresh scrambled egg sandwich.
By the time we got back to the hotel, our rooms were ready. It’s a very old hotel and where we stayed in 2019. Supposedly it as recently “renovated” but I guess we aren’t in that part of the hotel. The carpeting is “nasty”! But we are only here for a matter of hours – once again. Jim transferred his clothes to the dryer and Stephane put hers in the washer. Mark was “next in the que”. I had a few minutes in the room and then we headed to the venue for sound check. After a couple of wrong turns, we made it to the right location. We played this same venue in 2019 and “Elisabeth” was hour host and is again today. Kjell’s daughter “Caroline” was “interning” with Stageway (our tour sponsors). I haven’t seen her since she was 12 years old and Kjell was worried about her becoming a teenager! She has now served a year in the military and is in college. A beautiful, smart young lady!
A few minutes after I arrived, our dear friend David Genius arrived. We had a little while to chat while the band was getting their levels. Then I had to go back to the hotel with the guys and dress for the show. David’s wife met him and they had dinner at a Thai restaurant across from the hotel. I would have loved to join them but just didn’t have the time.
Two other friends Joakim and Silje were waiting for us when we came in. It was great to see them again as well. I just hate that I am forever running around taking care of other things and never have the time I would like to spend with them!
Another sold out concert and this was a large hall – 1600 people on a Wednesday night is stellar! There were representatives from Stageway at the concert and I met and talked with them for a while. Really nice people, too.
I ordered Thai food for Howard and David for after the show and David was kind enough to pick it up for them. We were back at the hotel by 9:30 pm and now it is almost midnight. Hoping to get in bed by 1 am but doubtful. Lobby call is 10 am tomorrow.
Jude