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As the itinerary stated, 09:00 on Wednesday 30th July saw most of Birmingham Citadel band meeting together (with one or two exceptions - Band Master!!) with mixed feelings about the tour ahead. Much to everyone's relief the carnet was all cleared and only one instrument was checked.
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Everyone checked in, and at 11:00 we met together in one of the departure lounges for a few quiet moments right at the beginning of this exciting venture.
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The flight from Birmingham International airport to Frankfurt went smoothly although the plane was compact to say the least. A few bandsmen/women managed to squeeze in a McDonalds between flights and then the time came to board the second flight of the day. The food was eagerly awaited by most and the films were entertaining. Upon landing we found all luggage and instruments and nothing was damaged!
A long six hour coach journey finished off our travelling to get to our first hotel in Des Moines, Iowa. Everyone was tired so quickly retired to bed. A long, but exciting, first day was over.
Words: Edwina Wilkinson
Photos: Gordon McKee