As I wake-up on the first morning in Paris I'm reminded of how marvelous it is to have the privilege of traveling! It's easy to complain about long bus rides, airport delays and jet lag, but when I stop to think that just a few short hours ago I was at home and now have already had a banner first day in Paris, I still marvel at how easy it is to do this. The students are excited and are doing well. I expect nothing less, of course, from our Luther students -- the best of the best! Everyone had a good night's sleep and now at 8:39 a.m. we are drinking strong coffee and still waiting for the sun to come up. Today will be a day of getting to know central Paris on foot as well as getting more comfortable with using the Metro. It was great to re-visit St-Sulpice yesterday and to finally meet Sophie-Veronique Cauchefer-Choplin. We are both members of the Concert Artist Cooperative but had only exchanged e-mails. She was charming and gracious to our group and demonstrated the spectacular Cavaille-Coll organ with aplomb! As she deftly pulled stops right and left she said with a big smile, "I am like a cook in the kitchen!" This is just the beginning with what I hope will be a wonderful immersion experience. Now, there are a few more details to attend to.

A bientot!

GP