When North meet South

~16. Norway here we come!~

~28.11.2023.~

Teodora's pov:

*The day had finally arrived—the day we would embark on a journey to Norway, representing not only our country but the culmination of countless hours of practice, passion, and unwavering dedication to our culture.*

Author's pov:

*Excitement buzzed in the air as the ensemble, along with their professors and a small group of supportive friends, and family gathered at the school gates, luggage in hands.*

Teodora: (checking her things) Can you believe this is happening?

Ana: (grinning) It's surreal. From our school courtyard to the international stage.

*Everyone said goodbye to their loved ones and slowly entered the bus one by one, dressed in matching T-shirts with their ensemble sign and Serbia with flag written on it. The atmosphere inside was a mixture of nervous anticipation and enthusiasm. The hum of conversation and occasional laughter filled the air as the bus pulled away from the familiar surroundings of their school. They left somewhere around 10 in the morning and it's a long way to Norway. Which means they will spend a whole day and more in the bus.*

Daniel: (enthusiastically) Norway, here we come! I've always wanted to visit.

Max: (checking his guitar) Just imagine the landscapes and the music we'll encounter. 

*Yes, Max plays the guitar. He will play Hearbeat together with Andrea who will of course play on her guitar.*

*Hours passed, and as the bus neared the first border with Hungary, the excitement grew. The prospect of crossing into a new country added a layer of anticipation. At the border crossing, the group experienced a brief pause, an opportunity seized by Kate.*

Kate: (excitedly) How about a quick game to pass the time? Something to lighten the mood.

Ana: (smiling) Agreed. What do you have in mind?

Kate: What do you say if we turn up one "Užičko kolo" in the middle of the border? (She looked up with a big smile)

Andrea: When you're suggesting, "Bugarka" is better.

*Almost the entire ensemble got off the bus, their professor, Mr. Smith played "Užičko kolo" on the big bluetooth and they started to dance, in a folkloric way. Some drivers who were also waiting in the huge crowd couldn't resist dancing.*

*Meanwhile, Teodora and Kate found themselves engaged in a conversation with the bus driver, a seasoned traveler with tales of his own.*

Teodora: (curious) You must have seen some incredible places driving groups like ours.

Bus Driver: (nodding) Oh, absolutely. Every trip is unique. But there's something special about musicians. The energy is different.

Kate: (smiling) We're on a mission to share our music with the world.

Bus Driver: (grinning) Well, you've got the right spirit. Norway's going to love this ensemble, especially your group, "FolkBeat Harmony".

*As the bus journey continued, the landscape transformed from familiar surroundings to picturesque scenery. The ensemble couldn't resist capturing moments on camera—rolling hills, distant mountains, and charming villages that painted the canvas of their journey.*

David: (taking photos) These landscapes will inspire our music, I'm sure of it.

~29.11.2023.~ Around  11am.