Today the city is filling up with people hour by hour. New choirs are arriving all the time, they’re checking in and immediately start exploring the place where they’re going to spend the coming days.

They’re walking around everywhere, looking around and taking pictures. They’re shooting photos of everything. Houses, cars, streets, monuments… And every picture’s worth it, because Shaoxing has really glammed up for its guests: flowers as far as the eye can see. Planted in huge beds or giant flower pots, they turn the city into a big terrific and colourful garden.

Today there will be the final rehearsal prior to the big opening ceremony tomorrow evening. Already tomorrow afternoon choirs have to compete in the Qualification Performances as well as in the category “Mixed Choirs” in the Champions Competition. Finally, waiting for the World Choir Games 2010 has come to an end! The tension is mounting…

(hen)