Mirror
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When
dreams come true… Being the only Asian country competing in our category, taking on choirs from USA, England, Canada, Australia and Sweden etc., we were going in as the under-dogs. However, we didn’t feel intimidated because we had long been psyching ourselves up for ‘the’ day for some time. And there was no turning back. We met at the school premises at 3 a.m., where we packed up our stuff and were transported via coach to the airport. Gradually 36 sleepy yet excited choristers and their families trooped in through the Convent gates. Farewells all round, into the coach, and off we went. Much cackling, laughter and listening to various instructions later, we arrived at the airport. With an 11-hour flight ahead of us, we had to find ways and means to keep us occupied for that tedious period of time. Thirty-six energetic and restless girls aboard one plane! One can easily imagine the mental state of the flight crew by the end of the journey. After what seemed like a lifetime, we finally touched down at Heathrow. For many of us it was our first time out of the country so there was a lot of anticipation and excitement in the air. As we trudged out of the airport, we were met, most importantly, (other than by our siblings, family members and a representative from our PPA, Surani Phillips and her husband) with little individual bags of goodies and tokens and trays of huge muffins and water, which we gorged on en route to our next destination…Northampton. The route was absolutely picturesque, with typical images of the country, passing before our eyes. Sheep, lavender, hosts of marigolds or daffodils (we weren’t sure which) lay on either side of the road. Wordsworthian thoughts popped into mind quite frequently. We drove and drove…and drove until we came to the path leading up to the ranch. It was an amazing place, resembling something straight out of a Famous Five book. Oohing and ahhing as we trooped in, we focused all our attention on two adorable dogs “Solo” and “Joe” who had never before been the centre of attention of 36 girls! They were in their elements (the dogs, I mean)! After a long refreshing walk through the countryside, witnessing the point demarcated to be the centre of England, visiting ‘Yeltsin’ the huge loner sheep, ‘Batticoloa’, ‘Trincomalee’ and ‘Sultan’ the horses, it was time for practice. The ‘Music Directress’ Soundarie David, showed no mercy! Our sleeping arrangements added to the novelty of our stay. We were put up in ‘five star’ accommodation. To be specific – in tents – labelled, The Taj, Hilton, Galadari and Trans Asia. Heaters, warm duvets, plenty of blankets and pillows were all included in our overnight package. At the Eisteddfod in Llangollen, the excitement levels had reached fever pitch. We were each given a pass and were asked to wear it at all times. Officially acknowledged as competitors, we made our way for the parade. As we passed country after country in their national dress, we were filled with a sense of pride that we too could boast of our motherland by depicting its diverse culture and multi-ethnic/religious status. Until the parade started off, a group of drummed beating various funky rhythms, whilst all the competitors danced to beat. The atmosphere was positively electric! We were a hit at the parade,which was Jerome de Silva’s brainchild.They loved our colourful costumes, mini-skits (Kolam type) and native dances. From the elderly in wheel chairs to toddlers in prams, to families with pets in tow, they were all there in the flesh to give us a warm welcome.Much to our luck though, for the first time in nine years, it rained on our parade. After what seemed like covering the length and breadth of the little town, we returned to the Eisteddfod, soaked to the bone. The next day started off with a practice session, with all of us clad in colourful sarongs and tops. We weren’t all out to create an impression or anything… no, of course not. The day progressed into night and it was time for a pep talk from none other than Jerome. Fondly being referred to as “Big Daddy” by all the girls, we hung on his every word. He told each of us to hold on to one united thought. One focus. To envision ourselves singing flawlessly, from the heart. To picture winning that trophy and taking it home… Come the afternoon of Thursday, July 8, at approximately 2.30 p.m., each of us saw that vision. All we wanted now was to get out there on that stage and show the world what we could do. We walked on that stage all dressed up like Lankan brides, complete with osariya and nalal pati. We had only two songs to make our mark. Those final minutes were a bit hazy. However, I was jolted back to earth by the thunderous applause we received on our final note of Mignone Fernando’s Mangala Mohotha. We had done it. Sing from the heart we did. As tears of joy welled in our eyes back stage, the realisation dawned on us… we had lived the dream! |
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