Wings2009

It’s a cold, damp British morning. That seems to be more common than not. At least since we’ve been on our tour. If the places we’ve been, on our tour, had this weather brought in just for us, thank you. However, most all the time when they ask us about our trip, the weather comes up, we tell them it’s rained everyday.
They smile, laugh and say “Welcome to Ireland, Scotland or England” so I don’t think they did it just for us.

I’ve mentioned several times how many wonderful people we’ve meet and how great they’ve been to us.

Today,after arriving at Wings, we toured Windsor Castle. It's another historical, impressive and overwhelming view of England and its tradition of grandeur. The views are so many that this photographer was a wash in trying to capture each stone, rock, step, angle, height, view, artistic design, gothic design, and so many other things my limited word supply showed up way before my camera battery pleaded for a time out.









One of the things we've (the herd) learned is never to pass up the opportunity to check out the plumbing of most of the establishments we come come close to.

Today I was given a "sign gift" that made me laugh and I knew I had to share it. It may not be that unusual for many outside the USA, but for this fairly well traveled Kwahadi Scouter it was.

I've mentioned that I love the signs on our tour. Over my life time I've been in many bathrooms/toilets that had an attendant. They would stand, or in some higher end places sit, and clean up, hand out towels and or soap. It's not uncommon for something with a sign on it saying "tips" to be near by.

To my knowledge this is the first one with an office.



As we wandered about the shops near the castle I met some Scouts from Scotland.
In talking to them I told them who we were Their leader said he remembered something two - 4 years ago about inquiring about sponsoring some dancers. He said he wished they had.

Personally I don’t see how no one in Scotland wanted to host the Kwahadis. Folks you really missed out on a great show, good scouts, and an opportunity to see Native American dancing that honors a culture full of tradition, history, and honor.



The castle has many guards from different regiments of the British empire and they are majestic to see.









At times the herd looks like a slow taffy pull and other times it looks like the 300 Spartans preparing to defend their ground.







The tour of the castle offered two glimpes of England that we hear about on occasion so I felt gifted again when a Bobbie wandered into view and we passed a bowling club.



How cool is this. I've seen these in movies, i.e. James Bond I think, and to see one in person was outstanding.



Last night was another example. I was told by our host to get touch with him after our presentation and he’d get me to the internet.

Rain ruled again and our crowd started out small, but soon grew. As a result we had to dance on a stage.





The lightening was not the best for trying to capture the show for a photographer, but created some unusual photos.





One of the most important and often overlooked part of our show is the singers. They provide the music the dancers need to perform. Charles drums and sings and has a changing group of singers that give so much depth to our performances. We thank them and appreciate all they do.



As always the Kwahadi Dancers reached down and gave it their best. It was a challenge that always seems to bring out the best of the Kwahadis.









Every show ends with introducing the clans and the chiefs. It's a great opportunity for the crowd to know a little more about the dancers.



After the show I tired to find our host, Bob Spokes,



and luck was not on my side. In the process I met a security man and asked for his help in finding our host. We were not successful in our quest, but this gentleman stayed with me, in the rain, and did his best to find were I could get internet connection. Our journey lead us to a man on the stage, who was working with a cast for another production. He took me to Site Services, still raining, and they said “come on in and got me on the internet,”

I was there for several hours and during that time they offered and gave me coffee numerous times. The lady, I think her nane was Jo and if not I appologize as she was beyond wonderful, asked if we’d like some Oreo cookies and of course I said “we dance for our food so we’ll take anything.” She loaded me up with Oreo cookies and chocolate.

All evening they checked in on me, asking if I’d like more coffee or anything else. They didn’t have to do anything and they were offering anything. We have been blessed with so many wonderful people and we want to sincerely thank each and everyone of them.

A Kwahadi Dancer great big - THANK YOU!

Last night was a good show. People stood in the rain to watch and enjoy the Kwahadi Dancers. The dancers reached down deep in their hearts and responded with an excellent show with very limited floor space.. Even with a light drizzle some of the dancers still went out in the crowd, met people, shook hands and spread the magic of sharing time.

Today we embark on our last performance, It’ll be like we started, a small community show. Then we begin the count down to Paris and home.

A couple of things that keep drawing my attention.

One,again was the wearing of uniforms, or better described, the lack of wearing uniforms. Here is a group waiting to go in the staff tent to eat.



Another was the ability of some of our group to find a way to entertain themselves, be it hackysac or what ever.



After another night in tents, we got up, packed up, ate breakfeast, loaded up, boarded our bus and most of us feel alseep as we drove towards Radlette.

There will be several more postings, don't give up yet. I had a slight detour for a few days. Any commemts are always apprecited. Thank you David Sanders for you kind words and correction.

Hope everyone is rested and enjoyed our tour as much as I did.

John Madden