The group that flew directly from JKF to Amman arrived as scheduled and were delighted to see the familiar face of Maestro Fouad Fakhouri at the airport. Fakhouri, along with Dana Sakkijha from the National Music Conservatory(NMC) (http://www.noor.gov.jo/nhf3.htm) helped us collect and load our luggage onto the awaiting bus. We were then taken to the King's Academy (http://www.kingsacademy.edu.jo) where we would be staying for the next week.

The King's Academy is a brand new co-ed boarding school that is the brainchild of His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan. Set in Madaba, Jordan, the campus is a beautifully landscaped oasis with unique architecture modeled after the Deerfield Academy in Massachusetts (where His Majesty attended). The men and women were housed in separate dormitories, as required by the school.

The second group arrived around midnight only to find their luggage missing from the airline. They were informed that their luggage would show up in the next several days. The next morning (05/16) after breakfast at the academy's cafeteria, several chamber music groups took the opportunity to rehearse for their upcoming performances. At 2 P.M., we headed to the outdoor flea market of Souk Jara. We spent about 3 hours exploring the market's antiques, pottery, and handicrafts. Many musicians bought souvenirs for family and friends.

We returned to the Academy at 7 P.M. just in time to catch dinner. Tomorrow promises to be a packed day with two chamber music performances scheduled, as well as our very first rehearsal with the NMC students.

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