Before going to Poland with the college choir, I've been keeping my emotions stable. In other words, I was prepared for any feelings of shyness and homesickness. I had the general idea of Poland being a romantic country, holding grand traditions like the population being primarily Catholic. While packing, I felt obligated to pray at times. Praying to God makes me feel the closest to my partner and family when they are out of reach late at night. Besides being in Canada one time, this was going to be my first time out of reach with American soil.
From the freezing walks of Warsaw to the long bus ride to Kradów, love was dancing in my head to the tune of "Slide" by Goo Goo Dolls. The two dating student couples and a married chaperone couple constantly reminded me of my girlfriend. I guess one Facetime call wasn't enough while she was out of the dorms for winter break. Back in June 2015, she had her own fun going to Panama with the college's symphonic band. She may not have spoken Spanish well for teaching kids about music, but her looks and flute-playing did the trick. So, I went to Poland because my girlfriend inspired me to seek the cultural understanding of music.
Ever since we sang George Strait's "I Cross My Heart," I've always known the two of us are in sync. We both share the love of music, and we're open to all genres. She gave me the courage to join choir during my graduating semester because the class time finally fit into my schedule. I survived the semester and improved my singing voice with the assistance of a fellow bass singer. He led me through the Poland experience while befriending his own girlfriend in the choir as well. Only if mine was in the choir with me, I wouldn't have to act as a third wheel.
At least I can relate to a few other students that have known my girlfriend in class or in the symphonic band. There were three choir members that have been to Panama as well. They would've preferred the hot, Central American air, instead of our cold tours in the cities of Warsaw and Kradów. But, I had more lovesickness than shivers because I dressed warm enough to see the romantic side of Poland.
The choir and I sang in huge churches and toured fancy castles. After learning more about the Polish pianist Frédéric Chopin and his music, I saw how the university in Warsaw represents the musician's everlasting legacy (Compared with my girlfriend tutoring in flute classes and visiting Panama's Institute of Culture). That had me thinking more about my own love of music and if it will ever take me anywhere else after returning from Poland. During a bus ride from Kradów to Warsaw, one student wanted to talk "deeply" about why I act so serious. It may have been overcoming the sadness after seeing the Auschwitz Memorial as it was nearing the end of our trip. It may have also been my habit of distancing away from people to successfully think before acting. I could've told her about me missing my girlfriend, but I didn't know how much she knew her since they were in band class together.
I'm no expert into bringing people together through music. I'm just better at singing and listening to individuals. That same choir member from the bus told me to live life to the fullest. The bass-singing stud could only tell me that love takes time for us to find ourselves. Like how I overcame missing her in Panama 18 months ago, I have the compatible experience from Poland to share and cling to her.
