We arrived a few days early, to load in and rehearse. But, wow, the load in for this huge production has taken the whole first day, so, somewhat happily, I’m enjoying a free day back in Krakow, a lovely city I’ve visited 3 times before.

Haiku of the day

Cobbled streets in square

people stroll, sit, drink and laugh

Europe at it’s best

Morning at the hotel, I saw this. Fitness? Ok, I think I get it… the fruits and muesli negate the 4 scoops of ice cream. Okay.

Wednesday, over to the venue to rehearse one last time, and they’ve put up a very thoughtful greeting for us.

In the dressing room, I’ve got one of my new vintage Peter Gabriel prints - tomw is not only the first day of the tour, it’s the release date of that collection of five prints.

I signed them back before I left the U.S. and they’re ready to ship. Check them out.

And some interesting sights from the day. You know, you can click on any picture on the site to see a larger version of it.

Am reading: “In the House of Aryaman, a Lonely signal Burns” by Elizabeth Bear

Story of the day:

Swan Song Omelet

When I read the news, my jaw dropped. The Olympic Diner will be closing soon, not even to be replaced by another diner, but to be re-built as storage units. Storage units - the bane of our community - they’re everywhere, they’re ugly, and serve no good purpose. Well, except for the units I use, (I have four) - but those are annoying too, nobody there, cost a fortune - I can see what it’s such a good business, but… my Olympic Diner - how can they get away with this. I’ve been meeting with friends and breakfasting there for decades. I was going there back when it had a different name, and different owners. Back when it had juke boxes! I’ve been there so many times, most of the waitresses, on seeing me, just say, ‘Decaf, Greek omelet and onions in the home fries, no toast, right?’ or just bring it over without my saying a word. So I call my buddy Jerry and go in, on the day before they close - for my last breakfast. I ask for a Swan Song Omelet - the waitress doesn’t get the reference, brings me a Greek omelet, onions in the home fries, no toast.

++++++

After the rehearsal I met with my friend Leo, who’d come to town to celebrate his birthday

And, tomorrow the tour starts.