Monday, November 3, 2008

Lipizzaner Stallions Sleepover - a success!

How else to describe the sleepover but a success!! Each of the girls actually got some sleep, too.

A quick review of the night: we arrived at Gate 1 and once everyone arrived, we made our way to our assigned sleeping area. We dropped off our gear and were then taken down to the seating area of the arena to see the Tack and groom clinic. One of the Lipizzaner stallions was brought out with two female riders and the announcer. They gave an excellent clinic.

Next, we made our way to the seats we were assigned for the World Famous Lipizzaner Stallions show - we had the front two rows in section 111! We had dinner while the audience began filling their seats. Soon there were over 600 Girl Guides, Brownies, Pathfinders, Rangers and Guide leaders in the stands at our end of the arena.

The show was started with Oh Canada - just the music. Soon, the voices of the Guides filled the arena - it was like an all-female choir was in the end bowl singing Oh Canada for all of those in attendance. It was a goosebumps experience.

And the show! It was great! The steps that the horses can do look so difficult, and the horses look so beautiful as they perform. It was truly like watching the horses perform a ballet.

After the show we saw the signs light up at either end of the arena "Girl Guides stay in your seats". So we did. Once the arena emptied, we were split into two groups. Our group went to the restaurant to complete a hemp friendship bracelet - the hemp was a bit short, so most decided they would be great keychains or backpack tags. We then moved into seats again to watch the movie Black Beauty and have some popcorn and a drink.

Our sleeping area was near Sections 312-313. We did sleep. Some more than others.

Once we were all packed up in the morning, we went back to the restaurant for breakfast. We were still pretty sleepy. We even had an extra hour to sleep because of the time change but it didn't help. Finally we gathered all our gear and carried it outside to meet our parents for pick up. Hm, how many went home to have a nap?

We will definitely do this again if we get the chance!

2 comments:

Unknown said...

So glad you enjoyed the experience!
It was wonderful to hear you all singing the anthem! It did, truly give me goosebumps backstage, as I was about to go out in the spotlights. As far as the we are concerened, we hope you come back and do this everytime we perform in London!
Sincerely,
Troy Tinker
Narrator
World Famous Lipizzaner Stallion Show

da-ugly-truth said...

On behalf of the John Labatt Centre, it was a pleasure to host your Group. All of the girls were enthusiastic and cooperative. we look forward to welcoming you all back to our next Girl Guide Sleepover.

Natasha and Deborah
Group Sales Department
John Labatt Centre