Silver Lake, Toronto and the International Barbershop Competition

Fred, Pris and Hank at Silver Lake Cottage

Our first few days at Carolyn’s brother Fred’s cottage Silver Lake in Perry New York were spent relaxing and preparing to go to Toronto on July 1 for the Barbershop Harmony Society’s International Competition.  Fred sings bass in two barbershop choruses and a quartet.   He was not competing but Fred and his wife Pricilla frequently attend the international competition.  The drive by car to Toronto on Monday was uneventful.  We were all surprised at the size and density of Toronto and the number of high-rise buildings under construction.  In many ways it reminded us of San Francisco.  

Sunset over Silver Lake

Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto

Tuesday Carolyn and I visited the Royal Ontario Museum.  The exterior of the building is a contrast in styles, the original classical building from the 19^th century to the ultra modern addition with glass walls at unusual angles.  We both thought the museum displays were exceptionally well done.  The displays were organized by geographic area and presented a wealth of information on the various cultures.  For example, the Asian section includes displays on Chinese, Japanese and Korean artifacts.  We found the section on native Americans (American Aborigines) very interesting.

Toronto Skyline with the CN Tower on the left

The barbershop competition started on Tuesday afternoon with the collegiate quartet groups.   Wednesday and Thursday were the quartet quarterfinals and semifinals.  Friday was the chorus competition and Saturday afternoon was the quartet finals.  Unfortunately Hank became ill Tuesday afternoon and spent the next two days recovering in the hotel room.  Friday he had recovered sufficiently to attend the chorus finals and the quarter finals Saturday afternoon.  Saturday morning we took a boat ride out to Toronto Island Park.  Sunday we returned to Silver Lake after a hour forty minute delay at the border.