1. Where do guests stay? - You will be staying at Pallotti Haus in Vienna and the Johannes Schlossly der Pallottiner Haus in Salzburg.

  2. Do I need to prepare my voice? - Three hours average singing per day cannot be started overnight. From now until you leave, you should be humming and quietly singing every day. Drink plenty of fluids before and during the flight. We'll build up your singing gradually in Oxford, but you must start singing now to strengthen.your voice for the work, and fun, ahead

  3. What do I need to bring? - It is not necessary to bring any bed.linens, pillows or towels -- all are provided. You only get one pillow and one towel though and extras may not be available, so pack accordingly. Starter toiletries such as soap, shampoo are provided.

  4. Should I bring hangers? - If you like to hang up your clothes you might want to bring a few.

  5. Do I have to carry my own bag? - Yes. There is an elevator in the residence but please be prepared to carry your own bag. Pack lightly. There is no bell-hop or porter as there would be in a hotel.

  6. Are there laundry facilities? – no, there are no laundry facilities available so you might want to bring along a zip-lock bag of detergent for your own use in your bathroom sink.

  7. Will I have a telephone in my room? - Yes, there are telephones in every room but only to call from room to room or the front desk.

  8. What should I wear? - Some have asked about appropriate dress. We recommend that you dress comfortably, whatever that means. Austrians tend to be conservative in their dress. Comfortable shoes for lots of walking are highly recommended. Weather will be almost identical to a Canadian spring, possibly even a bit ahead of ours with flowers already out. Be prepared for showers.

  9. What about shopping? - There is some Sunday shopping in Austria, but most banks are not open on that day. We recommend you purchase about €50.00 here before you leave, then you won't have to be anxious about getting money for immediate needs. Credit cards, such as VISA, MASTERCARD can be used anywhere and American Express, almost anywhere.

  10. What about money? - Travellers cheques are not recommended. They are very hard to use in shops even if they are in Euros. Cash and credit cards are best. Be aware that if you plan to use VISA you will be charged a service charge EACH TIME. An ATM card is your best bet. If you have any questions about your bank cards or credit cards and their use in ATMs in Austria, please talk to your banking personnel here before you leave. We are not experts in money matters and do not want to mislead you in any way.

  11. Is Austria expensive? - Yes. Be ready for "sticker shock" as you convert those Euros into $. Austria is more expensive han Canada but we found it less expensive than the UK. Once you do get over the high prices and decide to shop, bring a collapsible bag, like a gym bag or the like in your big bag to bring home your purchases.

  12. Should I bring a guidebook? - A good tourist guide is always great to have along. We recommend Frommers, or Lonely Planet if you are more budget–oriented. Try to read before you leave to get a real feel for the places, especially a sense of the history of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Hapsburg Dynasty for Vienna. Maps are available at our residences.

  13. What about jet-lag? -Remember that you will feel out of sorts for the first day or two from jet-lag. It's best to keep up your fluid intake, not eat too much and to try to sleep on the plane on the way over if you can. Inflatable neck pillows help prevent the inevitable stiff neck. On the day you arrive, try to go to bed at your usual time, or around 10:00 PM, if you can stay awake. We find a nice walk helps to keep you alert until bed-time. If you have too long a nap when you arrive, it will be harder to adjust to the new time. Austria is ahead of Ontario by 6 hours. You may wish to bring a travel alarm in your suitcase. There is no TV or radio in your room, but one is available in a common room.

  14. Do I need special concert apparel? – No farewell concert is planned but may spring up and if so will be small and low-key. Traditinally we've worn white or light on top and a darker colour below. Also, if you have a choir folder, please bring it.

  15. How do I reach Tim or Mary Elia? - We can be reached at 416.961.6136 or oxfordchurchmusic@rogers.com