Two bits of bad news were uncovered at this week's United Nations Pub Quiz:
- Kevin, my neighbour from Inner Mongolia, is returning to China sooner than expected. His project is concluding and the home office wants him back. Kevin doesn't want to go. We don't want him to go. The only positive thing is that the apartment building probably won't burn down now. We hope to have a big party of our own as a send-off in early September.
The quizmaster was on vacation holiday so there was no quiz. We had to fill the non-drinking moments with actual conversation.
Fortunately for me, again there was a very interesting bloke visiting from Australia. [Note to self: Plan trip to Australia.] He is a professional trombone player who is actually living in Leeds before setting off for a cruise ship gig.
I told him the
winner of this year's BBC Young Musician contest was a trombonist from Northern Ireland. He already knew, confessing that the 12-year-old performer won the contest with a piece my new friend played for his final university exams. (!) I said I was amazed by the sound that this kid was able to get from the trombone -- very mellow and warm. "Oh, it's an incredible instrument," this guy said. "Everybody thinks it's really harsh, like '76 Trombones' and all that. But that's not all of it." He is very passionate about the trombone, which I think is admirable.
We had a very fun and funny conversation. It culminated with him imitating a pterodactyl, complete with cawing, and I don't think there is a more hilarious pub moment than that.
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