Musn King 11th-17th November 2002

Welcome to this week's report, my name is Musn King. I've been in Training Company nearly a year and I play the trumpet and the violin. Before joining the Band Service, I lived with my parents in Skegness (Lincolnshire).

Monday

It's the beginning of another week and we're still in Iceland enjoying the cold weather. Today, for those who wished, we piled on to the minibuses and headed to Iceland's capital, Reykavik. We arrived there at approx. 11 o'clock, all hungry and cold only to find that McDonalds was shut! After wandering around the town and keeping our money firmly in our pockets, as it was so expensive, we sought refuge in a small café and enjoyed soup and hot chocolate.

Members of the band relaxing in Iceland after the USMC Birthday Ball

We then headed to the local shopping mall, but soon wanted to move on as it was again expensive and the shops were the same as in England. By the time we left the shopping mall, it was about 4 o'clock most of returned to base, but 10 of us decided to go for a swim in the local hot pools. It's an interesting experience as it is so cold outside, yet the water is hot enough to swim outside!

We then headed back for 'Chow' as the American's called Dinner!
The night was spent yet again in the famous 'Mar bar' socialising.

Tuesday

Today most of us had to change accommodation as our flight was delayed until tomorrow. This took most of the morning and once settled into our new rooms the majority of us spent the afternoon asleep as we needed to catch up on lost sleep!
At 4 o'clock, Musns Butchers,Self, Linden and myself spent a couple of hours bowling before making the nightly trip to the 'Mar bar'. As it was our last night, the American Marines treated us to fancy cocktails and a great night of entertainment.

Wednesday

By 9:30 am, we were all packed and waiting to return to England. After loading the plane and enjoying our final meal, we boarded the plane and were on our way back. The plane, I'm pleased to say was similar to a civilian plane and a bit more accommodating than the plane we travelled to Iceland on!
Once back in England, we got on the coach and fell asleep for most of the four hours journey back to 'Pompey'. As soon as we arrived back I went to bed and didn't bother setting my alarm as we had tomorrow off.

Thursday

Today was spent washing and sorting out for work. I went to my Nans' in the afternoon to enjoy some good home cooking and to watch English television.
I went to bed about 10 o'clock and enjoyed a good night's sleep before work the following day.

Friday

Well, back to normality again! I spent today playing my Violin as I hadn't played it for 2 weeks. Luckily I could still play it! I'm not touching my trumpet until next week though, as I need a week to get my stamina and endurance back to normal again.
In the afternoon, my troop had their weekly history lesson with Sgt Ridley. At the moment we are studying the romantic period which includes such composers as Liszt, Chopin, Schubert and Berlioz.
After history all those involved in orchestra had a rehearsal with Major Best. We played through the pieces we will be playing in our orchestra concerts.