The Saga of Volcanic Ash

As many of you know, after much build up, I was unable to make it to Oslo for the Ole Bull Del Gesu Project as a result of the widespread flight disruptions caused by the volcano eruption in Iceland. My original flight on Thursday morning was cancelled, and I was rebooked on a flight on Saturday evening, which was also later cancelled. After that, the next flight available to rebook was after the end of the exhibition, so I was forced to cancel my trip entirely.

While it is certainly disappointing to miss this event, I have made the best of the situation. While waiting for my rebooked flight in Chicago, I had the opportunity to visit with my violinist friend Kevin Case, and we had a great time playing in my Ole Bull. I also had an opportunity to stop by Michael Darnton's shop in Chicago to show him my Ole Bull violin and to watch him work.

After the trip was cancelled, I decided to spend a few days visiting family, and I was honored to have my father play my Ole Bull, as well as my childhood violin teacher Jackie McFaul (whose daughter Rebecca is now a member of the fantastic Fry Street Quartet). I also had the opportunity to show my Ole Bull to Claire Givens and her staff in Minneapolis, which is the shop where, when I was young, a workshop tour originally inspired me to make violins.

I know that I promised photos and updates from Scandinavia on this blog. So, along the way, I tried to experience as much "Scandinavia in America" as possible with my Ole Bull. First, we decided to visit the volcano that disrupted our travel -- who knew it had a mermaid:

Then, we visited an authentic Norwegian coffee house and gift boutique:

We were honored to have a troll play my Ole Bull:

Then, we visited Ole Bull himself:

And, to compensate for the Swedish part of our trip, stopped by a quaint Swedish store:

Thanks to everyone for following this blog and for all of your support and well wishes. Its now time to return to the shop to start on my next violin.