The City Choir of Washington- Online Auction Testimonials
Winning bidders of some of the City Choir of Washington's most popular auction items share their experiences.
Winning bidders of some of the City Choir of Washington's most popular auction items share their experiences.
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<strong>Online</strong> <strong>Auction</strong><br />
March 4 - 11<br />
2023<br />
<strong>Testimonials</strong>
One week at Casa Antonelli,<br />
Costa Rica<br />
photo by Emily Tsai (July 2022)
"Casa Antonelli: <strong>The</strong> Perfect Paradise! Imagine days full <strong>of</strong> adventure: sailing and swimming <strong>of</strong>f<br />
a catamaran, a gentle canter on your horse through lush green paths, swooping over canyons<br />
on a zip line. <strong>The</strong>n home with a view <strong>of</strong> a clear blue ocean in the distance as you dangle your<br />
feet in an infinity pool, gently wafting breezes as you sip wine on a secluded terrace, delicious<br />
local food brought to your table by your personal chef. Casa Antonelli is a home crafted with<br />
love and care.<br />
Don’t miss this once in a lifetime experience!!” ~ Amy Solomon<br />
"We visited in Nov '12. We had 7 people at the house and a couple <strong>of</strong> rattletrap rental cars that<br />
we got after landing at the Liberia airport. Amy Antonelli and the caretaker gave us some great<br />
tips on what to do and see. <strong>The</strong> Casa was easy to find, up a steep hill. Settled in and<br />
immediately put on swimsuits to have a dip in wonderful infinity pool which looked out on<br />
beach - about 6 blocks away. Spent a lot <strong>of</strong> time in pool. Most exciting adventure was at the<br />
Hotel Borenquen and its zip line! We could either walk or ride horseback up to the start <strong>of</strong> the<br />
zip line. <strong>The</strong>n we got instructions about the zip. Harnessed up and took the plunge <strong>of</strong> the first<br />
<strong>of</strong> 13 platforms and through the jungle!<br />
After last zip, had mud bath, showered, a swim, and finished <strong>of</strong>f our adventure with a delicious<br />
local food lunch at Hotel - with good beer! Another trip was in a dugout canoe looking for<br />
iguanas. Took a chartered sail out from our area - had a swim and drinks. Beautiful waters out<br />
there.<br />
Nearby grocery and public markets provided us with plenty <strong>of</strong> food to cook at home. Great<br />
fruits.<br />
I guess the zip line adventure was the high point <strong>of</strong> my stay!" ~ Meg Hemingway
"Casa Antonelli is a fairyland. <strong>The</strong> house itself — it’s really a 'beach mansion' — is located in the<br />
gated community <strong>of</strong> Playa Hermosa on the Pacific coast <strong>of</strong> Costa Rica. It features 4 luxurious<br />
bedrooms and large common areas featuring window walls framing a gorgeous 'infinity pool'<br />
and deck which provide breathtaking views <strong>of</strong> the surrounding jungle hillside, bay and ocean.<br />
I’ve visited many areas <strong>of</strong> unspoiled natural beauty and few come anywhere near comparing<br />
with this setting. In particular, the sunrises and sunsets are just stunning.<br />
And then there is the natural beauty <strong>of</strong> the environs. Have you ever seen monkeys in their<br />
natural habitat? We did and have the photos to prove it.<br />
Here’s a little personal touch. When I was there in October <strong>of</strong> 2019, I was 84 and I suffer from<br />
vertigo. So, what did I do? I 'zip lined.' It was a highlight <strong>of</strong> my trip and I was so entranced by<br />
the spectacular surroundings I was literally hanging in that I didn’t experience any fear.<br />
In closing, I have two wishes for you: First, that you enter the successful bid for the week at<br />
Casa Antonelli in the upcoming live auction; and Second, that you invite me to join you. Bon<br />
Voyage!" ~ Joe Jones<br />
This has to be one <strong>of</strong> the most enjoyable family vacations we have ever taken. Nine <strong>of</strong> us spent<br />
a week there several years ago. This hillside home has a large infinity pool with the ocean as its<br />
amazing view. A grocery store as well as many restaurants are nearby or you can arrange<br />
through the Zindis <strong>of</strong>fice to have dinner waiting for you when you return from your day's<br />
adventure. <strong>The</strong>re are several beaches within about a 10 minute drive and lots <strong>of</strong> hiking, zip<br />
lining, etc. to do. Our flights to Liberia Airport were very reasonably priced on Southwest.”<br />
~ Elaine Wunderlich
“Six people embarked from 3 different cities to meet up at Casa Antonelli the fall <strong>of</strong> 2018. <strong>The</strong><br />
journey from the airport to the quiet town, and up the long winding road to Casa Antonelli<br />
was the beginning <strong>of</strong> a week-long adventure that none <strong>of</strong> us wanted to end. Daily<br />
expeditions included, hiking, ziplining, kayaking, white-water rafting, walking along the<br />
beach, art galleries and enjoying the local food. <strong>The</strong> house was so welcoming and meticulousl<br />
decorated to reflect the local art. With floor to ceiling sliding doors opening to the westward<br />
facing patio and infinity pool, rooms are spacious enough for everyone to do their own thing,<br />
as well as gather together around the open kitchen and dining room.<br />
<strong>The</strong> concierge <strong>of</strong> the community where Casa Antonelli is located is extremely helpful in<br />
accommodating any <strong>of</strong> our requests and organizing some <strong>of</strong> our side-trips. But the infinity<br />
pool! No one could get enough <strong>of</strong> sitting in the pool on the edge <strong>of</strong> a cliff with the stunning<br />
view west into the sunset above the ocean. That is definitely a must-do anytime <strong>of</strong> day, but<br />
particularly in the evening to unwind while enjoying a cook-out on the patio.<br />
Whoever bids on this wonderful opportunity – will you be my new best friend and take me<br />
back with you?!” ~ Joanna Ward<br />
"Fun for all ages! We went with my brother and his family (including my 4 year old and 2 year<br />
old nieces), and the girls left the incredible pool only to eat, sleep, and go to the beautiful Playa<br />
Hermosa beach, less than a 10 minute drive away, where they experienced the ocean for the<br />
first time. <strong>The</strong> adults enjoyed beach restaurants, tours, and even a delicious meal in the home<br />
cooked by a pr<strong>of</strong>essional chef! We also loved cooking ourselves in the beautiful kitchen or<br />
grilling by the pool with a view <strong>of</strong> the ocean. Everyone who worked at the complex--and<br />
indeed all the Costa Ricans we met--were extremely nice and helpful. It was an unforgettable<br />
trip <strong>of</strong> a lifetime!" ~ Emily Tsai
Private Poetry Reading<br />
by acclaimed poet Anne Harding<br />
Woodworth<br />
"Reading Anne Harding Woodworth’s poetry is always a delight. However,<br />
nothing compares to the experience <strong>of</strong> a private poetry reading in the comfort <strong>of</strong><br />
Anne’s home with glorious views looking across to the national cathedral.<br />
In her poetry readings Anne does so much more than just read the words. She selects<br />
poems, by herself and others,and weaves them into a wonderful narrative,<br />
combining poetry, historical facts and personal observations, that takes her listeners<br />
on a journey that is fascinating, informative and above all fun.<br />
To enjoy such an evening in the beautiful environment <strong>of</strong> Anne’s home,<br />
accompanied by excellent wines selected by her husband Fred was a sublime<br />
pleasure. That we were also treated to cake baked according to a recipe handed<br />
down by Emily Dickinson was a wonderful end to the evening."<br />
~ Juliet Weenink-Griffiths
Romantic Getaway at<br />
Barboursville Vineyards<br />
in Virginia Wine Country<br />
“Barboursville Vineyards is one <strong>of</strong> our favorite destinations in Virginia. It’s perfect<br />
for a day trip—you can do a wine tasting (one <strong>of</strong> the best in the area, both in<br />
quality, and quantity
Dinner or Brunch<br />
at the<br />
Annapolis Yacht Club<br />
"Twice we and two <strong>of</strong> our friends won the bidding at the auction for dinner<br />
with Barbara and Jon Greene at the Annapolis Yacht Club. <strong>The</strong> Annapolis<br />
Waterfront Hotel is a three minute walk from the Club and we booked rooms<br />
there for the night. <strong>The</strong> food was great and Barbara and Jon were excellent<br />
hosts. We began the evening with cocktails and then moved on to entrees with<br />
a nice wine. We enjoyed the first year so much that we decided we had to win<br />
the second year as well. Be prepared for a wonderful evening and a lot <strong>of</strong> fine<br />
conversation."<br />
~ Leo Settler
"C<strong>of</strong>fee Klatsch"<br />
with David Flaxman<br />
"We had a very aromatic and delicious experience with our wonderful hosts,<br />
David and Kathy. David is an enthusiastic educator, and made each course an<br />
entertaining introduction to c<strong>of</strong>fee - its history, trivia, varieties, sourcing,<br />
processing, roasting, pairings, etc. It was a truly enjoyable way to spend a morning<br />
with friends and sample great c<strong>of</strong>fees, with delicious food to complement them.<br />
Regardless <strong>of</strong> one's preference for c<strong>of</strong>fee, it is a terrific way to improve<br />
appreciation and understanding <strong>of</strong> c<strong>of</strong>fee (and maybe inform future consumption).<br />
Thanks to David and Kathy for a terrific weekend morning and memorable<br />
c<strong>of</strong>fee, conversation, and company!”<br />
~ Jeff & Lori Ashford
“Thoroughly enjoyable, informative, and taste-worthy experience. Highly<br />
recommended whether or not you anything about c<strong>of</strong>fee -- but be sure to<br />
bring a couple <strong>of</strong> friends, the more the merrier.”<br />
~ Noreen Sugrue<br />
“Don’t miss out on a place at the table with other c<strong>of</strong>fee lovers! David’s<br />
c<strong>of</strong>fee klatsch can be summed up in three words: fun, informative, and<br />
delicious. David roasts each c<strong>of</strong>fee bean variety and to taste each one is a<br />
revelation. Tasters learn about the character <strong>of</strong> the beans and the roast. We<br />
thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie, the experience and still use what we<br />
learned when trying different c<strong>of</strong>fees.”<br />
~ Pat Yee<br />
"Great c<strong>of</strong>fee. Great food. Great conversation. Fascinating c<strong>of</strong>fee trivia.<br />
Dave and Kathy host a fun and informative event for c<strong>of</strong>fee lovers or the<br />
c<strong>of</strong>fee curious. My friends and I loved it."<br />
~ Pat Byram
Shopping at the<br />
French Embassy's<br />
Commissary<br />
"This is one <strong>of</strong> the most marvelous experiences to be had! Surrounded by an amazing<br />
array <strong>of</strong> French wine, foodstuffs and gift items, I eventually came away with some<br />
beautiful white and red burgundies, foie gras, paté, and chocolates. Juliet was also gracious<br />
and delightful company!<br />
As I have told others, I felt quite torn in providing this testimonial. On the one hand,<br />
everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy such a day. On the other hand, I am loathe<br />
to inspire competition. May the most determined foodie win!"<br />
~ Pat Yee
Voice Lesson with<br />
Laura Choi Stuart<br />
“Laura has a commanding<br />
knowledge <strong>of</strong> vocal technique,<br />
breath control, and the<br />
physiology <strong>of</strong> singing, along<br />
with the enthralling ability to<br />
sing brilliantly. She brings this<br />
expertise to her students in<br />
tailored lessons that brim with<br />
practical advice, insightful<br />
techniques, spirited exercises, and<br />
gorgeous music geared to<br />
individual tastes. Her lessons are<br />
absolutely fun, build confidence,<br />
and help you sing in a way you<br />
didn’t realize you could.”<br />
~ Karen Garlick
“Laura is herself a brilliant singer, and she has thought deeply about what it<br />
takes to sing well and has accumulated a large set <strong>of</strong> techniques for helping<br />
each singer overcome any challenge. She is also just a delight to work with.<br />
I cannot recommend her highly enough.”<br />
~ David Flaxman<br />
“Voice lessons with Laura are a joy, and <strong>of</strong>ten a revelation. She is always<br />
open-minded and never dogmatic—she’ll explore a variety <strong>of</strong> techniques to<br />
find the best fit for each student. Laura is constantly exploring new singing<br />
methodologies for herself, and she is generous about sharing what works<br />
(and what doesn't!) with her students. And in addition to being a fabulous<br />
singer and superb technician, Laura provides a witty, welcoming, always<br />
non-judgmental atmosphere that is ideal for learning. Entering the grand<br />
space <strong>of</strong> <strong>Washington</strong> National Cathedral for voice lessons is also fun and<br />
inspiring, but Laura is always flexible and happy to teach over Zoom for<br />
those who prefer virtual lessons."<br />
~ Emily Tsai
Lasagna dinner for 8<br />
by Amy Solomon<br />
"We were the successful winners <strong>of</strong> Amy's lasagna dinner a few years back, and<br />
enjoyed having 3 couples over to share with us. <strong>The</strong> food was delicious, Amy was a<br />
delight when she delivered the full meal to us, and we highly recommend this<br />
<strong>of</strong>fering."<br />
~ Dick and Judy Berglund
Apple Cake<br />
by Vivian Chakarian<br />
"When I saw the recipe for Vivian's Apple<br />
Cake in the TCCW cookbook, I knew it<br />
would be a perfect dessert for our weekly<br />
family dinners with our son and his family.<br />
We always look for cake recipes that use oil<br />
instead <strong>of</strong> butter, and including fresh fruit is<br />
an extra bonus. Vivian's cake is fantastic.<br />
Bob still talks about how much he liked it!<br />
<strong>The</strong> whole family raved about its flavor,<br />
moisture, and perfect combination <strong>of</strong><br />
ingredients. Our teenage granddaughter<br />
insisted on getting a copy <strong>of</strong> the recipe to<br />
take home and has made it several times.<br />
Anyone lucky enough to win a bid on<br />
Vivian's cake will have a delicious treat to<br />
enjoy."<br />
With bonus Armenian braided bread<br />
(choreg), too!<br />
~ Sharon Shafer