Saving Private Olivia...

I never thought of joining the army.

I'm not exactly the type of person who enjoys discipline and drills. However I must say that even in the army, there is a bright side of life.

One must always look on the bright side of life. Even if at first it looks like the final moments of Dante's Inferno.

I have been saving this blog for the last couple of days. The reason is simple. I was waiting to get photos. 'Photos of what?' I can sense most of you thinking.

My day in the army is the answer.

And not just my day. Philip and Gerard (the composer and author) had to join in as well. The sort of boot camp was organised by 'Xarabank' which is Malta's most popular and watched programme.

At first I accepted to do it just for fun. But even though it was fun, we did some serious stuff as well.

On arrival to the Army HQ, we were given Army Uniforms to wear. Philip had to make do with their largest size, which was a couple of sizes (underestimated) smaller than his own size. Philip is becoming overweight by the minute. Maybe it's the stress taking its toll. Gerard on the other hand remains slim and calm. Too calm for the Army Sergeant who started shouting at us, left, right and center.

The army drill is not as simple as it might look. We were shown how to march properly and how to respond to orders. Philip is even more clumsier than I am. And that takes a lot. He could not manage to co-ordinate his arms and legs. They just go wherever they please! :)

Combat training was next. They painted our faces with camouflage colours. It actually looks nice. We shot blanks, threw smoke grenades and rescued a wounded soldier...who turned out to be Philip. He looked much better now lying peacefully on the stretcher. :)

The exercise I enjoyed most was absailing.

At first we tried it out by climbing down a structure at the Army's HQ. We then moved on to a proper cliff. As I looked down from the top, I started regretting getting into this fix. But as soon as I decided that I had to do it (I really had no choice :)) then I found it to be exhilirating, totally enjoyable!

So Saving Private Olivia Day was a success after all!

I must go as I am late for the last rehearsal for the concert. I am really looking forward to tonight's show. It is my first concert and most of all I am singing for the first time with a lot of friends like Ira Losco, Fabrizio Faniello, Debbie Scerri, Lawrence Gray and a host of others.

So speak to you tomorrow...I hope I wake up early enough! :) Olivia