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Byron Bay Blues Fest 2012

April 20th 2012 02:09

Survive a five day festival? Me? Absolutely!

Well…if you take into account a visit to the emergency ward, 4 stitches, a complete inability to speak the English language (although this was replaced with ‘festival language’), no voice and hair that resembled the proverbial bird’s nest. At least…none of the above entered my consciousness until the 6th day, whereby I promptly booked myself into a luxurious hotel for a further night…for recovery purposes of course.

The wrap up? No rain, no need for gumboots to navigate the Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm mud pits of last year. Makes it a lot easier to eat your ‘Laksa noodles in a cone’ while balancing a plastic cup of red and walking to the next epic performance.

www.bluesfest.com.au

Typically, highlights included Cold Chisel, John Butler Trio, John Fogerty and Earth Wind and Fire. Angelique Kidjo infused African soul into the rock heavy line up and Seasick Steve (joined by Led Zeppelin’s John Paul Jones) brought the ‘hillbilly’ to the hippies. Tijuana Cartel won new fans at the APRA stage and The Audreys took the MOJO audience to heaven and back as the sun set and the full moon rose to join the festival.

Five days tends to blur into a seamless dream of music, food and laughter against a backdrop of wacky hats and camping chairs and pink-streaked skies.

Day 7 – I booked my five day ticket for next year.

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Modern Gurus

February 23rd 2012 11:37

What is the Definition of a Guru?

One who brings peace, solace, kindness? Like Mother Teresa? Or one who teaches hard lessons with the distant view of enlightenment? Or intellectual phycologists, psychiatrists and counsellors?

Photography by Vince Valitutti

After my visit to Ketut Liyer, (see previous post), I’ve researched the different angles that lead to the summit of ‘Guru-ism’. And it’s kind of like a non-violent boxing ring.

In corner number one, we introduce Louise Hay,, Dr Wayne Dyer, Jerry and Esther Hicks and M. Scott Peck, vying for the title of, ‘Practical ways to Spiritual Awareness’, for the busy human. Their books are packed full of affirmations, ways to deal with work related issues, parent related issues, broken relationship issues, insecurity issues.

And you know what? They are extraordinary. Each and every one of them. Mostly because, if you read a sentence and think, “That soooo doesn’t apply to me,” a couple of weeks later, you will notice, that it most assuredly applies to you. Hence the lesson. Hence the challenge of life. If you are not learning, it means you’re not living.

In corner number two, is Eckhart Tolle. ‘The Power of Now’ is, without debate, one of the great spiritual books of our time. One only knows this after reading it five, or ten times, over a good few years, before finally ‘getting’ it. His quiet release of knowledge embeds itself in your mind, until, blissfully, you know the meaning of ‘Presentness’, regardless of the practical problems of life.

In corner number three is the Dali Lama, Buddhism, those serene images of orange clad monks carefully avoiding ants so as not to destroy any life. And Hinduism, with graceful rituals and blessings on nature and…everything. Rules bind both beliefs, however, and the intricacies of such rules are arduous, to say the least. But, after seeing the Dali Lama in the flesh, none of it matters, his joyous energy radiates strength and goodwill to all inhabitants of the planet. And that is a sight to behold. And a feeling to cherish. Having knowledge of his path in life, and the trials he’s endured, and his ability to deal with them, is the definition of inspiration.

In corner number four, we have the Indian Gurus. So numerous, it’s impossible to recount the ones of most importance in a blog. So let’s talk about some of the most controversial.

Sadhguru, the maker of ‘The Isha Foundation’, plagued with stories of slave labour and brainwashing. Yet, I dare you to watch his lectures and walk away with nothing. His analogies are worth if, if you gain nothing else.

And Osho, reportedly the king of mass orgies and sexual freedom. He dared to speak about what common society dares not to. And, in general, about common sense. He didn’t believe in marriage, due to the conditions and rules automatically placed by such agreements, on unconditional love. He didn’t believe in living life based on society driven, outdated ideas, made up by men driven by a desire to control – a ‘billion’ years ago, (yet the brainwashing still sticks for most). He advocated living life intensely, joyously, by one’s own rules. He advocated, simply, freedom of the Self. Whether or not orgies were his version of freedom...we can't know for sure, but it does, somewhat, segue into a spiritual conversation I had recently.

It is controversial however, so, if you are in an unhappy, or happy, relationship, it may offend. (This is, therefore a PG rated warning to stop reading now, or, if you choose to read, know that any anger or distress you feel, comes from yourself, not the opinion).

My friend remarked, “Getting married is like putting a giant shackle on your genitals, so you can never explore new territories, simply because your partner needs entire control of you to suppress their own fear of being alone. Or you do. Unconditional love means just that – love with no conditions. It doesn't equate to control or rules. And, if it does, it's not love, it's ownership. Just get a dog if you want to boss something around.”

The intention of the comment was not about the singular issue of sex, but about all rules we place on others, for the sake of our own perceived comfort, and the rules we allow to be placed on us. We then so often blame others when we become unhappy within the boundaries of those rules, as if we didn't have a choice in the first place.

And, yes, it's stated with cringe worthy bluntness. But worth pondering with regard to all human relationships, from moral standings, economical restrictions, caste differences to cultural traditions – right down to the colour of ones skin. Atrocities have occurred from the very narrow views of singular humans. Think Hitler and his rules that so many blindly followed.

Our world can be shaped before we realize we can think for ourselves. Put simply, the views of individuals who came before us have influenced millions who dared not think for themselves. The bottom line is to think for yourself, question everything, then live by what you, and only you believe.

So, what have I, fundamentally, learnt from such research?

That we can take small parts of all experiences, to help us with our own. That if you are resisting or unhappy about...anything, you're on the wrong path, and it’s easier than you think to switch to another, if you just stop thinking long enough to remember you hold all the keys to your own life. That we don't hold any power over other’s lives, and if we think we do, it’s nothing but illusionary self preservation. That if you feel angry, offended, superior or ‘all knowing’ about another’s experience, you are sure to learn the same one, and soon, else you wouldn’t feel any emotion about it at all.

You would simply feel…Present. With Life. Blissful. Free. That’s the only sign that points you in the right direction – for getting it right, for you.

Oh, and, most importantly... that anything is possible. Anything.

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Ketut Liyer. Eat, Pray, Pay?

February 8th 2012 11:18

Or, Eat, Pray, Love? Certainly, when I first set eyes on the famed Medicine Man from Elizabeth Gilbert’s best seller, ‘Eat Pray Love’, there was Eating, or, more appropriately, drinking. Breakfast - a milky concoction easily digested without the need for him to chew with the few teeth he has left.

Bali Medicine Man

Thanks to the advice of my Balinese guide and friend, Kadek, I arrived at 7am to be first in line. One does not make an appointment to see Ketut; you simply arrive and take a number. Luck was on my side, and, upon Ketut’s invitation, I cuddled up next to him as the first visitor of the day.

Lucky indeed. As his family worked like busy bees within the richly adorned compound, I spoke with Ketut, via intermittent translations with Kadek, about his one remaining front tooth, his kidney stones, his need to shower and dress before the arrival of the masses, and about the state of my own teeth, which he examined and pronounced to be very healthy and clean.

Over-sized butterflies fluttered above my head, landing gracefully on manicured plants, lizards sauntered across cool, shaded tiles and a spider expanded its web, precariously, deliciously, close to my head. The busy bee workers smiled each time they wandered by and Ketut’s ever-ready laughter sliced through the sweat-inducing humidity of early morning, as a rain storm gathered force on the horizon.

“I have very bad life, you have very good life,” Ketut said, while massaging his stomach, his eyes twinkling on their exploration of my face, “but now, I go and make myself handsome, yes? But me very ugly, yes? You be my wife, but my wife will be very jealous. She very jealous.” He laughed, a warm, belly laugh, extending and echoing among the decorative walls of the compound. “You cover legs, or you make me dangerous.” This, coming from a 99, 98 - who really knows - year old Medicine Man.

Kadek and I laughed. Ketut chatted with Kadek about Kadek’s village. Joviality, peace and a deep sense of ‘the present moment’ reigned. Until the first of the masses arrived…

Japanese tourists, American fans, Australian yoga fanatics, German sightseers, all taking numbers from the famed hook on the wall. All seeking their fortunes. All ready to pay for an insight into the unknown.

And did they receive it? No, I don’t think so. Ketut has catch phrases, honed by repetitiveness, such as, “You’re lips are like sugar,” and, “You will live until 100,” and, “You are a Queen and very influential.”

I discovered this, only when I, being number one in line, was called for my reading, (after waiting for a further two hours for him to shower and meditate). Having done my Google research, I was already well versed on the experiences of others, and therefore fought against my disappointment as he repeated these lines, word for word, to me, as he’s done with many others since the release of ‘Eat Pray Love’. Afterwards, collecting 150 000 Rupiah as a matter of standard business ($15), his eyes glazed as he looked towards the next tourist. Where was the man I’d sat with for over an hour, chatting blissfully about life’s mundane issues, as he turned them into a comedy sketch worthy of the world’s funniest comics?

Does he make people feel happy? Yes. Undoubtedly so. His spirit is infectious. I can only imagine that, before the ‘Eat Pray Love’ phenomenon, his reputation as a Medicine Man within the community was well founded. And, in fact, better put to use than the farce that has now been created for the sole purpose of the tourism industry. But, if you’ve travelled to Bali, experienced the poverty, smelt the decay of an ineffectual economy, you can only smile at the profit gained by Westerner’s insatiable need to endorse and ‘be touched by’ celebrity.

Was it worth it? Resoundingly, yes. There was Eating, there was Praying, and there was a feeling of Love. Just get there early to see the man, then the illusion is obvious. Therein lies the lesson.

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Fairies Live Here

January 10th 2012 09:19

There are places in the world that breathe life and truth into fairytales. Hidden, iridescent grottos brimming with mermaids, ancient fig trees sheltering elves beneath their gnarled roots and dragon caves lost deep within limestone cliffs. Some may be right beneath your very nose…so be sure to check at the bottom of your garden.

Figtree, North Queensland, photography by Vince Valitutti

Faerie Glen, Isle of Skye, Scotland
Toadstools, moss covered pebbles, paths carved between miniature hills carpeted in other-worldly green…you won’t find many people wishing to give you exact directions to this closely guarded space, but stumbling upon it is all part of the magic.

The Boulders, Babinda, North Queensland, Australia
An Aboriginal legend of forbidden love lays its curse over The Boulders, a place in which, 15 people, mostly young men, have drowned in the powerful undercurrents since 1959. The spirit of Oolana guards the boulders and her cries for her lost lover can still be heard, attracting young men into the treacherous waters. Look closely at the below photo, by renowned travel photographer, Vince Valitutti. A serpent and a goats head can be found lurking in the stream.

The Boulders, photography by Vince Valitutti

Phang Nga Bay, Thailand
Stories of pirates compete with James Bond movie locations among soaring lime stone cliffs. The only way to experience your own adventure flick here is in a canoe. Float beneath the stone, your nose almost scraping colonies of bats overhead, then emerge into emerald green lagoons with giant rock formations of dogs and elephants leering towards you. Watch out for pirates (and monkeys).

Hasel, Black Forest, Germany
Legends abound from stalagmite and stalactite palaces in the Dwarf Cave at the southern end of the Black Forest. But first, you must traverse werewolf dens, lakes filled with beautiful water nymphs and Freischutzen - infamous marksmen possessed by the devil and able to hit any target in the dark of the forest.

Low Isles, Great Barrier Reef, Australia
An underwater kingdom of coral mansions and exotic sea-creatures, wherever you dive on the Great Barrier Reef, you’re sure to glimpse at least the tail of a mermaid…but keep your eyes peeled, they’re actually quite shy, after all…

Great Barrier Reef, photography by Vince Valitutti

The Great Barrier Reef, photography by Vince Valitutti

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Travel versus Settling in Suburbia – The Endless Debate

November 12th 2011 14:51

We all know him, or her. They may have dreadlocks, wear baggy Hessian pants as an informal ‘travelling uniform’, and sprout words such as, “when I was in Cambodia", and, “I slept with one hundred cockroaches in the outback and they didn’t bother me one bit,” to – “while I was in Europe, I picked grapes for a living and lounged in a Tuscan farmhouse,” to, “I was a nanny in England once. I lived in a mansion in the Cotswolds and flew to Venice every second weekend”.

Exciting? Yes. Adventurous? Yes. Slightly mad? Yes.

<a href="http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=12571&picture=meditation-by-the-lake">Meditation By The Lake</a> by Nat Sakunworarat

Now, a snapshot of suburban, family life. “I changed five nappies before 11am yesterday, had the in-laws over for lunch, did six loads of laundry, cleaned the kitchen, drove to swimming lessons, mowed the lawn, made dinner for five, cleared the table, washed up, read the kids a bed time story and went to sleep at 8pm, only to be woken up with, ‘mummy, daddy, mummy, daddy…’ over and over again from 2am to 6am”.

I must confess, to this point, I am firmly in the first category, that of addicted backpacker. However, I have a gorgeous niece, and numerous friends’ children vying for the second option – so I am by no means ‘anti’ either argument.

But an argument it is.

Brought to the fore by relentless Home-buyer television shows portraying the poor, unfortunate backpacker, trapped in an illusionary state of ‘falling behind’ his or her’s contemporaries in the house buying market, unable to meet society’s version of ‘respectability’. News flash – this will mean little when we’ve moved on to the afterlife, if there is one. Better to live this life…to the fullest. Who, by the way, invented this ‘respectability marker’? I’d like to meet them and ask them a few questions…

Or, the unfortunate couple, having had children because the woman felt she needed to before she was too old, both trapped in an unyielding market, unable to live life to the full, weighed down by nappies, mortgages, bills and 9:00-5:00 jobs with little opportunity for creative fulfilment or excitement on the domestically blurred horizon. However…in the meantime… they get to witness the unsuppressed giggles, the first spoken words, the uninhibited movement, the capacity for love of the untainted souls of their own children.

Fact – if you want security, by all means, buy a house and lay down roots – with joy. Fact – if you prefer adventure, challenge and endless change - don’t do the above - the backpack will suffice. Either way, it seems to me, the point is to do what makes one happy. And don’t get lost in either.

You have the power to change your life at any time, for any reason, no matter the circumstances, with love and blessings and good wishes for the future. We are not here, after all, to do each other's biddings, becoming caught up in a life of compromise for the sake of avoiding argument. We are here to do our own bidding, whilst infusing others with goodwill and projecting kindness to all. Kindness, however, is not equated with martyrdom or ‘settling’ for what we think is easy within the illusion we’ve created of our own lives.

To hell with what everyone else thinks. After all, your reputation is actually in the hands of others and has nothing to do with you, they will think what they wish, regardless – and, with regard to what other’s think, it’s none of your business – so what you do can't be dictated by this. It’s your journey. And yours alone. You’re the only one who gets to be happy about it…or not.

So let’s all stop worrying, what is the point, after all? Live, love and laugh in the present, create waves, movement and life - it’s all we have - and, as the song famously says… “Don’t worry, be happy…”. The past is over, the future is non-existent. Just do what makes you happy. In The Now. The worst thing to do is stagnate. Mould, moss, germs form when we stagnant.

Move. Stir the water. Place a finger in the still surface of a lake and watch the ripples expand. This is life. Expansion.

Take away all the materialistic, attachment based issues – and what we’re left with is the Now. And that is always something to rejoice in.

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The Eat Pray Love Avalanche

October 15th 2011 09:46

She lay dying on the street – hands curled around a baby too malnourished to cry, her feet clawed defiantly into cobblestones brimming with past atrocities. The slight lean of her head indicated her appeal for money, her deploring, foggy brown eyes were trained expertly on the wealthy - waiting, almost deliberately full of scorn, for a scrap of luck.

Luck? I recognized the need for it, as I strolled by this woman, perched at the bottom of the Spanish Steps in Rome. My mind recalled warnings from well-meaning travelers, “Don’t give money to beggars, they’ll only follow you,” and, “If you give them anything, they’ll only do it more.” Do what more? Beg on the streets while tourists amble by with gelato and stomachs full of pasta? Is that something we’d all like to be doing with our time?

Maybe. Maybe not. But I gave her an apple regardless. The sodden eyes glittered with relief, the gnarled body moved with sudden energy to grasp the shiny red skin, the rotten teeth bit into the juicy fruit to tear its nutrition into pieces in order to feed her baby.

And the moment felt like spiritual enlightenment. I’m still not sure why or how, or what’s right or wrong in these situations whilst traveling, but I know my intuition chose for me.

Who wouldn’t want to traverse the world in search of individual enlightenment, aka, ‘Eat Pray Love’, by Elizabeth Gilbert, (a gorgeous read, by the way), but the experience is available to us all…if we open our eyes and allow ourselves to be guided by what we intrinsically know already…

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Bali - The Land of No Rules?

September 30th 2011 10:22

What are the rules, for a destination with no rules?

Bali. Land of rice fields, nasi goreng, stray dogs and infinite spiritual wisdom. Land of unruly tourists from the West, drinking Bintang in the streets, lying topless on the beach and lining the pockets of corrupt officials for ‘unlicensed’ moped jaunts.

Bali – where no rules, equates to endless rules, all of which are bound to confuse the weary, luxury drunk tourist.

What must you avoid? The following:

Mopeds.

Unless you know the ins and outs of corruption. Apparently, you can ‘say’ you have family within the high ranks of the embassy, you can bribe your way out of it, or you can barter with police. In reality, if you have an accident, get pulled over randomly at 3am after too many Bintangs, or stop an official to ask for directions, you are unlikely to escape this situation without empting you’re pockets of hundreds of dollars worth of souvenir money. Better just to jump on the back of one with a local – and trust they know what they’re doing, (not a guarantee, but the odds are better…).

Potholes.

Pavements. Roads. Driveways. A severe danger to ankles of all foreign visitors. We’re not talking small indents in the cement – picture a 3 meter drop into a sewer. This is the obstacle course faced by all on the trek from Kuta to Seminyak – the main tourist thoroughfare. Tips? Don’t wear heels. Ever. Never step on a palm frond – it most likely hides a terrifying fall into a germ-ridden, horrifying stench polluted hell. Do not step on grates. Ever.

Ice. Salad. Meat from street vendors.

I know, I know. We are all smart, world-weary travelers – immune from falling pray to the dreaded ‘Bali belly’. Tell this to someone on their fifth day lying on the bathroom floor of their hotel – from drinking ice in a cocktail in a 5 star hotel. Just don’t. You don’t need to. It’s not worth it. The only way out – if you know locals and can trust the source of the ice/water/meat. I contracted food poisoning from a hot dog on the streets of New York. Who knew? It’s something you can never guard completely against, but it’s worth trying, just to stay out of the bathroom and on the path to adventure instead.

The rules are worth following, in order to enjoy one of the most sublime places on earth. The surf, the Rock Bar, the forests, Ubud, Tanah Lot, Uluwatu, Nusa Dua – the list is endlessly divine. You will fall in love with the Balinese, find yourself within their smiles and bask in the sun setting over the ocean.

As long as you don’t fall down any holes on your way to bliss…Even Alice would find it hard to get to Wonderland through that amount of rubbish.

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Splendour in the Grass 2011

August 4th 2011 09:47

For those of you who missed out on it this year (sigh), here’s a quick run down of ‘Splendy Bendy’ 2011 at Woodford, Queensland.

COLDPLAY

Fittingly, Coldplay rocked the amphitheatre on the last, and the coldest, night of Splendour on the 31st of July. Chris Martin’s talent washed over thousands of inebriated, 3 day dirt encrusted revelers like a tidal wave. His soulful vocals drifted over us, into the surrounding valley, mercifully allowing us to forget the stench of the over-used port-a-loos. Bless him.

TRIPLE J BLISS

An avid triple j listener’s heaven, Splendour offered Goyte, Boy and Bear, Seeker Lover Keeper, Architecture in Helsinki, and countless others, to the hungry music loving masses. Goyte’s, ‘Somebody I Used To Know’, literally caused a break in the sound barrier with fans screaming for his talent – and when Kimbra walked on stage…well, let’s just say my ears will be ringing until next year’s festival.

Boy and Bear’s popular version of ‘Fall at Your Feet’, by Crowded House, was an easy gig for them as their smooth harmonies were lost in the enthusiastic vocals of the audience. A pity…this was my favourite tune of last year and I was ecstatic to hear the first beats…but inspiring nonetheless to witness the spell such a song holds.

KANYE WEST

Hmmm. Personally, I don’t see how he fits at Splendour – and as people joined us in commando rolling down the amphitheatre hill during his set – I imagine they didn’t get it either…

FASHION

Check out these tights. Gotta love festival attire.

CAMPING

Oh – the beer bongs, the frantic scampering to hide smuggled alcohol from roaming volunteers, the 70 deep line of girls hopeful for a shower at 6am, the dancing on top of bouncing utes, the waking up on a steep lean curled up at the end of the tent with dew dripping in your eye, the hysterical laughter at 2pm sitting around piles of last night’s rubbish, contemplating the long, hung-over trek back in to the festival – all set amidst valleys, forest and the majestic view of the Glasshouse Mountains.

Let’s all just forget the feeling of packing up 'said' camp on Monday under a dark cloud of ‘festival ending depression’ and 3 day old crusted make-up.

MISCELLANIOUS

A random porn show. Yes…people writhing on a circular red bed with body suits sporting rather large sexual organs, simulating sex scenes.

Strange…but all in all…spectacularly Splendid.

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Signs of Attraction for a Holiday Romance

June 10th 2011 10:36

How is this travel related? Ahh, how indeed?

The holiday romance is whispered about over coffee at the office, bragged about at the pub and dreamt about by those embarking on a trip of a lifetime. So, how do we know when that ‘lingering gaze’ or ‘accidental touch’ means something…more?

The short answer is – we don’t. Not unless we’re fortunate enough to come across that rare, ultra confident person who puts themselves in the line of fire for rejection, saying, “to hell with the consequences”, in order to tell you they want you. (Bless you, ultra confident people of the world).

This is a conversation I’ve had many times, with males and females, with regard to travel romances – and the lack thereof due to self-inhibitions. So, from a non-psychiatrist, non-clinical point of view, here are some very reliable signs that someone is very, very into you. (Or not…).

Obvious Signs from Women

The Hair Flick – Yes, an extreme cliché, but apparently true! Most women I know cannot help but play with, twirl or bring attention to their hair when they are attracted to a man. It could, also, be a sign of nervousness, but there’s a reason for the nerves, right?

Eye Contact – Vital! A woman will not make extended eye contact with a man she is not interested in. In fact, this is absolutely crucial. If a woman’s eyes are flicking everywhere but on the man she is talking to – it means she wants to be elsewhere. (Note – this does not include looking down every so often, batting of eyelashes and nervously looking up from under the eyelashes to gain contact again – this is a form of outright seduction).

Personal Space – If a woman wants you, she will be within 15cm of your personal space. If not - especially if she’s taking gigantic steps backwards each time you approach – you either have very bad breath, or she is just not into you. Or both, most likely.

Jokes – Yes, women will laugh at very bad jokes if they are attracted to a man. Because, in the woman’s eyes, they’re not bad jokes, they’re an extension of the lively, enthusiastic personality of a man. Always a winner. Rolling of the eyes means the opposite – take note and stop telling jokes. Or think of better ones.

Touching – Many women can be ‘touchy feely’ types. Having said that, it’s rare that we as human beings want to touch anything we’re not attracted to. Generally – a good sign.

Obvious Signs from Men

I’m not a man, so this is second hand information from being on the receiving end of such behavior.

Men, with more knowledge than I, please feel free to comment…

Eye Contact – Again, vital! If a man is making intense eye contact with you, or is nervously glancing away whenever you catch him making intense eye contact with you – it is an obvious sign of attraction. It’s all about the visual, right?

Body Direction – When attracted to someone, most people will point their feet, upper body and hands in the direction of that someone. This is usually a subconscious gesture. Watch out for it. That, or males hooking their fingers into their belt buckles while splaying their legs…hmmm. Obvious much?

Auto Erotic Touching – Is he touching his cheek? Rubbing his chin? Playing with his watch? This is not all he’s thinking about playing with if he’s maintaining eye contact with you while doing so…

The Interest Factor – Just quietly, if a man is acutely interested in your life, hobbies, friends, family – and asks a billion questions – it means he’s interested in you.

It’s all about the Laugh – Men will joke with women, tease women and generally act like chimpanzees if they think they’re in with a chance - even, if they just like you as a friend. The thing to look out for is goofiness, and an all round extreme ability to embarrass themselves. This can mean they are trying too hard – and there’s a reason for that.

The Biggest Giveaway, Scientifically at Least – Pupil Dilation. Apparently, our pupils become bigger when in the company of something, or someone, we’re attracted to. Do make sure you take into account the lack of light in the room though…

In conclusion, coming straight out and asking someone is easier – especially when traveling – yes? Just go for it, that’s the beauty of being able to return to your own country – you’ll never (hopefully) have to see them again – that is, if you have to face the dreaded ‘rejection’ – and it might just be worth it.

Happy Travel Romancing x

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Festival Fever

May 5th 2011 08:11

Hands up all the festival addicts? It’s no point denying my addiction; it started with Splendour in the Grass and has progressed steadily over the years into full blown festival fever.

Byron Bay Blues Fest: 21st – 26th April 2011

Byron Blue Blues Fest always tops my list, and this year, for the second time at Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm, the line-up exceeded even jaded festival-goer’s expectations.

Most notably, Bob Dylan, BB King, Grace Jones, Ben Harper and The Relentless7, ZZ Top, John Legend and Wolfmother.

With wide-open spaces, gum-boot worthy mud pits, food stalls that only Byron can offer – think organic doughnuts – dreadlock making wizards, original clothing designs for sale, drink tents with no lines and a chilled out vibe minus the extreme security seen at many festivals these days – quite simply, no one does festivals like Byron Bay.

My top three highlights this year? Watching an enlightening interview with Xavier Rudd half an hour before being transported to another planet via his extraordinary live performance. Eating pizza, than Laksa, than pizza, than organic doughnuts – and topping it with the best wine I’ve ever tasted at a festival. Finally – ending Friday night with the infectious, energetic acoustic talent of Rodrigo Y Gabriela – the guitar strumming duo personify the indescribable feeling expressed through music, and the coming together of music lovers.

Caxton St Seafood and Wine Festival : Sunday 1st May 2011

A festival without the hefty price tag ($27.00 entry fee), Brisbane’s Caxton Street Seafood and Wine festival merges food stalls, music, circus performers and a street party vibe with the famed restaurant strip’s flare for fine dining and trendy pub culture.

Main stages blocked off either end of the street, and, without glancing at a program, we managed to stumble on Joel Turner’s beat boxing prowess, Ash Grunwald’s surfing inspired acoustic blues tunes and the Velvet Cigar’s Moulin Rouge meets Burlesque strip show, complete with free buffet lunch of oysters, fresh prawns and Mediterranean dishes.

Off street, Casablanca, Gambaro’s, Bohemia Bar and the ever popular Caxton Hotel exploded with thirsty festival goers, hungry for a taste of unique cuisine. Sirromet Wines provided mini bottles of perfect ‘street sipping’ beverages from their LOVE series and the pubs provided cans of beer, spirits and a healthy dose of friendly bar tender culture.

With Splendour in the Grass at Woodford to look forward to from 29th – 31st July, (Coldplay, Jane’s Addiction, Kanye West, Eskimo Joe and The Vines), everyone in the near vicinity, or addicts from afar, can look forward to the continual feeding of their festival fever.

Hats (and gumboots) off to that.

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Posted By: The Travelling Fairy Dancer - Category: No Category

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