Just like in my European Adventure I'll be compiling my trigger songs for South America.
VIDEO: 'Los Jaivas en Machu Picchu ( Grabación Oficial)' by Los Jaivas
This epic number was playing in a Beatles inspired bar in Santa Isabel called 'Pepperland'. I was drawn in by the "Yellow Submarine" style art from the outside, so our merry band came in for pizza and cerveza. The walls were wheatpasted with street press and the bar played music videos from the Chilli Peppers to George Harrison. They introduced us to a few Latin American songs including this Pink Floyd-eqsue production by Chilean band Los Jaivas.
'Latinoamérica' by Calle 13
This song was introduced to me by a German running mate in my first South American hostel. It was recommended to him as one of the most popular bands in Argentina. It appealed to him as it contained a montage of the things he had experienced on his 8 month journey, when he first heard it he didn't understand the Spanish lyrics but now he did. He advised not to refer to the song again till the end of my trip, "not even in the middle". I thought the same.
I did hear the song the following day.
After moving hostels to a posher barrio, I stumbled onto a Universidad that had been occupied by activists. They were hosting a festival with dancing and music. The place boarded up by school chairs, tagged with graffiti and adorned in banners. Even the murals were appropriated, one was painted with shamans and an ayahuasca vine. Another with a kid student kicking her teacher in the nuts. I was later told that many Academic institutions had been occupied for months, with classes suspended or continued online as students made their point during this crucial election year. This Calle 13 joint blared from the stereo at one point.
My farewell music Soundtrack was titled 'Last time, First lines' so its fitting I herald my return home with first impressions. Its with sad news that I farewell 'Thursday' as they perform their final dates. I reminisced about Sage Francis as I watched him at his final Sydney show. I hope to pay the same tribute for one of my favourite bands but unfortunately the price is too steep, especially for a return traveler as broke as myself.
In fact that has sadly been the glaring impression upon returning to Sydney, how expensive things are and how much cost of living has risen. I won't fall into the trap of idealism and "good old days" revisionism however. If travel has taught me anything its that we have to face and negotiate around the reality presented to us.
Thursday will be supported by another of my favourite bands, 'Saves the Day'. I've seen both bands before so I have no overwhelming regret. I've devoted my ears to podcasts the last few years, rarely listening to music or going to shows. It would have been good to pay my respects to the band but I shall instead offer it with this heartfelt post. I hope you can *Pay* the respects for me.
Thank You (press release excerpt)
Well, if you’ve been touched by our music or our dedication or our embarrassingly out-of-fashion sincerity, then this is for you, friend: thank you for letting us make No Devolución. We hope you’ve heard it. We say “beg, borrow or steal… music is an idea… ideas are free” but we encourage you to support our fantastically sweet and hardworking label, Epitaph, by buying it if you can afford to.
Despite the fantastic year that the band has enjoyed, creatively, things haven’t been as easy for us on a personal level... We haven’t had any falling out and are all still close...
Underneath it all, the personal circumstances involved make it impossible to continue Thursday in the spirit that has made it special. So, we stop. For now, at least.
Its the final few moments before I head home after a year+ of travel. I've been humming these songs in my head, more specifically the opening lines as they capture my current homeward bound mood.
VIDEO: 'Juicy' by Notorious B.I.G.
"It was all a dream..."
I feel like I've lived a dream, the more I speak with others the more I've realised its human nature to build things up in your head. It might seem like a movie trope/travel cliche but it truly was a great year. During the course of my trip I learnt the gravity of being in the moment and that living is already the dream.
A Punk Rock title, a reference to Istanbul and my current catchphrase.
All the layers on one shirt.
I spotted this T-Shirt at an Istanbul Mens store. Not sure if they knew it was Punk Band (New Found Glory) merch, I think they were just stocking it because of the famed Turkish Video Game character "Bald Bull" of NES Classic 'Mike Tyson's Punch Out'.
A Zeitgeist photoshoot
On my last week in Europe, I found a photoshoot promo in the London NikeTown as part of the #MakeitCount campaign gearing up for their 2012 Olympics. I posed for a photo and was asked to write up a slogan for motivation. LL Cool J's iconic intro had been stuck in my head all week
VIDEO: 'Mama Said Knock You Out' by LL Cool J
"Don't call it a comeback..."
I started this blog during my 'Yes-Man year' leading up to my year of travel. All the great results from my trip I believe came as a result of the energy I adopted and grew into back home in Sydney. I like to think of it as "taking awesomeness on the road", I'm simply returning it to where it began - At home and within.
Turkey had been more solitary than I was used to for my Eurotrip, everyone assured me “I'd find it all in Istanbul”. I purposelessly teased it for last. The initial onslaught of salesmen and scammers clouded my vision when I eventually got there, I knew Istanbul had been voted Wallpaper's Best City for 2010 so I admittedly came in with expectations. But 'cool' is supposed to be elusive and the challenge of the search is what makes it even more special when you find it.
When I did find it my initial reaction was 'Crap its just like every other place I've seen!'. The feeling evolved, it dawned on me that the shared humanity is what ultimately connects me to people. When I find artists are pondering familiar questions and I spy a Turkish Miranda July, I came to realise that despite the barriers of language and traditions once you look deeper we're not that different after all.
This experience made apparent how subjective this Coolspotting collection has been. As I'm the arbiter, I can't escape the prism I view things which is realised by the fact I'm ultimately drawn to the same stuff. Ummm what do you think is cool?
Istanbul Art kids
Edisyon Gallery is part of the Tophane Art Walk of Istanbul. It was the first place I stumbled on and I took pleasure in introducing new friends to the find. Its an independent space which allows those curious intimate access to the Turkish art scene. It supports emerging photographers and artists and unveils a new collection each Saturday afternoon.
If you're after more traditional art, you can find Ilhami Atalay in action at his punk rock studio in Sultanahmet.
Comic Books and Graffiti
I discovered Turbo-S2K through his wall mural at GON Comic Shop (Nr. 34/A Yeni Carsi - no website). A selection of his shirts are also available for sale. Find video of Turbo S2K creating his piece here - Gon Comic Graffiti Making: Turbo (S2K) & Funk
The new comic shop stocks graphic books from local artists in Turkish as well as your familiar Western titles. If you're wondering whether there are Turks involved in English language books, I present Istanbul-born M.K. Perker.
Jazz and Cafes Cafe Mitanni (Çukurluçeşme sokak.no:6/A) offers live music on most nights. Its a cosy space space showcasing Turkish bands playing new jazz, its not uncommon for the audience of music afficionados and internationals to be welcomed on stage to jam with the bands onstage.
This is where we met Aysu and friends, from Melbourne she returned to her roots in Istanbul where there is a vibrant and evolving music scene. Find her music here - Aysu Cogur music
Schadenfreude: (German loanword) delight in another's misfortune
At first glance these songs might not seem like the typical feel-good tunes you've come to expect from 'Songs to be happy to'. You'd be half right.
I was so blissful closing my year in Germany that I began lamenting my good fortune on the trip. I'd been intrigued by the thought of misadventure, to quote a friend "You need to experience the bad to fully appreciate the good". On Boxing Day in Berlin, Skyping with a good friend back in Australia we bemoaned how well-adjusted our upbringing was.
In hindsight it was not my proudest moment. I realised now that being in a good mood is not unlike when you're in a bad mood. Sometimes you have filters on and only see what you choose to see, moreover - choose to remember. My trip has superficially had its ups and downs but often you forget certain aspects after the fact and create a larger narrative to rationalise your current state of mind.
Its human nature to be curious about the things you don't have. I always thought "the grass is greener on the other side" only related to glamorous things but I guess you can really convince yourself of anything.
These were the songs that hyped me into 2012, the songs I hummed to myself as I strolled around Kuşadası, Turkey on the threshold of the New Year.
VIDEO: 'Jet Black New Year' by Thursday
This has been my favorite New Year song for as long as I've known it. It has the right balance of hope and anger to energise the spirit.
VIDEO: 'I'm So Ronery' by Kim Jong-il (Team America: World Police)
My early experiences in Turkey were amongst South Koreans, whether it was being surrounded by Tour groups at touristic sights or finding them solo in hostels. Turkey during the low season has definitely been lonely, the spectacular vistas only highlight this sentiment as I sometimes wish I could share the views with special others. Having to negotiate around the Salesman and Scammers is also a reality of Turkey that adds to the isolation.
That said, Turkey would make a great Honeymoon destination.
My original Mixtape Sampler was set in Spain, early into my trip. Its been a long time coming but I'm compelled to compile a new one for scenic Turkey.
I'm happy now so I'm prepared. Bring on the pain whilst I'm ready for it
Has it defeated you?
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2. Other People's stories:
VIDEO: Kurt Angle takes down Brian Kilmeade
KURT ANGLE: I never got to soak it in. I don't remember the Olympics. I don't remember the opening ceremonies. I don't remember enjoying the Olympic Village. I don't remmber winning the Gold Medal. I don't remembe-- All I remember is having a sense of relief.
I made it a job. I put a lot of pressure on myself. So much pressure that I lost a lot of sleep, a lot of weight. I lost 8 years of my life that I don't remember. This time around I want to soak it in, I want to enjoy the experience.
I'm a wrestling fan. Just like podcasting its one of the few habits I indulge in whilst on the road to keep me feeling connected to home and normalcy. This sentiment dovetails with my resolution to be more conscious and live in the moment. Its mindboggling to imagine that a seminal point in one's life, a moment that ultimately changed its course can be forgotten and leave behind little feeling.
This captivating biography was on the Hostel bookshelves, I've been reading it whilst soaking in the breathtaking Antalya vistas. This review from the New Yorker captures its spirit beautifully "it’s an entertaining, rambling monologue, a slurry romp through the life of a man who knew every pleasure, denied himself nothing, and never paid the price". Jeeeealous.
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4. Road Music:
VIDEO: 'Hep Yaşın 19' by Mfö
I've been enjoying the guerilla aesthetic of the new school 'Black Eyed Peas' music videos. I'm a fan of the understated glamour that exudes from documentary style video clips. Whilst enjoying a Turkish Breakfast, I happened across this Turkish Rock video that mirrors BEP's 'Just Can't Get Enough'. Both videos capture the energy tempered by the melancholy that comes with being on the road
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5. Road Movies
VIDEO: An Idea can transform the world - Inception Movie Trailer
I've been running into cyclists around Turkey, so far a Japanese man and a New Zealander both with long term missions spanning years. The New Zealander was cycling home to the Auckland after living in London for 10 years. He's aiming to be back by May 2013.
The Kiwi explained to me how on his second date with a prospective long-term partner, knowing he'd inevitably be embarking on this epic journey he conceded "I want to be honest with you - I have this idea..."
Update 2015: Jeremy Scott incredibly finished his journey 2.5 years and 29 Countries later, publishing a book documenting his tale. Find it here - The Long Road From A Broken Heart
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6. Spotted in: Antalya, Turkey Ocak 11 2012. 9pm
In Sydney you can find them by the Downing Centre, Liverpool St. In London at the Trocadero underground level. In Antalya, Turkey you'll find your local BBoys at the arcade across from the Muratpaşa tram stop.
- Mixtape: 'Loz in Translation' Sampler (Spain)
- Mixtape: 'Loz in Translation' Sampler II (Turkey)
The 30HomeGames project is a mission that has me seeking Basketball around the world. In reality it's been a great pretext that's connected me to places and people I might otherwise not have.
Throughout the year I've befriended amazing people by connecting through sport. From parkour in München, participating in classes at Köln's esteemed Sports College to playing with Bremen's Ultimate Frisbee team. Not to mention the amazing Basketball experiences across Europe.
Fun Fact: More often than not these sports experiences have involved Germans in some way. *Shrugs*
The following songs form the soundtrack for the Sport experiences I've had recently. 'Lovely Day' was part of the Mix CD my German friend and events organiser had playing for some Volleyball socials in London. Additionally one of my skater housemates in Köln had a soulful music palette thus Bill Withers was on high rotation.
VIDEO: 'Lovely Day' by Bill Withers
I befriended students of the German Sport University in Cologne through Couchsurfing. After visiting the college to play Basketball in their Gym, I made a fast friend in the Mensa (cafeteria) and was invited to crash at their place to extend my time in the City.
Daniel was an enterprising Kite Surfer I met through this network, known for organising FlashMobs, and outings for his fellow Freshmen SpoHo peers. He compiled videos of these happenings as viral packages to promote his 'Crazy for Kite' adventure workshops. I had the pleasure of joining the kids as they spent a 'lovely day' in the 'Aqualand' of Köln.
Both the energetic songs featured in the clip have become "happy triggers" anytime I've heard them since.
In my most recent Road Music post I mentioned how Wrestling Entrances were inherently "Songs to be happy to". I see your 'Wrestling Themes' and I raise you - Christmas Songs! I can't think of any other genre of music that inspires as much nostalgia and joy in me as the songs that begin to circulate around this time of year.
On the cusp of my return to Germany, I spent my final day in London at the iconic 'Winter Wonderland' at Hyde Park. Many of the rides were German-made and there was a Bavarian section with mulled wine and bier. The winning combination of traditional Christmas songs, the German Winter aesthetic and carnival atmosphere had me grinning from ear to ear. Seeing kids playing American Football by the Ferris Wheel, (in the cold) was an added bonus.
Without further adieu, the songs...
VIDEO: 'Fairytale of New York' by The Pogues
Pleasantly, this song is on high rotation around these parts (its by a Celtic band). I never heard it much in Australia but for as long as I've known it, I've considered this my favorite Christmas song.
Truth be told, I first heard this as a Punk rock cover by 'No Use for a Name'.
VIDEO: 'I'll Be Home For Christmas' by Bing Crosby
This will be an interesting and emotional christmas as it will be the first time I won't be spending it with my familia, let alone being separated by an ocean. That said, I always carry my family and those I love with me.
As the song goes "I'll be home for Christmas, if only in my dreams".
I'm having fun traveling around Europe for the year. I've been to several events I'm passionate about, some I've always aspired to go to (Edinburgh Fringe) and others I've lucked upon (EuroBasket in Lithuania, Wrestling in England). I've been able to act on most of my whims, even the privilege of not working for a year is golden in and of itself. Surprisingly this doesn't make happiness any less elusive.
Once the novelty of being around new places and new people wears off, ultimately we're left with the same dilemma - "What do I do with my time?". As I've mentioned several times, one of my go-to responses is reading. Graphic Novels in libraries, Photography journals in bookshops and collecting as much street press I can find. Street Press is particularly illuminating as it informs me of a Country as reflected by their trending artists and movements.
I've read some interesting articles in England, the following two resonated with me as they touched on the subject of glorification. Who else but a successful Celebrity would be more qualified to comment on the realities of "living the dream". This edition of 'Other People's stories' is unique as it features people I've had no interaction with.
How's life hanging out with Example, performing at Nobu with Clare Maguire, for Princess Beatrics...
The grass is always greener - but I do have the best job in the world. I enjoy my job so much and it's so fun. But there's lots of downsides to it.
What's the toughest part of the job?
Well I'm still sofa surfing - not because there's no money, it's that there's no time to go look for a flat. It gets to 2am and I'm like "F**k where am I going to stay tonight?" That's not a nice feeling. Or being told you have a day off and there's a last minute studio session or gig, photoshoot etc... you just keep going...
But there's no point complaining about stuff like that because two years ago I would have given my left leg to do that. Life isn't always as peachy as everyone thinks it is, but it is also really good...!
And the toughest lesson you've learnt?
Probably having to realise that not everyone's going to like you. I used to read all my press - I've stopped that now...
I'd think "Why would you say that?" I picture myself as a nice person - I'm probably not! - but I try to treat people how I'd like to be treated...
Master Shortie actually gave me a bit of advice. I get like one bad tweet for every 200 good ones and I'd tweet back at them. He asked me why and said "You've got 200 fans saying they love you and one guy saying he hates you?". Why don't you use that tweet to ignore him and reply to a fan and make their day?"...
Instead of focusing on the hatred, it's better to focus on the love and who likes the music. It's good advice.
Stephen Merchant is one half of the UK's most successful comedy duo... He and Ricky Gervais are among the richest comedians in the world... And yet he still can't get a girlfriend.
One New Year's Eve, for instance, he was standing in Trafalgar Square when a good-looking girl reached up to tap him on the shoulder (he's 6ft 7in) and asked, 'Are you going to be here for a while?' In a second his whole night changed. 'Here we go,' he thought. 'This is it.' He was no longer crushed in the cold; he was a handsome winner about to get some New Year's action. 'Because me and my friends are all going off,' the girl continued, 'and we want to arrange to meet back here, at you.'
He sighs as he relates the story... 'People think all fame is the same but being on BBC Two from time to time does not make you Warren Beatty. I honestly can't impress that upon people enough.'
Surely once he'd picked up a Golden Globe, live on television, women found him more attractive? 'No,' he says firmly. 'But I have become more confident in my own skin. That's the difference.'...
I was 15 when my dad came in from work one day - at the time he was in the building trade and he was very stressed - and said, "You don't want to end up doing this, son" he recalls. I decided to become the next John Cleese. Ridiculous. But, well, I've done it. It's good, isn't it? But now what do I do? I've jokingly said that everything I'm doing now is filling up the hours before I die, but I do feel that slightly. I have no religious beliefs so this is the ride. This is it. So I'm just like anyone I suppose, trying to fill out the days in the most interesting way possible.'
- Other people's stories - Tales of: Adventure
- Other people's stories - Tales of: Love
- Other people's stories - Tales of: Living the Dream
- Other people's stories - Tales of: Living in the moment
The 'Road Music' playlist so far
Enjoy the Complete Tracklistings on this YouTube Playlist: Alternatively you can find it here on Spotify - Travel trigger Songs
VIDEO: Loz in Transit Trigger songs
Home Music: Songs to be happy to (First impressions, Last show)
- 'At your Funeral' by Saves the Day
- 'War all of the Time' by Thursday
Songs to be happy to ( Last time, First lines)
- 'Juicy' by the the Notorious B.I.G
- 'Mama said knock you out' by LL Cool J
Songs to be happy to (Not Sad New Year)
- 'Jet Black New Year' by Thursday
- 'I'm So Ronery' by Kim Jong-il (Team America: World Police)
Road Music: Songs to be happy to (Sports songs)
- 'Lovely Day' by Bill Withers
- 'Banquet' by Bloc Party
- 'Promiscuity' by Manu Chao
Road Music: Songs to be happy to (Christmas songs)
- 'Fairytale of New York' by The Pogues
- 'I'll Be Home For Christmas' by Bing Crosby
Road Music: Songs to be happy to (WWE UK Tour, November 2011)
- 'Cult of Personality' by Living Colour (CM Punk's new Entrance theme)
- 'This Fire Burn by Killswitch Engage (CM Punk's old Entrance theme)
Road Music: Songs to be happy to (UFC 138)
- 'Mad World' by Gary Jules
- 'Bebot' by The Black Eyed Peas
Road Music: Songs to be happy to (EuroBasket edition)
- 'Manu Key' by Quai 54 (Feat. Booba, 16ar, Zoxea, Oxmo, Dany Dan)
- 'Celebrate Basketball' (Eurobasket 2011 Lithuanian version) by Marijonas, Mantas, Mia
Road Music: Songs to be happy to (in Portugese)
- 'Danza Kuduro' by Don Omar & Lucenzo
- 'Anna Julia' by Los Hermanos
- 'Garota de Ipanema' by Joao Gilberto e Caetano Veloso
- 'País Tropical' (Live Rock in Rio 2010) by Ivete Sangalo
Road Music: Songs to be happy to (in Español)
- 'Qué mierda ser yo' by Avenue Q
- 'Me gustas tu' by Manu Chao
Road Music: Friends, Laura and Monica
- Laura Bean Record Release Party @ Bassy Cowboy Club Berlin
- 'Strong Oak Tree' by My Baby Will
- 'Desire' by My Baby Will
Road Music: My farewell Soundtrack
- 'Rock It' by Little Red
- 'Big Jet Plane' by Angus and Julia Stone
- 'Home' by Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros
Road Music: Away Anthems
- 'Se Viene el Estallido' by La Bersuit
- 'O Bella Ciao' by Giorgio Gaber
Road music: Calella, First Resort
- 'This Must Be The Place' by Talking Heads
- 'Holiday' by The Get Up Kids (live)
Road Music: Live. Forever
- 'On your own' by James Yuill
- 'Nora' by Marina Gallardo
Road Music: Songs in Espanol
- 'Malaguena Salerosa' by Chingon
- 'La Camisa Negra' by Juanes
Road Music: Life on the Road
- 'Bitter Strings' by The Jealous Sound
- 'The Road' by Tenacious D
Wrestling themes are 'Songs to be happy to' by nature. They are designed to condition audiences into a mood, chosen to suit the wrestler's persona and orientation as hero (face) or villain (heel).
I originally wanted to choose one song from each show I watched, WWE Smackdown in Birmingham and WWE Raw in Nottingham. Dedicating it to the surprise appearances from each event, the unexpected return of Hardcore legend Mick Foley and 'Diesel' Kevin Nash.
- Listen to Mick Foley's Entrance theme
- Listen to Kevin Nash' Entrance theme
Instead I've decided to go for the Entrance themes of the Raw Nottingham headliner, CM Punk. His original and current themes capture two different kinds of happiness.
CM Punk's current theme evokes a feeling of naive bliss, the type of childlike joy one gets when immersed in a comic book or feel when meeting a star one admires:
VIDEO: 'Cult of Personality' by Living Colour (CM Punk's new Entrance theme)
His original theme on the other hand embodies a more mature exhilaration. Its like when you're in a nightclub surrounded by stunning women, overwhelmed by pleasure but tempered by adult concerns of doubt, frustration and guilt. Where, cloaked by the loud music you let out a euphoric primal scream. Uh... but maybe that's just me?
VIDEO: 'This Fire Burn by Killswitch Engage (CM Punk's old Entrance theme)
This distinction between the two kinds of happiness is interestingly mirrored in the two wrestling fan types - Marks and Smarks (Smart Marks)
What is your definition of a Mark and a Smark?
A mark is someone who enjoys the show for what it is. They are able to suspend their disbelief and watch wrestling for what goes on [onscreen and they don't care] what goes on backstage. A pure mark is unaware of the scripted nature of the program and believes that wrestling is a legitimate competition.
A smart mark (Smark) is someone who is aware of the staged nature of the show but can still suspend their disbelief to a certain extent...
A smark is someone who thinks they know everything about the business. They tend to put down marks and others who can suspend their disbelief while watching the show. Smarks tend to nit-pick and question every decision a wrestling company makes...
One of the fun parts about watching an MMA card is listening to each combatant's choice of motivational "Fight Music". I was fortunate enough to score tickets to 'UFC 138' in Birmingham, England.
A French streetballer introduced me to this song in Kaunas, Lithuania. Its an ensemble song featuring France's finest MCs made for Quai54, the iconic International Streetball tourney held in Paris.
This is the Lithuanian language version of the EuroBasket Theme, this song was on high rotation during the tournament. At first appearances the song may seem corny but it actually gets me quite emotional, the clip works because it beautifully captures how basketball is embedded into the fabric of Lithuanian society.
On a typical day feeling things out, walking around Rotterdam. I stumbled on what I thought was a Hip Hop store over the bridges, in fact it was label headquarters for 'Hip Hop a la Carte'. I got the 411 from the crew out front, the team were made up of multi-skilled B-Boys, writers and MCs who also cook and do video production. The guys present a Hip Hop cooking show, interviewing MCs and promoting Dutch Hip Hop. I was able to sit around during filming until they decided to shoo me away.
I conversed with 'Fonk Loks' and the guys as well as their guest of the day 'Hef'. This is the closest 'Ive been to real Hip Hop in my 200+ days in Europe. The guys reaffirmed what has already been said about Hip Hop in Holland, that its still marginal in the country. Which I explained to them was baffling considering "The Hundreds" of Dutch kids stocking and rocking streetwear.
Hypo Kunst in Delft, a cafe and music venue is one of the hippest spaces I've seen. From the illustrations on the coffee table to the Art on sale. Most notable was the 'Girl with a pearl earring' & braces. The space is an Art retail store but also stages live music. On this particular afternoon their was some sort of Jazz Karaoke, where they were inviting semi-professional artists to perform with the house band.
vi) Bibliotheeks in Holland (Top 3: Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Denbosch)
Possibly the most consistent great thing about Holland are the libraries. I often seek Bibliotheeks because books are great time-fillers and its reliably the best source for cheap/free internet. However Holland is on some next level ish.
Apart from the standard array of Books and Magazines. There is the Boutique style interior design, classy cafes, and game console kiosks. Notables include the Multimedia section in Rotterdam Bibliotheek and the free Piano at the lobby of the Amsterdam Openbare Library. Rotterdam offers multiple Mac kiosks with a comprehensive MP3 catalogue. I would happily spend days scooping up Japanese Fashion and Dutch Hip Hop books to browse whilst listening to the complete discography of Kid Cudi.
Amsterdam, much like I saw in Barcelona offers a free organ for pianists to share their art. It creates a unique and ever changing ambience but importantly it allows people who have dedicated years to their craft an outlet to express it.
This will be my last post on Holland, closing this chapter on a memorable time.
After a trip of a night jaunting around Rotterdam, we questioned whether this was an atypical evening. My running mates Du jour insisted that it was not standard and we were definitely in the company of some eccentric people.
Ken, a toothless Dutch-Kenyan assured us it was perfectly normal and asked, "Does it bother you? If it doesn't bother you then its probably normal". My friend wasn't fazed but wasn't convinced by the equation. Ken then pointed at the unattractive but enigmatic 50yr old with greased-back hair, donning a leather jacket and a Calvin and Hobbes "I'm the Best!" T-Shirt. "Tell me..." he began, "What do you think is normal for him?"
I realised the following morning, the distinction between finding something normal and it being natural.
It was one hell of a night! Interestingly it was exactly 11 months after a similarly noteworthy day in Sydney. As a first, I present a choice of two background theme songs to represent the two competing tones.
Soundtrack for the "Normal"
'Soundtrack 2 My Life' by KiD CuDi
Soundtrack for the "Natural"
'What a great night' by Hilltop Hoods
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Porto, Portugal: Day 128 - Day 158
In my last Trigger post of my Road Trip from Lisboa, the photos curated were chosen to hint at some of the extraordinary things we got up to. With this set I wanted to contain the amazing sense of family and festivity I felt in Porto. With that said no collection could ever truly capture the magic of this unforgettable time.
To the 'Safado 6' (Alemão, Salsa, Samuka, Amim, Porto and Negão)and 'Familia Feliz' - Muito Obrigado!
