The last post I made here was when I returned from my trip to Byron Bay Bluesfest at the end of April. So, guess what the occasion is this time?
I’m going to Mares Vivas music festival in Portugal next week!
That’s right friends, I’m a total nomad this year. Why? Well, because I can be, of course!
I mean, my lecturers aren’t as deliriously happy about it as I am, but they’ll live… and I’ll live happier.
Admittedly, there is a partial occasion for the trip. I turn 30 this month. And if I’m going to ‘grow old’, I’m sure not going to do it in Melbourne. I’m going to do it on the other side of the World. In the sunshine. With fine food, wine and music.
If you’re wondering what made me pick Mares Vivas, I’ll tell you. If you aren’t wondering that, I guess you’re about to get a clean version of TMI (Too Much Information).
It started as a daydream. A whimsical flick through the pages of the internet. I wondered to myself, “Where is Joss Stone touring the rest of this year? She said at Byron she was doing a World tour. Where does that entail?”
The first place I found was Switzerland. Her show in Switzerland was sold out.
The second place I found was at Mares Vivas music festival, on the banks of the Douro river in Porto, Portugal. The interwebz told me the festival was three days, the 17th – 19th of July. Perfect timing, since my birthday is on the 22nd. The Prodigy were set to headline day one, and Portishead and Joss Stone were headlining day three. Well then, that sounds pretty dreamy. Maybe I’ll have a cheeky glance at the price of flights.
Cool, they seem legit; maybe I could get away with just under a week there.
A week later (last week) and I’m sitting in the travel agency booking a two-week deal through Portugal and France with the lovely girl at the desk who is just too hard to say no to.
And this Monday I fly out. Porto for a week, Marseilles for my birthday (when I’m seeing Herbie Hancock in concert) and then a train up to Paris for the last 5 days. Brilliant.
Bring on the sun… and Joss Stone.
Whimsical Eclecticist 
You back!! Awesome – and happy belated birthday 😀
Kind of back! We’ll see what happens after I return. Hehe.
And thanks!! 😀 Hope you’ve been well!
Awesome! I planned to travel more this year, but so far I can’t. Thankfully, I still have a couple days to stow away in your luggage 🙂 juuuust kidding. Enjoy! Happy Birthday 🎉
Thanks, Meka! I hope you get the chance to travel soon. Meanwhile, go ahead and practice your contortionisms and we’ll see about stuffing you in a suitcase, haha. I will, and thanks!! 🙂
Have a brilliant time! Keep in touch!
Thanks! I will indeed, on both accounts. 😀
I just turned about three shades of green. You, sir, have the trip of a lifetime scheduled!! I hope it is fantastic and that you meet all sorts of fun, interesting people. Take LOTS of pictures and collect all kinds of stories so you can share them with those of us who find ourselves mostly homebound for the summer. 🙂
And it’s lovely to have you back in the blogging world! How is normal life??
Thanks, Kaela! Pictures and stories shall be shared upon my return, for sure. Should be a blast! It’s good to be back and nice to see you around here too. Normal life is going okay. Droning on a little, but it’s on the up. How have you been??
So you probably already know this, because, you’re, you know, you, but Joss is, because she’s, you know, Joss, making her World tour an actual, honest-to-goodness World Tour. I read that she’s planning to perform in Every Country In the World AND hook up with charities and do good things with good people while she’s in Each One. I swear, that girl is just SO GORGEOUS ON SO MANY LEVELS.
(And so are you, by the way. EJ !!! Hi !!! Here’s another thing you already know: I am oh so very glad you’re back xoox).
Yeah she was talking about it when she was down here and she was genuinely wanting to tour to every single country eventually. I’ve seen some of the charity stuff too. She’s absolutely lovely.
And thanks! I’m glad to be back and it’s nice to be hanging out with you in the blogosphere again.:)
Go for it and have fun!
Sensing you are thoroughly enjoying your nomadic life, mate. Good to read/learn that you continue to untether yourself. Much in the pursuit of music — your soul. 🙂 Happy birthday a couple of days early. Marseilles to celebrate. Superb! One of these trips you may trot off and just not come back. Then you’d be a true gypsy. 🙂
So exciting! Very envious of your traveling. One day I shall do the same… One day far far away when I am not a poor student. (n)
Thanks for the comment! I’m envious of all travel, so I know the feeling. It’s great to turn it around and make everyone else envious now and then. I hope you’re making us all very jealous soon! 🙂
Yay Portugal! I haven’t been there yet but I heard it’s beautiful:) I hope it went well! (I know I’m like a month late). How was France?? I loved Paris and their pastries… also did you go with the lady at the desk? Hahaha the wording made it sound like you did. Who did you go with, though? I want to hear about your trip!!