Return to Nijmegen, Den Bosch & ASOT 500 (Armin and Friends).....

First off a big thank you to Robyn Guille he is known as "the canuck" in this post for letting me borrow his photos. Nice to add some visuals to all the descriptions I wrote in the entry. Thanks man! Good times in ASOT 500 :] and now the previously written entry...

Well, It has been exactly 12 hours since I sat down here after returning from the crazy 24 hour trip to Den Bosch for the ASOT 500th Episode Party yesterday. Was really a crazy day and night. In the end I was awake for nearly 26 hours, although at best the early morning hours remain a hazy combination of sleep deprivation and the falling in and out of full consciousness. Let's get down to the meat of the entry...

So I headed off from Amsterdam Sloterdijk Station (the one nearest to my flat) at quarter passed 11. The route ended up being non-direct to my dismay. Disembarked in Centraal Station in Amsterdam and then had to board a train bound for Nijmegen. Nijmegen? Really? Was quite surprised to hear that. I thought Nijmegen was like 2 hours to the east? Yeah it is. But I would arrive in Den Bosch at 2 pm. So oh well. Headed out of the station and it was a nice nostalgic ride. Traced the exact route I took nearly a year ago when I last visited the east of Holland in June. Going back to Nijmegen was even more of a trip. My good friend Jacob lives there (when he's not in South Africa) which he currently is. But I had some good memories there in that town. And given the chance, I know I could find my way back to his flat as well as the bar in the center of the city, the one with the good beer selection. In any case It was a short reunion with the city and I was quickly boarding a sprinter for Den Bosch. I was there shortly thereafter. In any case once to Den Bosch I headed off into the city centre (a short walk from the train station). I was quite surprised. It was a very large city. A huge open-air market. Lots of shops and restaurants and it was a nice sunny day. So I settled on a nice restaurant with a decent view of passerbys, and had a mozzarella pesto and tomato sandwich, with a nice Duvel to wash it down. Afterwards I relaxed in the sun before heading off to the Afterhours.fm meet-up I would be going to before the show.

It was easy enough to find. Once there I was welcomed with a beer and a chair and some good conversation with other members on the forum. We had lots of beers and ended up talking with a bloke from Victoria, BC of all places. In addition to the canuck, we included two germans in our small group. We grabbed some food, then headed back to the meeting where they were just opening the bar. We had live music and more beers and then at around 8 pm we headed off for Brabanthallen (the venue for the show). Was massive. We got there and were inside pretty quickly. It was a great time. We were all jazzed to be there. We bought ASOT 500 tshirts. This show actually decided to put paper timetables available for everyone. So we headed off in search of good music. And let me tell you, with the lineup as massive as it was, it was not difficult to find. We started in the blue room for introductions and the first artist in the main room was Matt Zo. Never heard the guy before but it was pretty good. Next we scooted off to the green room to hear a bit of Ashley Wallbridge and finally went to the yellow room where we listened to one of my personal favorites: DJ Eco. Was a great set. Near the end he busted out the American flag :] gotta represent! After Eco we left and went back to the blue room to check out Markus Schulz. This is the second time this year that I've seen the guy (last time was in London at the ministry for his birthday show). In any case was a good set. He can throw down. After watching a bit of Markus I headed off in search of Orjan Nielsen who was playing in the orange room (looking back I guess I never even entered the red room, oh well!).


After checking out Orjan Nielsen for 30 minutes and listening to the live mix of one of my fav tracks from the guy: Mjuzik, I headed off to meet the canuck in the blue room to listen to Above and Beyond and eventually Armin. We lucked out. Really lucked out. First of all just happening to meet the canuck outside of the room (they stopped letting people in because apparently the room was too full). Eventually they let us all in and we plowed through the entrance gates and slowly worked our way up through the crowd until we were next to the sound engineers. There we stayed for the next 4 hours. We watched Above and Beyond (my first time seeing them) and their set was epic. And then directly after Above and Beyond it was Armin (they stopped letting people in after a certain hour I later found out). So we were lucky. Even though we were seemingly miles away from the decks, we still had a line of sight to see Armin and it was a great time. Amazing really, I mean in the electronic music world this is the top. There is no one bigger than Armin. This is the biggest stage in the world. And the laser shows were incredible. This is what I had hoped Trance Energy would have been like. Fireworks, flames, smoke, and a billion laser machines worked through the night and I was in awe the whole time. Unfortunately no pics (my canon 450d doesn't really fit in my pocket). So I'm hoping the canuck adds me on facebook and I can steal his photos. Either way the night was incredible. Was the electronic music experience I was hoping for here in Europe. But as with Energy, I ran out of funds (I didn't plan to spend 30 euros on a tshirt) and the downside to that was that my drink funds ran out far too early. I had a redbull at 130 2ish but that wasnt enough to keep my motor running. Really sucks, but whaddya gonna do? After Armin was through I hung out for a bit and listened to Gareth Emery. Wish I could have stayed to see the other amazing acts out there, but oh well, I was beat. My feet were killing me and I had no energy. I said peace to the canuck and headed off for the train station with the hope that by 7 or so I would be in my bed sleeping. Didn't end up going that way.

I walked to the train station and asked around a bit, come to find out, the last train left just after 4 am. The next one: 7:57. Fml. I fairly laughed as the notion of sitting around at the train station for 3 hours descended upon me. I bought some snacks and a bottle of water and grabbed a seat in one of the waiting rooms. Eventually I was joined by a few others and then 20 others. I sat there trying to relax and rest and my eyes. Unfortunately the benches in the train station waiting room are not all that luxurious. Nor was it all that warm. I heard it was supposed to be 5 celcius that night. I fell in and out of consciousness. I think I may have slept for close to an hour somewhere in between 5 am and 7. In any case I came to a little after 7 and just happened to be glancing outside when I saw one of the german blokes. Initially I just sat there, but then questioned why I was just sitting there freezing my ass off. Might as well have a chat. So I got up and chased him down and we chatted about our experiences for a bit before we headed our separate ways.

Everyone was waiting by the train for them to open the doors. They didn't do so until 7:55. Dicks. That first train was so packed there was no room for anything else and it was 30 minutes or so to Nijmegen; another enjoyable experience. The fool next to me kept falling asleep on my shoulder. Upon arrival everyone exploded out of the doors like a pack of wild animals to catch the next train out. Silly silly. I am experienced. A truly seasoned traveller. And why run to jump onto an already packed train when another one will leave soon afterwards? So I asked someone and checked the screens and it turns out that there was one leaving in less than 15 minutes. Perfect. So I grabbed some breakfast, hung out in the early morning sunlight in the Nijmegen Station and waited for the train. Unfortunately once on the train arrived, I wasn't able to find a nice seat. I didn't really care. I sat on the steps and relaxed. Dozed a bit. And by 1030 am we were in Schipol. 11 am I was just arriving back to my flat. Had a sandwich and passed out at noon. Didn't wake up til 7 pm and now here we are, midnight. Woot. Maybe I feel a bit tired. Idk. In any case, just one more crazy european travel adventure. Good times. Anyway I'm done writing. Hope I didn't lose you along the way. Byebye for now.


Zach

Fresh Start

Yeah It's true. A rare back to back two days in a row post on this blog. Profound. I know, really ;] Anyhow, the title of this post is: Fresh Start. This is the name because I feel I'm coming around. For an explanation, let me share with you my journal entry from earlier today...

"I raced here from Sloterdijk, a double espresso will do that to you (put a little pep in your step). I am here in the shade of Herman Bonpad (Molen) next to the canal, in the grass, eager to write. Finally, I feel myself turning the corner. Changing back to my normal self (at least the one that writes with more frequency). It really is funny how the smallest of things, a nonchalant comment intended as nothing more than a joke can flip a switch in your mind and you ask yourself, why not? I suppose it was a culmination of things really. One instance yesterday, I was reading a friend's blog, also currently traveling, and was struck by the language and words and images it conjured inside my head. She writes with passion. She writes about the little incredibly important moments everyone else seemingly overlooks. And this was cause for inspiration. Thanks Carolyn. That was first. That left me poised to jump back in. It wasn't until this morning when I awoke and logged onto facebook to read a comment from none other than Kayvan Fassnacht (this is the small thing that I'm certain was intended for nothing more than a laugh), the comment read: "Where are your pics?" The exchange ensued, and I responded: "Lol which ones?" and his response: "Of your European escapades...." And I had to think about it for a minute. And I realized that maybe I should be shooting more photos. Maybe I should be photographing all of the places I go and small things that I find interesting and intriguing throughout the days here in Amsterdam (and this is the part about something small causing a much larger mental response). It was as if a switch flipped inside my head and I was finally awake. The final push I needed to go off the edge and dive back in. So here I am. I can say with certainty I am back. Back to writing of small enjoyable moments in life. About profound thoughts and contemplation. Where did I retreat to? Good question. I have no idea. All I can say is that I wasn't myself. We'll see where we go from here. Tuesday is an important day. Take it one day at a time. Here's to being back. It feels good. Thanks to the two people who flipped the switch to bring me here..."

And so there you have it. I have a feeling I'll return to that windmill quite often as the weather warms and the seasons change. Until next time...

Zach


Oh yeah by the way, If you'd like to read an amazing blog and be inspired, proceed here -> link to amazing blog: l'arte di viaggiare (the art of travel)

the next update

I am constantly aware of the lackluster nature of my europe blog. unfortunate, really, but alas, i am here providing another update into my status here in holland. as of the 21st of march, which was to be my registration date, i went in for my interview feeling prepared but a little nervous. i waited for about 20 minutes and finally my number was called. i entered the room, sat down, and was promptly asked if i had everything, even the copy of the landlords passport. at this point my jaw nearly hit the floor and i asked again for clarification, "excuse me?" at which point the man said he could not help me if i don't follow directions. and he pointed out on the sheet where it clearly stated that i'd needed a copy of the main tenants passport. needless to say the rest of the day i felt like a complete idiot. how many times in school are teachers harping on reading directions completely and thoroughly? well for this instance i get a failing grade. the funny thing is, even though i knew the directions were on there, and i read through them several times, i somehow overlooked that part. i have no idea why. but it is what it is and i managed to avoid complete and utter disaster (like having to wait an additional three weeks or a month). instead i was given an appointment on tuesday march 29th (so yes, just a week and now just two more days). i'm quite thankful i don't have to wait longer than that. so now we'll see what happens. tomorrow i'll acquire the copy of the main tenants passport and then tuesday i'll hopefully be on my way with a BSN number and the ability to look for work. the sun is out again today. i'm trying to get a plan for the day. i've just woken up late thanks to daylight savings time and a late live-draft for my fantasy baseball team. but nevertheless the sun is out and i'm eager to go play. hope you enjoy your sunday. byebye for now!

zach

a long time

Yeah jeez. A lack of updates on this blog has been a major problem for me. Don't know why really. There has been plenty happening (more recently not so much) but things have really been happening, I promise. And now the perfect moment to start writing...I am sitting here chugging water, listening to planes flying by overhead, and peering out my window at dull reflections cast across dampened paths. The band Alfie is playing and I've just woken up from a long (somewhat uneccessary 4 hour nap). Looks like it will be pasta again for dinner, whenever it is that I am hungry again. I ate quite a large lunch so we'll see. As for tonight I won't be going out. Maybe tomorrow or sunday. I've just received the lifesaving help package I was waiting so long for. The $850 tax refund. It finally went through. And it has boosted the money in my account to an amount I can feel safe with (at least for next month) which is the timeframe I've given myself before I head home and call this round in favor of Holland. I am however, extremely close to finally, legally, being able to look for work. I've called the registration offices today and yesterday to see about any possible cancellations to get in sooner (but to no avail). Oh well. Monday is d-day for me. I go into the offices and attempt to get my SOFI number or BSN number or whatever they are calling it these days and then from there we'll see how things go. I'll really need to put myself out. Really go and sell myself in order to find a job soon. And so I shall. I shall because I have to. Did I tell you how much I hate it when people leave lights on unneccesarily? Or when people leave the toilet seat up? I think all 3 of my roommates do both of these things. Effers. Oh well. In any case, it was raining earlier here as was predicted. I cruised from my place down to the center of town with no problems (got a little damp) but it wasn't until my ride home that it was raining a bit harder. Got back and peeled off the layers of moist clothing and put some warm things on. Oh yeah, and then fell asleep on my bed and had weird dreams. My next goal will be to track down some potential locations for looking for work. I'll try and compile a list here on sunday and go from there monday afternoon. That's the update as things stand. Ok I'm done talking. Enjoy your Friday night. byebye.


Zach

9 days and counting...

Lol wow...last time I posted was 9 days ago...yikes! My apologies for a lack of updates. My original plan included many more frequent updates, I assure you. And normally I write a lot while I am traveling, and just in general. In June when I was last in Europe I wrote at least once a day...this time around things are a little bit different, and I'm not sure why. I haven't written anything, thus far on the entire trip. And now here I sit, 2 days left here in Spain and I am just getting to the writing. In any case, I feel like I have let myself down, and everyone who was expecting updates. If you do not have me on facebook, I have been posting photos there. For those of you that already know this, my last batch of photos (from Sagrada Familia) had to be thrown out due my usage of an incorrect setting the entire time I was there. Explanation: due to the bright sun I wasn't able to notice until I had uploaded them onto the computer, as you can imagine, I was quite disappointed, and frustrated I had not noticed until after the fact. I also failed to bring my camera charger from London to Barcelona (I blame a lack of sleep and a major case of jet lag and my delirious state of mind at the time), regardless I have been without a way to charge my camera battery and due to some recent events I have been given the opportunity to photograph a model here in Barcelona. Weighing the two; Sagrada Familia & Parc Guell, or photographing a model, I think I'll take the latter. I still feel there is more for me to see here in Catalonia, and If I succeed and am able to make a living here in Europe, travel is cheap, and I can return at any time. I think I will have to. Anyway, please allow me to post a short update, with the hope that at some point over the next few days, perhaps on the flight from Barcelona to London, that I will be able to find the time to write a more lengthy and much more detailed account of the past week or so.

As of right now, It is just after 830 pm on February 1st, (happy February everyone!) and I am sitting in the hostel. I will be meeting my friend here in Barcelona, Gabi, whom I met in Peru and have not seen since I was in Cusco in May of 2009, and we'll go out for food. Chris has just left me for Paris for 2 days, we'll rendezvous on Thursday night in London. So I am here in Barcelona for the next two days traveling solo. I quite like the idea, I think it will be a good little break. Tomorrow I am meeting up with a recent acquaintence I have made here in Barcelona. A polish girl named Aneta (also the potential model) and we'll discuss options for a photo shoot. I am quite excited for this. We went out for drinks a couple of nights ago, and we had a great time. And as for my post-Barcelona plans...Chris and I have got a kick-ass plan lined up; which will include renting a car in London, driving to Stonehenge, then onto Bath, then north to Chester, York, Newcastle, then to Scotland, and Edinburgh (where we'll ditch the car) and then onto St. Andrews (where we will attempt to play the Old Course). And yes, if you know about golf, that is the same historic course where so many amazing things have happened and all of the worlds best golfers (Tom Watson, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Tiger Woods, etc etc) have walked and played and this course, is without a doubt, one of the most well-known and recognizable in the history of golf (perhaps Augusta is in the same realm). After St. Andrews I am heading back to London to catch the overnight ferry and train ride to Amsterdam and that will be that. We attend Trance Energy on the 19th of February and Chris heads off to Norway soon thereafter. So here we go. Onward. Will be in touch soon :]

Zach

Quick Update

And here I am. The first change of many more major changes; I am back in North Bend, which was my residence for the 8 years prior to living in Bothell. It is certainly quite odd to be living at home again. Met up with my friend Chris Kinzig (my travel buddy for the initial month) yesterday, and we discussed logistics, necessary gear and packing lists for the trip. It is getting super close. The move back into my parents was relatively painless, however I've got most of my stuff in boxes downstairs and I've yet to go through it. I have a good idea of what I need to pack so it shouldn't be too difficult, just the initial task of getting started. I also decided to look up my flight information, and it seems I head out of Seattle at 8:45 am next wednesday and arrive to Chicago at 2:30 pm local time, and to London at 6:45 am on the 20th. It really hasn't fully sunk in. I suppose it will when I arrive to London. Chris arrives to London 4 hours after I do (yes, we are on separate flights) and we're staying with my friend Masa in London for a night. We'll head out for Barcelona early on the 21st :] Until next time. Ciao.



Zach

Moving Closer

So here we are. I've only two more weeks of work, my last day is the 16th of January. I can't believe It's all coming down to the homestretch. I have also just secured Chris and I a place to stay when we initially arrive in Barcelona; I am quite excited about that. Next week I'll be moving out from my apartment here in Bothell and heading to my parents for the last week. It's all coming together, and the nervousness I was feeling the past few weeks has all but faded and given way to excitement. We'll see where things take me :]

Schematics and Logistics

Spent an hour or so today locating and messaging people from Barcelona on Couchsurfing today. Sent out about 7 or so requests and I'm hopeful I'll get a few responses. I know more often than not it's hit or miss so we'll see. Browsing through profiles it really hit home for the first time today that in just over a month I'll be in Europe again, in Spain and England and then Amsterdam. While it is definitely exciting; so much unwritten and unknown, it's also quite frightening letting go of everything and trying to start all over. I've got some good friends over there across the pond, and I know they'll be there to help me along the way. I've also been feeling a bit of anxiety as the gravity of what is to happen transcends. At home here in Seattle I've been dealing with some personal issues. Trying to get over the loneliness that often comes with the Holidays. It has definitely been one hell of a week...like I was saying in the last post, I feel like there is so much to do before I leave....will I have enough money? Will I be able to find a job over there? Will everything here in Seattle wrap up smoothly? Will there be any hitches in my departure? Can I really make it in Amsterdam? All good questions, but like most things in life, all unknown answers. Until next time. Ciao.

Zach

Seeking Europe

Hello everyone. Welcome to my latest blog: Seeking Europe. This will be my third blog on here; kind of excited for that. This has been created for the sole purpose of chronicling my adventure and goal to live and work in Amsterdam. After visiting Amsterdam for a week in June (2010) I realized I'd like to try and move there. For the first time in my life I felt like I was home. We'll see if that holds true upon my return. Today is the 11th of December, it is a little over a month until I leave. Wow that's scary. I purposely chose January 19th as a take-off date simply because I left for my last real trip on the 19th of January in 2009, so it holds a certain sentimental value for me. Things really have fallen into place and it looks like there will be no limitations on where I can go, or what I can do. And that really is incredible. My initial plan will be to travel with my friend Chris to Barcelona, then to London, spending approximately two weeks in each location before making my return to the great Dutch city of Amsterdam to become an expatriate. I feel like there is so much to do and plan out before the 19th. I know it will fly by. And then I will be gone. Until next time. Ciao.


Zach