Category: Music

The Netherlands Countryside

by hiddengem2020, posted in Canals, Country side, Critters, Food, Gardens, Markets, Music, Relaxation

Let’s start with Day One shall we? My story begins on June 20th 2024 the first morning I woke up alone in another country.

Okay, sure, my trip technically started on June 18th when my partner Iain dropped me at the airport. But the next 48 hours were basically hell and not worth talking about. All I will note for any prospective travellers out there, is to make sure you check the minimum passport validity for each country you are passing THROUGH, not just the ones you’re travelling to. It’ll save you a lot of stress!

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Queen Victoria Night Markets

by hiddengem2020, posted in Art, Community, Food, Markets, Music

Walking to the markets, the wind blew so cold that my bones felt like glass. Rain splattered off my umbrella onto the slippery pavement where my shoes got soaked in puddles. Maybe I didn’t pick the best day. But if the Winter Market has to be prepared for winter weather, then so was I.

On arrival we warmed our fingers over a woodfire, before wandering forward to the covered markets. It was like stepping out of a magical wardrobe. A glowing fairytale forest surrounded us as tiny specks of “snow” settled in our hair and clothes.

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Rainbow Serpent Festival | Day 3

by hiddengem2020, posted in Art, Community, Festivals, Food, Music

I don’t even know where to start with Day Three. There is so much I could talk about, so much left to share, but it’s hard to know what even makes sense to someone who hasn’t been there.

I started Sunday by putting on my best costume. Mario! I had the hat, I borrowed the overalls from my sister and got myself a cheap as shit red shirt to go underneath.

Who’d have thought such a simple costume would get so much attention? It would take me a few seconds to realise the people emphasising his name in Italian, were trying to interact with ME. But it was such an exciting, bonding experience that I wish I had worn a recognisable costume every day, just to reach out to the community.

It’s a-me! Mario!


– Me all day
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Rainbow Serpent Festival | Day 2

by hiddengem2020, posted in Art, Community, Festivals, Music

MORNING STROLL. – – – X

First thing on Saturday morning I strode out to the southern campsite. I had my map, I had my friend’s camp grounds number, I had a good and sober head on my shoulders, I was determined I could find her. With nearly 20,000 people here, it didn’t even occur to me that it just wasn’t going to happen. Even with such a narrowing down of the potential tent space, and my asking around if anyone in the area was friends of hers, I never managed to reach her. I suppose it wasn’t meant to be.

Not a total waste of time though, because without my determination to get to the southern campsite, I might not have crested the hill above the sunset stage.

See the sunset stage and more