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Friday, July 10, 2009

Disturbed Makes The Crowd Go Crazy!

I finally saw Disturbed performing live, after being a fan since 2003! In Ruisrock festival, in Ruissalo island near Turku, Finland. After hitch hiking five days 1600+1600 km to Austria and missing them by minutes and then going to Finland to try to catch their last concert in Europe before going away to write their next album - I just felt lucky to be there. Even though we had been awake and traveling for 20 hours already and I was sick, I got energy from somewhere to fight the crowd 1 hour before the concert and then enjoy every song Disturbed played.

At some point David Draiman's perfect clear singing got me wondering if they are really singing or is it coming from the tape - but then he started singing medley's, screeched one note and didn't finish one note and that made me happy and I could convince myself it's real. Yay :D

At first we went to the fifth row or so. What a big mistake! If you are in the front, only place you can survive is holding on to the fence. What was I thinking when I wanted to stay in the fifth row? Ave told me we should go to the front, I wanted to stay put. Stupid stupid stupid. After an hour waiting for the band and using all our strength to not fall down.... One guy behind us wasn't that lucky and got stomped under the feet. Then it got hot, dusty and hard to breathe. Like in a car on a sunny day at a parking lot. After that I was determined to stay put....for about 30 seconds or so... And then had a minor panic attack. Ha :D I told Ave to lets get the F*** out of here! I had 2 blouses, one was very stretchy and it wedged between people and I was stuck. At some point my blouse zigzagged as far as 3 people. Felt like pulling myself free from a leash. I succeeded somehow and I was repeating one sentence in my head "I have to get away...I have to get away...." and then suddenly, maybe 10 rows back, turned around and though "oh, this is a good spot" and stayed there for the rest of the concert.

It was a good spot, because in front of me was a group of friends who took turns holding their unconscious friend up (there was no way they could of carried him away from that crowd). And people are not going to push people holding someone who is unconscious.. Plus, I was standing next to the mosh pit, so there was air to breathe. A perfect spot!
I don't know if it had been that cool next to the fence, because you can't see other people there. And 10 000 fist in the air is at least visually way better when you can actually see 10 000 fists in the air:) And they performed Criminal! That was the coolest.


When Disturbed was over, we went to see Slipknot. It was the second time I saw them this summer, still not boring though. There are so many of them, so you can't really hear anything what they are singing. It's even hard to hear when they are singing stuff like People=Shit and Spit it Out. But they go so crazy on the stage, it's really a cool sight. One song I didn't listen to before, but I "got" from the concerts was "Dead Memories". Everyone sang along, it sounded awesome. Before these 2 Slipknot concerts this summer, I only listened to 5 songs or so. ( since 2004 though and 300 times :P) But now I have all their songs in my playlist.

And when Slipknot was over...we had to go looking for that darn tenting area that was 4,5km away and who knows where near Turku city. It was dark, we were tired and carrying a whole lot of stuff in out backpacks. But "luckily" for us....after we had found the tenting area(it was about 4am by then I think), we found out we should of had booked a tenting area ticket for 51 Euros online. A very nice Finnish guy eplained us, so at least that was nice. That's a great thing about Finland - everyone can speak English and most of them are very nice people. Anyway, we put our tent up to random place in Turku and had a nice sleep until noon, after walking around for 24 hrs. And only 3 people circled our tent, opened out window and looked in. That was kind of weird:D Kuva täissuuruses piltI was too tired to be scared, but not too tired to bless them with some Estonian curse words in Gollum's voice. Because at that point, my sickness and screaming at the concerts had taken the last of my own voice.

All in all, I liked Nova Rock better than Ruisrock and I wish I had seen Disturbed there, but this trip was totally worth seeing the shouting/singing contest, huge crowd whirl and splitting the crowd that Draiman directed plus all the great songs and crowd going crazy like that. And hearing his "bwahahaa" laugher for real. Yay :D

Here are some songs I like from Disturbed and Slipknot. Most of all I like the music and singing, not the lyrics that much. I linked the titles to their songs on Youtube. Mostly no vids, only audio. Slipknot has better videos, darn:P

Disturbed:
I'm Alive
Criminal
Facade
10 000 fists
Monster
This Moment
Inside the Fire
Indestructible (official music video, a little bit crap video, but makes you want to run, yay :P)
Conflict (I mostly listen to it for the end part...enemy...enemy....ENNNÄMYYY)
Violence Fetish

Slipknot:
Spit it Out
Before I forget (official music video)
Dead Memories (official music video)
People=Shit
Pulse of the Maggots

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Teine katse Distrubed'it näha - Ruisrock 2009

Rokifestival selline. Astume sinna, umbes sama palju rokifestivali tunnet on nagu...... Põltsamaa laadale minnes või midagi sellist. Zjeero, nil, nulli, nothing.

Paar kilta veel ja kohal:

Positiivne sissejuhatus :D, vabandust.

Ma polnud selleks neljapäevaks veel Novarockist terveks saanud ja pärast igat 20 meetrise vahemaa kõndimist hingeldasin 3 minutit... Nii et veidi hirm oli selle ees, et kuidas ma jõuan. Eriti kui tuleb vihm ja rahe ja kõndida tuleb palju. Reede õhtuks kõlasin nagu see väike sõrmuse tüüp Lord of The Ringsist ja köhisin kopse välja iga 5 minuti tagant. Aga edaspidi läks paremaks, sest ma võtsin rahulikumalt ja riided olid kuivad enamuse ajast. Mis sest, et ma jälle midagi paremat kui dressikas ei kandnud, aga isegi +6 kraadise öö puhul külm ei hakanud õues.
Ave selle üle irvitamas,
et ma kardan paadiga sõitmist :D Ha ha ha.
Ärkasime reedel 3 hommikul üles, et mitte hiljaks jääda Disturbed konsale seekord. Bussi ja laevaga Helsingisse, sealt Turule häälega. Kusjuures, inimesed ütlesid, et Soomes pole hääletamine üldse tavaline ja et me oleme 3 hääletajad keda nad terve suve jooksul näinud on ja üks ütles, et hääletamine on üldse keelatud ja on väga väheseid kohti, kus see lubatud on Soomes. Selle aasta ainus nais-küüt aga oli ka ainuke, kes ütles, et tema kogu aeg hääletas ja et saab küll peale ja midagi temaga ei juhtunud.

Soomes on see hea asi ka veel, et kõik absoluutselt kõik oskavad inglise keelt rääkida. Ei ole vaja üldse küsida, et russki? deutš? english?, vaid võib kohe inglise keeles ära rääkida oma probleemi ja kõik saavad aru. Ja tundub, et peale võtavad inimesed kes on ise kunagi hääletanud või on julgemad. Meie puhul oli üks rokkar, üks kes oli pool maailma läbi hääletanud, üks soomes hääletaja ja siis 2 meest mikrokaga.

Suvalises teeäärses kohvikus,
silt osutus vajalikuks.
Aga siiamaani pole me õppinud
sildi jaoks paberit ja markerit kaasa võtma...:

Öeldi kah, et Soomes kardavad hääletajad ja kardavad autojuhid ka. Kuigi ma ei saa aru miks nad kardavad, Soome tundus väga turvaline kuidagi. Kindlasti on seal igasuguseid, aga mulle jäi lihtsalt selline mulje. Umbes et kui tuleks mingi rets kallale öösel, siis tuleks enesekaitseks vales kohas teed ületada ja ta saaks juba šoki sellest ja jookseks minema.

Olgu, jõudsime siis kohale ja ilm oli üsna armuline ja aega kah veel jagus, kuigi mul oli terve päev närv ikkagi sees - Ruisrockil toimus Disturbedi selle Euroopa tuuri viimane konsa enne uue plaadi kirjutama hakkamist ja ei oleks tahtnud sellele ka hiljaks jääda. Plaati kirjutavad nad tavaliselt 2 aastat, aga 2011 nad vb ei meeldi mulle enam. Nii et see oli ainus võimalus näha neid sobival ajal.

Festivali ala jääb Turu linna keskelt umber 5 km kaugusele, 2 km viis spets Ruisrocki buss 4 euro eest edasi ja siis tuleb veel 2 km kõndida Ruissalo saare peal kuni lavadeni.

Telkla ja konsade vahelisel alal lõunatamas.
Telki tassisime iga päev kaasas,
tänavale ei taha jätta oma asju eriti.
Kuigi ilmselt kui me oleks sildi pannud
"Ei tohi varastada",
siis ega Soomlased poleks varastanud kah.
Nad oleks võibolla pettunud olnud,
et leidsid igast kraami, aga kuradi silt
on väljas ja siis ei saa ikka võtta.
Uhkelt kivi peal hambaid pesemas.
Festivalil oli see hea asi, et koristaja-inimesed olid igal pool kogu aeg töös. Enamik paistis olevat rokkarid ise kah, võibolla saab nii "tasuta" sisse, kui sinna tööle lähed. Festivali ala oli ilusti puhas, see oli suletud 2am-12am, nii et neil oli aega sättida. Telkla oli 4,5 km eemal festivali alast ja käepaela ei olnud ja väravast võis läbi minna ainult 1 kord päevas. Milline saast korraldus. See tähendab, et kõik vajalik tuleb kohe kaasa võtta ja lisaks see, et kõndida tuleb nii kaugele telklasse. Esimene tervitus oli kottide läbiotsimine. Avel visati osa toitu ära ja pudelid tuleb tühjaks kallata. Kaif asi säästu-eelarvega reisi puhul.

Hüppan kohe selleni, et kui esimene päev lõppes kell 2 paiku öösel ja me olime juba 23h üleval olnud, siis hakkasime telklat otsima. Pampude ja väsimusega ja keset ööd tundub 4,5 km veel eriti mõttetu maa. Aga õnneks kui me kohale jõudsime siis tuli välja, et telkla koht tuleb kinni panna enne ja see maksab kahesele telgile 51 Eurot ehk 800 krooni. Turva küsis lihtsalt pääset ja käskis jalga lasta.Üks kena tüüp tuli ja seletas ära mis on, küsis kuhu me siis lähme siis nüüd ja kui me ütlesime, ükskõik kuhu telgi saab panna, siis ta näitas suuna kätte kus lähim mets on.

Ratas oleks väga kasulik olnud seal,
telkla ja muu vahel sõitmiseks
(autoga pääseb u 2km kaugusele, telkla on 4km).
Tule kotitäie raha ja jalgrattaga, siis on hea festival.

Leidsime mingi raja üsna telkla ligidal, jõe ääres ja tundus veits soo olevat. Aga ma ei viitsinud enam edasi kõndida ega otsida ja hüppasin üle kraavi ja tuli välja, et oli ikkagi kuiv maa, mis sest, et märja ala taimed kasvasid seal. Ühe öö jooksul tiirutas 3 inimest ümber telgi, kiskus akna lahti ja vahtis sisse. Mis värk sellega on, mida nad tahavad? Ma sain jälle ropendada veidi ja nad läksid minema. Aga sellegipoolest tundus üsna turvaline, selle pärast kõndsimegi iga õhtu sinna tagasi, poogen, et kaugel oli. Lõppkokkuvõttes hakkas see maa lühikesena tunduma ka juba. Ja seal vahepeal oli üks hea tasuta WCga koht, kus saab pesta veidi. See on ka ainuke koht, mis ma nägin, mis müüd Lattet. Maksis 3.20, mis on hea hind, sest kõik oli nii kallis Soomes ja see oli väga odav.

Me ei ostnudki eriti midagi, aga esimese päeva õhtuks oli juba 30 eurot läinud. Täielik saast, sest mul oli kokku üldse 60 eurot. Kõik mis oli, maksis midagi. Iga tillukese asja eest 30-60 eeku. Dressika riidehoidu andmine, pelleris käimine, linnaliinikas, see ja too ja 100 asja veel. Isegi kõige viimasel päeval, kui me pidime Helsingis öös otsa üleval olema ja otsisime baari kus passida veidi, juba suudeti kohustusliku riidehoiu eest 80 eeku rottida. Mina ei tea, aga eestis kui ma juba ostan midagi 80 eegu eest, siis juba mõtlen, et kas tasub. Aga neile on vist 80 krooni sendid. Sularaha meil oli ammu juba ainult 1 euro. Ilus münt, kurat. Aga õnneks seal sai kaardiga maksta. Aga teate mis, kaardiga makstes - tegelt see on päris raha ikkagi, mis sealt tuleb. Aga õlu maksis ainult 23 eeku., mis tähenab, et õlu oli peaaegu poole odavam, kui dressika nagisse riputamine. Aga vähemalt läks see öö kiiresti, selle sellest hetkest kui me baari istusime kuni selle hetkeni millal sadamasse läksime hommikul, kogu aeg olid inimesed ümber ja rääkisid meiega. Nii et huvitav oli.

Rahvast oli, sest ilm oli peaaegu kogu aeg ilus:

Kotiteollisuus oli hea bänd.
Tundub, et palju rahvast,
tegelt sai vabalt peaaegu keskele välja kõndida:
Tagasi reede ja festivali juurde. Ilma mõttes oli kogu aeg kena, sest vihm oli nõrguke ja õhtuks tuli alati päike välja. Temperatuurid ei olnud kenad. Ühel ööl avastas Ave suure termomeetrit, mis näitas +6 kraadi. Ma suutsin ainult näpuga sinnapoole näidata ja AAAAAA öelda. Päeval oli +15 jne. Aga samas ei tundunud nii hull. Telgis tegelt öösel oli saast veidi, und ei tule kui väga külm on. Aga vähemalt oli telk kuiv ja riided kuivad.

Festivali ala suleti igal õhtul,
siis kõik läksid korraga minema.
Enamik läks ühte teed pidi, päris hea rongkäik oli 2km.
Vaata sild on kõik inimesi täis, päris lahe vaatepilt tegelikult:

Turvade mõttes... kõik oli ikka väga karm ja korralik. Sellega, et nad festivali ala lahutasid telklast 4 km kaugusele, piirasid nad oma jookide kasutamise ja üldist melu ka ju. Konsade ajal oli keelatud kellegi õlale ronida ja crowd surfing oli keelatud. Ja otseses mõttes keelatud. Kui keegi ronis, siis turvad hakkasid kohe õiendama ja kupatati alla inimesed.
Huvitav.
Samas, lava esine ala polnud aedadega eraldatud - see tähendab, et kõik inimesed olid hunnikus kinni. Rängalt.

Läksime DISTURBED'ile 1 tund enne ootama, u 5 ritta või nii. Pärast tund aega tasakaalu hoidmist, kui keegi meie taga jalge alla oli tallatud ja siis vist kuidagi üles saadud, tekkis mul väike paanika ja ma ütlesin Avele, et tõmbame uttu siit. Raske oli liikuda taha poole, lisaks mul üks kahest pluusist oli nii veniv, et mingi hetk oli ta siksakis 3 inimese kaugusel ja ma olin kinni, tõmbasin pluusi, aga oli kinni kiilunud noh. Siis kuidagi sai lahti ja paanikas läksin edasi "ma tahan siit ära, ma tahan siit ära", aga siis järsku jäin seisma, "oh, siin on hea koht", pöörasin ümber ja jäin terveks konsaks sinna rokkima hoopis. Ave kadus ära. Aga no see uus koht oli hea, sest minu ees oli mingi 5-ne grupp, kes hoidis kogu aja oma teadvuseta sõpra üleval (välja oli üsna võimatu pääseda neil vist) ja vasakule minust jäi mosh-pit kohe, nii et mul oli õhku hingata ja lisaks see, et kõik hullud punkarid läksid sinna välja elama ennast ja üldse, sinna teadvuseta tüübi juurde ei läinud keegi teisi lükkama ju. Ega nad ei olnud paanikas ka eriti, kordamööda hoidsid teda üleval ja rokkisid, tuju oli neil lõbus. Nii et see oli hea koht.

Taha oli päris lahe vaadata, ikka väga palju inimesi oli seal. Meri oli kohe kõrval, 20 meetrine riba merest oli ka inimesi täis. Ja oi oi, mis sest et ma olin juba 20 tundi üleval olnud ja tegelikult juba veidi väsinud reisist, konsa oli hea! David Draiman laulab laivis ka väga hästi ja selgelt, sõnu on kõik kuulda ja muusika on hea. Lisaks ta teeb mingeid asju, korraldab rahvale laulmise/karjumise võistlusi ja eraldab rahva kaheks ja korraldab mingi rahvapöörise, kuhu lõpuks on 200 inimest haaratud. Lahe:) Ma arvan, et mu kõige lemmikumaks looks jääb sealt Criminal. Ma ei tea, kas see on tuntud laul, aga see meeldib mulle väga ja ma olin nii heas mõttes üllatunud, et nad seda esitasid. 10 000 fists on väga äge, kui seal on nii palju inimesi ja rusikaid õhus. Aga muidugi, üleni hea konsa oli ja kõik laulud meeldisid väga.

Disturbed rokkis ikka niiiiiiiiiiii, et..... Oijah :D
Väga rõõmustav.
David Draiman kärutati hullusärgi ja
suukorviga kohale, õnneks
pusserdas ta ennast lahti ja hakkas.....laulma:
Slipknotil ei ole laivis midagi aru saada,
mida kuradit nad laulavad seal.
Isegi People=Shit ja Spit it Outi puhul pidi pingutama,
et mis sõnad on....
Aga nad rokivad väga hullult lavalt ja head konsad on!
Pärast seda läksime Slipknoti vaatama. Üleeelmine nädal käisin ka neid vaatamas, aga nüüd tundus heli parem. Aga ikkagi, sõnu üldse kuulda pole. Neilt läksime kogemata liiga vara ära, tuli lisalugu ja siis tuli paus üsna pikk ja siis me jõudsime juba ära minna, aga tegelikult nad tegid veel paar lugu(aga kui väravast välja läksid, siis tagasi ei saanud enam tol päeval). Seekord ei kuulnudki Spit it Out-i :(. Aga no Noval kuulis, nii et pole hullu. Kui Slipknot lõppes, siis minu poolest oleks võinud juba üldse koju minna. Midagi muud ma ei oodanud.

Laupäeva oli masendav. Mitte midagi peaaegu minu maitsele polnud, käisime ühelt keskpäraselt konsalt teisele. Üsna hull ikka. Novarockil oli nii, et läheb mingisele suvalisele päevasele konsale ja see on ikka hea. Siin olid peaesinejad ka nii masendavad, et.... Appi. Lõpuks õhtul sattusime ühele, mis mulle väga meeldis - Kotiteollisuus. Selline hea kerge metal muusika, rokkida saab hästi.

Läksime mingile konsale (Eppu Normaali vist), ma mõtlesin,
et läheme taha ritta, siis saab jalga lasta vajadusel.
Seisime siis sinna ootama,
ja keerasin ümber ennast mingi hetk........ja paar inimest oli meie selja taha kogunenud....
Nagu vaata seal kraana juures noid tillukesi täppe,
nood on ka inimesed. Päris hea üllatus oli:

Juhuu, Silja line. Rand tundus hästi madal,

kui järsku mingi 12 korruseline laev mööda sõitis - päris naljakas.
Nagu porilombis sõidaks suur laev.
See konsa rand oli siit natuke edasi küll.
Ruissalo on ilus koht, mere ääres ja puud ja kivid ja....
Telgis ootasime vihma möödumist ja
kuulasime kuidas mootorsaega raudteed parajaks lõigati.
Selle bändi nimi oli Ladytron vist.
Pühapäev oli Gogol Bordello ootamise päev. Paar muud head bändi oli ka muidu. Aga siis istusime kohe aia ette, õppisin Disturbedist nii palju, et 5 rida on surm ja aia äär on ainuke koht kus on võimalik püsti jääda. Hoidsin sealt kõigest jõust kinni, sinikad oli kenad pärast. Saabas kadus vahepeal jalast ära ja pükstel oleks võinud traksid olla, aga väga hea konsa oli. Eesreas on see jama, et terve konsa vahid 20 tõsise turvamehega tõtt ja käed on kinni ja plaksutada ei saa, aga nad toovad vett, kui sa küsid ja koti saab sinna ette panna ja sul on õhku hingata.

Enne Gogol Bordellot:
Ainus pilt minust kustkil (mitte Metsatöllu)konsal. Adrekas :D:
Aja n**** hüppessssssäääääää. Aaa ei, Start wearing purple, start wearing purple for meeeaaah....Pärast Gogol Bordellot:
Pärast Gogol Bordellot tõmbasime uttu. Spets Ruisrocki rongiga (25 euri) kell 23:05 hakkasim Turust Helsingisse sõitma. 1:20 olime Helsingis, käisime u 5 baari läbi, enne kui leidsime ühe mille jaoks me liiga noored polnud ja passisime seal ja ootasime hommikut.

Helsingi sadam kuue paiku esmaspäeval.
Pühapäeva hommikust saati üleval,
nii et veidi väsinud juba :


Üldkokkuvõttes, see festival on küll u 40 aastat vana, aga tunda küll ei andnud, et see eriti hea oleks olnud. Ma tulin ainult Disturbedi pärast ja vb olekski pidanud ainult tollel käima ja siis jalga laskma. Eriti ei ole selline tunne, et tahaks kunagi Ruisrockile üldises mõttes tagasi minna. See oli VÄGA ilusas kohas, inimesed on sõbralikud ja kõik tundub väga turvaline ja kena, aga oijah.... Nova Rock Austrias oli nagu 3 päevane pidu, see siin oli nagu päev loomaaias ja kohvikus. Rahva mõttes ka, Nova Rockil olid...rokkarid noh. Aga siin olid pered, lapsed ja 2 punkarit ja mingi rahvas, kes kõpsutas tikk kontsadega ringi ja ostis Kanye Westi päikseprille millegi pärast. Ja ma ei suuda seda uskuda, aga siin oli kõik kallim kui Austrias. Isegi Benji hüpe oli 60 eurot, Noval oli 48 eurot. Toit oli Noval 6 eurot, siin 10 eurot. Noval oli toit hea kah ja müüdi head sooja kohvi, lattet ja kakaod koos jäägri või viskiga. Nova Nova Nova. Oijah. Aga ülehomme, kui ma ära unustan üldise igavuse ja saasta ja mäletan ainult kui kaifffffffffffffff oli Disturbedit elusast peast kuulata, siis hakkab selle festivali nimi ka hästi kõlama jälle:)

Friday, June 26, 2009

Hitch Hiking 1600 km to Disturbed's Concert at Nova Rock 2009

There are few bands I have listened to for so long time and so much. Disturbed, Guano Apes, Slipknot, 3 Doors Down.... In autumn I missed one Disturbed concert that was only 300 km from my home and it felt so bad to listen to them from my mp3 player when I knew they were singing live somewhere near. So I decided no matter what to find another concert of theirs and go there. I found one and bought tickets (to Ruisrock festival in Finland) but then my friend found even a better festival called (Nova Rock, in Austria) where there were 3 of my favorites, so I got a ticket for that one too.

Poland was so soooo green!

Now tell me this doesn't look like a painting :D

Fast hitch hiking through 1000 little Czech towns. This is Ave:
I have been waiting to see Disturbed perform live since 8th grade and now I finally got the tickets. Line up for Novarock 2009 was unbelievable - besides Disturbed, there were so many other great bands - Guano Apes and Slipknot for example. And also Metallica, Keiser Chiefs, Limp Bizkit, Faith No More, ATR, Chris Cornell, Static X, Sevendust....

I wish I had more photos to show, but it's always like this - if there is something interesting going on I rarely take out my camera and when I am bored I do. So, most of the photos are of Polish roads and gas stations... And at Nova Rock festival I only took one photo - at the tenting area.

It took us 5 days to get there, from Estonia to Austria. We just took it really slow, Poland is so awesome it was hard to not chill out and stay there for a couple of days. But who knows, maybe we couldn't of get to Austia any faster even if we tried. Our 2 friends got to Austria in 3 days.

When it's a regular bus trip, Poland is just an annoying 18 hour drive on a flat flat land that looks the same all the way. But when hitch hiking - Poland is just the best country! At least we happened to see the best side of it. People are really nice and helpful and smart. Even the perverts were polite - they would ask you something weird and if you said no, they would be nice about it and just continue talking about neutral stuff like culture or whatever.

At Wigry forests, in Poland:
At Wigry forests, in Poland:

At the first night of the trip we camped out at Wigry National Park, near Wigry lake. It's the oldest un-touched forest in Europe. Really a beautiful place! Me and my friend wouldn't of gone there on our own but the two Finnish guys who gave us a lift from Riga to Poland went there so we went along. It was fun.

Wigry lake at Poland, oldest virgin forest in Europe:
Ave and Heikki:


The second night of the trip was interesting too. It got dark and it was near midnight when we decided to stay foot and rest. We were at a random gas station at Poland, sat around there and discussed where to put our tent. Guy from the gas station started talking to us, he took us to a good tenting place but after a minute came back and told that if we wanted to we could sleep at the toilet.

My dirty foot at Polish gas station's toilet, at our *camping* place:

Haa:D We totally did. Because it was still raining and tent was wet from yesterday. Sleeping in a toilet beats tent any day! It's dark, cold and wet outside, but dry, warm and light inside. Plus, the you can lock the door. We discussed hotels too at the beginning, he said if we wanted he could give us a lift to the nearest town, but the hotel there was 50 euros a night, so it was very much out of our budget. Nice Polish guy with this alternative thinking!

They don't make roads too wide in Poland:

Next 2 nights we slept in cheap hostels in Poland, Wroclaw and Czech. One was 20$ a night, the other one 12$ a night.
Beautiful railroad station at Wroclaw, Poland:

I am the one with the red blouse:
Wroclaw, Poland. Center of the city.
Hostel Babel is just across the street.

Alright. This was the most chill time, but at some point we realized we are kind of in a hurry. It was Thursday and we were still in Czech and the festival started in one day. It wasn't a long way to go, but there were a lot of cities on the way, those can take half a day to get through.

At Friday, when we had 4 hours or so to get out of Vienna, Austria and get to Nickelsdorf which was only 60 km from the city and the time passed too fast and the feeling started to sink in - I am going to be late to Disturbed's concert. They were performing on Friday at 18:30.

After running around on some weird paths in Vienna, Austria we got a lift straight to Nova Rock. We were wondering on a highway bridge where people aren't even supposed to walk and it's not allowed for cars to stop there, but then one cheery guy who was taking his son to Nova Rock picked us up anyway just when we were trying to get off the bridge (by walking back).

There was still plenty of time and we were already at the Pannonia fields, festival area. I was in awe, such a big festival. The festival area was quite large, it took us some time to walk to the ticket gate and after taking our place in ticket queue of 100 people.... It was clear I am not going to see Disturbed. Not this time. We were THERE at the fields and we had the ticket and Disturbed was performing maybe 1km away, so we could hear some notes, but that was it. So. We were late exactly that one hour that Disturbed was on. That got me quiet for a minute.

The second we got there two nice guys jumped in
and helped us put our tent up. That was funny,
I didn't know we look helpless.

But hey, F*** it! We were there and and the trip had been fun so far, and there were Slipknot and Guano Apes concerts ahead. We put our tent up and ran to our first concert - Slipknot. Yay :D Sound was kind of bad, but there were a lot of people and hearing Before I Forget and Spit it Out (my all time fav) and People=Shit live and rocking out with all those people - awesomeness:) And all the crowd jumping around kicked up a big dust cloud, that was kind of cool too. I only wish the sound had been better, I couldn't tell what they were singing.

Then we saw the second half of the Nine Inch Nails concert - oh their concert looked so beautiful. Lights and rain and fog. Really nice. And you could hear everthing Trent Reznor sang. But it kept raining and it got so cold. We went to our tent, it was like 30 minute walk. Some guy who couldn't find his tent sat with us for a while and talked to us. One of the few nice Austrians I met.

Then came the muddy Saturday. I wish I had taken pictures of that. Now it took like an hour to get from one place to another, because the 4 inch mud was very slippery. All day I managed not to fall, but when we were going to the last concert of the night - Placebo, I fell on my back. So far my clothes were muddy only 2 feet from the ground, but now it looked like I had just taken a mud bath. So I decided not to go too far into the crowd this time and stayed further. Funny thing though, the mud made me feel warmer.

Czech. I am telling you, I took the most pointless photos :D

Sunday was sunny! It had been raining all the time, it was nice to get clothes dry. Last night it had rained in our tent, so the bags were floating and in the morning it was so cold I felt I never want to move or come out or go anywhere. I was just shaking and listening Disturbed on my mp3 player. And at that time I generously re-named Nova Rock to be the Crapfest of 2009 at Shitville, Austria. But then the rain stopped and at noon it got nice and even hot, so it was OK to put on some new clean but soaking wet and cold clothes, they dried up pretty fast while wearing.

Then I couldn't get my eyes off of the bungee jump crane. I had been goggling it from the day one, but it cost 1/4 of our entire budget (that's all we had left too). It just looked really cool. And so high up in the blue sky. Then Ave said she thinks we can manage the cost. We'll have 7 euros left over, that is about one glass of Cocoa-Jagermeister drink and one glass of water, but what the heck. So, I jumped!
It was a bit weird, the rope is pretty heavy so you can't literally jump off the crane, but kind of step off the edge. And it's really weird to step on the air from so high.
It all went pretty fast, but I remember everything. I thought I might black out, but it's really safe. There isn't a safety mat or anything, but the people on the ground catch you and untie you right away.
I couldn't stop smiling, it was so cool. Ave told me that I looked really pale, so I was probably scared too. But I didn't feel it, because I was too happy.

I didn't take any photos, but this is how it probably looked like:



Then came the best concert I have been to in my entire life - Guano Apes! While Lords of The Boards, Big in Japan and some more songs EVERYBODY was jumping and rocking and singing along! Not only people at the center. I was too amazed at some songs, so I just stood there in awe and couldn't believe I am hearing these songs live.

Limp Bizkit is awesome too. Fred Durst made everyone sit down and them jump high. That was cool. From other days, best concerts for jumping around were Chris Cornell, Keiser Chiefs, Monster Magnet and ATR, because we got to be really close to the front row. At Machine Head we got a really good spot too, but to be frank - I got scared. Because when usually mosh pits are people pushing each other and jumping around, at Machine Head it looked like it's going to be war. And when we looked around I didn't even see any other girls there, only big strong metal dudes with angry faces. We walked away from that concert, because I felt like if I had fell people would have just walked over me. I got paranoid, haha.

Poznan, Poland. This looks a lot like a doll house railroad.
We spent the whole day trying to get through Poznan
and then got a ride back to the center of the city,
to the railroad station. Day well spent...


Next day after the festival, Monday, was cold and rainy again. We left and walked into Hungary by accident. Ave reading the map: "Shit, we are in the wrong country". We stopped for a hamburger - the best hamburger I have ever eaten! I wasn't that hungry, but it was just great. Best pizza I have ever eaten was in Poznan, Poland - at the railroad station. And when it comes to food, the whole trip I was on a lookout for carrot juice. Polish make the best one, so I think I got addicted.

Truck taking us around the Warssaw, Poland:
Poland:

I am totally faking this picture,
Ave was reading the map all the way not me. She has GPS in her head, but she still checks the map time to time just in case. This is in Poland.

Then we hitch hiked to Bratislava, Slovakia. An Italian guy gave us a lift, he said "mamma mia" a lot, that was funny:) From Slovakia to back home, it was 3 days without sleep and a lot of trains and buses. At some point I got sick too, so it was extra blurry for me. I bet if we had slept a bit I wouldn't of gotten sick, but we had no time and I wanted to stay awake. To top all the raining and coldness and sickness, I lost my hoody at the bus from Bratislava to Prague - I looked everywhere, but it was gone. So now I only had a T-shirt. Prrrh. Best outfit if you have a fever and it's raining and it's cold and it's at night. And we had the whole night, 12 hours in Prague until the next train. We stayed at a bar until 4 and then the other half of the night at the metro station.

Some photos from Nova Rock homepage and from Flickr:
One stage and some of the camping area:

Mud all the way:
Ever so beautiful Corey Taylor of Slipknot:
Sandra Nasic of Guano Apes:
I think this is Fred Durst of Limp Bizkit, but I don't know...

Wednesday, June 24th we were back at home, Estonia. The weather is beautiful here! I can't believe we traveled 1600 km south and the more south we got the colder it got and back at North it is really sunny and warm again.

All in all, this was the best trip I have ever had. I still haven't got rid of the fever, but it was all worth it! Guano Apes rocks, Poland and Polish rock! And everyone looked so effing BEAUTIFUL. I can't believe it's over and I feel like I can't wait for the Nova Rock 2010!

Air Mattress Guide

Air mattresses are one of the cheapest and most room - saving way to have a nice comfy temporary sleeping place. For camping or for guests. Put a little more into it and get a better one for every day use, like this twin size air mattress for example. Here is a small web site that introduces different air mattresses for both temporary and for longer time use also. The site gives you tips what to look for when going shopping and has direct links to online listings.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Mini Road Trip to Luke at 4 -7 AM

In April it got pretty warm in Estonia but now it's cold enough again so it's easy to forget it's June! We have to heat the rooms to keep it warm!

So today we drove around a little and checked out this old manor house. It's in Luke, Tartumaa, South - Estonia. It was quite early so there was no one else around. We tried to catch the morning light, but the sun decided to stay behind the clouds and it was pretty dark all the time. Until the sun did come out and of course, my battery got empty at the same moment.

I did not get to do much photos of the buildings, I just couldn't stop wondering around the park. Moss is hot!

Driving driving....
Look how green everything is.
And the trees are OLD over there.
Everything is covered with moss.Both sides of the stairway going to the park were
guarded by these stone lions, each different. X marks the spot:)
You can see how these trees were trimmed 100
years ago and then let go.
I think that's why they branch from that low. I think. This is an old house, I don't remember anymore what it was used for. Was is the workers house in 1800 sth sth? It also had this cool old low dome-shaped vaults cellar, but I got scared even looking in from the windonws! It really looked and smelled like a place where you would look in and someone would grab you from the darkness. Prrrhh... And from the second floor window there was this sneaky dove checking us out.

Monday, June 1, 2009

Kradam - Yes, I am a Fan :) (Kris Allen and Adam Lambert)

This time I figured I would do both of Kradam - the cute Kris Allen and the broadway-rockstar Adam Lambert. They are the cutest friends ever, they are the total opposites and get along so well - a great example. These are little ACEO / ATC standard size oil paintings, 2,5x3,5". They are available, if you click on the photos, you will get to the listings. Can you tell it's them?

adam lambert kradam guyliner american idol aceo atc art card oil painting
kris alles kradam guyliner american idol aceo atc art card oil painting
I figured I might collect some of the Kradam stuff here:

Little cute story from a blog:
Kradam Finale! The Story Behind the Thumbnails
This story was shared by a friend of the Allen Family who attended the rehearsals this week in LA! Did you notice Kris had his thumbnail repainted? Can you guess who painted it? That's right! Adam Lambert! Kris performed during Rock week with a painted thumbnail, and his homecoming footage captured the chipped polish. Tuesday night, however, Kris performed one of the best performances of the night (and the season, might I add) with a freshly painted thumbnail.


According to Megan Malone, Adam painted Kris's thumbnail after the homecoming visits and removed the polish from one of his own nails, stating "If you can carry around a piece of me, man; I can do the same for you." Malone said, "The Allens believe Kris wears the black fingernail polish in support of Adam because he wanted Adam in the finale. Also, Kris wanted to dispel any rumors claiming the two weren’t great friends." Kris and Adam were roommates in the Idol Mansion throughout their stay.



Kris Surprise Huggle Attack on Adam:



Cute:



Adam and Kris on Best Week Ever (Video)
http://adam-lambert.org/adam-lambert-on-best-week-ever-video/

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Adam Lambert has the Best Eyes

Adam Lambert the American Idol runner-up, guyliner and who else - he has the best eyes :) Don't you think? This is a little oil painting I made yesterday (It is available here.) (it is currently sold out, but let me know if you would like one too.)


I have been working on several needle felted dolls recently. For example, my chubby mermaid had a vol 2. Also, a person who wanted a companion for the mermaid had the best idea - needle felted captain. You can see the photo below.



I am going to continue working on these sea related art dolls, it is definitely a theme I like. I need a plenty more practice, hopefully I will get THERE some day.

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Art Pendants by ArtbyMar

She doesn't kill spiders and likes people to not whine, but take action to change things. She makes art pendants and keeps a great shop at etsy. Meet Marge from ArtbyMar!

Etsy shop address:
www.artbymar.etsy.com

Blog address:
www.artbymar.blogspot.com
Youtube address:
Don't have one, I know I am behind the times!

Who are you and what do you do? For how long time?
I am a 40 something female from Pittsburgh, PA who has been an artist for as long as I can remember. I began actually selling my art and pendants on line about 3 years ago. I like lots of different music, I would have to say the Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton being some of my favorites (showing my age there!). But I do like at least some of my teenage kids' music even if they tell me I am too old to like it. I love the Harry Potter books and movies as well as good old fashioned spooky movies. Recently watched Twilight with my daughter and loved that too. Gone with the Wind has always been a favorite book also. I love animals and have two dogs and what we call our part time cat. She actually belongs to a neighbor but lives about 75% of the time at my house. I love chocolate probably more so now because I cannot eat it because of an allergy. Doesn't always stop me though!

I started on Etsy just selling my artwork then got the idea to turn my art into pendants. I love anything old and vintage and have a huge collection of old illustrations from many sources which I have also been using to make my pendants. I create because I have to, meaning I get crabby if I do not!

What did you do 10 years ago on this day?
Let's see April 1999, what was I doing? My kids were little so I probably spent the day mostly tending to them. I was still working part time so maybe it was a day at the office.

What do you think about global whining?
I do think it is a concern and that everyone should do their part in protecting the environment. My Dad was way ahead of his time with recycling. I was raised with the idea not to create waste and reuse everything possible (this was long before it was fashionable to do so). It is something that has stuck with me and in fact I only have maybe one or two "new" pieces of furniture in my house. The rest came from my parents and even my grandparents.

What do you like?
I love animals, antiques, and I love genealogy. It is my other passion besides art.

What do you don't like?
Mean people in general and those that whine about everything. My feeling is don't whine, take action to change things.

Where do babies come from?
From the stork of course!!
If you could hold one charity event, for what would it be?
To benefit all the homeless animals in shelters. We recently adopted our second dog who is 5 years old from a wonderful shelter.

Pants or a skirt?
Definitely pants. After many years wearing panty hose to work everyday I cannot stand them.

Tell us about your creative process.
When I draw I am not always sure where the ideas come from, they just seem to pop into my head. I can spend hours sifting through vintage images to find just the right ones to work with my pendants. I am definitely a morning person make most of my pendants right after my morning coffee.

Where do you find your ideas and inspiration?
Most of my ideas just pop into my head or from looking through my vintage images. But they can come from anywhere. I can see a picture, a tree, just about anything then get an idea and run with it.

Dogs or cats?
Now that we have the "part-time" cat I would have to say both even though I am supposed to be allergic to cats.

What is what you haven't done yet but would like to do?
I would like to travel more and see more of the US as well as Europe. Always wanted to fly a fighter jet also but I don't see that happening anytime soon!

How do you gain courage when something needs to be dealt with?
I have a few phrases that I repeat to myself like "This too will pass", "What doesn't kill you will make you stronger", and "I have been through worse than this". From past experiences I have learned to just suck it up and deal with whatever situation it is and it will make me stronger.

What is your advice to a seller, shop keeper or blogger?
My blog has been a little neglected lately so for bloggers I would say keep yours current. For sellers my advice is do not whine, take action. Find what works for your shop which might not be what works for others. Take great photos, update regularly and above all make sure your customer service is excellent.

Quote to live by?
"Don't worry, be happy"

Your idol(s)?
I have always admired my great grandmother even though I never met her. I know a lot about her life through my grandmother and my family history research. She raised 11 children practically on her own due to a stinker of a husband. This was a time when women could not easily get an education or a job. She did what ever was necessary such as sewing, cleaning, etc for others to support her family. I leaned the importance of independence and being strong from her.

What would you never do?
Be mean to animals. My husband makes fun of me because I will not even kill a spider in the house. I either pretend I don't see them or if it is a big creepy bug I scoop it up in a paper cup and put it outside.

What is "in" at the moment?
Well I know it was the octopus for awhile, I think now maybe birds? I like to think I am "current" then my kids inform me I am not.

If you were to start a trend what would it be?
I think it would be nice if just being nice to others as well as non violence was a trend in today's world. As far as my art I tend to do what appeals to me and makes me passionate and not worry so much about trends.

Would you like to add something?
Some people think it is strange that my main focus now is art because I have had a long diversified road getting here. I majored in history in college. Then worked for many years as an analyst and business manager. Of couse this has helped for the business side of art which I think many artists struggle with.

Thank You!

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Beautiful Originals from Christinamarieart

Found Christinamarieart's shop while randomly clicking around Etsy and I just instantly fell in love with her style. The dragonfly art card was the one that drew me in. So I figured I might share my find with you in case you collect original ACEO paintings or just like surround yourself with gratifying art.
Clicking on images will take you straight to the listings.
I sent her some questions and she was willing to answer them,
here is how it went:

Who are you and what do you do?
I'm an artist. I work with acrylics. I've been an artist all of my life. Age, sex, location, favorite music, books etc: 41, F, Amelia Island, FL but moving to Murfreesboro TN next week!, most everything but country and whats on the radio now, mostly non-fiction, Buffalo 66!, I love all pets but mostly cats because they are soft.

Why? Still asking myself that question

Who? I found him 8 months ago
Where? The giant ocean of dreams

What did you do 10 years ago on this day? geeezz....hmmm I ate some dark chocolate I know that much!

What do you think about global whining? Crying or warming? I think they are both powerful and real.

What do you like? Things of substance. Emotions.

What do you don't like? Narcissism and greed.
Where do babies come from? God

If you could hold one charity event, for what would it be? Hunger.

Pants or a skirt? Skirt

Tell us about your creative process. My work is 99% intuitive. Otherwise I haven't a clue what I am doing.

Where do you find your ideas and inspiration? Emotions

Dogs or cats? Cats

What is what you haven't done yet but would like to do? Visit Austria

How do you gain courage when something needs to be dealt with? That is when I have the most courage. It just kicks in.

What is your advice to a seller, shop keeper or blogger? Presentation is as important as your product!
Quote to live by? Stay present.

Your idol(s)? I don't think I have any.

What would you never do? Sky dive.

What is "in" at the moment? Anything contemporary.

If you were to start a trend what would it be? Art painted on the bottom of the bathtub?? lol

Would you like to add something? Thank you for inviting me to do this interview. I think there are some seriously talented people on Etsy, you are one of them!

Thank you!

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Web Hosting Directory Site

InMotion hosting is a website hosting site that allows you to get a better overview of all kinds of different sites that offer a web page hosting service. There is a short résumé for every host site that concludes all the facts that might help you decide - prices of different offers (some services are for free too), e-mail features, databases, scripting, security, available site building tools, general info and so on. Also you can see what special offers would come to each buy of a domain, for example - coupons for Google Adwords, Yahoo marketing and more.

Also, if you scroll down, under the summary you can find expert opinions about the site host. It's not all cherishing and praising, so the opinions look credible. Expert reviewers base their opinions on different factors, you can see the list below, and then they add a comment to explain the rating.

Reliability & Uptime:
Space, Traffic, Software:
Technical Support:
Customer_Support:
Price&Quality:
Average Rating:


Sites are categorized by different aspects. Also, there is a section called "Hosting Awards 2008" on the left sidebar. For example you get to know who got the Best Budget Hosting, Best Forum Hosting or the Best Multi-Domain Hosting award.
The last but not least, here is a database of articles about hosting sites and choices you have about domains and building a site, SEO and much more. Plenty to read, even if you are not going to purchase a domain right away.

Friday, May 22, 2009

Needle Felted Sailor

He should be on a boat though, not hiding in grass.
Needle felted with Estonian lamb wool.
Stands about 8 inches high.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

My American Idol's Favorite Song - Kris And Danny

Kris Allen and Danny Goeky sins Styx's "Renegade". They sound so good together! This is the 4 minute long studio version, couldn't find the American Idol live performance.



There are only 2 left this year! Let's see who wins:) I think at this year, final 4 - all of them will do good in the business!:) At least I hope they will.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

10 Reasons Why Gay Marriage Is "Wrong"

Found this from the forums of Etsy.com.

kimiko611 kimiko611 says:
I saw this on my Facebook profile and thought I'd share it :o)

_______________

1) Being gay is not natural. Real people always reject unnatural things like eyeglasses, polyester, and air conditioning.

2) Gay marriage will encourage people to be gay, in the same way that hanging around tall people will make you tall.

3) Legalizing gay marriage will open the door to all kinds of crazy behavior. People may even wish to marry their pets because a dog has legal standing and can sign a marriage contract.

4) Straight marriage has been around a long time and hasn't changed at all; women are still property, blacks still can't marry whites, and divorce is still illegal.

5) Straight marriage will be less meaningful if gay marriage were allowed; the sanctity of Brittany Spears' 55-hour just-for-fun marriage would be destroyed.

6) Straight marriages are valid because they produce children. Gay couples, infertile couples, and old people shouldn't be allowed to marry because our orphanages aren't full yet, and the world needs more children.

7) Obviously gay parents will raise gay children, since straight parents only raise straight children.

8) Gay marriage is not supported by religion. In a theocracy like ours, the values of one religion are imposed on the entire country. That's why we have only one religion in the world.

9) Children can never succeed without a male and a female role model at home. That's why we as a society expressly forbid single parents to raise children.

10) Gay marriage will change the foundation of society; we could never adapt to new social norms. Just like we haven't adapted to cars, the service-sector economy, or longer life spans

Lovely other websites:

 
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