Belle, Daniel, and I got on an early bus to Brighton to get picked up by EDC's Big Green Coach service. While grabbing breakfast at Sainsbury's and Subway, I ran into my friends Terrence and Justin, and met their friend Stacey! Yay more Sussex people going to EDC. ^_^ We then met up with the rest of our SigEChi group and got on the bus. I sat down next to a gorgeous English girl named Laura who was actually a Brighton native! She had just finished her 3 years of university studying psychology, and was just enjoying her summer before heading to India in the fall to do humanitarian work. Her brother was actually headed to Ohio State in the fall for a tennis scholarship! Such a talented family. She recommended a few places in Brighton for me to go, with me being obnoxiously persistent on non-touristy places and all. There were some charming, cute British guys behind us being both drunkenly loud and also adorably polite if they accidentally kicked our chairs.
This was indeed my first rave and to say the least, it was an interesting experience! I was told to expect: super friendly people, PLURing, and great music. I actually got: some very friendly people and many racist/perverted meanies, no PLUR (except for SigEChi's, thanks guys! <3), and FANTASTIC music. We waited in line to get patted down for what seemed like the longest time, then took some pictures within our group and with random happy strangers haha. After a while, we sort of separated into smaller groups because goodness knows 19+ people can stay together. The day started off amazingly with ShowTek and Nicky Romero. I was in love! <3
When Calvin Harris' set came on, some of us rushed to the front. Most people didn't have an issue with it because we were all kinda squished and pushing against each other in the Milton Keynes field, but some said a couple racist things to our group. I sorta let it go because I was used to it by now; there aren't a lot of Asians in England and some people just aren't nice about it. It definitely didn't show the kind and loving spirit of the rave community though, which was disappointing. Even worse, when we were leaving the stage area, a random drunk guy tried pulling my top down and shouted, "Titties!" I pushed him away and said NO, but gosh I wish I decked him in the face at that moment. Asshole. My day brightened up a little when we were at the concession stand, and this elderly gentleman serving me my sandwich smiled at me and said, "Don't be sad. Have a lovely day, darling." I'm so bad at hiding my emotions. Gosh I must have looked pissed. Or harassed. I'm so grateful that he didn't even know what was on my mind but took the time to say that!
We spent the late afternoon lazing on a spacious lawn while listening to Martin Garrix. Michelle (Tan) and I were getting restless so we walked around and checked out the booths whilst having a nice talk. ^_^ Then we got back in time for Steve Aoki and gosh was he amazing! By far my favorite set. He's such an energetic performer and his music just jolted through my veins like an electric current. And of course he brought out his notorious cakes and threw a bunch into the crowd. I was okay with not getting caked because we were already covered in sweat and sticky beer. OH YEAH; it was such a common thing for people to just toss their (plastic) beer bottles into the crowd! Of course, unsuspecting people got hit in the head and it would suuuck being surprise-attacked and then getting drenched in beer. I got hit on the bony part of my forearm and it hurt soo badly!
The night ended with Avicii. It was sorta incredible because the sun had FINALLY set and we could finally experience the "largest 360 LED show in the world," as advertised. By that time most of our group was reunited together again and we were just enjoying the music and omg, it started sprinkling too! Perfect addition to the moment. :)
It was an exhausting trip back home but BOY did that shower at the end of the day feel good. :) It was an incredible experience and I'm so glad that Belle and Daniel were there to experience it with me too! I am for sure excited to go to more raves when I return to America. :) Some things to keep to remember for next time:
- Bring toilet paper! asdifjeisfjei port-a-potties are gross.
- Fanny packs are awesome, but try to bring as little as possible so you won't even need them. ;)
- Make lots of Kandi to wear and exchange with others!
- Don't wear nice shoes... omg.
- Have an open mind! I came in only knowing a handful of artists and came out having some unexpected new favorites! :D
No comments:
Post a Comment