It’s been very hectic here and I apologize for not blogging more frequently from the road, but there’s really not been enough down time to even upload and filter the pictures. So I’ll take a short detour now to blog about the Esperanzah! world music festival I attended today at the Abbaye de Floreffe and go back to writing about the other towns later.
The abbey was founded in 1121 and sits high on a lush hilltop. I hope to make a more formal visit at another time to blog about this beautiful place, but during this three-day weekend, the abbey plays host as a venue for an incredibly eclectic mix of some 60 bands from around the world. So when you exchange this
for one of these wristbands
you gain entry into the grounds of the abbey:
I only have enough time to attend on Friday and am lucky enough to catch about 7 acts from 2pm till 1am on the two main stages:
My favorite is the French group Hocus Pocus, which plays a blend of jazz, soul, and hiphop:
While I’m enjoying Hocus Pocus with the rest of the crowds
this little energizer bunny hones in on me:
and coyly squeezes in next to me
and by the second song she has told me her name (Zoe) about 100 times and has her hands in my hair, on my shoulder, and around my neck while describing all the animal noises she knows…till her dad sheepishly takes her away so I could get back to the music :-D:
Esperanzah! is a lot about the music, but it’s also about hanging out with friends while soaking in the sun, second-hand smoke, beer, and food from around the world while you wait for the stage to get set up. It’s actually a lot about the food and clothing stands…
and the mimes who catch me photographing them (one of them takes a bite out of my grilled corn after I snap this photo!):
Speaking of food, I get lucky with a free crepe from this gathering. Don’t ask me why they are making crepes while in bunny outfits:
I don’t know how many crepes they eventually hand out, but I enjoy sure enjoy mine!
ohhhhh that looks like fun!!!
reallyyyyy wish i could hang out with u there larkie..
please keep on blogging so i can live through your experiences!
take care!!