Jul 292024
 

There are various regular summer activities that happen around the cities, towns and villages of Italy. Umbria is no different. The main events that can be found around are music festivals. Our town of Orvieto always has the Orvieto Sound Festival.

While I don’t listen to a lot of Italian music, though it would probably be good for my language skills, I do enjoy music of all kind. Last year was a lot of fun as our friends organize the weekend with restaurants that border the piazza where the concerts are held, so we can get food, drink and tickets for a very good price. Plus, it is always fun to have a different kind of night out.

This year, I wasn’t sure how I would feel with the ankle, but luckily all of that was no issue at all. I was able to see Alfa on Friday night and we saw Max Gazze last night.

Alfa was excellent. He had fans from all ages and put on a great show (left pic). Unfortunately, it wasn’t until the encore toward the end of the concert that Max Gazze engaged with the crowd and got us into the music. For me, it sounded like a few of the instruments were out of tune with the others and the music style was not quite my favorite.

However, the company and time out was excellent. Given how hot it has been here during the days, it was nice to go out to enjoy time outside when the temperatures were better.

So, it was a good weekend all in all!

~ T 🔥🐉♋️

Jun 122024
 

Well, my grand ideas of being on top of posting and writing have all gone by the wayside these days. It’s been busy around here, so I’m finally taking a couple of quiet days during this short lull between visitors and activities. I say “lull”, but we do have quite a bit of socializing coming soon. In any case, I’m here now. So, let’s catch up!

While still recovering from my trip home, we had M’s cousins here for a weeklong visit. This included two littles, which requires a surprising amount of patience and energy! I’m not used to small beings who also are testing out their independence, pushing boundaries, and yet cannot do that much for themselves. 🤪

This also meant that I did not have the time, space, or energy to get my own things done which don’t take that much time or effort, but still require a bit of focus. Still, it was really really nice to catch up with them – haven’t seen two of them since we got married! Visiting with family always has a comforting aspect to bring perspective into our lives. ❤️

Despite their visit, I still went away for the weekend. My friend in France, P, and I met up in Lucca (near Pisa and Florence) to see Ed Sheeran.

It was a lovely weekend and the concert was ace! He is extremely talented as a musician and his songs are always fun to sing and dance to.

So, all is absolutely grand in the world around here. ☀️ More fun to come!

~T 🔥🐉♋️

Apr 222024
 

We have wanted to see the ABBA Voyage concert since we first heard about it. Using technology the band is a digital version of their younger selves playing and singing the songs from times gone. Although at first it was a bit surreal, by the end it was almost as if it were a “real” live concert. Of course, there was some mindshifts in that clapping was really only for the live band and live back up singers, but then it was also for the mutual appreciation of the music. I did say, though, it was the only concert I’ve been to where people actually moved backwards instead of forwards to see the images on the screens and the average age-group probably needed eyeglasses. 🤪

After the concert, we went on a 24-hour whirlwind tour of England to visit M’s family. From long country drives to city sights, we had a rather lovely long weekend. Next time, though, I hope to stay for a few days of relaxation in London as I’m growing to love it more each time we visit. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿❤️

~T 🔥🐉♋️

Dec 222011
 

On December 16, 2011, Sade performed at Yas Arena in Abu Dhabi.

When I heard she was coming, I was super interested, but in keeping with my vow to only attend concerts if they are free or I’m willing to pay for the seated tickets, I wasn’t sure. The cost of the seated tickets were outside of my budget and so I figured it was one I would miss.

However, my friend – B – was able to procure free tickets through her contact and so away we went!

Having attended a number of concerts here, this was absolutely the best one I have seen. Not only did Sade perform for two hours straight with a one-song encore, but she had style and class. Although her music isn’t necessarily the greatest, I’m impressed at her consistency and quality that has lasted over the years.

Also, the audience area was decreased so that you could feel closer to the performance. Thus, I was also able to see her much easier than I have seen other performers without feeling crushed!

Overall, it would have probably been worth it to pay for the tickets, but free is a great price for a really fantastic concert!

(Thanks, B!)

Sade
SadeDec 16, 2011Photos: 74
 

Jul 112011
 

As Abu Dhabi continues to try to build its rapport as a cultural and art center in the UAE and the world, they are bringing in more and more big name artists of varied genres.

On May 6, 2011, I dragged my AD buddy to see Snoop Dogg at the Yas Arena. It was an experience to say the least. I think the pictures and videos can say it better than I can.

Snoop Dogg in AD
 

I am not sure that I will pay for another concert anytime soon unless it is indoors or a really good show to be seen. Still, one can never balk at having a new experience, right?

More to come…

-T

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