#EuropeanSummer2013

Chance to update on my travels over the past 2 months since leaving Huntington Beach.

First stop in Edinburgh and the week at TED Global Conference went like a blink of the eye.  More like a closed blink at times given I spent a couple of days overcoming jet lag.  What an amazing experience, meeting and engaging with inspiring and intellectual people from all over the world.  Opened my eyes to new issues such as Africa, religion, drones even animal sex! Met some great attendees involved with everything from third-world cross border investment vehicles to others organising their own TED events throughout the world. And Edinburgh is a fantastic medieval setting to inspire creativity and culture.

I trained down to London to sync up with my good mate and long time travel buddy Tom Bates who was arriving for Glastonbury. Given Tom was only over for 2 weeks it was only fitting that we warm up for the big festival with a beach holiday.  After a memorable trip to Ibiza a few years back we settled on the next best thing – Hvar, Croatia.  We managed to convince some other kiwi friends to join us and to attend Modular’s FOR Festival featuring Solange, James Blake and 2manydjs.  A memorable few days lounging at Hula Hula and boating over to island beach club Carpe Diem. Seize the day!

From there is it was on to Glastonbury, which exceeded expectation. It took a few days to wind down from that on the couch watching the footage and reliving probably the best festival experience on the planet. Was lucky enough to get along to Wimbledon to watch an epic 5 hour semi Del Potro v Djokovic.  I left London perhaps prematurely as the summer festive season was hitting – the Rolling Stones at Hyde Park, Murray winning Wimbledon and the Ashes test about the start. I had commited to meet Nick Couch at Eurockennes Festival in Balfort, EasternFrance. It was hard leaving the city but I had made a commitment. All the more frustrating when we ran into a train strike or trying to order a taxi in French meant we didn't get home until sunrise one day. But saw some fantastic acts and it was another part of the world I am now familiar with.

After a few days regathering in Madrid with Nick, I synced up with my business partner Scott Witters and we had a flying visit around a number of festivals.  It was a chance to catch up with industry contacts as Scott was pushing his new festival wristband technology.  In a matter of days we attended XO in Eindhoven, Exit Festival in Serbia and finally met with some venue operators in the Northern Croatia resort town of. From here a few days chilling with friends in Slovenia, an untapped paradise nestled in between Croatia and Italy.

Back to London to meet my sister and attend the Lords test. Saturday, Ashes, second test - it doesn’t get much better. Unfortunately the action was slow as England ground out a massive total. Still the traditions, pork pies and listening to the commentators talk absolute rubbish made up for it.  Lovebox festival was on later that night.  A few beers, bbq in the park on the Sunday as the heat wave hit. A royal baby was born. It was a great time as the UK summer was now in full swing. There is not better place than summer in London!

Still it was back to the continent on the Eurostar to prepare for Tomorrowland. After a day looking around Brussels and I met with sister and mate Brad in Mechelen.  The production and theming was unreal but 3 days of doof doof was probably more than enough. We then headed on to Amsterdam for Gay Pride, partying canalside with a load of kiwi friends there. A night in the Hague seeing one of Sarah's friend from Bangkok. Then back through Antwerp and Bruges. Lots of mussels, frites, beers and waffles.  All the good things in life.

After another pit stop in London and some siteseeing with Sarah it was up to Edinburgh for the Fringe Festival.  My room mate from LA Katie was performing her one woman ninja musical.  Was awesome to see Kim and we filled our boots with shows – accapella groups, comedy, musical theatre, impressionist. We even did an improv musical class. Such a cool city and felt good to get back in touch with my creative side.

Then on to Stirling and Gleneagles staying with a family friend Paul Roose - who we had hosted in NZ when he was my age. Another old friend Ruari (nearly as Scottish as Hamish) took me on a road trip to Aberdeen via St Andrews and back to Glasgow.

Now I’m in Isle of Skye after taking a 7 hour bus trip though the Scottish Highlands.  Taking a breather. Staying a little Bnb overlooking the quaint port of Portree. Everyone I have met has been raving about it Skye. The home of Mylo's seminal album 'Destroy Rock and Roll'. Fish and Chips at the harbor front, send a few post cards, write my blog and reflect on the last two months.

I think after visiting a number of festivals now I’ve have my music fill.  I think I have seen Diplo about 6 times this year now!  Everytime I have seen him he is getting paid and I'm not.  Also think I have caught up with enough mates in London.  From here I want to chill out, visit some new cities and catch up on some of my travel goals.

In front of me right now.  Lots of family and friends to visit throughout the Uk. I’m also keen to get to Berlin. Then to Turkey with my sister. Have been invited to hang out with Netsky at a festival show there in early September. Then need to work out where I will be for my birthday on the 13th September.  Its all sitting in front of me, probably need to start booking some flights and making some decisions. Or not and go with the flow.

Then it may be time to chill out in one place for a bit. Sarah is going to be doing a vintage in France and .  I have also been looking into the Camino de Santiago. I had been looking at it for post Glasto but the window was too small. Now with an extended travel time it could be a perfect chance for mid September – mid October. A chance to find myself and time to think about my next steps and path.

Stay tuned!