More fun in Brussels

September 4, 2008 at 2:11 PM

Last night I was fortunate to be walking by the botanical garden just as Conor Oberst & The Mystic Valley Band started their concert. A scalper offered me a ticket for the list price, and I declined, but then found that I could get wifi outside the Botanical, so I checked the band out online at:

http://www.conoroberst.com/album/

Listen to "I don't want to die in the hospital" and "Milk Thistle."

And I haggled the scalper down to only 10 euros. I'm glad that I went because they put on a fantastic show and I will buy their album on itunes today. They are a band from Omaha, Nebraska, so it was ironic that I would see them here. Really thoughtful lyrics and musicianship, as well as a very dramatic show with full stage lights and a quality PA for only 10 Euros-what a deal!

After the show, I came back to the hostel where, what did I find, but the scalper who sold me the ticket hanging out at the bar, so I hung out with him and his friend for the night. They are truly European without a specific country that they call home. He told me that he follows bands around and sells t-shirts and scalps tickets. We discussed politics and militarism in America, as well as cities that are on my list to go to. He said that I should see Spain and was surprised that I'm not going to London. I told him, "next time." So I guess that I'm already planning my next trip to Europe. LOL.

Today I went to a fabulous museum, "The Beaux Art Museum and the Modern Art Museum." I should have pics of that up tomorrow.

I did try to play today, without any luck. I made 20 cents in 15 minutes. I do have standards. I won't play for nothing. Money is uncertain when you play for tips, but my experience busking has taught me that you cannot get down about one failed attempt. Tomorrow will be an entirely new day-and a new city!

Tonight will be my last night in Brussels and I plan to go out to "Delirium Tremens" again with Pablo. Should be good times. Tomorrow I believe that we will be traveling together to Amsterdam. He is flying out of there and back to Mexico city tomorrow.

Some of the backpackers have skateboards here. I really can't believe that I didn't bring mine. It would have made everything so much easier. I thought that there would be more old cobble stone roads than there are.

Check out my pics for yesterday at:

http://picasaweb.google.com/crawfordviolin/NewAlbum9308608AM?pli=1#

From Lynn Meinor
Posted on September 4, 2008 at 7:36 PM

Greg, Glad to hear you're enjoying the most of Brussels! You will love Amsterdam! Hope to see you this winter in Salt Lake, you always have a room!!
Lynn

From Christopher Jacoby
Posted on September 4, 2008 at 8:11 PM

How have you not heard Bright Eyes? We definitely listened to some of Oberst's stuff with Doris in years past. How sweet you found them by accident.
I am working for Peter full time. Effing weird.

From Joe Fischer
Posted on September 4, 2008 at 10:43 PM

I'm sure you will find Amsterdam
to be lovely in all regards !

This entry has been archived and is no longer accepting comments.

More fun in Brussels

Subscribe

Laurie's Books