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Skogsröjet 2015: Day two, Saturday 1/8

Posted in Concerts, Music, Uncategorized with tags besserbitch, beyond visions, bloodbound, dream theater, honeymoon disease, junkstars, skogsröjet, the terrorhawks, tyranex, u.d.o, udo on August 1, 2015 by Sara Hammerzmith

I went to bed too late yesterday and got up too soon, or at least it felt like it. I had put my alarm to 11, and the first band I wanted to see started at 11.30, but when I looked at the clock it was around 8. So of course, I decided to snooze. Or at least I tried to, didn’t work out to well seeing I’m at a FESTIVAL CAMPING. A place where people party 24/7. Should have known. But I guess I managed somehow, because before I knew it the time was around 11 and I PANICKED because there’s no way I’ll get done in time. Gladly, the weather was good so half a bread, mascara stains and a pair of shorts and Korpiklaani tank later I found myself at the festival area (Bless the camping being so close to the area!) watching Beyond Visions

Beyond Visions

So, Beyond Visions is a five-piece band formed in 2007. They released their debut album in 2o13, and was the first band to enter the stage this day. There were a bit more people there than I would expect, but still no massive crowds – but none of this stopped frontwoman Rebecka to deliver a powerful set backed by the rest of the band. I was impressed and really liked what I heard! Good job!

2015skogsrojetbeyondvisions

Honeymoon Disease

So, right after this I headed over the the other stage to catch the second band of the day; Honeymoon Disease. It’s a four-piece rock n roll band from Gothenburg formed in 2014. They have released two singles, one in 2014, one in 2015 and are set to release their debutalbum this autumn.

They brought on a good show with great energy, and even though I’m usually not into this kind of music, they managed to convince me! Good on them. I’d urge you all to check them out!

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Tyranex

Running back to the first stage, it was time to catch the Västerås-based four-piece that is Tyranex. They have released two albums so far – “Extermination” in 2011 and “Unable to Tame” in 2014.

The crowd was a bit bigger this time around, and Linnea… she’s insane. Holy hell, the way she sings and the way she plays, I literally had to write to Antoine and tell her what a killer she is on guitar. It was a powerful and energetic gig with a charismatic frontwoman, and if the two bands I had already seen had impressed me, this band went far beyond.

2015skogsrojettyranex

The Terrorhawks

So, there sure was a lot of running back on forth between the two stages here in the early morning, and after Tyranex it was time to see the New Zealand based band The Terrorhawks. Or well, they are based in Gothenburg now. Their debut single was released during the spring, and the debut album is set to sometime in 2015.

The set was good. The energy was lacking a little bit, I must admit, I didn’t really feel a lot from them, but I’m gonna give them thumbs up for going through with their set!

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After this, I first of all hit the merchstand to pick up on Beyond Visions and Tyranex albums and was set to see Hellshaker, when I noticed that the remote to my car was missing. The car-key was there, but the remote was gone. So I went back to the camp in order to look for it, hoping it was there, and while I was at it start to pack up. Gladly, the remote was in the tent and not lost somewhere randomly, even though I REALLY can’t understand how it got detached, since nothing was broken and it’s on a keyring.

Regardless, I started packing out and took two turns to load everything in the car. It took some time to remove all the baby snails and baby worms that were living on my tent, seeing it was placed in a water puddle, and it’s now full of mud because of the.. well, mud. I love this tent, but I’m glad we’re getting another one for next years festivals.

I made it back to the festival area pretty much in time to catch Imber, however, I decided against it. I’ve never been a bigger fan of their music, and I felt that I at least once on this festival should be front row, so I went to pick up a bottle of water and headed over to Bandit stage and started the hour long wait for Bloodbound.

Bloodbound

So, last week when we saw them at Noch Ein Bier the set was pretty short, so I was rather excited to see them doing a longer set at another venue with BETTER WEATHER. And again, to avoid making a Noch ein Bier long post, I’ll keep it short.

First of all, we learned pretty early in the set that Patrik’s father had passed away the day before the show. It was quite a shocking thing to learn, and I salute him, and the band for pushing through with the show.

They played a bunch of my favorite songs -such as “Moria”, “When all Lights Fail” and, biggest surprise to me – “Nightmares from the Grave”. I absolutely low this song. It was massive hearing it live. Although, I must admit I missed “Satanic Panic” a bit.

But over all – very good show, good energy and good set. And especially seeing the circumstances, we should all raise the horns one more time for them.

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Besserbitch

After this, I went over to the other stage to catch the first few songs of Besserbitch before getting in line for the Bloodbound signing session, but I realized pretty quick that I could BOTH stand in line and still see Besserbitch! Bingo!

Besserbitch is a four piece band from Stockholm formed in 2008, released their first two EPs on their own label and gave out their debut album in 2013.

First of all: Where’s the crowd? Seeing the playtime they got, you’d assume they’d have a big crowd. Bloodbound had a full crowd, so people where there, but none seemed to stay for Besserbitch. It was perhaps around 10-20 people, and I wanna add we weren’t THAT many in line for Bloodbound signing session, and NO OTHER BAND was playing at the same time. It’s like the band doesn’t draw an audience.

And while their music is good, I can see why. Now, I’ve never seen this band before, but where is the stage presence of the singer? I spoke of it yesterday, the importance of stage presence, something Jocke and Erik got, but also Mia(Crucified Barbara) and Linnea (Tyranex). That was completely lacking here. Maybe it was a bad day, who knows, but I almost felt like… I should go away, I don’t know how to put it better. It was surprising, to say the least.

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The signing session started in the middle of the set, so I missed out on half a song. It went pretty quickly – Patrik wasn’t there, and I had a quick chat with Fredrik about Noch Ein Bier and the weather there, before getting back to Besserbitch. The crowd was less now than it began with. What the heck just happened? Afterwards, I headed back to Bandit to see Junkstars.

Junkstars

In an attempt to make the festival worth it’s money, I decided to try to catch as many bands as I could today, so it was time to see Junkstars, formerly known as Rock n Roll Allstars. They were supposed to be the final act of the day, but as a result of Doro cancelling, they got her time and Bullet filled in her spot.

It was a good set they delivered with good energy, and you can tell they hit home with the audience, as there were quite a few people there. I still think Junkstars and U.D.O. should have switched, but still. Good to see some energetic and charismatic people on stage. Those are my favorites.

2015skogsrojetjunkstars

Right after Junkstars, which finished a bit earlier than Doro’s original time, I went to buy some last minute items and headed to the car to get dressed for colder weather and drop off my newly bought merchandise. On my way, I bumped into Robert and it was SOOO Great seeing him there. We had a quick chat before I ran to the car, fixed my shit, and ran back the the venue to catch U.D.O.

U.D.O.

I’ve been looking forward to see U.D.O ever since I reviewed his album earlier this year, “Decadent” is sure one fine piece of work. So I was very, very glad to see him playing Skogsröjet.

The set was really good, he was on top and delivered a good gig, but I must admit I’m a bit unsure as to WHY he’d play the small stage. The crowd was PACKED in front of it, and people on the side could barely see anything. It would almost have been better if they did what Sweden Rock did, to put him earlier in the day, or, following the cancellation of Doro, but him in Doro’s scheduled time and Junkstars on U.D.O’s. Oh well, what can you do?

What I’m especially fond of is him playing “Pain”. It was always a favorite of mine on the album, and I’m usually so unlucky with favorite songs that this hit hard at home.

Good show, good energy, good set. Loved it!

2015skogsrojetudo

Dream Theater

After U.D.O, it was time for the last gig of the day and the festival for me, Dream Theater. I’ve heard of the band, but never really paid a lot of attention to their music, but I have a few friends who are fond of them, and therefore decided to see them.

They celebrate thirty years as a band, and therefore played material from all of their albums, which was pretty nice, or I guess so for the die hard fans.

The show was good, and I really enjoyed it. It was a good ending to a good festival.

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After this, I went to pick up some last minute candy for the ride home, prepared my car and left the festival for this year. I got home already around 2 am in the morning, which was really good. To sleep in your own bed.

Thanks to all the bands for this festival, you made it what it is. And thank you, Skogsröjet, for once again proving you the best biggest smallest festival in Sweden.

// Sara

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Skogsröjet 2015: Day one, Friday 31/7

Posted in Concerts, Uncategorized with tags crucified barbara, europe, h.e.a.t., hardcore superstar, skid row, skogsröjet on July 31, 2015 by Sara Hammerzmith

So! It was finally time for that time of the year again, for Swedens biggest smallest festival, or also known as the most cosy festival in Sweden – Skogsröjet. Located in the forests in a little community called Rejmyre (now Röjmyre) has the festival been running for ten years now. Yes you heard it, it was their tenth anniversary this time around. And for me, it was my fifth time. In a row.

However, despite this, I decided to go down on Friday to calm my nerves. I guess the epic performances of Noch Ein Bier kind of killed all enthusiasm I ever held for Skogsröjet this year, but at least I promised myself to make it in time for Crucified Barbara, which I did with some time to spare. It’s not a very long ride to Röjet from here – about two and half an hour only, unlike Sweden Rock which takes almost six hours from here.

Crucified Barbara

So, I’ve known about this band for many years, but I’ve never really gotten into them. I saw them in 2013, while queueing for Lordi, so I did look forward to seeing them again, and this time seeing them with a genuine interest. While the band performed almost flawlessly with a lot of energy, I must admit the public response was kind of weak. Gladly, this picked up as long as the show went on.

However, I must admit it was really, really good! I have to pick up an album or two with them now. I’m sad it took so long to convince me, but I guess it’s something about Klara’s personality on stage that is… contagious, in a way. So yes, good show, good band and a great start on the festival for me!

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After Crucified, I went on and picked up my luggage to set up my tent. For some reason, Skogsröjet had closed off half of the camping, so it was a little tricky to find a spot that wasn’t occupied or in a puddle of water. After a bit of time, I found a spot, which was in a puddle of water, but at least it was less water than the other spots. I always wanted a houseboat, so I guess this is one way to get it, no?

After I was done setting up and unpacking, I headed back to the festivalgrounds to catch one of the reasons I went to this festival in the first place: H.E.A.T

H.E.A.T

What can I possibly say about H.E.A.T that hasn’t already been said? They opened on spot with “Point of No Return” followed by “A Shot at Redemption” and it went down the road it has done all festival season really. With one exception.

No “Late Night Lady”. Personally, not being a fan of the song, I don’t mind at all, but it was a bit of a surprise seeing it gone. So was “Heartbreaker” and “All The Nights”. I can live without the last one, but I REALLY miss “Heartbreaker”. It’s such a good song. Why.

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But you know – you can complain all you want about missing songs, but Erik will very, very, VERY soon make you forget about it. Like I’ve said so many times before, he’s insane as a frontman, and the whole band just levitates from it. Fantastic gig with a bunch of Sweden’s finest, but who was ever surprised?

After H.E.A.T I quickly went to the record store tent and got myself a TOTO vinyl, a Bloodbound album and dropped them both off in my car while getting away from the rain for a moment before I headed back to catch the second big name for the day – Hardcore Superstar

Hardcore Superstar

HCSS…. There’s a certain thing with these bands. Like HCSS and H.E.A.T. HCSS is a band I’ve caught many, MANY times throughout the year, to the extent where I learned the majority of their songs only because I wound up seeing them live so much. At first it wasn’t even by choice, but eventually, it became by choice, because this band… is just so fucking good.

Opening up strongly with “Need No Company”, continuing on with “Last Forever” and “My Good Reputation”…. I’m still surprised how so many people can be so still to a band whose music is just one big party. Not in the sense of Korpiklaani or Alestorm, but it’s just… how can I even describe it? You kinda have to see it for yourself.

Jocke is also up in the run against Erik to be the best frontman, which helps a lot as to why this band is just… beyond perfect. I’ve come to realize stage presence is so important, and I learned during this festival what bad stage presence is. But I’ll talk about that later.

And for the first time in a while (where I have seen them) they invited some guests on stage for “Last Call For Alcohol” and I was so glad to see Angelina on stage with her favorite band again. That’s pretty much where she belongs.

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They wrapped the whole set off with “Moonshine”, “We Don’t Celebrate Sundays” and “Above the Law” before thanking for the day and saying good night. Seriously, I’m so glad HCSS is practically a houseband at Röjet. We always have at least one fantastic band, I love that.

Skid Row

Right after HCSS, I headed over to Tube Stage to catch Skid Row. I’ve never been a major fan of Skid Row, however, Tony Harnell is quite the housegod here at home, and therefore, Skid Row was a must. I was very… happily surprised when I saw that he had joined Skid Row, and it made me excited for the show.

And they were really good! Can’t speak so much about the material since I, as I said, was never a big fan of the band, but it was so good to see Tony on stage again. And odd, in a way, to see him in another spectra than with TNT, but damn, it was good!

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Europe

Went back to Bandit stage to catch the last band of the night – Europe. It was a nice set they put on – a decent mix of old tunes and new and they got good energy on stage. I love how they incorporate other sons in theirs – like “Here I Go Again” in “Superstitious” and “Du Hast” right before “Rock the Night”.

The only thing I have to say about it, is that I miss “Cherokee” a lot. I love that song, but since Europe isn’t exactly the band I’ve seen the most, I’m not sure what their frequency is with that song.

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After this, I headed right back to the tent and climbed in under my poofy blanket and fell asleep after a little while listening to the same song I listened to going to bed last year – “Världens Bästa Tjej” with 2 Blyga Läppar. It made me smile. I heard it last year and did everything I could to track it down, because I really like it, and it was… a bit special I guess, in a way, to hear it being blasted again at the same place.

Fell asleep with a big smile on my lips, that’s for sure.

// Sara

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Antaja

Posted in Uncategorized on July 30, 2015 by Sara Hammerzmith

Guess what arrived on my doorstep?

My iPod! All the way from Gelsenkirchen. Because of this, I WILL announce InterCityHotel Gelsenkirchen the best hotel EVER, for their service-mindness about sending this to me. Lovely! I love them.

But, despite this good thing, the day has been a mess. I went down to HM to find a new pair of black high waisted jeans but since it ain’t the latest fashion, this was hard do. I found one which has my waist size, but are WAAAY too long in the legs, but at least that’s fixable. I came home with about five pairs, to try around with and eventually keep two (one for wear, and one for work).

Tomorrow morning I’m leaving for Skogsröjet, and as I might have told you, I really don’t feel in the mood for it, but at least I’ve finally gotten around to packing so hopefully it feels better once I’m there. I guess I’ll see.

So, see you in a few days then!

// Sara

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Sahti

Posted in Uncategorized on July 29, 2015 by Sara Hammerzmith

Today has consisted mostly of applying for jobs and packing for Röjet. Yes, it’s that time of year again when most of my time after Skogsröjet will be filled of jobapplications. It always helps that I already have my job at the nightclubs, but need more to nurture a lifestyle like this. Good thing I’m not too picky.

With that said, I am very picky with my packing. I think this whole festival season has drained me, or possibly I’m looking far too much forward to other concerts to even try to focus on Skogsröjet. I’m trying to figure out what I want to wear and what to bring, which wouldn’t need to be too much since I’ll be gone two days only, or well, three, but still.

Maybe it’s the weather. Maybe the fact that it’s pouring down here at home makes it hard to come up with cool outfits that fits warm weather.

And my black pants just broke. So I don’t even have my favorite pants anymore. Remind me to go to the store tomorrow to see if they have new ones.

// Sara

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My Heart Will Go On

Posted in Uncategorized on July 28, 2015 by Sara Hammerzmith

Sometimes, strange things happens.

And as I sit here and listen to the Titanic theme on repeat, I can’t help but to remember that our trip to Gelsenkirchen and Noch Ein Bier held the theme “Titanic”, and I’m going to explain to you why.

A few days, or even the day before we set off to leave, I wound up watching “Titanic” on television, because, well it aired and once I start glancing on a movie I can’t stop watching it.

When I got on Twitter the next day, the first thing I read is Madlen writing “I had a dream I was on Titanic”. And I was like DUDE, I LITERALLY JUST WATCHED TITANIC. Where Michelle pitches in she had an incident with icecubes. And we swore that day that we were glad none of us were going to Germany by ship.

When we were going to go pick up Michelle at the trainstation on Friday, I saw a necklace that resembled the very necklace Rose wore in the movie, and dragged Madlen with me to check it out, and I said it was VERY identical to the one in the movie, almost plagiarism, when she pointed out the necklace was indeed called – “Titanic”.

“Titanic” is with other words following us, leaving perhaps a curse upon us.

I say no one of us should go on a ship for the next 300 years.

It’s strange sometimes, how things like this happens sometimes.

// Sara

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Viinamäen Mies

Posted in Uncategorized on July 27, 2015 by Sara Hammerzmith

Technically, Noch Ein Bier and the whole little trip to Gelsenkirchen is over and done by now, but I figured I’d tell you a little about the shopping and pre-happenings before the show. I didn’t wanna cram the concert blog with all the things we did before, as it’s irrelevant, but in lack of better things to blog about, why not bring it up?

We started our day at Primark, as it was in that very store I had found the raincoat I wanted, or, parkas, as it’s called. To make it even more convenient, you could fold it into a pocket, like a little bag, which makes it perfect for festivals. The reason I didn’t get one immediatley yesterday is because I couldn’t decide on pattern. The first thing that had caught my eye was a white one with stars, but I eventually fell for the one with the London buildings outline.

Aside this gem, I also got two everyday tanktops, one in bright pink and one in blue. I need to fill up my stock on tanks, and I want it in different colors. And the prices on Primark are a practical steal.

on top of this, I got a mascara (since I managed to forget mine at home, how the heck?) and a bundle of hairties. You can never have too many hairties, I’m telling you.

We then continued on to NewYorker, where I could finally lay my hands on the pyjama bottoms I’ve looked at for years. Finally they are in my possession! The hairties from Primark is featured in the picture.

And of course, perhaps the most important piece of them all – the festivalshirt. I was lucky enough to get the very very last one (at least in that merchtent) of the festivalshirt featuring the bands on the back. So you could say, I’m very, very happy.

Well, that was all really! Then it started to rain and we bought Subway and you know the drill. Not perhaps the most interesting shopping done, but what can you do when your money is placed more on the travel than the material stuff?

// Sara

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Lejonet Från Norden

Posted in Uncategorized with tags gelsenkirchen on July 26, 2015 by Sara Hammerzmith

We went to bed to late and got up too soon. I remember I got so pissed off by all the ambulances I actually got up (in my sleep?) to close the window to shut out the noise, and I told Michelle to shut up for some reason. Oh dear.

We got up around 9 and gladly found out the check out was around noon. And here’s the funny thing. I did my “night-time, day-time!” thing with the curtains, and when doing “DAYTIME!” we noticed that it was sunny outside. Like, sunny, hot, barely a cloud in the sky. And dead hot. Just as it was on Friday. It’s like the weather gods of Gelsenkirchen hates Sabaton, or possibly, us.

Some of our clothes were still soaking since last night, so I did what I usually do when I want things dried quickly – I put them up in the open sun. I suggested to Michelle she put her wet shoes there as well. Thanks for that though, so we could actually, dry our shit.

The clock struck closer to twelwe, and even though we felt we hadn’t forgotten anything, we did one last check and left the hotel room. In the lobby we ran into a pair of Swedes, funnily enough, and after that we set off into Gelsenkirchen’s centra looking for a coffeeshop, and found this adorable ice cream place.

So that’s how we spent a good hour or so. Sitting there, eating ice cream, chasing off a wasp, talking and laughing and being sad we soon had to leave. I even made my own ice cream out of the little cone we got with our ice creams.

We headed back to the trainstation to get tickets and do the final waiting, and it’s interesting when events like this has taken place, because it’s like, for one day, a majority of the population are the same as you. We ran into so many Noch Ein Bier people, and I guess this is what I love so much about specific events. That you know.. I SEE YOU kind of thing, I see where you were, because I was there too! Something only we share and all of that.

We had track 5, Madlen track 6, so we eventually had to go to our tracks and do a heartfelt good bye with a “HÖR VÅRT KRIGSROP NOCH EIN BIER!” and then, when reaching our tracks, we talked over the rails. Such a…. image. So close, but also so far. Our trained arrived before hers, and we kept waving to her until her train also arrived and we left.

And only now, do I realize I forgot my small iPod at the hotel.

After a few phone calls, bag searches and even more calls later, the hotel staff of InterCityHotel Gelsenkirchen had found my iPod and has said they’ll send it. I guess we will see what happens, but I’m so relieved.

The first thing we did when we got inside the security check at the airport, was to get me new headphones. Or at least try to. The machine took the money, but gave me no goods. We got some help from the tax-free shop, but nothing happened. We’ll see what Saturn Express will say and do about it, as we are in contact with them now, but at that point we had to rush to the flight.

The flight got a little bit delayed, but we still made it back in time. Once in Copenhagen we decided to eat, but it wound up being us getting crisps and soft drinks. Because that is totally food, okay?

The plane to Stockholm was delayed. It was supposed to leave at 19, but we didn’t even board until 19.20. As long as the delay didn’t exceed 2 hours, we would be good. And it didn’t. We landed in Sweden 20 minutes later than expected, which was no problem for us. And it got even better when we didn’t even have to wait for our luggage, it just showed up directly.

We headed to MAX for some late dinner and then went out to wait for the bus. And that was a disaster.

First of all, the Gothenburg bus had stopped too soon on the stop, so the Västerås bus couldn’t stop there. After he went forward a bit, the Västerås bus tried to squeeze in, and sadly hit the Uppsala bus, which COULD HAVE BACKED OFF. No, the busdriver in the UL bus decided to just stand there, even though he had nothing behind him. He could have backed a bit to let in the Västerås bus.

After a little fighting, we finally got on the bus and managed to get on the bus trip home.

This whole trip has been good. In February it all looked pretty dark, and I was worried as to how this trip would actually turn out. But thanks to my ladies – Madlen and Michelle, this became one of all the amazing trips we do over and over again. Can’t wait to do it again.

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“night-time….. DAY TIME! night time….. DAY TIME!! night time…. DAY TIME!!!”

// Sara

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To Hell and Back

Posted in Uncategorized with tags gelsenkirchen, intercityhotel gelsenkirchen on July 24, 2015 by Sara Hammerzmith

So, I promised you I’d tell you a bit about our hotel today. We’re staying at InterCityHotel Gelsenkirchen, which is located a few minutes only away from the rail station. It’s a pretty average hotel if you ask me, pretty cheap (320 euros for three people for three nights) at least for being so central. It’s very close to restaurants, supermarkets and the shopping street. It’s like Hotel Micro, but in Gelsenkirchen. We’re staying at the fourth floor, so we have quite the view! At least it’s a nice view over the road down there.

And oh, do you see the ambulance? Well, there are a million ambulances passing everyday. I don’t think I need to set an alarm, I’ll wake up by the ambulances.

Our room is an average double room – not too big, not too small and one queen size bed. I had actually brought my air mattress, but gladly, they had to our surprise put in an extra bed for me. It said in the ad on Hotels.com that they’d charge extra, but apparently not! The bathroom is pretty nice too.

The standard are a bit better than we are used to, so we really like this room. It has one big window you can open in several directions and a place to put clothes. Nice.

So, now that I’ve told you a bit about the hotel we are staying at, I’ll tell you what we did today. First of all, we went to the train station to meet up with Michelle and ditch her stuff at the hotel and then discovering the shopping life of Gelsenkirchen. We got to visit one of my favorite stores ever, Tally Weijl, New Yorker, Primark and a few other stores. No purchases were made today, because I really need to think about a few items, but I found a real nice rain coat I intend to get tomorrow, so all is good! There’s a few other items I’m thinking about as well.

We got back to the hotel to party and talk and whatnot before going on the chase for a pizzeria, which was harder done than said. The first two (!!) pizzerias we went to had closed for several reasons, so we really were all over the central, but I guess it was good in a way, because we got to see some parts that we wouldn’t else, like the music pub and the church.

We ordered our pizzas, went home to the room to eat and talk and listen to Sabaton and just generally warming up for tomorrow. I even tried my hair – headbanged out the window giving the Germans a little show, and I’m so pleased. Tomorrow is going to be awesome.

// Sara

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The Quantum Enigma

Posted in Uncategorized on July 23, 2015 by Sara Hammerzmith

So, today has been all about the traveling, and it started fairly early, already at 9.50 in the morning when I boarded one of Swebus’ newest buses that would take me to Västerås, where I had a connecting bus to Stockholm.

So, these new buses are rather fancy, if you ask me. More legspace, like, a lot, so I could even sit and use my computer without having to worry about scratching it, change my comfort or the comfort of my shotgun passenger. The seats are a bit wider than they used to be, and they are clad in leather and soft fabric. They are so comfortable! The windows are toned too.

Instead of multiple electric outlets, they now have two outlets for USB cables for phone charging, and have one power outlet placed under the seats. The last row in the bus is now a three seats rather than two two seats, and they have also placed the door in the back, which confused me when I was gonna get off and walked to the middle and was like “where’s the door? Oh.. right..” How awesome is that.

If we look past the whiny woman behind me, both of my bustrips, which both happened to be in new buses, were pleasant.

Once at the airport, everything went fairly smoothly. I traveled with my second favorite air company, SAS, and the trip itself was pretty good, even if we got a bit late because of reasons. When I got my luggage, I noticed my dear Aurora got lost on the way. Rest in Peace, sweetheart. Once here, I ran to the train and got on…

And that’s the thing I don’t like about German trains, or at least the one thing I like about this particular one, is the lack of… “luggage wardrobes”, if you like, where you can put bigger luggages. It’s not that I don’t trust that your overhead shelf will carry it, it’s more that people are gonna be killed when I try to take it down.

Gladly, my bag is awesome, so after finding a spot in a corner, the bag served pretty good as a seat. Didn’t realize it could actually hold all of me up, but it could. Fucking awesome. I had one minor train change and had originally freaked out about that the DB farhkarten stations told me there would be a delay, but apparently, not for my train. Awesome. So smoothly from here.

Once in Gelsenkirchen I met up with Madlen and we got to the hotel and now we’ve spent most of the evening catching up on everything and nothing, and to our great happiness they had actually put in a third bed, so bringing my mattress wasn’t necessary! How awesome is that?

Now, seeing as it’s very late, we are gonna go to bed. I’ll tell you more about the hotel tomorrow!

// Sara

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Lempo

Posted in Uncategorized on July 22, 2015 by Sara Hammerzmith

And with all of that said, I’ve finally wrapped up packing for Noch Ein Bier, and not only my “normal” luggage, but also my hand luggage. As soon as I’m done writing this entry I intend to shut down the computer and pack it down together with everything else.

So basically, for the first time in forever, I’m actually done on time. Who would ever have thought. Since we are three people staying in one double room, I’m bringing my fantastic mattress with me to have something super comfortable to sleep on, as well as two of my favorite blankets and a super comfortable pillow. The second part of my bag is full of everything needed – clothes, snacks, hygiene products and Antoine’s toothpaste that he forgot.

My black little makeup bag may be the absolute best thing that I have ever gotten recently, since I can really place things. I think that is one of the major differences. This time I actually took time to now just throw everything down in either bags, I actually placed it all very carefully so there’d be no mess and more space.

I’m just gonna pack down a bottle of Helosan, some bobby pins and make up my mind about what book I wanna start on now that I’m done with “Seven Deadly Sins” by Corey Taylor. And if I should bring a third blanket or not.

Decisions, Decisions, but for now, I’m going to enjoy my glass of coke and finish listening to “Noita” and then read the last chapter in Seven Deadly Sins before bedtime. Tomorrow – Germany.

// Sara

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