One month of travel - the good, the bad, and the forgetful
Holy moly I can't believe I've been traveling a month already! Honestly, it feels like I just left Australia yesterday. I've hit two countries and four states since I left, so I thought I'd compile a list of the highlights and lowlights so far (mostly so I don't forget myself, but have a peek if you like!).
Best hostel: Travelers House Portland
I can't tell you how happy I am that I started my trip at this hostel. It quickly became like coming home to family at the end of each day, and I made friends there more easily than anywhere else so far.
Best outdoorsy moment: Triple Falls, Portland
We'd intended on checking out Multnomah Falls, but the traffic was intense and there was no chance of getting a parking spot. So we continued on the road until there was somewhere to stop, and it happened to be the start of the Triple Falls hike. It was steep at times, slippery at times, and the greenest wilderness I've ever seen. Hell of a way to break in new hiking shoes though. Ouch.
Best tour: Seattle
You know I love my music, so the Stalking Seattle tour was the absolute best. We went to places that were the cornerstones for artists like Soundgarden, Pearl Jam and Nirvana. What's not to love?
Best festival: Festival de International de Jazz Montreal
The entertainment district is taken over by so many stages, more people than you could ever imagine and some of the best acts in the world (jazz and otherwise). Stay tuned for my full wrap-up, because I sure as hell cant fit all that awesomeness right here. Too much! So good!
Best food: Green Panther, Montreal
Who knew that a felafel pita pocket would be the most amazing thing ever? I think the secret is their pickled cabbage, but whatever it is I've been craving it ever since. 😍
Live show with the most props: Kid Koala
Not mad props... like, actual props. There have been so many musical highlights (more on that later), but when it comes to props and showmanship Kid Koala takes the cake. Puppets, burlesque dancers, kazoo battles - this gig had it all! More to come on that…
Most overrated food: Poutine
Poutine almost feels like a rite of passage in Canada. Fries, gravy and cheese curds. I lined up for half an hour to get some, and I gotta say, I was unimpressed.
Unexpected brush with fame: I grabbed my Thai takeaway in the food court in Desjardins in Montreal, and who should be sitting next to me but the screaming eagle of soul himself - Charles Bradley! Shirt unbuttoned halfway down his chest, funk swagger, the works. I didn't get a chance to say hi, as just after I sat down he bussed his tray and headed off through the shopping centre. No offence taken.
Favourite city: Seattle
What can I say? In a city filled with music tradition, down-to-earth folk and a cute community festival, I couldn't go wrong. Could have done without the rain though.
Best thing I saw with my peepers: AURA at the Basilica, Montreal
A 'sound and light show' kinda sounds like an obscure generalised description for just about anything, so I was pretty blown away by AURA. The basilica in itself is absolutely gorgeous, but then they have added projections and lighting on just about anything, with a state-of-the-art sound system. It was haunting and awe inspiring.
Best ice cream: Salt & Straw, Portland
So I've had to curb my ice cream addiction as this trip progresses, but Salt & Straw was amazing! They have flavours of just about everything, including peanut butter and jelly bagel (flavoured ice cream!), olive oil (which was actually the best!) and honey and lavender. Well worth a lick if you're in the vicinity.
Best community festival: Fremont Solstice Festival, Seattle
Thousands of naked bike riders, painted in elaborate body paint. What's not to love?
Gig that made me cry: Lisa Simone
Yep, that’s Nina’s daughter. I saw her last night and she moved me to tears. She oozed charisma, integrity and charm, and even though most of her banter was in French, I was mesmerised. The few times she spoke in English, I cried. Her band was amazing, she was amazing, and I feel so blessed to have been in that room with her.
Things I wish I'd packed: My iPod charger.
I clearly remember seeing it, thinking 'what the hell is that for?' And taking it out of my bag before I left. Genius.
Things I wish I didn't pack: 4 notebooks
I love to journal. Gratitude journal, morning pages, nighttime thoughts... but so far I've barely written a word. Probably could have done with just one of those notebooks. Hindsight.