(Photo from http://whisperfall.deviantart.com/art/Dreams-144932089)
Remember your first time walking through Tomorrowland? It was 90 degrees and humid; the summer was in full bloom and your hand perspired as you clung to your Mother’s. People dressed as different animals and princess’ danced around you amongst the crowds of people, and with a smile glued to their faces they, and the warm cotton candy you were inhaling, happily gave you hope that this world wasn’t such a rough place and you – well you believed at least for the moment with your beautifully growing imagination that these people were exactly who they appeared to be at that moment. The flowers and the trees, were perfectly green and colorful in a way the rest of the world didn’t usually seem. Your childlike wonder was in full bloom, and the hour wait to get on Space Mountain lasted forever, but now that you’re remember it, those days didn’t last long enough.
But Disney World still is pretty awesome (Photo from ttp://www.flickr.com/photos/-astin-/6924889385/)
Oops, wrong Tommorowland. Well now that you’re not 9 and not on a family vacation and into electronic music, there IS indeed another Tomorrowland that you’ve probably heard of, maybe even been to. And if you haven’t, I’m here to tell you exactly why you should put this on your bucket list above all other festival.
The first reason is music, of course. Music is a magical thing – why do you think Disney has all of those songs after all? But really, it’s magical for so many reasons. It can change moods, it unites people, it represents histories, cultures, it can help with a range of woes and illnesses from anxiety and depression to even heart disease according to a review of over 23 studies (Bradt & Dileo, 2009).
It is magical, truly, and you can feel this magic alone in your room, but believe it when anyone tells you singing along and dancing with thousands of others is one of the most uplifting experiences they’ve ever felt. Tomorrowland is a celebration of this magic of music, and beyond that, like most electronic music, it’s a celebration of life itself. It does so in the beauty of the European country side, away from the city lights, where thousands of people from different countries unite to appreciate the magic and beauty of music, life, and each other.
Of course you can celebrate this musical magic other places, but Tomorrowland is quickly becoming a raver’s mecca. This fairytale-like setting has charmed hundreds of thousands since 2005, and part of this charm is it’s location in rural Belgium. Yes, certainly not convenient for most Americans, but that is part of the allure – it’s far, it’s another world, it’s almost mythical. We’ve heard the stories, seen the photos and after-movies, and like the explorers of the 1500’s, we are now on our journey back to the Old World, captivated by the adventure we could have in this mysterious land.
(Credit: Tomorrowland)
Throughout college, I traveled to 8 different countries, living in Europe for over 6 months. My debit cards have been locked, I’ve been off the grid, out of touch, I’ve been lost on windy streets with my heart racing, I’ve swam in the Mediterranean sans some clothing, seen the artwork of Picasso and my absolute favorite surreal bad ass Dali, sat with strangers in parks and bars, and now have friends from all around the world. The last time I was in Belgium, after eating waffles, pommes frittes and a few pints of the best beer I’ve ever had (which you all must try when you go!) I began to accidentally respond to French with “Hablo Ingles” (i.e. “I speak English, in Spanish).
Actual Belgian waffle, photo take by me before I ate it.
Sadly, it was winter so I didn’t make it Tomorrowland, and won’t make this into a recap of my life, but what I am trying to say is, beyond all that, traveling and EDM are beautiful together. They both can and hopefully will open your eyes up to the world, to people, to cultures, to being open minded, to seeing the beauty that is around you, awaken your dreams, and if you haven’t yet traveled, please make Tomorrowland your reason to do so.
Let me know; I’ll let you know a good place to grab some food and that beer I told you about in the capital before you head down to BOOM (could it have a better name?) Oh, and before I forget: “Yesterday is history, today is a gift tomorrow is mystery.” Don’t epitomize Avicii and Aloe Blacc who sing about wanting to travel the world and have no plans, get out there NOW before you fall asleep and we do have to wake you up when it’s all over.
Take over your future, and embark on the adventure of a lifetime.
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