One of the biggest problems of Slovenian music and sport fans is that world famous athletes and musicians never come to Slovenia. So we must pay more money than people from other countries to see our idols up live and feel the energy of the crowd. But sometimes you still have to decide and go abroad. Especially now, when transport is not as expensive as it used to be, for instance 10 years ago. These are the factors due to which London and I have a special story. I've spent 6 days in the city, from which 3 were at the O2 arena at the C2C festival and at the final ATP tournament.
My story about wanting to visit the Country festival started years ago, when I discovered the music. But it's hard to be a fan of country in the centre of Europe. As representatives of country music only rarely come to Europe, but even then they usually stop in Great Britain, or maybe also in Netherlands and Scandinavia. Country music is as American as a pick u-up truck or a 4th of July fireworks. But there's a C2C festival in London, with the full name Country to Country, which has been going on for four years now. I always wanted to go and this year, with
Miranda Lambert, my favourite singer, performing, I knew this is my time to attend. The festival is a three day event, but I've only bought a one day ticket – it was for March 11th and it was a day I was standing outside the O2 arena full of anticipation. Before that I've discovered a new and beautiful hidden corner of London – a park with benches and headstones, which reminded me of the »Notting Hill« movie, but that's something for a whole different story. First there were concerts held outside the inner hall, but the big stars that came to stage later on performed inside the arena. The Arena is a huge complex with many restaurants and bars. I should warn you though, that the food stands inside are more expensive than the ones outside the arena. As this was a country music festival, the cowboy boots and hats were sold just about everywhere. But I was there for the music, which meant I was running around from one stage to the other to listen to various performers. They all convinced me as they all sounded as good live as they did on their studio recordings.
But after I've seen Miranda's performance, it became clear to me why I became a fan and why I listen to her and am interested in her life. Her lyrics (especially those talking about strong and independent women who take care of themselves) were always the ones I liked (»Kerosene, Mama Broken Heart«). After the concert I've decided to attend to more of her live events, but should get better seats, not to be bothered by unnecessary lights and other people walking by.
If you're also interested to go to a concert somewhere abroad, I'll give you some good tips on the topic. If there are several places of the tour you can choose from, you should always go to the one to which you can get cheapest plane tickets for. The most important part is getting the concert ticket, as they can get sold out quickly. So you don't have much time to think about it – should you go so far for just a concert or not. You can get different kind of seats this way. Anyway – you should just buy the ticket and go! And often you will end up in London. It's hard to get a really cheap flight (for about 20€) as you are flying on an exact date. So you should keep track of plane fare over
Skyscanner, and when you get a cheap flight, just take it and don't double-check! As airports are usually some way from the city, you should count in the transport costs as well. You should do that soon too, as the prices change frequently. You can get a bus fare for 1£ if booked well ahead of time, or you can pay up to 20 latter. Next thing to think about is a place to sleep over. You can always sleep at the airport – it's uncomfortable and they will try to discourage you from doing that – but it's free (except for the food and drinks you'll need). Finding a place to stay can also depend on personal contacts. Especially London is a kind of a city, where there's a chance your friends or family know somebody who live there and you may crash with them. Do get them something nice as a gift though (sweets are usually a great choice). There are also several
Hostelling International youth hostels in London (at various locations). The one closest to the O2 arena is the
YHA London Thameside. You may not get to see a lot of the city this way, but at least that's the reason to return over and over again.
Alenka Kastelic
