Genevieve's Adventures: A month of excitement - Part 1.

Hello there! Long time, not speak... Well, y'know what I mean. 

It has been quite a while since I wrote here last (yeah, I tend to say that a bit). I am hoping to write more over my (three month) uni break!  I am hoping to start things I have been planning for ages, create new projects and continue the ones I am currently working on. 

Well, onto the real business - my adventurous past three weeks! 

Before you go on, listen to this and then come back.

Week 1: I was a leader on Scripture Union schoolies, aka. 'the alternative schoolies option'.  It was a wonderful week full of crazy schoolies, random (all-of-a-sudden) storms (with hail), a ton of dancing (also known as exercise), chatting about life and future plans and most importantly, making friends.  It was a wonderful week full of wonderful people and memories ♥

Week 2: I got one proper nights sleep at home (as I had crazy late nights and full on days at camp), it was well deserved and not quite enough - but no time to rest! I was onto my next adventure! 

Next up was TOUR with Wafia. 

Yeah, so if you didn't know, I am actually 'in a band'.  I sing along side three talented (and dare I say incredibly good looking) girls - Wafia (head honcho/lead vocals), Savannah (guitar and everything else) and Charmayne (babe/bass).  

W2, Day 1: *BEEP BEEP BEEP* 2:45am the alarm goes off. Time to wake up and drive to Sydney. Yep. 12/13 hours of fast moving scenery, strange towns (a scream or two given while passing through Woolgoolga 'The Goog'... yeah, don't ask) and a butt load of 90's tracks (mostly Destiny's Child and Hillary Duff). 

Finally we arrived in Sydney and were greeted by the ever so warm, lovely and charming Jack (aka. Cigaretes... yeah das riiiigh, be jealous ladies).  Although weary from our travels, we mustered up our energy for a bit of an adventure to 'Terabithia', where we walked until  we reached a clearing of fresh water and tall trees. It was beautiful and nice to be able to properly stop and take in the full moment. 

We then went back to Jack's house where we were delighted with a home cooked meal and wonderful company, and afterwards we even went to watch the sunset. It was perfect. 

W2, Day 2: Wafia had a photo shoot, Jack went to work and the rest of us meandered around the city. Savannah and myself went into Circular Quay, saw the Opera House and went to the Modern Gallery, which was wonderful. 

Later that evening, we had our gig in Hibernian House - a block of apartments full of resident artists and creative types.  The gig was opened by two very talented support acts: Little Bighorn and Direwolf. 

(Photo by: Sunny Lei)

(If the other song has finished, please listen to this and continue reading).

W2 Day 3: After a fairly full nights rest, we had (yet again) an early morning as we were driving to Lake Mountain resort in Marysville, Melbourne, for Paradise festival. This time we were joined by Jack, Bryce and Nath. 

As we approached Paradise, the excitement started to build and the scenery grew more and more exquisite.  

As we drove up the mountain, the trees became white and appeared in the thousands.  We soon entered the gates of Lake Mountain - the site of Paradise, and the excitement grew even more intense.  

(please listen to this now) 

Matt Corby started to play as we were soon surrounded by stark white trees and thick, glorious fog.  

There are no proper words to describe what was going on inside each of us at that moment.

I was almost brought to tears from the immense beauty of it all.  It is something I will remember, hopefully for the rest of my life. 

We soon arrived to the Paradise site, and boy, was it stunning! (and freezing). 

Although we knew it was going to be on the top of a ski field, none of us truly understood what that would mean - I mean c'mon, 4 Brisbane girls, coming from 'proper' summer, entering into 10 degree (Celsius) cold plus wind chill... at 4 in the afternoon, while the sun is still blaring (as the sun doesn't set until 9pm in Melbourne).

But nothing would deter us from the joy that was awaiting us! 

The first night was absolutely freezing (well for us Brisbane people) as it reached a mere 6 degrees (it's freaking summer here, so we definitely weren't expecting that!). I am pretty sure we were all wearing every item of warm clothing we brought with us - I had my stockings, jeans, socks, shirt, cardigan, jumper, jacket, ear warmers (which I just happened to bring) and socks for my hands (trust me, it really works!). 

The first sleep was difficult and cold, although the day to follow was truly amazing! 

W2, Day 4: Paradise gig day! 12:30pm we went on and performed to around 200/300 people. The most we had performed to yet. It was the perfect set at the perfect time, with the perfect weather. We couldn't have asked for more!

(this is the stage we played on)

After our set, we mingled in the green room, made some friends (including the very amazing and talented guys from the band I'lls and some of the guys from PLGRM - please check out what they're doing) and then decided it was time to explore! 

(I'lls)

(the guys all sitting around our camp site)

Myself, Wafs, Jack and Bryce went for a walk up to the summit of the Lake Mountain to take in the entire view, and boy, was it worth it!

(the boys posing. #models)

(If the last song has finished, please listen to this)

We later came back to the camp site and decided to watch the sunset. We sat around singing cheesy, childish songs at the top of our lungs while the sun warmed our bones and joy filled our hearts. 

Once the sun had set and it became cold, we all left to watch the bands play. 

After grooving to Millions, most of the gang went to bed. All except Savannah and myself. The two of us sat in the car (warmth) while Sav curled up for bed and I attempted to do a star trail, which as you can see epically failed! 

(my failed attempt at a star trail, although I still kind of like this photo)

I then went back to the stage where I was greeted by one of the guys from I'lls and Michael from PLGRM (which I was thankful for, as they kept me company). We (mainly Michael) danced the rest of the night away to Animaux until it was so cold my feet felt like they were going to fall off.  

The next morning we packed up quickly and said our goodbyes to everyone we had met during the weekend. Overall, it was a truly incredible experience, a weekend I will never forget! 

André Hillas, you are seriously one of the coolest, craziest, sweetest, most passionate, inspirational people I know. 

You are going to go so far! - Paradise is just the start! 

☼

Genevieve's Adventures: A month of excitement - Part 2.

Week 2, Day 5: Goodbyes to Paradise were said, ballads were sung and we were off to Melbourne city. 


W2, Day 6: Wafia had another photo shoot, so Savannah and myself went to Fitzroy and spent a good half hour (and several other visits later in the day) at Zetta Florence, my absolute favourite stationary store. 

After catching up with some old/brisbane friends and lunch at Bimbos (best pizza place everrrr, especially when they are only $4), we met up with Charmayne (the bassist in the band) and Kaleb, who was joining us for the week.  After all meeting again at a rooftop cinema bar for dinner, we were later joined by Tyler (another Brisbane person). 

OH! Also that night we had the great privilege of meeting the incredibly talented and very sweet, Jarrad Seng (please check out his work, it is incredible!). It was so lovely to chat. 

To think, it was by chance that we happened to be in the same city at the same time.  I am certainly glad it worked out that way! 

The seven of us (Wafia, Savannah, Charmayne, Serena, Kaleb, Tyler and myself) spent the week in a small room next to a house owned by a lovely lady (who took us in). All seven of us crammed on three beds (and for the first night, two single-seat armchairs). That night I ended up sleeping in the van (which got very cold) while Tyler (on the armchair) didn't get a wink of sleep.  So we were all off to an interesting start. 

(Daisies grow in the grass in Melbourne! Best thing ever!!!!!!!) 

W2, Day 7: Waking to the sunrise, the day began.  We all went out to breakfast at this wonderful, hidden bagel cafe - Manchester Press which was  SO delicious. I definitely recommend going there! The bagels are TOP NOTCH! 

(My beautiful Brisbane friends in Melbourne. It felt so normal)

The majority of the rest of the day was filled with looking through the National Gallery of Victoria, talking to curators (we met the most interesting curator ever - if you go to the NGV, try and talk to Don, you won't be disappointed!) and of course taking in a bit of Melbourne's scenery while drinking local ciders. 

While laying on the floor, looking up at the stain glass roof at the NGV, Sav got a call - to our astonishment it was Jarrad Seng inviting Sav and myself to see Passenger play! 

That night Sav and I headed to St Kilda to the Palais Theatre where Passenger was playing. We arrived picked up our tickets, not expecting much. We soon found ourselves sitting in some pretty amazing seats, looking out onto the stage from the mezzanine level, with the most perfect view of the spectacular roof. We later found out that the show was actually sold out, so the tickets Jarrad gave us were pretty special! (let a lone the fact that he even gave them to us).  So I would just like to say THANK YOU SO MUCH JARRAD! Also, that Jarrad Seng is one of the sweetest, most genuine (and crazy talented) people around! If you have the chance, you should get to know him, or at least say hi to him! You won't regret it. 

(Sav and I with Jarrad)

Week 3 Day 1: Today was a very exciting day for quite a few of us! On this day, Wafia met up with Gotye to do a bit of song writing (at his house!)... no big deal. While Sav and I went to meet the alluring Joshua Maxwell de Hoog (yes, I just called you alluring Josh...).  We drove to Geelong and turned up at his house. There was a funny moment when we arrived and knocked on his door, but no-one answered (for about 5/6 minutes)... probably one of the tensest 5 minutes of my life, wondering if we had just knocked on the wrong persons door - but thankfully Josh came and answered the door. (phewwwwf, *right house sigh of relief*). 

After receiving 'the grand tour of his house' we made our way to Torquay beach. On arrival, my breath was instantly taken away with the beauty of the place - a somewhat empty beach with looming yellow cliffs, dotted with hidden caves, stretching as far as the eye could see. 

We spent most of the day frolicking in the sand, walking along the shoreline and getting amongst the seaweed (there was SO MUCH seaweed! Probably the most I have ever seen in my life!) 

(A little eagle I saw)

(My failed attempt at free-lensing)

After the shoot, we went back to Josh's house, ate dutch sweets (warm Stroopwafles) and made delicious cannelloni and potato chips (which were unfortunately a bit spicy - so I had a glass of milk... the only milk they had in the house was goats milk - I now know that goats milk is not my thing... especially with Ribena in it - gross. thanks Josh haha).  

We spent the rest of the night listening to records, jamming on instruments, talking shop, and laughing at my embarrassing, tired-moments. It was a pretty wonderful day and especially wonderful since we got to finally meet Josh in person. 

(I took a few other photos that i'm rather proud of, that you can see here and here).

Week 3, Days 2-4: The rest of the week was full of exploring Melbourne, it's art culture and intricate lanes. Also during the week we attended an art show (for Sav's brithday), a gig with Friendships, several art galleries and cider places. It was grand. 

(My new favourite place to sit)

W3, Day 5: As the week came to an end, so did our tour. 

On the Saturday night, we had our final gig. An intimate gig full of friendly (somewhat familiar) faces and amazing music. The support acts for the gig - Josh Gioca Mioscu and Lachlan Duthie are both incredibly talented musicians. I was blown away by them and their talents! (You should definitely check them out!)

(Photo by Mashara Watchjudy)

After we finished playing, a dance party erupted! It was a wonderful way to end the night, and the tour - letting completely go of all the cares in the world and moving freely to the music, no matter how silly we looked. Oh, and thanks to André's amazing playlist, we had an absolute blast!

W3, Day 6: The day after the gig (well, midnight the next night) we left Melbourne and headed to Sydney for one last time. After an amazingly delicious dinner and well deserved nights sleep at the Steblina's house, we drove home to Brisbane. 

W3, Day 7: Arriving at Wafia's house (feeling rather weary) there were many joyous reunions as we were each welcomed home by massive smiles and long hugs.

- I am beyond grateful for every beautiful soul we met and talked to, every smile that was shared, every breath-taking moment that occurred (there were many throughout the trip), every opportunity that arose, every note that was sung and sound that was heard, and finally every single moment that was shared with love ones and even strangers. 

This trip will not be forgotten any time soon! 

☼