Lost at Slane

I lost my phone, my camera, my jacket and some memory cells, but Slane 2011 was worth it!

The Kings of Leon kicked off Ireland's festival season last Saturday night, they played a truly marathon set and although some will condemn their lack of interaction with the crowd, and their failure to experiment with their live sets - to be honest there just wasn't time!

Slane ticket - not my picture obviously!

They played all the hits, some really old stuff and a few new songs.

They sang and played exactly like you hear on their albums, which can be disappointing for some, but really it is impressive, when all you hear about is sound editing and audio perfecting, to listen to a live band that are studio quality is extraordinary.

I love the festival atmosphere, and so even though I wouldn't be the King of Leon's biggest fan and only know a few Elbow and White Lies tracks I went the Slane way because it may be the only big outdoor event I get to this year.

Walking through Slane Village and into the castle grounds, you really get a feel of festival go-ers mood. This was not the place for young 17 year olds, because the average age I would guess to be about 27 or 28. The vibe was laid back and despite the gloomy weather forecasts, all us revelers received were a few showers and they were light and well received!

Moving on from an episode where my partner in crime lost her ticket and we had to trick our way in, and after smuggling some alcohol, we arrived in the beautiful grounds just in time to hear Thin Lizzy really tear it up. Thirty years on and missing a vital ingredient, the guys really were the highlight of the day.

Elbow were good, but we missed a few songs as we prepared for King of Leon (this meant queuing for the toilets and finding 'The Best Spot').

When King of Leon arrived on stage, we were ready and so were they. We jumped (and fell) and sang, it seemed as if everyone knew all the words to every song. Man Utd supporters cheered arm in arm with Barcelona jersey wearers and the only complaint about the concert was that it passed too quickly.

As usual we had some issues with getting out bus (back to City North Hotel) but as a consolation after losing all my worthy goods God sent us a man from Glan (Mc Govern Coaches, Glangelvin) to ferry us to our comfortable beds.

A few bruises, and a hangover later with no photos to claim my own, I will always have the memories of Slane 2001, the Kings of Leon, the lost ticket, my lost items and that scar on the top of my head ...

Can you ever be too old for a festival?!

Eleven locations

Where are "you had to be there" locations for 2011?
You cannot go wrong with showing your face in these trendy eleven locations over the next 365 days:




1. Tallinn, Estonia

This beautiful old town has been named European Cultural Capital 2011.
Freedom Square, Kadriorg Palace, St Catherine's Passage and unbeatable charm makes this city the best place to escape to this year. Oh just one more thing Estonia joins the Eurozone this year ... sorted!





2. India/ Pakistan/ Bangladesh


I know this is cheating but all three of these countries are hosting the Cricket World Cup this year, and though you and I may not be fans of cucumber sandwiches, it is a superb chance to visit these countries when they are scrubbed clean for a worldwide audience.

3. Berkshire, England


Right so the wedding of the year will be happening, whether you like or despise the Royal Family this is a biggie - but with accommodation prices in London only just friggin crazy, be a lord and lady and head to the home of the future Queen Catherine: Berkshire. Windsor Castle, the Royal Ascot and other la dee da charms await!

4. Wellington, New Zealand


Rugger up - the Rugby World Cup will be held in New Zealand this year and if you love a good knees up with some chunky men then you should make your way to NZ's capital cool Wellington the Bohemian adventure center.



5. The Amazon Rainforest



Why not just do it - it's not that crazy get your activity adventure loving ass over to the Amazon and celebrate the UN's International Year of Forests in style! Float your way through the world's largest rain forest and you could experience Brazil, Peru, Columbia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana and some amazing wildlife.


6. Valencia, Spain


What is so special about Spain in 2011? Aside from cheap beer and sun this city is Europe's Capital of Sport 2011. This city is really up and coming and is almost pushing over Barcelona with beautiful architecture, great shopping and oh the beach!

7. Argentina

Voted top ethical destination two years in a row and with gorgeous landscapes, cosmopolitan cities and a buzzing culture, Argentina is a travellers paradise. Affordable and unforgettable.


8. Machu Picchu


Yes this sacred mountain appears on most people's wish list but this year is it's 100th anniversary since it was discovered by a foreigner. The Inca trail is mysterious and ancient and making this journey could be the best of your life let alone just 2011.




9. Chernobyl, Ukraine


The well known Chernobyl disaster which occurred in 1986 is considered the worst nuclear power plan accident in history. This year a  number of companies will begin tours to the infamous power plant site you will get to see the 'dead town' of Pipyay, as well as the 'red forest.' It is great to see this place turning it self around and I really hope it does well.

10. Washington DC


This place seems extraordinary
and is on my list this year, because I have not been and everyone is raving about it! If you love museums this seems to be Disneyland and I hear it is cheap too - history my love here I come!





11. Irish Year of the Craft

We have some very talented people in this country and this year we will celebrate their unique talents with the Year of the Craft. Craft fairs will pop up all over the country this Summer so you can buy pretty things for me and you but to see some items during creation get yourself to Co Kilkenny or to Carrick-on-Shannon in Leitrim for some meet the maker fun.

Well hello 2011!

Apologies for my long absence, I was attacked by a virus over the Christmas and New Year which I am hoping is not a sign of things to come this year - because I am planning on having a very happening 2011.
So after days in bed I cannot wait to get out and start living in 2011 and not surprisingly one of my top resolutions for this year is to look after my body - exercise, eating better, relaxing and pampering!

I am hoping to do a photography course this year, because I love photos so expect a whole host of photos coming up, oh and I'm going to try out my new 12 month project where I take a photo of the same location every month and pick the best four that encapsulate the seasons.

Of course I want to get out and travel, go places, do things, maybe start doing some more walking trails and getting away with friends or even by myself to explore the country, I've not decided on any foreign hols yet but I think I might look for some different places a bit closer to home rather than half across the universe!

Write about what I love - which I do here of course but I also hope to try and do it more often like get a full time job more closer to my passions.

Cook new things - I love to cook when I get the time, and it is relaxing and satisfying so this is a must!

I would like to become more patient this year, try to listen rather than speak too quickly. I am quite a hot tempered person so this would help relationships all round! Most of all I need to realise that only I can make myself happy so I need to stop relying on others to do this for me.

In essence: Read, write, learn, travel, exercise, relax ... and breathe!