Poland

Greeting from Warsaw! About time too! That was one epically long car journey. Try 23 hours! We left Amsterdam at 12pm on Thursday, all quietly dreading the 14 hour drive we had ahead of us. A mammoth traffic jam just out of Berlin saw to that journey being a distant dream. To this day we still don't know what the cause was. We were directed off the motorway before we saw the route of the cause. The dreaded red stream of break lights set our collective thoughts; we ain't moving from this joint anytime soon! 2 hours in and less than 100 kilometres covered; a cigarette is a must. There was denying it. Tom, Callum and myself hopped out of the van, with the plan to continually walk forward so that we were never far from the van. We thought this plan was fool proof. Turns out, fools were its main prescriber. Half a cigarette down; and Tom decides to get back to the van. He must have sensed what was coming. Callum and I stayed by the side of the road with no hesitation. There way plenty of time...no there wasn't! The stagnant res lights from the cars wasn't so stagnant anymore.we has movement! And we weren't in the van! We stubbed out our cigarettes and ran in the direction of the cars. But they weren't stopping! Every time we got closer to the van, it ventured further away! We are going to have to step up the pace! Callum grasped my hand as we started to run at full pelt towards the van. What must we look like! Sod that...are we going to make it! It was us against the cars. Adrenalin took over as we surged forward to catch our van in the distance. We could see it clearly now. One last blast and we will have made it. Ready...go! We made it!

After a long, all too familiar drive we had made it to Alex's house at 7:30am. I can honestly say I can't remember the last time I was so pleased to arrive at someone's house! It was long overdue. And what's that? A warm shower, that works? Don't mind if I do! And my what a pleasant experience. The hot water beat down on my skin warming my muscles and healing my tired head. It was wonderful. I didn't want to get out. Refreshed and rejuvenated, I was ready to embrace optimism...after a sleep. 

The time had arrived for the gig at Kosmos Kosmos. This was a smallish venue located in the centre of Warsaw. It was a funny little venue. Its decor was futuristic silvers and whites with spaceships and planets patterning the walls. The toilets had a sliding glass door, leading in to pod-like toilets, like those on a spaceship. This was a quirky venue. Quirk is good. I have love for the quirk. The gig was edging closer, and spirits were high. I think we all had the common belief that this was The Gig; we had really enjoyed our time in Poland, all be it short, we had all recovered from our sleep deprivation and were all feeling pretty positive. And there were loads of people there! ...Although all of the gigs had been a positive experience, that was a first. Yep, this was going to be a good gig! ...and we were right! The gig went so smoothly!  The band were on fire! The most in sync I've seen then yet. And the crowd were loving it! Including Emily and I at the front; the proud girlfriends. This is the part that makes all the hard times worth it. I can't really put in to words the feeling I get when I watch Callum play. It's quite lovely. So what's the verdict...a rather enthusiastically requested encore, 25 EPs sold and an amazing night had by all. Success! Check out the band EP on www.gruzmusic.com 

A great gig, good banter, and an actual bed to come home to...today was a good day. 

Know the stats

Time spent: 3 nights, 3 days
Money spent: £60
Top spots: Kosmos Kosmos, Czwecka resteraunt, Playground outdoor night club
Memorable meals: Every meal cooked by Alex's mum (recipie page on it's way!)
Overall chillometer score: 8 chills