There’s not much more of an abrupt transition from noisy, filthy India, to the technologically equipped, spotless streets of my friend Debbie’s East London neighborhood. In hopes of catching up with a few British friends, Sharon and I scheduled a few days in London prior to reaching the states without realizing what a prime social weekend it would turn out to be. Our goal is pretty much to do as much dancing as possible wherever we go, and this weekend was undoubtedly the right weekend to pass through the UK. (Though in a city this alive, I’m not sure if there is ever a bad weekend to be here). After an excess of scones and clotted cream, we met up with Santos (Deviant Species) and Adi (Scorb) for some drinks before catching Adi’s set at the infamous “Fridge,” one of the birth spots of trance in London. We ran into Greg (Mubali, from the states) and a friend of Sharon’s previously residing in NYC who would generously escort us through the non-stop weekend ahead. After Scorb we decided to check out the Synergy Project event that was taking place in a warehouse under the arches. Composed of about 8 rooms, each with a different music style, art stations and workshops, costumes and full décor, this was the classiest event I’ve seen of this type and greatly reminiscent of “the good ole days.” Evidently a monthly, this event is a collaboration between many artists and environmentalists pushing a shared platform for music, art, and education. We saw some familiar faces from Goa, Rane (Phuture Primitive from Portland who was performing), and I even bumped into my good friend Christina from Fort Collins, Colorado currently attending school in London. The event wrapped up by an unforgettably dynamic and powerful set by Man with No Name, followed by a funky morning set from Dick Trevor. The following night, after nowhere near enough rest we experienced a most proper Squat Party with Trold, Psymmetrix, Beardy (Wild Things Records), and our good friend Layla (Dragonfly Records) being some of the headliners. Again enjoying the company of familiar faces from last year in Portugal, Turkey, and Italy, we danced through the morning and into the afternoon like true Londoners and managed to meet a couple locals who invited us for afternoon tea in the back of their “mobile home van” just down the block. Chasing what was left of the first sunny day we’d seen since we hit London, we all dropped by the quick store for some picnic snacks and hit Hyde Park with a blanket just in time for a bottle of sundowners. A perfect end to a perfect weekend, we crashed in their van before heading back to our friend’s house and awoke the next morning for our final departure to the states.

The unfriendly, unwelcoming, and arrogant security at the stateside airport was our first indication that we were no longer in a foreign country. After being away so long, I had again settled into the traveling, free-spirited frame of mind that greatly differs from one that isn’t. Not feeling completely at peace to be back yet, I’m sure all discomfort will dissolve after a few reassuring speeches by G.W. and a few long nights of restful sleep. As Goa was a dream come true, London was certainly the cherry on top for a conclusion to another chapter of this most memorable adventure.