The Boogaloo

Last Monday night, I headed northeast to the Boogaloo to hear some live music and enjoy the bar scene in Highgate. The Boogaloo apparently has the best jukebox in the world (according to GQ). Albums can only be added by industry insiders, and likes of Robert Plant and Sinead O’Conner have made contributions. Unfortunately, I did not get to use the jukebox during my visit, as I was being entertained by the very cute Anto Dust, an acoustic version of Chapter Sweetheart, and my friend’s boyfriend’s friend, Daniel Pickard. It’s always nice to hear live music and hear people’s work, and the Boogaloo is definitely a really cool place. Case in point: there was a cat drinking water at the bar and no one paid it any mind.

Nightlife: London versus Braunwald

Dance floor at Electric Showroom.

Fact: It is easy to fill your nights with fun in London. I’m still exploring the London club, bar, and lounge scene, now that I am actually in London on weekends. I don’t know if it’s because I’m still a bit of a tourist, or because I can’t help thinking, “I’m partying in London”, or because the nightlife here is truly amazing, but I’ve had successful nights two weekends running. Here are some highlights.

Kraków, Kochający*

I have loads of photos and stories from Braunwald in my vault, but I’m going to take a detour and cover my trip to Krakow. Alicia, one of my housemates from Trois-Rivières, met me Thursday afternoon on the last leg of her month-long stay in Poland. Four days later, and I completely understood her desire to return every year. Krakow is beautiful, historically rich, and filled with nice, nice people. I’m going to try to convey my impressions as best as I can, but I really suggest that if you get the chance, dear reader, that you hop on a train/plane/bus and give this place a visit.

Rennes, la capitale de Bretagne

Part 2 of my series of French cities, which began in Paris. This time, in the glorious province of Brittany, where Andrew and I enjoyed the sights, sounds, and tastes like locals thanks to our hosts. Our stay in Rennes was possible due to the hospitality of three beautiful French girls, Céline, Émilie, and Hélène, and their very lucky flatmate, Pierre, the lone male in their enormous apartment. How does Anubha know these fabulous Frenchies? CouchSurfing. My mother just clicked the link and fainted.

London By Night

I’d been here for three weeks before I partook in the world that is London by night. But I made up for it in one long, long adventure, that started around 20:00 and ended at 04:00 the next day.

New View: Once (2007)

Once movie poster.

I first heard about Once after hearing the song “Falling Slowly”, and I knew immediately that I had to see the film. I refused to watch any videos on YouTube or read any reviews: I wanted to go into my viewing without knowing anything about the film. I did, however, buy the soundtrack.

Once is an indie film from Ireland, without any of the preciousness “indie” attempts from America exude. It’s not a musical, per se, but music does form a central part of the narrative. It stars Glen Hansard as a busker…that’s all I’m telling you. Go watch this film.

Quote:

Guy: Did you write that?
Girl: No, Mendelssohn did.
Guy: It’s good.

Have you seen this movie? Let me know your take on it, or suggest another film, in the comments!