#exis

A State of Trance (ASOT) is one of the biggest trance networks, created by Dutch DJ Armin Van Buuren, that hosts radio shows, events and festivals in the Netherlands, Miami, Madrid and Thailand.

I received mixed responses from friends and colleagues when I told them I was going to a trance festival. I have an eclectic music taste and enjoy most genres. I particularly love electronic dance and love festivals even more so A State of Trance just seemed like the ideal festival to experience! And it did not disappoint 😉

When booking, I purchased the package that included accommodation and tickets to both the boat pre-party and the main festival. Altogether, it cost £180 which was very reasonable – especially as it included breakfast and coaches to/from all the events! Upon arrival, I had to check in and collect an envelope with details about the weekend.

I had a few hours to spare before it was time to get ready for the boat party. I hopped on a Metro going towards the city centre…at least that’s what I thought. I ended up in Waterlooplein, coming out the station and seeing a row of flea markets.

I chose not to rely too much on Google maps and just randomly wander the streets of Amsterdam. I’ve been to Amsterdam before so places looked familiar as I walked around. I discovered a small, busy Chinese restaurant which served cheap but large dishes and after eating I found a Lidl to buy some essentials (alcohol and snacks!)

It was time to get ready for the boat party! I had pre drinks with a group of friendly Danish guys. We played pictionary, I drank wine (and some of their beer), took selfies then we headed to the coach!  The journey felt like a school trip; everyone chatting, downing drinks that were snuck on and one man blaring trance on his phone.

The party was amazing! Armin Van Buuren and Ruben De Ronde both played sets, the drinks were strong, I lost my purse, found it again and ended up on the wrong coach home! That’s when I met Julian and Tomas – who also came to the festival alone! The three of us were staying at the same hostel so we called a taxi to collect us. At this point, I was super drunk but remember ordering pizza, bumping into the Danish guys again then crashing in bed.

The day of the festival I woke up quite late but had arranged to meet with Julian and Tomas for a quick drink just before we got the coach to Utrecht for ASOT! Again, the journey was like a school outing but this coach dimmed the lights and played music. When we got to the arena, I looked around in awe at how MASSIVE the place was! Tomas said, “this is just the entrance, wait until you see inside!”

Inside was even more spectacular than I imagined! We walked through a food court which had bars and food stalls serving everything from kebabs to churros. The area also had the studio where Armin Van Buuren frequently streams his radio show. The guys and I quickly ate and headed to the main stage for Armin Van Buuren’s first set! The festival began at 8pm and from then I lost track of time. I separated from the guys because I wanted to explore all the other stages.

I found myself dancing into the Psy Trance stage, where a DJ named Exis was remixing one of my favourite dance tracks!  I also wormed my way to the front during PUSH and Above and Beyond’s set. Amongst the lazers, confetti and CO2 cannons, I was seriously impressed with Armin Van Buuren’s second set and all the songs he played. I basically fell in love with the man! The atmosphere in the arena was nothing like I’ve felt at a festival before.

I may have travelled alone but I never felt lonely. I was surrounded by people with great vibes, there to have a good time and enjoy music from known DJs as well as upcoming ones. I partied until 6am, meeting several beautiful people from all over the world. My favourite was the couple who wore matching tees and the American girls whose outfits glowed in the dark! Oh and the random lady with sunglasses who kissed me on the cheek – hope she’s having a great weekend wherever she is!

The whole festival was wonderfully organised; barely any queues, staff were extremely helpful, bartenders were generous (or maybe they felt sorry for a solo raver)! Around 5am, I reunited with Julian and Tomas who were having the time of their lives at the ‘Who’s Afraid of 138’ stage. We stayed until 6am, still buzzing as we made our way to the *correct* coach. I said goodbye to the new friends I made, packed my stuff and made my way to the airport.

Amsterdam will always be my favourite city – I’m making sure I attend A State of Trance again! Perhaps for the 20th Anniversary in two years time! I’m proud and grateful to have done this trip alone, with no problems, just lots of memories 😀 ❤

Julian, Tomas & I

Rachel

x