#spiculae

South by Southwest Music Festival has more than 1,300 bands playing in more than 50 locations in Austin, TX. And those are just the official exhibitions. Many bands also play games and unofficial presents several other times during the week. Wednesday, March 15, 2006 opened SXSW for his 20 years of great music. My day began with one of the unofficial parties to see Paris Motel. In one type of music that leaves the possibility of pretension wide open, was Amy May and her crew are anything but complacent. The band seven was extremely kind and down to earth. While they were playing, you can tell every single one of them had a good time. And what better way to start a music festival than watching a bunch of people really enjoying themselves? My first official show was Amos Lee. I must admit I was unfamiliar with his music, but a friend assured me that I would enjoy it. The room was packed and general admission was closed so only badges and bracelets were in. The club three levels and it was extremely difficult to even find standing room. But my friend was right, I definitely had Amos Lee's music and will go out to buy his CD as soon as I can. A little bit folk and soul, Amos Lee has kind of a Damien Rice mixed with Ray LaMontagne thing goes for him.While watch Amos Lee, I heard the buzz about the band after him so I decided to stay and see what World Party had to offer. And man oh man did this rock band from London to give the audience what they wanted. I was on the balcony on the third floor and could see a majority of the room sang along. All of the club made its own little concert watching dance and smile. I've been to SXSW for the past few years and have never once seen a place so crowded. I'm definitely adding World Party at my list of links to learn more about though.The Plimsouls was up next, in his first show in ten years. If you are familiar with the movie Valley Girl with Nicholas Cage, you will recognize which band the Plimsouls can see. It's always entertaining to watch an older bands play, especially one who does not play together anymore. A rock band with some punk aesthetics Plimsouls were good for a smile.Since Paris Motel are offered such a great way to open the first day of SXSW, I thought why not end the day with them too. Again, all around saying how much they liked the band. People seemed to appreciate the addition of fiddle, flute, bassoon and guitar, bass, keyboards and drums. Amy May voice creeps into your heart and makes you listen, and as she is about as adorable as they come, you really do not mind.Other no ties to note the first night should certainly include The Flaming Lips, who was rumored special guest at Exhibition causing quite a stir. From streamers and balloons to the people who ran on stage, the Flaming Lips remind everyone why they love music. The Scottish group Belle & Sebastian played also on the first day of the festival. They did a fantastic job of mixing new songs with classic favorites. Plus, singer Stuart Murdoch gave everyone permission to pinch the butt of the person next to you, they should be sweet. So it's a night down, four remain. And there will be four days full of great music, food, and most importantly beer.

Visit the odd but beautiful at least once in your lifetime. This is an advice not only shared by travel and tour operators but the travelers themselves who have experienced the best of both worlds - the easy cutting the city's streets with the most amazing remnants of history and fascinating buildings and nice nature trips. The destination: far-flung locations where the authenticity is the Credo and the desire to travel is not likely to say "been there, done that." Consider Botswana, Pattaya, and Ho Chi Minh City, or all the way to Catalonia, Spain - all offers exotic travel options has drawn the interest of a growing number of travelers and adventure seekers from around the world. If your heart has been won over by Thailand, you are in for a wonderful, exotic destinations you can enjoy to the hilt with your spouse or friend. There are elephant rides, floating markets and water sports and unique Thai massage & Culture shows that can add an unforgettable journey. For residents, the Pattaya hotel offering quality accommodation at a pace that will not break the bank. Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon, another great exotic travel options, is a place that is still rooted in ancient culture, while showing a fairly modern city. Every Avenue in downtown Ho Chi Minh has restaurants and shops. Art shops for the remarkable reconstruction of the world's most famous paintings. Must-see sights are the tunnels that show visitors how Vietnam endured one of the most heinous war in Asia. A controversial museum also portrays Vietnam's violent past and displays aircraft, helicopters, tanks and artillery formation of a bygone era. After taking in the sights of Saigon, relax in one of the hotels brimming with character and charm, situated in the heart of Saigon. Ho Chi Minh has several hotel options that can meet the requirements for international travelers at a reasonable cost. Some are also a stone's throw from the city's business, entertainment and shopping district. Another exotic destination that has impressed many guests with its famous attractions, great climate, beautiful beaches and delicious delicacies is Barcelona, the capital of the autonomous region of Catalonia. Before hacking away at the modernist city that counts among its most famous landmarks Antoni Gaudi's Basilica of the Holy Family, you can book yourself into one of hip boutique-style hotel in the city center. Some rooms have views of Gaudi's Casa Mila, residential houses, which became a museum dedicated to the famous painter. Alternative hotels include them as part of a worldwide hotel chain and provide easy access to the city's architectural wonders, museums and restaurants. Some hotels have spacious upper floor suites with wonderful views over the city. Low season prices can be obtained. Also worth checking out is a stunning 124-room hotel housed in a 19th century palace structure whose rooms are decorated with original Egyptian, Roman and Hindu art. A trip to exotic Spain will not be complete without tasting the local produce, so enjoy dinner in our dining room or the monastery at the hotel in your area that offers a whiff of the past.