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I have never been to Glastonbury.
I have never been to a really good outdoor music festiavl.
And so when I discovered there was one in Kuching the days after we leave, I was a bit disappointed that we had to go and miss out on breaking myself in at one in the middle of the jungle.
And so, I stayed. I disbanded the duo. As Dan set off to Kuala Lumpur, I changed my flights and bought a two day pass to the Rainforest International Music Festival, joined by a rather lovely Australian lady (perhaps another influence in my decision making!).
And I am pretty glad I did. The night before the festival proper we watched some local Malaysian pop bands at a warm up gig, and I was a bit concerned that the whole thing might consist of more of the same - Malaysian boys singing songs about the Tsunami entitled 'Bleed'!
How wrong I was.
During they day there are workshops were musicians jam together and teach you all about the different styles that exist all around the world, whilst in the evening the same performers play with their bands, and there is such an eclectic mix, you know you will like something.
There was a particularly awesome group from the Phillipines that was playing Jimi Hendrix on a Sittar, and a Polish Rock/Folk group that worked the crowd into a frenzy. The inevitable rain didn't dampen the spirits, and sent the ground into a muddy dancefloor, all dancers getting messy, but enjoying themselves hugely. We ended up grooving with a couple of kids from Bruneii, acting as temporary babysitters whilst their parents watched on grateful for the rest.
Against the backdrop of the a tree covered mountain, lit up beautifully, the stars above and local teenagers rocking out, I'm glad I stayed.
I'm sorry to have abandoned my friend, and I only hope he can soon forgive me.
Dan, if you're reading this, I am truly sorry. I love you and will make it up to you - I promise. Anything - you name it. I'll even do that thing you like again, but this time I will know what to expect!
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