babswanderful

Sounds of Travel

I know you’ve been going through some things
I know you don’t even love the same, do ya?
I know you’ve been running on empty, running on empty
The way you move it’s like you could use a vacation

I Know (Big Sean and Jhene Aiko)

These lyrics instantly take me into vacation mode. My mind instantly relaxes. Big Sean and Jhene Aiko verbalize and understand the stress I experience daily. They verbalize my body and mind’s need to break from my norm and jump into my fantasy vacation.

Usually, Sean and Jhene sing to me on the runway as the plane begins to take off. Then Erykah Badu takes over with her melodic rhythm and voice as Window Seat plays through my ears and I gaze out of the window leaving Atlanta behind…for now.

When I am on my plane for a while, taking an early or late flight my six-hour Jazz Chill Playlists by Apple Music will lull me to sleep. This playlist reduces all anxiety especially because I tend to get anxious on flights over three hours or over water.

When the plane lands I usually switch to the music that will set the tone for the trip. When I landed in London my favorite band Queen took the stage in my cerebral concert, rightfully so. They sang Don’t Stop Me Now to remind me of my bravery and excitement to step foot on land that I only saw on television.

On my way to the Louvre in Paris, tears fell from my eyes. I was consumed with gratitude, disbelief, and awe! My entire life, I could only dream and read about the most elite art museum in all of the world and I was finally there! I finally made it. Beyonce and Jay-Z’s Apeshit was the soundtrack to my arrival to the Lurve. As I stared at the iconic pyramid in the courtyard of the former palace now a museum the lyric ” I can’t believe we made it” echoed through my ears and my spirit.

This is what it’s all about people. Music is the soundtrack to life. It is the soundtrack to my travel. When I am back home in Atlanta and lusting over new destinations I turn on the variety of songs that guided me through previous travels. I take a mental break from the stress of the job, the mundane routine in my life, and anxiety through the lyrics of artists who seem to understand me.

Which musical artists produce the sounds for your adventures?

Musical travel essentials
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Beer, BBQ and the Big Easy

If you visit Atlanta in the summer months you will surely stumble upon a festival in one of the city’s neighborhoods. This weekend my friends and I attended the Decatur BBQ & Bluegrass Festival in Decatur, Georgia at Harmony Park.

park

The smell of smokey foods filled the air from almost a mile away. The music vibrated through your body making it impossible to stand still. That music came from a New Orleans based band named Cha wa. The leader singer, dressed as uniquely as the band’s music, sang uplifting songs of love, compassion and their love for those New Orleans Saints #WhoDat! Cha wa, who should have closed out the night, seamlessly married the sounds of the drum, guitar, tuba, trombone and the almighty tambourine! Festivalgoers danced to song after song even during the band’s short breaks! The sounds from Big Easy made the BBQ taste better and beer much more enjoyable.

Click the video to listen to the music of Cha wa!

New Belgium Brewing sponsored the beer for the festival. My favorite was the Fat Tire Belgian White Ale. This beer tasted a tad lighter than other Belgian beers, a perfect pale ale color and a sweet aftertaste full of distinctive spices. As a fan of Belgian white beers, this beer is now a new favorite!

Beer

Overall, my friends and I enjoyed the Decatur BBQ & Bluegrass Festival. We will return next year.  I suggest that if you are visiting Atlanta in mid-August add this festival to the list of ” Things To Do.”

Ribs

Note: Decatur BBQ & Bluegrass Festival charges an entry fee. Festivalgoers can pay in advance of the event or at the event. Lastly, I do not benefit financially from the mentions in my blog.