Apr 23 Shanghai-Suzhou, A Perfect Magical Moment!

Our adventure in Shanghai-Suzhou started in a very funny way! From Wuhan, where we stayed 2 days after the gig, we were to take a night train to Shanghai, a ride that is 10 hours. We weren’t very warm to the idea, but we figured out it was less of a hassle than taking an interior flight (faster, but the luggage weight limit is inferior to those of international flights here – we already are borderline with the weight, and receive that bright orange badge saying “heavy” every time we travel – so we figured the train would be a better option!). We rejoiced at the idea of having our own little cabins, with a little more comfort. But just before getting on board, we learned we would never seen these cozy little cabins. We were in the regular “hard sleeper” train. And the train takes its name with justice. The beds are hard, uncomfortable, and too small. We however had some great souvenirs from these trains, so it’s laughing that we managed to place all our equipment and climb into our beds. I wish I could tell you some of these stories from our previous tour, but that might have to add for the next Bla Bla Bla. They are “you had to be there” type of stories, but I am sure the guys’ enthusiasm would convey them to you properly. This time, we were quiet, and all fell asleep pretty fast!

We arrived in Shanghai, in a neighborhood that was completely new to us. Last time we had played there was at the MIDI festival, and it has been a very special moment for all of us… It was in the very beginning of the tour, where Alex literally defied gravity to learn how to fly… He went crowd surfing amongst a Chinese youth thirsty for their dreams and passionate, for longer than we can ever remember, as the band kept rocking on the stage. That day, anyone could fly… Everybody’s passion lifted us all up, making us the most beautiful flock of birds ever seen. We were all different, but with one same direction: Freedom. Whatever that word means for us individually, we knew we were going there collectively. And ever since, we never left that path, discovering it a little more every day, falling down, taking wrong turns, but free nonetheless.

And that gig in Shanghai has been a very special moment, a magical one where time stopped in order to allow us to fully live it, in its every emotion and color. Emotions and colors that have not yet been lived or seen, and that were ours to define and grasp – and we made sure to do so to the fullest! Once more, another step on the way of freedom through letting go. A night we will definitely never forget. All for different reasons, but united in hearts.

We left Shanghai to head to Suzhou at 11 in the morning. Both cities are very close to one another, so we were happy not to have to take a very long train. Arrived at the station, we made sure we felt home and had breakfast… 🙂

We were overjoyed to be back in Suzhou. We were going to play at the very same venue we played 3 years ago. Only, the name was the same, the staff was the same, but the location had changed. It was still very close to where it was, but it felt completely new. Walking in the streets, we remembered every little detail on our way. The city has changed in 3 years, and most of what was under construction 3 years ago is now open, French inspired coffee shops, cat cafés, Irish pubs, lounges, terraces… This city has a vibe unique in its own, as through its modern vibe, it lost nothing of its old charm.

We did the soundcheck, and though it took very long for us to make sure everything was ready, we all felt that the gig would be one to remember. Suzhou is not only a very beautiful city, its people are passionate and sure do believe in the power of dreams and being free. Thank you Suzhou! Your passion has once again lifted us in ways we could have never imagined!

And right after the show, we went to a coffee shop, the same one we went after the gig 3 years before. We talked with the owner of the place, who remembered us, and who gladly stayed open several hours after the usual closing time only for us.

We are now on to the next step of the tour, the gig at the Mao Livehouse in Beijing, where the owner, in an interview, mentioned us as the craziest live act he has ever seen since the opening of the venue. He has now idea what’s coming his way… 🙂

Stephanie

PS: If anyone of you do not know the festival I was referring to above, the MIDI festival, I really suggest you check it out! The band’s performance has been recorded and put on DVD for you all to take part in the moment! Don’t miss it! You can get it on the YFE Store! Here are the links for you!

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