Senses:// Re-engineered

I think I finally understands why when people were asked how good Glastonbury was, the replies were usually very reserved and humbled. Any attempt to describe their experience would give it no justice because somewhere down the line, Glasto have mutated into something beyond a mere festival. The sum of its many parts combined have managed to create something that is beyond anything that can be experienced in the real world. Each part wildly different from each other yet co-exists in harmony in the confine of such a relative small domain. There were none of the aggression like the feelings of being at the Leeds festivals. There were madness in the air but it was controlled, moderated and isolated, innocent enough that parents felt safe to bring their off-springs along for the ride. A heritage of good nature and well meaningfulness have been past on from previous generations to the newcomers, influencing and empowering everyone with the courage to be good so all are welcomed and treated with kindness and smiles. Instead of profanity, cheers and laughter resonated between the valley even before the commencement of the festival.

The quality of the features that helped shape the landscape demonstrated passion, pleasure and pride of the artists in their crafts. Sculptures, furnitures, decorations, even the litter bins were made to the highest standard, each conveying deep meaning and messages. The Trash City was something that is beyond description, made to thrill, amaze and dazzle. An imaginary post-apocalyptic intergalactic Amsterdam where creatures from the further reach of the universe conjugates to party the night away under the glow of roaring flamethrowers and top notch electronic beats. The Green Field, a tranquil garden blossoming with messages of peace, harmony with nature and environmentalism. The Tiny Tea Tent played the part of a safe refuge for the mind and soul of my party on many occasions. Rich, strong chai that warms the heart and skilfully crafted furniture provided the perfect meeting point or pit-stop between different laps of madness. Furnitures were carved out of a whole tree to add to the return-to-nature feel while renewable energy source was used to power the electrics. The stalls in the Green Field, each with their unique identities and displays, encourages awareness to human's impact on the environment and suggests ways of remedying our effects.

The nights fire-spinning at the Stone Circle were inspiring in many ways. Some would vouch that the Sacred Area was a portal in which the fire-art got into the British Isle. Considering half of my fire friends took up the art at that very field, I would not object to the above statement. I was not disappointed even with as high hope as mine. Seeking to find the inspiration at root of the UK fire-art movement, I had chanced upon the very person who inspired me into fire staff! Fire-spinning while watching the sun rise over the whole festival site was a joy which goes beyond anything I have experienced.

Another story came a full circle when I bumped into a fellow steward who were in my care during an overdose coma last year. He was on my mind throughout the year and it was good to see him healthy and well. Although he failed to recall who I was (can't blame him because he was unconscious at the time), it was nevertheless a great feeling being introduced as "this gentleman is one of the people who saved your life last year!". The feeling would probably have being even more elating if I wasn't warped and twisted at the time. Oh well.

It was different from the others. Like a good meal, Glastonbury was fulfilling and satisfying. Even though the memory of the experience was relished many times after the event, there was no sorrow or longing when it came to an end. My companions and myself were so content that we all left the festival with smiles on our faces. I guess it wasn't what was there that made it stand out of the crowd, it's the effect it had on those present that show you what can be done and a glimmer of hope of what could happen if people were to spend less time fucking each other over.

Full album here!

Usually, the weather is a topic reserved as a life jacket for conversation about to go under. However, for Glastonbury, it is at the top of everyone's mind. And it doesn't look good this year! Not sure if it will be the same as the 2005 "Brown Wednesday" but it looks like its going to be a wet one! We are talking about army boots, full boot lining for water-proof effect and gaiters!

Its in the air! Summer have officially began! Although I am still in the midst of the exams, I can't help but cast my mind to what I have install for me in the coming months. I will be working for a Civil Engineering consultancy company with the possibility of participating in the design of train station platform enhancement for the disabled. That would definitely be a dream come true since "making a difference" is one of the reason why I got into Civ Eng in the first place. Funny enough, during an interview I had with another company, the trainee manager was quite blunt in declaring the truth with the industry: "At the end of the day, we are in it for the money. However, every now and then, there will be projects which would give you karma point but these projects are hard to come by". This opinion was echoed by another engineer whom I have met, ironically, on a charity project. So I guess I am really lucky to have the opportunity to get my feet wet on something which means so much to me. I really need to stay focus this summer and give it my all. Three years ago, I moved away from Manchester pretty much with my tail between my legs, this time to be able to return to the city and work for one of the biggest engineering firm in the country is something I should treat with uppermost regards!

Apart from that, there is Glastonbury to look forward to! One of the most celebrated and longest running festival in Britain if not the world. The general opinion on the festival this year is lukewarm at best. Regulars complained that the overall atmosphere of the festival has degraded over the past couple of years and the public reactions to the choice of headliners (Jay-Z) were quite critical. Either way, I am just going to enjoy it for what it is. Fact is, there are still a lot of bands I want to see who will be playing so I am not fussed over who is playing at the Main Pyramid Stage. I will be stewarding with Oxfam for this festival and from my experience from last summer, I honestly don't think there is any other way of enjoying a festival. To combine charity work with fun, getting into the festival for free, the enjoyment of free meals and all the staff facilities like clean toilets/shower. Stewarding for Glade and Leeds last year was amazing and I hope to experience something similarly wonderful again!