Travelling: The Ancient City of Aphrodisias (Turkey).

  Almost 10 days ago we visited Turkey for our Summer holidays. We made some rounds, saw some very good places, but the best thing we saw, was without a doubt the ancient city of Aphrodisias.
  The people who are visiting the coast of Turkey, usually go to Ephesus, which is the most famous city in the coastline. But if you decide to go a little bit more inside the country and visit the famous Pamukkale, don't even think of not visiting Aphrodisias, which is rather near. Aphrodisias in not as famous as Ephesus, but is one of the finest archaeological sites of Turkey, still partly excavated and partly undiscovered. 
  The name of the city is derived from the goddess of love, Aphrodite - called Venus by the Romans, who has her famous sanctuary here. It is about 3 hours drive from Ephesus and almost 1 hour drive from Pamukkale.
  The city has a long story, but it became known and big during the Roman times, so, most of the things you will see in there has been built by the Romans.
  It occupies a large area, and it includes some well-preserved and stunning buildings, such as The Stadium, The Theater, the Temple of Aphroditi, The Governor's House, The Sebasteion, and many more.
  The entrance fee is cheap, and with your ticket you can also visit the wonderful museum, which is near the entrance. (But it's better to leave it for the end).
  But have in mind that you will probably need 2-3 hours for a quick visit. We stayed there for almost 4 hours, and from a point an on we were tired, and we couldn't pay too much attention to some things as we should have.
 You can have a small idea by looking at the pictures on the right, or by making a search on the internet.

My trip to England and North Wales. The last part: Meeting Clive Nolan and Colin Tench.

As I wrote in my previous posts, after the days I spend in North Wales attending the HRH Prog V festival, it was time to return back to Horley to Ben’s and Emily’s home.

(Here are the links for the 2 previous posts: Part 1:

http://gfreedomathina.blogspot.gr/2017/03/hrh-prog-v-festival-16-1932017-north.html / Part 2: http://gfreedomathina.blogspot.gr/2017/03/hrh-prog-v-festival-16-1932017-north_31.html )

  I was very impatient, because on Monday something very special was waiting for me. A meeting with Clive Nolan and with Colin Tench! 
 Colin Tench is a very talented English musician, who now lives in Sweden. He is a member in Corvus Stone and other projects as well. We met through Prog & Roll, and we became something like “long-distance” fiends so to say. He is visiting Prog & Roll’s chatbox every now and then, and we speak through Skype on some occasions. So, when he heard about my trip to the UK, he suggested to meet each other, because he would be in London for a few days as well. 

  As for Clive Nolan, he is one of the most talented and important musicians of modern Progressive Rock in the last decades. He is the songwriter and keyboard player in Pendragon and Arena, and he is dealing with many other projects on the side, like for example the theatrical team Caamora.  

So, the basic plan was to meet Colin in London on Monday and share a few beers together. But that plan changed, when I manage to arrange a meeting with Clive Nolan at his home/studio for an interview on Monday morning as well. After dealing with this problem for a while, we decided to meet at the place where Clive Nolan’s home is, on Monday noon, after the interview. 

  So, on Monday morning, together with Ben Bell (who was kind enough to drive me there), went to Clive’s home. Clive was a very cool and friendly guy, and during the - almost 2 hours – we stayed at his home, we spoke about lots of interesting things. About his bands and projects, his musicals, about Prog & Roll, about the “modern” Progressive Rock scene, etc. At the end, we also went to the studio to take a look, where we met with Karl Groom of Threshold, who was there dealing with some songs. We took some – not so good – pictures together, did the interview, and Clive promised to send me a song from his new – unreleased - musical ‘King’s Ransom’ to play in Prog & Roll in a worldwide premiere.

  But time was flying, and we had to leave in order to meet Colin, who was waiting in a pub somewhere near. At that point, Clive suggested to go out and go have some lunch altogether, to a pub that he knew. We called Colin to reschedule, and finally all four of us gathered  to a very nice pub for lunch. So, there I was, sitting in a pub in the southern suburbs of London, together with 3 musicians, eating, drinking beers and chatting about many interesting and fun things. We exchanged some gifts and some memorabilia, and after a couple of hours we left. Clive went back to his home and his studio, Colin back to London, because the next day he was flying to Sweden and me with Ben returned to Horley. That was my last day in the UK, because the next morning I was flying back to Athens.

  In my luggage I was carrying lots of signed CD’s from all the musicians I met, and my mind was filled with great memories.

  I spend one very intense and tiring but also amazing week in England and Wales and I will never forget it! 

A very big thanks to all those people who helped me there; Ben and Emily first of all, because without them this trip would have been impossible for me, Lisa and Claire at the HRH Media Center, and Magda for arranging the meeting with Clive Nolan. 

Also, thank you for reading these posts. I hope you enjoyed them.

HRH Prog V Festival (16-19/3/2017 - North Wales). A review (Part 2)

  This is the 2nd (out of 3) post about my travel to North Wales and to HRH Prog V festival. If you are interested in reading the 1st part, take a look here: http://gfreedomathina.blogspot.gr/2017/03/hrh-prog-v-festival-16-1932017-north.html

Saturday 18/3/17:

  This was the last day of the festival and the day I was waiting with great anticipation for many reasons: First of all, many of the bands I wanted to see were playing on that day. Furthermore, I had an appointment with Dave Cousins, the leader of Strawbs, and I couldn't wait to meet him. Also, the opening act on the main stage was the Greek band Verbal Delirium, and I was very curious to see how the guys will perform in front of a foreign audience. And the headliners on the 2nd stage was Gandalf's Fist, who is not a live band, and their appearance at HRH was kind of an exception. So, for all those reasons, I was sure that Saturday was going to be the most exciting day of all three!

  But all those great things had to wait, because in the morning we had to visit one more castle; the glorious Caernarfon, one of the most well preserved and famous castles in the whole area. There, we had an appointment with one of Prog & Roll's long time listeners, who was coming from North England in order to attend the last day of the festival and meet with each other.

  Caerfarnon was a truly majestic castle, totally worth the kilometres we did and the hours we spend there. But after our visit, it was time to go back and start enjoying the last day of the festival.

  At exactly 14.00 Verbal Delirium entered the main arena's stage and played for almost an hour. I was in the very front row, and I really loved their gig!  I have seen them 4-5 times before and I believe that this time they gave one of the the best performances I have ever seen! After Verbal, it was time for a quick beer, and then I had to rush back because it was Karnataka's turn; another band I wanted to see very much. Their performance was also great, but near the end of their gig I went out in order to eat something because exactly after them it was time for The Strawbs! To be able to see The Strawbs on stage was a dream coming true for me, and I didn't want to miss not even a minute!

   Exactly on time, The Strawbs appeared on stage. I was in the second row from the stage and I couldn't believe that I was seeing them live. They played for almost 80 minutes, and they were excellent! Their setlist was based mostly on the album Hero & Heroine, plus some other great songs from the albums they released during the 70's. The highlight of their gig was without a doubt the fantastic version of Autumn, during which I couldn't stop singing.

  When Strawbs left the stage, I felt that I needed a break in order to overcome the sentiments and the excitement, but there was no time for it. Because ten minutes later, Atomic Rooster was playing at Arena 1 and at the same time The Gift was playing at Arena 2. Well, that was a pickle! I wanted to see both bands, so I couldn't decide what to do. Finally, I watched the first half of The Gift and the second half of Atomic Rooster. That proved to be not a good decision because I saw both bands, but I couldn't really enjoy any of them.

  After Atomic Rooster finished their gig, I literally run to the Media Center's pub in order to meet with Dave Cousins. I entered the pub and there he was! Sitting there alone, waiting for me. I approached him and I wasn't sure what to do. I introduced myself, and just like that, we started talking like good old friends! I couldn't believe it! Sitting with Dave Cousins in a pub in North Wales, talking about music, musicians, albums, and other fun and interesting things.

 He signed some album covers I had with me, took a few (not good) pictures together, and he was kind enough to record a short spot for Prog n Roll radio show. 

  After almost 40 minutes that I stayed with him, it was time to go back to the concert area.

Once more I had to choose between two bands. Gandalf's Fist was playing at Arena 2, but at the same time IQ was playing at Arena 1! But although IQ is a bigger name by far, I decided to see Gandalf's Fist and never regret it! Gandalf's Fist gave an unforgettable show, including many theatrical elements, special costumes, and lots of great music and fun! It was also the only band that filled Arena 2 that much! The place was almost packed, and that was a sign of how good they were.

   Two of their members are Prog & Roll's regular listeners, so after their gig, I went for beers together with the band at the pub nearby. (It wasn't exactly a pub, but I cannot describe it). I was so exhausted, I could hardly walk, and I was feeling that I do not have the strength to go on. But despite that, I found the courage to return to Arena 1 to watch Wishbone Ash, who were the headliners of the 3rd day.

Not for long though. The place was jammed once more, so I stayed for 2-3 songs and then left. (I have seen Wishbone Ash twice in the past, so I didn't care that much).

  The next day we had to pack our stuff and drive back to the South of London, where I was going to spend two more days before my departure. Although the festival was over, I had something really great and exciting waiting for me there on Monday morning.

But more on that in my next and final post...

To be continued...

Pictures: 1:Caernarfon castle's inner yard / 2:Me in the TV studio of HRH festival, together with 2 members of Verbal Delirium and two English radio producers / 3:Verbal Delirium on stage / 4:Verbal Delirium's signed setlist / 5:With Dave Cousins / 6:The cover of Hero & Heroine, signed by Dave Cousins and Dave Lambert / 7:Gandalf's Fist on stage / 8: The signed setlist of Gandalf's Fist / 9. The Gift on stage.

Videos: 1: Part of Autumn by The Strawbs / 2: Part of The Lamplighter by Gandalf's Fist.

   

HRH Prog V Festival (16-19/3/2017 - North Wales). A review (Part 1)

 A couple of days ago I returned to Athens after my weekly trip to England and North Wales, in  order to attend the HRH Prog festival. (Among other things).
 I tried to organize my thoughts in order to be able to sit down and write these posts, because the truth is that, many things happened in very few days. So, this the first post I am writing, concerning the
days I spend in England and Wales, but not only at the festival, as you will see...
  I landed on England on Tuesday night, and after spending a couple of days in Horley, south of London, on Thursday morning our road trip towards North Wales begun.
  After many hours and many kilometers (or should I say miles?), we reached to Criccieth, a very
beautiful village almost 10 km from the place that the festival was going to take place. On the way, we did a couple of stops and made rounds into some very beautiful villages and castles, such as Ludlow.
Because we knew that we were going to reach at Criccieth late at night, we had no tickets for the first day of the festival. That happened because the first day wasn't including many bands, and if I exclude Pendragon, I didn't care much for the other ones.
   After a good night's sleep, on Friday morning I was ready to go to the concert area. But not before visiting the impressive Harlech castle. Right after that, we rushed to the area of the festival, because before anything else, I had an interview with Barclay James Harvest arranged, at 13.00. I reached at the reception almost on time, received my 'media pass', and headed to the Media Center, in order to meet the band. The Media Center was a very big area, including a small stage, where some of the bands were playing an "acoustic" gig only for the press and the VIP's, before their normal gig.

With a slight delay, the whole Barclay James Harvest band plus their manager appeared, and altogether we had a very nice chat for more than half hour. I did the interview but we also spoke about many other things as well. (But that was not the only time I was going to meet the band as it proved out). At the time I was ready to leave, all the members of Hawkwind came in, so I decided to remain there for a bit longer. I met with them, spoke for a bit, took some pictures and a couple of autographs and then I headed to the main concert area, that was including 2 stages.
  The biggest problem was that most of the times there were bands playing at both stages at the same time. So either I had to pick and watch one of them, or I had to come and go between the 2 stages. I watched the whole performance of Credo on the 2nd stage, and I must say that they were really good! Despite their singer was sick, his performance was very good. I also watched the half gig of Panic Room at the 1st stage, and I must say that they were impressive. After Panic Room, it was time for The Pretty Things to get on the stage, and they played a rather old-fashioned set, based on classic Rock and Blues tunes. Also a good performance. 
  Almost at the middle of their set, I left and headed again to the Media Center, in order to arrange a few things. There, I met again with the members of Barclay James Harvest, and after a short chat, they invited me to go to the backstage for a few pictures and a beer. So, I went into their car and altogether went to the backstage area. I stayed for some time with the band, and then I rushed to the 1st stage again, in order to see as much as I could from the gig of Curved Air. I think I saw the second half of Curved Air's performance, but I cannot say I was impressed. During the short intermission, I went in the front rows in order to be able to see Barclay James Harvest from the best spot possible, who came on stage right after Curved Air.
  And the truth it that Barclay James Harvest blew my mind! It was without any doubt the best gig of the day! They played many of their old and famous songs, including some that I truly love and I wasn't expecting to listen.
  During the almost one-hour break between Barclay James Harvest and Hawkwind who were the headliners, I went again to the 2nd stage and watched a little bit the Davy O'List band, but I can't say I liked them.
 I returned to the 1st stage for Hawkwind, but I didn't stay for long. The place was packed, and I had to stay near the entrance, because I couldn't go further inside. From that place I couldn't see or hear very well, so after almost half hour, I decided that it was time to go home and have some rest, because the really great day was the next one.
To be continued...
Pic No.1: The HRH Prog V banner / Pic No.2:The town of Ludlow / Pic No.3: The castle of Ludlow / Pic No.4: The castle of Harlech / Pic No.5: Me with BJH at the backstage / Pic No.6: BJH on stage / Pic No.7: Me with Hawkwind at the Media Center.
On the following video you can see a part of Mockingbird by Barclay James Harvest, as it was performed at Friday the 17th on the 1st stage of HRH festival.

THE TRIP TO NORTH WALES HAS BEGUN!

Hello all!
Since last night I am in UK, preparing for my trip to North Wales for the HRH Prog V Festival.
At the moment I am staying at Horley, in the home of some friends, which is south of London. Tomorrow morning our road trip to North Wales will begin, and I am really excited!
I will try to keep you informed about my travel and especially about the concerts.
So, try to check my blog from time to time, if you think you are interested.
Thank you!

TRAVELLING TO NORTH WALES FOR THE HRH PROG V FESTIVAL...

Hello all!
  I am very glad to inform you that on the following days I'll be flying to UK, in order to attend the HRH Prog V Festival, that will take place in North Wales between 16-19 of March.
  After a short stay near London, where I am going to meet up with some friends, we will take a car and after a beautiful and long road trip, we will arrive at Pwllheli where the festival will take place. 
We will be able to attend only 2 out of the 3 days, but these 2 days are the best ones.
We are going to see on stage some really great bands such as: Wishbone Ash, IQ, Strawbs, Curved Air, Karnataka, Hawkwind, Gandalf's Fist, Barclay James Harvest etc... (You can see the full line-up in the picture on the right).
  Also, there is a big possibility that I will be able to get a"press pass", which means that I will be able to meet and interview some of the bands there. :-) (Fingers crossed).
I already arranged to share a beer (or more) with Mr. Dave Cousins (the leader of Strawbs) after their gig, and with Colin Tench on Monday in London. I hope that I will be lucky enough to meet with more musicians there, take some pictures and get some autographs.
  I am going to carry a small laptop with me, and I will try to write a few things about my travel and the festival in the following days. So, try to visit this blog from time to time, to see how things are going, and read my posts about the concerts. (I hope I will find the time to do it, though).  
As you can understand I am really excited, and to be honest I can't wait!
So, do not forget to check my blog in order to read some concert reviews, and news from this wonderful travel!
Thank you! :-)

Travelling: Bratislava (Slovakia)

  A few days ago I made a small visit to Bratislava together with my wife and kid.

We came back 2 days ago, and I decided to sit down and write down my impressions of the place.

  Bratislava is the capital of Slovakia and the country’s largest city, with a population of almost 500.000 people. Bratislava is in southwestern Slovakia, occupying both banks of the River Danube and the left bank of the river Morava. It is a political, economic and cultural center of Slovakia, and it is home to several universities, museums, theatres, galleries and other important cultural and educational institutions.

  The first thing that the visitor notices is the really impressive castle/palace which lies on the top of a hill overlooking the city, and it is visible from almost everywhere. Definitely worth a visit!

  We spent most of our time there by making rounds in and around the old city which is really

beautiful. The narrow streets and the big squares of the old city are filled with really beautiful buildings, palaces and impressive churches. As you can understand the whole territory is a magnet for tourists, but in our case that was not a problem. Maybe in summer the whole place will be jammed, but now it was rather quiet and peaceful in many occasions.

There are many small café, beer-pubs and restaurants everywhere, with prices that will satisfy everybody. 

  A place that I would like to mention is the Bratislava Transport Museum.

You can find it outside the old city, but in a walking distance. If you are bored to walk, just take the bus. It is situated on the site of the first steam-railway station in Bratislava on Sancova Street, near the current railway station.

The two exhibition halls of the museum include about 100 motor cars, 25 historical motorcycles and numerous technical accessories.

The vehicles in the collection date from the inter-war period up to the 1970s. These include prototypes, military and government vehicles.

On the museum's railway tracks various steam and electrical locomotives are exhibited.

  One day we made a daily trip to the north of Slovakia, and we saw some really beautiful towns and impressive castles. Two places worth mentioning in my opinion are: Trnava and Trencin. If you ever visit Bratislava, then you should consider visiting these 2 cities. Especially Trencin with the medieval castle overlooking the city is a must-see!

  The people in Bratislava are kind and helpful, and most of them do speak English. But when you leave Bratislava, there is a serious problem of communication, even for the simplest things.

There is no point to continue writing this piece, I think you got a general idea. And if not, just take a look at the pictures… ;-)