Where’s Fluffy?
You’ll never guess what I did today.
Unless you read my facebook.
I went to a concert. For the first time in 2½ years. The first time since I started losing my eyesight.
Not surprisiingly it was a concert with my old classmate Tina Dickow. The 7th time I have seen her live.
It was in downtown Århus. Outdoors and free. A 15 minute bus ride away. So I thought I would give it a try. My parents are on a little trip to Finland, so I had to go by myself. It was somewhat daunting, to be honest. Just being out among so many people, in a place I have not been for many years. Difficult. But it went okay. I found my way there and back again without significant trouble. So that was good. Unfortunately it was hard to enjoy the music. I couldn’t get a good standing position, so I ended up out at the side of the place. Couldn’t see a thing. But of course I wouldn’t have been able to see much even if I’d been dead centre. But the problem was all the people. They seemed more interested in talking than in listening to the show. I really don’t get why you’d even go to the show if you’re going to spend the entire time chatting to friends and family. What’s the point? But oh well, I guess that’s what you can expect at an outdoor, festive venue like that. It was part of the Århus festival week. There are other performers as well. I kinda would have liked to see Ginger Ninja at the same place, tonight. But I don’t want to be out in the dark alone in my condition. It was hard enough in the sunlight.
So musically I didn’t get so much out of it. But it was a little personal victory, being able to go there on my own. Gives me hope that I can go to more concerts in the future. And maybe enjoy them more than this one. I think Tina is playing in Århus again in November, but that’s probably sold out by now anyway. I’m sure I’ll get to see her again in the future.
Here is a little video: youtube.com/watch?v=wWPj-8nBWn8. You can see the conditions. It probably would have been better in a central position, where people were a little more interested in the music. And in the shade of Århus Cathedral.
While I was waiting for my bus home, a guy came up and started talking to me. He seemed very friendly, he was waiting for the same bus as me and he wanted to help me get on the right one and get a seat and so on. Very helpful. And nice. Until we were talking about how some bus drivers don’t stop correctly so handicapped people can get in at the front. And the guy said about the drivers “it’s mostly those black ones”. Because of my phobia and the general stress of the situation I was just agreeing and not saying much to the things he were saying, so when he said that I just said “mhm yup” and nodded. And then it registered with me what he had said. And I thought “what the hell?”. I wish I was the kind of person who could speak up and say something against that kind of thing. But I did not. He just kept on talking about other things and I kept on nodding. And apart from that one remark, he really seemed like a very nice and caring person. Odd. I have never had a problem with “black bus drivers”. In fact I remember writing about that one time when I had the same bus driver going to the playground and going back. And how nice that driver was. I do believe that was a foreigner. So I have no reason to think that “blacks” don’t understand the correct way to treat the handicapped.
Actually, if anything I have the sense that immigrants are more polite and helpful than “the whites”. But that’s a stereotype too of course.
I may not be completely colour blind. But it sure ain’t far from it.
Another thing that guy said, was that he’d rather be deaf than blind. And I agreed with that too, of course. And meant it. The concert would have been (more) pointless if I had been deaf. And a world without music would be a sad thing. But I tell you, it’s not fun being blind. Even almost blind, that is not fun at all. If I had the choice, I’d rather be deaf.
But no point thinking about that. Adopt, adapt and improve.
And end entry.
August 28th, 2010 at 2:55
Just about the time I think I know you, you surprise me! Congrats on your trip to the concert. That’s great that you felt confident enough to go on your own, no less. Wow! I’m impressed.
I’ve wondered the same thing. Why do people go to listen to music and then talk, talk, talk through the whole thing? It’s very rude. They do the same thing at movies (although we haven’t been to a movie in a long time).
Guess what? Mama Calico cat had 5 babies this week. One is calico like her, one is yellow and white, one is black, one is gray striped, and one is gray and white. Mama Calico is so proud of them and let me pet them all.
Yes, it’s sometimes hard to know what to say when someone starts in on a certain group of people. When it’s someone you just met, like your bus riding person, you can always say: “Oh really, I’ve never had that experience with _______ people!” And let it go at that.
I’m always more interested in how people act . . . if they are honest, friendly, kind, funny, etc., more than what race/religion they are. Of course, if they like goatzies, they are my friend forever! hee, hee
August 28th, 2010 at 21:57
Debster – Thank you thank you. I did feel a little like a brave adventurer. TReading dangerous new ground. Hah. Well it all went fine. No dragons.
It’s not like I expect people to be completely quiet. But if you’re going to talk through the entire show, what do you get out of it? I just do’nt get it. Oh well.
Please pass on my congratulations to mama Calico. It sounds like she has gotten a delightful batch. I could use some kitten therapy, I think.
You’re right, I should have said something like that. Maybe next time. He did say that he’d say hello next time he saw me. Maybe next year.