I lost an hour I probably should have known but didn’t think I’d lose in the time change from GMT to Dutch time, and so the loudspeaker on the boat came on a quarter of six this morning. Time to get up. At that point, I was just glad not to be sinking.

I showered quickly as I could and went to reception, where it was said I could buy a train ticket. I said I was trying to get to Tilburg and asked how to do it. They, like nearly everyone else I’ve encountered in this country, were generous and helpful. This is a beautiful place.

The only bummer came when I was waiting at customs check-in off the boat, and as I changed lines to get out of the EU-only line, someone started whistling “God Bless America.” I was like, “Really?” It’s like 7:45 in the morning and you feel the need to take time and give me shit for my nationality? You know what, you’re right. America is a terrible empire and we treat other nations like garbage. And as a representative of my country, I’m all the worst things: I’m privileged (hence being here), fat and ignorant. But you know, I’m also here to spend a load of money, and at least have the common human decency to wait until 10AM before you start in on that crap. I don’t think that’s asking too much.

I put on my best “preemptive strike” face and looked over my shoulder and that was the end of that. Got into Tilburg about an hour later on the train, having changed in Rotterdam, and took the picture above of the sign. The Hotel Mercure is gorgeous, though I’m afraid that if I get in bed I won’t get out again.

There’s another two hours or so before I have to be anywhere, and today is Tom G. Warrior‘s “Only Death is Real” curated event. Enslaved side-project Trinacria start up at 4PM. I ran into Walter, the man behind Roadburn, outside the hotel and he said Jesu aren’t coming, that a few bands got stuck in the same troubles I did — I also heard from a woman in the elevator that The Gates of Slumber are a no-dice — but there’s still plenty to see. I’m looking forward to when it starts up.

Tags: Roadburn, The Netherlands, Tilburg

This entry was posted on Friday, April 16th, 2010 at 4:40 am and is filed under Features. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.