Not having done this before. let's hope that this is up to the usual blog standard. Taking my art to heart 'n' all that. Please also excuse typos, as this is being posted at the actual venue, so rather a rush-job.

After a very manic morning, we finally get on the plane at Luton. Encouragingly, the pilot informs us that he is a last minute 'standby' replacement, and that the strange noise emitted from tghe left engine (whilst still on runway) is 'perfectly normal'. After Danny's comment in the office the previous day, regarding easyCrash, I begin to wonder if I am in a movie moment, and we're all about to have to 'brace, brace'. As you have no doubt gathered, we did however, survive. On the way the paperback, Blindness, was on my knee, and we didn't have a dreadful flight. Also proudly showed off the new D.O.R podcast, complete with artist artwork and everything, to Martin, courtesy of myPod.

We landed, checked-in (the apartment is lovely, and spacious. As was the agent), booked-up 9both of us gurning inanely at the webcams at the count of three, although Martin's pic on pass was somewhat lopsided, losing a portion of his face - very artistic), shopped and then cooked up a (vegan) storm. Actually, the meal was not the most sterling of efforts, as it was an unfimiliar kitchen, but best not to blame the tools, eh? being most tired, we then discussed the following days' events over a couple of beers before heading to bed. Martin started another film, of the street we are staying on, but the results proved somewhat, er, artistic. And not in a good way.

Today, saw half of the Beastie's 'Awesome' film. Awesome, they f*cking showed that. So much for getting up early! Martin & I were both awed at the sheer number of edits in the 'Ch-ch-check It Out' sequence. The film is not what I was expecting, being mainly concert footage interspersed with candid/stoopid cuts from the audience's cameras. Some very funny parts, and perhaps the first half was more 'candid'. Note to self: Ch-ch-check Out the first half tomorrow. Favourite moment? a female fan, being interviewed at the end of the show, saying 'you want words? Words are bullsh*t!' and then making an exstactic face and gesture at the interviewer. Also well worth seeing are some of the shorts. No, not my, or anyone else's attire, but the not-very-long films. Especially 'Stong Sory' (sic). Absolutely f*cking hilarious. Need I say more? Go see it for yourself. Although probably not at a cinema near you (any time) soon.

In, possibly petulant, defiance of corporate sponsorship of 'culture' (and godawful beer), we have not had a drink as yet today. As, unlike our last trip, where the sponsorship was by San Miguel (still in plastic cups, but still nice enough) Budweiser is the only beer they allow in here. And we're not talking Budvar. So, after the (hopefuilly mighty) fine sounds of China's FM3 and White, followed by said triple FMs featuring Blixa Bargeld (of Einsturzende Neubauten infamy) in Sonar Hall, a bar surely beckons for some decent beer and some upbeat downtime, prior to a bit of sightseeing. As the only game in town tonight is the Beastie's acoustic set at the 'pre-party' later. As fun as that might be, I think I can wait for the 'real deal' tomorrow night in the out-of-town aircraft hangar that is SonarPark.

More at this space, if things don't start getting too hectic, soon. Fingers crossed, either way.

Richard, for Funkturm.