It's been about two weeks since I was roaming the fields of Coachella, and I can't wait to go back.
This was my first Coachella experience, and it was pretty much everything I could have imagined it to be. The music was amazing, the weather was great, and I even discovered new artist - easily the best part. There were some let downs, but that's life and I had the time of my life.
While I have known about Coachella forever, this was my first time traveling out of town for a music festival. I honestly had no clue what to expect. The less expectations the better, right?
Before I was able to experience the festival, I fell in love with Los Angeles. My first time on the West coast, and I could not have chosen a better introduction. The weather, the people... all of it. Palm Springs where we actually stayed was even more perfect. Beautiful sunsets, palm trees, mountains. I was in awe.
Where We Stayed
We stayed in Palm Springs, California about 35 minutes to Indio, where Coachella is held. I've heard that the camping experience is the greatest - but I really enjoyed coming back to an air conditioned room after a long day in the sun. Our hotel was on a cool strip in downtown Palm Springs, lots of shops and restaurants. A big plus was that the shuttle was close by. I know hotels are expensive, but to me it was worth it.
The Experience
I attended Coachella on weekend two. Basically, the festival is one big desert party. It's hot, fun, crowded, and you will be thirsty. The first day I spent just walking around, and I don't recall sitting at one performer's set. I was on the move. At the end of the day I checked the iPhone "Health" app, and saw that I walked about 11 miles. There is so much to do and see that I don't remember ever actually ever checking my phone - my camera doesn't count. Also, due to network congestion my phone barely got service. Issa win.
I didn't mind all of the walking, but I have never been so thirsty in my life! Listen, if you have never experienced heat in the high 90s-100s, please come prepared! Stay hydrated. It's not a joke!
The highlights
Pretty much everything was a highlight on my first Coachella visit. You never know who might show up or what surprises may happen:
Here are a few of my best moments this year
- Being drunk and buying two chicken sandwiches for $30. Amazing!
- Randomly walking onto NAO's set. She was so dope, and I didn't know she could sing so well.
- People watching. If you enjoy watching people, this is the best place to do it. Watching people interact and enjoy the experience.
- Even though I didn't stay for his whole performance because dehydration, Travis Scott always put on a hell of a show.
A Few Tips...
- Stay open-minded. There is a schedule that you can follow, but finding random acts is dope.
- Keep your phone, but do not depend on it.
- You can't see everyone. It's impossible!
- Water. Water. Water. More Water. I can't say this enough. It's hell hot... stay hydrated!
- The earlier the arrival the better.
Have you ever been to Coachella? What were your best memories? See you in 2018!
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