Here I am at 9:30, my high-tech earplugs fully employed, the bass sounds from the main stage flying over me from behind …

And apparently the evening has just begun!  People I’ve met say that the earliest that quiet will come is 3:00 am.  Not exactly my usual lifestyle.

There are seven stages, only three of which are rolling on Day One.  It looks like five of them are under a roof in the open air.  I walked into two of them and gazed through chain link fences for the others.  They don’t appeal.

So … tomorrow I’ll focus on the two with blue sky above.  The main one, with huge light panels, is called De Bazaal.  Three young men told me that’s where the “mainstream” festival goers gather.  Not for these guys.  Tonight, though, I’ll take a pic for this post.

I’m meeting Casper, one of the three, around 6:00 tomorrow at Dub Corner,  the cool and open open open stage where those in the know go.

I knew stuff would go wrong in my newbie life today … and I wasn’t disappointed.

The train from Brussels had us all exit at Mons, which wasn’t the expected destination of Saint-Gislain.  Oh well, a group of 20 somethings were happy to have me tag along.

The shuttle bus from the train station to the Dour was caught in a traffic jam.  Seems like thousands of cars like festivals too.

I eventually lined up to register for my Tip-up – a triangular tent-like structure with a wooden frame and sturdy fabric walls on a wooden base.  After 3:00 tonight I should sleep fine on my mattress, and with my provided pillow, sheets and blanket.

It took close to an hour till I was at the front of the line.  (Sigh)  But the result was produced and I settled in.  I’ll include a photo tomorrow.

Two single mattresses.  I asked a woman to accompany me to Dour for major dancing but she said no.  (Sigh again)

I wore my pink “Be Kind” t-shirt and several folks applauded my choice.  People seemed curious (and pleased) that an old guy was in their midst.

Food and accommodation resources surround the festival site with its seven stages.  Security was tight and lengthy to get into the music area.  But then I was in!  An hour ago I was dancing in De Bazaal – awkwardly with my backpack.  Tomorrow I’ll make sure not to be weighted down.  Now I’m writing back at my Tip-up home.

And I just made an executive decision: I don’t want to head back now to De Bazaal for thorough leg shaking.  I’m going to seek my covers and slide into dreamland accompanied by a rousing bass beat and my earplugs.  Horizontal sounds good.

I’ll find an Internet pic of De Bazaal and include it in this post.

Bet you’re not staying up till 3:00!