The Journey to Coachella & A Saturday Sandstorm

My alarm went off at 5:30 am on Saturday morning and I couldn’t help but laugh to myself.  Considering that after the wedding I’d gone to bed at 2:30, it most certainly constituted more of a nap than beauty sleep.  This was going to be a long day.  When I landed in Palm Springs, I searched for my driver, trying to remember the instructions the car service had provided.  Finally I saw an old man with a printed sign with my name on it.  “Where ya been girl?” He says to me, as he adjusts his newsboy cap and motions us towards his vehicle.  I go to open my door, “Let me guess, it’s locked?” he asks in annoyance. “I hate this damn car,” he mumbles as we begin driving. “Let me tell you, this drive is going to be HELL.” he informs me, “this damn Coachella.  It’s RIDICULOUS.  People everywhere, just an absolute disgrace.” He goes on and on about his hatrid for the festival before I finally reveal that it also happens to be the exact place I’m headed.  “Oh,” he says after my confession, “Well, I’m certainly well past my Coachella Festival days.”  Being that he was late 70’s and adorably grumpy, I would have to agree with that statement.

I was able to squeeze in one hour of pool time, which was exactly all I needed to get enough of a tan for my all white/blush outfit for the day.  Thank you, skin!  I was super pumped to wear the outfit I’d picked for my first day.  For someone with my figure, it’s not often that I’m able to sport a crop top.  I felt great in it though, because when paired with something high waisted (with an elastic waistband that flares away from the body – key) it ends up just showing the tiniest bit of skin.  It’s important to feel sexy in your own way, especially in an environment where a lot of people are pretty much naked.

So, last year we’d taken taxis to and from the festival each day and we decided that bikes would be a better decision.  And I say “we” as in the whole group thought this and I just went along with everyone.  To be honest, I can’t remember the last time I was on a bicycle.  We opened the garage to our 7 bicycles lined up in a very intimidating row and I hopped on mine.  It’s true what they say that it all comes back to you, but it doesn’t necessarily happen right away.  I was almost immediately at the back of our bike gang as I followed my friends on this supposedly short ride.  The heat.  The uncomfortable seat.  My crop top.  My stupid crop top.  My burning legs.  I bet my hair is being ruined by sweat in this helmet.  Whyyy am I so out of shape? Then, we finally arrived at the first security checkpoint and I screw up.  Somehow didn’t notice that I was in the guy’s lineup and was sent to the very back of the girl’s line.  Most of the group waits.  I walk my bike through the people, legs burning so much.  I’m frustrated and tired and the day has barely even begun.  We somehow lose everyone and Adam (such a patient man, God bless him) helps me lock up my bike so we can hustle our way through security point number two and to the first show.

So we hurry our way to Gobi to catch sultry female powerhouse, Banks.  Who wouldn’t want to catch her do Waiting Game or This Is What It Feels Like?  Actually, us.  I looked at Adam after one slow, kind of quiet song and asked if he wanted to leave.  Banks would be amazing at The Commodore Ballroom, not in 35 degrees and the first show of the day.  After our ride in, I needed something to lift me up.  Thankfully, Bombay Bicycle Club (I just realized the irony there) was at Mojave tent next door and we were able to easily get a spot.  They put on a great set and we were happy that we caught them.

We’re a classy bunch and love buying overpriced cold pressed juices and adding vodka to them.  It’s a real travesty to the cold pressed juice (I have a client who could be reading this and shaking his head) but makes you feel semi okay about what you’re ingesting.  Nutrients and poison together in one bottle.  Seems okay, right ;)?  On our way over the side beer garden, we heard a bit of Chvrches and City and Colour who both sounded great.  After some sunning though, we made our way back into the crowd to catch Kid Cudi.  He wore a weird crop top and I didn’t know any songs he performed.  I was cursing myself for not researching more Cudi before that moment.  The wind started.  We left early towards the middle beer garden.  This is a trend you will sense for the rest of the day.

Our group meeting spot at the middle beer garden worked out and we were all finally reunited.  Capital Cities was next up and after seeing them at Venue last year, I knew they’d put on an entertaining show.  We drank some more, I had a slice of pizza, and we took a lot of selfies.  We also belted out their rendition of Sinead’s Nothing Compares.  It was a good set.  This was also when the wind really started picking up.

Coachella Outfit Details //
Crop Top, Latest Scoop / similar
Floral Headband, Handmade by a friend / similar
Faux Leather Skirt, Club Monaco
Runners, Top Shop
Lilac Sunglasses, Forever 21

We made our way to Lorde.  And it was beyond packed.  Couldn’t see a thing.  Heard Buzzcut Season and felt satisfied that I’d fulfilled my Lorde fix.  We then, admittedly, completely wasted the next few hours.  The wind was so intense and we’d wanted to watch Empire Of The Sun but the crowds were insane.  I mean anxiety inducing, over sold, wasted, cold, tired people kind of crowds.  We couldn’t move.  We ended up sitting in another beer garden amongst garbage and abandoned glow sticks for an hour.  To be honest, it kind of sucked.  We tried our best to rectify the situation and make our way back to the middle beer garden for Pharrell and Muse.  Instead, Adam and I approached the hoards of people attempting to funnel their way in and I backed away slowly shaking my head no.  Claustraphobia to the max.  We stayed outside the garden and I mustered up the last of my energy on Pharrell.  So glad I did.  Adam and I had a grand dance party to old school NERD, new Pharrell tunes, plus tons of cameos from Nelly, Snoop, Gwen Stefani, etc.  We caught a bit of Muse and decided it was time to start biking home.

My lack of sleep caught up to me on the bike ride home.  In my head, I broke our journey down into 5 phases and by the end of phase 3, I had to stop and refrain from breaking down into tears.  My bottom hurt so bad.  I was tired.  It was cold.  I was covered in dust.  There was sand in my eyes.  My feet ached.  And we still had two more phases of biking to complete.  After my pity party, we FINALLY pulled up to the condo.  I had the most amazing hot shower of life.  I hand washed my clothes.  I forgot to pack loungewear and looked in Adam’s suitcase for some shorts and a tee and instead saw a Smirnoff Ice staring back at me.  I broke the cardinal icing rule and ignored it.  There was just no way that I was going to chug a Smirnoff Ice at 2 am after all that.  It was, you might say, just the icing on top of the entire day.

We have many regrets about Saturday but there were just so many factors working against us.  We stayed as upbeat as we could and even though I seem to have many complaints about Saturday, it really was okay enough.  I laugh now when I think back and I mean for the most part we had fun.  My Sunday recap is coming up soon and it was a very successful Coachella day, I promise!