Moving
I have, for over a week, been trying to treat all of you to a post on my cultural influences. There have however, been a few hitches, the main one being a quite hectic ten days here at lost in Moldova. I have been in the process of moving, finally, into a place of my own. This place however, is not yet mine, my things make up only a tenth of the cavernous apartment. I have started unpacking and figure ten books per room will make it feel more like home. Those of you who have had the opportunity to see my child/adulthood room will know what I mean. So in the following post, I shall attempt to write about the experience of moving as well as my cultural influences. How can I combine the two, well...
{If you click on the link underneath each artist's name
1. Amos Lee - Supply and Demand
Amos Lee - Supply and Demand
As you walk back to your hotel, wondering how something like heat in the dead of winter is not a problem worthy of immediate resolution and the word "maine"(tomorrow) is ringing in your ears, the dulcet tones of Amos Lee suit the mood just right.(Repeat song 4 times due to duration of walk)
2. Mike Doughty(featuring Dave Matthews)- Tremendous Brunettes
Mike Doughty - Tremendous Brunettes
Upon entering the hotel, pull the right earphone out so as to hear the coldly beautiful concierge( no way this girl is older than 20) and switch to this song. Let the music cover half your body while the concierge politely explains that the previous rate of 120 Euros no longer applies, more will be asked, because you did not reserve an extra night. As the song hits its crescendo place your credit card on the desk and watch her smile politely as you say "no problem". Let the song play a second time through as she hands you your key card, bids you a good night, and says the word of the day "maine". Replace the earphone and turn away slowly giving her a look. Notice the controlled smile that indicates it was strictly a business transaction, despite your having known her for six weeks, but doesn't cut off all hope.
3. Mattafix - Big City Life
Mattafix - Big City Life
When walking slowly, slightly defeated, up the stairs to the elevator this song provides a brief interlude. Press the elevator button twice, it doesn't light up so best be sure. Lean up against the side of the elevator, all the while being careful to keep tomorrow's work clothes from wrinkling. The beat quickens as you get out nodding politely to another traveler, you walk towards your door. The sound of the key card opening the door melds perfectly with the song and you realize why you've chosen it.
4. Radiohead - Fake Plastic Trees
Radiohead - Fake Plastic Trees
Enter the room boldly, like Kramer. You may may not be feeling it but with others in the hall and two bags in your hands its the only dignified way. Put your clothes away, on a hanger in the closet, and slump down into the usual chair. Turn to this song as you survey the room from your seat. The chair, which you swear is from IKEA, if that existed here, is the same one your roommate BDH148 had in college and POS has in his apartment now. Let Thom Yorke's voice remind you that this room, though not the same one you had before, is an exact replica even down to how much potpourri is in the dish atop the mini-bar.
5. Ivan Perry - Raining in Baltimore(Counting Crows cover)
Ivan Perry - Raining in Baltimore(Counting Crows cover)
Getting up from the chair, you stride to the window, purposefully(?). This song takes you back to a another time, another window. As Mr Perry sings "maybe I should put the top down" you notice it is flurrying. Two moments pass, maybe three, you let the song play again as you turn away from the window and slip into your routine. Labtop out, on, and whirring, USB cable and cradle connected awaiting the iPod. You take two steps open the mini-fridge and stare, for the thirty-fifth time at the bottle of Budvar inside,at 3.50 euros however you shut the fridge. The song is over, the earphones are out, you connect the iPod and sit down.
6. Georges Brassens - Aupres de Mon Arbre
Georges Brassens - Aupres de Mon Arbre
Brassens fills the room, annoying your neighbors, possibly, but you think "maine" I'll be gone so plus volume it is. You log on, wireless Internet, the OOs in Google regard you expectantly. You type a word, a phrase, and suddenly you are connected again. The song ends fast so watch out, but it will do its work. By now six songs in you've run the gauntlet and after only one time through the song has acted as a salve.
7. Paul Simon - You can call me Al
Paul Simon - You Can Call Me Al
As the first chords play you can't help but bob your head, your fingers follow suit. You feel reborn, redeemed, reanimated or to be less dramatic you just feel better. Your fingers clacking to the beat for "maine" is full of possibilities, "maine" you will spend your first night in your new place.
What you listen to from here on out as you email, make calls, and prepare for work, really doesn't matter, you're already thinking about the seven songs you'll to listen to on your first night in your new apartment.
*I can not, as most of you will have noted, take credit for the idea to use top 7(5, 10) lists. This device has been used by many, most popularly Nick Hornby in High Fidelity.
Join us next time when we'll be covering 4 books to thumb through on you first night in your new apartment when the "state of the art" Internet connection doesn't work.
Until then,
TO
Lost In Moldova
P.S. There have been those of you clamoring for pictures of the new place and they are coming, as soon as figure out what captions they go with. Here however, is a taste. This faux Egyptian papyrus was hung above my bed until its recent relocation to the closet.
City: Maurilia
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