Category Archive for Nightcrawling
Celebrating Halloween in Portland, Oregon: pirate party! Watch me on German TV, Pro Sieben Joko & Klaas.
The dream of the 90s is alive… in Portland! That’s where I’ll be for Halloween 2013, with First Mate Naomi (left) and my fabulous film team.
The tourism board is shipping us to Portlandia to party and prance around in costumes (er, I mean, do travel journalism). Want to join us for Halloween festivities? Read on… and if you’re in Germany, I’ll be on your TV screens this Saturday. Full details at the end of this post.
All Hallow’s Eve is my favorite holiday, and I always try to celebrate in the biggest possible way. Last time, I nightcrawled in Los Angeles. The previous year involved Dia de los Muertos in Mexico. And before that: dark Tokyo festivities.
Can’t wait to show you my costumes for this year. I’ll be wearing something skimpy from J Valentine (remember their monster costume, which I modeled with Josie Stevens?).
This is my first time in Oregon, even though it’s geographically close to Vancouver. When I was growing up, few people went out of their way to see small and sleepy PDX. That’s changed in the past 5-10 years, with Portland becoming a mecca for comic artists, hipsters, food trucks, pickling, putting birds on things, and generally “keeping it weird.”
I can’t think of a better place to celebrate Halloween! We invite you to join us, and be in the travel video.
– On Oct 31, my crew and I will be shooting the underground party at Steep and Thorny Way to Heaven (RSVP on their page).
– Nov 1st afternoon, we’ll be at the Day of the Dead parade (see previous link).
– Nov 1st evening, we’ll hit the HP Lovecraft bar for Brickbat Goth night.
First Mate Naomi, who resides in the dark canals of PDX, has told me about the incredible alternative events here. She brings us a missive about some upcoming shanties:
Yoho! If ye dock ship in Portland, Oregon you’ll find that many a varied theme has a dedicated subculture here. Those with a seafaring spirit will be right at home with PDX Yar, Portland’s local pirate community.
I first ran into PDX Yar at Dr. Sketchy’s Portland, where a fully rigged 5 person pirate crew appeared for a three hour life-drawing session.
In addition to participating in local art and pirate fests (yes there is more than one pirate festival) Captain Redgoat McHaggis and the crew of the Yar put together their own annual bash, the Swashbuckler’s Ball.
This massive party is attended by all manner of properly dressed rapscallions. Even the dead and deep sea creatures turn out for the fun.
Folk fusion band Tempest rocked the main stage last year, while local troupe Critical Hit burlesque brought a lineup of themed performances (photo: Russell Bruner of SwingTime).
The ball happens again this November and will be headlined by steampunk band Abney Park!
But once a year is certainly not enough. This week PDX Yar has announced a new monthly event, “Shanty-aoke.” The singalong is exactly what it sounds like: belt out Sea Shanties with a full Pirate crew at your back. So if ye be at port, RSVP and get all the info here. (Captain Carmina’s note: Naomi made the scurvy illustration above.)
Finally, a head’s up for those of you in Germany: watch me Pro Sieben TV! This Saturday, Oct 19 at 8:15pm, I’m hosting a body modification segment on the hit program, Joko und Klaas “Duell um die Welt.”
Don’t worry, non-Deutsch readers, I’ll soon post a video clip and bloody insane photos from the filming.
Do you know what you’ll be wearing this Halloween? Got any outfit suggestions for Basil Farrow?
And if you have Portland, Oregon travel tips, please let me know in the comments. I’m already getting inspired by the IFC show Portlandia…
Coming up next: Bangkok, Thailand posts, and announcements about my November travels to far-off lands!
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Young, hip Belgrade! Floating raft nightclubs, Goth bars, Supermarket concept fashion shop.
In my last post, I wrote about how Belgrade is a safe destination with beautiful architecture. Today, let’s dive into Serbia’s trendy, modern side — with visits to a Gothic club, hip concept stores, and floating river bars.
I’m wearing a creepy doll cameo belt, sent by Little Wicked’s Emporium. These striking accessories are also available in skeleton rib-cage and flying bats prints. Love this online store’s selection of alternative fashion.
My veiled, floral headband is a present from Cyril Lumboy of DollDelight (remember when we hung out at Animegacon Las Vegas?). My red silk dress is similar to this one.
Right across from our home at Selection Apartments was the newly-opened The Trend Shack (Dobračina 4). At the front is a milkshake shop. If you purchase a drink, you get a discount on the clothes in the back.
They had a sweet selection of hip-hop and streetwear fashion. Lots of animal prints.
Skulls, pandas and crosses. One wall was decorated with hats.
There were many cute shops around Republic Square. Like Hachiko in Shibuya, locals often meet at the Prince Mihailo horse statue.
This area, “Knez Mihailova Street” or Prince Mihailo Street, is the main shopping and strolling district.
Photography in this post by Melissa Rundle.
If this moustache graffiti is any indication, Belgrade (or Beograd) has a hipster side.
The epicenter of trendy fashion is Supermarket Concept Store (Višnjićeva 10, ugao sa Strahinjića Bana, Dorćol).
Inside the modern, stark interior: rows of colorful shoes, and racks of garments by upscale, regional designers.
The staff was hilarious and goofed around with me.
I could have shopped for hours, under the unique lightbulb lighting.
Supermarket is huge. One part holds a restaurant with an outdoor patio. In the back, you can purchase books (like Calvin and Hobbes), homewares and gizmos.
Now, for the nightlife. I heard that Belgrade has an exciting party scene, and it lived up to my expectations. There are many trendy bar and club districts, such as Dorćol.
I found the website Still in Belgrade very helpful, especially for listings of upcoming electro, techno, alternative DJ events.
For Gothic and Industrial events in Eastern Europe, check the Vrtoglavica Subculture World Facebook for party announcements. That evening, there was a Love Katz night at an obscure location. Entry fee was about $2.
Inside, there was only a small bar but they served very tasty (and inexpensive) absinthe. A DJ played Gothic, EBM, Electro, 80s music.
I love seeing different Goth parties around the world. Since Belgrade’s scene is small, it combined different alt tribes (punk, etc).
We ended up at the infamous Belgrade floating raft clubs. What a sight: a row of boats tethered to the banks of the Sava River, each with different music blasting.
These floating bars are only open in the summer; entry to each was free or $1-2. We hopped from boat to boat, taking in the different dance DJs and drunks. I’ve had crazy nightlife experiences all around the world, and this one was one of the most unique.
I’m glad I went to Serbia during my Eurail-Vision trip. Cities like Berlin, Tokyo and New York are known for their nightlife and fashion — but let’s not forget that other parts of the world that can be as exhilarating. Thanks to Still in Belgrade for the nightlife and trend tips.
Did you know about Belgrade’s waterfront bars and concept stores? What other clubs would you recommend?
PS – Thanks for your kind response to my Serbia posts! Please add my social networks below to keep in touch — I hope to be back soon.
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