Never across in my mind that one day I’d visit Argentina, but here I was for the most magical eight days in my life. I arrived in Buenos Aires and there they are: Leandro and Noelia. Both are Roxette fans, who I knew for quite sometimes only through internet, but finally met face-to-face. They were so friendly and before I knew it, we started talking (during our trip to their apartment) like we’ve known each other forever.

They invited me to stay in their apartment. It was a lovely place. I felt like home instantly. The view from 8th floor was amazing too, but it didn’t really matter because I was just too exited to get to know them and looking forward to my first full Roxette concert ever. In fact, it was my first full concert of ANY band ever.

The view from the apartment

Later, since I just couldn’t wait to have the Roxette tickets in my hand, we went to a place where I plan to pick them up. Even though that was the beginning of fall, to me the weather was quite hot, kind of remind me of Indonesia. To think about it, the area where I was staying looked so similar with Jakarta. In some way, I felt like I was home. So, I didn’t really mind surrounding by lots of people, being in a hurry all the time, and no place to seat sometimes at public transportation. Of course, Buenos Aires had subway, while Jakarta had train. Some parts of this city were European influenced, something that Jakarta didn’t have.

Then, I got tickets! Still it’s going to be few more days before we attend the concert. The next day, Noe and Leandro went to Uruguay. I had to stay at home because I didn’t have the proper visa. Also, our other friend, Scott was coming from the US. I’ve known him since 2005 (I think), but never met him in person. He spoke Spanish really well and he took a taxi by himself from the airport to the apartment. Later that day, we went to downtown (though I made us go to wrong direction, but thankfully we manage to find the right way).

The next day, Noe and Leandro came home with two people who I have never met. Diego and Laura, who also Roxette fans. They’re going to stay with us. Diego was cool and funny. Laura couldn’t speak English, but I like her a lot. I think she’s a sweetheart. So, here we are people who never know each other before now staying together. I couldn’t help thinking how if one of us turns into a psycho killer? (lol I guess I watched too much Hitchcock). Of course, we’re all just normal fans and we ended up having marvelous time together. Leandro told me that sometimes in life you gotta take a chance. I agreed with him. To think about it, I have taken so many chances in my life before and many of them were quite crazy.

Finally the D-day is here! Or should I say the Rox day. We woke up early in the morning and started our day immediately. Noe had to go to her mother’s house, but we promised to meet each other at Luna Park (where the concert is). We took a subway and oh, boy there were lots of people (maybe because it was rush hour) inside. I think Leandro (or Diego) told me this is like rehearsal before being part at the crowded concert later.

In downtown, we met Marcos coincidentally. He was my friend in FB and he helped me purchase the ticket for Cordoba gig. He was with this sweet girl, Andrea. They said “hi” and he asked Andrea to translate something for me. Apparently during our contacts, I mostly talk to his partner because he couldn’t speak English. I said no problem at all. He was already so kind to help a stranger like me, then we pass a hotel nearby and guess who were in there? Christoffer and Helena! We waved and moments later they came to see us. We took pictures together and I remember someone told me Chris is a huge Harry Potter fan, so I mentioned it and suddenly we were talking about Harry Potter like we were old friends! He said that now he’s starting to read the series to his kids.

With Christoffer

Then here comes Pelle and Magnus. I’ve never met Pelle before, and I had to say that after Marie and Per, he was actually my favorite Roxette band. I think he’s a great drummer, especially in Sleeping In My Car. So, I was so shocked to see him and nervous as well. I just couldn’t believe that he was standing in front of me. My first instinct was to shake his hand, but instead he hugged and kissed me. It had bad effect on me. I couldn’t stop smiling and grinning for hours.

We finally arrived at Luna Park. I just couldn’t believe what I saw. Was I died and went to Rox heaven? Everywhere you look, there are hundreds (maybe thousand) people wearing Roxette T-shirt. I was never surrounded by that many Roxette fans my whole life. Plus, you could see all unofficial Roxette merchandise they sold over there. Anything you can think of! Pictures, photos, pin, key change, etc. I was so tempted to buy some, but I also didn’t want to carry too much during the concert.

Noelia already there so we decided to have lunch. Coincidentally, while we’re eating there was Roxette add on television. We toasted for Roxette, the fans, and the new friendship.

I met some friends that I only knew from Facebook. Sometimes I said “hi” first, sometimes they did.

Hours later when we’re standing on the line, I saw a white van passing us by, then I saw some familiar faces. “Look, Roxette!” I said spontaneously. Of course, in a second everyone saw it too and all the long line got messed up all of sudden. Many fans are now chasing the van on the highway. My friends and I decided not to do the same. I wish I had video so I could tape it and send it to my family in Indonesia with a note: “See, I am pretty normal compare to other fans”. I am sure if you asked them whether I’d go after the van, they would definitely say yes. I guess I am getting old?

The gate finally opened at 7 pm. I could feel my heart trembling. This is it.

When I went inside the building, some people already got all the places at the first row, but I manage to be in maybe the 5th (or 6th). I thought that was pretty good place, then at 8 o’clock, the supporting act was playing while others still looking for their seat (or better standing places). Of course, soon I regret for even try to be in the front rows.

At 9 o’clock, Marie, Per and the whole band enter the stage and that’s when the wildest night I’ve ever experience my whole life officially begin. People just went crazy when they saw them on the stage and Marie grabbed the mic and said Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! that was when everything begins uncontrollable. People went wild. They were jumping, singing, dancing and I got punched hard in my chest I feel like I couldn’t breathe. That moment I decided I had better get out of here. However, I just couldn’t get out. There were too many people blocked my way. I got pushed to every side you can think of and couldn’t really move my feet because someone stepped on it. I pray Dressed For Success will be over soon so maybe it would calm the people a bit. I was wrong because when Dressed was over, it followed by Sleeping In My Car.

I kept begging some people to give me way out. Some tried to help, but the power of the crowd kept pushing me back inside. Then, everything start to feel blurry and then dark. I felt like I was dying. I start to imagine (or hallucinate) what would happen if I die in this concert. I imagine the newspaper where I used to work back in Indonesia would write a headline about this accident. In fact, I could read the title: “A Long Time Fan Die Tragically In Roxette Concert”. Oh my God, how ironic it would be? I imagine it would disturb my family so much and Roxette music will forever be too traumatic for them. I couldn’t let that happen. That’s not the kind of death that I’d want, too embarrassing and ironic. So, with my last strength I pushed myself outside the crowd, I got a glance of a girl laying helplessly under the crowd, I wish I could help her, but I almost couldn’t help myself either.

Then… I’m free! It took three songs before I finally could breather. At that time Wish I Could Fly is playing, but I was too shaken up to enjoy it, and at that moment I felt I was so lucky to actually survive. Not until Only When I Dream that I start to enjoy the concert. In fact, now I actually have better view of Marie and Per. I wasn’t that further away from the stage anyway. Though, I couldn’t help counting around 10 people fainting (I was pretty sure even more than that).

I was surprise that I actually love She’s Got Nothing On and Opportunity Nox so much. Those two songs were never my favorite, but I must admit they sounded great live.

Things Will Never Be The Same performed with only Marie, Per and his acoustic guitar on the stage. You could tell how Marie felt so overwhelmed with the audience response. She knew they love her and I think it touched hear heart so much, she looked like she was about to cry. By the end of the song, Per gave her a sweet kiss on her cheek.

Of course the climax was Spending My Time. You almost couldn’t hear Roxette at all. It was so emotional and again you could see how this means to Marie (later, Lars Erik Olson from TDR told us that Marie cried on the backstage after the concert because she too felt overwhelmed by the love for her).

Per was fantastic as always, but so did Marie. There were so many differences between her performance in NOTP two years ago than this one. She looked more confident, she communicated with the audience and explored almost every corners of the stage (almost like the old times). I couldn’t help noticing that she looked years younger and prettier too.
How Do You Do / Dangerous received great response from fans and who could forget Joyride with fans throwing balloon after Per sings “In a wonderful balloon”. It was so good to be part of it.

The concerts ends with Church of Your Heart. The night wasn’t over yet, there was a party waiting for the fans. Like usual, some people that I only knew from Facebook said “hi” to me. It was great to finally meet them though we only chat for a very short time.

Only when I drink

The pass

With Pelle (again)

The After School party was wonderful. When you enter the club, you’re welcomed by Roxette music (and video) in giant screen. Some fans already there dancing, drinking and having tons of fan. I saw Clarence, Magnus and Christoffer already there hang out together with the fans. I was still exhausted from my experience so I decided to sit down most of the time, but I met some great people who keep me company. It was a great atmosphere and I wish I could stay longer, but there was still another concert waiting the next day. Oh, I got another pic taken with Pelle again.

To be continued…

Way Out
Very much Beatles influenced. It doesn’t really fit as opening song off the album, maybe because you almost couldn’t hear Marie’s voice at all. Even though, the song is great (has interesting opening, and the guitar riff were fantastic) but it fits more to Gessle’s solo projects (maybe even Gylenne Tider, Gessle’s other band).

No One Makes It On Her Own
Typical Roxette ballad, but in a good way of course. They’ve always been known as a band who always produced amazing ballads. Remember It Must Have Been Love or Listen To Your Heart? This song carries the Roxette formula: Powerful voice by Marie and genius lyrics by Per. Get ready to feel nostalgic.

She’s Got Nothing On (But The Radio)
For me, this is the ‘weakest’ song off the album. The style seemed like the continuation of Opportunity Rox, which never be my favorite. However, the chorus is pretty strong, thanks to Marie’s unique vocal and then a great middle-8 (another typical Roxette, the credit goes to Gessle this time). Maybe I’ll like it better with less computerize effect, and I have to say Marie saved this song

Speak To Me
PERFECT song. This is the song that is so perfect from the beginning to the end. No flaw at all. Simple yet brilliant. They will make a mistake if they NEVER release this as a single (like they did with Things Will Never Be The Same). To the fans that gotten to know Roxette from Joyride era, this song will take us back to memory lane.

I’m Glad You Called
A very simple song sing by Marie. She sounds fragile, but that makes the song work. If you like Crash! Boom! Bang! you will like this song as well, and yes the violin is back! This is Roxette that we know best, Marie sings the whole song, Per sings the middle-8, or vice versa.

Only When I Dream
Just like Speak To Me, this is Roxette that we’ve known that seemed lost during Have A Nice Day or Room Service. When Per mentioned the new album will sound like a classic Roxette, this song is one of the proof. Marie and Per share their vocal part equally. To Roxette fans, this song is like a dream comes true.

Dream On
Another left over from The World According To Gessle? Though when you heard Marie’s part, she takes you back to Roxette again. Another Beatles influenced. Per does his best vocal here (though Marie’s part is also magical).

Big Black Cadillac
This should be the opening song of the album. Though I am not a fan of the song, but I think this has more hits potential than She’s Got Nothing On (But The Radio). In my opinion, if they want to gain the attention of younger generation, this one is probably the better choice to be release as first single.

In My Own Way
This is the kind of the song that need to be listen few times, and now it’s my number one favorite of the album. This song is like a movie, at the beginning you were trying to figure out what the plot is going to me, but at the middle you start to realize that this is must be the smartest, the most emotional story you’ve ever seen, and by the end all you want to do is watch the movie over and over again. Marie delivers different range of her vocal. It started a bit fragile, but then it got stronger gradually, until to the point that just blow you away.

After All
Another Beatles influence, another The World According To Gessle leftover, which actually my favorite album by Gessle.

Happy On The Outside
To me, it has the weakest lyrics. I think Per can do better than this. The music and Marie’s vocal still interesting to hear, especially at the chorus. It makes me believe again and again on Per brilliant mind in creating such a catchy music.

Sitting On Top Of The World
The kind of song that usually not my favorite, but Marie’s sweet voice change it all. The song seemed so simple, but usually it’s tricky. You got to be a talented singer to make such a simple song works, but Marie proves she still got what it takes (remember how sweet she sounded like in Milk and Toast and Honey?) Perfect ending of the album. This song should be a soundtrack to a movie. Per’s best lyric so far.

My list of Charm School best songs in order:

1. In My Own Way
2. Speak To Me
3. No One Makes It On Her Own
4. Sitting on Top of The World
5. Only When I Dream
6. Dream On
7. I’m Glad You Called
8. Big Black Cadillac
9. Way Out
10. Happy On The Outside
11.After All
12. She’s Got Nothing On, But The Radio

Songs that should be release as a single: Speak To Me, Only In My Dream, No One Makes It On Her Own, Big Black Cadillac, and Sitting On Top Of The World.

At the beginning when I only listened to the snippets, I thought this album sounds more like Crash! Boom! Bang!. I changed my mind now. It sounds more like Tourism (especially with the live recording songs at the deluxe album). So, I think Roxette tried to satisfy all the fans who liked different album. This album are mixed of anything classic from them, which is a good thing.

Way Out:
It’s a bit strange to have this one as the opening song. I think Roxette fans already got use with more powerful up tempo song (The Look, Sleeping In My Car, etc). Still, it has great rhythm guitar. Very much Beatles-influenced, only more modern.

No One Makes It On Her Own:
Wonderful ballad. Marie sounds so angelic. My favorite part was “Did u ever catch the sunset, right across the ocean..” Kudos to Per’s talent in song writing and Marie’s perfect delivery.

She’s Got Nothing On (But The Radio)
I am almost sure this is the weakest out of the album. Strangely it’s actually the first single. The chorus is catchy and has Roxette typical but perfect middle-8. However, it sounds over produced while I am still stuck with the classic Roxette.

Speak To Me
Probably the most romantic songs on the album (or ever in Roxette history? time will tell). Never actually a fan of this type, but this time I gave in. Marie and Per voice sounded so perfectly combined, followed by Marie’s powerful (yet vulnerable at the same time) voice in the chorus. It seemed after Listen To Your Heart, Spending My Time and It Must Have Been Love, here comes another ballad that born to be a classic.

I’m Glad You Called
If you like Roxette’s Tourism album, you will like this one. They choose to do this song in acoustic way, different with Per’s version which I think lack of “feeling” (or maybe lack of Marie?).

Only When I Dream
This is what I called CLASSIC ROXETTE! Perfect chorus. It felt like they took me back on the first time I’ve ever listen to them. Remember at the old days when Per and Marie used to take turn singing in a song? This song remind me of Things Will Never Be The Same (Joyride). So far, this is my number one favorite.

Dream On
Another classic Roxette ( I swear if I am closing my eyes, I felt like I in 90’s again). For some reason it sounds so familiar, like a dejavu. Very Beatles influence, but I don’t mind at all.

Big Black Cadillac
First impression: Is this Lady Gaga’s song? Though, I better wait until I heard the whole song before judging. I think this should be the opening song. Much stronger than Way Out, and catchier than She’s Got Nothing On (But The Radio). It’s start to grow on me after playing it for maybe hundred of times.

In My Own Way
Another romantic acoustic ballad, the kind of song you’ll hear on a wedding. It has a gospel touch (in music, not lyrics). Brilliant words by Mr. G, and angelic voice by Ms. F

After All
Another Beatles style (which I don’t mind at all, do you?). Sounds like a leftover from The World According To Gessle, which should be a PERFECT Roxette album, even Clarence Ofwerman agrees.

Happy On The Outside
I LOVE THE CHORUS! So emotional and no one could sing this better than Marie. It reminds me of Roxette powerful broken hearted song theme in the 80’s-90’s.

Sitting On The Top Of The World
This one took me to another world, maybe heaven? Again, Marie with her angelic’s voice and again Gessle proof that he’s one of the most talented songwriter. What an true artist.

Overall: This is gonna be a ROMANTIC album, with lots of acoustic guitar, a bit of Beatles influence here and there. I am dare to say this is more than what I expected. Can’t wait for the WHOLE album.

Roxette new album, Charm School out in February 2011, while their World Tour starts on March.

First something inspired by their new album cover:

My art:

( Left to right: Dug is a character from my fav Pixar movie ‘Up’, then some pic that I took (cuz I love photography), Marie F album Den Standiga Resan (my fav of hers), Severus Snape (my fav character from Harry Potter), James Stewart (my fav actor), Harry Potter book which so special because it made me start to love reading again, then Roxette (my fav band basically for half of my life), lastly Alfred Hitchcock which I think is the best director ever. The background is from newspaper Manado Post (where I landed my first job ever)

Roxette new album

The next one is my first painting of Marie (the other half of Roxette) in watercolors. I’m quite proud of this one, I always wanted to learn how to paint, but I always delay it, I guess. I think I was too comfortable with “pencils”, now I didn’t even see me going back ever again.

Oh, the new Roxette album is called Charm School, and the new single is called She’s Got Nothing On, But The Radio.

Maybe some of you still remember my story when I failed to see Roxette in Rotterdam. It seemed it ended in a very good way (I got a chance to meet Roxette backstage) in Cologne, Germany.

However, no one really know what happened after that.

Life seemed perfect. I will always remember Germany as the sacred place where I finally achieved my long time dream (for almost 20 years!) to finally meet Roxette. However, it seemed fate, destiny or whatever you wanna call it decided to add a little more into that unforgettable moment. Perhaps so I could always remember and appreciate on how WORTH that experience really was? I don’t know.

After my meeting with Roxette in Cologne, I still had one last concert to go the next day. I enjoyed the show very much, although my mind mostly thought about the meeting the day before. Nothing could beat that experience. Part of me was sad because the experience was almost over, while I also couldn’t wait to go home to US, so I could upload the pictures and sharing (or showing off) with friends and everyone else. However, it seemed Germany still wanted me to stay just a little bit longer… Two more days actually.

Then I saw the last concert in Dortmund. Pretty emotional to see Marie and Per waved to the audiences and said goodbye. After that, I took a train back to Düsseldorf. It was so cold and freezing. I felt more than exhausted. Two days earlier I REFUSED to feel it and somehow I managed to fight it. Those times I couldn’t afford to feel tired since I still had concert to go (meaning I still need my strength to walk around Cologne/ Dortmund on heavy snow for many hours), but this time I gave in and felt it was okay to be tired and sleepy.

I arrived in Düsseldorf maybe after midnight (I wasn’t sure). There were no more bus, and I still had to wait for a taxi to take me to my hotel while the heavy snow still falling. The taxi came and I arrived safely at my hotel. I realized that I gave TOO MUCH tip to taxi driver. However, I decided not to think about it because tomorrow I would be on a plane back to US. I planned to wake up around 5 am because my flight took off at 9:30 am

I woke up few hours later. While lying in bed, I looked outside the window then wondering why it was all bright outside, then I checked my cellphone. It was 9:15 am! I was shocked! I FORGOT to set up the alarm, I forgot to let the front desk know so they could wake me up. I suddenly realized that I woke up so late and now I could be trapped in Germany with NO money! I only had maybe $ 100 left at my bank account meaning I couldn’t afford to buy a new ticket and I got nowhere to go.

I grab my suitcase in panic. I didn’t even change clothes (I still wore my pajama), no time to put on some socks and I already lost one my gloves during my meeting with Marie and Per. I went to the front desk. I still hoped that I could make it to the airport in 15 minutes. I hoped somehow the plane got delayed.

Damn, there were people also checking out, finally it was my turn. I asked the hotel staff to call a cab for me. He said that there were people asked a cab also, but it didn’t show up yet. Now, I was more than panic. He said the family also needed to go to the airport and maybe they were willing to share the cab with me. I went outside and begging them to let me share the taxi. They didn’t mind. The husband actually tried to cheer me up. He said that everything will be okay and the plane might get delayed because of the horrible weather. I wished he was right. I hoped I didn’t use all my luck for my meeting with Roxette. The damn cab still didn’t arrive so I decided to take a bus instead. Of course by this time, if the plane on time, I already officially missed it

I arrived at the airport and went to Lufthansa desk. Yes, I was right. I missed the plane. I was so sad and confused. Didn’t know what to do, then some airport security advised me to try to get a flight to Frankfurt. She said I still have time to catch my connecting flight to US at 12 pm there (I supposed to take a flight from Düsseldorf to Frankfurt, then Frankfurt to New York), but I needed to buy new ticket from Düsseldorf to Frankfurt. I didn’t even know if I could afford that with my $ 100, but I went on a line anyway.

There was a very LONG line. I decided to ask if I could cut the line, but they all seemed mind. They all also missed their connecting flight. The different were, I FELL asleep while them just simply because of the bad weather which wasn’t their fault at all. So, here I was, being on the line in my pajama.

I checked the clock, now it’s 11:30 am, so I have missed another flight from Frankfurt to New York. It seemed I was gonna trap in Germany for I didn’t know how long.

I was on the line for economy class, then I saw only few people on business class line. I guess it wouldn’t hurt to go to that lane because I just needed to talk with someone from Lufthansa about my situation. So, I moved to that line instead.

Then it was my turn. I told the woman what happened. She checked on the computer and said there were no flight to US until two days later. I said I didn’t mind as long I COULD go home, then I remember I have ‘little’ problem. I got no money to pay for the ticket. She said, I didn’t have to pay. I WAS shocked, then she told me that she was gonna give me ticket for Business Class. Now, I was more than shocked. I couldn’t stop thanking her. I got my ticket and started to walk away. She called me back.

She said: “don’t go that fast”. She asked me where I would stay. I said I didn’t mind staying at the airport, I was already SO happy that I could go back home. She told me not to be silly, then she wrote something that turns out was a voucher to stay two nights at Maritim hotel. Again, I thanked her, then left. She called me again and now she started to laugh. She said that she wasn’t finished, then she gave me something. It was a food voucher for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Maritim Hotel for two days! I still couldn’t believe what happened. She just saved my life!

Now, I decided to call my husband and told them what happened. He was shocked that I’ve met Roxette, then even shocker for what happened to me after that. Of course, we both relieved that seemed I was gonna be just fine.

So, I went to my hotel. Hey, it even so much better than my previous one. It has flat screen TV, comfier bed and closer to the airport where you could just walk.

Hours later while relaxing at my much nicer room, I realized something. My visa expired TODAY while I still had to stay two more days in Germany. At first, I thought I’d just let the immigration know what really happened and I am sure they would let me entered the plane, still I was so worried. So, I went at the hotel lobby, then talked with some stewardess who happened to stay at the same hotel. They all said that I COULD be in BIG trouble with expired visa, I might have to pay LOTS of fine! They suggested me that I went back to the airport and talked with the airport police.

Arrgghhh…. another trouble again. So I went there and the police said that I DID need to go to immigration office in downtown Düsseldorf. Since it was already evening now and they were closed, he suggested me that I went there next morning. He wrote the address and gave me the direction and how to get there. I called my husband again. He said he would transfer me some money just in case I needed to pay a lot for having my visa extended.

The next morning, I went downtown. I met a guy at the office, who didn’t speak English at all. I told him (In English) that I needed to get my visa extended. He answered me in German, and I had no idea what he was saying, then he gave me a letter, in German. I went to airport so they could tell me if I got the right one. They said: that’s it. I’m relieved and finally I could finally relax at my hotel

This time I didn’t forget to alert the front desk to wake me up the next morning. I set the alarm on my cellphone, the phone at my room also had its own alarm, even the television. So, the next morning imagined how shocked I was when they all started to ring at the same time, but the good news was I woke up ON TIME.

I went to the airport, showed my visa and the letter to immigration and I entered the waiting room with feeling so extremely relieved, then it was time to board, when I showed my ticket, the Luthansa crew said,”Miss Bishop, we would like to invite you to fly on the first-class.” I CAN’T believe what I heard, FIRST- CLASS? I NEVER BEEN ON ONE!

Of course I said yes!

So, there I was at the first-class. I had my own seat that can turn into bed so I could stretch my legs. I had my own table with roses (I usually didn’t care with ‘little thing’ like this), better movie choices and better food! This was the first time ever in my life that I actually didn’t want to get off a plane. It was too comfortable, it was like you went to a spa. The stewardess kept offering me food! First she offered me fruits, caviar then cakes (she asked which kind I prefer the most, I couldn’t pick so she gave me them all). She asked what kind of wine I wanted to have, again I couldn’t decide, so she brought me MANY samples, then I finally chose something. She said it was an African wine.

Then the main course. I was so hungry because I didn’t really eat while I was in Germany. I chose something with duck. It came in a BIG plate that I felt really bad when I couldn’t finish it. Also, I was so full with all the snacks. Probably an hour before the plane landed, she came back with a HUGE bag of present! She said it’s a Chritsmas present. I checked in the bag and I got perfume, lip gloss, sandal, shirt, chocolate, sleep mask, etc.

This trip ended up with another happy ending (except the fact that I had to go back to work at 9 am the next day after arriving home at 3 am). So, yes now I am a BIG fan of Lufthansa.

Roxette and me.

I haven’t updated my site in a long time and also haven’t visited anyone’s blog/sites in a long time. This last few months has been very but also a very stressful time for me, although it ended VERY great.

It started with the most terrible times in my whole life but ended in most fantastic times that I myself have never dare to imagine. Now I am confident to say that 2009 maybe the best year of my life.

The are so many reason why it’s the best. This year, I finally achieve not ONLY one but MANY things that I’ve always dreamed or thought before, the dream that seemed impossible and still to this day, I can’t believe that it’s actually happen. The dream is ‘Meeting Roxette’.

I didn’t realize how much this event meant to me, because I thought I’m no longer a a “Roxette fanatic”, I STILL like them but I thought the effects like I used to feel when I was teenager probably has faded away with time. I was like a newborn Roxette fan again. Then I realize that I am actually still a Roxette fanatic, but past event (like terrible thing that happen to Marie) made me want to focus on something else, thing that ‘less selfish’ than to see them on a stage.

If you curious, I am gonna share my story which I actually wrote and got published at RoxetteBlog.Com

WARNING: It’s quite long

BEING a Roxette fan was always a challenge for me. Everytime I wanted to get something Roxette-related, I had to try extra harder (maybe harder than anyone else). Most of the time it would be so stressful, but for some reason it was always ended great and by the end of the day it became a good story to tell.

I remember on 1993, I was only 14 years old and still living in a very small town of Indonesia (now I’m living in US). At that time, my TV only had one channel, no cable at all.

I have a cousin who liked to buy a tabloid which included a TV guide/schedules for the whole week. I remember it was Tuesday night, and for fun I would pretend that my TV had all the chanells like in that TV guide, and I’d marked the shows that I pretend I was going to watch the next day.

Then I read about the show called “About Roxette”. I panicked and shocked because ever since I become a huge fan, never in my life I watched a whole hour show about them. Now some channel is gonna broadcast them but my TV didn’t even get that? What am I gonna do?
No one I knew had cable.

So, all night I prayed (I really did), that if I couldn’t watch the show, I hope that when I woke up tomorrow that the show will disappear magically from that tabloid (I know it sounded selfish).

I couldn’t really sleep of course, and around 5 am I woke up and checked the listing. It was still there, and now it was only few hours away.

To my surprise, I heard someone knocked on our door and my mom went to open it. I stayed in my room, but I could hear that it was my aunt. It was strange for her to visit my mom in that hour.

Then I overheard her saying the most magical word ever. She said: ”We just installed cable yesterday.”

I jumped off bed instantly and went outside to make sure I didn’t misheard. She was telling the truth, she had cable now and meaning I COULD see Roxette!

So, even though the show wouldn’t be on until 3 pm, I already sat in front of the TV at her house since 8 am. Hours later, I finally was able to see Marie and Per for the whole hour (well, 30 minutes actually, because there were commercial breaks) for the first time in my life.

No Indonesian subtitles, just English and at that time I only understood maybe 5 percent of what they were talking about, but I didn’t care. I just want to see them. Ah, those were the days…

That’s just the beginning…

Years later, I was still a Roxette fan and my dream was to see them live on stage. However, things changed when Marie got ill. All of a sudden, I put aside that dream and all I want was to see her healthy and happy agaon, even if it meant that I’d never see Roxette live ever again.

I actually manage to make myself not really thinking about them anymore. Thank god for my very busy job and school. For the first time in my life, I felt like I wasn’t Roxette number one fan anymore, I like to think that maybe now I was only Roxette number 37 or 38 fan.

Years ago, I wanted to be the first person who owned their latest album, but this time I even waited 3 years before I got Rox Box.

But then there she was ON STAGE again with Per in Amsterdam. Suddenly things changed again. Now I was probably Roxette number 10 fan. I felt like 15 again. I admit I cried when I saw them (through YouTube) on stage again and I remembered the dream I used to have of seeing them live again.

I realized that it never goes away, at that time I just wanted to be a good fan, especially for Marie. I stay away because I want the best for her, but now I think it’s no longer selfish to have a Roxette dream again.

Then I heard the news that they would be performing on Night of the Proms. I was trembling and feeling so nervous when I realized that I might be able to see them. I actually had enough money on my bank to see them.

I had been saving money for travelling to a place that I hadn’t decided and now I COULD use that money.

I decided to go to see them in the Netherlands. And since this was my first time travelling outside the US, and even though I am US permanent resident but still am an Indonesian citizen, I decided to call the Indonesian consulate and addressed my question to them.

I asked them if I needed a visa to go to Netherland, and they said no. That’s how I made my first mistake ever. I didn’t double check with the Dutch Consulate. I BELIEVED them right away. So, then I bought the round trip ticket to Amsterdam, bought one NOTP ticket for Rotterdam show, booked 4 nights room for a hostel, learnt how the train system works (printing the schedules, etc), even made a trip plan to see Roxette’s foot prints in Rotterdam.

I also bought a new suitcase, camera, winter clothes, some travelling kits and books to read at the airplane. I even announced that to everyone I knew in Facebook, Twitter, and whatever/whenever I could about this most exiting moment I am about to experience. I also took almost a week off work.

Then a week before my trip, I bought another NOTP ticket. I was so happy to know that I was going to be in TWO concerts. Life seemed GREAT.

Then on the 16th, I said goodbye to all my Facebook friends, hopefully to meet some of them at the concert. I went to the airport with happiness and joy. The only thing that worried me if I could straight my legs on the airplane.

However the day I arrived at the airport made turns me from the happiest gal at to the saddest and the most tragic person at San Diego Lindberg Airport.

They said I couldn’t go because I didn’t have the visa. I was so shocked. I thought everything was perfect, I thought in few days I’d finally be able to see Marie and Per. Never in my life I’d changed from the happiest person to the saddest THIS fast.

I felt sad before for not being able to see Roxette when they toured Indonesia (1995), but at that time I knew from the very beginning I wouldn’t be able to see them, so I was sad, but was more prepared. This was different, I was SO fuckin’ sure I was gonna see them.

I learned that to get the visa I’d need at least three weeks, meaning even when I get it, it was already too late. My dream was crashed.

I went home crying. I decided I wanted to take a break from anything, especially from Roxette. It was too painful. I took off the calendar because I didn’t want to see the dates to remind me that I was supposed to be in Rotterdam.

I asked my husband to message my Rox friends about what happened, because I thought it would be strange to just disappear like that.
He also contacted the airplane ticket and they said the ticket wasn’t refundable, but I could still use the credit for my next flight. However, they would still take $ 300 as penalty.

The hostel charge me one night out of four (that was fair). The NOTP ticket wasn’t refundable unfortunately. I wanted to give it away to other fans, but too little time.

However, it turns out I couldn’t really take a break. I kept wondering if I could make it to Germany instead? Should I try by using the credit of my airplane ticket? I was too scared to fail and even losing more money.

Then, with the last energy I had, I decided to try to get a visa to Germany. There were lots of requirements, and again almost made me give up, but some part of me kept me wondering how if I’d succeed. I was worried that in the future I’d always be wondering what would happen if I had never even tried.

So, yes, I decided to give it another try. Again, I bought (using the credit and paid even more money) another roundtrip airplane ticket from USA to Germany.

Just in case, I bought a ticket for the last show in Dortmund. The ticket was more expensive than the one I had before and it wasn’t in front of the stage, like my seat in Rotterdam, but I didn’t care. This time I planned everything quietly. Maybe because I was just too afraid that it might fail again.

Then, we went to the German Consulate in Los Angeles. At that time it was only two weeks before the concert, and the woman at the consulate reminded me that it might took three weeks for me to get the visa. At that time, I just didn’t care. “Whatever,” I thought.

Later, they still said that my letter of reference from work didn’t look legitimate enough and I needed a new one. My itinerary wasn’t what they wanted either.

Usually, they want people to bring those documents in person, but this time they said I could just mail them in. Thank goodness. We already spent lots of money for gas from San Diego to LA back and forward.

… And the waiting game began. Couldn’t really sleep and eat. Gosh, waiting was REALLY a very hard thing to do!

Then three days before the 16th, I got a call from the consulate and they said that my visa was ready! I WAS so relieved and happy! We drove to Los Angeles again to get it. I still decided not to let anyone know about it at least until the concert was over.

Just to be sure, a day before my trip, we went to the airport and showed the document I had, and they said that was all I needed. “Just don’t be late,” the Airport people told me.

The 16th arrived and finally I was on a plane to Dusseldorf, Germany. I just couldn’t believe that my dream was about to become true! I arrived on the 17th and went to my hotel right away.

The next day, the 18th, I woke up and I realized that in a few hours Roxette was going to sing in Cologne but I only had one ticket to Dortmund. I knew that the show for that day probably was sold out, but what about the one for tomorrow? Should I go? Then I talked with my husband on the phone, I asked him to check my account and he said that I still had a little money.

So, I decided to take a train to Cologne right away and arrived around 1 pm. I asked if they still had a ticket for tomorrow’s show, then they checked their computer and told me that they did! I was so happy, but then I decided to ask IF they still had ticket for TONIGHT show, and they said yes.

I bought the ticket right away. They asked me if I wanted to buy another one for the next day, but I said I’ll think about it.

The problem now, that the show wouldn’t start until 8 pm, and here I was already at the location seven hours earlier. I didn’t have any friends in Cologne so I didn’t know where to go.

First I went to Greek restaurant and ate, I even talked with a waiter who was shocked when he learned the reason why I was there. However, I felt uncomfortable to sit down there hours and hours, so I decided to leave and wandered in a cold weather until the show started.

It was pretty hard, especially for someone who came from Indonesia (tropical country), then living in southern California to suddenly walking around during freezing winter time in Germany.

Finally it was almost the show time. I was so excited and touched at the same time. I couldn’t believe I’d see Roxette for the first time in my life.

Then I heard the most familiar familiar music followed by the familiar faces. I felt so amazed, I decided to stop taking pictures, I just wanted to pay attention to Marie and Per while they performed “Wish I Could Fly”. I felt like I was dreaming, like it didn’t actually happen.

When the song was over, and they both disappeared, that was when I actually realized that I JUST saw Roxette. I felt like I was about to cry, but then I thought if I cried right now, people would think that I was a fan of whomever in the stage right now. So, I forced myself not to.

Then, of course later, I was amazed again by how great Marie’s performance was, especially during “Listen To Your Heart”. Honestly, when I went to see them, I didn’t have any expectation at all. I felt like my job was to support them no matter what. They have blessed me with great music all these years, it was my turn to thank them by just showing up. So, I was totally blown away when Marie proved that she still had one of the most beautiful voices I’ve heard in my life. That woman was just so amazing and powerful. That was probably my absolute favorite performance of hers.

When I went back to my hotel that night, I kept thinking on how great the show was. So, I decided to try to get another ticket for tomorrow’s show. I went there again very early so I could still get the ticket, which I did. Once again, I had to walk around for hours waiting for the show to begin.

This time was even harder because there was heavy snow all over the place. I kept thinking how on earth I was gonna survive on this weather, I felt numb all over, my hands and face were frozen, but then it help me to not feeling as cold.

Maybe two hours before the show, I cought some familiar faces in the crowd waiting for the door to be opened. However, I was still not sure. So, I just followed them and waited until someone mentioned “Roxette”, then maybe I’d say hi. Then I saw Kirsten (A Roxette friend that I only know from internet), but again I was still not sure and I kept standing near them. No one said Roxette or Kirsten, so then I decided to say hi anyway. I mean, what worst thing could happen?

It turned out it was really her, and she was quite surprised that I actually MADE it to the concert. Then, something more amazing than I could imagine actually happened. She asked me if I wanted to join them to meet and greet Roxette. I, of course, said yes right away.

However, I learned to stay calm and prepared myself for not being disappointed if it doesn’t happen.

Hours later, at the backstage, the dream that I had for a long time started to come true right before my eyes when I saw Per and Marie entered the room.

It was so strange to see faces that I had ever only seen on TV or magazines actually appeared, for real. This time I kept taking lots and lots of pictures.

Then it was my turn to have my picture taken with Per. I had never met him before so I didn’t know what to do. I actually decided to avoid physical contact, so I just stood near him without even shake his hand. Then, he suddenly put his arm around my shoulder. I thought, hey, maybe it was okay to lay my head on his shoulder, then I got my picture taken (of course later I saw in our picture that Per didn’t smiling, I hope it wasn’t because of what I did).

Overall, Per was very warm and nice. He liked to talk to the fans all at once, which was great. Then, it was my turn to meet Marie. I was SO shocked when she grab my hand then kept holding it maybe for few minutes.

She was smiling and looking me right in the eyes, like she wanted to give all her attention to me. I never expected that. So, then I told her I’ve been a fan for 19 years since I was living in Indonesia and this is the first time I saw her in person. She was quite shocked, but she kept looking right into my eyes, then said, “hope this is okay with you.”

She still had her eyes on me while holding my hand so tight, seemed like she waited for me to say something. My 15 years old heart wanted to scream hysterically in front of her face, but my 30 year old brain told me to stay calm. At the end, the only words that I manage to say was “You’re so pretty.”

I knew it doesn’t sound smart at all and I wish I said something more meaningful. And guess what, she still looked at me right in the eyes. Maybe, I am crazy but it seemed like she could read inside my soul. That was too hard for me to handle so I turned away To this day, I kept thinking about that look. It’s still a mystery to me, but let me try to explain: In her eyes, there were kindness, child alike, innocent, mysterious, sweet, and curiosity or was it? Is that possible that some things that I felt like I saw on her was the reflection on my own feelings towards her? Like I actually witness my childhood past? There is something special with that woman. It turns out I wasn’t the only one who feel that, so I wasn’t crazy then.

At that time the whole meeting was still like a dream to me. I started to realize that it really did happen when I went back to my sit at the concert. Then that was when I started to become emotional and I felt like I really need to cry this time, in happiness, but Katona Twins were on a stage right now, and even though I enjoyed them alot, again I didn’t want people to think that I cried for them.

The third concert in Dortmund however was mixed emotions to me. I was sad because this was the last one but happy at the same time to see them on a stage. After the concert, I went back to my hotel very tired and only got few hours to sleep before leaving for USA. I kept thinking about my meeting with Roxette and couldn’t wait to share my experience with everyone.

Of course, nothing ever went easy for me. I actually overslept and missed my plane, and I wasn’t leave until two days later, but that’s another story.

For more of the pictures I took with Roxette, click here

I never know that this day would come, but it did. On May 6 (a day before my birthday), Roxette together on stage again.

Per Gessle, the man of Roxette (yes, Roxette has two member to all of you who thinks that Roxette is of that blond singer who sings It Must Have Been Love, Listen To Your Heart and many more) are touring Europe to promote his latest album, Party Crasher.

There has been rumor that Marie Fredriksson, the other half of the band, would join him on stage. Not so long ago, Per finally confirmed through his twitter. At that time no one knew where that she’s gonna pop out.

Many of you probably doesn’t know why Marie stop performing with Roxette. It started on 2002, before their appearance on the show Night of the Proms. She fell on her bathroom and then the doctor told her that she has tumor on her brain. A shocking news for her and of course her fans all over the world.

Starting that year, she then focused only to recover from her sickness. The intense treatment has cause her memory loss even eyesight losing to one of her eye (I just found out recently). So, at that moment, all the dream to see Roxette return seemed impossible.

She seemed getting healthier over the years, but seemed has to find new passion, drawing. She had several art exhibition in Sweden. For music, she still does making great one, but usually only in Swedish and recording at her own home. We, the fans, understand her decision and continue wishing her the best.

They do made surprise comeback on 2006, when they decided to get back together and record two new songs, One Wish and Reveal, to include in their Hits album as part of celebration of their 20 years anniversary.

They did performing on stage together at Bravo show, but not live in front of audience. And, that’s about it, Marie goes back to her art while Per kept continue with his solo career.

Then… on May 6th, Marie surprise the fans by performing live at Per Gessle’s concert in front of audience in Amsterdam. She sings It Must Have Been Love and The Look.

According to people who were at the show, many are cries. To see Roxette together and live on stage again after 7 years are just amazing. Although, I am sure the tears mostly for Marie who really stole the show tonight. If you see the video on YouTube, you almost couldn’t hear her singing. The fans kept screaming and singing along with her. I wasn’t there but looking at those video I felt like I was there. The emotional were so real. It’s almost like religious experience. No words can describe it.

Of course this is not the end. Starting October later this year, Roxette is gonna tour together. They back with Night of the Proms, the show that they have to canceled 7 years ago due to Marie’s illness. They only gonna perform few songs, but still the idea that Roxette on stage again still unbelievable.

There is also unconfirmed news that Roxette is gonna record new songs this Autumn. If that true, than 2009 is gonna be the great year for Roxette fans, and it seemed the fever is gonna continue at least in a while.

Roxette Comeback On YouTube

Marie Joins Per and sing It Must Have Been Love. See how crazy the response from the fans when seeing her on stage.

Marie stays with Per and sing The Look together.

And here they are again after the amazing show.

Roxette Mood

Before all this news about my favorite duo, I actually was having Roxette mood lately, so I made these:

and..

I have a program called GIMP, I am still learning how to use it. So today I use my new drawing as part of my experiment and I seemed to like it better than the original one.

And here’s the original which looked kinda boring and I am so terrible drawing stairs by only using mouse.

My friend Dicky gave me that picture last night while we were chatting on Yahoo Messenger. He said he saw the bus several times when he was driving to college before finally be able to take the picture. This experience is pretty special especially because you don’t see a bus with a Roxette banner on it everyday.

He said he was tempted to interview whoever the driver and asked what’s the story behind it. Well, he didn’t do that but he share the picture with me anyway which is great.

Another thing that also happen to me last night that I’ve decided to watch the rest of Six Feet Under series after delaying for almost three years! I am so glad that I did though because this is like the best show ever on television.

So, this morning, I guess around 8 am or something I finally see the last episode of it’s final season. The ending was amazing. I didn’t recall any ending for any kind of TV show that was this great. I won’t tell more about it because I just didn’t want to spoil this to anyone who hasn’t watched it yet, but if you really love a very GREAT stories with amazing character ever invented on TV, you SHOULD watch it or your life will be suck! (Well, I am kidding, but that’s how much I want everyone to see it)

Anyway, by the very end of the show, they played the song that really captured my mind. So I decide to investigate about it. Lately the way I found great music only from TV, movies even a jingle from some silly commercial. We don’t have MTV and what’s the point if having MTV nowadays since they don’t really play music anymore but some overrated reality shows.

The song was called “Breathe Me” by Sia. When I learned about the lyrics I just didn’t understand why they decide to use this song, but when watched the scene they show by the very end along with this song, it just sound so make sense. I didn’t even know how to explain. So here it is:

SeeqPod – Playable Search

The Lyrics :

Breathe Me by Sia

Help, I have done it again
I have been here many times before
Hurt myself again today
And, the worst part is there’s no-one else to blame

Be my friend
Hold me, wrap me up
Unfold me
I am small
I’m needy
Warm me up
And breathe me

The Swedish queen of pop, Marie Fredriksson is going to realease her new album. According to Daily Roxette, this album will be called Tid för tystnad – Marie Fredrikssons ballader” (”Time for Silence – Marie Fredriksson’s Ballads”) and it’s gonna hit the store on Nov. 28.

To celebrate that, I decided to change my theme from Criminal Intent to Marie Fredriksson.

It seemed that both Per and Marie still interesting in making music. Unfortunately, they choose to work separately than joining together as Roxette. Per once said that it’s up to Marie, if she’s ready for Roxette then he’ll welcome her. However, after her sickness she seemed more comfortably working from her studio at her own home. But it won’t hurt to wish right? It’s always something missing every time they both releasing their own album. We missed Marie’s voice on Per’s but we missed Per’s typical music on Marie’s.

Anyway, as long they’re still making music, then there’s always be a hope (*)