Tag Archives: tomorrowland

From Fire to Festivals: A Tale of Brussels, Tomorrowland, and Ibiza

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After our whirlwind days in Copenhagen, we landed in Brussels full of anticipation. Not just for the chocolate and waffles (though, spoiler alert: those did not disappoint), but because the crown jewel of our Global Journey was about to begin—Tomorrowland.

Our arrival was upbeat. We went straight to dinner with a group of new friends we’d met during our travels. Laughter echoed, drinks clinked, and plates were just being set when suddenly, everyone’s phones began lighting up. News alerts. Messages. Videos. The Tomorrowland mainstage—arguably the most iconic part of the festival—was on fire.

Within the hour, more than 80% of the mainstage had been destroyed. The room, once buzzing with pre-festival excitement, fell into a hush as we tried to make sense of what was happening. Was the festival going to be cancelled? Would they rebuild in time? Rumors flew faster than the flames. And while Tomorrowland remained impressively tight-lipped in the moment, it wasn’t long before we were reassured that the show would go on—just without its centerpiece.

That news was hard to process. For me, the mainstage has always been about more than just music—it’s the theatrics, the grandeur, the jaw-dropping production that transports you to another world. Losing that felt like losing the heart of the festival. But we were here, and the spirit of the crowd was still alive, so we pressed on.

Global Journey, true to its name, took us on an adventure all its own. We danced in the streets of Brussels, got spontaneous airbrush tattoos, and raved in an old warehouse decked out in neon. The organizers did an admirable job pivoting and trying to maintain the Tomorrowland magic. The disappointment lingered, but the energy of the people around us helped keep the vibe light. And hey, it’s not every day you rave with a drag queen in a castle courtyard or stumble upon a surprise techno set at 2pm.

Somewhere in the mix, I indulged in a truly authentic Belgian waffle—and learned more than I ever expected about them. I went with strawberry ice cream, fresh strawberries, and a thick drizzle of chocolate sauce (no regrets). What I didn’t know until that moment is that there are two types of Belgian waffles:

  • Brussels waffles – large, rectangular, airy, crisp.
  • Liège waffles – smaller, round, dense, caramelized from pearl sugar.
    Yes, I tried both. For science.

When the festival officially began, Tomorrowland proved why it’s still one of the most celebrated festivals on Earth—even without a mainstage. It was overwhelming, chaotic, mesmerizing. At times, the crowd was way too much. It felt like everyone in Europe was there (and maybe they were?). But we learned to find small moments of peace—lounging in hammocks, enjoying the finer dining options, even just stealing quiet moments between sets.

My favorite stage was The Great Library, a stunning fantasy-style setup that felt like being inside an enchanted storybook. As for DJs—John Summit, Charlotte de Witte, Sara Landry, Lost Frequencies, and Nicky Romerodelivered in ways that made you forget the fire ever happened.

I didn’t take as many photos as usual—I lived more through video this time. Partly because the environment was constantly moving, partly because I wanted to be more present. Still, everyone agreed: something was different this year. The absence of the mainstage was a heavy note in an otherwise epic symphony. And every night ended the same way: with a brutal 40-minute walk back to the bus, exhausted, buzzing, and ready to collapse.

After three straight days of 12+ hour raves, we were more than ready for a change of pace. Cue: Ibiza.

Now, here’s the thing. I thought I understood Ibiza. I’d read about the party scene, heard all the stories, seen the Instagram reels. But nothing quite prepares you for the actual scene. It’s wild—beautiful, but wild. The clubs are pricey, the nights start at midnight and don’t stop until sunrise, and the people? Let’s just say… the energy was not exactly my vibe.

We had one DJ we wanted to see, but their set didn’t even begin until 3am. Just the idea of staying up that late, surrounded by sweaty, screaming, much-younger club kids gave me anxiety. No shade, just not my scene. Instead, we soaked in sunny beaches, did a bit of shopping, and discovered some incredible restaurants. One spot at the marina overlooked the old town—probably one of the best dining views of our trip, maybe our life.

Unfortunately, both of us were under the weather during our stay, which naturally kept us away from the Ibiza madness even more. In a way, it was a blessing. It forced us to rest, reset, and enjoy a quieter side of the island.

Final Thoughts:
Our journey from Brussels to Boom to Ibiza was a rollercoaster—a literal firestorm of emotions and unexpected turns. But that’s travel, and especially festival travel: you roll with the punches, dance in the ashes, and find joy wherever you can.

Even without a mainstage, Tomorrowland still managed to deliver unforgettable memories, and Ibiza, for all its intensity, reminded us of the value in knowing your limits and following your own beat.

Now, we’re en route to Madrid, where we’ll be spending the next two weeks. It’s our chance to catch our breath—to slow down, recharge, and soak in the city’s rich culture, food, and rhythm of daily life. After weeks of high energy and nonstop movement, Madrid will be our much-needed reset—and we’re excited to see what a slower pace might bring.

Copenhagen: A Quirky, Elegant Chapter in Our Global Journey

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Copenhagen swept us off our feet. From the moment we arrived, it felt like stepping into a dream — clean streets, colorful canals, impossibly polite people, and a mid-century modern hotel that looked like it had been styled by Wes Anderson on a caffeine high.

This was the third stop in our Global Journey with Tomorrowland, and the vibes stayed strong. We checked into 25hours Hotel Copenhagen, located right in the heart of the city. The space was a sensory treat — bold colors, eclectic art, and retro furniture that made us want to lounge all day (if the city outside weren’t so tempting). But the food? That was the real showstopper. We dove into dishes that reminded us why we love travel: warm hummus, tender chicken skewers, Israeli salad that danced with acidity, crispy spring rolls, and fresh-baked bread with rich, aromatic sauces. Every bite hit.

Our Global Journey host welcomed us with the same warmth we’d experienced in previous cities. The curated experiences in Copenhagen were some of the best yet. We kicked things off with a walking tour through the city’s highlights — and what a stunning city it is. Impeccably clean, filled with bikes instead of honking horns, and full of architectural charm that balances old-world royalty with modern Danish cool.

We witnessed the changing of the guards at Amalienborg Palace, an experience both regal and oddly calming. Next up: Nyhavn, the postcard-perfect canal lined with brightly painted buildings and bobbing boats. No photo can quite do it justice (though yes, we tried). But perhaps the most unexpected stop was Christiania, Copenhagen’s semi-autonomous free town filled with murals, music, and a vibe that can only be described as “creative rebellion.” On our stroll back to the hotel, we passed a bustling street cart and couldn’t resist trying the famed Belgian hotdog. It was everything — ketchup, mustard, crispy onions, fresh onions, tangy pickles — wrapped in a warm bun of pure comfort. Street food perfection.

The day ended with a private Tomorrowland rave—because of course it did. Picture this: a great DJ spinning infectious beats, bottomless beer and wine, delicious apps circulating the room, and a drag queen keeping the party alive with sequins and sass. We wrapped up the night with some of our new friends at Tivoli Gardens, a magical amusement park that somehow blends whimsy and elegance. We screamed our way through the second-oldest roller coaster in the world, then wandered through the glowing park under twinkling lights. Tivoli at night felt like being in a fairytale written for grown-ups.

The next morning, we slowed things down with a quiet breakfast at a charming café — the kind of place where you can sip your latte while doing your laundry, because why not multitask with style?

But the true climax of our time in Copenhagen came that night, with our reservation at Alchemist — a dining experience so immersive and mind-bending that calling it a “restaurant” feels like underselling it. From the mysterious entryway to the ethereal main dining dome, every detail was designed to surprise and delight. Over the course of several hours, we were treated to 50 “impressions”, each dish more inventive than the last. Standouts included:

  • The “Tongue Kiss” — a tiny beef tartare sculpture served on a replica of a human tongue (yes, really).
  • “Smoke from the Amazon” — a dish served with fog and earthy aromas designed to evoke a rainforest on fire, calling attention to environmental issues.
  • “Brain” — a dessert shaped like a human brain filled with raspberry and beet, intended to spark a conversation about mental health.

We didn’t take any food photos — deliberately. It was a rare and beautiful night where we tucked our phones away, looked each other in the eyes, and savored every strange and stunning bite in real time. (We did snap some shots of the space — the entry, the lounge, the mesmerizing dining room, and the after-dinner “paint room,” where guests are invited to leave their mark.) Can you find my mark?

As we packed our bags, both of us agreed: Copenhagen is our favorite destination so far, with Barcelona a close second. The city is polished without being pretentious, quirky without trying too hard, and full of thoughtful contrasts — art and architecture, rebellion and refinement, fairytales and food tours. We’ll be back. Probably more than once.


Stay tuned for our next stop, Brussels. Until then, enjoy the photos and remember: never underestimate a city that can serve both a Michelin-starred “tongue kiss” and a street dog with pickles that makes you weep with joy.

-BOTR

Three Nights in Lisbon: Rooftops, Rest Day & New Friends

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After a quick flight from Barcelona, we landed in Lisbon for a three-night stay that was as colorful and lively as the city itself. This leg of our journey is part of our Global Journey experience with Tomorrowland, and it’s already introduced us to some incredible people. We’ve met fellow travelers from Australia, Canada, and across the U.S.—proof that music really does bring people together.

Lisbon itself is like a living postcard. Winding cobblestone streets, steep hills, tiled facades, and pastel-colored buildings made it impossible not to stop for a photo every five minutes. The city’s energy is contagious, and while our time here was short, it was packed with fun.

We kicked things off on Day 2 with a tuk-tuk ride through the city and finished with drinks at a rooftop bar with sweeping views of the city. The sun was setting, the breeze was perfect, and I ordered a cocktail called “Baby One More Time” in honor of the queen herself, Britney Spears. (Yes, it was delicious.)

One of the highlights was an evening on Pink Street with our new crew. We bar-hopped, people-watched, sipped on more cocktails than we probably needed, and marveled at the rainbow of umbrellas strung above us. It felt like a scene straight out of a travel ad.

In between the nightlife and sightseeing, we took a much-needed rest day—because let’s be real, this pace isn’t sustainable without a breather. We stayed in, ordered lunch to the hotel, and recharged. Our final evening in Lisbon was low-key and perfect: pizza and cocktails on our hotel’s rooftop, watching the sun dip below the water.

As much as we appreciated Lisbon’s charm, we both agreed it’s not quite our vibe long-term. That said, we’re excited to head north to Porto in a few weeks—especially since the wine there is apparently just as affordable as it is here. (Fun fact: in Portugal, a glass of wine is often cheaper than bottled water or soda. Priorities.)

I’m writing this from the lobby of our Copenhagen hotel, and Casey and I are already smitten with the city. I’ll be back soon with all the highlights from our time here. Next stop: Brussels. Tomorrowland starts Friday, and we are READY.

From Lava Fields to Tapas Bars: Wrapping Up Iceland and Falling for Barcelona

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*Posted from BCN airport en route to Lisbon*

It’s been nearly a week since my last update, and as I sit at the Barcelona airport with a café con leche in hand and the sounds of Portuguese boarding calls in the background, I wanted to catch you up on our latest adventures — but before I dive into the magic of Barcelona, let’s close the chapter on Iceland.

Iceland: A Land of Extremes and Enchantment

Our last two days in Iceland were nothing short of unforgettable. We kicked things off at Seljalandsfoss, a waterfall you can actually walk behind — and yes, we got completely soaked, but it was 100% worth it. From there, we took a ferry to the Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar), a volcanic archipelago known for its rugged beauty and rich history.

Cruising around the islands in a high-speed RIB boat was a highlight. We zipped past the famous Elephant Rock, explored quiet inlets like Lover’s Cove, spotted some rogue sheep grazing impossibly high on the cliffs, and — best of all — witnessed thousands of puffins in flight. These clumsy little seabirds are even more adorable in person. After the tour, we explored Heimaey, the only inhabited island in the chain, where we sampled some Icelandic specialties and toasted our adventure with cocktails at a cozy harbor-side bar.

On our final day, we made our way back toward Reykjavik. We strolled along Rainbow Street (Skólavörðustígur), peeked into boutiques full of quirky Icelandic design, and indulged in — wait for it — Mexican food for lunch. (Because sometimes, you just need a taco in the Arctic.)

It’s hard to put into words what Iceland meant to us. It was everything I imagined and more: wild waterfalls, moss-covered lava fields, black sand beaches, glacial tunnels, geothermal baths, and skies that never turned dark. While I couldn’t live somewhere with 24 hours of daylight (or its winter opposite), I could absolutely return again and again to this strange and stunning land. And I’m glad we went in the summer — 50s and 60s felt like paradise to these two ex-Floridians.
We took over 1,200 photos during our time in Iceland — if you want the full gallery, shoot me a message and I’ll send you a link.

Barcelona: Where Sidewalks Sizzle and Cultures Collide

After the quiet majesty of Iceland, arriving in Barcelona felt like diving into a completely different world — in the best way possible. We were only here for three nights, but the city immediately swept us off our feet. We didn’t do a ton of traditional sightseeing this time. Instead, we let the city set the pace.

Each day started with coffee on the sidewalk — never to-go, always to stay. We wandered through neighborhoods like El Born, Gràcia, and the Gothic Quarter, marveling at how centuries-old buildings coexist with sleek modern shops and hip cafés.

One afternoon, we hopped on a double-decker bus for a ride around the city — the perfect way to take in Barcelona’s stunning architecture and iconic landmarks without a strict agenda. We were on the lower deck (thanks to a packed top level), which made taking photos tricky due to the glare, but the views were still incredible. At one of the stops, we wandered off to grab lunch — and I’m not exaggerating when I say we had the best paella of my life. The saffron, the seafood, the crisp bottom layer — perfection.

We didn’t make it to every must-see, but we did experience a bit of the magic:

  • The architectural wonder of La Sagrada Família, even if only from the outside
  • A stroll down Passeig de Gràcia, where Gaudí’s Casa Batlló and Casa Milà stand like whimsical sculptures
  • And of course, the tree-lined La Rambla, teeming with life, music, and people from all over the world

Barcelona is a city of layers — Roman ruins beneath Gothic churches, avant-garde architecture beside sunbathers and sangria pitchers. It’s a place where worlds blend and where living well seems to be the shared religion. With just under 200 photos taken, you can tell this wasn’t about the camera — it was about being present. And I could absolutely see us returning for a longer stay in the future.

Onward to Lisbon!

As we board our flight to Lisbon, we realize we’ve done zero planning for the next few days — and honestly, that feels kind of perfect. After the rugged landscapes of Iceland and the romantic buzz of Barcelona, we’re excited to see what Portugal has in store. All I know is we’ll chase whatever vibes Lisbon decides to throw our way.

Thanks for following along on the Run.
From Barcelona, with love —
B & C