Why I’d Rather Be At A Dance Festival Than Sipping Wine At A Foodie Event—And Other Surprising Preferences

So here’s the thing: as someone who’s seen it all, from the inside of an Air Force cockpit to the wild west of Silicon Valley startups, I’ve got some pretty strong opinions on how to spend my downtime. And when it comes to choosing between wine and food festivals, luxury travel experiences, virtual event tickets, or dance festival passes, let’s just say I don’t always play by the book.

The Epic Showdown: Real World vs. Virtual Realities

Remember when everyone was all hyped about virtual events? Yeah, me too. I’ve attended my fair share, decked out in the latest VR gear, ready to be wowed. But let’s face it, watching a concert through a headset will never match the energy of being in the crowd, feeling the bass thump right through you.

And then there’s luxury travel. Sure, sipping a fine wine while overlooking the Amalfi Coast sounds great on paper. But have you ever tried to keep up with a tour guide after your third glass? Spoiler: it’s not pretty.

Now, dance festivals—there’s something that still gets my heart racing. Maybe it’s the live music, the crowd, or just the thrill of my two left feet attempting salsa.

Why Wine and Food Festivals Can Sometimes Be a Yawn Fest

Look, I get the appeal. Exquisite food, top-tier wines, and that whole sophisticated vibe. But between us? It can get a bit pretentious. I mean, how many times can you nod thoughtfully while someone describes the “earthy undertones” of a Pinot Noir before you just want to sneak off to the nearest burger truck?

And then there’s the crowd. If I have to overhear one more stock broker brag about his latest "investment wine," I might just start throwing cheese plates.

Virtual Event Tickets: The Future or Just a Fad?

I’ve been on the front lines of tech for over a decade, pushing for AI and automation to free up our creative spirits. But when it comes to events, I’m old school. Sure, virtual tickets are convenient. Watching a festival in your jammies? Tempting. But where’s the spontaneity? The human connection? That’s something no amount of pixels can replicate.

Why I’m All In on Dance Festivals

• Nothing beats live music. Feeling the beat, seeing the performers—it’s electric.
• The people. Oh, the people you meet are from every walk of life, not just tech bros.
• The stories. Every dance festival is a chance for a new adventure—or at least a new embarrassing story.
• It’s real. Sweat, spilled drinks, random conga lines—virtual events can’t come close.
• I’m a sucker for a good beat, and no virtual speaker system can match a live DJ spinning up the crowd.

So there you have it, my love letter to dance festivals. They’re messy, loud, and absolutely perfect.