Recently I have returned from my first trip to Europe; traveling parts of Northern Italy, Paris, and London. I packed light and took my new, “traveling ‘ukulele,” just in case inspiration struck. As always I kept an ear to the ground for all things music and more specifically, ‘ukulele related. I had a couple of findings that were interesting and I wanted to share!

First stop was Northern Italy which comprised of quick stops in Florence, Vicenza, Venice, and Como. In the flurry of running from city to city I did find some pretty unique and antique instruments alongside a sweet music shop in Florence named Ceccherini C. Every afternoon in Florence I would sit in a different park or plaza, and play ‘ukulele while watching the city turn color as the sun went down. I couldn’t help but be inspired to write some new music as well!

“Chitarrina” Found at a small local shop in Florence. Cedar/Mahogany Top Zebrawood Back and Sides Italian ‘Ukulele Songbook “Piano-guitar” Found in the instrument collection at the Accademia “Piano-guitar” Tailpiece of a stradivarius violin. Got to love the figuring on the wood and the inlay. Bellissimo! A very random marching band promoting a circus in town. Very cool and quick way to be serenaded at dinner!

In between all the galleries, the long and gratuitous meals, and being amidst a heatwave, I didn’t see as much music in Paris as I would have liked too. We hopped off the metro at the Chatalet stop and found a small line venues including a blues-rock venue and a jazz venue. While the jazz venue was a typical yet nicely done place, the blues-rock bar looked like it was inside an old metro station with it’s semi-domed ceiling. While it may not have had the best acoustics, it was a charming place a lot of fun to watch a Parisian band play old American rock and roll tunes from the 50s/60s.

Cool poster for a jazz festival happening in September. These were all over the metro system. This is what actually caught my eye and I had to take a picture! Blues-rock venue underground in the the middle of Paris. Everything from All Shook Up to Great Balls of Fire! Though I didn’t go inside, this music shop was a whole block! Definitely the biggest shop I saw during my travels. Loooooooooong meals. Though this was promptly demolished upon arrival after a long day of walking in the sun.

Last but not least we stayed a few nights in London. This was my personal favorite not only because it was nice to speak english again but because I saw so much music! From streets lined with various music shops to a sign for live music around each corner, I felt a certain electricity being surrounded in my element. I had to play tourist and take a crooked picture on Abby Road and not to mention a shot in front of the Royal Albert Hall.

Though it’s hard to select a favorite point of interest, it was really cool to see this program that the City of London Festival was hosting called Street Guitars. In 12 different locations, boats fashioned as little huts housing a guitar with some maritime sheet music were open to the public for any and everyone to play. I read about it in the local paper upon arrival but only serendipitously on the last day did I actually find one. This particular one had two instruments including probably one of the only ‘ukuleles! I waited in line as these two young children were plunking away having a grand ol’ time. After the kids vacated I took my turn and left with a smile. What a great way to share music with new people!

Posing for a quick shot on Abbey Road. With it being a live street, it is actually quite dangerous amongst the myriad of tourist trying to get an accurate photo! Many buildings have little signs like these recognizing a famous person and their tie to building. Had to take a picture of Sidney Bechet’s old aparment! The bandstand in Hyde Park. The famous trumpeter, Harry Mortimer, described Hyde Park’s bandstand as “uncomfortable, unsanitary, but much loved”. A typical scene in a tube station. Buskers are given designated areas to perform in tube stations and require a permit issued The London Underground. To busk in nicer places like Kensington Garden, even an audition is required! Royal Albert Hall: A truly beautiful building, especially with the piercing afternoon sun at sunset. Big hall, small instrument. My homage to the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain! Though it’s hard to tell, this street at the edge of London’s Chinatown is lined with music shops ranging from pianos to ‘ukuleles. Had a “field hour” before everything closed. 1940’s Martin Concert UK Ukes Got stuck in a station while the tube strike began. I watched as people piled into trains to make sure they got to their destination before the trains stopped running. Never felt more like a sardine! Street Guitars! A great opportunity to try something new! Or something old.

It truly was a memorable experience for myself and I admittedly was truly bit by the travel bug for the first time. I love the subtle and not so subtle differences and the range in people from culture to culture. Not to mention it is refreshing to be reminded that people love music where ever you go!

We would love to hear about your musical journeys abroad!

Where have you been and what kind of musical findings do you have?

-Neal Chin