Travel Experiences with Annie Mac
Moma PS1, New York City
“They sometimes put on raves at MoMA’s non-profit arts centre in NYC, and the party I DJ-ed at was the best I’ve ever been to. It’s a block party, which means no one is looking at you; they’re just there to have the best time together. There are no phones in the air, so, rather than having to perform, you’re a voyeur. It was a scorching-hot day and someone three floors up in the building overlooking the space dropped loads of balloons and streamers out. It was one of those ‘pinch me’ moments.”
Es Cucons, Ibiza
“This is an Ibizan sanctuary I like to come home to at 4am from Amnesia, and chill. It’s a family-run agroturismo with an olive grove and lemon trees. The food is divine. I often think of the tomato and steak salad. Maria, the woman who runs it, is, as we say in Ireland, a dote – the sweetest, loveliest and kindest woman. I got married here in 2018, in a small, beautiful wedding. Fifty of our closest friends, and a long, gorgeous meal. Just my friend DJ-ing, a conga and a ceilidh. Everything you’d want.”
Lemonia, London
“Eating at this really old Greek restaurant in Primrose Hill feels like being on holiday. It’s full of greenery and everything from the plates to the cutlery, to the tables and chairs is very traditional. The waiters are all in their sixties and are really friendly, and the food is wholesome and hearty. I had the veggie moussaka at the weekend and it blew my mind. It was flawless. It’s one of those comforting restaurants that you go to and you know exactly where you stand.”
Fuji Rock Festival, Japan
“I’ve never forgotten the culture shock at this festival. You see a whole different type of behaviour. English and Irish festivals are viewed as an invitation for debauchery. Here, no one is drunk. No one is disorderly. Everyone queues quietly. When people are playing, everyone has camp chairs and mostly sit down. A song ends and there’s a few seconds of silence, then a polite ripple of clapping. I remember lush mountains, misty rain and Radiohead playing.”
Dingle, Ireland
“This tiny town in County Kerry is in one of the most westerly points in Europe. There’s nothing between it and North America. I have worked here for years filming Other Voices, the equivalent of Later with Jools Holland, in the little Church of St James. The artists who go talk highly of it because they’re forced to take a breath. Dingle has shops and pubs painted bright colours, and there’s amazing live music in the pubs. The beaches are heartstoppingly beautiful. I always return enriched.”
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