Location: Seattle, Washington, USA

I cannot possibly scream for one more second today so let me try and explain with real words what this day was like though my 2 AM delirium…

We woke up and spent the day wandering Seattle, both of us pretty much intent on just passing time in order to get to the evening faster. We waited in an incredibly long breakfast line because 1) that usually means good food and 2) longer line means more time killed and then we’re even closer to seeing Taylor Swift. GETTING CLOSER!

We sat in the shade of a tree in the park and caught up on all the life things we were too tired to catch up on last night (our late night pizza date could only last so long before both of us succumbed to the sleepies). We perused shops and bookstores, and stopped at our favourite ice cream chain, Salt & Straw. We meandered through block parties raging in the city (still unclear what they were for…) and stepped into a flower shop to pick up carnations for Katisse’s flower crown for the concert. Before you ask… yes. A flower crown is completely normal attire for this kind of event. ALMOST THERE!

One thing we both noticed throughout the day is that every single shop in the city was playing Taylor Swift music. On top of that we passed by what must have been hundreds of people on every street dressed for the concert in costumes and festive clothes. Light up tutu’s, costume recreations from past tours, full body rhinestone suits, custom jean jackets, beaded bracelets and bejewelled hair were everywhere. It honestly felt like some kind of actual holiday was happening or something.

By this point we figured enough time had passed so we came back to the hotel to get ourselves ready. EEEEEE! Hair and makeup done and costumes on we stopped at a sushi place for a quick dinner and watched as a constant stream of people walked towards the stadium. We joined them shortly after and I could barely contain my squeals of excitement. IT’S HAPPENINNNNGGGG.

As we arrived we realized that many many thousands of people had set up lawn chairs and picnics around the outside of the stadium just to listen to the concert even though they didn’t have tickets. THAT’S. WHAT. KIND. OF. INFLUENCE. TAYLOR. SWIFT. HAS. (Imagine me pumping my fist to each of those words.)

God. Calm down. It’s fine. I’m fine. We’re fine.

The stadium filled up while Gracie Abrams and HAIM played the openers and then before we knew it a 2 minute clock started counting down on the stage…. and 72,000 people screamed for 2 minutes straight. Kat and I clutched onto each others arms and screamed wildly as Taylor came out and started the show with MY FAVOURITE SONG OF ALL TIME: ‘Cruel Summer.’

I’m not at all embarrassed to admit I cried a little (OKAY OKAY A LOT) and I think Kat caught it on video…

The whole stage lit up with pyrotechnics and special effects as dancers moved around a centre stage that changed shape constantly throughout the show. Every time the era changed, Taylor changed outfits and the set changed to match the theme of that era. At one point there was an entire cabin on the stage! 72,000 light up bracelets given to the crowd upon entering the stadium pulsed colourfully to the music.

The entire thing was a wild, beautiful four hour production with a FORTY-FIVE SONG SETLIST of not just the mega-hits but a lot of beloved tracks that don’t often get as much attention. Somehow I got extremely lucky and all the songs I most wanted to hear from every album got played. She sang each one with so much heart and so many smiles it’s clear she was having a great time too. The whole thing ended with an entire fireworks display that lasted for over 3 minutes. That just blew every single concert I’ve ever been to right out of the water. How do you top that?! HOW.

Someone asked me ‘what is it about her that would make you want to see her live so many times?’ And honestly? Aside from growing up alongside the music that has become somewhat of a soundtrack to my life, she manages to make a crowd of 72,000 feel like 72. It feels special, and intimate and like every minute is something to savour.

Overall every bit of this was worth it and I already cannot wait for the next one.

Thanks for following along as I fangirl so hard!

Sav