This as-told-to essay relies on a dialog with Bianca Capazorio, a 41-year-old Swiftie based mostly in Cape City, South Africa. It has been edited for size and readability. Enterprise Insider has verified her bills.
I turned a Swiftie the way in which a whole lot of Swifties turned Swifties — by way of heartbreak.
The primary album that launched me to Taylor Swift was the album “Pink.” The tune “All Too Nicely” got here out throughout a time once I was going by way of a large breakup.
Her lyrics resonated with me a lot.
However as a lot as I used to be a fan, I’ve by no means had the chance to go to a live performance earlier than. She’s by no means been to South Africa, the place I am from.
So when she introduced the Eras Tour, I assumed it was the proper alternative. Not solely would I get to see her carry out so many elderly songs, I would get to listen to her new stuff, too.
My mates and I made a decision to attempt to get tickets for the European live shows
My pal and I made a decision we’d go to the primary European nation the place we may rating tickets.
Just a few totally different gross sales went stay on the identical day, and I ended up taking that time off work so I may deal with getting the tickets.
Ultimately, the time off wasn’t obligatory. My pal had secured tickets to the Vienna present the day earlier than. It took her lower than 5 minutes to purchase the tickets, and we even bought nice seats within the entrance standing part.
We had been shocked, nevertheless it was that fast.
We had a funds in thoughts that we did not wish to go over. For me, my funds was between 5,000 and 6,000 South African Rand, or about $270 to $326, for a ticket. Ultimately, every ticket was about $197.
My flight ticket price 14,828 Rand, or about $800. Since it is a long-haul flight — about 15 hours, together with a three-hour stopover in Dubai — my mates and I made a decision to make a visit out of it. We’ll be touring round Austria for 2 weeks.
One among my mates made her personal outfit, whereas the opposite had one made. I, too, purchased an outfit for the live performance — a type of tassel attire that appears loads like those Taylor wore in her “Fearless” period. It is blue and sparkly.
Collectively, the three of us made an entire bunch of friendship bracelets to commerce on the present, too.
We heard the information final evening
My pal and I had been out at dinner when our third pal, who stayed behind within the lodge, referred to as us to say that she noticed chatter on-line about how the concert might be canceled.
Barracuda Music, an Austrian occasion organizer, had posted a discover about it. We hoped that it was simply faux information however once we noticed that Taylor Nation, the official social-media account for Taylor’s workforce, reposting it, our hearts sank.
I used to be devastated. It has been a yr within the planning, and I have been trying ahead to it for therefore lengthy.
Moreover, I really feel prefer it’s our solely likelihood to see this present as a result of the tour is ending quickly.
On the similar time, I settle for that the choice was most likely not taken calmly. I’d relatively simply be a little bit bit heartbroken in the present day than be within the stadium if one thing occurred.
We did just a few touristy issues the previous few days, and we ran right into a bunch of Swifties round Vienna. We managed to commerce just a few bracelets, so at the least we have had that have. Hopefully, we’ll get the possibility to satisfy extra Swifties whereas we’re out and about over the following couple of days.
My pal, as a result of she booked the tickets, obtained an official e mail from the ticketing company saying that our tickets can be totally refunded inside 10 days.
Our tickets had been for the primary present tonight, and though we have not made any plans but, we have determined to do one thing in the present day as a result of we do not wish to mope round in a wonderful nation.
