4 March 2010, Buenos Aires, Luna Park

Mexico 1980′s.
I cannot remember the exact date when I first saw the “Take on me” video, but it had to be in one of those nights when they were transmitting the very first MTV´s videos on channel eleven. We had no cable TV, so the Politecnico channel was the only one which showed those trendy music videos late at night.
Obviously my cousins and I spent some great times by watching those remarkable videos, but obviously A-ha captured my attention and feeling right away.
The youthful days went by and my teenager´s dream to see them live in a concert was something I wanted with all my heart but that would not happen because my parents were not going to risk my life. For many years Mexico had no concerts given by international artists. It is maybe difficult to believe but there was not a culture for concerts in Mexico, or at least many people perceived that idea.
Generally, things would get sort of violent in concerts in those days due to the fact that people were eager to attend massive concerts and nobody wanted to miss those opportunities. Luckily that has changed and there are professional companies in charge now and Mexico is also considered a must for many artists, singers and performers. For those reasons TV was the best option for many of us back then.
Exactly on my 15th birthday, there was an A-ha concert on television. Here in Mexico the 15th birthday of every girl is a wonderful and unforgettable moment. My birthday party was going to be held with the family until September, so that day I received the best birthday gift A-ha could give me, without Aha´s knowing, of course.
Time went by and I thought I would someday see them, but I did not know when. I thought they would eventually come to Mexico one day (once they had already started to give concerts in different places) on the other hand I felt and thought that it was sort of crazy to travel to a far place to see them perform. Anyway I was always looking forward to seeing them in a neighbor country, that is to say, the United States or Canada. I even moved to the U.S. thinking they might go there, but it never happened and I came back to Mexico.
What put me into shock was the news that there would be no more A-ha after 2010. After denying the fact and crying I came to the conclusion that I had no more choice. I had to make plans to see them somewhere and so is when the next adventure began.

Where am I going to go?

A as in A-ha, A as in amigos (friends), as in adventure, as in amor (love) … of course! Argentina. I had to choose this place because I thought, Morten, Mags and Pal, would be very cool and relaxed in the very first concert! This place is sooo far but there was point of no return.
For me it was so important to be in the first, right at the beginning of this new tour. I got the ticket for the concert in the second row, at one end.
Airline tickets and the whole situation was getting on my nerves.
I did not want to talk about it with many people and I kept like that until the very last minute because I was so afraid that things could change or never happen.
My intention was to see them in Argentina and Chile. Needless to say that I was elated but I was still thinking that the whole situation was sort of folly. Despite everything, one of my dearest friends talked to me and after that long talk it was all decided…I was heading to Buenos Aires … and Santiago.
In addition to all that, the terrible loss of another friend made me think that life is just like a sigh, just a fraction of time, we have to take action, especially in those things that we want with all our might.
We had a very strong flood just days before I left, I was so ready to become a social activist when I saw the inefficiency, indifference and calm of the authorities. I consider the option of cancelling everything, but I was going to lose a lot and if I became the rebel against the government, I would be going through unspeakable situations in the hands of the authorities. I thought of the thousands dreamers who are now 5 feet below ground and so I decided that before taking any other decision I had to carry out one of my most precious dreams.
I had to do everything in a hurry. I could not prepare everything I needed to take. Unfortunately I did not have the time to buy a gift for Morten, Mags and Pal. I could not buy all the things I wanted to take to those faraway lands so as to share with everyone.
Anyway, I had the flight from Mexico to Lima, Lima to Buenos Aires; I would spend some days there and then on Friday, March 5th I would fly from Buenos Aires to Santiago, then from Santiago to Lima and finally back to Mexico.
When I bought my ticket from Buenos Aires to Santiago, I was offered two schedules, at least with LAN, and I thought that maybe A-ha would fly on my same flight because the other flight was too early. Later I learnt that A-ha would fly in the too early flight and I would have missed them anyway.
Then the earthquake happened in Chile and I did not know, before departing, if the concert was cancelled or if the airport in Santiago was in operation.
My friend PCR suggested me to get in touch with the fan clubs in every country. As soon as I got in touch with the people in Argentina, I began to receive good wishes, tips, general support and lots of wonderful things. I “made myself at home” long before arriving in Argentina.

The A-hatrip starts

The trip is looooooooong, tiring, I could not even sleep maybe due to the anxiety I was experiencing and for all the things that were about to come. It was all a big mystery.
I arrived in Buenos Aires early morning, 7:20 or so. I thought that maybe A-ha would also arrive that day, but the truth is I needed to take a shower and leave the luggage. I took the bus towards the city. I arrived at the little hotel and I got to know nice people since minute 0.
I took a shower and tried not to be so messy because my roommate would come later, but it was time to talk to Ingrid, the first A-ha fan I met after meeting two other A-ha fans here in Mexico but it felt like that had happened two thousand years ago. I was waiting in the lobby when I saw this little girl coming to the hotel, smiling and shiny. After proper introductions I think we hugged as if we had been long time friends who had not seen each other for years.
That is when her torture started, poor Ingrid, because I did not stop talking not even a second. We went for a walk, went to get my ticket to Luna Park and I felt great relief when I finally had it in my hands. The gig was closer. We went back to the downtown streets to have dinner at this restaurant where the waiter knew exactly who A-ha were, I felt comfortable and happy as a child. Then we went back to the hotel to look for Franca, who had already arrived, then we had to look for Stellita. All should know that the Venezuelan girl is like an effervescent tablet at all times.

I saw them for the first time.

Ingrid began to receive messages saying that A-ha was arriving that afternoon for sure, we had to run to the airport, we quickly went to pick up Stellita and decided we had to take a taxi. We did not know what time they were landing but it was imperative to get to the airport as soon as possible. I approached a few taxi drivers who were there on a sidewalk and asked them for the cost of the trip to Ezeiza and I obviously told them we needed a mega fast trip. The girls said that the price was right and so we left. I was very excited and nervous because I had never seen someone drive like here in Mexico; we ran the risk of being hit by a car or something. But we arrived safe and sound.
We went to look for markers, restrooms, something to drink. There were nerves, stress, etc.
We found out that Lucianita, another argentinean friend, had seen Pal that morning, just two hours after my arrival. I wish I had known!
Just then the “Wildest Dream” fan club members were spotted by us. All of them commanded by Luis. We were introduced to the other members by Luis and he told us about the plans they had.
No screams, no rampant attitudes. Everything that meant good attitude, respect, order and applause would be good for Morten and Mags.
The minutes were going by and nothing, until someone said, “It is confirmed, they come in that flight from Frankfurt”
I had been just a few hours ago in the very same place…Ezeiza´s airport!
We had talked before about what would happen, what we would do or say when they were right in front of us, but nothing was certain until we had them face to face. Will I faint?, Cry? What are you supposed to do or say exactly?
Finally through the shops windows we saw him … Mags!
Luis greeted him, welcomed him and I said something like “From Mexico City”, his steps were rather large as that indicated he was not going to stop. He was walking very fast, some people followed him as I could see later in the videos.

I finally met him
Morten, had not gone out yet … but suddenly Stellita, who was next to the shop windows, said … “here he comes” and just behind those doors …
Morten Harket in person!
I wanted to capture everything with all my senses!!!
Our dear Morten was going to turn left as he exited those doors but as soon as he heard all the cheers and applause he decided to go to the right side.
Luis greeted him and I said again “From Mexico” (or something), I stretched my hand and guess what? He shook my hand! I could not believe it!!
After hardly catching my breath I walked toward the exit and all I did was standing by him, silly me!! Hahaha All the girls and boys were all around him. There were photos, autographs, he was smiling and pleasing everyone, then he went on walking towards the next exit. The fans were so excited but completely civilized.

There was a latin bodyguard that could belong to the KGB, CIA, Scotland Yard all together … a villain!!
He was pushing us, talking loudly and very rude to be honest. He was mean, especially when she pushed my friend against the glass doors with metal frame. The same man stood between the rail and the van that would take Morten and the rest of the team, so he would not let us approach Morten anymore, but we all ran right in front of the van and Morten was signing everything they put before him. It was sort of quick and we saw his van leaving Ezeiza.

Argentina.

What I saw and visited in Argentina? Ezeiza´s Airport, the hotel where I stayed, Luna Park, Puerto Madero, Galerias Pacifico, some streets, the Hotel NH Tango and the obelisk which was almost opposite A-ha´s hotel.
I knew from the beginning that this was a sort of “sui generis” trip, that it was not the classic tourist trip. This time I would not stop on shopping , restaurants or sightseeing.
Still there was something I knew long before the trip started … I was going to finally meet the warmest people in the world. I have not been to all the places in the world and people are generally friendly, courteous and nice, but the Argentines are … much more than anyone can say, tell or explain.
I met many A-hafriends in there,the fact of being an A-ha fan meant we had something in common, but besides many other things, a few comments came and went. There were mainly two fan clubs: Analogue and Wildest Dreaam. I told Luis that I considered myself an a-ha fan without exclusivity, as long as people accepted me in their groups I would gladly be honored to be part of them without exception.
In some moments I felt there was some “top secret” information and a few things that even in the best families happen . But in spite of that, everyone cooperated, everyone was a voice, had a voice, a feeling, a soul, a distinguished taste and attachment and that was something absolutely remarkable in Argentina at all times.
It was all good vibes for our beloved A-ha and for me as a foreigner, I was overwhelmed and touched in the very heart over and over again.
Only smiles, no poses, perhaps a bit of trying to be the center of attention, but as soon as A-ha appeared something magical happened, they transformed all the negative thing(if it existed, because truly everything was cool) into something positively bursting. Everything was immersed in yearning emotions, awaiting years, invaluable memories and everybody had the best availabilty.

Everything was a party.
Morten, Mags and Pal were seen many times, photographed thousands of times, autographs and smiles everywhere over and over again.
This event became something local. It was so common to run into them in the area around the hotel, on the streets, at every traffic light, outside the hotel, in some restaurants, it was our daily life.
Morten, Pal, Mags and members of their team walked as you walk in a well known street in your country. At times they were going fast but always were so polite, explaining that they could not stay because they had something to do, but always with the warmest and most sincere smile and, as you can imagine, all our excitement in our faces.
I think it is worth mentioning that we were not sleeping well, most of us were very tired, almost melting due to the heat, standing outside their hotel for hours, just a comment for the records, never a complaint.
This A-ha event in Argentina was something super-local. There was an A-ha atmosphere in the air. There were different kind of fans, from babies to young girls and obviously the grownups who love each one of the members of A-ha and their music. At times we sat on the sidewalk because our feet were killing us, but the gathering that assembled in the outside part of the hotel had become a sort of fair. There was a very happy party everyday and this jolly bunch got together every time somebody called out loud the words “group photo”, then all of us stroke the best, and sometimes, the worst poses because we were already exhausted.
A-ha always came out of their hotel radiant, clean, really neat. Obviously the weather in Argentina is extremely hot; we needed a bath at least twice a day, and the A-ha guys always looked like being part of a catwalk. Thanks to the excitement all my senses were not working right and the truth is that up to now I cannot tell what they smell like or what perfume they wear, I was close but that I just cannot remember.
It took me several hours to finally see Pal and I’ll tell why. If they were spotted separately I could remember, but if they were with Morten, there was something I still laugh at and do not understand … Every time Morten appeared, time simply stopped, he is a magnet to me, all his magnetism caught my eye immediately, as well as my emotion, my heartbeat, my whole existence!
Later when my friends and I talked they told me … Mags and Pal were there too! How come you did not see them? They made fun of me several times. I could not take off my eyes of Morten and there were flashes all around, I was trying to hear every word he said and I was trying to articulate a word, I am pretty sure I said lots of nonsense, but I needed to say something. I needed to speak for my Mexico that is looking forward to seeing them here ( In this case it can be understood that I was all Mexico in that moment, I do not know if all Mexico would tell him those words but my excitement and interest were enough, way too much) The time goes by so fast, never enough to capture Morten´s moves, smiles, looks, etc.
I need to say that every time you have a chance to have a picture taken with Morten, he holds you, he pulls your waist (or where there was a waist LOL) and almost 95% of the times he shows that perfect smile of his, the most beautiful. He was even kidding with us. If the picture that was being taken was not that nice then he patiently waited for another to be taken. On one occasion I told him “one last shot, please”, he accepted gladly but also asked us: Do you know how many last pictures I’ve done today? LOL
He mentioned that he was very tired because he had a tremendous time difference. Dear and beloved Morten, even with his being really tired he always showed himself so friendly and accessible with everyone.

Guess who was nice with me in Argentina?
Everyone! Absolutely everyone!
I love Argentina! Because I never saw a frown.
There were hugs, smiley faces, wonderful words, authentic people, loving people.
I think I have become fan of Argentina!
One night I could not take it anymore and I could not help crying. There were so many emotions, such was the kindness and love in my life that I cannot explain.
There are so many feelings in this world such as: pride, envy, etc. Those feelings invade our world one day and the next day too.
Not all things are hunky-dory in this world I know. But after seeing Morten´s attitude, patience and generosity (Despite being an idol, so talented and famous, apart from being such a beautiful man) he had time, space and love for everyone and showed us the most genuine and impressive part of his heart.
On the other hand people in Argentina are some of the most beautiful people that can exist on the face of the earth. I was in the clouds, in heaven, flabbergasted.
All that hit me right in my very existence or life and then did my crying, not in the rain, but in front of my friends.
I could hardly handle so much love. Not that I had not been or given love before, but this was all new, love and friendship were giving me one of the most important lessons of my entire life.
Here in Mexico it is so difficult to get a photo taken with your favorite singer or artist, because they are always guarded, some others consider themselves like the greatest people in the world, getting an autograph means almost an impossible mission. Unless you have a front row ticket at a gig, or you are lucky to run into someone, or you are wealthy enough to make friends with a famous person, you will not have the chance to be near your favorite band, otherwise almost impossible.
There was a moment I felt this big pride, the pride of admiring someone who is an upright person. From my very personal point of view Morten is a very responsible man, he does not smoke, he does not use drugs, etc. although it is clear to me that as any human being he should have remedial areas, like you and me, but I am so proud to admire a talented person who does not use his fame and talent to live a spoiled life. Besides he is not a conceited person at all, he is so humble! He himself was pushing his luggage cart, he carried his things all the time. Only the greatest people are capable of that, only someone with high values does those things that may seem insignificant but the same tiny things would never be done by the so called “divos”.
Some of his words still ring in my mind, just after I told him twice that I would like them to come to Mexico, he told me “I’d love to”. And I know that I did what I had to do, I told him several times and by different means that I want them to come to my country.
And in case anyone doubts it …
I love Morten! I love A-ha! And now I also love the Argentineans.

May 29th2010

Posted By: Cecilia S Uruguay

Time: 4:06 am

Perfect setlist!
The most amazing audience in the world!
Argentina loves a-ha
So does Uruguay

Posted By: VioletaMH

Time: 13:58 pm

That girl smiling,is Maria José mi dear friend!! I had the time of my life in that concert. Even do I previously watch them in Chile(2009). It was just amazing to be so near them in the concert,and have them in my country. It was a night with pure music,friends and joy.
I will never forget a-ha or their music legacy.
Thanks for the space to share a few words.
And thanks to Maria Jose,Claudia and Gaby!!for being sucha good friends and for helping me to reach Morten and finaly gave him my black-photoalbum.

Posted By: María José Gonzalez

Time: 16:56 pm

Nooo! This is my photo with Morten that my friend Claudia took!
Thanks to her and you for publishing it! It was an unforgettable week! Viole! Thanks for the message, you are a charming person!
Thanks again a-ha, for being the soundtrack of my life!

May 30th2010

Posted By: Roxana Vartabedian

Time: 16:44 pm

The show at Luna Park was perfect !!! Thank you very much for include in your tour to our country.
I enjoyed every minute of this show, and all the moments shared with friends at the entrance of the hotel waiting for you.
Thank you for your warmth and friendliness with fans !!!
I hope to see your show again… Will you come back to Argentina?
Morten get better soon !!! Kisses from Argentina !!!

Time: 16:54 pm

I send the link of the pictures taken during the stay of A-ha in Argentina. Regards

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1185425411#!/album.php?aid=2055838&id=1185425411

May 31st2010

Time: 15:11 pm

Morten get well soon !!! I send you light and positive energy from Argentina !!!

June 3rd2010

Posted By: ahamaria_gaby

Time: 18:12 pm

The show at Luna Park was beautiful, excellent.
I danced, sang and cried. I enjoyed it very much.
I’m sure they have enjoyed with the public.
Very nice images on the screen of the concert!
I was outside listening to the sound test on March 3rd.
I was at the door of “NH Tango Hotel” at noon on March 3 and March 5 and I had the opportunity to sign me Morten, and I had an individual and a group photo with him.
No luck with Mags and Pal, I would have liked to get me some pictures with them.
I’m very happy with this “a-haweek” and I have new friends that I met at the door of the hotel.
A-ha thanks for your music, I love you a lot since 1985.
A-ha forever and ever.
Best regards, thank you to visit Argentina.
María Gabriela Solimano
(you can visit my Facebook)

June 4th2010

Time: 2:33 am

Ah! and we have given to A-ha a fansbook one for each and memorial plaques for the 25 years of music.
Argentina loves A-ha
Best regards,
María Gabriela Solimano

Posted By: div

Time: 4:47 am

June 5th2010

Time: 0:34 am

Hello Di !!! I didn´t know that you write so beautiful!!! I was charmed with it!!! Your summary of these days is excellent.
Thank you very much for the pretty things that you say of the Argentinians. You are a very pretty person !!! Lots of kisses!!!

June 6th2010

Time: 4:37 am

Beautiful Roxana!!
You are as lovely and darling as all the great people I met in BA. Thanks for loving A-ha and giving me the chance of sharing this experience with you!

March 5th2011

Time: 2:15 am

1 year ago I was the happiest person on earth!
Miss you all!

Time: 2:19 am

A beautiful video made by a friend, Margarita. One year ago we enjoyed the first show of the farewell tour of A-HA that began in Argentina, Luna Park Stadium. It was an incredible week, we shared beautiful moments with friends ….. Thank you A-HA for the beautiful songs !!! A-HA will be forever in our souls, hearts and minds

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajZeDpzDS8k

March 10th2011

Posted By: achristian91

Time: 17:44 pm

fue muy buen recital y nunca lo voy a olvidar…..gracias.

March 11th2011

Posted By: baritec

Time: 14:52 pm

Bueno….dificil agregar algo mas a todo lo que han expresado los demas fanaticos…. solo decirle a la banda que desde que tenia 10 u 11 años me identifique 100% con su musica y me da mucha pena y bronca saber que algo tan logrado como ust. se separen…….es un pensamiento muy egoista lo que digo en caliente… pero en frio me doy cuenta que son personas como nosotros y que tienen su vida apárte de la de a-ha… a fin de cuentas les deseo lo mejor por que a mi me han dado lo mejor… desde argentina y esperando un retorno no muy lejano…un fiel y leal fan de su musica

June 9th2011

Posted By: MortenH

Time: 15:05 pm

Well, finally after over a year of this wonderful concert I decided to write a few words to express my love and admiration for a-ha. From the beginning they knew how to conquerme , I grew up with them, lived the best moments of my life with their music. Also stood beside my in the bad ones. 25 happy years I will take with me then stored in a privileged place of my heart.
Thanks Morten for your talent, your generosity, your commitment and your voice (the best, by the way). Thanks Mags for your sympathy and your talent and Pal thanks for the wonderful songs that you whote
So, a-ha will be forever in my heart, (and under my skin, becouse of my a-ha tattoo).

God bless you and thank you very much again.

German

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