I’m glad you are enjoying my WGT 2012 coverage! Thanks for all your feedback on my Facebook.

At the end of the day, a travel experience isn’t about the place — but the people you share it with. One of my favorite memories of Wave Gotik Treffen (largest Goth music/culture/fashion festival in the world) was drinking absinthe with friends from around the world.

On Day 2, we met up outside the Pagan Village, one tram stop away from the main festival site (Agra). If you don’t have a WGT wristband, you can’t access Agra or any of the concerts. However, you can purchase a separate ticket to enter the Village.

WGT is a wonderful excuse to bring all your friends together. I met up with dark souls from Japan, Switzerland, Czech Republic…

Flower and metal fascinator, worn as brooch: provided by Angelica Brigade.
Purple pirate hat: gifted by Caribbean Rose (more photos and review)
Velvet vampire jacket: gifted by Lip Service
Gothic jumpsuit: gifted by Lip Service

We shared “Goth-since,” 90-proof black absinthe from the Czech Republic.

A wonderful moment, relaxing on the grass outside the Pagan Village.

Inside, it felt like a Renaissance faire mixed with a heavy metal concert. We browsed shops that sold Medieval swords, mead, honey wine, and cherry beer (above – a fruity taste).

We returned to the main site, Agra, for more shopping at the “Black Market.” Hundreds of stands with handmade, dark fashion and accessories. I loved the elegance of Bibian Blue…

… and the space-Gaga corsets of Cyberesque.

That evening, we went to the New Romantic party. I’ve never been to an event like this: undead aristocrats swaying to electric Renaissance sounds.

Beautiful aristocratic fashion. Unfortunately we weren’t able to make it to the fetish and Japanese Visual kei parties, but I hear they are also excellent.

Onward to Moritzbastei: a cavernous, maze-like club with five different dancefloors. The Japan gang reunited here — a perfect ending to the grandest festival I’ve ever attended.

Here are more photos of WGT fashionistas, taken by my friends Truls and Ida of Dracula Clothing. We met up later in Prague for steampunk adventures (check back for the photos!)

I don’t often see steampunk and fairy fashion in the clubs I frequent, so it’s a treat to view outfits like these.

My friends photographed the band Eisbrecher.

And Diary of Dreams.

At the Victorian Picnic, DIY steampunk contraptions were on display.

Have you worn Steampunk fashion before?

Elegant ladies from past centuries.

Such imagination goes into the outfits.

This is why I love alternative fashion and subcultures, with all my heart.

The Hello Kitty man is a WGT legend. He’s featured in my video (to be uploaded soon).

I can’t thank Go With Oh enough for sending me on a life-changing journey to Wave Gotik Treffen!

For more WGT coverage, see my photos from the first day and Goth fashion snaps.

How about you — what draws you to alternative, underground cultures and style? How have they impacted your life?