What was the most musical place you've ever been?

For me, Peru and Ireland are two of the most musical places I've traveled.

Peru is such a sacred place. Whether I'm listening to a quena, a traditional Andean instrument, played by porters along the Inca Trail, or hearing and experiencing the traditional festivals such as Inti Raymi, the festival of the Sun, filled with sounds of panpipes and drums, I'm always energized.

Ireland has always been famous for traditional music. Now that the bars and restaurant have banned smoking it is much easier to fully enjoy the music. Walking through the streets of Galway last year I popped into a little pub around 4pm and there was an impromptu local pick-up performance. A family of 5 (three children age 5-16 and their parents) walked in, greeted local friends and joined the three others playing. The father played the The uilleann pipes which are characteristic national bagpipe of Ireland, inflated by means of a small set of bellows strapped around the waist and the right arm. It was lovely to see how music fits into the community life. Late that evening, I was taken to the back room of a pub and treated to sean-nós ("in the old style") which are unaccompanied vocals, considered the ultimate expression of traditional singing.

Of course many of the countries in Africa are known for their spiritual music and dance. I'm hoping to head to Ghana next year and will certainly hear the talking drum!