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CFz 2014 over, feeling crushed, con thoughts
11 years ago
Being the nomad I am, this is the first time I really feel the want to stay somewhere, and I do miss the UK. I have no idea when I can come back, heck I'm looking for work around the EU so I can attend cons and visit the UK with less of a hassle.
I do miss my fuzzy friends and food here (mmmmm byrons) but that's the way my work takes me...
Anyways, some thoughts on Confuzzled 2014:
- Getting to the convention was very straightforward, train up to Birmingham International from London Euston, and there was a mostly sheltered path to the Hilton Metropole that takes perhaps 10 minutes. Buying advanced return tickets (thanks Bhav!) cost only £12.
- Room was much smaller than CFz 2012; small rooms are fine really, but the lack of a bathtub is like :(:(:( Its not really a good idea to bring a kindle to the poolside jacuzzi...
- On the flip side, the pool is really good, with proper lanes, as well as a steam *and* sauna rooms. Not that I used them. This wolf canna breathe in that kinda of humidity and heat!
- Food at the main bar area was excellent, I was pleasantly surprised at how good it was. There was also the budget option available, had that one or twice but really, I thought it was about the same as food you get in touristy places. Breakfast was great on the first day, but I felt brekkie got worst as the days went by lol. The last day hash browns I had were definitely very sad.
- I actually joined a room party for almost half an hour before I found a real excuse to run away - to book this hotel I'm staying it right now as I type this.
- Couldn't really get into the mood to do much general photography sadly, this is in part still not feeling the mood from the last half year+ of working, as well as just bored of shooting fursuiters inside a hotel. That said, there were a few suiters who got me to tag along on their jaunts, and I got some really nice shots I will post in a week or two.
- Helped out as a volunteer for a few hours over the days, one of the days we were helping guide the people into the pawpet show, another day we helped tear down the art show, load up vans, move some stuff. Will definitely volunteer next time I'm at a con, it is much more exciting than cringing when surrounded by strangers and retreating into the hotel room to watch sci-fi.
- Having been away for over a year, it's quite striking to see how the furs have grown, matured and changed.
- Music Jam session was a good idea, but I think not really well thought out. There were probably a dozen guitars - acoustic, bass, electric. Me with a set of irish whistles and native american flute, a dude with a harmonica as well as another with a synth. Sadly, it felt really unorganized, with all the guitars playing the same chords, I couldn't really join in as my instruments are diatonic. Synth guy left halfway through, and I left when I got called away to shoot some fuzzies. If you ever visited a music shop with people testing guitars, that's what it was at times.
- Oh! Submitted a piece for the art show, 100% to charity. Didn't go into the main auction, but I think it sold for £27 (I don't know the final price) so yay! It was done over a week and printed on C3 metallic paper. Yeah, it wasn't cheap. Next year, I look forward to submitting another piece, but I think I will know how to better prepare.
- Several themed consoles and game machines around the hotel, custom build by the crew.
- There is actually a grand piano in the place, which I got permission to play and made a fool of myself :P Snugglebunny was amazing, playing the piano in fursuit, as well as other furry pianists.
- JM Horse had a rather interesting panel on furry data, but there was an aspect mentioned on Zoophilia and furries that was quite surprising (1 in 6 furs?!). In addition, JM brought up a point that I do not agree, and probably will email him later. He mentions, that gays were ostracized (my words - forgot the exact line he used) many decades ago, but are now more largely accepted. JM indicates that Zoophilia may also be more accepted down the line.
I don't agree with the comparison. The difference for me is that to be gay, this is a consensual thing between two people who can communicate. I'm not sure how consent works between a human and an animal that has no way of saying yes, or no. If there is no consent, what is it then?
- Over a thousand furs at a UK convention! It was massive! I could not believe the number of fursuits on the parade, had to be 6-700 at least!? And here I am, reluctant to even wear my tail (it's my precious!)
- Worked up the courage to ask someone out for a drink. He said no, but yanno, I actually did it! I met him at CFz 2 years ago, never had the balls, but for some reason, I felt that I only lived once, and I had to give it a go. I really should ask more people out :P Then I keep reminding myself, my work brings me all over... how would that work. One day I'll figure it out... one day.
- The theme for CFz 2015 is also announced, it is to be Alice In Wonderland themed. I'm sure I'll come up with some "awesome" ideas and procrastinate, but we'll see. I'll defo work on a small piece for the charity auction as well.
- I have got to get another tail that is smaller sized for convention use; the tail I have right now is just too nice and I don't want to wear it out. Or rather, I'd rather have it worn out being used as a pillow and not have furry germs on it. Well, it'll only have my furry germs :P
- Speaking of furry germs, could you imagine one of those plush microbe toys with a kigu and tail?
- Con T-shirt - orange is _ok_ but the text "not" is clearly not visible. Why why why? I actually much preferred the shorts worn by the security crew, the rainbow coloured furry silhouettes looked great!
I do miss my fuzzy friends and food here (mmmmm byrons) but that's the way my work takes me...
Anyways, some thoughts on Confuzzled 2014:
- Getting to the convention was very straightforward, train up to Birmingham International from London Euston, and there was a mostly sheltered path to the Hilton Metropole that takes perhaps 10 minutes. Buying advanced return tickets (thanks Bhav!) cost only £12.
- Room was much smaller than CFz 2012; small rooms are fine really, but the lack of a bathtub is like :(:(:( Its not really a good idea to bring a kindle to the poolside jacuzzi...
- On the flip side, the pool is really good, with proper lanes, as well as a steam *and* sauna rooms. Not that I used them. This wolf canna breathe in that kinda of humidity and heat!
- Food at the main bar area was excellent, I was pleasantly surprised at how good it was. There was also the budget option available, had that one or twice but really, I thought it was about the same as food you get in touristy places. Breakfast was great on the first day, but I felt brekkie got worst as the days went by lol. The last day hash browns I had were definitely very sad.
- I actually joined a room party for almost half an hour before I found a real excuse to run away - to book this hotel I'm staying it right now as I type this.
- Couldn't really get into the mood to do much general photography sadly, this is in part still not feeling the mood from the last half year+ of working, as well as just bored of shooting fursuiters inside a hotel. That said, there were a few suiters who got me to tag along on their jaunts, and I got some really nice shots I will post in a week or two.
- Helped out as a volunteer for a few hours over the days, one of the days we were helping guide the people into the pawpet show, another day we helped tear down the art show, load up vans, move some stuff. Will definitely volunteer next time I'm at a con, it is much more exciting than cringing when surrounded by strangers and retreating into the hotel room to watch sci-fi.
- Having been away for over a year, it's quite striking to see how the furs have grown, matured and changed.
- Music Jam session was a good idea, but I think not really well thought out. There were probably a dozen guitars - acoustic, bass, electric. Me with a set of irish whistles and native american flute, a dude with a harmonica as well as another with a synth. Sadly, it felt really unorganized, with all the guitars playing the same chords, I couldn't really join in as my instruments are diatonic. Synth guy left halfway through, and I left when I got called away to shoot some fuzzies. If you ever visited a music shop with people testing guitars, that's what it was at times.
- Oh! Submitted a piece for the art show, 100% to charity. Didn't go into the main auction, but I think it sold for £27 (I don't know the final price) so yay! It was done over a week and printed on C3 metallic paper. Yeah, it wasn't cheap. Next year, I look forward to submitting another piece, but I think I will know how to better prepare.
- Several themed consoles and game machines around the hotel, custom build by the crew.
- There is actually a grand piano in the place, which I got permission to play and made a fool of myself :P Snugglebunny was amazing, playing the piano in fursuit, as well as other furry pianists.
- JM Horse had a rather interesting panel on furry data, but there was an aspect mentioned on Zoophilia and furries that was quite surprising (1 in 6 furs?!). In addition, JM brought up a point that I do not agree, and probably will email him later. He mentions, that gays were ostracized (my words - forgot the exact line he used) many decades ago, but are now more largely accepted. JM indicates that Zoophilia may also be more accepted down the line.
I don't agree with the comparison. The difference for me is that to be gay, this is a consensual thing between two people who can communicate. I'm not sure how consent works between a human and an animal that has no way of saying yes, or no. If there is no consent, what is it then?
- Over a thousand furs at a UK convention! It was massive! I could not believe the number of fursuits on the parade, had to be 6-700 at least!? And here I am, reluctant to even wear my tail (it's my precious!)
- Worked up the courage to ask someone out for a drink. He said no, but yanno, I actually did it! I met him at CFz 2 years ago, never had the balls, but for some reason, I felt that I only lived once, and I had to give it a go. I really should ask more people out :P Then I keep reminding myself, my work brings me all over... how would that work. One day I'll figure it out... one day.
- The theme for CFz 2015 is also announced, it is to be Alice In Wonderland themed. I'm sure I'll come up with some "awesome" ideas and procrastinate, but we'll see. I'll defo work on a small piece for the charity auction as well.
- I have got to get another tail that is smaller sized for convention use; the tail I have right now is just too nice and I don't want to wear it out. Or rather, I'd rather have it worn out being used as a pillow and not have furry germs on it. Well, it'll only have my furry germs :P
- Speaking of furry germs, could you imagine one of those plush microbe toys with a kigu and tail?
- Con T-shirt - orange is _ok_ but the text "not" is clearly not visible. Why why why? I actually much preferred the shorts worn by the security crew, the rainbow coloured furry silhouettes looked great!
I'm toying with the idea of going to EF if I can find a room and someone to share with. I've never been to Germany so that should be fun.
I look forward to seeing the pictures :)
Will get those pictures up when I'm done with my vacationing :)
I looked at EF and the hotel is full so unless I can figure out a good alternative and perhaps someone to share with I might give it a miss until next year and book early. Maybe MFF next
I didn't realise you'd left the UK :( Where are you now? Also what do you do? You never know I might be able to throw some vacancies your way ;) The place I work for has doubled in size over the last year and they're always hiring new people.
Anyhow enjoy the rest of your holiday :)
Cheers!
I didn't know you submitted art to the auction, cool what did you draw for the charity.
I agree with the orange t-shirt, very bright and very appealing, could do with more bright coloured t-shirts in my wardrobe :) The red 'NOT' was difficult to make out and yes those security staff t-shirts were so cool....i have a fondness for the coloured shadows
What else did they talk about on the furry data pannel, i wanted to go but found myself going to mixed media stories instead
I think the main things on the furry data panel was like sexual orientation, male vs female numbers, changes in orientation after being introduced/joining the fandom, quite a fair bit more. I'm sure the data is up on the adjective species website!
it was nice to see you Gallen again it had been awhile!