Much has been posted about the recent SuperbowlFest, so I don't want to repeat too much, especially after the synopsis that Country Girl posted:
http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/19/73156/21.ashx
I was busting a gut at work so I could get there, hence my silence during the lead up to the Fest. I also got sick with a cold, which made travelling a whole bunch of fun
I arrived at Megadude's on Friday night, and was feeling a little under the weather, so stayed in. Needless to say he was the consumate host, and kept me plied with Vodka Martinis, great breakfasts, and an unerring sense of direction that meant we didn't get lost too often
Saturday started nice n slow, with a stroll around a local park in DFW. We got a chance to do some Qi gong, before I hit some TaiChi. That helped a little, and I found my energy levels returning. It was a beautiful day, with temperatures feeling like the low 60's. A little like a Scottish Summer hehehe.
After a huge brunch we went shopping in the warehouse district of Dallas. I stopped and pondered, at one point, of the craziness of a bunch of apostates (myself, Megadude, Xena, Kaykay, ArrowStar and son) wandering around looking at swords n stuff. I stumbled across a TaiChi sword at 1/3 British prices, though, and was soon a very happy camper! I even managed to get it home with no difficulty!
The map to HempLover's had clearly indicated that the route from the Bradford took us past a number of last-chance opportunities. The last chance to buy alcohol, cigarettes and a gun. I took this as a directive, and promptly purchased an appropriate weapon, with large caliber projectiles (5mm plastic pellets). Oh, yeah, and I picked up beer n ciggies, too. I had to tempt Billygoat out onto the porch somehow
The food was great, the company fun, and the entertainment lively. To my shame, however, I nodded off in the mellow room! Dagnabbit - I've never been the same after FunkyDerek showed me the "dark path" of Apostofest oblivion! So, on awaking a couple of minutes later I wandered back to the action and enjoyed some karaoki Beattles action with the rest of the mimers (have you ever noticed how the second verse of every song is "la la lala la lah"?).
I was intrigued by the caged Barbie dolls, in the kitchen (nice touch, FOSHLL), as well as the picture of Elvis in Y-front underwear (I had to fight FMZ for a look, coz he was hogging the picture again!). I truly don't believe I have ever been in a house with so many doors! People were wandering right n left, to the point that you could stop still and catch everyone if you waited long enough.
The evening ended with Elsewhere falling down the stairs from the front porch, and needing an ice-pack. Having sprained an ankle once, I could but only mumble some sympathy before aimlessly wandering off
Sunday began as all Sundays should, with a long lay! Then we headed for a church.
I had expected to visit Navigator's "Unity" church, however we ended up in a bible church. I was initially mildly disapponted, however I enjoyed the service enough. I was later informed that it was an "old folks" service, with a more contemporary one being held earlier in the morning. I enjoyed my Zzzzzeds altogether far too much, however.
After eating plenty at lunchtime I took it easy in the afternoon. I think the sickness and travel were catching up (hence the quieter nature of this trip), however I got another opportunity to have a nice deep philosophical conversation with Megadude
That evening we found ourselves at D&Gs, where the poor waiter looked flustered. He took our order for beer (thanks Valis!) before running off and getting everyone's checks. The beer arrived a least a game-quarter later.
I played some shuttleboard with FMZ, Xena and Hemplover, getting soundly thrashed by Hemplover (I hope she enjoyed it as much as I did ), and later had a bash at some of the games, like car and TT-bike racing, horse-racing (FMZ is right - it's knackering!!!), Zombie shooting, and some other stuff.
Finally we exited the building to find Zman, Sparkplug, Arrowstar, and Cretia (not cretin, sorry ) still outside. It was great meeting some newbies, and to see that their initial Fest-worries were proving unfounded. They weren't the first to feel some anxiety (I still recall my first Fest), but they took it well in their stride!
The poles holding up the awning were just so... poley. So I had to have a play
Finally, after a trip to BurgerKing, it was all over. After dropping off FMZ at CatholicSchoolGirl's, we headed back, as I had to get up early the next morning to travel home.
The trip home was uneventful, though I did manage to get a free upgrade to Business class, for the transatlantic leg of the journey There was nothing to lose by asking
Whilst waiting in Amsterdam I got to see the sun rise through the sub-zero mist like a Japanese flag.
While waiting in Edinburgh I had a chance to loiter with intent.
I finally arrived home about 24hours after I started the return trip, with a few more memories and a much larger sleep-debt - LOL.
Thanks for the fun, guys. Dallas, as ever, is a blast!!!