Mudthaw
A superb event.
As we came into sight of the event, we were greeted by a stunning church, all domes and arches and glass. The inside was just as good -- very modern as to facilities, and spacious. Big bathrooms, lots of class space, two main rooms, enough for merchants and fencing as well as plenty of places to sit down and talk.
There was no dayboard, but several people were selling food, and I lunched on sandwiches, olives, boiled eggs, and truffles (raspberry and Nutella, only part of a wide selection).
There was an Arts and Sciences exhibit/competition. Everything there was worth looking at, but I was especially impressed by the work of Orlando Sforza, whom I'd never met but clearly should have. I can only assume his work on fencing was good, because I don't know anything about fencing, but I do know a little about English drama and a little more about poetry, and his display on both of these subjects attracted my favorable attention.
Court was enjoyable and *short* (about an hour). This may have been because there were neither peerages nor awards of high merit given. I did enjoy the large number of new arts and services awards given out, including, but not limited to, the people I knew.
The feast was excellent; let me count the ways:
1) There was enough room in the hall that we weren't elbow to elbow.
2) Each table had a printout of the menu with all the ingredients for each dish on the back.
3) The things I especially liked: Aquapatus (but next time give us nice fresh soft bread and not the hard crusts -- yes, I can believe it is authentic ...) Quayle Roasted; Vyaunde Leche; Frytour of Mylke & Erbes (next time make about twice as many? Please?)
There were only two things that could have been improved: First, that gorgeous hall was an icebox. I don't know whether it was the beautiful big glass walls and windows, or the fact that so few people seemed willing to close the (many) doors and keep them closed, but I was cold from the minute I came in until I got in the car to go home. I only took my cloak off once -- after doing a galliard which warmed me up for about 20 minutes.
Which brings me to the second suggested improvement: With all those classrooms, perhaps there could have been one for bardic activities. People did their best in the main spaces, but those big halls had some of the worst acoustics I have ever encountered. And the unfortunate performers during the feast were inaudible unless, like me, you shamelessly got up and stood near enough to them to hear.
But I repeat: a superb event.
(Also posted on Facebook)
As we came into sight of the event, we were greeted by a stunning church, all domes and arches and glass. The inside was just as good -- very modern as to facilities, and spacious. Big bathrooms, lots of class space, two main rooms, enough for merchants and fencing as well as plenty of places to sit down and talk.
There was no dayboard, but several people were selling food, and I lunched on sandwiches, olives, boiled eggs, and truffles (raspberry and Nutella, only part of a wide selection).
There was an Arts and Sciences exhibit/competition. Everything there was worth looking at, but I was especially impressed by the work of Orlando Sforza, whom I'd never met but clearly should have. I can only assume his work on fencing was good, because I don't know anything about fencing, but I do know a little about English drama and a little more about poetry, and his display on both of these subjects attracted my favorable attention.
Court was enjoyable and *short* (about an hour). This may have been because there were neither peerages nor awards of high merit given. I did enjoy the large number of new arts and services awards given out, including, but not limited to, the people I knew.
The feast was excellent; let me count the ways:
1) There was enough room in the hall that we weren't elbow to elbow.
2) Each table had a printout of the menu with all the ingredients for each dish on the back.
3) The things I especially liked: Aquapatus (but next time give us nice fresh soft bread and not the hard crusts -- yes, I can believe it is authentic ...) Quayle Roasted; Vyaunde Leche; Frytour of Mylke & Erbes (next time make about twice as many? Please?)
There were only two things that could have been improved: First, that gorgeous hall was an icebox. I don't know whether it was the beautiful big glass walls and windows, or the fact that so few people seemed willing to close the (many) doors and keep them closed, but I was cold from the minute I came in until I got in the car to go home. I only took my cloak off once -- after doing a galliard which warmed me up for about 20 minutes.
Which brings me to the second suggested improvement: With all those classrooms, perhaps there could have been one for bardic activities. People did their best in the main spaces, but those big halls had some of the worst acoustics I have ever encountered. And the unfortunate performers during the feast were inaudible unless, like me, you shamelessly got up and stood near enough to them to hear.
But I repeat: a superb event.
(Also posted on Facebook)