COLLECTORMANIA 5
Yesterday I was at the Collectormania 5. It was great, even though I at one point thought I wouldn't make it.
The first obstacle was getting up in the morning, I was very tired, but I got out of bed, and got some food. Then it was the task of getting my hair to look somewhat normal, when my mom rang. It was really nice talking to her, as always, had a little chat with dad too.
When I finally got on my way there were a few delays in traffic, so I got to the train station a little later than I though I would. Thought I have come this far so I bought my tickets and sat down to wait for the train to Milton Keyes. There were some delays and I didn't make it to CM until about 13:30. The first thing I did was run around like crazy getting que tickets. I couldn't believe there were any left but I got tickets for Peter Mayhew, Ray Park and Craig Parker without any hassle. I had a real hard time finding Robert Englund's booth tho, must have walked past it at least four times because I got bad directions, but I found it eventually and got a ticket.
After I'd gotten all the tickets the thought of food struck my mind, I hadn't eaten since 09:00, and was getting really hungry. Went to the closest diner and had a look at the menu, they didn't have anything to my liking. I stood on the top for a while, saw Clint Howard. Decided to find my camera to take a picture, but as I hit the button nothing happened. The battery had died, so I had to put food on hold and had to go hunting for a battery. Finally found one, spent a little over 10 pounds on it, but I was just happy to have it working again. :)
Then I could finally get some food, so I walked a lot in the search for a place without too many people, and food I would eat. Ended up in Burger King in some remote location of the mall. Food was good. When I finished up it was about 15:30 and I got back to where the signings were and saw that Peter Mayhew had an open que.
My meeting with Chewbacca.
I had promised to get Peter Mayhew's autograph for Isen, so I just got in line to meet him. I payed, found a picture (I hope Isen likes it), and went up to meet him. There was a note that said no photographs, so I let my camera lie in the bag. When it was my turn he seemed a little distracted, but greeted me and signed the picture. I asked him if he would make it out to Isen, and after a little spelling difficulty he was finished. He seemed like a nice guy, maybe a little tired after sitting there for three days signing autographs. Even though he was sitting down, it struck me how tall he was, and when he took the picture to sign it I just noticed that he had really big hands, I think I would have to use both my hands to cover one of his. Silly thing to notice, but anyway. A tall rather scrawny man with long hair and a hat, that's what I'm going to be thinking of the next time I see Chewbacca on screen.
Afterwards I took a breather, even though I'd been sitting when I ate I didn't feel like I had done anything but run around most of the day. I usually sit still most of the day, so I was rather tired. I sent some text messages with Isen, she was at home sunbathing, just taking it easy. :) I decided to have a look in the stalls so I wouldn't fall asleep just sitting around, passed the board with the que-numbers and discovered that they had passed my number in Ray's que, and that Craig's had become an open que. I hurried over to Craig because I could get in to meet Ray anyway. I got over to Craig's que, and prepared to meet Haldir.
My meeting with Haldir.
I had also promised to get Craig's autograph for Isen, sadly all the really good pictures were gone. I picked one from FOTR, the Two Towers pictures were fuzzy, and he wasn't really the center of attention on 'em. Anyway, I hope she's happy with my choice. Had some teeny-bopers in front of me in the que. They had bought a little plastic medical kit for him, and they had one of those bottles that bed-ridden people pee in when they can't leave the bed. He seemed to find it amusing, laughed and talked with them for a while.
I had to give one of the CM staff a crash course in how to work my camera before it was my turn. He was really nice, shook my hand and introduced himself. Smiling, and asking how I was. I messed up a little when he asked my name, had to correct myself or else Isen would have gotten my name on her autograph.
Craig was really great, and he looked really good! His eyes were such a stunning blue, and he has such a nice smile. I'm just hoping the picture will be ok. When I left he shook my hand again and wished me a good day. I did the same. :) Thanked him for the picture and the autograph and went on my merry way.
I hurried over to Ray Park's booth, and got in his que, which had also become an ope que while I'd been over at Craig.
My meeting with Toad
This autograph was for me, being the big "X-Men" fan I had to have his autograph. The que was rather short as it was late in the day. There was a couple in front of me that also wanted him to sign a Toad picture, I didn't hear the entire conversation but he seemed a little surprised by the fact that they hadn't seen "Star Wars: Episode 1". Funny.
I had to give another of the CM staff a crash course in the use of my camera, let her have a test run before I went up to Ray.
He was really nice, first thing he did was shake my hand and ask how I was. Smiling all the way, he signed my photo "Don't get slimed. Ray Park, Toad". Was really happy with it. He got up and the staffer took the picture, am just crossing my fingers that the pictures turns out all right.
He looked really good as well, have never really noticed him in that fashion before, but he actually looked really good. He wasn't as low as I had expected... not sure, but he was about my height, I'll be sure when I get the pictures.
When the picture had been taken he wished me a good day and shook my hand again, I wished him a good day too, and said good bye.
Was finished at about 16:45, sat down and waited to meet Robert Englund. Sadly it turned out that the mall was closing, and that Robert wouldn't be meeting anyone else. That was also something Isen wanted, but I hope she's happy I got the other two. Am happy I got to meet Craig because of her tho. :) So thank you very much for that Isen! :)