GalaCon 2013 coverage (part 2 of 2) · 5:22pm Aug 7th, 2013
So...part 2. Never thought I needed two parts to begin with but apparently I did. Anyway, let's go right back to the action and the utter insanity that was, Galacon.
Third day
Once more my alarm went off at 7 in the morning and ever so slowly I managed to hoist myself out of bed and prepare myself. I was slower then a snail in reverse to say the least. Anyway, eventually the clock hit 7:45 and I had made the decision to not walk that hour again. So I went to the reception of the hotel and asked if there was any form of bus connection to the con. Let's say that two minutes later I was in the bus. And it felt like heaven. After a little 20 minute trip, I was just 5 minutes away from the con and had to go through a park.
The closer I came, the more I saw the horde of bronies that already stood for the entrance. The con opened at 9/10 o'clock. And since I was there around 8, they had to be standing there for a long time. So the only logical thing was to join them. And the time crawled by and by before the two other Dutch guys I met the day before arrived. And then, finally, at 9:15 in the morning the doors opened. And it was really just f*ck the queue. Because all of them just started to run to and through the doors.
The guys and I had made a planning of just where we wanted to go that day and the first thing was the Canadian Voice Actor signing session. We entered the building and realized just why all of them were running. Because the queue for that session was full in 2 minutes. Just 2 minutes and that all was full. No chance of getting through it. So we lost our hopes on that and just waited for the con to go open on itself again.
It was another strolling party around the vendors and art gallary. Some rather nice things to be seen though. But there wasn't anything special going on and the first panel that would be available to go to, happened to be the EU Voice Actor panel. Not one I was intending to go to. But I did and, let's say I regret nothing, at, all.
EU voice actor panel
As said before, not a panel I planned to go to, but still did. Voice actors of the German Discord (Michael Pan), Swedish Spitfire (Anneli Heed) and the France Rarity (Julie Basecqz) were all present. And I declare that this panel was the most fun one I have been too at the entire con. The actors hadn't been going to much cons. It was the second for both Anneli and Julie, but for Michael it was the first. And also his very first impression of just how big the community is. He was rather shocked from what I saw.
But the panel itself was genius. Since they hadn't done it as often as Peter and Andrea, these three were just much more free and enjoying it even more. Michael sadly didn't spoke any word English and I don't think he understood it either, but his answers on the questions were always the funny ones. He was not the one who made the panel, but all three together, nailed it perfectly. Congratulations to you three, congratulations. And also thank you, for the amazing time during the 1,5 hours.
The original plan was to go to the Pony Music Video panel next but since the actor panel had some extension to the time, that one was missed and we decided to have some lunch before going to the next. And possibly the one nearly 75% of the con had been waiting on.
JanAnimations panel
I am not even going to make the jokes about the fact I saw the pilot for 'Button's Adventures' live. Nor am I going to spoil anything. The panel itself was a really good one due to the questions asked. But most of the time was video, which I just didn't mind. Oh, you want my opinion about Button's Adventures?
I want moar! It was just so funny to watch! Even though it was five minutes and fan made, the time and quality were just show like. Can't wait for me!
More, there isn't really to tell about the panel, except that Jan is yet another amazing guy.
So with the panel behind us, we had the crazy idea to just go to the EU actor signing session.
EU Voice Actor signing session
I know what you say, how can I make a topic about a signing session? Well, rather easy since a lot happened in it.
First of all, we were really lucky to get in the line because one of us asked if it was still possible. Admitabable, it wasn't me and it was rather late as well. But we could still join up and became the last ones to enter (with the exception of one that followed). Of course we had to wait and one of the guys I was hanging out with, decided to play with the wings of a cosplayer (galadress Fluttershy). Suddenly the wings go up, the guy turns himself around and speaks in a dry voice "Sorry, I've got a wingboner."
Let me tell you, I couldn't keep it dry from the laughter. That comeback was just so brilliant, it still puts on a smile on my face when thinking about it. "Best, comeback, ever." I literally spoke against him (yes, it was a man.) and we came a bit on the talk about things before probably the strangest thing happened. Michael Pan himself, just left the signing room and gave all of the people in the queue an signed card. My best guess, he was just done with it. Not that I blame him of course.
Anyway, finally we were allowed in an collected the rare autographs from both Anneli and Julie. Have to admit, the both of them liked my name. Explained it to the both of them just how it came to origin as a joke and they are just so nice, even in person. Gotta admit, was a little bit nervous before them. And on the way home I was like 'she shouldn't have written my name down, but for Rarity, from Rarity and then her signature'. Well, challenge for next year I suppose.
Pony time!
Another concept where no one can talk about, yet I can make 3 freaking paragraphs out of it. Just, watching ponies. However, there was a surprise for me in store there. one I honestly didn't expect and one that made me want to leave. Yet, I stayed and watched what came. And that what came, was nothing else than Equestria Girls. In German.
It was, it was rather good and enjoyable though. Always denied the whole existence of the movie with my heart and never spoke about it. But now that I have seen it, I see why others like it. But it doesn't draw me in it. I spare you the endless complaints the guys next me heard. Hehehe, sorry for that.
Auction
According to the time table, the closing ceremony was at 6 PM, so at 5:30 we made our way back to the main hall and just enjoyed what, we thought to be, the final pieces of the auction. I spotted a friend with who I originally was going to stroll around but always seemed to lose him and sat next to him. The other two stayed for a bit longer and then left in order to make the journey back home.
Anyway, little did I knew that the thing would continue all the way up to 7:30. But by Celestia, nothing could prepare me for the insanity there. The bidding started at €10,- for most items, but in 10, 20 seconds was at €100,- There were some items I wanted to bid on, specially the drinking glasses when I saw them, but the price rose up to €200 I believe and I didn't had that kind of money.
A lot of wonderful items were sold for a lot of money. There was this banner, signed by all the voice actors and a lot of other people that went for an astonishing €1.100,-. That, was a price that made my jaw drop and the entire room just erupted out in a major clap for them. But there were also some odd items. For instance, Perry's hat went for €180. (Perry being the host for most of the panels, lovely girl.) And the most strangest of all, a bottle of Fanta. A half drunken bottle of Fanta, which I think was done by Jan, went for a rocketing price of €130,-. Yes, you read that correctly. €130,- for that. And we complained about an economic crisis? Not at the Galacon.
Closing ceremony
The closing ceremony, what else can I say then just, the end? It was just, everybody got thanked and had one last word before the signed blindbags were thrown into the room. But then it was time for us all to sing. To sing a little song twice. 'Heart Carol', one that makes me wipe away a tear every time. (even now, reading it next to my keyboard) The first attempt was kind of a failure but the second, when (nicknamed) Piano Zecora started to play the piano, every, single, soul sang the song.
And then, it was just over. Two long days of party and insanity just over. Two days of fun and utter enjoyment written down in my memory for all of eternity. Yeah, it was good. It was, fanlonimo! (Fantastic, Allons-y and Geronimo combined) Next year, I'm going to be there again without a single doubt in my mind.
Forth day
Nothing all too special except the 7 hour drive home. no traffic jams, no accidents, just nothing. Should have had it on the way to it. Than again, if I didn't arrive late, I wouldn't have been transferred to a 4 star hotel. Luck by bad luck, I suppose.
Anyway, haul time! Just what did I managed to pick up from the convention? Well, a rip-off is a starter, hehehe. Never the less, the rest I got, was pretty amazing.
*Galacon 'Bizzam' T-shirt not shown because wearing and sweaty at the time picture was taken. Also, gotta find three frames big enough to hold the prints.
And with that, we are at the end of this monstrous blog post. I hope that those who have read it enjoyed it and I just want to say a couple more thanks to all of the amazing people out there.
Even though the entire main hall clapped in a standing ovation at the closing ceremony, none of us, the con-goers, got a real chance to thank you all. Every, single, person, that helped, whether you are staff or guest, European or Overseas, thank you all for the wonderful two days!
You guys have been hammering this catch phrase in our head from long before the con, I never said it. Suppose we are going to change that. BIZZAM!
And now, now would be a good time for me too go off and let you carry on with your daily duties. As one last thing, for all of you. /)
Okay, I lied. Next story is going to be on August 12th.
Now I'm off! Bye bye!
1269409 The auction was a thing I will always remember. At least the part I have been with.
...Crap, forgot Peter new with the boa!
1269615 I wasn't there when that happened, remember. Which, was a shame really.
1270538 Heheheh.