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Random Thoughts of an Otaku - April 13th, 2008
Apr. 13th, 2008
09:22 am - Sakura Matsuri report
There are advantages to living in Rednecksville. One of them is I don't have to drive to Baltimore, Philly, DC or NYC. It makes trips like Sakura Matsuri possible thanks to Amtrak.
I got on the 9 AM train at Aberdeen station. The conductor and his assistants know me by name from riding so many times to DC on Saturday and Sunday mornings. It was about 10 minutes early to Union Station. I took the Metro from there to the Festival. I got to the festival early around 10:30 AM, so I just browsed.
The festival started at 11 AM and Nen Daiko (Taiko Drummers from the DC area) weren't at where they were suppose to be. When they were setting up an hour or so earlier, it was raining. That means they were scratched from the programming. The rest of the events did take place on time (a few minutes late).
I hung around various places including to see Koto stringers perform. I would like to see them at Anime USA, but they are generally to quiet of a group for our attendees. Most attendees prefer higher energy groups like the Taiko drummers. I talked to a couple fanacs at the festival and handed out some Anime USA flyers.
I did get Mom a Kimono finally. It is a secret what I got her until Mom's birthday in May. I need to figure out how to wrap the thing and present it to her nicely.
I had lunch of Sushi and Udon bowl around 1 PM. The lines for the food vendors were very long. It was a good thing I got some food in me and I brought some fruit. Last weekend, I was very exhausted during the trip home. Almost to the point of sleeping or just conking out. The problem was that I am probably hyperglycemic and if I don't eat for a long enough period (8 hours) it shows in attitude and everything else.
I got to see the Cosplay contest, which was mismanaged. The first rule of a costume contest is if you don't show up on time, you are disqualified. They didn't follow that rule. This led to an hour and a half contest, which was suppose to be done in 30 minutes. It nearly led to the Japanese Breakdancers to leave, since they were suppose to go on stage at 2:30 PM. I think I sound like Kevin Lillard of A Fans View.
I found out that Dinner meeting I had with Ramothhe wasn't until 5:30 PM, so I decided to see Happy Fun Smile (an okinawan group from NYC). I must say they are very high energy, but they don't mix well together. The keyboard and other instruments overpower the vocals. I always view that the vocals should be heard and not the music. It may work better in a theatre or ballroom environment, since the sound is better balanced in those rooms than at a Street Festival. Would I recommend that a con invite them as a guest? I am not so, sure.
It was close to 5:00 PM at that point, so I started to head down to the Federal Triangle Metrostop. Ramothhe was a few minutes late due to having to change from costume. We then went to Wok N Roll a block from Verizon Center. I had Chicken Teriyaki and Shrimp lo Mein. They aren't the best for the diet, but I was ready for some food. I did avoid the rice as that is extra calories. It was affordable at about $20 for my meal. I would recommend it again for people to experience before a Wizards or Capitals game.
I also had a chance to talk convention running with Ramothhe. I gave her some ideas for marketing and raising money for the convention that Anime USA does. Also, some thoughts on logistical and programming matters.
After the long day, I finally got home about 10:30 PM via a ride from one of the DAS folks. It was a very nice day. Now to do laundry, do some running today and get ready for NYCC next weekend.
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chipper09:05 pm - Two Things I forget to mention about Sakura Matsuri
I have seen two interesting things that I forgot to mention yesterday. First of all, I have tasted Sake for the first time. I thought it would taste like Vodka, but it didn't taste like that at all. It tastes very floral flavors. I don't know how expensive it was. It was leftovers from someone else's bottle. It is fine because you are drinking it from a cup and not directly from the bottle. It makes we want to learn more about Sake appreciation. What is good and what isn't good in Sake. I don't think Anime USA's hotel would allow us to do something like that.
Secondly, I have seen my first George Bush cosplayer. He was a protester in a mask. The look on the local's face was priceless. The guy was cool with it. He knew it was going to be on the web by today. I guess the locals who ride Metro alot have seen a dime a dozen of them and are ready for Obama, Hillary or McCain protesters.
http://ramothhe.livejournal.com/634
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