OT: Travel Thread

[Maija]

Okay, so I've been licking toad ass again and so maybe I'm not in my right mind but I've started making bookings for SDCC even though I'm not sure yet if it's really logistically possible, but I'm going to MAKE it work, dammit. I've been getting antsy waiting on the status of some projects while in the meantime aifares creep up as the date looms. I've found that it would be $250 less and a direct flight for me to fly into LAX and then take the Greyhound bus from LA to SD. I even have the public transit figured out from LAX to the bus terminal. I haven't really been around LA much-- just taking the bus up to Santa Monica to kill time waiting between flights overseas. I expect, like bus stations the world 'round, the LA bus station is in a dodgy area, but I'm fairly handy at looking after myself. I'd be there in daylight.

Anyway, it's about $30 more to take Amtrak and I kinda prefer trains over buses, plus it's a direct transit bus from LAX to Union Station.

I haven't booked anything yet. Any SoCal folks have any other ideas or tales of horror and woe with either Greyhound (I have my own) or Amtrak (I've never ridden)? In the end I may just end up eating the $250 and fly into SD, but I'm a cheap and masochistic traveller!

Accomodation note for others going to SDCC from out of town: I just successfully made reservations at the Hostelling Int'l Downtown San Diego so apparently they still aren't booked up for that weekend, which strikes me as odd. Then again, maybe it's just the female dorms that aren't full up yet. ;)

http://www.hiayh.org/hostels/california/sandiegodwtn.cfm

[hellboyone]

Union Station is actually very nice even though the area is slightly dodgy in any direction. It even has one of the fanciest restaurants in the city. My friends who've made the public transit trip from LA to SD have all taken the train so I have no opinion on the bus. I've always driven and it's a leisurely 2.5 hour drive once out of LA traffic.

I was calling around for hotels near the convention center around January back when I was still going and many of the main hotels were already booked so I'm surprised anything, even hostels, aren't full. Glad you got a room!

R.

[Maija]

Yeah, I'm thinking I may spend the $30 on the train. Although I've successfully pulled off insane connections before (record I think is seven different vehicles in one 8 hour trip -- friend's car, plane, airport shuttle, cab, intercity bus, local transit bus, crazy surfer dude's van) I generally prefer fewer and more direct connections, balanced off with spending less money. Plus Greyhound from anywhere to anywhere has consistently been not a good experience for me.

[Otto66]

Sounds like you've already made up your mind to take the train.

Isn't this the point were Tad offers to pick you up in LA and drive you
to SD? Tad? :D

[Brisco]

Well, the coastline between LA and San Diego makes for a pretty beautiful train ride, if that's a factor. The tracks run between the freeway and the water, so you get a better view than you would on a bus. And it's very easy to get to the Convention Center from the train station in San Diego.
Brisco

[Maija]

Well, the coastline between LA and San Diego makes for a pretty beautiful train ride, if that's a factor. The tracks run between the freeway and the water, so you get a better view than you would on a bus. And it's very easy to get to the Convention Center from the train station in San Diego.
Brisco

Yeah, I was thinking it could be nice ocean views. I really love rail travel. Plus the hostel I'm staying at is close to the station too (and close to the Convention Center-- I really can't believe it's not full. Weird. Hopefully they didn't somehow overbook me-- I did it online.) I walk everywhere in between with my backpack so I should be set.

I'm going to stay the Monday afterwards and go surfing too. Whoo!

Hee, I'm getting excited.

[Tad]

Sounds like you've already made up your mind to take the train.

Isn't this the point were Tad offers to pick you up in LA and drive you
to SD? Tad? :D

That sounds like fun, depending on which day R's arriving. I usually go down for preview night and stay until Saturday. Depends on work. I'm currently slated to occupy my son's couch for the duration of the con.

[hellboyone]

The comic con has a very good and efficient shuttle service between all the major hotels and motels and the convention center. If you're anywhere near those hotels, you won't have to do that much walking unless you wanna. And it's all free with a little waiting.

R.

[Maija]

That sounds like fun, depending on which day R's arriving. I usually go down for preview night and stay until Saturday. Depends on work. I'm currently slated to occupy my son's couch for the duration of the con.

That would be a hoot (why do I have this Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas image in my head?), but it's more likely I'll be showing up on Thursday. I dunno. I'm flying out Tuesday to get a cheaper airfare, and I'm already playing with fire by taking off for a week when I don't know what's happening with projects. I must weigh how much I feel like freaking out my project managers.

Anyway, decision in the next 24 hours, probably.

[Otto66]

Careful! We're in Bat country! :D

[King_Vold]

Ah, you guys beat me to the Fear and Loathing references. Still, no reason not to continue them.

"My attorney Tad and I were sitting in the Polo Lounge of the Beverly Hills Hotel, drinking Singapore Slings with mescal on the side, when this uniformed dwarf came up to me with a pink telephone..."

[Otto66]

"My attorney Tad and I were sitting in the Polo Lounge of the Beverly Hills Hotel, drinking Singapore Slings with mescal on the side, when this uniformed dwarf came up to me with a pink telephone..."

HAHAHAHAHAHA! Johnny Depp in another great role.

[Brisco]

I walk everywhere in between with my backpack so I should be set.


Just make sure you have room in that backpack for all the Hellboy swag you're sure to pick up!
Brisco

[Andrew Hein]

Accomodation note for others going to SDCC from out of town: I just successfully made reservations at the Hostelling Int'l Downtown San Diego so apparently they still aren't booked up for that weekend, which strikes me as odd. Then again, maybe it's just the female dorms that aren't full up yet. ;)

http://www.hiayh.org/hostels/california/sandiegodwtn.cfm

Well, I'm staying in that hostel too. I learned my lesson a couple of years ago though, and booked it early.

[Maija]

Well, I'm staying in that hostel too. I learned my lesson a couple of years ago though, and booked it early.

Well, you're going to have to arm wrestle me for the half-eaten box of generic cornflakes that is inevitably to be found in the "Free Food" cupboard.

You can have the jar of cumin. :p

[OMWOS]

I've been thinking myself 'bout taking the train... but my Auntie lives in Pasadena, two hours away from the con. Then again, Imma be in costume... yes, I'm sure the train's passengers want to ride with a Hellboy jr.

[Tad]

I've been thinking myself 'bout taking the train... but my Auntie lives in Pasadena, two hours away from the con.

I'm next door to Pasadena and the con is closer to two and a half hours away, unless you're REALLY lucky with traffic. Last year I commuted every day. Never again, you miss late night socializing when artists actually have time to talk and risk falling asleep on the 5.

One big hint to anyone driving. Use the trolley! Free parking and the fare is only 2.50. Drops you off across the street from the con. You can also use it to shuttle from outlying, much cheaper, hotels.

[OMWOS]

Crud, I'm already gonna be in that red makeup for the whole day, driving in it for five hours just to save one night at a hotel... hmm is it really worth it. God, driving the highway early in the morning in red makeup and other drivers steer clear of you, hmm maybe I could get there in two hours

[Tad]

Don't travel in make up if you can possibly help it. Forgetting the reaction of others, you want to look good in costume. Travelling gives the make up a chance to rub off (on upholstery and other people) or being accidentally removed (when you forget it's on and wipe the sweat off your brow).

Think about wearing the costume, sans makeup, and then applying it in one of the spacious restrooms.

IMPORTANT FOR THOSE TRAVELLING WITH HELLBOY'S BIG GUN: think twice about wearing it in a holster if you're travelling on any sort of mass transit. Might be better in your official BPRD backpack.

[OMWOS]

You are very wise Tad... but the thought of having to fight for a bit of mirror space in the Con's restroom with anime cosplayers... that's a tango I dare not dance.

[Tad]

Well I wasn't being sarcastic about the spacious restrooms. And don't turn up your nose at cosplayers, I mean you're in there to cover yourself with red paint.

[OMWOS]

lol! I'm an anime cosplayer myself, I say that in experience... damn Yuna almost rippped off my eyepatch cause I couldn't move outta her way fast enough*Shudders* She's lucky my knife was plastic

[Maija]

ROAD TRIP!!

Whooo!

So... It looks like I've solved the problem of getting from LA to SD by just riding in my friend's diesel Jetta all the way from Calgary. At least, that's what I think is going to happen. We haven't solidified it yet because the owner of the Jetta is still waffling a bit, but up until this afternoon, neither of my friends had any idea that I was interested in comic books let alone SDCC. (My friend Edwin: "Kazawha? SDCC? Really?") Now that I'm adding pressure, we should be able to convince Jetta-friend of the grave necessity of this road venture.

We're having a planning meeting this very evening. We're going to come down, do the con for a couple of days and then do a big tour up the coast to Portland and then come up through BC. All on just a few cheap tanks of diesel. Assuming Mr. Jetta comes around. Otherwise we'll just steal his car.

[hellboyone]

Tad: Geez...you actually went back and forth from LA to SD everyday??? Insane!!

R.

[Brisco]

I'm next door to Pasadena and the con is closer to two and a half hours away, unless you're REALLY lucky with traffic. Last year I commuted every day. Never again, you miss late night socializing when artists actually have time to talk and risk falling asleep on the 5.

I did that one year, too. Awful! I came REALLY close to falling asleep on the 5, on my way back up from a late-night screening of Bubba Ho-Tep. I guess I started weaving a bit, and got pulled over by the CHP. Luckily, they let me off with a warning, and that sure woke me up. But I never want to do it again. It sucks.
Brisco

[Maija]

I'm a-comin'!! :D

We've all booked the time off work, sat down with a map and picked the hotspots we're going to hit along the way and consulted our friendly neighborhood San Diegoian regarding the surf beaches we should visit. We'll be there Wednesday night for Preview night and leaving Saturday and terrorizing Vegas, LA, Portland and points in between before and afterwards. Should be nutty.

I'm so freaking excited. There goes another night of sleep. :p

And to think, mere months ago, going to a comic book convention would not have been anywhere on my summer vacation radar.

[jnapper]

The other day, I was talking with Jonah at CBR about this... I'm sure there are online "convention tips" somewhere-- maybe even at the SDCC website, I dunno. But I'm too lazy to go look for them right now.

Here are some tips off the top of my head:

If you plan on snagging posters, bring a poster tube with you-- so you don't have have a soiled/sweaty/crunched poster by the end of the show.

I say, bring a backpack to carry new treasures.

Carry a TPB to insert items between the pages-- so cool paper items (like freebie trading cards and bookmarks) don't get all bent up. Also, you can read the TPB while you WAIT IN LINE.

If you need a special pen for signatures on ceramic/plastic statues/figures/items, bring it just in case.

Bring cash-- the ATM lines can get long no matter where you are.

If you can bring in snacks and drinks, do so. The food at conventions can be both expensive and... uh... not yummy.

Bring band-aids for blisters. You may not need them with you at the show, but keep them at your hotel room for your poor feet.

hmm... I know I'm forgetting stuff. Rats. Let me go look for links.

Okay, this is good:
http://www.sequentialtart.com/archive/june00/art_0600_5.shtml
I don't agree with some of the stuff in "buying" though.
I say, "if you see it, get it-- you snooze, you loose."
I dunno, that just may be my experience. :P

[Maija]

Thank you, Jonell. This is just what a SDCC newbie like myself needs. :)

[Tad]

Here's a trick if not too many people use it: I drink way too much Diet Coke than is good for me. Hey, it's my only vice. Well, that and the strangling kittens thing but that's more of a spectator.... nevermind. Anyway, I'd take a couple of cans in my bag. Warm? Yes. But when I wanted a drink I found that the soda vendors were willing to trade me a cold can for my warm can.

There you go.


Kidding about the kittens.

[Ken O]

Bring a flask. If flask is empty, flag down a Storm Trooper, they always know where there is more alcohol (at least all the ones I know do).

Wear comfortable shoes or at least get some good inserts to make bad shoes more comfortable.

Stalk ruta and glue macaroni on her when she isn't looking.

[Maija]

Stalk ruta and glue macaroni on her when she isn't looking.

So you're the stalker!! I should have known. :evilangry

[Elegance Liberty]

I'm gonna borrow a page out of Katsucon and Otakon's advice book:

ALWAYS, ALWAYS TAKE BATHS AND USE DEODERANT.

While the anime 'cons I went to didn't really have smelly people, well, save for the b.o. drenched person that sat behind me and my sis at a cosplay panel at Otakon... but I have NO idea what American comic 'cons are like in regards to the air. But just do everyone a favor, and bathe/shower before you leave your house/hotel room or the night before.

Also, drink plenty of water and get lots of rest. If you start to feel tired, don't push yourself further, go back to your hotel (or if comic 'cons have them, go to a 'rest' room where you can sit down for a bit) and take a nap. This came in very handy for me at Katsucon... then again, the 'con WAS in a hotel.

Be courteous to people around you. And for the love of God, DON'T STALK people unless they're your friends. My sis and I had this 300-some pound guy stalking us just as we got into Otakon last year. Oh man, was that ever a frightening experience. :( Here you have two girls (ages 18 and 16) going to one of these for the first time alone, in inner city Baltimore... only to have some 30-some year old fat guy following them for about 10 minutes. *brrrr*

Lastly, be nice to cosplayers/people in costume. I know the concept of people dressing up when it's not Halloween can be a... stupid concept to some, but to those in costume, it means alot to them, considering the time/money/effort they put into making it. So just be courteous and don't make fun of them... unless of course, they ask to be made fun of. :p

[hellboyone]

I wish more con-goers followed the "shower and deodorant" advice. That stink just hangs in the air at conventions, it seems.

R.

[Ken O]

Yeah, con stink sucks. Getting multiple flight suits made just incase I wear X-Wing gear more then one day in a row.

[Silent Phantom]

I'd suggest maybe not going to the convention everyday. Perhaps take one day off to see what else is in San Diego, and of course rest to get ready for the other days.

On a sidenote, what kind of bags does everyone use? I've been using a regular backpack, but I am thinking of buying a messenger bag that goes across one shoulder. Any suggestions?

[hellboyone]

A great thing to have is a generous friend with a booth who will let you stash your junk there. Because it is just heaven walking the con floor with nothing to carry. Otherwise, no matter what kinda bag you carry, you'll come home with sore shoulders. But I hear those new-fangled messenger bags are easy on the shoulders.

R.

[Silent Phantom]

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll have to check those bags out, they look pretty nice.

Another tip for the convention, the cliche "if it's too good to be true, it probably isn't" is pretty accurate. I bought what seemed to be Spawn #10 from a 50 cent bin, but when I got home I realized it was actually an edition from mexico. But you will still find some good deals in those bins, just be careful with what you buy.

[Neil Hill]

The typical con-goer/mega-nerd gear for me usually consists of the following:

-Poster tube with homemade strap- mine is a thick nylon cord (unless you can find one with a strap already attached, as some art stores sell them this way)
-Backpack for carrying things like food or bulkier items that don't necessarily fit in a "messenger bag"
-Easily manueverable and easy to get at messenger bag. This kind of bag can usually be opened much quicker and easier than a backback, which sometimes forces you to have to stop everything, swing it off your back, unzip pouches to get at your books, etc., and then inevitably get that icky-sticky cold sweat feeling on the small of your back when you shoulder the bag back in place-YUCK!
-Some kind of water and snacks for while your walking around. Usually cheese sticks, celery, or pieces of fruit are best. Don't waste your time or money on that over priced "crap" they call food that the convention center sells. It will usually be loaded with unnecessary carbs and sugar, that will just take you up only to drop you hard when you need your energy most. Granted, I'm no nutritionist, so please take all of this with a grain of salt and do what works best for you where food is concerned.
-Books and non-comic books related items to read while standing in line. Trust me, after hours of facing down comics, toys, posters, etc., you'll want some kind of mental diversion that boosts the mind and gives it a rest from the constant onslaught of popular culture!
-Lastly, and nearly most important, is some kind of hard backed and easily stashed under one arm portfolio for carrying any original art that you may pickup. Mine is two large pieces of matte board that have been cut to size and taped down the center so that they can be folded together. You may even want to get ultra-anal and have one end of the portfolio taped so that the portfolio can be partially opened and artwork slipped inside (so that the art doesn't slip out the end by accident), but that is only for the most diehard IMO. Also, be careful to make sure the artwork doesn't pickup smudges, dirt, or other annoyances by making sure the interior of the portfolio is clean. You'd be amazed how handy one of these portfolio things can be, if Original Art and sketches are something that you pickup at shows regularly.

All of this is just advice and you can always tailor one or more of these to your standard and what works for you. Perhaps you don't like carrying around all of this stuff at once, and that's completely up to you. Being a former boyscout I believe in trying to plan ahead and be prepared for whatever may come my way. All of these things has significance in the "process" of being an efficient congoer, rather than just a casual observer. It might all sound rather nerdish or unnecessary, but I guarantee I get better results when I learn from the previous years mistakes :D

[kid cthulhu]

Thanks for the good ideas everyone.

The poster tube is a great one, and I think I will have to get me one...

[The Other Brian]

Not so much a Con tip but a "While You're in San Diego" tip:

OK, it's way the heck on the other side of town, but I actually walked there from the Convention Center when I was there for Siggraph last year, and it is, I $#!+ you not, the best pizza I remember eating, ever.

Bronx Pizza
111 Washington St.

http://www.bronxpizza.com/

Have fun, kiddies. Wish I could join you...

[Maija]

-Poster tube with homemade strap- mine is a thick nylon cord (unless you can find one with a strap already attached, as some art stores sell them this way)

Ooo, thanks for reminding me that I actually own a telescopic draughting tube. I just have to give it a rinse because it's probably full of graphite. And here it was just gathering dust and being useless. Yay! Comics have done so much to revive the usefullness of all my art college crap.

[Maija]

Also, my surfer friend who is from San Diego and currently trapped in Calgary recommends Windansea Beach (http://www.a-zsandiegobeaches.com/windansea.htm) for body surfing because the way the waves roll in you can wash right up on the beach like a dead seal carcass.

It's also supposed to be very scenic.

[Timaximus]

I'd suggest maybe not going to the convention everyday. Perhaps take one day off to see what else is in San Diego, and of course rest to get ready for the other days.

That's what Saturday's for. Relax, sightsee, avoid the crowds, and then take the evening/Sunday to do any last minute things you might have thought of.

Re: Food:
If you want a real meal, not con food, walk over to Seaport Village. If you don't want to walk, you can take the shuttle all the way around the circuit (Seaport Village is the last stop before the con), getting you off your feet for 20 or so minutes. There's also a Ralph's Grocery, and Horton Plaza (a mall with more restraunts) on the shuttle routes.

Poster Tubes are a must. I'm trying to figure out what to do for original art. Not sure whether to buy a portfolio, or just throw something together.

A great thing to have is a generous friend with a booth who will let you stash your junk there. Because it is just heaven walking the con floor with nothing to carry. Otherwise, no matter what kinda bag you carry, you'll come home with sore shoulders. But I hear those new-fangled messenger bags are easy on the shoulders.


They really need a bag check or bigger lockers or something, don't they?

[jnapper]

Aw, I wish I was gonna be there-- oh well, maybe next year? I hope everyone who goes has a fun time. :)

Stygian, thanks for the great tip sheet!
(Thanks for all the tips, everyone!)

Tad, I sometimes crave Diet Coke-- like, late morning, right before lunch. I think it's engineered that way or something.

SDCC really makes it a small small world ;) Didn't someone bump into Jakob Westman in line last year or something?

*sniff*-- I miss the lost board... I could've dug up old threads of past years convention experiences.

[Andrew Hein]

Everyday before the San Diego con I walked over too the Ralphs and load up on bottled water and munchie kind of things to eat on the go. A couple of bread rolls and a candy bar or two and your set for the day.

[kid cthulhu]

Good call, Andrew!

Like I said before, it's been a while since I've been, but I'm glad to hear you can bring in your own food!

[THE REAL kirk]

...I don't know where to start!

But, sadly, not going this year...sob...whine...curse...


Anyway, for what its worth, some tips from your uncle kirk:

**SHOES! COMFORTABLE SHOES!!! You will be on your feet almost nonstop the entire day. If you have not been to SDCC before you cannot understand just how huge this thing is. And each year it is bigger. So comfy shoes is a must.
**Comfy clothing is also important. If you are wearing a costume make sure you know what to expect by wearing it for 9 hours straight! Especially if it has a mask/helmet/head piece that limits vision.
**As stated earlier...bring your own food. Since you may well be spending a lot of dough, better to spend $20 on something cool than a slice of greasey pizza!
**Spot on with the backpack problem, Styg. They can be a royal bugger to get off when you suddenly spot some artist and realize you have a comic to sign in your pack. Swinging and flailing your arms about in a tight crowd is frowned upon even there! I find I often relegate some things I may need quickly into one of those giant anime bags you'll find at various booths. They also are easy to set down and have wide openings for quickly dropping in some random swag that is pushed in your face.
**Poster tubes - never carried one as they are yet another thing slung on my body and preventing me from moving quickly through some crowded aisles. I prefer to quickly grab a couple of the giant posters hyping some meaningless drivle, losely roll them up and put a coupe of rubber bands on them, and then tuck it into one end of my giant bag. Then any posters I get that I want to keep uncrumpled get rolled and slipped inside the junk ones. Its quick and easy.
**If you are lucky enough to stay within walking distance of the Con, take a break midday to go back to your room and relax and regroup. Sure its more walking but the fresh air can do wonders!
**The best day to go is Thursday. The crowds start to grow on Friday and by the weekend...madness! It is SO packed on Saturday that it actually starts to become unfun (to me anyway).
**There is a lot more going on than what you see on the convention floor. There are rooms and rooms full of activities that take place away from the madness; check them out if you need to get away from the "floor."
**Don't forget the art show. And don't miss Artists' Alley. It is one of my favorite corners of the convention.
**Plan ahead. There is a lot of info at the SDCC web site that will help you plan your days and nights. Make a couple notes to remind yourself of things you want to see.
**There is a LOT to see so take your time. If you see a booth that is really swamped and you want to come back to it - MAKE SURE YOU LOOK AROUND to see where it is located. I have spent an hour searching the floor for a booth I had spoted and then couldn't find! Did I mention the convention is HUGE? ;)
**Be nice and don't cut in lines. There are a lot of lines. Also don't take ALL the free stuff. There is a lot of it and most booths put out more during the day so when Topps throws 6 dozen Dobie Gillis Trading Cards onto a table, leave a few for the next guy.
**There is a bag check place in the lobby.
**If you are going in on your first day, don't expect to walk in right as you get there. There is always a large crowd before the convention opens waiting to register/pay/pick up their badge.

Enjoy the Con...I know you will!

[Elegance Liberty]

Oh yeah, two more bits of advice:

* If they're showing screenings of cartoons and anime (which they do sometimes at SDCC, I think), follow the golden movie rule: Turn off all cell phones and don't talk during the feature if you're gonna go watch. I was trying to watch some ancient 'Astro Boy' at Otakon last year, and some doofus had his cell phone going off every 5 minutes. =|

* Be nice to the celebs, esp. later in the day. Trust me, you don't want to be on the receiving end of a cranky celeb; no thinks inpart to other fans/rude people wearing them down during the day.

[olmanic]

all good advise.

bring: comfy shoes, your own food, and get out of the convetion even it is just the back "porch" to get some frash air. actually it is a great view across the bay from back there. ( and bright, bring those sunglasses)

food: bring some form of portable protein. you will need it. peanuts, cheese, jerky. You need carbs too, but they burn faster. that and water.

and there's a lot of floor space upstairs. go up there and take a break, SIT DOWN. My feet hurt after a couple of hours on thursday, let alone saturday.

also: come by and visit Rick and I at H-1 and H-2! (exhibitor section) zowiecomics/sketchbooksessions.com

this is the first year I'll be at a table. i'll probaly get bored! ha!

[Tad]

You've got your badge, you're there right on time in the morning, you just want to walk in... :eek: Why do I have to stand in a line that goes ALL THE WAY AROUND THE CONVENTION CENTER???

Because people die in mob scenes. But make sure you're in the right line, usually that line is for unregistered people. If you're one of those, fill out your paperwork in line and hang in there. I was amazed at how fast that line moved. They've got it down to a science. People with tables get to walk in early, no line. Pros sometimes have a separate door but they also have to wait in line...so waiting fans don't get angry.

But after the initial entry in the morning, there's no line if you have your badge. You just walk in and out.

[Tad]

A bump for those checking in before leaving.

[Catlin]

Oh yeah, definately bring your cash. Last year someone waited in line TWO HOURS to use the ATM. I'm not kidding, they actually have to use Elite security guards to manage the ATM line. I can't believe how many morons think these booths can take credit cards.

[longmanshort]

Lo!

Recognising the trans-Atlantic flavour of this board (heh, I'm a journalist, don'tchaknow!!) I was wondering if people could recommend some decent places to visit in New York. My other half and I will be going there at the end of March and I'm trying to find nice (i.e. cheap) restaurants and fun places to take her so that she thinks I've put in SOME effect ;) Obviously, there's the usual suspects of places to visit, but perhaps you can point me in the direction of something special?

On a purely selfish note, where are the decent comic shops and are there any good Hellboy-related spots/sights?!?

:D

LMS

[Ming]

don t drink the water!! :D there is great pizza joint i just found this weekend they re on the corner of west 16th and 7th its got that old school flavor i remember as a kid.
ive got a couple of things to tell you and i noticed that every tourist does this-when you hale a cab look for the cab that has the lights in the middle lit which is the cab number.if the cab has all the lights on that means hes not working .some cabs get cute and just light up the two on each end which also means off duty.if a cab with all the lights on stops for you that means hes going in the direction that he was going in and he will only go a certain distance so avoid those.another thing i noticed and its a pet peeve of mine is: DON"T STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET!!STEP TO ONE SIDE THERE ARE PEOPLE GOING TO WORK OR HOME YOU KNOW!! :D if you want to look at a building or monument go to areas where there are less people traffic.

cosmic comics on 23rd street between madison and park ave closer to madison.its a long street right across the park. they re on the second floor

midtown comics on west 40th street and 7th ave-two floors of comics heaven!statues on the second floor

jim hanley's universe-i hate this palce and the employees!but it has a good selection of underground comics and art books-in the back.if you go don t bring a bag cause you must check it.sometimes there is a line and if you're just checking a bag you'll have to wait for everyone to go to get checked.they on 33rd or 32 street.you can't miss it they 're right around the empire state building.if youre on fifth ave and the empire stat building is on the right of you go to the right.they are closer to fifth.

if you go further down there is this place called empire dvd they usally have dvds that havent come out yet.
thats all for now i'll have some more later today ;)

[fitzroy]

Hey LMS, went to New York in Feb last year. So I can give you a Brit perspective.
For breakfast there was a great place called the Broadway diner, opposite the Metropolitan Hotel on Lexington Avenue
Smith and Wollensky Steak House is over rated but famous
Museum of Modern Art is a great way to spend a long afternoon and right next to Central Park.
Take an empty bag and do some clothes shopping and branded make up (for the missus) Levi store is half of what you pay in Blighty
Macy's is better than Bloomingdales
Comics, Midtown(?) Comics just off Broadway
There a lovely Illustration Gallery near Bloomingdales, will try to remeber the address.
Hope that helped

[Ming]

theres this place called Taco Express on 7th ave between 24th and 23rd street good stuff i recommend the grilled steak enchilada-caution must go with emty stomach this stuff fills you up quick. ;)
just further down on 23rd street try Monster Sushi great place-great food :D
just so you know i'm not much of a "Zagat's Guide" reader :)

[Shadowfax32]

You have to check out The Empire State Building. I think that's on Broadway. Macy's is great for shopping. Thats on 34th and 7. Madame Tossaud's Wax Museum is on 42nd between 8th and 9th. Next door is a great restaurant called Applebee's. If you like Mexican food, Chevy's is right across the street. My favorite diner is on 34th and 8th. It's called Tick Tock Diner. It's open 24 hours a day. TGIFridays is located right across the street.

Michelle

[Ming]

i went to that applebees once the food sucked!!the ribs were over cooked :mad:

oh forgot the toys r' us has a ferry wheel inside that looks fun never been on it tho...that s on 40 something you can t miss it , its around the virgen mega store.

[longmanshort]

longmanshort scribbles some notes down

That's great people, thank you! One thing I am hoping to do is get lots of pics for backgrounds on my artwork ;)

Currently trying to use the trip as an excuse to pep g/f's spirits up - she's so wound up about the trip that she wants to go now!

Cheers

Mike

[Ming]

study this map and you won t get lost!! ;)
www.mta.nyc.ny.us/nyct/maps/submap.htm

also single rides on the subway are 2 bucks so get one metrocard for twenty and forget the hassle...if you are gonna buy a single ride metro card buy it at the machine not the teller they always get pissed when you go and ask them for a single ride...even tho walking is always the best way to get around :D

[yukon]

hit the museums! Met and the museum of natural history! hit the gallery district over in chelsea http://www.galleryguide.org/pdfmaps/dec-04-chel-fo-map2.pdf ( its hit or miss but its usually interesting. Oh st john the divine ! They have peacocks wandering around ! Its on 110th on the west side. I'll post more later, I'll give you directions. I miss NYC, I'm not a real MA resident! I moved here less than a year ago from NY. Noguchi museum! even if your not crazy about the work its an amazing experience http://www.noguchi.org/directions.html also hets you into queens!

[CBM]

I suggest going to citysearch.com...

[Ming]

longmanshort scribbles some notes down
One thing I am hoping to do is get lots of pics for backgrounds on my artwork ;)

the best time to take pics of buildings is early mournigs around sunrise say 7:30ish AM on the weekends-especially sundays- the sun hits them just right during that time and also theres less car/people traffic which you can stand or lay down in the middle of the street but have someone look around just in case theres a speeding car coming at ya :D

[Andrew Hein]

I'm going to San Francisco next week for spring break and was just looking if anyone knows anything that would be good to do in town.

I've never been before so I don't really want to miss anything that might be cool.

I'll be there all week too, so the more ideas I get the better.

[Maija]

I got good value out of a San Francisco CityPass when I was there, but then I'm into museums and galleries. The SFMOMA is great though and I enjoyed the California Museum of Sciences (Far Side Gallery! Earthquake Simulator!). I liked going to the Legion of Honour, but it's more of the staid, traditional type of art gallery, which may not be to most folks taste.

The harbour tour was good, but it just so happened we went out as a Parade of the Fleet was coming in so we got to cruise around destroyers, a hovercraft and a simulated helicopter rescue.

http://citypass.com/cgi-bin/citypass/city_fly?mv_arg=sanfrancisco&mv_pc=muni

The CityPass is also great because it's a week-long transit pass that is also good for the streetcars. This is very handy when you find yourself at the end of the day at the bottom of a steep hill (inevitably). But if you're not interested in the attractions attached to a CityPass, you can get just a weeklong Muni passport for $20 instead.

http://www.sfmuni.com/cms/mms/fares/fareinfo.htm#passports

Other areas I enjoyed: Chinatown was good, though I was wandering around with a Chinese friend who knew where to eat, etc. Don't buy the fortune cookies from the fortune cookie factory-- the fortunes are crude, lame jokes! :p Golden Gate Park was a great place to spend the day. I also enjoyed exploring around the park at the end of the Golden Gate Bridge and thinking about Alfred Hitchock's Vertigo. There are old gun emplacements and weird tunnels in there. I walked out to the midpoint of the bridge too. It's a nice (but really long walk, ie. several miles) back from there along the beach to Fort Mason, through another nice neighborhood. The Castro neighborhood was really cool. Only there could you find a hardware store that also sells lycra, fake nails, feather boas and Carmen Miranda head-dresses.

I assume you've already got accomodations lined up but if not, I highly recommend the hostel at Fort Mason (which I see they are now marketing as "Fisherman's Wharf" even though it's about a five or ten minute walk from there). It's on a park space right on the bay so I could lay on my bunk and look out at Alcatraz. There's just park all around so it's quiet except for the joggers going by. There's a Safeway grocery store just a few minutes away and, yes, the tourist trap that is Fisherman's Wharf, your one-stop shopping spot for snowdomes with crabs in them! But the neighborhood around Fort Mason is really nice for walking around-- you can walk all along the waterfront and the Exploratorium isn't far away.

http://www.hihostels.com/performAffiliateLocationSearchHome.do;jsessionid=5 62b561b45444128958da6070e4e2396?city=a60001

[yukon]

I wasn't sure where to put this and I didn't think it warranted its own thread but I had some travel questions. The first week of april the BF and me are going to Italy ( specifically Florence and Rome) I was wondering if anyone had any things to reccommend as far as sights and such. I picked up a mess of travel guides and I'm already overwhellmed with the amount of art and architecture I have to squeeze into such a short trip ( I'm also hoping to visit some european graveyards, and we're going to stay in Monasteries) . I wanted to know if anyone had any stand out suggestions.

[JohnThompson]

The first week of april the BF and me are going to Italy ( specifically Florence and Rome) I was wondering if anyone had any things to reccommend as far as sights and such.
I believe Fitzroy and Athena took a "holiday" to Italy last year. You'll want to hit Fitz up for info (or, just hit Fitz).:D

[shonokin]

First, if at all possible, find this book: "Dr. Weirde's Guide to Weirde San Francisco" There's a brief sampling of it's contents here (http://www.sfgate.com/offbeat/whome.html)

Probably you won't find this book for less than $200 it seems, so you might try an imitation that you can buy on Amazon for about $12 here (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0312206712/qid=1110407170/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl14/002-3916461-0534422?v=glance&s=books&n=507846)
You might try this one too for around the same price (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0916397696/ref=pd_bxgy_text_1/002-3916461-0534422?v=glance&s=books&st=*)

For some Hellboy-esque thyngs of the weirde:
Sutro Baths (http://sutrobaths.com/) and Sutro Heights Park (http://www.nps.gov/goga/clho/suhe/index.htm) at Ocean Beach. Built by SF richman Adolf Sutro, Sutro baths is the ruins of a large bathhouse complex which was destroyed by fire in 1966. They remain just ruins to this day and there are some interesting little coves and hidaway spots within the architecture. The park across the street has the ruins of a castle he built on the edge of a cliff. It has some randome statues and other bits and pieces of interest, along with an awesome view that ranges from the Marin Headlands to South San Francisco.

If you're into ruins, head across the Golden Gate Bridge and into the Marin Headlands where you can explore all sorts of decommissioned military stuff (that is now crazy looking old ruins). While on that side you can check out the Point Bonita Lighthouse. Here's some b&w photos (http://www.bobbennettphoto.net/Pandora/High_headlands/index.html) that give a little idea of what's over there.

Then there's the Pet Cemetery in the Presidio. some photos here (http://www.honan.net/PetCem/)
The Pet Cemetery is located on McDowell Ave., intersecting with Crissy Field Ave. It is directly under the Golden Gate Bridge overpass.

If you want to see some big primordial type Redwood forests just north of SF, head to Muir Woods (http://www.visitmuirwoods.com/)

Chinatown is one of the older parts of the city which has a lot of amazing architecture. You might walk Grant Ave for the touristy shops, but then get off the beaten path to some side avenues, like Ross Alley to see some of the rich cultural heritage of the city.

Good luck!

[fitzroy]

No, sorry, JT is mistaken (possibly due to old age or loss of glass sphere's)
We went to Barcelona. My boss has been a couple of times so I'll hit him dor info if you'd like.

[JohnThompson]

No, sorry, JT is mistaken
That chill you feel is Hell freezing over!:eek:

[yukon]

info is always appreciated, even from bosses. I haven't been to europe in over 10 years, and never to Italy. help is definately appreciated. I'm probably going to get hideously lost while I'm there....

[Hellmistress]

Hmmm ...

The last time I was in Italy it was 1978, but perhaps the advice still stands ...

Watch out for Italians riding those little scooters down narrow streets. If they don't get you the first time, they'll go around the block and have another go.

Are you going to Venice? If so, DON'T FALL IN THE WATER! Other than that, of course enjoy San Marco Piazza and the Doge's Palace etc., but as soon as you can get off the beaten track and have a wander around the back streets and canals. Beautiful little piazzas, gorgeous little churches filled with wondrous things. The food's cheaper there too.

Churches ... St Mark's Basilica. Watch out for the uneven floor - Venice is sinking you know, and in some places the floor drops a foot or so when you're not looking and you go bum over tea kettle.

If you get a chance (and this goes for Roma and Florence too) find somewhere quiet in the evenings to sit down, preferably with a glass of wine, and watch the sun go down. The light in Italy is special, especially in Venice. Ignore the whiff, the tourists and the noise, and take in that warm, golden light off the water and the creamy stone of the buildings.

Verona? Great ice cream and fantastic buildings.

Rome? Noisy. But DO THE COLOSSEUM! Flavian's great amphitheatre, even in its ruinous state. Oh, oh, and the Trajan Column. Michaelangelo's Pieta - his David is amazing, but the Pieta is just astounding. The humanity in it knocks my socks off. Do the usual stuff ... the Sistine Chapel etc.

Florence. Just take in ALL of it. Wander about, get lost, enjoy. A gorgeous city. Drive around the back roads and find the little villages, enjoy the local food and mangle your Italian - but do try to speak it. It's fun, and the locals appreciate it. The mushrooms and local stews are terrific. Oh, and the puds are to die for.

Any cemetery is worth a visit in Europe. I think we do dead people proud here.

HM

[Jan Bentzen]

My boss travels to Rome each year. He says there´s something new to see every time.

And be sure to bring your copy of "BPRD - Soul of Venice" for referrence. ;)

- Jan

[zefo]

bum over tea kettle

.....

........

well, i can't think of anyhting, but im sure some one will come up with a good pun.


in a hundred year people are going to be calling it the lost city of venice. and in 100 more years it will be just a story.

that why i want to see the world. the leaning tower tilts a litte more every day, venice is sinking, the coloseum is crumbling, the paintings on the Sistine Chapel are flaking. i got to see the world before its all gone.

[Gene Poonyo]

This is regarding Andrew's trip to SF. Both ruta's and shonokin's suggestions are excellent. Sutro Heights is cool, and if you do visit the place have a bite or two at the Cliff House which is just across the road. The SF zoo is in the general vicinity. Walking along ocean beach at sunset is wonderful. And if you want to see surfers in actions it is right there. Everything I mention here is within a 4 mile stretch. The weather right now is beautiful.

Have a great time!!!

[fitzroy]

As many of you know, Athena and I will be in San Diego for a couple of weeks in July (ComicCon yay) Any suggestions for the rest of the time would be appreciated

[hellboyone]

As many of you know, Athena and I will be in San Diego for a couple of weeks in July (ComicCon yay) Any suggestions for the rest of the time would be appreciated

Come on up to LA, Fitz!

R.

[fitzroy]

It's something we've definately talked about. What have you in mind?

[hellboyone]

It's something we've definately talked about. What have you in mind?

Um...not sure. :) You know Morna and crew are coming up the week before con. Any chance of seeing you guys up here then? We could have a big ol' HB board reunion with Gary and Maija and Tad and whoever else is comin'. I'm still preparing the security system in my apartment for Morna (I have a feeling she's got sticky fingers for my Mignolas with skulls). :)

R.

[fitzroy]

We arrive on the 8th, leave on the 22nd.
Should have time for some shits and giggles.
Morna is lovely and should not be maligned, although a thorough inventory and searching may be a good idea

[gary bolt]

Morna is lovely and should not be maligned, although a thorough inventory and searching may be a good idea


I protest the idea of searching and thoroughly inventorying my wife :mad: , but it would be great to meet you guys and gals in a casual setting :) .

[morna]

I'm still preparing the security system in my apartment
R.

What! a new one! I've only just got the last one figured out ... um besides I thought it was pamcakes and yukon who were planning a heist!

[Tad]

Everything is still in its fuzzy stage but Morna and Gary should be in Burbank on Tuesday for the tour Rick's Mignola collection. We're hoping ruta will join us for that but she may be with friends in Westwood. It might be nice to get together in a low key way before we're all sick of each other at the end of the convention. Plus Rick will be mostly trapped at the Sketchbook Sessions table.

Are your hotel reservations set for the entire trip yet?

And I suppose we should do any detailed planning through email so we don't bore the board.

[shonokin]

As many of you know, Athena and I will be in San Diego for a couple of weeks in July (ComicCon yay) Any suggestions for the rest of the time would be appreciated

The Zoo!! We went to San Diego on our honeymoon and took a day to do the zoo. It's very large and saw about half of it after 6 hours and decided to see the rest at a later date.

Being from San Francisco where wading into the cold, cold ocean water can give you a heart attack, we found the balmy ocean waters of San Diego to be quite wonderful.

[zefo]

*sigh* why do my sisters get to do all the fun stuff? my sister packed up and took a trip to austrailia for 6(i think) months. its month 2 now and she got to see some cool LotR stuff.

the adventures of carly in wonderland (http://www.xanga.com/home.aspx?user=mastercardorvisa)

in a few months my mom and dad are going to go there for 2 weeks. although i feel jipped at being left behind, i do get to rule the house for 2 weeks!

[hellboyone]

*sigh* why do my sisters get to do all the fun stuff? my sister packed up and took a trip to austrailia for 6(i think) months. its month 2 now and she got to see some cool LotR stuff.



She's cute.

R.

[morna]

Hey! Manly Beach... I've been there. We used to go on weekends when I was a kid... and Kilarney beach. ( I was like seven!)

[yukon]

YAY vacation time! I'll post some Italy pics as soon as I get back ( hopefully some cool graveyards and such) if not there will definately be some awesome architecture. have a good 10 days all! MORNA win the Gunga Din Page!

[citymadeofash]

Yukon!

If you're going to Italy, there are some places you should visit (speaking from experiences first hand). If you're into seeing cool/creepy dead things there are two spots you have to hit:

1.) The "bone church" in Rome (sorry I cant be more specific, It's something I stumbled upon during my travels, try googling it). Also, there is a rather large graveyard in Rome (spanning several city blocks in all directions) which as incredible mosoleums as well as a "children's section" (used to be tradition in Italy, as well as other countries, to have a porcelin portrait adhered to your grave... the pictures of the children are creepy as all hell)

more info on rome
Catacombs
There are around 300km of catacombs in Rome holding the bones of thousands of people. Many of the catacombs date from the 4th century BC and the bones of early saints and popes are held in some of them. Like the catacombs in Paris, this is a popular sight - where else can a nun take you on a guided tour through eerie underground passageways stacked with thousands of human bones. The most popular catacombs are San Callisto and San Sebastiano, both located on the old Appian Way. Catacombs of San Callisto: Admission 6,000. Open Thu-Mon 8.30am-12noon & 2.30pm-5.30pm. Via Appia Antica 110. Bus 118. Catacombes of San Sebastiano. Admission €4.15. Open Fri-Wed 9am-12noon & 2.30pm-5.30pm. Via Appia Antica 136. Bus 218.



2.) Capuchins' Catacombs located in Palermo, Italy (sicily). here's a link (http://members.tripod.com/~Motomom/index-3.html)
Note: There are upwards of 5,000 perserved bodies in the catacombs! Most are impressively intact and are dressed in clothing dating back nearly 300 years! Anyhow, its a MUST SEE if you're looking to for creepy crawlies on your trip (besides, Palermo is a BEAUTIFUL town and well worth the trip south). Think Hellboy: The Corpse type bodies.

http://members.tripod.com/~Motomom/9.jpg http://members.tripod.com/~Motomom/6.jpg http://members.tripod.com/~Motomom/1.jpg



random fun places:

In Sicily: Palermo, Taromina (hill/mountain side town).
Also, dont forget to go to Pompeii (beautiful) though its right out side of naples (see below)

Warning: Do not go to naples!!!!!!!!!
If we were part of the Star Wars universe, Naples would be the equivilant of Mos Eisley....
"a wretched hive of scum and villany". Dont go there... I'm serious.

[morna]

YAY vacation time! I'll post some Italy pics as soon as I get back ( hopefully some cool graveyards and such) if not there will definately be some awesome architecture. have a good 10 days all! MORNA win the Gunga Din Page!


I'll try! Have a blast girl!

[longmanshort]

Aaaaaaaaaaaand, I'm back!

Had a great time - thanks for all the tips for places to go. We were just around the corner from Madison Square Garden and I must say it was damn difficult to get on that plane! (though thanks to Virgin Atlantic overb ooking our flight we got put in a hotel for an extra day and then got two free tickets to anywhere in the world!! Hooray for overbooking!)

Popped into Chaos/Cosmic Comics (damn my memory!) just off Madison Ave, which was a really nice place - with possibly the hottest girl behind the counter of a comic shop I've ever encountered! ;) Can't believe how cheap everything is over there - but that didn't stop me spending a fortune.

And I was pleasantly surprised to encounter a US fan of Judge Dredd in the Fossil watch shop on Fifth Avenue! Always a pleasure to meet people of good taste! :D

Again, thanks for the tips everyone - hopefully will return to the Big Apple soon!

Mike

[Maija]

Welcome back, Mike! Sounds like you had a wonderful time. I'm envious. I'd love to drop in on NYC again.

Meanwhile, how amusing to find a thread with my name on it that begins: "Okay, so I've been licking toad ass again..." So many of my travel adventure stories begin that way. :rolleyes:

Here are a few general travel links others may find useful:

The Universal Currency Converter (http://www.xe.com/ucc/)
World Time Server (http://www.worldtimeserver.com/country.html)
Lonely Planet Online (http://lonelyplanet.com/)
The Universal Packing List (http://upl.codeq.info/index.jsp)
Hostelling International (http://www.hihostels.com/openHome.do) (no age restrictions! cheap!)
Weather Channel weather around the world (http://www.weather.com/common/welcomepage/world.html?from=globalnav)
The Travel Library (http://www.travel-library.com/)

[jnapper]

Here are a few general travel links others may find useful:

The Universal Currency Converter (http://www.xe.com/ucc/)
World Time Server (http://www.worldtimeserver.com/country.html)
Lonely Planet Online (http://lonelyplanet.com/)
The Universal Packing List (http://upl.codeq.info/index.jsp)
Hostelling International (http://www.hihostels.com/openHome.do) (no age restrictions! cheap!)
Weather Channel weather around the world (http://www.weather.com/common/welcomepage/world.html?from=globalnav)
The Travel Library (http://www.travel-library.com/)

Yer the bomb, ruta!

[F.K. Soft]

Hello all. Long time no post.

I'm graduating from Engineering in two weeks.

I didn't really feel that good about graduating two weeks ago, (I love school) but recently I've been wanting it to end.

My problem is that without the structure of school, I'm lost. My summers usually consist of trying to remember to eat and bathe for 4 months.

So, I asked my sister today: "What should I do after I graduate? All my friends are applying like mad to companies so that they can get a job right away. They're all terrified about missing opportunities."

Both she and her friends (all six years my senior) told me to go travelling for a maximum of about 4 months. Any more than that, and companies are going to start questioning whether they really want to hire someone who has such seeming wanderlust.

Anyways, I know I can count on this board for interesting suggestions, so spill-em people.

-FKS

[Jan Bentzen]

Well - I guess Yukon´s trip just turned into a historical journey.
History in the making. I´m looking forward to hear about this.

- Jan

[yukon]

mwahhhhh haaaaa haaaa
Hell of a time to go to Italy I'll say more later but till them here is some pics!

[Ming]

Popped into Chaos/Cosmic Comics (damn my memory!) just off Madison Ave, which was a really nice place - with possibly the hottest girl behind the counter of a comic shop I've ever encountered! ;)

are you talking about that goth/punky girl ?? :confused:

[longmanshort]

Er ... not sure she was gothy - she was quite short (but I'm 6 foot five inches tall, so EVERYONE'S short to me) had dark hair in a kind of bob and the widest smile I think I've ever seen ... :D

My god, I'm in love and she's half a world away ... ;)

[Ming]

is this her...

http://us.f1.yahoofs.com/users/92a7139a/fa1d/__sr_/2c32.jpg?phkh_WCB4k2KnIX1

[longmanshort]

I dunno, the link seems to be broken :confused:

[Ming]

how bout this...

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/donutcomics/my_photos

shes somewhere in there

[Mr Wolf]

In no particular order, here are some more points for SDCC (if you've never been there):

1. Bring Business Cards. Great for Networking and keeping in touch with the many people you'll meet up with. Otherwise, more often than not, you'll lose the paper with their name on it.

2. The over the shoulder messenger / laptop bags are excellent. Quick access, and you can offload stuff at your hotel - or a friend's table - as Rick suggests.

3. Though you may have to wait in lines, attend some of the panels, or movie screenings, or even movie panels (huge lines!) as they allow you to still feel you're getting your money's worth, but are able to sit down for a while. And you may meet some of the 'famous' types there. Plus there are often 'freebies' given out.

4. Ralph's is your friend.

5. Leave all non-essential items (as with any travel experience) from your wallet or handbag at home or in your hotel. Membership cards, receipts, etc. It will lighten your load when walking around and you'll have less chance of losing it. And unless you know you'll be showing something on your laptop to friends at the Con, leave it in your hotel (room/safe/front desk safe). Even though it seems light, after several hours, it most certainly will not.

6. A digital camera is great for capturing moments when you meet people. Most remember this, but I've met a few that have forgot to bring theirs and you don't want to buy a cheap camera at the Con. A video camera is cool too, if you don't mind carrying it around. Though the still should be sufficient.

7. Your cell phone: it will work 50% of the time (if that) at the Convention Center. Either it's too loud, or the signal will be 'blocked' mysteriously - so they make you use the pay phones outside and avoid more unnecessary chatter inside. Bring it to use outside, but prepare to have it not work indoors.

8. Pick a meeting place that is not one normally chosen by other Con goers. The place is huge. Though I've never had a problem, I've known some that have given up meeting friends because everybody else picked the same spot.

9. Eat lunch on the backside of the Con Center. It's a nice view of the harbor, and mostly uncrowded. Plus you get the added bonus sometimes of seeing stars walk to the Autograph Area.

10. If you want major stars' Autographs, you have to skip their movie panel presentations. Most don't know this, but the lines start before they begin their presentation in some room down the Center. If you try to rush to get into the line after the presentation, you'll not only likely get trampled on, or stopped for 'running in hall', but you'll probably miss the autograph session since many only sign for an hour or so. The last year I was there, the lineups for the Hobbits, Hugh Jackman/Kate Beckinsale, and the Kill Bill group were outrageously long. My wife wanted to get Hugh Jackman's and I wouldn't have minded, but I said, the lines were way to long - having been there before. Plus these guys will return again some day when their next film comes out.

11. Horton Plaza has a variety of food vendors on the top floor, but their prices vary. Don't plan on eating there everyday if you're on a budget. They also don't have a heckuva lot of seats vs. the number of convention goers, so best to go early to get one. Take advantage of your hotel's Complimentary meals. But get there early as others will do the same.

12. Remember most of the major Con exhibitors/artists/writers are so busy meeting people and trying to earn a living selling their wares, don't be offended if you only get to talk with them for a few minutes or you're told to 'hang on'. For many, this is their only chance to meet up with other 'famous' artists or other friends, so sometimes you'll have to wait. Even with good friends, I've had to wait, knowing how important it is for them to network with their other peers. A true friend though, will tell you to hold on kindly, or apologize.

13. Don't understimate the excellence of Con Shuttle buses. Nice Greyhound/Red Arrow ones, that will take you to most major hotels or at least nearby yours. After a long day of walking, you may not want to walk back to yours, even if the blocks are short. Plus at night-time, if you're heading to a late show at the Con and back, the buses are a nice way to avoid some of the potential hazzards of any big city. San Diego blocks are about half or 1/4 of those in other major Canadian or American cities, but they still can be long if you're walking all day.

14. Yes, it is the bar from 'Top Gun'. Yes, that's where Cruise/Maverick rode his motorcycle. I was a little movie geek my first time in San Diego having been where one of the best edited films of all time was shot!

15. Mention things of interest you might have seen to the exhibitors/artists/writers. Believe it or not, most don't get a decent chance to scour the Con floor for things as they are stuck manning the booths. You may have already found those 'key finds' they're looking for.

16. Bring something to trade if you're a creative type. Sometimes the exhibitors might be willing to trade a sketchbook for a sketch/drawing. Keep in mind though, they often need to sell a certain number of books to cover their printing costs.

17. I've been to San Diego a few times, and the furthest I've made it to see something 'touristy' is Sea World. Even then, we only saw half of the place. And with my AMA (Alberta Motor Association) discount, it was still pricey to get in. If you can get around by trolley, cab, or bus, check out the other things there. I still want to visit the zoo and wildlife park among other things. Allow yourself enough time to see these things. Half a day will not do. We rented a car for the week and the only place we went to was Sea World. :-(

18. As somebody mentioned, while at the hotel or home, use the Con guide to plan your route on the floor or what presentation you'll be seeing. It will save you tons of time within the ginormous Center itself, where trying to randomly locate booths is a nightmare.

19. If you're trying to get to one booth from another on the other side of the Center, head up the main interior front hall (or back sometimes) and avoid the lines inside.

20. Most 'Freebies' will be gone the first day (not including Preview Night) but some exhibitors hold over items over consecutive days. If you're looking for 'free schwag', it has become more important over the years to get to the tables early as many others now do the same. Don't expect to get multiple copies of things for friends as well. Some booths won't let you do that, even if it means more marketing exposure, it also means sales on eBay.

21. Hit Bud Plant's booth. Though, Bud's prices have become a lot less competitive thanks to Amazon competition, he still has a ton of stuff you can actually see before you buy. Plus there is a ton of stuff on sale, even items you'd pay much more for at other booths. My first year there (1998) had me flying back home with an extra backpack loaded with Art of Disney books deeply discounted. It's also a great place to buy items to get autographed at other booths. They also have items for sale, after the artists/writers have autographed them.

22. Ship items back home from the Con if you know you'll have at least a bag more than you brought. They have a post office there. Due to many Airline restrictions (and the outrageous fees they charge for extra weight, bags, and boxes), you might save yourself some cash.

23. Remember your various forum nicknames. It'll help when you meet up with others from your various online communities.

24. Bring gum. If your chocolate bar melts in your bag (again, which it most certainly will) you'll at least have something to keep your mouth from getting dry.

25. Don't buy 'adult' items at the Con if you plan on bringing them back to your home country and don't want them seized, seen, ripped, damaged, etc. Though I'm not one for that stuff, and you can probably get it back home unnoticed, don't take chances if you're spending a good deal of money on them.

That should be a few more pointers for all of you attendees. I don't know if I'm going yet or not. I'll post more as I think of them.

---
Chad
http://digitaldreammachine.blogspot.com
http://www.digitaldreammachine.com

[Maija]

Great list, Chad. Just to add:

For those who aren't from Southern California, Ralph's is a grocery store chain. Before I went I was told I could buy food at "Ralph's grocery just down the street" and I assumed that in downtown San Diego that must be a dinky little corner store where limp hoagies are $6 and the hot dogs have been turning in the hot dog cabinet for five years. The friends I was with assumed the same thing. We didn't check it out until the second last day we were there. Turns out it's a poorly named gigantic, 24-hour grocery store with a custom sandwich/salad counter and deli area well stocked with items in serving sizes for one, reasonably priced.

Don't buy a sad, overpriced pizza pretzel at the con when you can get a lovely sandwich at Ralph's just a few blocks away.

Also, if your cell phone doesn't work in the convention centre and you're making a local call, there are white courtesy phones in the lobby that are free for local calls (and 1-800 calls if you want to dial into your long distance plan).

[Tad]

Great con tips! Some clarification:

Ralphs is the closest supermarket to the con but still several blocks away. Food and Drink inside the con are at the normal, outrageously high, convention center prices. At least bring water, snack, soda etc. to keep you going.

Cel phones: I've used mine last year to meet up with people and never had a problem.

Meeting: every aisle is numbered. Sometimes that's the easiest way to pick a meeting place.

Definitely pick a half day to get out of the con. Get to the beach at least. You don't need to go to a paid tourist attraction, just get outside. Take water.

And read through your schedule the first day for panels, screenings, etc. Bring a highlighter.

If you are buying original art or posters, there's a booth with protective sleeves and tubes. It'll cost a little but will protect your investment.

[Maija]

To add to that about getting away from the con: there are many places to rent bikes quite inexpensively (wide-seat comfy cruisers, nothing fancy). A friend of mine went riding for several kms up the beach. He also rented some snorkelling gear as a part of a package with the bike. I'm probably going to try doing the same this year. It's cheap, takes you off of your feet for a while, moves some different muscles and you get to enjoy the beach and see some stuff.

[Mr Wolf]

Thanks for clarifying about Ralph's. I meant to do that, but you caught it before I could.

I had no idea about these courtesy phones though. At least I've never seen them when I've been there.

Great mention of the highlighter Tad. That's exactly what I did with my guide. It makes what you want to see, stand out much easier, in the many monochromatic pages.

[longmanshort]

It was Gwen. She won't remember me, but next time you're in there say hi from the tall English guy who came in a couple of weeks ago and whose credit card wouldn't bloody work :rolleyes:

Though Jade's very, very cute too ;) *





* Right, I've really got to stop being so masoginistic or no amount of smileys will save me!

[Maija]

mwahhhhh haaaaa haaaa
Hell of a time to go to Italy I'll say more later but till them here is some pics!
Cool! I missed your photos in the flurry of exciting SDCC tips. The roman ruins photo is especially interesting.

I can't wait to hear the tales of your adventures. Yes, you did end up there at an interesting time, didn't you.

[gary bolt]

Morna and I were just in Toronto for a day before returning home from a visit up north to celebrate my parent’s 50th anniversary. Here are a couple of pics of the new addition they built over the Ontario College of Art to house the design department. It's an unlikely building but I love it. Morna's cousin accurately said "It's a building that laughs at the architecture around it". I also threw in a pick of the CN Tower (the world’s tallest free standing structure). I totally geeked out as a kid when they built it.

[DarkBlade]

Yeah, con stink sucks. Getting multiple flight suits made just incase I wear X-Wing gear more then one day in a row.

Not a regular here on the Hellboy board, but I do costume and have a bit of advise to fellow costumers, and anyone who plans to wear a favorite jacket or something more than one day: bring a bottle of febreeze. Apply liberally when you get back to the hotel room that night. Sniff in the morning to make sure it's all okay for another day's wearing, if not go over it again. (It's best to do this on the inside of the costume, and don't forget to test it in a small area first!)

[zefo]

my sister's adventure in austrailia (http://www.xanga.com/home.aspx?user=mastercardorvisa)

more pictures to come

ones that will invalves animals and stuff, not just boys my sister thinks are hot.

[Maija]

Bump... just preserving this thread from CBR house-cleaning.

[Maija]

Now I'm kinda glad I'm not going to SDCC this year: Yikes (http://www.comicon.com/thebeat/2006/02/why_you_didnt_get_a_hotel_room.html)

Cuz no way am I staying at the hostel again.

[Petersen]

not the news I wanted to hear :mad:

[Mike Cross]

Hehe..all the more reason. Why San Diego anyway as the host of the biggest comic con going? Would one not think LA or NY would take that honour?

[Neil Hill]

Now I'm kinda glad I'm not going to SDCC this year: Yikes (http://www.comicon.com/thebeat/2006/02/why_you_didnt_get_a_hotel_room.html)

Cuz no way am I staying at the hostel again.

A friend who was with me at SDCC in '05 and I saw you hiking up the street from the convention center to your Youth Hostel last year, and I've always been curious what that experience was like for you Ruta. It sounds like it was pretty bad. I'm sorry about that, but I'm curious what happened.

I apologize in advance if you've already answered this question. If you have, please point me to where you talked about it and I'll gladly read those comments.

Thanks! :D

[Neil Hill]

Hehe..all the more reason. Why San Diego anyway as the host of the biggest comic con going? Would one not think LA or NY would take that honour?

Both LA and NY already host big conventions. I think SD gets to be the "biggest" and most important because of its proximity to all things Hollywood, wonderful view, size of venue, and convenience for many of the creators and companies who display there. I could be completely wrong on all accounts, but that is my guess.

[Maija]

It wasn't terrible Stygian, it's just that a hostel, particularly an urban one, is not always a restful place to stay, and my patience was completely worn out by SDCC last time. It's as much because of the 100,000 people in attendance that I'm kinda glad I'm not going to SDCC. My main reason for going would be to meet friends. I'd probably go for a day and then blow off the rest of the con next time.

Hostelling is a unique way to travel and has a lot of advantages for many situations, but is not as great in others. I volunteer for Hostelling International promoting hostelling, so there's lots I can plug about it, but it's not for everyone or for every situation.

The BIG advantages (particularly in the case of San Diego):

LOCATION-- only 4 blocks from the con
COST -- beat $22/night I ask you (for HI members, I forget the non-member rate)
BEDS STILL AVAILABLE FOR LATECOMERS-- for those reading the above article in dismay, odds are good that you can still get a bed at the hostel. I booked as late as April with success.
KITCHEN FACILITIES-- save on food by buying a few items at Ralph's and refrigerating/cooking them up at the hostel.
MEET NEW PEOPLE-- everyone there is going to the con so you meet other people and often find out about things you would have otherwise been unaware of. I tracked down certain books just because I talked to someone who knew the creator, for example, or saw a short sci-fi film because I met someone starring in it.

The disadvantages:

LOCATION-- I stayed at the Downtown Hostelling International Hostel two years in a row. The first year I was in a room that opened onto a back alley so the only thing that was bothersome was the noise from trash collection. I felt I actually had the better accomodation compared to friends who were sharing with 10 people to a condo out by the freeway, even when factoring in their pool & hottub. This last year my room was right on the street corner and if you know that street corner, it is the dead centre of the Gaslamp Quarter, ie. surrounded on all sides by bars and restaurants with outdoor patios. I actually did okay with earplugs in, but between the patio noise, chanting Hare Krishnas, buskers, yelling punks, blues band, etc, etc, it was hardly restful. Essentially I never escaped from the crowds, ever.

Other disadvantages: no air conditioning, no privacy since you're sharing a room with about a half dozen other people, reduced security because of the privacy thing, although the room door locks, and there are lockers, but they only hold so much.

The biggest drawback about the SD Downtown Hostel is that it's just not a great hostel. I've stayed at a lot of hostels around the world, and that one is among the crummiest, although it's not near the absolute worst. But to someone who's used to staying at Best Westerns all the time, it might be at the limit (mind you one of the worst places I've stayed was a Best Western). The SD hostel went down in quality from 2004 to 2005. Cleanliness was down, repair was down, it's just not great.

But it's not so much the hostel as the monster SDCC itself that made for an experience which, as I remember it even now, makes my blood pressure rise. It made me friggin' agoraphobic and reading that article about that number of people battling one another desperately trying to get accomodation makes me glad I'm not going.

I suspect that WonderCon is more my speed. And then I would stay at the Fort Mason hostel, an example of a GOOD hostel, which is in the middle of a quiet park and has a pleasant common area with a fireplace, and looks out on the water and has nice roomy lockers and is spit-spot. And it's just a bus ride from downtown SF.

Some hostels are like pleasant B&B's complete with hot apple crumble and ice cream each evening and a hammock surrounded by a bower of roses (The Villa, Picton, NZ if anyone's interested) or a wood-fired sauna and a plunge pool beneath glowering mountains (Mosquito Creek HI not far from me). The SD Downtown Hostel is not one of those hostels. And SDCC just compounds the bad aspects of it.

I suspect that your hotel in SF was worse though. ;)

All that being said though, in a pinch and if I was only there for a night or two, I might stay there again. It beats sleeping in your car, which I know some people do. At least you can have a shower for the sake of your fellow con-goers!

[Maija]

I think SDCC is the biggest because it has the support of a community and it has the momentum.

Edmonton has a great Fringe Theatre Festival. Toronto can't get a Fringe Theatre Fest going to save itself. It all depends on how much the local community has invested in an event, and not just in dollars.

Sometimes things of that scale can't get going in large centres just because there isn't the room and/or there are too many other things demanding people's attention.

[Petersen]

San Diego con has the momentum..I think it's also the oldest con in the US (?)

I stayed in the same hostel last year. J. Bastian and I along with 6 other fellows shared a room with bent-tube bunkbeds. There was a sink and mirror and a row of lockers. The floor was uneven with carpet remnants making up it's covering. A bathroom was build into the corner (I say this because it was a later addition who's walls did not extend to the ceiling and a drin pipe coming down from the bathroom above us, was visable from the cieiling down into our bath area....when someone above flushed or brushed, the sound of rushing water could be heard in your room as though a hose was on) All of the beds creaked and rattled with the lightest touch. It was impossible to not wake someone up getting into our out of bed. And as Ruta mentioned, with no air, the windows were open full wide and it felt as though you were out on the street.

even though lockers are provided, unlocking and relocking your toiletries, spare shoes, books, etc get's old after you forget to grab 1 item. I threw caution to the wind and started storing my bathroom items and sshoes under Jeremy's bunk (he was on the bottom). Smell is a factor..even if your roomates are showering, there is a point in the day where the majority of the room's inhabitants havn't and it doesn't take long to kick up a funk. The kitchen wasn't very clean and one of the stoves wouldn't light (so the complimentary make-it-yourself pankake breakfast was taken to a screaching halt when 8-10 people are all trying to make pancakes on 2 burners and a hot plate)

I also wouldn't entirely rule out a stay there. Right now I need a place to be for SDCC and Ruta's link scared the crap outta me....I'll try to find something else if I can, but it beats car-living!

[Neil Hill]

It wasn't terrible Stygian, it's just that a hostel, particularly an urban one, is not always a restful place to stay, and my patience was completely worn out by SDCC last time. It's as much because of the 100,000 people in attendance that I'm kinda glad I'm not going to SDCC. My main reason for going would be to meet friends. I'd probably go for a day and then blow off the rest of the con next time.

Hostelling is a unique way to travel and has a lot of advantages for many situations, but is not as great in others. I volunteer for Hostelling International promoting hostelling, so there's lots I can plug about it, but it's not for everyone or for every situation.

The BIG advantages (particularly in the case of San Diego):

LOCATION-- only 4 blocks from the con
COST -- beat $22/night I ask you (for HI members, I forget the non-member rate)
BEDS STILL AVAILABLE FOR LATECOMERS-- for those reading the above article in dismay, odds are good that you can still get a bed at the hostel. I booked as late as April with success.
KITCHEN FACILITIES-- save on food by buying a few items at Ralph's and refrigerating/cooking them up at the hostel.
MEET NEW PEOPLE-- everyone there is going to the con so you meet other people and often find out about things you would have otherwise been unaware of. I tracked down certain books just because I talked to someone who knew the creator, for example, or saw a short sci-fi film because I met someone starring in it.

The disadvantages:

LOCATION-- I stayed at the Downtown Hostelling International Hostel two years in a row. The first year I was in a room that opened onto a back alley so the only thing that was bothersome was the noise from trash collection. I felt I actually had the better accomodation compared to friends who were sharing with 10 people to a condo out by the freeway, even when factoring in their pool & hottub. This last year my room was right on the street corner and if you know that street corner, it is the dead centre of the Gaslamp Quarter, ie. surrounded on all sides by bars and restaurants with outdoor patios. I actually did okay with earplugs in, but between the patio noise, chanting Hare Krishnas, buskers, yelling punks, blues band, etc, etc, it was hardly restful. Essentially I never escaped from the crowds, ever.

Other disadvantages: no air conditioning, no privacy since you're sharing a room with about a half dozen other people, reduced security because of the privacy thing, although the room door locks, and there are lockers, but they only hold so much.

The biggest drawback about the SD Downtown Hostel is that it's just not a great hostel. I've stayed at a lot of hostels around the world, and that one is among the crummiest, although it's not near the absolute worst. But to someone who's used to staying at Best Westerns all the time, it might be at the limit (mind you one of the worst places I've stayed was a Best Western). The SD hostel went down in quality from 2004 to 2005. Cleanliness was down, repair was down, it's just not great.

But it's not so much the hostel as the monster SDCC itself that made for an experience which, as I remember it even now, makes my blood pressure rise. It made me friggin' agoraphobic and reading that article about that number of people battling one another desperately trying to get accomodation makes me glad I'm not going.

I suspect that WonderCon is more my speed. And then I would stay at the Fort Mason hostel, an example of a GOOD hostel, which is in the middle of a quiet park and has a pleasant common area with a fireplace, and looks out on the water and has nice roomy lockers and is spit-spot. And it's just a bus ride from downtown SF.

Some hostels are like pleasant B&B's complete with hot apple crumble and ice cream each evening and a hammock surrounded by a bower of roses (The Villa, Picton, NZ if anyone's interested) or a wood-fired sauna and a plunge pool beneath glowering mountains (Mosquito Creek HI not far from me). The SD Downtown Hostel is not one of those hostels. And SDCC just compounds the bad aspects of it.

I suspect that your hotel in SF was worse though. ;)

All that being said though, in a pinch and if I was only there for a night or two, I might stay there again. It beats sleeping in your car, which I know some people do. At least you can have a shower for the sake of your fellow con-goers!

Thanks for the awesome report, Ruta! I've never stayed in a hostel before, but I'd wager that you're right in that a hostel (almost any) would be better than the "hotel" (and I use that term losely) I stayed in while in San Fran last weekend. :)

So you're not doing SDCC this year? This will be the first year that I've known of you where you haven't gone. Bummer. I'm sure you have your reasons though, and you've outlined many of them quite clearly.

WonderCon was a great Con and I recommend it highly, but it was one of the stranger con going experiences that I've had overall. Not strange in a bad way, just strange in general. Again, I recommend it highly for those who can't stand the hussle and bussle of SDCC, and or don't like the idea of their blood pressure starting to rise when SDCC is even mentioned (Ruta). ;)

[Maija]

I think guys have it generally worse in shared dorm situations. :)

[Maija]

I mostly not going for financial reasons. If I won the lotto, I'd be there!

On a side note, Stygian, could you refrain from quoting entire posts, espcially long ones? It means having to scroll to get to your several lines and it doesn't add anything to repeat the whole post. Thanks. :)

[Neil Hill]

San Diego con has the momentum..I think it's also the oldest con in the US (?)

I stayed in the same hostel last year. J. Bastian and I along with 6 other fellows shared a room with bent-tube bunkbeds. There was a sink and mirror and a row of lockers. The floor was uneven with carpet remnants making up it's covering. A bathroom was build into the corner (I say this because it was a later addition who's walls did not extend to the ceiling and a drin pipe coming down from the bathroom above us, was visable from the cieiling down into our bath area....when someone above flushed or brushed, the sound of rushing water could be heard in your room as though a hose was on) All of the beds creaked and rattled with the lightest touch. It was impossible to not wake someone up getting into our out of bed. And as Ruta mentioned, with no air, the windows were open full wide and it felt as though you were out on the street.

even though lockers are provided, unlocking and relocking your toiletries, spare shoes, books, etc get's old after you forget to grab 1 item. I threw caution to the wind and started storing my bathroom items and sshoes under Jeremy's bunk (he was on the bottom). Smell is a factor..even if your roomates are showering, there is a point in the day where the majority of the room's inhabitants havn't and it doesn't take long to kick up a funk. The kitchen wasn't very clean and one of the stoves wouldn't light (so the complimentary make-it-yourself pankake breakfast was taken to a screaching halt when 8-10 people are all trying to make pancakes on 2 burners and a hot plate)

I also wouldn't entirely rule out a stay there. Right now I need a place to be for SDCC and Ruta's link scared the crap outta me....I'll try to find something else if I can, but it beats car-living!

See, here's what freaks me out about the whole "there's no available hotel rooms in SD" thing. THERE ARE PLENTY, as long as you're willing to look outside the downtown (within walking distance of the Con) area. For instance, a buddy of mine and I usually make reservations at least 3-4 months in advance and stay at one of the decent and moderately priced hotels out on hotel circle. Granted, they won't be giving the Che' Roboire a run for its money anytime soon, but they have the basic ammenities like Queen beds, nice bathroom with complimentary toiletries, etc. In other words, as long as you're looking for your hotel accomodations outside of the hotels that the Con provides as their "preferred" establishments, you're fine.

Granted, many of the board members who come in from as far away as Europe and Canada usually like to go the ultra frugal route (which I'm not at all knocking btw), so things like rental car and traditional hotel are very nearly out of the question, but if you go in with friends or send the word out early enough, I'm sure there are people who would be willing to add you to their hotel and rental car bill whilst you share. In fact, I'll most likely be playing host to several board members come SDCC time as we share a car ride to SD from PHX, share hotel, etc. It really narrows the expense when you start sharing in that way.

Just thoughts and ideas, nothing more. :D

[Neil Hill]

On a side note, Stygian, could you refrain from quoting entire posts?

You mean like this? :o

[jnapper]

Bumped for travel tips to SDCC. (To avoid self-gleaning by CBR of old threads.)

[jnapper]

http://damncoolpics.blogspot.com/2006/10/worlds-most-dangerous-tourist-route.html
'Worlds Most Dangerous Tourist Route'

(Thanks Alz!)