"Dates on the calendar are closer than they appear."
It seemed so long ago, that I was contacted by Matt [Matt56], asking if I wanted to go to Prague. October 10th, 2018, actually. However, the last of the preparations are being done this morning to fly out, tomorrow.
So many emotions. This is the biggest trip Donna and I have been on, since the Canadian Military sent us to live in Germany, 32 years ago. All our other trips have pretty much been in Canada, as big as our country is, or small forays into the northern US states.
I will have my Vimy Ridge planes with me for the scenario I'm hosting on Saturday night. They are in my carry-on, so if they don't arrive, neither do I.
I am preparing my usual hand-out convention cards, and will have a few to hand out for players in my game. I started many years ago doing just participation cards, but I now hand out Ace Skill cards that people can try out during the demo. Then, if they pick up the game, or are already playing it, they have useful cards to enhance their future endeavors, and they get to remember their time at the Con. That I get to share these cards with people who really play and love this game, this time, is even better.
So, I have all the Wings of Glory stuff sorted out, and places for it in the luggage.
Although I haven't ever been face-to-face with any of the people I am going to meet, it is almost like I am going to see family. For this trip, it is family that has the same interests and hobbies. How often does that happen? No-one in my family, close or extended, is a gamer. Certainly not to the extent that I like to play.
Donna has her walking shoes packed, and although she isn't interested in WoG, or gaming to the extent I am, she will nonetheless be taking in the sights, tastes and camraderie of Europe, and wouldn't miss it for the world. She will get to meet some of the awesome people I have known virtually for years. And she does know of them. I talk about Forum members all the time, and she has heard them over Skype a few times.
There will be new places to see, good food and wine to try (and I don't have to do any of the driving!), and great people with which to socialize.
I am so looking forward to gripping hands with the faces and names I have come to know over the years on the Forum.
PS: I am planning a trip to the UK Annual Gather at Doncaster in September, as well, which is why I am calling this thread the European Tour. I will be visiting three countries this time, and England in the fall.
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