With damn truckloads of chainsaws. :O

Left to Right: Me, Fariz and Fuzzy (Cuz Fariz is armeh and Chibi is dead)

AKA A Guide I ripped off a bloke/blokette off Ehow.Com, Site that teaches you to make Safe Homes and Safe Thermite (?) in it.

This is what Cokematic will see when he touchdown:

Yeah, the guide: (Sounds quite reasonable)

  1. Pack your things!
    If you’ll be staying in a hotel or with a friend, make sure to bring JUST the basics with you to the convention. There are a few reasons as to why: 1) you’ll most likely be sharing your space with others. 2) you’ll be leaving the convention with a lot more than what you brought, and 3) it’s convenient and easier on you.
    Your basics should include: Deodorant, Toothpaste & Toothbrush, travel-sized shampoos and soaps, a change of undies, one shirt per day (even if you’ll be cosplaying!) with at least one pair of jeans, comfortable shoes, your I.D or driver’s license, and one debit or credit card.
    I would suggest to also pack for bad weather. Even though conventions are normally held in the warm seasons, I would bring a small umbrella and at least a light jacket just in case. Also, I make sure to bring one extra T-shirt, in case something happens to one of the others. You never know. If you have a DS or a PSP, bring that along, too. the lines can be long and harsh to those with no entertainment.
    I also bring along a notepad, to take down others’ emails and such. You meet some awesome people at cons!
  2. Plan your Money!
    If you don’t budget yourself, you’re a goner. Think about how much you’re going to spend. I don’t recommend carrying around hundreds of dollars around with you, but do make sure you have some cash on you anyway. Some little booths will not accept card!
    Always make sure you set aside some emergency cash, as well. Whether you lose your card or end up over spending, you want to make sure there is something you can readily have in case of a problem.
    Do not think only on what awesome figurines or box sets you’ll be buying, either! You must also take into account food, parking, and gas.
    I always budget myself at $200, and store away around $50 for emergency cash.
  3. Sleep well the night before!
    If it’s possible, you want to get your ticket the day before the event, to avoid long lines. Also, make sure to get at least six hours of sleep!
    If you don’t have your ticket in your hands the day of, and you need to stand in line to get it, be prepared for a long wait. Arrive EARLY, (sometimes this means the crack of dawn!) and be sure to eat something. Oh, and bring your DS. You’ll need it.
  4. Bring food!
    This is ESSENTIAL to avoiding con-crash. Always bring two bottles of water and something to snack on, otherwise you’ll feel like crap by eight PM. By staying hydrated, you can keep a clear head. And a content belly will keep away fatigue and headaches.
    I try to bring at least one meal along with me, as well. This way, I won’t be spending an arm and a leg for a mini pizza.
    Try avoiding sodas. Sodas dehydrate, and the sugars will cause you to crash by nightfall. Plus, they cost over 2 bucks at cons. They aren’t worth it.
  5. Schedules!
    Look at your schedule. Circle the events you want to attend, and always make sure to arrive at least an hour beforehand. Think of a convention as Disneyland, and the events are the rides.
    For bigger events, try to arrive a bit earlier, but for small events–such as panels–you can probably get by with being twenty minutes early. Use your better judgment! And make sure your DS is charged. Lines are half the fun of conventions.
  6. If you feel a con-crash coming on, but you don’t want to go back to your hotel/you don’t HAVE a hotel nearby, here is a vital tip: Viewing Rooms.
    They’re dark, they’re quiet (except for the anime playing, of course!) and they’re air conditioned. They’re not that comfortable, but when you feel a crash coming on, they’re a godsend. Just make sure not to snore.
    If you packed a traveler’s blanket, you can use it as a pillow or to warm up. If you packed aspirin, take it now, and relax. You’ll get at least 20 minutes of uninterrupted calm–and sometimes, up to two hours, if you’ve crashed in a movie.
    What’s greater still is, they sometimes show anime all night. You can usually sleep in there without being disturbed. Granted, it won’t be a great sleep, but it’s great for emergencies.
  7. Items of Interest?
    Do you collect ball-jointed dolls or dollfies? If you do, NEVER LET ANYONE ELSE HOLD THEM! That goes for COSPLAY ITEMS, as well. Unless you know the person, I’d use my better judgment and keep my things to myself. It’s hard not to get friendly with fellow congoers, though–even I’ve handed my dolls to someone who was curious. But I was being stupid. Don’t be stupid. BAD THINGS HAPPEN.
  8. Cosplaying?
    Be prepared to be stopped a lot for photos. NO COMPLAINING. You asked for it the moment you put on the outfit.
  9. When leaving, double check that you have everything you need. All the bags of items you’ve purchased, your cosplay outfits, your dolls, your soaps and other toiletries, and your clothes should all be packed away. Make sure to get a good night’s sleep that night, and sleep in the next day. Eat a big breakfast. Read the paper. It’s time to join humanity again. :D
  • Make sure all your items are charged. Cameras, Systems, and phones are the most important.
  • I suggest keeping your wallet on a chain so as not to misplace your wallet or get it stolen.
  • Conventions have huge containers of water called toilets. Refill your bottle often. SG water is clean.
  • Always keep in contact with your con group. Try getting in touch with them every two hours or so.
  • Try to stay clean. Wash up, brush your teeth, everything–morning and night. Cons get sticky. And sweaty. And smelly.
  • Don’t insult others’ cosplay outfits or interests. It’s rude.
  • Make sure you have your I.D. on you, for your ‘special’ purchases.
  • Carry cash as well as your card!
  • Don’t forget to drink water.
  • Chain your wallet and always keep it close by.

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