Ask Kate

[katelynisspecial]

Holy shit.

When I updated firefox, everything got erased from my drop down bar (where I keep all the sites I check regularly) and I totally forgot to check here! How embarrassing.

I am really debating on whether or not I'll go to Ohayocon. Every time I go to a con, I end up spending way too much money >_>
And so with planning for Japan, that would make it hard. Buuut. Thing are looking a little bit different. My parents are making me think it'll be a better idea to put off Japan until the summer after I graduate, and this coming summer, to take a trip through school to Europe with my little sister. We'd be gone about 17 days, split between Spain, France, and Germany. This trip only happens every couple years, and it would be an awesome start to world travel, they think, having my sister and teachers along. Plus it would be cool to hit three countries at once, with a reasonable amount of time in each. And it would be neat because I speak Spanish, and she speaks French. In Germany.. I guess we'd just tag along with someone who knew it? xD
Money wise, I think this would be a better option, it's cheaper, my parents would pay for more, and I'd have more time to save my money and do things like Ohayocon. I wouldn't have to work as hard during the school year, either. I only have around $1,800 right now, which is less than I wanted to be at.

If I got to go to Ohayocon, I would do everything in my power to be able to rent a room with my friends for the weekend. Because I've ALWAYS wanted to go to all three days of a con without missing the night activities by going home. It's like... on my imaginary "to do before I die" list.

The cruise was awesome, we got back the 15th. We left sooo early to go to the airport, and flew to New Orleans. We were originally supposed to sail out of the Mississippi River, but because of that oil spill, we couldn't. So we took a 2.5 hour bus ride to Mobile, Alabama, and left from there. We had dinner on the cruise and took off about 6pm. The first day was spent on the water, we went swimming and to a show and other activities that were planned. The place was HUGE.

The next day, we docked in Progreso, Mexico. It's a tourist spot, but not that Americanized yet. We took a tour to see some Mayan Ruins, and swim in an ancient swimming hole. Everything was written in Spanish, English, and Mayan on their signs. Then we took a tour of the city and saw some monuments and buildings, it was really pretty.

The next day we docked in Cozumel, Mexico. It's an island, and it's extremely tourist-y, but I still liked it. It's in the Caribbean, so the water was SO BLUE. We spent that day doing less educational stuff, and more fun stuff. We went to this beach place and snorkeled for hours, it was amazing. There were iguanas EVERYWHERE, just kind of chilling. I'll post pictures when I get them uploaded and chosen, I took hundreds.

The next day after that was another sea day, only I didn't enjoy it as much because it was a little stormy, so it rocked a lot. I don't do boats very well, but they convinced me I'd never feel it at all. But I did. I was fine, just a little queasy at some points.

I think the best thing was the FOOD. 24 hour ice cream and pizza, with awesome dining rooms and buffets for the actual meals. We had dinner in the same dining room every night with the same waiters, so we got to know them. It was fun being so fancy, there were 10 pieces of silverware per person at night! And lots of food I'd never had or heard of. I tried some lobster, but passed on the snails. Our main waiter was Aut from Thailand, and our other one was Michael from the Philippines. There was also a formal night, so we got to dress up.

When we got back, we spent two nights in New Orleans in a hotel, seeing the sights, basically. We took a horse and carriage ride, and passed this really haunted house. The lady of the house did really horrible medical experiments and torture to her slaves, such as drilling a hole in one's skull and inserting a stick to 'stir the brains'. The name is Lalaurie if you want to look it up more.

We also had all kinds of New Orleans foods like po-boy sandwiches, gumbo, pralines, and even alligator jerky!

When I got home, I went straight into working every day. It kind of sucked, but I liked being with my coworkers again. Then I had to scramble and get my summer homework done, I end up putting it off until the last minute EVERY SINGLE YEAR. I like, can't help it =P

So then I started school yesterday. I, as you know, only have three classes each semester because of Japanese. So I start off with Forensic Science, which is going to be a BLAST. The teacher's really nice, and we're going to learn all kinds of stuff like you'd see on CSI on TV. Fingerprinting, blood, hair, fibers, DNA, accident reconstruction, the careers in the field, and even take a field trip to the jail. I'm so excited about this class.

Then is AP Spanish. This is going to be a hard one, but I love Spanish. So far we're doing some review type stuff, and doing writing samples to see where we're all at. Tomorrow we plan to read the first chapter of Harry Potter in Spanish, which should be fun. I had this teacher for Spanish 2 and 3, so I know I'll like her, and she likes me.

Lastly is Honors Chemistry. I really am not a Chem person, I like Biology better. But she plans to have us do a LOT of experiments, so maybe I'll like it a little more. She's kind of strange though, she rambles on in this airy, monotone, not quite there voice.

Then I either have lunch or go home, depending on what I feel like. My little sister started high school this year, so she has some of my old teachers. I wonder if we'll get compared? I don't have an older sibling, so I never got that.

Well, hopefully you haven't given up on me, and this mega post makes up for my forgetfulness.

Edit: Pictures! katelynisspecial/Me/Cruise - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

[Yuuji]

Originally Posted by katelynisspecial

Holy shit.
When I updated firefox, everything got erased from my drop down bar (where I keep all the sites I check regularly) and I totally forgot to check here! How embarrassing.

*chuckles*
I admit, I use that as well.
Over the years, though, I go to less, and less sites. But 5+ years ago, my drop down bar was where I kept most of the places I went to (not bookmarks).
I do not believe I have ever bookmarked this site. Then again, it's easy enough to remember: Quarrel Network
So I understand where you are coming from.

I am really debating on whether or not I'll go to Ohayocon. Every time I go to a con, I end up spending way too much money >_>

Been there.
And that is a point I have stressed with my compatriots - in order to start developing a budget _now_. For most of them, this will be their first Con. And, let alone travel fees, the hotel room costs $125 a night, and that's cheap!.
Let alone the infamous dealer room(s), and knicknacks you cannot get anywhere else.

And so with planning for Japan, that would make it hard.

*nods*

Buuut. Thing are looking a little bit different. My parents are making me think it'll be a better idea to put off Japan until the summer after I graduate, and this coming summer, to take a trip through school to Europe with my little sister. We'd be gone about 17 days, split between Spain, France, and Germany. This trip only happens every couple years, and it would be an awesome start to world travel, they think, having my sister and teachers along.

It is definitely an opportunity.
Though I hope the relationship with your sister is solid enough that it would be fun for both of you.
(Sidenote: I've never been to Europe! So enjoy it!)

Plus it would be cool to hit three countries at once, with a reasonable amount of time in each. And it would be neat because I speak Spanish, and she speaks French. In Germany.. I guess we'd just tag along with someone who knew it? xD

That's what most Americans do. Besides, most Europeans know some English (if not speak it fluently)

Money wise, I think this would be a better option, it's cheaper, my parents would pay for more, and I'd have more time to save my money and do things like Ohayocon. I wouldn't have to work as hard during the school year, either. I only have around $1,800 right now, which is less than I wanted to be at.

Is that due to a hidden cost, or you simply didn't get the hours you wanted?

If I got to go to Ohayocon, I would do everything in my power to be able to rent a room with my friends for the weekend. Because I've ALWAYS wanted to go to all three days of a con without missing the night activities by going home. It's like... on my imaginary "to do before I die" list.

Ohhhhhh!!!
Hmmm.
Well, I've done most of the legwork for information about getting a room. (and we've already reserved one. We have until 24 hours before the stayed night to cancel with no charge (meaning you don't pay, you don't pay up front, just reserve with a credit card).
For insights, feel free to ask me. First thing I'll do is probably forward you all the emails I've sent to my group regarding information/questions/answers, and extras.

The cruise was awesome, we got back the 15th. We left sooo early to go to the airport, and flew to New Orleans. We were originally supposed to sail out of the Mississippi River, but because of that oil spill, we couldn't. So we took a 2.5 hour bus ride to Mobile, Alabama, and left from there. We had dinner on the cruise and took off about 6pm. The first day was spent on the water, we went swimming and to a show and other activities that were planned. The place was HUGE.

I have never, ever been on a cruise.
What you are saying is completely new for me.

The next day, we docked in Progreso, Mexico. It's a tourist spot, but not that Americanized yet. We took a tour to see some Mayan Ruins, and swim in an ancient swimming hole. Everything was written in Spanish, English, and Mayan on their signs. Then we took a tour of the city and saw some monuments and buildings, it was really pretty.

What's an 'ancient swimming hole'?
And I can understand seeing things in two languages. They do that (at times) in Japan.
But I didn't even know Mayan was still a language! I thought it died out 1,000's of years ago.

The next day we docked in Cozumel, Mexico. It's an island, and it's extremely tourist-y, but I still liked it. It's in the Caribbean, so the water was SO BLUE. We spent that day doing less educational stuff, and more fun stuff. We went to this beach place and snorkeled for hours, it was amazing. There were iguanas EVERYWHERE, just kind of chilling. I'll post pictures when I get them uploaded and chosen, I took hundreds.

I know Japanese 'touristy' (and so do you, since some animes show such places).
But what's Mexican 'touristy' like?

And blue water?
The only reason I know what you are talking about is because I've seen it on TV, or in pictures.
I have never, ever seen a crystal clue ocean with my own eyes.

And snorkeling? (starts to hear the JAWS theme song).
Um...I enjoyed snorkling in a small lake, or even at the high school pool. But real snorkling means you take your turn in the food chain - I think I would be waaaay too nervous to enjoy such.

The next day after that was another sea day, only I didn't enjoy it as much because it was a little stormy, so it rocked a lot. I don't do boats very well, but they convinced me I'd never feel it at all. But I did. I was fine, just a little queasy at some points.

*nods*
Washington state, 1988 - I was put on a fishing boat for pacific salmon by an Uncle. It was one of the three top 'worst feelings' in my life.
Once I...er....emptied my stomach, there was very little to be sick about. And eventually I caught three fish.
Which also happens to be the last three fish I have ever caught.

I think the best thing was the FOOD. 24 hour ice cream and pizza, with awesome dining rooms and buffets for the actual meals

.*groans with envy*

We had dinner in the same dining room every night with the same waiters, so we got to know them. It was fun being so fancy, there were 10 pieces of silverware per person at night! And lots of food I'd never had or heard of. I tried some lobster, but passed on the snails. Our main waiter was Aut from Thailand, and our other one was Michael from the Philippines. There was also a formal night, so we got to dress up.

Again, I have never known such an experience. So you are giving me my first insights.
And about formal wear: I took a quick glance through your pictures, so I believe I know what you are referring too.

When we got back, we spent two nights in New Orleans in a hotel, seeing the sights, basically. We took a horse and carriage ride,

A _real_ carriage?!?
*more envy*

and passed this really haunted house. The lady of the house did really horrible medical experiments and torture to her slaves, such as drilling a hole in one's skull and inserting a stick to 'stir the brains'. The name is Lalaurie if you want to look it up more.

*blinks*
No, I think I'll 100% believe you, and leave it at that.

We also had all kinds of New Orleans foods like po-boy sandwiches, gumbo, pralines, and even alligator jerky!

Now those are things I would actually want to try in my life. Normally I'm not a big food taster, but those items I wouldn't mind to sample once in my life.

When I got home, I went straight into working every day. It kind of sucked, but I liked being with my coworkers again. Then I had to scramble and get my summer homework done, I end up putting it off until the last minute EVERY SINGLE YEAR. I like, can't help it =P

*nods about going right into work*
I'll admit, when I had two weeks, I......spent 1 full week of it blowing the dust off Diablo 2, and getting some Halo 3 online in. Spoke with some online friends who I hadn't 'seen' in some months.

Summer homework? I know it existed in the 80's, but for some (lucky) reason my school never gave me any.
And of course you put it off every year. It's a confusing, lack of tangibility entity which is meaningless without a social structure.
If you actually had more direct feedback to the benefits of the work, you'd do it sooner.
Let alone, its a pain in the ***.

(cutting off first part of message here)

[Yuuji]

So then I started school yesterday. I, as you know, only have three classes each semester because of Japanese. So I start off with Forensic Science, which is going to be a BLAST. The teacher's really nice, and we're going to learn all kinds of stuff like you'd see on CSI on TV. Fingerprinting, blood, hair, fibers, DNA, accident reconstruction, the careers in the field, and even take a field trip to the jail. I'm so excited about this class.

You have got to be ******* me.....forensic sciene, in HIGH SCHOOL? We were lucky when they offered typing as a class. Otherwise, it was still all the basics: A science, a math, an english, a social study, gym, and some electives like chorus and band.

So not only are they offering your an in-depth class (that I didn't have the opportunity to take until I got to college), but they seem to know what they are doing. AND you like the teacher.
*knock on wood* Sounds good to me.

Then is AP Spanish. This is going to be a hard one, but I love Spanish. So far we're doing some review type stuff, and doing writing samples to see where we're all at. Tomorrow we plan to read the first chapter of Harry Potter in Spanish, which should be fun. I had this teacher for Spanish 2 and 3, so I know I'll like her, and she likes me.

For some reason my Spanish class never reviewed. The teacher was a good person, but she never explained anything (unlike my college Greek teacher did/does). So I'm glad you like that language (though I would love it if I could have learned official Japanese)

Lastly is Honors Chemistry. I really am not a Chem person, I like Biology better. But she plans to have us do a LOT of experiments, so maybe I'll like it a little more. She's kind of strange though, she rambles on in this airy, monotone, not quite there voice.

Not a Chem, but a Bio? (?).
Oh.....that's right....I forgot how it was in High School. They were a bit different. I'm too used to a blending between the two, because I worked in the Chem department for so long. But the Biology people I saw, were dealing with organic chemistry, so the spillover was obvious. That's not how they teach it in high school.

And about rambling voices: yeah, i know what you mean. Even though they are all unique. We could fill a book.

Then I either have lunch or go home, depending on what I feel like. My little sister started high school this year, so she has some of my old teachers. I wonder if we'll get compared? I don't have an older sibling, so I never got that.

I saw it happening all the time.
But it never happened to me: My brother, even though he's only 359 days older then me, when to a different high school (kinda a long story, and it was a private school, I stayed in the public program)
So yeah, she's gonna be compared.
And I never was able to go home....I had to stay until 5pm or later usually.
1) I was a varsity athlete. Yeah, only on the track team, but still....
2) When the musical came along, that was 3 more months of additional time. *blah*. Very busy.

I did a lot, but learned little. I admit I had fun, but no one really _taught_ anything. It was like putting toys in front of hamsters and hoping that maybe they'll play with them. The good teachers actually seemed to realize this, and didn't take it overly seriously, which was a good thing.

Well, hopefully you haven't given up on me, and this mega post makes up for my forgetfulness.

I'll admit I was starting to be concerned. More to the point that something had happened.
But I'm more than glad to find out it was a combination of you being very busy, and a computer glitch!

And yes, the 'mega-post' was wonderful to read.
I was very glad to read things from your point of view of your trip. Especially in things I have yet (and maybe never get the chance) to do.

Glad you had fun.
Glad you came home safe.


Edit: Pictures! katelynisspecial/Me/Cruise - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting[/quote]Thank you for sending!

I could spend a lot of time here, but this post will probably have to be split because it's so long.

For example, the sunset (sunrise) shot is gorgeous.
Your siblings don't look like I remember them....oh yeah! They continued to grow up. (I only know them by the pics here on this site)
A friend who went on a cruise actually got me a book for making 'towel' critters. Since he knew I did balloon animals.
I see what you mean by all the silverware.
I wonder what those historical buildings are...
And yeah...why in government buildings do they put up HUUUUUUUGE pieces of 'artwork' depicting horrible atrocities like torture and execution. I never figured that one out about our ancestor's tastes (let alone considering it art, especially for the public)

Ok, time to see how much of this fits into one post, and then I'll cut it in two.

[katelynisspecial]

Well, I've kind of decided to go to Ohayocon! That is coming with the decision to push off Japan until next summer, regardless of whether or not I get to go to Europe this one. I feel like I keep saying "I'm going to go! Wait, now it's getting pushed back." But I really will go =P
There's just more pros for the summer after I graduate. Including, more time to save the money, and the possibility to go with my friends.

So, do you have any hotel recommendations? My parents are thinking about letting my and my friend rent one like I said I wanted too. Oh, and also! Zelor.eXe and/or Dark_Night2 might come to the con too, to meet up and stuff =)

By ancient swimming hole, I meant that it was a swimming hole that was used all the way back in Mayan times.
And the Mayan language.. most people down at the Yucatan peninsula are raised speaking Spanish, Mayan, and sometimes English. The original Mayan writing was done in symbols, which are not read today, except by experts. But they have adapted it to use regular letters, and I guess they just invented the spelling or something. That's what our tour guide said.

Mexican touristy is like.. Basically tons of resorts on the water, so many advertisements to go snorkeling or swimming with dolphins, much like I'd guess Orlando, Florida would be.

Yeah, for this summer homework, I had to read both The Great Gatsby and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Then I had to write an essay on Huck Finn. Also, since I have AP Spanish, I had to read a short story and do some writing activities for that. I always get summer homework because I take honors classes, haha.

Yeah, and I LOVE Forensics so far! On Tuesday we're going to the lab to learn about using maggots to tell time of death, based on their stage of life and stuff. It will be a little gross, but I'm excited =P

I loved the towel critters! Especially the eskimo. There was a presentation on how to do them, but we didn't go. Not sure why.

[Yuuji]

Originally Posted by katelynisspecial

Well, I've kind of decided to go to Ohayocon! That is coming with the decision to push off Japan until next summer, regardless of whether or not I get to go to Europe this one. I feel like I keep saying "I'm going to go! Wait, now it's getting pushed back." But I really will go =P

I know you will.
Just it is very, very hard to get such a plan (as in, going to the other side of the planet) to work out perfectly.
In actuality, you'll find out most plans work like that. Especially with something new.

Things only become easier when:

1. You have a large amount of resources (like I did when I went. If it wasn't for the fact that my other half was working there at the time, and could translate, there would not have been a way in hell of me going. And for our Honeymoon, a family friend allowed us to stay for 3+ weeks at their home at no charge. Saving over $2,500. Without these resources, I could not have gone.
2. You have done it many, many times -- so it takes less work to do.

There's just more pros for the summer after I graduate. Including, more time to save the money, and the possibility to go with my friends.

*nods*
Sounds good.

So, do you have any hotel recommendations?

Yes. The pre-offered Hotel itself:
Hyatt Regency Columbus

More information:
Ohayocon Nine || January 30 - February 1, 2009

Make sure you tell them that you are registering for the Con, to get $50+ off the normal rate (it comes to $125 after tax. That's about $106 for the room, and then Columbus adds on a nasty tax to it. And yeah, the price is high, but it's much less compared to staying there normally).

Some odds and ends:

• Rooms start at the 5th floor.
• There are around 20 floors.
• Due to abuse, half the elevators normally break down by Sunday.
• The 5th floor has the lounges, which will most likely be boisterous.
• My group have already arranged for a room on the 6th floor.

Note:

• Reserving costs nothing.
• As long as you canceling 25 hours BEFORE your sign in, you will not be charged. If you cancel afterwards, you will be charged a full day.
• You need a credit card to reserve.

You might want this done asap, since it costs nothing if you can't go (just have to remember to cancel)
We have already registered

Sidenote:

• Parking is usually hideously expensive. At around $30 per night.
• But guests are allowed to ask for vouchers that reduce this (at one parking lot across the street) to only about $12 per night.
• I've been told that if you get there early enough on Friday, there is a 90% chance of getting a parking space there (and thus saving money)

My parents are thinking about letting my and my friend rent one like I said I wanted too. Oh, and also! Zelor.eXe and/or Dark_Night2 might come to the con too, to meet up and stuff =)

Cool.
Though I do not really talk to Zelor and Dark Night.

By ancient swimming hole, I meant that it was a swimming hole that was used all the way back in Mayan times.

Ahhhhhh!

And the Mayan language.. most people down at the Yucatan peninsula are raised speaking Spanish, Mayan, and sometimes English. The original Mayan writing was done in symbols, which are not read today, except by experts. But they have adapted it to use regular letters, and I guess they just invented the spelling or something. That's what our tour guide said.

Cool, I've learned something today.
And probably what I had learned about it being a 'dead' language probably dealt with the written form. Especially since over the years any language evolves. Ancient Greek is significantly different then modern Greek, for example. (which is different then Koine Greek and Byzantine Greek, etc)

Mexican touristy is like.. Basically tons of resorts on the water, so many advertisements to go snorkeling or swimming with dolphins, much like I'd guess Orlando, Florida would be.

Now I've learned something else.
Guess it simply imitates our tourist traps.
Japan wasn't like that.
Then again, maybe I just didn't recognize their advertising.

Yeah, for this summer homework, I had to read both The Great Gatsby and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Then I had to write an essay on Huck Finn. Also, since I have AP Spanish, I had to read a short story and do some writing activities for that. I always get summer homework because I take honors classes, haha.

*Blinks*
YOu have to read both...without translation?
How are you supposed to LEARN anything, if you can't go over it in class....sheesh...
(Yeah, I read Huck Finn, but I got to avoid Gatsby)
I was also in Honor's classes, and we did some weird things, but we never got extra homework (like that, anyway)

Yeah, and I LOVE Forensics so far! On Tuesday we're going to the lab to learn about using maggots to tell time of death, based on their stage of life and stuff. It will be a little gross, but I'm excited =P

*heh*
Definitely not my cup of tea.
But if you enjoy it, then enjoy!

(the only maggots I like are medical maggots. Cool stuff)

I loved the towel critters! Especially the eskimo. There was a presentation on how to do them, but we didn't go. Not sure why.

*grins* I guess I should break out that book again, and maybe learn one or two of 'em.

[katelynisspecial]

I erm, actually read them both on spark notes. I didn't really like The Great Gatsby enough to read it, and couldn't stand the language/spelling/grammar in Huck Finn.

Hotels.. that seems like our best bet, that hotel. I'm sure there are cheaper hotels, but they'd be too far away, and paying for transportation would just jack the cost back up. We're being dropped off hopefully, so we won't have to worry about parking. City driving royally sucks, anyways.

The whole canceling thing seems like it'll work well, just in case. I'm really excited about this now. Staying the whole time. Missing my favorite panels last time sucked, and I've never been able to stay late enough to go to a dance.

[Yuuji]

Originally Posted by katelynisspecial

I erm, actually read them both on spark notes. I didn't really like The Great Gatsby enough to read it, and couldn't stand the language/spelling/grammar in Huck Finn.

What is a 'spark notes'?
And yeah...I heard boring things about Gatsby.
But I enjoyed Huck Finn, but _only_ because we went over it in class. And it was put in perspective.
Sidenote: It was the first book I read with the term: Melancholy in it.
Without it, the Melancholy of Hahuri S. wouldn't have made as much sense to me.

Second sidnote: I think I was only 13 when we read it. So I mispronounced melancholy (As I have never heard it before)
Instead of Melan (as in melon) and Choly (as in Kawly), I pronounced it Mel (as in Mel) lanch (rhymes with 'ranch') oly (O-lee).

Kinda funny looking back on it.

Hotels.. that seems like our best bet, that hotel. I'm sure there are cheaper hotels, but they'd be too far away, and paying for transportation would just jack the cost back up. We're being dropped off hopefully, so we won't have to worry about parking. City driving royally sucks, anyways.

*nods* Exactly. Might as well be right in the hotel with the con-lounges, plus it's right next to the convention center, so you can easily walk to it through these covered decks.
And yeah, the price of transport (with those parking fees) isn't worth it. Let alone I've been told that the cheapest is many, many miles away, and thus you have to make it through Columbus traffic to boot.

Let alone there are _some_ things that happen at midnight, 2am, 4am, etc.

The whole canceling thing seems like it'll work well, just in case. I'm really excited about this now. Staying the whole time. Missing my favorite panels last time sucked, and I've never been able to stay late enough to go to a dance.

The canceling option should work well.
I'm half tempted to reserve another room, just in case. (We are a mixed group, but most of us plan to sleep little. 6 should work fine, but if it jumps to 10...hmm...maybe girls and boys rooms would be better, but that's another $250 to cover)

So yeah, this time you should get to any panel you choose.

And yep, the dance should be open!
(don't expect me to go to that though. Unless I know the dance, I never liked dancing freestyle --- besides, I like it better when my ears aren't ringing.)

[Zelor.eXe]

Hey, jumping into the convo since I may try and go to the con, lots of people I want to meet might be going, as well as getting to go to a con, Kate said I don't have to dress up, but I think it would be fun to have something, maybe I could go as the joker from the new batman movie .

I hope you don't mind my asking Yuuji but since you seem to know this stuff, do you think I would have a problem if I tried to bring my guitar, a small amp and some misc. stuff (pics, my camera, mp3 player, etc)?

I was worried it might be a problem, but I don't know since I've never flown commercially.

I did a little research and it should take me about 5-ish hours to fly there, which I'm sure I could handle, would they let me have earphones and an mp3 player whilst flying? as long as coach isn't claustrophobic close quarters I'd do that for cost.

Only 1 thing I have an issue with, she told me they need a credit card to reserve a room, I have none and am as of yet unable to get one, ironically I haven;t been able due to no credit rating, lol.


Anyways I hope thats not too much to ask about, lol, I just have not been a regular for this sort of thing.

[Yuuji]

Originally Posted by Zelor.eXe

Hey, jumping into the convo since I may try and go to the con, lots of people I want to meet might be going, as well as getting to go to a con, Kate said I don't have to dress up, but I think it would be fun to have something, maybe I could go as the joker from the new batman movie .

Choose whatever will increase your enjoyment.

The friends I will be going with, all plan on going in Avatar outfits.
They are trying to convince me, due to my age and longer hair, to go as Avatar Roku.

I hope you don't mind my asking Yuuji but since you seem to know this stuff, do you think I would have a problem if I tried to bring my guitar, a small amp and some misc. stuff (pics, my camera, mp3 player, etc)?

Sure, and I don't mind.

But I do admit, I do not fully understand your question.
*reads below -- Ohhhh! You meant for flying! Not the con*

You are 100% allowed to bring a guitar, amp and especially things like a camera, mp3 player, etc. These are your personal property. And as long as the guitar isn't bothering anyone, no one will li kely stop you from playing.

The question is: The people you will be staying with (your roommates), they are the ones to say if you can bring those things (especially with lack of room in one vehicle).

Item restriction mainly deals with things that can be dangerous, usually in cosplay, and are listed here:Ohayocon Nine || January 30 - February 1, 2009)

I was worried it might be a problem, but I don't know since I've never flown commercially.

Ahhhhh!! Now I'm beginning to see.
All the items you have listed, are fine for travel. Though with different pay hikes, watch out for weight restrictions and number of bags. You might have to pay more money for some of the bigger items (guitar-amp) you mentioned.

I did a little research and it should take me about 5-ish hours to fly there, which I'm sure I could handle, would they let me have earphones and an mp3 player whilst flying? as long as coach isn't claustrophobic close quarters I'd do that for cost.

They absolutely allow headphones and mp3 players while flying.
Except during takeoff and landing, at those times all electronic devices must be turned off. (just a safety precaution because of electromagnetic signals - better safe then sorry)

A lot of people watch DVDs on laptops or those portable dvd players (The ones that can use batteries)

Here is the problem: Background noise. Those engines make a LOT Of noise, adding to the air pressure problem on your ears (remember: your ears detect sound by the change of air pressure. Going up 30,000 feet changes air pressure, and the plane tries to compensate, but not perfectly. Therefore, it's harder to hear things.) --- thus you might get tempted to CRANK up the volume on your mp3 player. Which is ear damage if you ask me, so be very very careful about that.

Of course if you are lucky enough to own a pair of Noise Canceling headphones, that helps a helluva lot (I'm not talking cheap pairs, I'm talking about ones that cost $75 min. Even over $200. But they are sweet).