International Convention Go-er

[Quinnykins]

Hi there!

I've had a bit of a read around and you seem like a friendly bunch.....! I just wanted to see what you guys had to say about international con-goers to Fanime. I've seen your tips for first timers and you advice is exactly what I would tell people coming over to the conventions I go to here.

However is there anything different for an Brit you might add? I already feel like an idiot in America with my accent but I have no idea about the area around the con - whether it's worth hiring a car, are people generally friendly etc etc.

And yes, I do shower a lot XD

Thanks for your help and advice though I am planning on staying in America for either the week before or the week after the con. Just to get some touristy things in/visit some friends.

[Tony]

You shower often and have a British accent? Oh, you're in for trouble ... :D

You'll find most con-goers are very friendly and open; there just seems to be an air of excitement and happiness in the air that lets most peoples' guards down. And being "foreign", I would expect a lot of curiousity and interest directed toward you. I doubt it would be hard to meet new people for you.

Although it's a unique place, don't feel you have to do anything you don't want - so if you're getting unwanted attention through glomping or "stalking", don't hesitate to bring it up with Rovers staff (they're FanimeCon staff and usually have a radio/headset) or the police officers that roam the area. I know, that probably sounds intimidating, but we have a younger crowd that does things in the spirit of humor or emulating an anime, but sometimes go too far.

The area around the convention center is a strange mix of "downtown", college, and run-down areas. There's a good amount of stuff to do and places to eat within a 20 min walk. You may want to check http://www.sanjose.org/ for other things going on in the area around convention time.

[Quinnykins]

Thank you for a reply - and by an admin no less!  :P

I shall check out the website when I'm back at home (egads, I'm still at work!). Maybe I can stay in the area for a little bit longer if there is more stuff going on.

Admitedly I have been to conventions but never souly Anime based. Mainly Film & TV collectors shows... I'm a bit of an old school geek! I'm just getting used to the Anime culture and while I needed a holiday I thought I'd get a con in as well!

I'm hoping to hook up with a friend that I know is going so stalking shouldn't be a problem... if not I'll blind them with my English wit! Har har!

Thank you once again for the welcome :)

[IamTetsuo]

Hmm advice for an international con-goer...

Well if you're just planning on sticking to downtown San Jose you won't really need a rental car, the public transport is pretty good.  But if you are visiting for time prior to the con a rental car would be a good idea, it'll let you see touristy things in places besides San Jose (don't forget to come to Santa Cruz and see the Boardwalk!).

Don't convert too many Pounds to Dollars.  The dollar is failing, so only get what you'll need for the trip because you'll get ripped off trying to convert dollars back to pounds.

Eat at Johnny Rockets, it's a cool 50's America dinner experience.

Have a good time!  This part is important. :D

[Evelle]

My friend and I are also staying an extra week since we are coming from out of state. San Francisco is a short drive away and there is lots to do around that area. We are planning on Alcatraz, the Winchester mystery house (we like ghosts) china town, the pier and Ghirardelli square. Plenty to do and see  :)

Oh and you shouldnt worry about your accent. Most Americans love them.

[Glitch]

Thank you for a reply - and by an admin no less!  :P

I shall check out the website when I'm back at home (egads, I'm still at work!). Maybe I can stay in the area for a little bit longer if there is more stuff going on.

Admitedly I have been to conventions but never souly Anime based. Mainly Film & TV collectors shows... I'm a bit of an old school geek! I'm just getting used to the Anime culture and while I needed a holiday I thought I'd get a con in as well!

I'm hoping to hook up with a friend that I know is going so stalking shouldn't be a problem... if not I'll blind them with my English wit! Har har!

Thank you once again for the welcome :)

you can also zap them with your dry british humor! Kidding ^^
But yeah, your accent wouldn't affect anything since san jose is already filled with international people. If anything, your accent makes us feel like the idiots. XD

[Kyokun]

You shower often and have a British accent? Oh, you're in for trouble ... :D

Seriously.  Showering alone would be a plus, but add the whammy of a British accent?  You might need to bring a baseball bat (cricket bat?) to keep everyone off of you. :D

If you're just flying in for the con, there's lots of places to eat around the con and cars are not necessary at all if you're staying on site.  And I see you have friends, so hopefully they will take you to all the cool places around the Bay Area, especially San Francisco.  May is a nice time to come visit--it's usually not very hot at all, and it should be nice and sunny. 

Hopefully you have a pleasant visit and you don't run into too many obnoxious-type Americans.  I suggest trying Mexican food (if you haven't already had good Mexican food) while you're here. (note:  Taco Bell/Del Taco/Chipotle does not count as Mexican food)

[Quinnykins]

Cor blimey, thanks for all that! Um... to summarise...

- I think I will hire a car. Mainly because I might stay at another hotel for the remaining time in the area. That and it gives me a little more freedom to do things..!
- I'm yet to confirm whether or not I am getting babysat by any of my local friends...
- I love Mexican food... oh so very good. Yum.
- And we do have baseball bats over here, though most people play rounders in school. Shorter plastic bat.

Thanks for all the pointers, and hoping that all goes well I should see you all at the event!

[LadyKaren]

- I think I will hire a car.

I think I love you.

Where are you from?

[otakuapprentice]

- I think I will hire a car.

I think I love you.

Where are you from?

el oh el.

small laughter aside, if you do want to do a bit of sightseeing, the car is the best option.

most people that go to fanime are a good-natured bunch, but as said previously, some good ol' folks seem to lose a wee bit of common sense.

Rovers and the group of officers that patrol the con are always the best help when you're having a problem with anyone.


oh, and one very good tip you must remember(besides showering, which is a good tip itself): drink water, and lots of it. i'm not sure if you have had (or seen people have)bouts of dehydration at the conventions you've attended over there in the UK, but its always good to carry a bottle of water with you.

[Reinna]

Most of any advice I would give has already been given.  XD

One of the important things, along with being well hydrated, is to have food.  Since food at the con is fairly expensive, and some of it warrants long lines to get to (the Maids Cafe - which I worked at last year - had a huge, huge line), it's a good idea to buy some food first if you plan on spending all day at the con.  Pocky and ramune, though delicious, do not a good breakfast/lunch/dinner make.

Wow, I feel like a hypocrite now, since I essentially lived on Pocky through the con last year.  >.>

Also, if you don't already know this, bring a camera.  And cosplay. ;D

[gmontem]

The previous poster suggested to cosplay.  Since there are plenty of non-anime cosplays at Fanime, I recommend you show up with an "H" on your forehead, especially with that British accent of yours.  ;)

[otakuapprentice]

LOL for trying to get him to go as Arnold Judas Rimmer(or just Rimmer, however you wanna say it).

[Glitch]

LOL for trying to get him to go as Arnold Judas Rimmer(or just Rimmer, however you wanna say it).

I thought our britaku was a she? (the info above our avatars makes no personal info safe from the public.muhaha! XD )

[Quinnykins]

- I think I will hire a car.

I think I love you.

Where are you from?

York (the original), England :D

And yes ^^ I am a female... well, I was last time I checked! I've cosplayed Red Dwarf a few times already - I'd prefer a new fresh challenge :D

[narutofan17]

Hi there!

I've had a bit of a read around and you seem like a friendly bunch.....! I just wanted to see what you guys had to say about international con-goers to Fanime. I've seen your tips for first timers and you advice is exactly what I would tell people coming over to the conventions I go to here.

However is there anything different for an Brit you might add? I already feel like an idiot in America with my accent but I have no idea about the area around the con - whether it's worth hiring a car, are people generally friendly etc etc.

And yes, I do shower a lot XD

Thanks for your help and advice though I am planning on staying in America for either the week before or the week after the con. Just to get some touristy things in/visit some friends.

LOL!!!! It's a learning experience. We all can tell you it's a wonderful place (because it really is well...because its FANIME!) but in the end its going to to be up to you either you enjoy yourself or not. We all see things differently. But too my knowledge I haven't got any complaints. I mean it will seem crazy at first because you have a bunch of otakus running around. It was for me when I went to the first time. lol So just come on down and experience something new.

[otakuapprentice]

LOL for trying to get him to go as Arnold Judas Rimmer(or just Rimmer, however you wanna say it).

I thought our britaku was a she? (the info above our avatars makes no personal info safe from the public.muhaha! XD )

whoops, i guess i didnt notice the little symbol there, XP.

since she's already cosplayed RD, anyone up for sum doctor who (is currently now addicted to it)?

[Quinnykins]

My cosplaying is restricted to what I can bring over on an international flight! One cosplay I've done involved a full dress of Chainmail. And I don't think I can take that on a flight XD

[Sen]

My cosplaying is restricted to what I can bring over on an international flight! One cosplay I've done involved a full dress of Chainmail. And I don't think I can take that on a flight XD

Check it in with your luggage.  :)

Will you be okay with driving on the right side of the road?

[Quinnykins]

My cosplaying is restricted to what I can bring over on an international flight! One cosplay I've done involved a full dress of Chainmail. And I don't think I can take that on a flight XD

Check it in with your luggage.  :)

Will you be okay with driving on the right side of the road?

Do you know how much chainmail weighs? The real stuff?! I don't think I can afford the luggage weight excess!

And you don't mean the right side of the road - you mean the wrong side of the road ;) I'll be fine. I can't wait to try my hand at driving in the states. As long as I don't get an automatic and as long as the car is a HUGE thing. Can't go to the USA and drive a pokey Japanese city car now, can I ? XD