Avalon - the Event, part the second

[catspaw]

Next up, tea with the stars *g*. We were arranged in tables of eight, choice of tea or coffee, and a plate of cakes on the table. Very Brit *g* - cherry cake, chocolate cake and a lovely bit of madeira :-) At each place on the table was a little box with a glass/cup identifier in it, a beaded ring of wire with a charm attached. Mine was a little book :-) sazzle_02 got a miniature can of coke that now resides on her hoop earring *g*

It was a long wait for the two of them to get to our table, but we really couldn't grudge it. They were meticulous about spending time chatting and very intent on giving value for money. All in all, we had plenty of time for smoke breaks *g*. Still, eventually the great moment came, and they arrived at our table. Crikey moses, even closer this time :-D They started the ball rolling with asking folks where they had come from. It came round to me and I said, 'Scotland - Edinburgh.' And then proceeded to have an actual *conversation* with himself about motorways in the north LOL. He asked how long it would take to get there and I said about six and a half hours, more or less, it was only about 350 miles away (which may or may not be accurate - I'm an idiot when it comes to a) distance and b) directions *g*), but that the journey was pretty slow going through the border country because of the roads - meaning that the motorways run out. He asked, 'You guys have freeways, right?' Well yes, actually, darling - we're really *quite* civilised up here *g*. Just not motorways in the borders because there's hardly a bit of flat, non marshy land between Berwick and Edinburgh *g*. So he was treated to a description of the Moffat road, complete with hand movements *g*. But then I told him we'd flown, and he asked where was the nearest to fly to. Bristol, obviously, but we'd come in at Birmingham so we could be picked up en route. He looked a bit confused at that, so I added, 'sazzle_02 and yragg were coming from Wales, via St. H, and Brum was on the way so they managed to pick us up. And that was the best part of the lot - we got here for free! Score!' And he grinned and started talking to Feather. Crikey Moses, I actually had a comparatively rational, sensible, non fangrrrly convo with RICHARD DEAN ANDERSON!!!

Feather mentioned that her dad used to work in NORAD and AT said something about them having a sign there which said something to do with the way down to the stargate - whereupon Feather said yeah, that sign was on a closet door. *g* Something was said, I don't remember what, and Saz piped up with something along the lines of 'You know what? It's a TV program' whereupon they both hammed it up with 'sshh! Don't tell a soul' type comments. That was funny. Oh, and AT told a funny story about being in a room earlier on to rest up, or change, or something and there being a little door in the corner. They had a bit of 'should we? can we?' and decided to explore. The door led up windy little staircase to the Oratory, which was bedecked with all kinds of stuff, crosses and pictures and things on the walls. RDA made like he was using an intercom with one of the things hanging on the wall, saying 'Jesus to Oratory! Jesus to Oratory!' and they both giggled like loons *g*

Anyway - it was over too soon *g*. They had to move on, but they spent a good 15 minutes at the table, maybe longer. It was way cool, and no one made an idiot of themselves - always a possibility for me at least *g*. No Tourettes, thank goodness :-) But it was probably a close run thing *g*

Whew. Still with me here? On to the next bit then :-)

Comments

[orca-girl.livejournal.com]

Just want to tell you -- thank you so much for this loooooong, detailed write-up! It's the first I've seen on my flist, and I've been dying to hear how it went! It sounds like an absolute BLAST, and so far sounds just perfect, for you guys and for one of RDA's few con experiences. (I have to admit, having been to some cons, I was a little nervous on his behalf. But Britcons are usually so much better than American cons, anyway...)

And good on you, for having a "rational, sensible, non fangrrrly convo" with him. :D I think you were correct, by the way, about the time it would take to drive from Glastonbury to Edinburgh. I haven't driven from Glastonbury itself, but I've driven from the south up to Scotland, and that sounds about right for both the distance and the roads. (There's nothing quite like being in a rental car on some tiny B-road on the moors, in the rain, with dusk falling, and realizing the fuel gauge needle is just about on EMPTY, and wondering if you're going to find an open petrol station in that thing on the map that you hope to god is a real town...)

Can't wait to read the rest!

[catspaw-sgjd.livejournal.com]

Trust me, it was utterly, utterly *brilliant* (even allowing for a certan amount of fangrrrly, rose-coloured glasses *g*). Like you, I was a little wary about how it would go - but it seems to have been totally enjoyable, and totally respectful, at every session that I've seen reports of :-)

But, having now met the man, I really can't imagine anyone taking any liberties: he has *space* around him is the nearest I can get to it. He's not stand-offish, not by any manner of means, but I think he was a little nervous and he was definitely giving off a certain 'this close but no closer' vibe. He was happy enough to be there I think, but was keeping his distance in a way that the other guys in the show, and AT, just don't.

And I so hear you about the empty moors/empty tank thing: been there, done that. Only the once though *g*

[margec01.livejournal.com]

This sounds like such a well-run and genuinely worthwhile event. Like you said, it took them a while to get to you but you got the chance to really talk for a few minutes. Priceless! I'm happy for you that it turned out so well for all of you.

It sounds as if he and Amanda get on very well together as frinds who've worked together for years.

[catspaw-sgjd.livejournal.com]

It was well run - and although it was pricey, it was worth every damn penny. I'd have absolutely no hesitation about going to any GABIT event ever again!

Yes, he and AT do seem to be genuinely fond of each other, and quite touchy feely with each other too. In fact, at one point as I recall, someone asked him about bringing along his guitar and playing it and he said something to the effect of he hadn't played since, oh the last time he was at AT's house and playing along with her husband. It was very noticeable that she was allowed to be much closer to him than he was prepared to allow anyone else to be. Which says a lot, I think, about his sense of privacy *and* about the kind of friend he is when he trusts someone :-)

[perfica.livejournal.com]

It's so cool to get an insider's perspective on this. Thanks heaps!

[catspaw-sgjd.livejournal.com]

You're welcome :-) Don't miss today's entries - you'll see why when you check your flist ;-)

[perclexed.livejournal.com]

I'm absolutely loving the write ups of the event! The fangirl squee is coming through loud and clear, and I keep cracking up at the descriptions.

[catspaw-sgjd.livejournal.com]

Heh. The fangrrrl squee came through loud and clear on the day too - I swear, the man *surfed* into the room on an oestrogen wave ;-)

Glad you're enjoying though :-) I'm trying to put in as much detail as I possibly can :-)