Williamsburg, Virginia
August 7 – 10, 2003
I just want to add my word of thanks to all the folks for the fabulous time at GG12. First, I really appreciated the invitation to attend and counted it a real privilege to get to come. I had met a number of the folks at the Oasis of Fun in Atlanta and so it was great to get re-acquainted with them, plus meet all the new folks. Of course, it was fun rooming with Stephen – and we sat up half the night talking about game mechanics, only to have my best idea shot down by Joe Huber in about 30 seconds!
As I drove back to Rocky Mount on Saturday night I thought of several words that organized my thoughts:
Facilitation – Greg & Company did a marvelous job of facilitating the entire event – the fantastic decorations, the medals & name badges, the very enjoyable Colonial Clash adaptation of Justice League, the tournaments, the food table(!), the facilities, the video game center for the kids, the prize table, and all the myriads of details that go totally unseen in order to make this work so perfectly. A huge thanks for all who contributed time, energy, and money!
Facilities – the great facility for gaming in a totally separate building(!) with our own lobby and restrooms – and the very convenient exit to our rooms. This place was designed for a gaming con.
Food – Unbelievable! I would like to know how many total pounds of M&Ms and Potato Chips were consumed! I could not believe the bottomless supply of goodies, drinks, etc. for four days.
Fun – of course, the games were great. In 60 hours I managed to play 30 game sand still eat and sleep! (Of course I did very little sleeping).The highlights of my gaming fun included the great BATTLE BALL game with Stephen Glenn (which I won 2-1); INTRIGUE with Michael Weston, Patrick Brennan, Ward Batty, and (oops, I forgot to write down the fourth player). This was a re-match between Michael and myself and he gained a bit of revenge by finishing ahead of me – though we both lost. Nevertheless it was great fun and for the most part we’re all still speaking to each other; and MINI FORMULA DE with Stephen Glenn, Magnus Lundgren, Sus Lundgren, Frank Branham, and me. Perhaps coming from dead last to win on the last turn of the game made this one a bit more exciting to me – but still, the game was much more fun than my previous experiences with regular Formula De. I could go on and on about the games – but these were the highlights for me. Quickly, let me add PUERTO RICO to the list because I just enjoy the game
Friends & Friendships Made – probably this was the best part of GG12. Putting faces to names I had read often in spielfrieks was great. It was especially great getting to know Magnus & Sus Lundgren (all the way from Sweden); and the Brennans (Australia)! Of course, I loved the Samuelson family. I had been ordering from them for some time – but now will probably move them to the top of my online store check list. And Tessa (as Dave Bernazzani suggested) was especially dear to my heart! But Dave, she also gave me a big hug when I left. In fact, I got three hugs as I left – one from Tessa, one from Magnus, and one from Greg! But I must confess, Tessa‘s hug melted my heart the most. Of course, I can’t leave out spending more time with Stephen Glenn, getting to know Alan Moon, and playing games with so many of you (you know who you are).A special thanks to the K-bans who made a special impression on me. I will not forget the great friendships cemented at GG12, and will look forward to future times with you. I will not be able to make it to Pensacola, but perhaps will be at Gatlinburg. I already can’t wait!