Date: Thu, 28 Aug 2003 15:07:33 -0400 (EDT)
From: "Keith F. Lynch" <kfl at KeithLynch.net>
To: WSFA members <WSFAlist at KeithLynch.net>
Subject: [WSFA] Torcon
Reply-To: WSFA members <WSFAlist at keithlynch.net>

I'm posting from the Internet lounge at Torcon.  So far, the con is
rather disorganized.  I spent much of yesterday and this morning
helping with setup.  Moving stuff, and then more than half the time
moving stuff back the other way because it turned out to be the wrong
place.  Some authors have complained about being scheduled to two
events at the same time.  Program books weren't available until this
afternoon.  Souvenir books still aren't available.  There was no air
conditioning in the convention center during setup, making everyone
but me very uncomfortable.  (The convention center is basically a
giant greenhouse, and it's been clear and sunny.)

But since I don't mind warm temperatures, and mostly don't go to cons
for the programming, I don't mind.  My only complaint is about the
insane hotel prices, and the difficulty of finding crash space.

Mike Walsh let me shower in his room.  I really needed a shower after
doing hours of heavy lifting and moving in a very warm convention center.

I was confused about the train schedule.  I thought I'd arrive
Wednesday, but I arrived Tuesday, having slept not at all on Monday.
I got crash space for Tuesday night, and got about seven hours sleep.
I couldn't find space last night, so I just stayed up.  I hope I can
find something for tonight, as I hate to miss two consecutive nights'
sleep.

Also yesterday, I explored the amazing network of connected underground
passages, skywalks, tunnels, etc.  It's as complicated as any
geography in any video game.  I walked over ten miles without setting
foot outside once.  I also found that it is just barely possible
to get between the hotels and the convention center without going
outside, but it isn't easy, and it isn't worthwhile, since it involves
walking about a mile rather than three or four blocks.  It involves
going through the train station, crossing two different skybridges
over the same railroad tracks.

I haven't yet climbed the CN tower.  They charge a lot, but I think
that's just for the elevator, and it's free to walk up.  If so, I'll
do the latter, but only if I'm sure I can take a shower and put on
clean clothes right after finish touring it.

There's a good view of Mars at night, and of Lake Ontario in the day.
--
Keith F. Lynch - kfl at keithlynch.net - http://keithlynch.net/
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