Oh you can all bet your shimmery-little-pokemon-trading-cards that I'm freaking hyped about today's events. Why? Because I finally (note the word 'finally') got to attend an actual Anime Convention!!

*whoots about her minuscule apartment room*

Yes, I've been wanting to experience what one of those was like for myself for quite some time now. Those who know me well enough, should definitely know how true this statement is. And now that I've actually been in one, all I can say is...

I FREAKING NEED TO GO AGAIN!!!!

Honestly, three hours isn't exactly enough to let a person cover everything. In fact, it's a far cry from it. Plus the convention - otherwise known as Manifest - was somewhat out of the way. Meaning Cal and I had to take the train out of the city center area to get to the Melbourne Showgrounds (where the event was being housed). Of course, it only took us around say 20-30 minutes, give or take, for a one-way journey. And that's even probably because we had to switch transportation to a tram along the way--following a Tifa cosplayer and some kimono-wearing girls so as not to get ourselves lost XP

Thank goodness we tailed the right people.

Just check out the on-the-day entrance registration line we had to wait in (don't really know if anyone can see a line though--it was more of a curve XP).

It was $30 to get in (steep huh?), but hey, I didn't plan on riding that train and the tram after it for nothing. Which reminds me, I still owe you money, Cal!

Anyways, once we were registered they gave us these really cute identification tags with a grinning school-girl chibi picture and the word 'Saturday' (the day, duh!) printed on it; as well as a big, white...(what, goodie bag?) each. And honestly the only two thoughts in my head at that moment were, respectively: "Cool!" and "Do they give these in Malaysia too?"

Yeah, know me well enough? Obviously the first character cosplayed of the day I just had to whip out my camera for--psst! No idea who the girl-in-green-with-a-frying-pan is, anyone?

Yeah, he kindly turned my way~ Lol! (I'm being hilarious people! XD)

And here's a view for the inside of the Activities Hall--the place Cal and I spent most of our 'short' time there. Oh how we loved the many stores and the items they had for sale on display~

Here's a little sample from one of the stores:

Hats, bags, plushies, etc. Cal was more into figurines and manga and stuff. Me? I literally just jumped after anything 'cute'. Heh, and now I'm thinking of the title Ame-chan has so graciously bestowed upon me.

Either way, we both got one or two things we wanted--Cal got his tiny figurines while I got something cuddly to hold and some...new ears? (lol!)

In all honesty, the only disappointing thing about attending one of these events (to me at least) would have to be the limitations money imposes on us. I am so going to work hard. How else am I going to quench my other-worldly thirst for the Anime Realm...

Hmm...Anirealm! (utterly random XP)

Well, back outdoors (where the wind was being a total big-fat grouch) there were more stuff going on:

Cosplayers as Light and L from Death Note. Absolutely heart the awesome wings~

This was really entertaining. Japanese drums are so the way to go.

Then there was this Battle Royale thing going on. The guy in the center of the above picture was swinging around this long spear or something, and there are girls behind him with swords and stuff. Yeah, they're in school uniforms. Really didn't get to see much of this though as they moved elsewhere after a short demo.

By the way, at some point of this whole she-bang Cal and I did end up eating Takoyaki (octopus balls--do not laugh XP) to quell any hunger. Why of all things Takoyaki? Well, I couldn't exactly eat their curry (Muslim, remember?). Wasn't going to risk the Soba either--who knows what they put in that sauce? Besides, the lines were freakishly long and the Takoyaki one was shortest. Need I say more?

The last thing we ended up doing before deciding we really had to get home before dark was watch an anime screening. The anime we watched--probably because it was the only one on at the time that Cal hadn't watched before--Toward the Terra (which now that I recall it, is a pretty good anime--do watch if you haven't! It'll make you really think about race and the sorry effects of misunderstandings from one race to another).

Cal and I caught a tram all the way back from the showgrounds after that. Wish I could have sat through one of the panels though (also wish they sold something chocobo-ish *sighs*). Alas, reality keeps on calling and we as beings living in it have to answer that call eventually. Still, it is always those few casual slips away from it that make me the happiest.

Here:

My first memories of attending an Anime Convention (Manifest): the bag and freebies (inside--technically their not 'free'), the identification tag, my cuddly little Mokona plushie from Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle, and Chi's ears from Chobits (haha, I'll go as a Persocom for Halloween)!!

So now when I miss my cat I know what to hug~ *grabs her Mokona!* XD

PS: To those it may concern--have a nice fasting month! ^_^