s e v e n i s a j o u r n e y

So, while Tizona was in the vet hospital, we got to go on our planned vacation to Canterbury Faire. This is the largest SCA event held in NZ, and is quite fun. This is only the 3rd we have made since moving to NZ, we have missed 3 others due to “agriculture” getting in the way. We are hopeful that by trying to schedule all alpaca births well away from the first week in February we should be able to continue making it to future events.

This year they moved to a new, longer format for the event, with it running a full 7 days. It was quite nice, as there was plenty of time for everything, and you could sit back and relax. There were  a few scheduling SNAFUs, as far as I was concerned, as too often heavy fighting and rapier and archery would be scheduled simultaneously. I guess they don’t expect people to do more than one combat form.

The size of the event, above 240 people, is really close to perfect. It is big enough for lots of fun events, but small enough to have that “village” feel where you can get to know everyone at least by face. The rudeness that arises from anonymity at the really big events was lacking, and when everyone is friendly it improves the overall atmosphere immensely.

The meal program was struggling to feed everyone who signed up, but they managed. We have to be sure to sign up for that early in future years, I would not want to have to provide food for myself at the event, it would suck up way to much of my time.

I also discovered that being able to give good back rubs (with strong farmer hands) makes you a lot of friends. At one point I had a queue of 14 people waiting their turn. It has been suggested that I actually take some classes, and I might just this winter. It was also pointed out that if I put out a tip jar I could probably pay for my event fees that way. A definite possibility…