Going to the Netherlands

[mikedx]

Well, I decided I couldn't wait any longer to see a BSG cast reunion.  I am attending:

www.screenheroes.com

which includes:

Terry Carter
Richard Hatch
Dirk Benedict
Herbert Jefferson Jr.
Anne Lockhart
Noah Hathaway
Felix Silla

I got plane tickets two weeks ago.  

Staying with some BSG fans in the Netherlands.  

Once in a lifetime opportunity, and I will be updating the saga of my poster.

Mike

[zankoku]

Get a kiss from Anne for us guys. You can get one from Dirk for the ladies<g>

Jim

[Lara]

Hmmm....

when people can't attend committee meetings they send proxy votes with those who can...

Would you consider carrying proxy fan appreciation to the TOS cast members you get to speak to on behalf of those of us who can't attend??...

I would very much appreciate if you would convey greetings and best wishes on my behalf to the only group of actors that I have ever got seriously fannish about..

Cheers,
Lara

[julix]

Mike...........
Congrats!  Have a great time.  You got the tickets two weeks ago, and we are just hearing about this?  Hmmm...........

[mikedx]

zan,

Get a kiss from Anne for us guys.

Sure hope so!  She was my first crush when I was 7.  

You can get one from Dirk for the ladies

Ummmm...that would really be taking one for the team!

Lara,

Would you consider carrying proxy fan appreciation to the TOS cast members you get to speak to on behalf of those of us who can't attend?

How about I thank each of them on behalf of the members of this website?

Julix,

You got the tickets two weeks ago, and we are just hearing about this?

Let me rephrase that.  I ordered tickets two weeks ago.  I had some problems getting the flight I wanted.  They ordered the cheapest flight, that had me missing more work and getting there at times that I didn't prefer.  I explained to them that I was willing to pay the extra $5.00 (yes, that's it) difference to leave from here at 6pm instead of noon (so I miss less work), only have a one hour layover instead of four hours, and get there at 10am instead of 7am (my friends don't get up too early).
Then there was getting the passport.  Though the gov website explained it well, I still had to jump through some hoops.  Including going to a post office to get my picture taken, and power was out for the whole town.  Needless to say, I had to go somewhere else.

Let me know if you have any questions to ask these guys (and girl).

Mike

[Lara]

Lara,

Would you consider carrying proxy fan appreciation to the TOS cast members you get to speak to on behalf of those of us who can't attend?

How about I thank each of them on behalf of the members of this website?

Sounds good to me!!
I think its great if they have some idea that for every fan who makes the trip there REALLY are many others who would if they could..

Thanks,
Cheers,
Lara

[julix]

so how are the plans comming?

[mikedx]

Plans...

Let's see.  The passport came in the mail Saturday, so that's a big sigh of relief that I got it in time.

I got one of those neat tourist books with pictures of the Netherlands.  Learning a lot.  Watched two 30 minute videos about the country from the local library.

I've been trying to find the best way to take money over there.  I can get Euro's from my local bank, but they charge $18.00 shipping.  I may end up taking travelers cheques for safety's sake, though the rate of exchange isn't quite as good as dollars.  They told me to take a credit card and get a cash advance in any ATM over there, but I sure don't want to take a chance of my card not working.  I believe the current exchange rate is approximately 20 euros = $25.00.

Just finished selling a bunch of stuff on ebay to pay for the trip.  

Working on getting presents for the fine Dutch folks I'm meeting down there.  One Dutch woman asked for a set of red and yellow plastic containers you see in diners in the movies.  She thought they were for ketchup and mayo.  I explained that the color matched the contents.  Red for ketchup and yellow for mustard.  

I got one of my old license plates for another guy.  He wanted a WV replica plate, but was very happy to know he's getting a real one.

I'm getting the friend I'm staying with's wife a piece from Fiestaware.  They are the bright, one colored dinnerware you see in the nice restaurants.  It's made only in Newell, WV.  That's as far north in the state as you can get.

Another guy wanted a Hooters girl, as they don't have Hooters over there.  I'm getting him a t-shirt instead.

For another guy, maybe get him 1 can of different American beers.  You can get American beer over there, but kinda uncommon.  I need to read about how much if any alcohol I can bring over.

They are warning me that I will have to try Dutch fare.  Includes Dutch fries (regular fries with mayo instead of ketchup) and raw herring.  But I'm looking forward to sampling Indonesian food which is plentiful over there.  I hear the Heinekin is on tap...

Mom gave me a full electric adapter from Radio Shack.  They are different from England.  Two round circle prongs.

The guy I'm staying with already has my poster and tube from Birmingham, so I'll pick that up and bring it to the con to get signed by Hatch, Benedict, Jefferson, and Silla.  I got a lobby card from Buck Rogers and will have that signed by Gerard, Grey, and Silla.  Then there is another con the week after that a friend will take and get signed by Tim O'Connor (Dr. Huer).

I might, might get something signed by Anthony Daniels (C3PO).  I did like Star Wars, but not really into auto's from the movie.  But he will be there and I'll probably never have another opportunity to see him in person.

Have to get some blue delft tiles or bowls to bring back to my mom and wife.  Also some Dutch dolls for my girls.  Perhaps some wooden shoes as well.

Leaving a week from Wednesday.  Will be sure to get lots of pictures and lots of stories to share when I get back.

Mike

[julix]

that sounds wonderful Mike..............
looks like you have all your bases covered.  Nice touch to get the hosts some presents.  I know you will have a great time.

[julix]

so are we gonna get updates while you are there?

[mikedx]

Julix,

I hope I'll have a chance to get to the internet and give updates throughout the weekend.

I will take a ton of pictures, keep a diary, and have one heck of a convention report when I get back.

Mike

[julix]

well,
I hope Mike is having a great time and when he gets back.................we should get all the scoop     Unless he runs away with Annie Lockhart  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:

[mikedx]

It's Sunday night.  Been a very busy weekend.  I interviewed Anne Lockhart, Felix Silla, Terry Carter, and Richard Hatch on Friday.  I got to be personal assistant to Anne Saturday and Sunday.  This was the first time I met her, and when I told her she was my first crush, she gave me a big hug.  She is 100% as nice and as sweet as you can imagine.

More later.
Mike

[julix]

You must be in heaven.............wonder if we will ever hear from you again :lol:  :lol:

[zankoku]

Better be pictures.

Hope the wife doesn't find out. <g>

Jim