What I Learned At My First Comic Con

Sooooo out of my element.

Okay, I made it to my first Comic Con. Honestly, this isn't my genre and I was totally out of place.  I might like Makeup Con or Dress Con or Shoe Con, but Sci-fi and comic book characters are usually off my radar.  I was fortunate enough to have a shoot down in San Diego on the first day of the Con, so I decided to head on over after we wrapped.  It was timed perfectly since I had a few friends speaking on a panel that I wanted to attend and I would still have time to walk the floor to check out all of the chaos.

Here is what I learned from the 7.5 hours I spent at Comic Con 2012:

1.  Crowds and Chaos:  I shot a quick video (Like 39 seconds short. Watch it!) of the floor for a friend and you can see how there is barely any room to move on the convention floor.  This was on a Thursday.  Can you imagine what Saturday looks like?

2.  Shoes:  I figure I walked about five miles in my few hours at the Con.  Ladies, this is not the day to break in a new pair of heels.  You walk a lot, so bring your most comfortable pair of shoes you own whether that is a pair of flats, sneakers, or your Crocs. (This is the only time I will ever recommend a pair of Crocs. Ever.) I wore my favorite Repetto flats and I was a happy girl.

3.  Cosplay:  Yep, you will see lots of costumes, wardrobe, and props at this show. It's hilarious, wondrous, and overwhelming.  In fact, people made fun of me for bringing my giant purse instead of a backpack (I don't own a backpack!) yet it is totally normal for a grown man to be dressed like Facebook. (Look at the photo!)  I couldn't even see my friends on the panel because My Little Pony was sitting in front of me.  (See photo below to witness the yellow pony with a pink mane.)

Overall, I was glad I attended to finally see what the Con was all about. I had fun socializing and supporting my friends, but I am not sure if this will be an annual trip for me.......but just watch, I'll be back next year.  That's what everyone is telling me.  

My Top 3 Travel Tips

It's no secret that I travel a lot for work.  Two weeks to a month on the road are not uncommon for me, so it's always important for me to be comfortable when I am away from home.  On my recent trip to Paris, I realized I needed to amend some of my U.S. travel rules.  Here's what I learned:

1.  Luggage:  Take your big suitcase and put it back in the closet.  If you are going to Europe, chances are you will be taking a lot of public transportation.  It is easier to drag around a medium to small-sized suitcase versus your big, oversized American suitcase.  If you wind up buying lots of gifts and go overboard on the shopping, then you can buy an extra bag for the trip home.  I wish I had my medium suitcase after lugging my big suitcase through the umpteenth train turnstile.  I always like a gym workout, but not with my suitcase as my dead weight.

Yes, there will be a shoe post coming soon. I bought 3 pairs in Paris and these are the beautiful Repetto shoes I coveted. 

2.  Shoes:  Unless you are going on a 5-star vacation, leave your Carrie Bradshaw heels at home.  Pack your flats and your sneakers and get ready to hike around the city.  Don't decide to break in your new shoes on the trip, you will regret it later.  In fact, my flats didn't even make it home from Paris.  They were so worn out by the end of the trip that I threw them out.  I left my flip flops in China in 2005 and my sneakers in Costa Rica in 2009, it's a good way to make room in your suitcase for the trip home.

3.  Sleep:  My trip essentials always include my sleep mask, a travel blanket, and ear plugs for a restful sleep.  I travel way too much and I find it is easier to make it dark, quiet, and cozy with these three items.  I don't need to go into the germ factor about hotel blankets, so bring your own.  It's small and easy to use at the hotel and on the plane.  The best eye masks and blankets are made by Nap and are available at any Brookstone store. (According to a Sherman Oaks Brookstone employee, they are discontinuing this line. Be sure to stock up while you can!)  My earplugs were purchased in a value pack from CVS.  If I lose a set, there is always a back up available.  Some hotels have thin walls, so you will appreciate a little soundproofing from time to time.

Those are my top 3 travel tips from my recent jaunt to Paris.  I did really well with Tips #2 and #3, but failed miserably with Tip #1.   Do you have any good travel tips to add?  Share them with me in the comments below: