Another week, another walk down the memory lane.
Moving ahead from the year 2008, the third public AD meetup I attended was held in London in 2011. I think it was initiated by Jhen of the original Stormwind City Watch? Much like Tardon, she was a rather well-known individual in the community at the time, which helped people take the leap to partake in such an initiative.
Arriving in London on a Friday eve, I remember spending time with a Danish player who was fortunately more versed in traveling in the noodle soup that is the London underground. Did a bit of late night roaming in the city, enjoyed an impressive limbo act on the street, gorged on paella, explored the multifloor M&M’s store.
The meetup itself took place the next day, starting at the London Zoo. We were graced with excellent weather for outdoor activities. I think doing something active helped break the ice with people one hadn’t met before, too.
Judging from the photos in my yellowed folders, this gathering was slightly smaller than the previous two, numbering around eight or nine people. I don’t remember feeling it though, given the overall warmth and loveliness of the group. It was a good size to easily talk with everyone present.
While I’m laughing at some of the goofy photos we took, being mindful of people’s privacy despite the time that has passed, please behold this lush greenery and magic-infused jellies instead.
The London Zoo is so big we couldn’t possibly see everything without annihilating our feet. While I’m not a huge advocate of zoos in general, it was reassuring to learn the place is part of ZSL, a global conservation charity, that spends resources on education and research to help endangered species.
Later in the evening, we headed to Nando’s for dinner. The food was delicious, yet little did I know the evening would end up in ugly tears.
Fortunately, there was only one of us breaking down. To be honest, the mere smell of the sauce made me tear up too. And the person poured that thing all over their food. To this date, I don’t think I’ve witnessed anyone downing so many pitchers of drink afterward or seen anyone so blazing red in the face. Bless their brave soul. I hope their taste puds weren’t charred forever.
After Nando’s, I think a few headed home while others, myself daringly included, were intrigued by a thing called “nightlife” to finish the day on a lively note. Ended up someplace pulsating with live music. We danced, and the energy grew until the sudden realization we had a circle of people around us watching. Instead of being chased out with rotten tomatoes, thankfully, upon leaving the joyful chaos in the late hours, the place’s manager passed me a card inviting us to return and dance once more. Alas this Cinderella had a plane to catch the next day!
Occasionally I wonder if the place still exists; the photo I have of the card is so tiny I can’t read the text. Anyone recognize the logo?
I remember the trip with warmth. Yet for the next several years, I don’t remember anyone organizing more real life meetups. Stay tuned for the next story though, which will focus on the first rendezvous in the northern vicinity.