Getting excited for the weekend already. Doing a new #Discworld related adventure. I’ve been to Discworld Conventions and fan gatherings in Ireland, England and even once in New Orleans. For the first time I’m going to one in Wales. The Llamedos Holiday Camp. This all started at #IDWCon @IDWCon a few years ago when Rachel and Jason of #DiscworldMonthly @DiscworldMonthly (now rebranded as #BetterThanAPokeInTheEye) announced a Welsh DWCon on April Fool’s day and a bunch of fans said… 1/
… ‘Shut up and take my money!’. They decided to do things their own way with the camp vibes and anyone who I’ve spoken to who has been thoroughly enjoyed. First year I’ve had the time and funds and spoons to go.
Wizards hat
Witches hat
Werewolf cards
Woggle - to be provided on arrival
Looking forward to meeting old friends and making new ones too. Discworld fans are a special bunch
#GNUTerryPratchett #Discworld 2/
Leg 1 of my journey - Shannon to Heathrow - slightly delayed but I have plans B, C & D ready if I miss some of the planned trains. Could have flown to a closer airport, but then the transport shenanigans would be on the Irish side rather than the UK side and there are more train/bus options that side of the pond. No sign of any fellow Discworld travellers yet - wearing IDWCon tshirt & carrying Shepherd’s Crown bag in case I find some en route 3/
#LlamedosHereICome #LlamedosHolidayCamp
Leg 2? 2B? 3? Undecided how I’m labelling the train part but have gone from Heathrow to Paddington, and now on the Swansea leg. Have added a copy of ‘The Last Continent’ to my #Discworld apparel. It’s one I haven’t re-read in years, I imagine I’ll get more of the Fourecksian humour this time having visited there a few times now.
My room mate is already at the pre-Llamedos fun in Llanelli, hoping the quiz goes on late enough that I’m not disturbing her rocking up on technically Friday. 4/
#Llamedos updates: Taxi driver had already had some #Pratchett fans earlier in the evening but also got in some #rugby chat (staying very near Parc y Scarlets, good reci for future Munster away trips) on the drive. Now awaiting my bus to the venue, pint of Brains in hand, and first fellow fan hugs achieved. Trying to explain the depth of affection between people who may never see each other outside these occasional weekends is tricky but it is so joyful to catch up. 5/
Also this is my first time in years being a newbie. I’ve been going to Discworld conventions since 2006, and a few Hogswatches too. Ended up running the Irish con for a while. And while new themes means there’s always something fresh or different about them there are also some traditions, structures, patterns and rituals. Familiar. Llamedos will have developed their own versions, and they’ll all be new to me. A treat to feel both like a veteran and a novice at once. #Discworld 6/
Day and a half of Llamedos complete, just the Sunday to go. Lots of fun, great mix of old hats and newbies (both like me who’ve done events but new here and those who are at their first ever fan gathering). The ‘camp’ activities and scout theme this year are both outside my realm of experience but thoroughly enjoying nonetheless. The creativity and helpfulness of #Discworld fans never ceases to amaze me. The memorial to Terry and fellow fans who’ve died was a lovely touch #GNUTerryPratchett
@shivers GNU TERRY. Delighted that you met an excellent friend of mine. Simultaneously sorry not to be there but rather glad not to be camping right now.
@Antiqueight It was fantastic meeting her and flattering to be part of a quest
Yes there are a few brave campers, I was lucky to find a room mate for one of the overflow hotels despite signing up late, and they’ve done a great job between hired coach and hotel’s shuttle bus getting people where they need to be.