Eurofurence 15 : the full report
Here it is my report for Eurofurence.
Tuesday :
My journey to EF started on tuesday at 6.00 AM. Unfortunately, my first train was cancelled (damn you, french trains!) but I managed to get my train at Strasbourg and my trip in Germany finally began.
The german trains are really great : no delays, no need to punch your tickets, you know the platform of departure and arrival months in advance and the DB employees are really nice/helpful with the passengers. The ICE (german high speed train) is very stylish, modern, and luxury specially in first class. Free chocolates and newspapers. It was really worth the price !
The german landscape never disorients me, I always feel 'at home' because germany reminds me very well my own area the Vosges/Lorraine in north-eastern France.
I arrived at Suhl train station at 3.30 PM and I picked up a taxi. I was at the Ringberg Hotel at 3.45 PM just to see that the registration just opened only few minutes ago. A lot of german furries were already waiting in line.
It was great to see again of lot of furs I know and to wave them while waiting. Finally, I just met titash and after a little problem at the hotel reception, I got my guest card and reached my room to unwrap my luggages and to take a well-deserved shower.
Back in the lobby, I took a walk in the hotel and outside. The EF Staff members were busy with the Main Stage and dealer's den was still empty. I choosed (first and last time) the famous XL EF burger with french fries and had my dinner outside. I was really hungry but I barely managed to eat this giant burger !
Then I jumped into my fursuit for to spread the Caribou madness ! Prancer met orthank_tauren and decided to take his revenge from the last year and Prancer poked him a lot, but the bad tauren poked again !
It was great to see a lot of people smiling, taking pics of Prancer, specially the hotel staff who wanted a lot of pics of my caribou during all the convention.
I finished the day talking in my room with titash almost till 3.00 AM about fursuiting, performing, pupettering and Eurofurence (EF 15 was the first convention for him).
Wednesday :
Nice to see that the weather is good on this wednesday morning. Back to swimming pool. Since last year, apparently they did some works in the pool. Ahhh, relaxing in fresh water !! ^^
Unfortunately, I missed the Frühstück.
The Daily Eurofurence is definitely an improvment this year, thanks to all people involved.
Lot of time to spend with furs this day. On the afternoon, Prancer was back in the lobby and had a lot of fun again.
BBQ started at 4.00 PM but most of french furs waited 5.00 PM before going to the BBQ.
Food was okay and the meat was surprisingly good. ^^'
That was great to chill out again with timduru and few other french/belgian furs.
nerfcoyote and crocodile just arrived few tables away: I can't believed that they were actually there when I saw them.
Just after the BBQ,
cheetah_spotty started the opening ceremony. EF 15 is now officially open !
Shortly after, I decided that Doctor Vector should check furries around. Don't mess with swine flu, specially in a furry convention !
Credit goes to
clx for this pic
He took his giant syringe and thermometer, his stethoscope and started chasing fursuiters and furs all around in the lobby and outside. I just hope he didn't scare too much people with his gloves, protective glasses and mask !
A lot of fun again !
Later, a lot of fursuiters were outside. I was really confused because some french fursuiters swapped their fursuits ! :D
I saw Jester the sergal performed by panzardragon for the first time.
gaz_a 's taxi just arrived and was welcomed by all the suiters there and Jester.
Unfortunately, Prancer's front zipper broke that night and forced him to rest into my room. :(
Thursday :
Nice weather again : we're definitely lucky this year. I got up early to go to the swimming pool, took finally my Frühstück while reading the conbook and planning my day activities. It's starting at noon !
aoi_the_kitsune fixed Prancer's front zipper really quickly during the morning : thanks to you Aoi, I owe you a beer !
Jumpstyle workshop : I always dreamed to learn this kind of dance. Many many thanks to Skiewuff & Sheppy to allow me to master jumpstyle ! keenora was also there in fursuit, beatboxing ! O_o
The next events "Meet the Guests" & "Behind the Mascots" were really interesting because it was interactive panels.
2_gryphon was also there,introducing Jimmy & Tony. Lot of interesting questions/answers/stories about "Pafcon", performing, etc...
Prancer was back again till the end of afternoon. I took quickly my dinner and at 6.00 PM, I started to wait in line to finally see Stage Fever ef-fing mighty delayed to 8.40 PM. :D
THE ANNOUNCEMENT IS A LIE !
Stage fever : good idea this year to introduce the performance with the Kalif of Suhlistan (rofl) and Aisha. Beheading can be fun, specially when you don't like Monthy Python's skits. :p
It was really dangerous to sit at the first row this year because of the many things throwed out on the attendees! ^^'
Some skits were hilarious, specially the boxing fight with Arex Husky and Brody.
We had also the pleasure to see again the 'RBW bunny', terribly wrong as always. :D
Tabbiefox and Keenora's live performance was really impressive too.
Fursuit Dance : Croc's 2 hours set was really nice. Prancer enjoyed it but unfortunately I saw that his thumb needed some repairs. Prancer was again forced to rest into my room. I took quickly a shower and I was right back on the dancefloor.
Then it was Kenai's turn. To be honest, I didn't really enjoyed his set. Too much hardstyle. I felt asleep very quickly and reached my room at 4.00 AM. I'm sorry Kenai. ^^'
Friday :
Again the Frühstück and conbooks reading, then I quickly did some repairs on Prancer's thumb in the lobby. Then I headed outside for the group photo. Never stand with a tauren in a group photo, because he'll ruin it, doing silly things behind you ! ^^'
rattie_cookie was really kind to sign up for me for the photoshoot, later this day.
Action not words : Croc told to the attendees how interact/communicate is important in suit and how to use a spotter/helper to his advantage. Fursuiting is not just hugging, waving, posing but it's also interaction with people. I will definitely push in this direction.
Credit goes to MisterWho for this pic
Fursuit Gameshow : I managed to attend to this event and I even ended on stage 'helping' Orthank & Titash. That was an EPIC fail but it was really fun too. :D
Unfortunately, I wasn't able to attend to 'Concept to Costume to Character' nerfcoyote 's panel. My photoshoot was planned at the same hour during the afternoon.
Photoshooting : the photoshooting staff was really nice, guiding you and offering drinks. I can't wait to see the pictures. Thanks also to
rattie_cookie for the help.
At the end of the afternoon, Camper, Blooper & Tyler showed up on the terrace. It was amazing to see them performing !
Pool Party (Charity Event) : that was a really really good time ! We definitely need to do this every year ! That was a lot of fun, playing with squirting guns, balls, and inflatable things with good 80's & 90's music. ^^
Thanks to all the people who made this possible.
VERPISS DICH !!
Uncle Kage vs. 2 : the story of Gunther was freaking hilarious. *evil laugh*.
And as 2 said, remember to "eat babies" ! I would love to see these amazing guys on TV, they simply rock on stage !
André at the bar had help from 2 the renting Gryphon when the "free beer time" came. I never drink alcohol or beer usually but I really enjoyed this one. ^^
Saturday :
We had a really sunny morning with not-too-warm weather, just perfect for the fursuit parade ! ^^
Credit goes to MisterWho for this pic
Fursuit Parade : Wow, that was a lot of fursuiters ! Fortunately, not all the attendees were in suit so we had a lot of pics/videos taken. Prancer didn't fall in the stairs, hurray !
Why mascots matters : Jimmy Chin told us his experience about Critters by the Bay and professional mascotting. We heard again interesting stories. Pro mascotting is definitely another world. ^^
I wish we could have in France that kind of performing group.
At 4.00 PM, I saw near the entrance Camper, Blooper, Avery, Tyler and Tabbiefox doing some silly poses. Amazing characters ! ^^
Shortly after, Croc started his last panel.
"Is daddy happy ?"
I suit, therefore I am : Croc told us about character creation, consistency. It's the next step after fursuiting and it's all about bringing a character to life, with his own personality and story. Croc tolds that he considerates himself as a parent when he talked about his characters. I totally share this point of view since I'm in the fandom. It's great to hear that from another performer.
First and last time we saw the rain, at the end of the afternoon, refreshing the air...
I just had the time to take my dinner and I was waiting in line for the next main stage event in my arabian outfit. These Berber scuffs are really comfortable !
Pawpet Show (Operation Desert Storm): this year we had again a nice story (and I understood everything this time.) That was great to see Mika still alive on his wheelchair. Rachida with his AK-47 was so cuuuuute. She's my favorite character this year. ^^
After the show, all hotel staff was on stage, they were very touched by the acceptance speech of Cheetah and the BBF's video. "Goodbye Ringberg Hotel !"
Big Blue Dance : that was one hell of a dance ! I didn't feel tired at any time and I only stopped dancing to go to the bar, refueling and danced till the end at 07.00 AM. You made it again BBF !
Sunday :
I slept 3 hours and then I spent most of the morning packing up my luggages. During the afternoon, most of fursuiters go to the town, so I had my chance to perform with regular guests in the hotel.
It's was great to practise/interact with old people and children during almost all the afternoon !
During the convention, I discovered that Prancer is very ticklish, likes to eat hats, he's very shy with women and (specially) with kids and sometimes even touchy. I didn't expect that at all ! ^^' I'm really happy to be able to bring a character like Prancer to life. I'll train harder to enhance my skills in performing/dancing.
And then...
...the last night at the Ringberg fell on us...
Dead Dog Party : It's started really fine (except for the swiss cheese thing :p) but I felt the PCD coming very fast after midnight. I thought that "We'll have to leave soon and say goodbye to the Ringberg Hotel for the last time." Bad bad mood, OUCH !
Credit goes to MOW for this pic
Fortunately, Prancer just arrived and saved my day (or my night), Yippee Coyote was also there and my caribou had an amazing photoshooting at the reception desk ! He reached finally my room at 02.00 AM really happy. ^^
Monday :
I finished to pack my luggages and then I said goodbye to other furs and the Ringberg hotel.
"Auf bald, Ringberg Hotel !"
My taxi leaved the hotel at 11.00 AM and I got my train at 12.24 AM. After a flawless journey, I was finally at home at 10.30 PM.
Pros :
- VERY interesting panels about performing
- great staff (hotel & EF)
- pool party
- 2 fursuit lounges
- interacting with regular hotel guests
Cons :
- last time at the Ringberg hotel (the amazing scenery and the hotel staff will miss me)
- lack of time to eat or relax a bit between panels
- small room (specially for 2 fursuiters)
Full gallery of pics : fursuit.timduru.org/search/FurryCon/EuroFurence/EF15/,Vector_
Mirror : media.furcon.de/Eurofurence/ef15/Vector/tn
Tuesday :
My journey to EF started on tuesday at 6.00 AM. Unfortunately, my first train was cancelled (damn you, french trains!) but I managed to get my train at Strasbourg and my trip in Germany finally began.
The german trains are really great : no delays, no need to punch your tickets, you know the platform of departure and arrival months in advance and the DB employees are really nice/helpful with the passengers. The ICE (german high speed train) is very stylish, modern, and luxury specially in first class. Free chocolates and newspapers. It was really worth the price !
The german landscape never disorients me, I always feel 'at home' because germany reminds me very well my own area the Vosges/Lorraine in north-eastern France.
I arrived at Suhl train station at 3.30 PM and I picked up a taxi. I was at the Ringberg Hotel at 3.45 PM just to see that the registration just opened only few minutes ago. A lot of german furries were already waiting in line.
It was great to see again of lot of furs I know and to wave them while waiting. Finally, I just met titash and after a little problem at the hotel reception, I got my guest card and reached my room to unwrap my luggages and to take a well-deserved shower.
Back in the lobby, I took a walk in the hotel and outside. The EF Staff members were busy with the Main Stage and dealer's den was still empty. I choosed (first and last time) the famous XL EF burger with french fries and had my dinner outside. I was really hungry but I barely managed to eat this giant burger !
Then I jumped into my fursuit for to spread the Caribou madness ! Prancer met orthank_tauren and decided to take his revenge from the last year and Prancer poked him a lot, but the bad tauren poked again !
It was great to see a lot of people smiling, taking pics of Prancer, specially the hotel staff who wanted a lot of pics of my caribou during all the convention.
I finished the day talking in my room with titash almost till 3.00 AM about fursuiting, performing, pupettering and Eurofurence (EF 15 was the first convention for him).
Wednesday :
Nice to see that the weather is good on this wednesday morning. Back to swimming pool. Since last year, apparently they did some works in the pool. Ahhh, relaxing in fresh water !! ^^
Unfortunately, I missed the Frühstück.
The Daily Eurofurence is definitely an improvment this year, thanks to all people involved.
Lot of time to spend with furs this day. On the afternoon, Prancer was back in the lobby and had a lot of fun again.
BBQ started at 4.00 PM but most of french furs waited 5.00 PM before going to the BBQ.
Food was okay and the meat was surprisingly good. ^^'
That was great to chill out again with timduru and few other french/belgian furs.
nerfcoyote and crocodile just arrived few tables away: I can't believed that they were actually there when I saw them.
Just after the BBQ,
cheetah_spotty started the opening ceremony. EF 15 is now officially open !
Shortly after, I decided that Doctor Vector should check furries around. Don't mess with swine flu, specially in a furry convention !
Credit goes to
clx for this pic
He took his giant syringe and thermometer, his stethoscope and started chasing fursuiters and furs all around in the lobby and outside. I just hope he didn't scare too much people with his gloves, protective glasses and mask !
A lot of fun again !
Later, a lot of fursuiters were outside. I was really confused because some french fursuiters swapped their fursuits ! :D
I saw Jester the sergal performed by panzardragon for the first time.
gaz_a 's taxi just arrived and was welcomed by all the suiters there and Jester.
Unfortunately, Prancer's front zipper broke that night and forced him to rest into my room. :(
Thursday :
Nice weather again : we're definitely lucky this year. I got up early to go to the swimming pool, took finally my Frühstück while reading the conbook and planning my day activities. It's starting at noon !
aoi_the_kitsune fixed Prancer's front zipper really quickly during the morning : thanks to you Aoi, I owe you a beer !
Jumpstyle workshop : I always dreamed to learn this kind of dance. Many many thanks to Skiewuff & Sheppy to allow me to master jumpstyle ! keenora was also there in fursuit, beatboxing ! O_o
The next events "Meet the Guests" & "Behind the Mascots" were really interesting because it was interactive panels.
2_gryphon was also there,introducing Jimmy & Tony. Lot of interesting questions/answers/stories about "Pafcon", performing, etc...
Prancer was back again till the end of afternoon. I took quickly my dinner and at 6.00 PM, I started to wait in line to finally see Stage Fever ef-fing mighty delayed to 8.40 PM. :D
THE ANNOUNCEMENT IS A LIE !
Stage fever : good idea this year to introduce the performance with the Kalif of Suhlistan (rofl) and Aisha. Beheading can be fun, specially when you don't like Monthy Python's skits. :p
It was really dangerous to sit at the first row this year because of the many things throwed out on the attendees! ^^'
Some skits were hilarious, specially the boxing fight with Arex Husky and Brody.
We had also the pleasure to see again the 'RBW bunny', terribly wrong as always. :D
Tabbiefox and Keenora's live performance was really impressive too.
Fursuit Dance : Croc's 2 hours set was really nice. Prancer enjoyed it but unfortunately I saw that his thumb needed some repairs. Prancer was again forced to rest into my room. I took quickly a shower and I was right back on the dancefloor.
Then it was Kenai's turn. To be honest, I didn't really enjoyed his set. Too much hardstyle. I felt asleep very quickly and reached my room at 4.00 AM. I'm sorry Kenai. ^^'
Friday :
Again the Frühstück and conbooks reading, then I quickly did some repairs on Prancer's thumb in the lobby. Then I headed outside for the group photo. Never stand with a tauren in a group photo, because he'll ruin it, doing silly things behind you ! ^^'
rattie_cookie was really kind to sign up for me for the photoshoot, later this day.
Action not words : Croc told to the attendees how interact/communicate is important in suit and how to use a spotter/helper to his advantage. Fursuiting is not just hugging, waving, posing but it's also interaction with people. I will definitely push in this direction.
Credit goes to MisterWho for this pic
Fursuit Gameshow : I managed to attend to this event and I even ended on stage 'helping' Orthank & Titash. That was an EPIC fail but it was really fun too. :D
Unfortunately, I wasn't able to attend to 'Concept to Costume to Character' nerfcoyote 's panel. My photoshoot was planned at the same hour during the afternoon.
Photoshooting : the photoshooting staff was really nice, guiding you and offering drinks. I can't wait to see the pictures. Thanks also to
rattie_cookie for the help.
At the end of the afternoon, Camper, Blooper & Tyler showed up on the terrace. It was amazing to see them performing !
Pool Party (Charity Event) : that was a really really good time ! We definitely need to do this every year ! That was a lot of fun, playing with squirting guns, balls, and inflatable things with good 80's & 90's music. ^^
Thanks to all the people who made this possible.
VERPISS DICH !!
Uncle Kage vs. 2 : the story of Gunther was freaking hilarious. *evil laugh*.
And as 2 said, remember to "eat babies" ! I would love to see these amazing guys on TV, they simply rock on stage !
André at the bar had help from 2 the renting Gryphon when the "free beer time" came. I never drink alcohol or beer usually but I really enjoyed this one. ^^
Saturday :
We had a really sunny morning with not-too-warm weather, just perfect for the fursuit parade ! ^^
Credit goes to MisterWho for this pic
Fursuit Parade : Wow, that was a lot of fursuiters ! Fortunately, not all the attendees were in suit so we had a lot of pics/videos taken. Prancer didn't fall in the stairs, hurray !
Why mascots matters : Jimmy Chin told us his experience about Critters by the Bay and professional mascotting. We heard again interesting stories. Pro mascotting is definitely another world. ^^
I wish we could have in France that kind of performing group.
At 4.00 PM, I saw near the entrance Camper, Blooper, Avery, Tyler and Tabbiefox doing some silly poses. Amazing characters ! ^^
Shortly after, Croc started his last panel.
"Is daddy happy ?"
I suit, therefore I am : Croc told us about character creation, consistency. It's the next step after fursuiting and it's all about bringing a character to life, with his own personality and story. Croc tolds that he considerates himself as a parent when he talked about his characters. I totally share this point of view since I'm in the fandom. It's great to hear that from another performer.
First and last time we saw the rain, at the end of the afternoon, refreshing the air...
I just had the time to take my dinner and I was waiting in line for the next main stage event in my arabian outfit. These Berber scuffs are really comfortable !
Pawpet Show (Operation Desert Storm): this year we had again a nice story (and I understood everything this time.) That was great to see Mika still alive on his wheelchair. Rachida with his AK-47 was so cuuuuute. She's my favorite character this year. ^^
After the show, all hotel staff was on stage, they were very touched by the acceptance speech of Cheetah and the BBF's video. "Goodbye Ringberg Hotel !"
Big Blue Dance : that was one hell of a dance ! I didn't feel tired at any time and I only stopped dancing to go to the bar, refueling and danced till the end at 07.00 AM. You made it again BBF !
Sunday :
I slept 3 hours and then I spent most of the morning packing up my luggages. During the afternoon, most of fursuiters go to the town, so I had my chance to perform with regular guests in the hotel.
It's was great to practise/interact with old people and children during almost all the afternoon !
During the convention, I discovered that Prancer is very ticklish, likes to eat hats, he's very shy with women and (specially) with kids and sometimes even touchy. I didn't expect that at all ! ^^' I'm really happy to be able to bring a character like Prancer to life. I'll train harder to enhance my skills in performing/dancing.
And then...
...the last night at the Ringberg fell on us...
Dead Dog Party : It's started really fine (except for the swiss cheese thing :p) but I felt the PCD coming very fast after midnight. I thought that "We'll have to leave soon and say goodbye to the Ringberg Hotel for the last time." Bad bad mood, OUCH !
Credit goes to MOW for this pic
Fortunately, Prancer just arrived and saved my day (or my night), Yippee Coyote was also there and my caribou had an amazing photoshooting at the reception desk ! He reached finally my room at 02.00 AM really happy. ^^
Monday :
I finished to pack my luggages and then I said goodbye to other furs and the Ringberg hotel.
"Auf bald, Ringberg Hotel !"
My taxi leaved the hotel at 11.00 AM and I got my train at 12.24 AM. After a flawless journey, I was finally at home at 10.30 PM.
Pros :
- VERY interesting panels about performing
- great staff (hotel & EF)
- pool party
- 2 fursuit lounges
- interacting with regular hotel guests
Cons :
- last time at the Ringberg hotel (the amazing scenery and the hotel staff will miss me)
- lack of time to eat or relax a bit between panels
- small room (specially for 2 fursuiters)
Full gallery of pics : fursuit.timduru.org/search/FurryCon/EuroFurence/EF15/,Vector_
Mirror : media.furcon.de/Eurofurence/ef15/Vector/tn