Memwuz - 2018
Definitely a step up from 2017! BTW all the videos here are actually HD despite the fuzzy vidcaps.
Prague - Surreal Horse Statue of Jaroslav Hasek (near my AirBnb)
Prague Conference!
Day 1 - Thursday
My five day trip to Prague was an incredible experience all around. I was there for an academic-based conference in my area of research and that component of the trip was incredible. Exploring the city was equally amazing. I wrote a report on my trip and sent it to my parents. I have made a few edits here to remove certain insights that are highly personal.
I arrived on Thursday in the late afternoon. I had watched hundreds of tourist videos on a YouTube channel called “Honest Guide”. The videos provide information about scams and tourist traps as well as recommendations and instructions on how to get around.
Unfortunately, my flight had two transfers and the entire voyage was over seventeen hours. The first stop was Toronto where I had to move toward the next gate at Pearson for the flight to Warsaw. I had hours to kill so I phoned my sister who works for Pearson. I had just missed her! She was driving to pick up my nieces from soccer but we talked on the phone for over twenty minutes. It was a pleasant interlude.
The flight to Warsaw had a ton of elderly people and families with small children. I plugged-in and tuned-out any commotion or noise that would have been happening around the plane. I then arrived in Warsaw and had to move to the next gate. Fortunately, I didn’t have to check my bags so everything was with me. I had bought an adapter plug which charged my computer and cellphone while on the plane and later in foreign airports, at the conference hotels, and at my Airbnb lodging.
It wasn’t too long in Warsaw and the flight to Prague was very short. The Vaclav Havel airport is nice and one noticeable feature of flying over Poland compared with the Czech Republic is that the former has little water (no lakes or rivers), nor thick forests. The weather was nice when I arrived and during my whole trip it rained for literally five minutes. This was great because a week before the trip, the forecast from Canada had projected thunderstorms for only the days that I was going to be in Prague.
At the Prague airport I already knew which bus to take and where to buy my ticket for it (from the Honest Guide YouTube videos). However, the machine declined my VISA. I went into the info booth and my card went through there. The guy at the service desk was quite curt and rude with me. Later, I discovered that Czech people have a real problem in this area of hospitality, and it is pervasive even in the tourist locations. When it comes to courtesy and welcoming tourists the Czechs are far worse than the French!
My Airbnb host and I had a conversation about this issue one night during my stay and it is worth noting that the second language there was Russian and not English until 1989. Then five years later, Slovakia and Czech Rep. split up, but Slovakia embraced the EU while Czech Rep. did not (hence the use of their own currency instead of Euros). Slovakia has benefited and the minimum wage is higher as is the standard of living. I suspect that the Czechs are bitter and lash out at tourists accordingly.
I had my bus ticket and took the shuttle to the subway. I took the subway to a station that I knew was close enough to my AirBnb lodging. I arrived in the early evening and was exhausted from seventeen hours of travel. I had to walk down to a burrito shop of all places to get Wifi so that I could email the Airbnb host. He met me at the burrito shop fifteen minutes later. He gave me keys and showed me around. I unpacked and cleaned up a bit. I didn’t bother trying to make it to pre-conference events. Instead, I wandered through Prague from nine until midnight hoping to stave off jet lag.
The flight to Warsaw had a ton of elderly people and families with small children. I plugged-in and tuned-out any commotion or noise that would have been happening around the plane. I then arrived in Warsaw and had to move to the next gate. Fortunately, I didn’t have to check my bags so everything was with me. I had bought an adapter plug which charged my computer and cellphone while on the plane and later in foreign airports, at the conference hotels, and at my Airbnb lodging.
It wasn’t too long in Warsaw and the flight to Prague was very short. The Vaclav Havel airport is nice and one noticeable feature of flying over Poland compared with the Czech Republic is that the former has little water (no lakes or rivers), nor thick forests. The weather was nice when I arrived and during my whole trip it rained for literally five minutes. This was great because a week before the trip, the forecast from Canada had projected thunderstorms for only the days that I was going to be in Prague.
At the Prague airport I already knew which bus to take and where to buy my ticket for it (from the Honest Guide YouTube videos). However, the machine declined my VISA. I went into the info booth and my card went through there. The guy at the service desk was quite curt and rude with me. Later, I discovered that Czech people have a real problem in this area of hospitality, and it is pervasive even in the tourist locations. When it comes to courtesy and welcoming tourists the Czechs are far worse than the French!
My Airbnb host and I had a conversation about this issue one night during my stay and it is worth noting that the second language there was Russian and not English until 1989. Then five years later, Slovakia and Czech Rep. split up, but Slovakia embraced the EU while Czech Rep. did not (hence the use of their own currency instead of Euros). Slovakia has benefited and the minimum wage is higher as is the standard of living. I suspect that the Czechs are bitter and lash out at tourists accordingly.
I had my bus ticket and took the shuttle to the subway. I took the subway to a station that I knew was close enough to my AirBnb lodging. I arrived in the early evening and was exhausted from seventeen hours of travel. I had to walk down to a burrito shop of all places to get Wifi so that I could email the Airbnb host. He met me at the burrito shop fifteen minutes later. He gave me keys and showed me around. I unpacked and cleaned up a bit. I didn’t bother trying to make it to pre-conference events. Instead, I wandered through Prague from nine until midnight hoping to stave off jet lag.
*looking outside my AirBnb
I went through my neighbourhood looking for bars, but outside of the tourist areas it is strange. There are hundreds of bars and usually only one or two people drinking inside. Bartenders are rarely women. I kept going. I was near the very tall TV & Radio Tower which became a geographic marker for me. I reached a popular park up on a hill. Dogs are rarely on their leash and pitbulls don’t require muzzles! There were beer gardens in the park and they were very crowded and noisy. There was a famous hill where dozens of people were looking out onto the Old Town and palace areas of the city.
I kept walking thinking that I was heading for Old Town. I was going down a large boulevard looking at some of the shops. Everything was closed except for bars and restaurants. I found a few locations that I had on my to-see list. Nothing special though really. Prague has building facades and building height that remind me of Paris, but the bars inserted in at the bottom of the buildings actually remind me of London. There were even sections of this neighbourhood that reminded me of Philadelphia because of cobblestone roads and local squares.
I kept walking thinking that I was heading for Old Town. I was going down a large boulevard looking at some of the shops. Everything was closed except for bars and restaurants. I found a few locations that I had on my to-see list. Nothing special though really. Prague has building facades and building height that remind me of Paris, but the bars inserted in at the bottom of the buildings actually remind me of London. There were even sections of this neighbourhood that reminded me of Philadelphia because of cobblestone roads and local squares.
*The Dancing House
I felt like I was getting closer to the action and rounded a corner but was faced with the Dancing House. I knew from my research that the Dancing House was not actually in Old Town. I now opened my map which I didn’t need Wifi for. The map is through an app for my phone called “Mapy”. There are maps for the whole world you just have to download them to your phone when you have an internet connection, but then you don’t need to be connected to use the maps. This app was a necessary tool for getting around and proved invaluable. It tracked where I was and could set up location markers – I always knew what direction I was facing.
*Boat Hotel Matylda
Prague - The Dancing House at night
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The Dancing House is unique but once you’ve seen it you can move on. I started walking up the river bank toward Old Town. There was this really cool boat hotel and restaurant on the side. I kept going and eventually started weaving my way into Old Town. I reached Wenceslas Square. This is the central hub of tourist activity and there are African drug dealers everywhere at night trying to sell to single males such as myself. It was pretty annoying.
I had Czech krowns at this point because while I had been unpacking and cleaning up, my host, Jakub, had gone to an exchange office he knows and changed some of my Canadian bills. The conversion was perfect and I lost nothing on commission fees. I was considering a place downtown for dinner but was just exploring for now. The map on my phone helped me navigate. I discovered some spots that I wanted to return to later. There was a place called the Iron Gate Hotel and it has the Deer Restaurant beside it. I discovered it just through breaking off the winding roads of Old Town and heading into narrow covered laneways. This place was beautiful and I needed to see it in the daylight. |
I was getting tired and decided to turn back and head back to Jakub’s place. My last stop was a gas station near the Airbnb. I grabbed two large water bottles and then looked around. The older woman at the counter started yelling at me. I had no idea what she was saying and just ignored her. I grabbed an ice cream and then I paid. She shut up when I opened my wallet and she saw all the krowns. I think she had thought I was planning on running out with the water because I had been perusing so long. I got back to Jakub’s place and went to sleep. There was a choice of two beds in the large bedroom and a little couch. I slept on the pull-out because it was pretty comfy and closer to the window which was the only source of cool air. There was a pop-up closet to hang clothes in and it looked like my suit didn’t need pressing. Still, Jakub had grabbed me an iron from one of his other apartments and brought it when he gave me the Czech bills.
Day 2 - Friday
The next day I woke up very early and immediately headed toward the Hilton hotels. I decided to walk because I had time. The direct walk there is nothing exciting really and later I would use the trolley which took me from my Airbnb to a block from the Old Town Hilton. I got to the Hilton Old Town and found the reception area for the conference. I asked about badges and they told me that I had to go to the main Hilton (about a fifteen minute walk) to get my badge. I left my backpack with the concierge and the Hilton employees were very friendly. I headed out and it was easy getting to the other Hilton. Prague is kind of run down and it’s the hundreds of year old building facades and cobblestone roads and sidewalks that provide a charm which distracts you from some of the crumby aspects of the city.
The main Hilton is luxurious and ideal for a big conference. I found the badge pick-up and registration area on the bottom floor. I had to stand in a short line and there was no problem picking up my badge. I was given a public transport pass good for the duration of the conference. I was also given a conference program and luggage tag.
There was a great buffet at both Hiltons for the duration of the conference. I took advantage of this and some days had two meals from the buffet. The food was excellent and there was a lot of variety. I had some breakfast chicken pita wraps and a tea. I headed back to the Old Town Hilton. I picked up my backpack and got ready to attend my first conference event.
The main Hilton is luxurious and ideal for a big conference. I found the badge pick-up and registration area on the bottom floor. I had to stand in a short line and there was no problem picking up my badge. I was given a public transport pass good for the duration of the conference. I was also given a conference program and luggage tag.
There was a great buffet at both Hiltons for the duration of the conference. I took advantage of this and some days had two meals from the buffet. The food was excellent and there was a lot of variety. I had some breakfast chicken pita wraps and a tea. I headed back to the Old Town Hilton. I picked up my backpack and got ready to attend my first conference event.
*main lobby of the Prague Hilton
The game studies division is under 50 participants and they seem familiar with each other. Most are from China and the US. I knew of only one of the presenters: a professor from West Virginia that Mia has mentioned - Nick Bowman. These guys are all quant people which means I rarely run into their work. In fact, it was strange that our paper got in and that Mia went because quantitative methods are not really what she’s into or known for. It’s amazing how much respect she has though in the field of game studies. Everyone knows her and speaks highly of her work.
She was not at this panel which was mainly presentations for papers written by grad students. The supervisors often end up co-authors on the papers which has apparently actually led to controversy in that the ICA doesn’t have enough variety in attendees because the profs with a strong rep put their names on student papers and then all their students get into the conference. More on that later.
This first panel of presenters had been doing some interesting research but it is in what we call the effects model school of communications and that is something Mia has been outspoken against actually. It seems that these quant people recognize the limits of their methods and are now reaching out more to qualitative research people in game studies. So, it was ideal that I was there at this time. Also, last year’s conference was in San Diego and apparently it wasn’t very good! Go figure.
Although, these are quant people, they still subscribe to many risky ideologies about “progressiveness”, liberalism, and socialism. So, I remained guarded throughout the conference and watched what I said - the academy's soft sciences researchers can be irrationally hostile to those who put psychological freedom first and foremost (in other words, "free speech advocates"). I asked a few questions at the end of this first panel and was noted by others in the room. I knew that my questions were good because some of the questions I passed on were asked by professors in the room later on.
That panel was over at noonish and I’m pretty sure I ducked out right after. Usually, the reception and buffet area would fill up with those who had just presented or attended panels. I wanted to wait to establish that I was with Mia. I decided to walk back into Old Town and search out the Deer Restaurant that I had seen the night before.
She was not at this panel which was mainly presentations for papers written by grad students. The supervisors often end up co-authors on the papers which has apparently actually led to controversy in that the ICA doesn’t have enough variety in attendees because the profs with a strong rep put their names on student papers and then all their students get into the conference. More on that later.
This first panel of presenters had been doing some interesting research but it is in what we call the effects model school of communications and that is something Mia has been outspoken against actually. It seems that these quant people recognize the limits of their methods and are now reaching out more to qualitative research people in game studies. So, it was ideal that I was there at this time. Also, last year’s conference was in San Diego and apparently it wasn’t very good! Go figure.
Although, these are quant people, they still subscribe to many risky ideologies about “progressiveness”, liberalism, and socialism. So, I remained guarded throughout the conference and watched what I said - the academy's soft sciences researchers can be irrationally hostile to those who put psychological freedom first and foremost (in other words, "free speech advocates"). I asked a few questions at the end of this first panel and was noted by others in the room. I knew that my questions were good because some of the questions I passed on were asked by professors in the room later on.
That panel was over at noonish and I’m pretty sure I ducked out right after. Usually, the reception and buffet area would fill up with those who had just presented or attended panels. I wanted to wait to establish that I was with Mia. I decided to walk back into Old Town and search out the Deer Restaurant that I had seen the night before.
Prague - The Deer Restaurant and Iron Gate Hotel
It was a tremendous effort tracking down the restaurant because I had misread the signs the night before and thought it was the “Deer Hotel”. My map kept sending me to the Golden Stag Hotel which is actually very nice but not what I wanted. Finally, with the help of the concierge at the Golden Stag, I found the Deer Restaurant. I marked it on my map and headed out.
I sat down outside in an ideal location. This place is stunning and reminds me of Rome actually. I had a burger with sweet potato fries. A little raw but not overpriced at all. With a small bottle of ginger ale, the whole meal was under $15. I did a little reading to get prepped for the presentation which would be starting at 5pm.
I sat down outside in an ideal location. This place is stunning and reminds me of Rome actually. I had a burger with sweet potato fries. A little raw but not overpriced at all. With a small bottle of ginger ale, the whole meal was under $15. I did a little reading to get prepped for the presentation which would be starting at 5pm.
*The Deer Restaurant and Iron Gate Hotel
I headed back to the Hilton Old Town and did some more prep. I had already emailed Mia a few days before and we had organized some things. I had invited her to lunch but she said a drink after the presentation would work better. I saw her come into the hotel lobby but she told me that she had to go up to her room and get ready. I went upstairs into the buffet-reception area and later she joined me. We chatted a bit and then someone who recognized her from school came over to chat. It seems she couldn’t remember him at all! A nice little chat though and then it was time to go to our panel presentation.
We were part of a “high-density” panel which meant double the presentations compared to the usual panels and only four minutes for each presenter! There were question and answer periods after all the presentations. The presentation was a total non-event because Mia did the overview and literally there was one minute to gloss over the findings from each section of our paper. Still, our work seemed to excite the quant people who as I mentioned want to reach out more and work with scholars who use qualitative methods and are up on that literature. It really is two distinct subfields in game studies.
After the presentation, Mia and I spoke with other attendees and presenters. I talked a little bit about our paper and then Mia introduced me to the chair of the panel, a professor from Ohio. She seemed very impressed with me which felt great. In fact, during the conference my interactions were mainly with faculty and seldom with students but it wasn’t because I was being a snob, but simply that I was perceived as faculty! I guess this was the one time being "old" has worked out for me! When Mia introduced me during the presentation, she referred to me as her “awesome PhD student” – that was fun and a real shot in the arm.
My new suit helped with the impression of professionalism I’m sure! I will be following up with Teresa (prof from Ohio) and Nick (prof from West Virginia). I also spoke with some of the Chinese students who are easy to talk with because they don’t have the same kind of emotional and sexual anxieties that Westerners tend to suffer. All in all, it was a very productive session. In fact, earlier that day I was in the buffet area and got to know two very Chinese grad students from California. They weren’t in game studies but I may email them this week just to say hi.
After Mia and I were done with the panel, we went to find a bar together. I made a suggestion which worked out fine. We sat outside under umbrellas on a wide street where the foot traffic wouldn’t be annoying. Mia and I have never had this kind of one-on-one social time. We kept our conversation on things we have already established that we have in common and we didn’t really talk about work. We talked about her dogs and Star Trek mainly - fun topics for both of us. We might have been there for about an hour and then left. She wanted to go rest and I needed to head back to my place to clean up and change.
I went out later in the evening and found some places. That was Friday.
We were part of a “high-density” panel which meant double the presentations compared to the usual panels and only four minutes for each presenter! There were question and answer periods after all the presentations. The presentation was a total non-event because Mia did the overview and literally there was one minute to gloss over the findings from each section of our paper. Still, our work seemed to excite the quant people who as I mentioned want to reach out more and work with scholars who use qualitative methods and are up on that literature. It really is two distinct subfields in game studies.
After the presentation, Mia and I spoke with other attendees and presenters. I talked a little bit about our paper and then Mia introduced me to the chair of the panel, a professor from Ohio. She seemed very impressed with me which felt great. In fact, during the conference my interactions were mainly with faculty and seldom with students but it wasn’t because I was being a snob, but simply that I was perceived as faculty! I guess this was the one time being "old" has worked out for me! When Mia introduced me during the presentation, she referred to me as her “awesome PhD student” – that was fun and a real shot in the arm.
My new suit helped with the impression of professionalism I’m sure! I will be following up with Teresa (prof from Ohio) and Nick (prof from West Virginia). I also spoke with some of the Chinese students who are easy to talk with because they don’t have the same kind of emotional and sexual anxieties that Westerners tend to suffer. All in all, it was a very productive session. In fact, earlier that day I was in the buffet area and got to know two very Chinese grad students from California. They weren’t in game studies but I may email them this week just to say hi.
After Mia and I were done with the panel, we went to find a bar together. I made a suggestion which worked out fine. We sat outside under umbrellas on a wide street where the foot traffic wouldn’t be annoying. Mia and I have never had this kind of one-on-one social time. We kept our conversation on things we have already established that we have in common and we didn’t really talk about work. We talked about her dogs and Star Trek mainly - fun topics for both of us. We might have been there for about an hour and then left. She wanted to go rest and I needed to head back to my place to clean up and change.
I went out later in the evening and found some places. That was Friday.
*Unique taxis in Old Town
Day 3 - Saturday
On Saturday, again I woke up early and walked over to the main Hilton where I had picked up my badge the day before. There was a game studies panel of student papers and after there was a “business meeting” to talk about conference developments and plans of the game studies division for the future. All of that started at noon so I had some time to kill after eating breakfast at the buffet. I sat down in the lobby near the front of the hotel and Vivien (prof from Singapore) came and sat beside me. I saw Mia talking to her on Friday and had heard Vivien present some of her work in that panel. Vivien is actually coming to the school to work with Mia for a few months this year. We had a nice conversation and I may be able to work with her in the future on a game where she needs someone who knows narrative. Vivien left for a panel and I kept working on my computer in the lobby.
At noon I went to the game studies student panel. Also, at this point everyone knew that I was with Mia, although Mia didn’t attend anything on Saturday. I chatted with Nick before the presentations started. The student panel was fine. I didn’t have too many questions and actually decided to not ask anything. My best question was posed by another professor (Petra from Germany). After the panel and before the business meeting I chatted with Petra who I had met very briefly the day before. We got along very well and she gave me her card. We talked about the question we both had regarding the methodology for one of the presenter’s research, and then she showed me the game that she had been researching recently.
The business meeting started and I got to learn more about the inner workings of the conference. I think this is a perfect time to have been at this conference. The game studies division really wants to expand and reach out to new people… so in a way, I’m part of the first new people in that initiative. I sat and listened to everything and then made a comment about the possibility of reaching more scholars through the division hosting a game jam in the Fall. Nick liked this idea and commented back in front of everyone. I will follow-up with him on this idea.
Prizes were given out to some of the student presenters for their work. Some things were voted on and some new people were designated to position that required filling (like treasurer and vice-chair). Most positions required being faculty. As a noobie, I didn’t involve myself in this stuff. After the meeting I decided to head back over to the other Hilton to check out the buffet and then I wandered around Old Town some more. I made my way a little bit more south and discovered this little coffee shop in a courtyard called Cafe Neustadt. I had some food and a beer, and then headed back to Jakub’s place. The girls at that coffee shop were very friendly. I’d say half the Czechs were friendly and the other half not, but in Montreal, Toronto, or San Diego service workers are friendly 95% of the time, so it was still culture shock.
I rested for a bit and then went out and found some places again at night. That was Saturday.
At noon I went to the game studies student panel. Also, at this point everyone knew that I was with Mia, although Mia didn’t attend anything on Saturday. I chatted with Nick before the presentations started. The student panel was fine. I didn’t have too many questions and actually decided to not ask anything. My best question was posed by another professor (Petra from Germany). After the panel and before the business meeting I chatted with Petra who I had met very briefly the day before. We got along very well and she gave me her card. We talked about the question we both had regarding the methodology for one of the presenter’s research, and then she showed me the game that she had been researching recently.
The business meeting started and I got to learn more about the inner workings of the conference. I think this is a perfect time to have been at this conference. The game studies division really wants to expand and reach out to new people… so in a way, I’m part of the first new people in that initiative. I sat and listened to everything and then made a comment about the possibility of reaching more scholars through the division hosting a game jam in the Fall. Nick liked this idea and commented back in front of everyone. I will follow-up with him on this idea.
Prizes were given out to some of the student presenters for their work. Some things were voted on and some new people were designated to position that required filling (like treasurer and vice-chair). Most positions required being faculty. As a noobie, I didn’t involve myself in this stuff. After the meeting I decided to head back over to the other Hilton to check out the buffet and then I wandered around Old Town some more. I made my way a little bit more south and discovered this little coffee shop in a courtyard called Cafe Neustadt. I had some food and a beer, and then headed back to Jakub’s place. The girls at that coffee shop were very friendly. I’d say half the Czechs were friendly and the other half not, but in Montreal, Toronto, or San Diego service workers are friendly 95% of the time, so it was still culture shock.
I rested for a bit and then went out and found some places again at night. That was Saturday.
*Cafe Neustadt
Day 4 - Sunday
Sunday was the last day for game studies division talks. Unfortunately, a high density panel was scheduled for 8am and of course people are exhausted for a variety of reasons. The turnout was very good. I spoke with Nick again before the talks began. It was tricky in the morning because there was another panel on professional wrestling that I really wanted to attend.
So as soon as the high density talks were over and people were switching to discussion mode, I ducked out and headed over to the wrestling panel. I’m so glad that I did. I missed the talks for the wrestling but was there for the discussion afterward and I established my knowledge and interest in wrestling by asking some good questions. It was an amazing feeling to be part of a group that is totally obscure and barely recognized. There were only a half dozen attendees for the talks.
Afterward, I got to know the panelists and we went back to the buffet and talked some more. We then met up again in the main lobby of the hotel and talked again. I believe that the three of them (the panel chair and two presenters) may all be faculty at smaller institutions. I’ll have to check. Anyway, they are pushing to start a journal and already have a website. They invited me to collaborate and contribute some of the work I have already done on professional wrestling.
So as soon as the high density talks were over and people were switching to discussion mode, I ducked out and headed over to the wrestling panel. I’m so glad that I did. I missed the talks for the wrestling but was there for the discussion afterward and I established my knowledge and interest in wrestling by asking some good questions. It was an amazing feeling to be part of a group that is totally obscure and barely recognized. There were only a half dozen attendees for the talks.
Afterward, I got to know the panelists and we went back to the buffet and talked some more. We then met up again in the main lobby of the hotel and talked again. I believe that the three of them (the panel chair and two presenters) may all be faculty at smaller institutions. I’ll have to check. Anyway, they are pushing to start a journal and already have a website. They invited me to collaborate and contribute some of the work I have already done on professional wrestling.
*Beer Bike out of nowhere!
There was another panel at 11am for game studies and I asked a question which some people commented on later as having been insightful. I took a nap on a couch in the lobby before the next panel at 3:30pm. The talks were a mix of interesting and banal. Some of the research results only proved hypotheses that no one would have disputed in the first place.
There was a party for the game studies division but also three other divisions attending. It was at 7pm located at a pretty cool bar, called Fat Cat Brewery, just off Wenceslas Square. I showed up early and found Nick, his wife (also a prof.), some of his students and a few other people at one table. We were the first ones there. Within half an hour the place was swarming with people and the lineups for drinks were crazy. We had drink tickets but it wasn’t worth waiting in line. I’m glad I showed up early because I got a chicken burger and some free beers.
Mia came in and we chatted a bit and then she got in line for drinks and went to chat with some people she knew. I started talking to a woman named Amanda from our table. She is a prof in Holland. We were having a good conversation but she was getting really hot by being at the central table with the crowds all around. She said she was going back to her hotel but I suggested that we go for a drink together at a Cuban restaurant I had found earlier. She agreed and we walked over and then had a few drinks at the Cuban place. It was great. She is divorced and has a ten year old son. She is Brazilian.
We walked back to Fat Cat but she didn’t come in. She left for her hotel. I went back into Fat Cat and found Mia with some of the faculty. There were also tables of students but they were a little awkward around me. Perhaps, it was felt that I should be hanging out with faculty instead. So I did. Mia was talking with this guy who was super obnoxious – never stopped talking and not interesting stories! I just nodded and played along with everything. I chatted a bit with Mia and I gave her a gift which I had bought before going to Fat Cat the first time.
There was a party for the game studies division but also three other divisions attending. It was at 7pm located at a pretty cool bar, called Fat Cat Brewery, just off Wenceslas Square. I showed up early and found Nick, his wife (also a prof.), some of his students and a few other people at one table. We were the first ones there. Within half an hour the place was swarming with people and the lineups for drinks were crazy. We had drink tickets but it wasn’t worth waiting in line. I’m glad I showed up early because I got a chicken burger and some free beers.
Mia came in and we chatted a bit and then she got in line for drinks and went to chat with some people she knew. I started talking to a woman named Amanda from our table. She is a prof in Holland. We were having a good conversation but she was getting really hot by being at the central table with the crowds all around. She said she was going back to her hotel but I suggested that we go for a drink together at a Cuban restaurant I had found earlier. She agreed and we walked over and then had a few drinks at the Cuban place. It was great. She is divorced and has a ten year old son. She is Brazilian.
We walked back to Fat Cat but she didn’t come in. She left for her hotel. I went back into Fat Cat and found Mia with some of the faculty. There were also tables of students but they were a little awkward around me. Perhaps, it was felt that I should be hanging out with faculty instead. So I did. Mia was talking with this guy who was super obnoxious – never stopped talking and not interesting stories! I just nodded and played along with everything. I chatted a bit with Mia and I gave her a gift which I had bought before going to Fat Cat the first time.
*interesting pink building in the north end of Old Town
When Mia comes back from trips she always brings snacks for her students. So, I bought a fun box of Czech chocolates in a box that had Alphonse Mucha artwork on it. I found the chocolates in a fancy stationary shop beside an art gallery. I talked for almost an hour with a very cute and friendly pre-med student who was working there. She had exams the next day she said, so I couldn’t get her out for anything.
Mia appreciated the gift but wouldn’t open it in front of me. Mia can be stoic at times so I didn’t really think anything of it and I was clear when presenting it to her that I was giving the gift as thanks for her sponsorship and funding for me to attend the conference and that she could choose to keep the gift or share it at school. The artwork on the box was from Mucha’s Zodiac piece and I can’t imagine how that would be objectionable ideologically. I’ll cross my fingers that she liked the gift.
I spoke with one of the more senior professors (Kristine from Connecticut) and then Mia was ready to go. I decided to leave as well. So that was the end of Sunday night.
Mia appreciated the gift but wouldn’t open it in front of me. Mia can be stoic at times so I didn’t really think anything of it and I was clear when presenting it to her that I was giving the gift as thanks for her sponsorship and funding for me to attend the conference and that she could choose to keep the gift or share it at school. The artwork on the box was from Mucha’s Zodiac piece and I can’t imagine how that would be objectionable ideologically. I’ll cross my fingers that she liked the gift.
I spoke with one of the more senior professors (Kristine from Connecticut) and then Mia was ready to go. I decided to leave as well. So that was the end of Sunday night.
*a nice intersection in the north end of Old Town
Day 5 - Monday
Monday was my last day. There was no game studies stuff and I had a few panels that I could have gone to but decided to take the day to be a real tourist… I mean the kind Czechs really hate! So, I headed over across the river to where the palace is up on the hill. I walked around this area and was thinking about going into the palace but there was a big line and I thought it would probably be expensive. I found some spots that would have been nice to check out if there was more time. I came back down and across the Charles Bridge. I headed back into Old Town and over to the smaller Hilton. I grabbed some food and water.
*on the way to the palace area
*a restaurant to return to in the palace area (The Alchymist)
*close to the Lobkowicz Palace
*view from the Charles Bridge
While eating, there was a woman who came over around my table. She is a post-doc in England but lives in Estonia and is Estonian. Her name was Kaire and she was a mom with a three year old girl who she brought to the conference but left at the hotel nursery during the day. Her partner status is up in the air right now as the father is in London but Kaire doesn’t like London. Anyway, we talked for a while and her PhD thesis was on professional poker. We talked about that for a long time and then decided to go together to the big Hamley’s toy store to find a toy for her daughter.
I walked her back to the hotel after and then I did a little more walking around and looked for a gift for my parents and Tanya (who was taking care of Bear). In the end I did find some nice gifts. I can’t really remember how Monday played out completely and it feels like it went by fast.
I walked her back to the hotel after and then I did a little more walking around and looked for a gift for my parents and Tanya (who was taking care of Bear). In the end I did find some nice gifts. I can’t really remember how Monday played out completely and it feels like it went by fast.
*the sweetest smell drew me in off the street at the U Supa Brewery
*beside the U Supa brewery was an equally amazing smelling cake shop (CakeShop Prague)
Tuesday started early and I had my things packed the night before. I spent some time with Jakub Monday night also. We just hung out in the kitchen and talked for a bit. He’s a nice guy. Tuesday morning I didn’t really have trouble getting to the airport.
At the airport I had to check one of my carry on pieces because of the weight. I was crossing my fingers it wouldn’t get lost in transit. I went into my gate area passing through security at the gate itself. There were sniffer dogs and cops with machine guns. About twenty minutes before the boarding time everyone was asked to leave the area because someone who had left their flight through that gate hadn’t exited the airport yet. Anyway, we had to take some time to go through security a second time.
Otherwise, no hitches. The flight was very good and many empty seats. I could stretch out. A big plane. Lots of movie options. On the Warsaw flight I watched "Justice League" which was terrible. On the flight home I watched "I, Tonya" the Oscar Winning film about Tonya Harding. It was amazing!! You have to watch it. I also watched a stupid movie called "Geostorm" and re-watched Dodgeball with Ben Stiller. The movies occupied most of the flight time. Everything was a breeze when I touched down. I got on the bus and headed to the subway. I texted Tanya and dropped by her work to see Bear. I took him with me but Tanya kept my baggage and brought it to me after she was done at work.
One amazing thing was that on Monday evening I had walked down to a bar I thought would be open but then wasn't. I walked back to Jakub's and incredibly ran into a Finnish Lapphund puppy where the owner was just about to go back inside their apartment. Twenty seconds earlier or later and I wouldn't have had the encounter!
At the airport I had to check one of my carry on pieces because of the weight. I was crossing my fingers it wouldn’t get lost in transit. I went into my gate area passing through security at the gate itself. There were sniffer dogs and cops with machine guns. About twenty minutes before the boarding time everyone was asked to leave the area because someone who had left their flight through that gate hadn’t exited the airport yet. Anyway, we had to take some time to go through security a second time.
Otherwise, no hitches. The flight was very good and many empty seats. I could stretch out. A big plane. Lots of movie options. On the Warsaw flight I watched "Justice League" which was terrible. On the flight home I watched "I, Tonya" the Oscar Winning film about Tonya Harding. It was amazing!! You have to watch it. I also watched a stupid movie called "Geostorm" and re-watched Dodgeball with Ben Stiller. The movies occupied most of the flight time. Everything was a breeze when I touched down. I got on the bus and headed to the subway. I texted Tanya and dropped by her work to see Bear. I took him with me but Tanya kept my baggage and brought it to me after she was done at work.
One amazing thing was that on Monday evening I had walked down to a bar I thought would be open but then wasn't. I walked back to Jakub's and incredibly ran into a Finnish Lapphund puppy where the owner was just about to go back inside their apartment. Twenty seconds earlier or later and I wouldn't have had the encounter!
*A Finnish Lappie puppy!
It was great to see Bear and he’s looking great. Tanya came over after and I gave her my gift – red Absinthe. I think she liked it and Tanya, Oshun and I will probably meet up soon to drink the absinthe. I gave Bear a toy I bought in Prague - a plush beige crocodile. He keeps wanting to take it outside so I've had to retrieve it a few times to preserve it!
Wrap-up
The greatest disappointment of my trip was after I met an adorable Russian girl going home alone on Saturday night and I chatted with her. I asked her out to dinner for the following night and she agreed but then she did not contact me. I have learned to not be pushy with women in this day and age but it fouls a lot of things up. Clearly, there is a healthy space for courtship between easily triggered irrational feminazi and Trump pussy grab fodder - yet men are discouraged from exploring that area because the former accuse you of being after the latter when you have the misfortune of encountering them. I really felt like it might have happened with me and this girl. Her name was Diana and she is a university student studying Travel, Tourism and Hospitality. Ohhhhh, bummer.
SMH... Barberette the gender neutral barbershop
There were places that I didn't get to visit but was interested in. NaFilm (the National Film Museum) was closed for renovations, as was the National Museum. The Prague Zoo wasn't far but I did stay closer to downtown during my short visit. The Honest Guide videos at YouTube had recommended visiting Vysehrad for a pretty neighbourhood free from tourist swarms but I felt like going there alone would be boring. As mentioned, I was interested in entering the Lobkowicz Palace but the lineups were long. The Karel Zeman Museum was recommended to me by my AirBnb host and it was right beside the Charles Bridge. I did check it out briefly. I read mixed reviews on the KGB Museum so I skipped it but now regret that decision. I was right beside the Zizkov Television Tower every night and it would have been interesting to go to the top. There were a lot of activities I had interest in but not while traveling alone.
*Wenceslas Square
The Beer Baths sounded interesting but again, not as much fun when traveling alone. I did a little window shopping in Old Town, but like most downtown cities things are overpriced.
A photo for Joel of a cool hood ornament on one of the Old Town taxis
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A photo for Cam of a G-Star Raw store in Old Town.
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Another photo for Joel, this time of a Corvette outside the Old Town Hilton
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There are a few Absintheries in Old Town and I spotted one, but getting really drunk on my own sounded boring. The Honest Guide videos noted a pool hall and video game arcade bar, but again not much fun when solo.
*Powder Tower
Powder Tower
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Franz Kafka Monument
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Meanwhile...
While I was in Prague, Tanya took care of Sobek for me and he spent the week hanging out with his new buddy, Jack!
Prague Conference Prep...
A paper which I co-authored was accepted into the ICA and my supervisor and I are heading off to Prague for the end of May to present at the conference. I needed to get some new duds and these were the references I was using. Above is the outfit I picked.
Back in Montreal...
When I got back to Montreal, the city was abuzz with hype for the F1 racing at the Montreal Grand Prix. I went to the International Beer Festival (pretty local really) and then checked out Old Port and saw about a dozen McLarens, Lambos, and Ferraris. I took some photos for my buddy Joel.
Summer Daze...
So, I've kept the Prague trip at the top because it is pretty damn memorable, but the summer is going well also. I returned to Toronto for Canada Day and stayed for two months. I saw lots of friends and family. I started training my brother-in-law at the gym. Started seeing a real cutie who moved here from the Dominican Rep.. Also, I totally rebuilt this website! I'm hoping to get a lot of my favourite Toronto activities done this summer, but I have to watch the finances. That said, I believe that FanExpo is happening because my buddy Danny says he can hook me up with one of his guest passes.
Xmas Holidays 2017-18...
Rewinding a bit now... I was back in Toronto for December 2017, and the beginning of January.
Gods of Olympus...
I played GoO for all of 2017 really hardcore and then in January put together the final pieces of the newly-formed Legends alliance. My scouting work put us to number 1 in the alliance ranks for the game, but shortly after the core squad lost sight of the major goals we had discussed for the alliance. Not only did I leave Legends, but I stopped playing GoO. At the same time, I committed to using my experiences with the game as the object of study for my doctoral dissertation.
Sobek...
I have a whole pic and video page for Sobek my Finnish Lapphund aka Bear. This is some new content for the winter of 2017/18.
DYEL!
I was injured at the start of 2018 and really scared that I wouldn't heal up properly ever again. I was losing my gains from the gym week by week and my mood was affected severely. By March, I was getting into the gym sporadically for some light workouts. In April and now into May, I'm stronger than ever before and working out five days a week once more. It feels great.
Reading & Writing...
I've been working on my magnum opus, The Glass Doors. It is a fictional auto-biography which explains to laypersons about the experience of a certain type of condition which I call "Desperation Anxiety" but which is labelled and stigmatized as being a form of paranoid schizophrenia. As preparation for writing, I have been reading some books which serve as inspiration rhetorically. I re-read Animal Farm and Catcher in the Rye.
From J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye
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From George Orwell's Animal Farm
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Wayback...
I found this pic on Brendon's Instagram. It is a shot of my table from the 2015 Fan Expo.
