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I'm back! And in recalling the events of the past week I've realized that it will take several posts to even scratch the surface of events. Therefore I shall report in installments. Here's some of what I experienced on the first evening:
I arrived with just enough time to unpack and get settled in my room before dinner. Lal, davem and I had arranged to meet for the meal, and it was great to finally see them! They are both friendly, warm-hearted, and enjoyable to be with. It's hard to put a meeting like that into words - it's very different than meeting strangers, though seeing and hearing each other is a new experience, after having read so much by and about each other.
The big surprise of the opening ceremony was Priscilla Tolkien - her appearance hadn't been announced previously! Unfortunately, the room was too full, so we didn't get to see the Farmer Giles play, but went out to the campus pub with narfforc. He is a very funny guy, who kept us (and others!) entertained by telling us about his LotR parody - we had lots of fun! I took photos, so as soon as they're approved by the others, I'll try to get them online.
There was a late lecture by Verlyn Flieger on On Fairy-Stories; I was very impressed not only by her knowledge but especially by her as a person - she was humorous, and very patient and gracious with questions afterwards, even those I thought were inappropriate or stupid.
More to follow...
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'Mercy!' cried Gandalf. 'If the giving of information is to be the cure of your inquisitiveness, I shall spend all the rest of my days in answering you. What more do you want to know?' 'The whole history of Middle-earth.. .'
Last edited by Estelyn Telcontar; 08-20-2005 at 11:36 AM.
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