I met a fellow BDer!!

[Nogrod]

It seems people tend to make descriptions on people they have met, so I thought of doing one myself as I’m pretty sure the girls will keep you updated with the events of our trip to the US. The people will appear in a loose order of meeting them… (heh, Lommy seems to have beaten me with the same idea… but who cares…)

Brinniel – I really loved her open and shiny personality when she visited us in Finland and without her caring devotion we would have missed a lot of things both in Boston and New York. And even if we had some disagreements in the end, we parted in love (realizing one is going to miss someone for good changes the mood in an instant) and I’m looking forwards to meeting you again. We love you Brinn! You’re special.

Kath – Oh my how I love her – and her delightful British accent (the girls kept using “Reelly-reelly” -phrase for a week after departing from her). You make my day, anyday! Open, fun, hilarious and easy to hang around with. A super-Brit.

Rikae – She doesn’t bring herself to the fore like many Americans do (in contrast to most Europeans) but she is just as loveable and ironic in real-life as in werewolf. Even if she is a bit bossy over Mac I do think they’re a perfect match. I would have loved to have a chance to talk with her more but there were a dozen of people around all the time and so little of the time… (this actually applies to more or less everyone we met in Geneva!)

Macalaure – If there ever was a decent human being, then Mac is one. I reelly-reelly love him: responsible, caring… and fun in his own way. It’s hard to make a difference between the two adjectives, but if Rikae is irony, then Mac is sarcasm… read it as you like.

Boro – A charming guy and a good man. I really appreciated his company and hospitality – and his college-lodging reminded me so much of the times I was in the Uni myself… And really, if this guy is single… with the wits and a general hang of things, what’s wrong with you girls?

Fea – An alpha-female with stress on all the good the term implies: self-confident, funny, friendly, flirty; you name it. Most easy to come by with and always a good company. And hey Fea, I learned driving the auto-gear car in the end! It’s just that one needs to break the habit of trying to pedal the clutch (which is brake in an autogear).

Wilwarin – Of all the people she reminded me of my High School mates (why is that, don’t ask me as I don’t know). A fun and hippie enough personality to my liking. There’s something innocent, cool and impulsive about her I really like. And I do love her smile.

Mirandir – She was one of the loudest people around but still one of those I had the least contact with. She felt very much at home at the company but I never had a chance to know her better. Good laughs, though.

Celuien – One of the most silent Americans I’ve ever met (which is not saying a lot). Also one of the persons I really feel bad not having a chance to talk more with – we have a history of writing the Mead Hall with our characters as close friends and their children as best mates, it would have been so much fun to discuss that, and everything. But maybe the next time?

Nienna - Another quiet person. She reminds me of Lommy’s & Greenie’s mother to an extent it feels creepy. And what goes to Celuien applies to her as well. It would have been great to get to know her better. But I got the feeling that she and Form is a good match indeed…

Bethberry – We met at the Niagara Falls and the first thing that comes to my mind is her concern if I thought Canada was overall like the Canadian side of the Falls (a town turned into an amusement park)… Don’t you worry, I have other sources of information and like Rikae said “who is the place for but the Americans…”. One more person I’d really have liked to know better. Maybe we’ll have the next round-trip in Canada?

Ibrin – The former moderator of the onering.com turned into one of the ‘Downers was just an amazing personality – and most hearty & hospitable. A tornado wrecking the area was no excuse for disallowing visitors. And despite her husband managing to buy a huge HD -tv, she seemed to be in charge of the house – and full of life lived & stories about it. An artist, a composer… a really interesting personality. You miss a lot if you don’t meet her!

Diamond 18 – Heh, the new hairstyle is soo cool and she’s cool anyway. Sadly the Mythbusters took so much of our time together… I was somewhat unhappy the little time we were allowed together. (Same goes to Oddwen) I think we could have made good friends.

Oddwen – A girl every young guy should be wild about! A bit shy but so lovely! I wouldn’t use the term “geek” but some might. Whatever, aren’t we all more or less geeks? Ibrin’s actually the worst what comes to being a nerd… she had her new iPad with her all the time, and all the gadgets they had! (actually they found a US compatible cord to our laptop and so we have nothing but praise for their kindness!)

McCaber – He spoke so fast… and smiled and laughed – and had the coolest convertible (although a Japanese one). I can still hear the ring of his laughter in my ears. And happily he was not the Joe – Jablonsky or whatever – we came up with in the first WalMart…

the phantom – He was so much alike his ‘Downs persona – and so far from it at the same time. Call it a contradiction if you wish. He was really one of the nicest persons I met on the whole tour. Honestly. You may dislike his BD personality (especially the werewolfers) but he is such a great and caring person in real life it just disarms everyone (with the exception of Lommy perhaps?). You’re cool, dude! I really appreciated your company and would love to meet you agin!

Shasta – I mainly knew him through werewolf and we had been more or less annoyed by each other’s playing styles, so it was great to meet him in person which kind of made me totally change my appreciation of him. He’s such fun and in-the-middle-of-things personality! I really wish him all the best in his career as an actor (you have what it takes!) – and heh, we saw “Next to Normal” before you!

Sally – One should have anticipated a person with an overriding sense of humor and caring but what Sally was just quadrupled the expectations! And she woke up early one day to go to the Wal-Mart to buy us a copy of Apples to Apples! (we bought an expansion-pack from NY) Need one say more? Love you Sally!

Mormegil – The girls were downright frightened to meet him but he was a most relaxed guy and a terrific father of a bunch of adorable kids – and we remember his wife with warmth. You all were just so hospitable to us and we really appreciated it! We were even a bit confused about all your apologetics… the time with you guys was great and we have nothing to complain, not even the quietness of the SLC downtown or the size of your house…

Alonariel – If I was twenty years younger and thus twenty kilograms (more or less forty pounds, like I was) less than I am, I would really had a crush on her and would have done all to get her as my girlfriend! Happily / unhappily those conditions do not apply and I will just say she was a really pleasant person I felt very easy to get on with… They sing about leaving your heart to San Francisco… it kind of makes sense, with the city itself as well.

Lariren Shadow – Nice, cool and fun to meet with. In some odd (sic!) way she reminded me of Oddwen. One of the persons I feel more time would really have made a difference!

Roa Aoife - Another one I think most ‘Downers are afraid of turned out to be a really sweet personality and just relaxed company. A dinner-meeting was fine and dandy: good food and nice company. In real-life she was in no way intimidating or scary but the opposite of it, even a bit hesitating and soo lovely because of that. God, I’d have wanted to share more time with her…

Craydon - He has played one werewolf-game so we’d have to count him as a ‘Downer as well. The first (and thus far the last) Iraq-veteran we have met – and so unlike the stories about depression and life-long syndroma’s the military personnel have according to the media. Even with a short meeting and really slight foreknowledge I really liked him. A good man he is.

Folwren – Our favourite RPG’er was a way nicer we could have believed (even if the expectations were high)! Despite the differences in metaphysical / religious issues we had a great afternoon with her at the summercamp and really enjoyed our visit there. And it was a great fun to meet the others at the camp as well. Love you, Foley! Really.

Inziladún – Thinking about meeting a cop from Alabama sent shivers to our spine but Inzil turned out to be an easy-going person we enjoyed the company of greatly. It was a short meeting but the food was excellent (fresh from the sea) and it was so good to meet him. Hopefully we have more time the next time. He’s not from the CSI, but he could be…

Mnemosyne – After all the logistical problems we had a nice afternoon with Mnemo – and it was good fun indeed: hanging out at Duke University student’s favourite café, climbing a Magnolia, playing Apples to Apples… (and she won it easily!!!) A nice day out in a good company. She’s just an adorable person not trying to make a number of herself but still being on to it all the time. Just plain lovely.

Rune – Our paths met once again – with the aid and despite the curse of lady Fortuna… He’s as fun and lovable as ever. After meeting with him a few times I like him more and more – even if we never talk politics all others seem to think we would do… Maybe we’ll change that as we meet the next time?

Encaitare – What a wonderful person! All positive, easy and adaptive… It’s just super-cool someone has that positive attitude and openness shared with an interest to know people – and to see what is in their interest. I really love her and praise her tact. Really. Thanks Encai for your company in NY!

[Mnemosyne]

I'll reply in detail more fully... (I think?), but for now I just have to say:

Originally Posted by Nogrod

Boro – A charming guy and a good man. I really appreciated his company and hospitality – and his college-lodging reminded me so much of the times I was in the Uni myself… And really, if this guy is single… with the wits and a general hang of things, what’s wrong with you girls?

He's in Ohio and we're not. :P

[Nogrod]

Originally Posted by Mnemosyne

He's in Ohio and we're not. :P

Well, go for it! It's not that far!

[Inziladun]

Originally Posted by A Little Green

Yay for Agan posting the Paper Telephone, and yay for everybody participating!

I'm just happy that I was able to produce something remotely interesting on such short notice. All those eyes upon me. Pressure!

Originally Posted by A Little Green

If any of you dearies ever consider having a vacation outside the US, you know where to go, eh? (A hint: Finland, Finland, Finland, the country where I quite want to be!)

When I get my European tour on the rails in the future Finland is certainly one of my preferred destinations.

Originally Posted by Thinlómien

One could think that meeting a police investigator from Alabama could be slightly scary, but again, Inziladun wasn't scary at all (well truth be told he's not scary on the 'downs either, at all).

Scary? Me? I'm just eccentric, that's all.

Originally Posted by Thinlómien

He made a lasting impression when he immediately recognised who is who (ok, telling Nogrod from us three girls wasn't probably difficult, but it was quite good he was able to tell which of us was which given that he's not on Facebook) and pronounced our names correctly on the first try. Also, he was very fun to have around and easy to get along with, and I liked him a lot (especially after hearing that he uses his work hours for ww!)

I have to confess that I had a good idea who was who from looking at the BD Photo Page previously.

And as for the last bit....shhh!!!

Originally Posted by Nogrod

Inziladún – Thinking about meeting a cop from Alabama sent shivers to our spine but Inzil turned out to be an easy-going person we enjoyed the company of greatly. It was a short meeting but the food was excellent (fresh from the sea) and it was so good to meet him. Hopefully we have more time the next time. He’s not from the CSI, but he could be…

You all really were a pleasure to meet and spend time with. There don't seem to be any active Downers in my neck of the woods. Suffice it to say that I can't imagine a first-time meeting with members of this exceptional forum to have possibly been more delightful. Thanks for coming round!

[Kath]

The belivability of Denmark over Finland is about the same level as the believability of the Fox News over BBC ...

Excellent! So she'll be coming to England first?

[A Little Green]

Originally Posted by Lommy

On a famous square whose name I forgot in San Fransisco...

Psst... it's Union Square!

Looking at the group photos, I figured that there is a striking similarity between Inzil and Agan if you ignore the difference in skin colour. Is there a family secret I haven't been told?

Originally Posted by Kath

Excellent! So she'll be coming to England first?

Wishful thinking, love. I have a way better solution in mind: she comes to Finland, and you and Rune can come too! Problem solved. I'm a genius.

[Inziladun]

Originally Posted by A Little Green

Looking at the group photos, I figured that there is a striking similarity between Inzil and Agan if you ignore the difference in skin colour. Is there a family secret I haven't been told?

I know on my father's side my European ancestors were English and Swiss. I know very little about my mother's forebears though. For all I know there might be Finnish blood there somewhere.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

OK, you travel-happy Finns - who's coming to Oxonmoot in September? Since I missed you in the States, I'd love to meet you there! After all, it's THE original Moot!

[Rikae]

Originally Posted by A Little Green

Psst... it's Union Square!

Looking at the group photos, I figured that there is a striking similarity between Inzil and Agan if you ignore the difference in skin colour. Is there a family secret I haven't been told?

Haha, I had the same thought!

I also seem to have a long-lost Canadian brother - which makes one of my Barrowdowns heroes... my mom?

Nog, I like your very observant commentary about everyone - I remember thinking when you were here that you had a bit of the air of a professor grading a presentation. I wish we had more opportunity to talk with you, though you seem to have given me a passing grade anyway!

Agan, Lommy and Greenie are three of the most lovely people I've met ... they have a wonderful blend of sweetness and naughtiness. Agan, who I always found a bit intimidating on the 'downs, I felt as though I could especially relate to; Lommy was very sweet and open (though she found everything disGUSting ), and Greenie reminded me of a wood nymph or some such mythological creature, communing with nature (I wish I had a photo of her in Watkins Glen - she looked as if she belonged there.)

Though the Finns stayed with us for a good while, I didn't get nearly as much time with them as I would have liked. Luckily, I'll be dragged to Germany some time in the next couple years, so I'm sure we can make it to Finland and see them again.

[Encaitare]

Originally Posted by Fea

Can I just say we are one darned attractive group of people?

Our brains and personalities don't matter; we're gorgeous!

I have to agree! Love all the photos, we really are just a devastatingly attractive bunch. The picture from Niagara falls is great!

You Finn-folk are just too sweet. Thank you for all your kind words.

So, now for my account of things... my one-to-one encounters with Lommy, Nog, Greenie & Agan were fairly limited before this. I think I played WW with a couple of them, and Lommy and I have been LiveJournal friends for some time, but there was never much direct interaction. I felt like I was coming in cold, but I have always had such positive experiences meeting BDers that I wasn't worried at all. Plus, Brinn was with them, and we've already met a few times, so I almost saw her as a little bridge to help us get to know each other.

Fortunately, we didn't need much help at all! Everyone struck me as warm, funny, and clever. On the first day, we did a lot of walking around various parts of the city. We hit the Museum of Modern Art, which I think everyone enjoyed a lot, and also made it all the way down to Wall Street and the South Street Seaport, neither of which I had been to before. We played Apples to Apples that night at the apartment, and I had a nice chat with the girls while Brinn and Nog went on a food/drink run. I really enjoyed just getting to hang out and talk, I wish we'd had a little more down time like that! Definitely next time, yes?

The second day, we took a nice walk around Central Park. Brinn was a great guide since she had worked there last summer, so she knew the nice places to go. It's such a beautiful park but I rarely spend any time there; it was great to enjoy the day and hear lots of musicians performing around the grounds. That evening we went for an Italian dinner -- when we were considering the restaurant, a man came out and sang the praises of its wine and olive oil, and I guess he thought my lack of response beyond a smile and nod meant I was foreign, and he asked me "Parlez-vous Francais?" I do not speak a word of French, and I don't know why he thought I might! Then he told me just how good the wine was, and said "I would use stronger language, but we're in front of your children." WHAT? This man was obviously crazy, haha. After the dinner we saw the Broadway show "Next to Normal," which I went in knowing nothing about but enjoyed very much.

It was a fun two days with some lovely people whom it was a pleasure to see again or get to know!

Also, I think there's something in the water in Finland that makes beautiful ladies! I'm surprised the tourism rate isn't higher.

[Oddwen]

Also -

Originally Posted by Nogrod

Oddwen – A girl every young guy should be wild about!

A subtle nudge the other way or something, eh? Covering all your bases, hmmm?

++NOGROD

(The Matchmaker sounds like a developable WW role, doesn't it?)

[Loslote]

Originally Posted by Oddwen

(The Matchmaker sounds like a developable WW role, doesn't it?)

It absolutely does! Every Night they choose two people to be pm buddies for the next 48 hours or something? ... I want someone to make this role now.

[Boromir88]

Originally Posted by Hilde Bracegirdle

Such a large number of wights so close, and I managed to miss them! I live just a tad north of Boromir.

Really! How come neither of us discovered this earlier? We'll have to rectify this having not met yet if you're up for it.

Originally Posted by Thinlómien

Last one of the Geneva-mooters I haven't mentioned is Boro. Now I'm happy to say that I got to talk with him almost enough and that we actually ended up making some kind of siblingly adoption plan... Anyway, it was great to meet Boro because before the Kent-episode I had a certain kind of picture of him and after it a different one, and I was kind of lost what kind of person this guy who I considered my friend was. Turned out he was actually the mixture of the old Boro and the new Boro I had in my head and it made me really happy, because I could finally clearly see who he was and also because I liked this real person a lot, even more than the two persons I had had in my mind before. (Ok, I'm aware this is getting rather in-depth. Won't continue ranting here anymore!) Anyway, to go on my adjective spree, Boro is both calm and funny, and smart and kind. I like him (although I guess I said that already!)

Oh just rant away, I know you want to, because I'm pretty sure we decided you were my big-little sister correct? Scolding me when I misbehave and act childish, but always have an open ear to my few moments of brilliant Dr. Phil-ing or encouragment.

Originally Posted by Nogrod

It was thought of in all love and brotherhood... and in all fun. And in all seriousness.

I mean the good ladies in this world miss a lot letting you go free.

No pressure for you, but to the more beautiful sex here...

Originally Posted by wilwarin538

Not that Boro isn't extremely fantastic and desirable. I just love the way Nog's pushing it.

You two are going to make me tear up...stop it! But seriously, I truly am honored you lot think so well of me to say I would be a worthy catch. Although, you should know Nog that the blame doesn't just go to the opposite sex, I do a fine job with the whole confidence and fear of messing up good thing all by meself.

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Originally Posted by Boromir88

Really! How come neither of us discovered this earlier? We'll have to rectify this having not met yet if you're up for it.

Sure, I'm near the Trumbull Co. & Ashtabula Co. border. I wish the The Hobbit movie was out, it would be great to see it with another Downer!

[Boromir88]

Originally Posted by Hilde Bracegirdle

Sure, I'm near the Trumbull Co. & Ashtabula Co. border. I wish the The Hobbit movie was out, it would be great to see it with another Downer!

Indeed, they need to get that thing moving! And that is quite close to me. Nienna and Form are stopping in Cleveland on the 19th and 20th. I'm taking them to one of my favorite places, perhaps you've heard of it...Melt? If you are available and able to on the 19th, you should come too. If you haven't eaten at this place, it's a must! PM me if you're interested and we can work out details.

[Valesse]

From deep within the depths of time, two barrow-downers appeared out of the mist...

Actually, we both went to an archaeological dig and in a random conversation about Lord of the Rings (and the discovery that we were both avid fans) Meela and I became wise to one another's "real life" guises... by way if, you know, asking "wait... what forum did you say you were a part of?" And much merriment was had.

We share a love for bunnies.