The Hilton in Niagara Falls isn't as great as you'd think it would be. Impressive, yes, with it's fluffy beds and glass-enclosed pool (with a twisty slide!) but the housekeeping was (searching for a nice way to put this) dreadful, and the service severely stunted.
The company I was keeping, though, made up for the broken pen left in the tub* and wine-soaked sheets left on the bed for a second day and no washcloths in the room.** With a vengeance.
I've never laughed so hard for so long. Or met such a bunch of sparkly people.
Random House (woot!) sponsored a cocktail party to kick things off, and we all received copies of the new book The Gargoyle - I'm hoarding mine for the weekend, when I can disappear for a few hours with this very cool and pretty freaky book. (Yes, of course I'll tell you if it's wonderful.)
There was much carousing and giggling and getting to know one another, late into the night.
The next morning, we had a round-table discussion of what blogging meant to us, the hows and whys of we began to blog, the bloggers that weren't there that we considered close to our hearts. The Hilton's internet service faded in and out (not so impressive, since they'd known we'd be coming for months and the wi-fi for the conference room had been specifically ordered) but the mood was upbeat and fun.
Later we toured a winery with an excellent guide and ate many cheeses and drank much wine, then went off to the Hard Rock Cafe for supper. I managed to have a serious political discussion and not alienate anyone (altho' I think I blurted out a bit too much) amidst the babble of the crowd - then it was back for more craziness (now with extra wine!) and some side-splitting laughter.
Then the weekend was over, and it was time for BFF....to be over.
I'm so glad I went. Even if the pen I swiped from the conference room did break and run all over my purse. Small price to pay, to spend time with so many neat people.
*We don't know either. But it was there when we checked in.
**Lovely new towels. Just no washcloths.
17 comments:
How fun! I'm glad you were able to go.
Sparkly people.
What a great way to put it. I share the same sentiment.
Yeah, I'm not so impressed with the Hilton - especially considering the price. We had a lovely view of the construction being done to the hotel, though. Maybe that's what we paid for? Blithely Babbling said that the DoubleTree down the street was really nice - maybe we should aim for that one next time.
And yes - thank god for the wonderful people, it made it all REALLY worthwhile.
It's nice that you were able to get away and spend time with your friends, in a beautiful setting, even if the hotel sucked.
As is common on message boards, We Want Pictures! Especially since you take such lovely ones!
My goal is BlogHer next year, but gosh, this sounds like it was a blast, too!
Don't forget the lack of vacuuming, at least in Blog Chocolate's room - there were wine corks on the floor from the night before. Lovely. *rolls eyes*
The wine corks and stained sheets certainly added to the ambiance. I especially liked the annoyed note left by the housekeeping staff.
Thank goodness for you and all the other sparkly people. Must move you closer ... our time wasn't long enough ... I need that kind of deep belly laughter more often!
I am such a dufus, all along I thought you were going to visit your "Best Friend Forever" DUH!!!! Silly me!
Holy Crap. I'm not sure how you did it but for the first time I'm feeling like maybe I might just possibly consider going next year. BUT only if I'll be safe in the company of sparkly people like you...
maybe...
The wine on the bedsheets took the cake!
I'll bet it was GREAT.
Quietly drooling here....sounds like a lot of fun!
I have not laughed as hard aas we sdid that night for a very very long time.
Yes, for the price it was NOT a great place. The company more than made up for it though!
And, as the other side of the political conversation at the Hardrock, you didn't say too much. I think I did, though. Heh... Although I was a sentimental Hillary supporter, it's Obama all the way. Time for the post-boomers to take charge!
I want a drunkfest with bloggers. ;-)
I swear, the more expensive the hotel, the less impressed I am with everything, other than possibly the comfort of the beds.
Great to meet you! :)
i forgot about that pen. Strange. I am so glad you came though and we got to be roomies!!
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