JERUSALEM 2010 One man's view of a Multinational ExhibitionTwo days came and went, much like a long-awaited weekend away without the kids. It was all just too quick.
I arrived in Jerusalem after a long 3-hour journey by Bus and Car. I could see the Exhibition Centre across from the Bus Station but the walk there seemed to take forever as the new railway line [not yet opened] made for a Long and Winding Road. But at least I got a glimpse of the trains to be.
For a Multinational Exhibition, it was poorly signposted. I knew where to go and what to look for, but what about all those who did not, those from abroad, from the participating countries, USA,China and Great Briatin? They may have ended up walking to the Old City and looking at historical sites instead of historical stamps !
The first sign I saw was just a few metres from the entrance...and how dull and uninteresting that was. [I have a pic, but it was so dull I decided not to post it in case you fell asleep
]. No flags, No notice of the show no nothing.
Things got worse.
I arrived at 12.00 Noon because that was the time stated on all the websites including the show website. No. "We open at 1.00pm" said the hostess on the door. Cue anger from the waiting throng.
Next I was accosted by two strange-looking gentlemen [dare I call them that?] claiming to be friends of mine.
The one on the left told me he was Seahorse but I knew there was something fishy about him. The other one was a Local lad. They both tagged along though when finally we were allowed in. My first impression was that they were not organized.
They forgot to take the sign down for the special guests !
I told an organizer about their error but he just looked at me blankly. Or maybe he just thought I should be a Rep or delegate !
It was quiet but well lit and set out.
The displays were amazing. I thought of Laswabbie when I looked at some nice pieces.
Israel Post were busy selling all the new items...
But the 'Make-your-Own' stamp Booth was quiet. This seemed a little odd to me as the this was the only source of the New Definitive [Flag
] with right Phosphor Band [tagging]. I guess they didn't know eh?
For some rest in between all that Knee bending, walking and Stamp Chat there was always time to send greetings to your mates...
....or have a light snack......
...then you could always go and see things vexillological where the opening ceremony took place. Of course, us mere mortals were not allowed to that Grand opening but at least the Flags of the participating looked appropriate.
If you wanted some ATM's, then you could wait your turn at the 'Doarmat' machine for lovely Knesset or Christmas Labels. It seemed that it was broken down much of the time
All in all, it was a nice two days. When I left and looked back, it seemd, somehow, better than it had done earlier.
Even the entrance was worth showing !
Londonbus1......Until the next Exhibition.
Posted 08/08/2010 2:47 pm
Jerusalem 2010 Stamp Exhibition, An Overview.
