Well yesterday was interesting.
Even though I had just updated my GPS, it tried to take me across a 290W entrance that currently doesn't exist. When I got to the show, I discovered that the local police/fire had scheduled a fire drill for 10am... the exact time the show was supposed to open. The dealers were NOT happy with that turn of events.
When the doors opened at 10:20, there were about 80-100 collectors waiting to get in. Over the course of the day though, it seemed that attendence was fairly sparse, and overheard a few dealers mentioning it. I hope attendence is better today and tomorrow.
The hall is one where the temperature is VERY dependent on the outside weather; no direct air conditioning, just giant fans pulling air from other parts of the complex that are air conditioned. Two years ago, with the outside temperature in the mid 90s, it was an absolute sauna. Really great for stamps. Last year the outside temperature was only in the low 70s, so the hall was pleasant. This year, with the temperature in the mid-80s (and today supposed to be quite a bit warmer) it was fairly unpleasant depending on where you were in the hall. It was spotty. Some tables were comfortable, where others were not enjoyable in the least.
I had emailed about 15 of the dealers ahead of time with my wantlist, and prioritized which tables to hit first based on their responses. In fact, my most interesting purchase of the show occurred at the first table I hit. After that though, the pickings were nonexistent. By 2:30, I was feeling a bit despondent.
I then went back to a few dealers that had said they had nothing new, and decided to go through their inventory anyway, just in case there was some material that they (or I) had forgotten.
I'm ever so glad I did. I found a few interesting pieces and a couple of sweet silk paper cherrypicks. By the time 4:00 rolled around I had exhausted my show budget, but was in a MUCH better frame of mind. Pictures of the new acquisitions will be forthcoming.
It was at this point that I made my biggest mistake... leaving.
On behalf of all of us who are used to driving in primarily rural or semirural areas, I just have to ask how people manage to survive commuting in the Chicagoland area with their sanity intact.
4:00pm
Leaving Chicagoland
On a Friday
Before a Holday weekend
Jumpin' jehosephat!
It was as if "The Beast that Ate Cleveland" was heading towards Chicago and people were fleeing for their very lives. It was [CENSORED] insane. Drivers were trying to pass one another on single-lane entrance and exit ramps. WTH!??
I couldn't live and commute in an environment like that.
The drive home took an hour and 15 minutes longer than the drive up.
So in summation: Show - fun, drive - not. |
Posted 05/24/2012 10:55 pm
Compex This Weekend (Chicagoland)
