====== YOU’RE GOING TO ANN ARBOR FOR WHAT? ======

**— by Coaster Gal**

That was the overwhelming response from family and friends upon hearing
that I would be attending my first NPL con. And since I couldn’t give them any
more than vague descriptions about what that actually entailed, strange looks
and shaking of heads often followed the initial question.

I wasn’t worried — much. I’d been assured by people whose opinions I trust
that it would be a fun way to spend time. And, in case there was any lingering
doubt, I’m happy to report that I’m hooked.

I never felt singled out as a newbie. At the same time, I really appreciated
the efforts that were made to help folks like me get acclimated. Both the [[solving:cryptics|cryptic
crossword solving]] seminar late at night and the flat tutorial were great help in
wrapping my brain around all the new material((Members can download many of the puzzlers from the convention from the [[secure:cons:2007:handouts]] page. / [[webmaster@puzzlers.org]])). (Sorry, unable to remember
who to thank directly for those!) I was also grateful to the organizers of the
Moveable Feast (more about that later) for taking steps to get a balance of
experienced/inexperienced players on teams.

I’m accustomed to conferences with multi-page program books and tight
schedules. It seemed at first glance as if not much would be going on except for
the two evening events. How wrong I was! In fact, I don’t think I ever crossed
through the hotel lobby without seeing clusters of NPLers.

Certainly there was always something going on in the hospitality suite — an
ever-growing array of puzzles on the bar, games and conversations at all hours,
and a kaleidoscope of snacks. Carrots and fruit to negate the potato chips and
M&M’s. It was perfect.

The high point of the week for me was definitely Saturday night’s
Moveable Feast extravaganza. I loved the diversity of the puzzles. I marveled
at the amount of time someone must have spent counting out the correct
number of light green and dark green Jelly Bellys. I was awed by the
logistics. A month later, I am still impressed by these things. It was also a nice
blend of competition and cooperation, so that I felt I got to know more people.
Nice group bonding.

Although really, nothing says "shared experience" more than huddling in the
hotel lobby in your pajamas, does it? What? The fire alarm wasn’t part of the
hidden contest?

So, thank you, everyone. It was a great convention. Hopefully the first of
many for me. I’m still trying to get my brain wrapped around the [[solving:cryptics|cryptic
crosswords]], but I’ve got another 11 months or so to practice.