Luckily, we packed our belongings the night before. I'll admit that I was paranoid taking our things down. Throughout the weekend, it was difficult getting a working elevator. We lucked out. We checked in our bags at concierage. Because I had a strange dream two nights ago about eating pancakes for breakfast, we decided to do brunch at O'H. I got my pancakes. See, dreams do come true at Anime Central.

After brunch, we proceeded to do some last minute shopping at Artist Alley. One booth caught my eye: Someone doing custom made badges. Tom and I really liked the Ouran High School Host Club school ID's. We decided to have those commissioned from her. I had her draw us in our Ouran uniforms, how we would look like if we were attending Ouran High School. Of course, I had her draw me in my brown hair with my glasses. Yes, I'm the Italian American transfer student, Vic! Tom is most likely a secret society member with a cow plant ready to eat your soul.

We went back and forth. We were mainly waiting on Patrick for an overdose of Japanese snackage, as well as coordinate our ride to O Hare Airport. While waiting, we talked to some of the doll people we met. Tom kept mingling with people in The World Ends with You.

For the hell of it, we went to closing ceremonies. On the way, a trio of African American dudes were singing "Never Gonna Give You Up." Okay, I've heard random singing in the hallway many a time during a con, but these guys had some soul in them!

This was the best closing ceremonies ever.

First of all, it was nice of the chair to apologize for the registration chaos. While we did not have to go through it, no one likes waiting in line hours on end to pick up a badge. Tom and I know that one very well from Anime Expo 2005 where we waited nearly four hours for our badge. The clossing ceremonies hosts knew how to get the audience riled up and asked what we liked about the convention. Tom liked the Guests of Honor. I liked the ballroom dance.

More importantly, the best part of closing ceremonies was a very motivational and inspiring speech by Anime Central staff. Be a part of the change! Be a part of the solution! I looked back in all my years of going to Anime Central. I help run the Amateur Voice Acting panel for the first three years (2001 - 2003) and performed coverage for 2007 and 2008. What can I say? I'm proud to be a part of Anime Central's family.

Yet, I never heard such a passionate speech to recruit potential staffers, panelists, etc! I know so many conventions in California that are in dire need of a staffers, but always end up coming short.

The other highlight from closing ceremonies was a veteran staff member from ACen Day One was going to step down. We sent him off with "Build Me Up Buttercup" followed by "Never Gonna Give You Up." Tom and I did our usual ballroom routine.

We also ran into Vic Migongna at closing ceremonies. He was giving out autographs, photos, and hugs to his fans. I asked if we can do a host club pose with him. Looking at this photo with the famed voice actor, it looks like he can be a canidate for Jersey Boys. Yes, Boy Vic, we know you can sing falsetto.

Anime Central has officially came to an end. The day was winding down. Kids were waiting outside for their rides. The number of bags at concierage kept getting smaller and smaller. The Hyatt felt emptier by the minute. Just less than 12 hours ago, this place was bustling party scene. Yet, all good things must come to an end.

Tom and I decided to take advantage of the location. The Hyatt Regency in Rosemont is my all time favorite hotel in the US of A. Tom and I took a lot of singles and doubles of our Ouran High School Host Club gear.

Afterwards, we ran into Card Captor Will. He invited us over to Mitsuwa in Arlington Heights. Arlington Heights, I haven't been to that city since 2001! We still had time to mess around before the flight back to California. Until our next return, it's bye bye for now Anime Central!

We drove off to the Mitsuwa in Arlington Heights. It's about half the size of the one in my hometown of Torrance. Just imagine maybe a video store, the food court, and the market. Yet, when it came to Japanese snacks, it delivered. Tom and I had a scrumptous dinner. Nothing like ending an anime convention with Japanese food, right? We ran into the Spoony Bards while we were there. Patrick and Merlin met up with us at the food court and handed us lots of Japanese snack goodness. By the time it was 6:30PM, we did one final send off, and it was off to O Hare International. So long, Chicago.

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