Fanime 2006 came and went. I always have a drama-free fun filled time at Fanime. Traveling Valentine did something different this year. True, both of us have been doing convention music videos for as long as we've been together. This year we opened the Fanime Masquerade Cosplay Spectacular with our Fanime Cosplay Spectacular video to a full audience.

Marisa, I cannot find the words to express my thanks for giving us this oppurtunity. We are happy that we can be a part of the Cosplay Spectacular.

Thanks also goes to Pam for the press badges and the press tour!

Also, thank you Claudine for letting us use your hotel room as a base during Fanime.

Thanks goes to those who participated and wished to participate in Traveling Valentine's on going documentary.

More thanks goes to Tom who always manages to make this con a spifftastic one.

I was really happy to see friends from both sides of California. That's the primary reason why I still go to anime conventions after all these years (since late 2000!). You guys make these conventions rock.

Fanime was a huge improvement from what it was last year. I'm happy to see a restaurant guide in the program. Even though our rations consisted of home made meals, it is very helpful to know what is in the area and what are my choices. I like choices. The layout of the convention was a huge improvement. Fanime made good use of the space. For once, the gaming room did not smell like fanboy! Stage Zero reminded me of Recca Con's open mic stage and what AniMagic's stage was in 2002. I really like that addition.

There were tons of interesting things to see at Fanime. Tom and I ran into Asami "Dejiko" Sanada and Hiroyuki Yamaga in the artist alley and at the after party. The doll panel was very informational and it gave one of my friends inspiration to get a doll of her own.

I know programming finally resolved the issue of having tiny font print. Let's hope that programming schedules for 2007 will be up before the convention. Publications could have improved their layout. As someone who has done staff for the San Francisco International Asian American Festival, they should (literally) take a page from their film festival newsletters.

Other than that, Fanime was so much fun. I really look forward to the next time we meet, who knows...some of you I can see at school, over dinner, etc. I really treasure any friend I've made at an anime convention that I can spend time with outside of a con - you guys know who you are.

Otaku Bowl might be the next Traveling Valentine stop. I know I plan to hit the Berkeley doll gathering. In July, it's the big kahuna - Anime Expo.

If we just had met, or just want to keep in contact, I'm on mypsace and you can reach me via email (v @ scarlet-rhapsody.com) for more contact information.

And be sure to check out Traveling Valentine on YouTube!

Pictures are copyright by Victoria Erica. If I took your picture, feel free to use it on your site or cosplay gallery. If you want me to remove something, kindly email me. While you're here, do sign the guestbook. Please let us know what you think of Traveling's new layout. This site was brought to you by the font Croobie.