The Fanime adventure started on Wednesday. Jared and Deb met at my house on Day Negative One to rest up before the big travel day. We also recorded our pre-Fanime show for Zero Hour. We were trying to get together some last minute packing done. Deb would be driving up on the I-5 freeway while Jared and I would be heading to LAX later in the morning.

By Plane, We Fly by Victoria

We left for Fanime Con from LAX on the morning of Day Zero. Memorial Day is one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. Jared and I made it to Terminal One to make our Southwest flight. Despite a last minute gate change, we had a smooth flight right into San Jose Norman Mineta. Upon arriving San Jose, we decided to grab lunch at a San Jose greasy spoon, Pizza My Heart.

For the first time, we took public transit from the airport to the convention center. Though it has been years since I have taken the VTA, the South Bay's convenient transit service, it was easy to figure out and we were able to get to the Fairmont in due time. We checked into the Fairmont. We also learned about the president's club at the Fairmont in which we could get free Internet access in our room.
Jared decided to take a nap. I decided to jump in the pool. As the plane landed into San Jose, I was able to get a glimpse of the pool. The pool had a very classic feel to it; a bar that sold drinks, lots of places to sunbathe, palm trees, and an Olympic sized pool.

Once Stan and Deb arrived in the area, we decided to give them a walking tour of our room at the Fairmont.

Jared and I decided to do some exploring in downtown San Jose. Thanks to the Yelp app on my iPhone, we were able to find a few stores that interested us. We forgot to pack a few essentials. Jared picked up some undershirts at Ross. I picked up a pair of black gloves at a vintage store. After exploring downtown, we went to the convention center to pick up our badges.

The Great San Jose Black Out by Victoria

Jared and I went to the San Jose Convention Center to pick up our press badges. The rest of our team had already checked into the Marriott. Unfortunately, press check in was down. I perused through the regular registration line area. It was jam packed like the 405 freeway during rush hour. Out of all the years I have attended Fanime Con, I have not seen the line be this insane. It was literally a wall of people. Post-convention, people have reported staying in line for as long as five hours.

What made matters worse was that there was a black out on Day Zero that caused all systems to go down. The entire convention center was dark. We could see it from our view at the Fairmont.

Welcome Swappers to Fanime Swap Meet by Victoria

Fortunately, because of the black out and the fact people were unable to get their badges right away, the swap meet would not be checking badges and would be open until 1AM in the morning. The swap meet was held at the Fairmont. It felt smaller than previous years, but we saw the same faces. It was easier to get around and easier to talk to swappers about negotiating deals. I was able to pick up a llama plush from one swapper. Llamas are the second trendiest find at Fanime Con. Many Lolitas and decora gals were sporting a llama plush or two with them. Jared picked up a few DC figures from a pair of swappers.

Day Zero Dance by Victoria

As Jared was checking out the swap meet, I decided to peruse through the convention hall. By 11PM, the convention center had the power returned. Stage Zero, E-Gaming, and the Dealer's Hall were setting up. The only event that was active in the convention was the Day Zero Rave. It was held in a tiny room and there were only about five people on the dance floor. The convention center was pretty empty . The convention center was making final preparations for Fanime Con to start up. Zero Hour was just about to wrap up.

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