*Blinks*
What…. Who … Where … Oh. Right. I see.
I know. I’ve been promising the third installment of Hublander for weeks but life.. You know?
Anyway, since I have a little bit of time up my sleeve this morning, I figured I’d get cracking with the third ( and final) installment of Hublander 2024
Now… Where was I?
Oh yes, Autographs.
After Sam finished his panel, it was time for the autographs.
The autograph line went something like this ( And this is from memory so bare with me)
Sam, Charles, Duncan then John.
First, was Sam.
In the lead up to the event, my friend Jo and I decided to have some specialized Sassenach belt buckles made for him as a gift. ( At time of writing, everyone has seen these so it’s not a surprise.)
I must admit, whilst waiting in line to give him the buckle ( complete with personalised belt) I was kinda nervous. In fact, it was the only time throughout the entire day that I actually felt nerves.
Anyway, after getting the nod of approval from both Sam’s handler Steve and the Security guy – I gave Sam the belt. He liked it and said thank you . He then signed a photo for me
After getting my photo of Sam signed, I had an anxiety attack (I need to point out – this event was my first “Peopling” event in 4 years. I was bound to feel overwhelmed) and if it wasn’t for the quick thinking of my Support Worker, Miss C -I never would’ve gotten any of the others signed. She was able to get John Bell to sign his photo of us for me. Unfortunately, I missed out on getting my photos with Charles and Duncan signed. Oh well. There’s always a next time.
It was after 5pm when Miss C and I were finally able to leave . We went back to her car and sat and scoffed everything we’d bought to eat with us that day – as we were starving.
The next part of the event was to be held at The Pullman Hotel in albert Park.. but we weren’t due there till 7pm. Given we still had time to spare, we decided to go back to the Quest Apartments and drop everything off. I waited in the car while she ducked inside to take everything to our room.
We then headed off to the Pullman for the Platinum Ticket meet and greet.
Once arriving, I went inside while Miss C went and parked the car. Upon her return, we found where others were waiting and then asked a lovely member of staff for the nearest disabled toilet. (After a million hours I finally got to go! Hurrah!)
The meet and greet was up on the first floor in a conference room just after you got out of the lift. There were about 5-6 tables and each table has a food platter with a mix of things on it such as fruits, cheeses, dips, crackers and cold meats. Each person got two tokens for a drink ( I just had water) and we all just found a spot to sit.
The meet and greet was supposed to start at 7:30pm but the boys were late. Around 8pm, Sam poked his head in to apologise to us all for being late and to let us know they were just finishing up their meals and getting their drinks and then they’d join us.
The meet and greet was wonderful. Sadly, Duncan was feeling unwell so he was unable to join us.. So Steve took his place.
Each table got about 15-20 minutes with each guest and we just got to chat and ask them whatever we wanted. Steve was absolutely hilarious and was wonderful to chat with. Of course, Sam booed him and told him to go away when it was his turn to sit with us.
I have to admit, by this stage Sam was just about dead on his feet ( Charles and John were in fine fettle and wide awake. HAHA! As was Steve!) and was struggling to stay awake- the poor love. But, he managed and answered all our questions and told us of some things that were happening for him and his hopes for when Outlander ended.
It was closer to 10pm by the time all was said and done and everything was wrapped for the day . Each table got their photo taken with the cast before they left – to make up for the fact Duncan wasn’t able to take part
Which was lovely
Miss C and I left the venue and made a quick pit stop at the local Mcdonalds so I could grab something to eat. ( While the platters are nice, they don’t fill you up)
By the time we got back to the Quest Apartments it was after 11pm and we were exhausted.
Suffice to say I was asleep before my head hit the pillow. It was a big day. A wonderful day and one I won’t ever forget.
Thanks for reading
Ceej
PS As mentioned in another blog, David Berry couldn’t attend due to Covid so he signed photos for us:
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