Sunday, November 5, 2017

A Great Day Out at 'Crisis'


This is just a short post, providing a brief recap of my wonderful day taking in 'Crisis' in  picturesque Antwerp. 

Wow, what an amazing event. Sure, it was very crowded and quite busy (and the venue itself reminds me of a repurposed U-Boat pen), but the number of vendors and the quality of the games were absolutely astounding.

This shot was taken mid-way through one of the two adjoining halls. A massive space.
Here are a few miscellaneous shots of just a few things that caught my eye (apparently, from these pics, boats, ships and airships were a favourite!).
















Games and figures aside, the best part of the event, hands down, was being able to gather together with old friends (DaveD, SidneyR, MichaelF, JakeK and RobP), make new ones (Jerry and Christine), and meet-up with people that I've become acquainted with through the blog, but have never had the chance to spend time with until now. So a big shout-out to StefanK, Nick (Moiterei), ChristopherS and SanderS. What a wonderful bunch of people - it was absolutely brilliant meeting you all!


From left to right: Me, ChristopherS, Nick, StefanK and SidneyR (photo by DaveD)
From left to right: DaveD, RobP (behind), ChristopherS, JakeK, Jerry Miller and his wife Christine, Nick, myself and MikeF
DaveD and StefanK behind Stefan's club's brilliant North West Frontier table.
SanderS and his charming son Arthur, who came up for the afternoon to visit, spread good cheer and stock-up for the upcoming Painting Challenge.

Of course, I went waay over budget on a bewildering assortment of figures, terrain and books - some of which I hope to debut during the Challenge (fingers crossed). Many thanks to Dave and Sid for kindly arranging for it all to be sent back to Canada through 'diplomatic pouch', saving us from not having to try to squeeze it all into our luggage. Thanks again guys, you're brilliant!

Next up: Part II of our Ortona '43 mini-campaign

46 comments:

  1. Looks like you all had a grand time. Some fantastic looking games there.

    Speaking of the Challenge, Kent Galpin is thinking of returning to the asylum.

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    1. It was great Tamsin but you were missed.

      I'm delighted that Kent is thinking of throwing-in this year!

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  2. Great to hear you had a wonderful tome and gathered together so many friends - very envious.

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    1. It was a terrific time out but I must say that I look forward to the day that we finally get to meet.

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    1. Cheers Martin, I'd highly recommend it if you get the chance.

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  4. I'm just turning a fetching shade of green. Wish I could have been there!

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    1. You'd absolutely love it, Ev. A wonderful event in a beautiful city.

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  5. Without hyperbole, the highlight of my day was, well being there with my son, but meeting his Snowyness in person was right there on a firm second place! Thanks Curt!

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    1. Haha, thanks Sander. It was lovely meeting you and Arthur. I'm glad the two of you had a good day out.

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  6. Looks like a grand time. I always enjoy meeting up with fellow Challengenistas, especially on their home turf.

    Enjoy Europe and then get your ass back to the Great White North, you've got an event to plan.....

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    1. Thanks Miles! The planning is already in progress...

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    2. I lobbied hard for a camel themed round . I do hope you enjoy it!

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    3. I see your up to your old devious tricks Mr D.

      Curt, perhaps we can consider a bonus theme of everything EXCEPT the Sudan. I think that sounds wonderful...

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  7. So many shades of wonderful there, all eclipsed by the fantastic pics of the Challenge Gangers getting together. One day... :-)

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  8. You're welcome, Curt! It was just fantastic meeting you and everyone else who stopped to say hello. Fantastic!

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    1. A grand day, to be sure. Now, we must get you prepared for your upcoming Minion duties. Millsy, bring out the hot coals and the lash!

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    2. Oh no Millsy will be in his element ....again

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  9. It was a cracking weekend , Mrs D enjoyed the company of Lady Sarah too . It was great to meet the guys . I am seriously thinking of doing a game there next year and roping in a company of fellow challengers

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    1. Oooh, a DaveD Camel Production would be spectacular. You have to do it, Mr. D!

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    2. A Challengers game would be good fun

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    3. I'd cross the pond for that!

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  10. Looks wonderful guys - quite a venue!!

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    1. It was a pretty special day, Greg. I was thinking of you while I was there - you'd have loved it.

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  11. Looks superb...and very very impressive!

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    1. They put on a great show - well worth the trip (even from Canada!).

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  12. Looks like a fun time was had by all. Wish I'd had a chance to go and meet you all... I always miss the meetups at Salute!

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    1. It would be wonderful to meet up with you Paul!

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  13. A fantastic day out I agree. Lots of splendid tables and even more fine folk from all around the blogosphere. It was a pleasure to meet with all of you.

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    1. The social aspect was definitely the highlight for me. It was great to finally meet you Nick!

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  14. It was indeed very fun! It was an absolute pleasure to meet you Curt and the others! I really hope I get another chance to see you and maybe this time we could get a game in.

    Christopher

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    1. It was terrific to be able to hang out with you, Christopher and I hope we can do it again in the future (with maybe a game squeezed in there somewhere!).

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  15. Very honoured that my skyships are among the first pictures here :) And I am very happy with blogs like these because, standing by my table and chatting about the game, I hardly saw anything of the rest of Crisis! Thanks!

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    1. Pijlie, those skyships are the BOMB. Where did you get them? I definitely need a set.

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  16. Hi Curt,

    it was a tremendous surprise that you and the other fellows showed up! Meeting you fellows and having a good chat and a pint really made my day!

    As for a DaveD Camel Challenger production game:
    PLEASE DO !

    For sure I'll be at Crisis again next year and I'd love to meet you and / or some other companions.

    All the best
    Stefan

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  17. Wow there is some amazing tables there, looks like you had a great time and budgets are made to be blown hehe

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    1. Thanks Kent, it was indeed a huge amount of fun (and the budget, such as it was, was tossed out the window when I entered the venue). :)

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  18. Looks like a grand convention! I really like those ships and aircraft you snatched pictures of the pulpy German machine looks very fine too!
    I'm rather jealous of the meet up too!

    PS :

    I'll be the harbinger of winter too. I've completed training for the year and am currently trying to organize and prime the mountain of neglect for the coming snow.
    Winter comes, Ladies and Gents! ;)

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    1. Awesome to hear from you David! I have a parcel for you, awaiting a few last additions before going out. Looking forward to having you with us again this year.

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  19. Oh I forgot to say if you will have me I'm in for this years challenge I've started building the 150 28mm cav I have here plus I've started basing and undercoating 400 French line infantry plus lots of other goodies

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    1. Sounds great Kent! I'll be making the announcement soon.

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  20. I think CRISIS is THE Show; I like a lot all I can see in the pictures. One day...

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Thanks for your comment! As long as you're not a spam droid I'll have it up on the blog soon. :)