CP31 Officially Made Me Hate Hangzhou (And ComicUp Too, For Good Measure).

[Leland Erdman]

Well, it seems that Hangzhou is really having it in for me this time! The weather has been so unpredictable; I've experienced everything from a deluge of rain to unbearable heat with no respite in between; I’ve been utterly exhausted.

• A little tip for my foreign friends: Hangzhou’s weather tends to be unpredictable especially at the change of seasons and during summertime. Always check the weather forecast before leaving for the day, and carry raincoat, sunscreen lotion, and a handy fan to keep you cool. Otherwise, like myself, you will indeed find yourself suffering due to the weather fluctuations.
  For me, this trip was mainly to attend CP31 (Comicup Comic Book Expo—a large gathering of anime, gaming enthusiasts and creators), but unfortunately, my booth (my desk where I sell my works) wasn't available until the second day.
• So, the first day felt somewhat purposeless and boring.
• Although it was great fun to draw and sign illustrations (such as small drawings on-site with signatures) for fans, I couldn't help but feel disappointed by how much stock I had brought with me—without selling anything, I will most likely bring many untouched products back home.
• Moreover, this event lacked the companionship of close friends.

Alas, [sobbing] my enthusiasm for this event dwindles quickly. I’ve been preparing for it for quite a while, but it was dampened by the mismanagement of the activities. Coming all the way from Sichuan province, I have to admit that the amusement level of the event might not be as high as I anticipated.

Currently, I don't really want to visit other places; with a heavy heart and no desire to move around at all.

I hope things get better tomorrow since the second day would be reserved for setting up my booth. I hope that it’ll be an increasingly enjoyable experience!

Travel Experiences & Recommendations (Key Information!)

• Weather Preparedness
  • Issues: The weather changes drastically and unpredictably in Hangzhou, expect a range of climatic conditions from sudden downpours to blazing sunshine followed by stifling heat.
  • What To Do: Always check the weather forecast before heading out! Bring along an umbrella, sunblock lotion, and a handy fan for summer or plum rains. And wearing light and well-ventilated clothes is important too.
• Managing Expectations for Large Events Like Comic-Cons
  • Issues: When coming from afar, expectations built over time may lead to disappointments. There are also fluctuations in factors such as stall scheduling, the flow of people at the scene, sales volume, etc.
  • Solutions: If you’re a participant, like presenting stalls, be sure to thoroughly research all arrangements beforehand like booth time and location etc. If you hope for sales, keep them realistic and enjoy the process of exchanges more. If you’re just looking forward to the show, plan well in advance the things you want to see and do; but remember that a 'flow-with-the-moment' attitude will help as some unexpected incidents happen frequently.
• Mental Preparation for Solo Travelling
  • Issues: Sometimes solo participants can feel rather lonesome when surrounded by social groups.
  • What To Do: Try interacting more with other vendors or enthusiasts. You may also enjoy this newfound freedom to explore alone, but if you don't like being alone, consider inviting friends to join you next time!
• Dealing With Passionate Expectations vs. Reality
  • Issues: Long-term preparations, high expectations and experiencing organizational issues or not-so-enjoyable experiences can deplete one's passion and energy.
  • Solutions: Always maintain an open mindset throughout the trip. Be prepared for any unexpected situations along the way and focus on the aspects that are still enjoyable, such as drawing illustrations.

I hope these points will benefit all enthusiastic travelers and participants out there!

[Mr. Ryan Hermann]

As someone from Sichuan, I've never experienced weather as incredibly stuffy and humid as Hangzhou's.

[Dallas Durgan]

I really admire you for traveling all that way just for a single day. The round-trip airfare must be so expensive...

[Dr. Lance Glover]

Aaaah! I'm going to need someone to buy Te Te's merch for me remotely!

[Lewis Larkin]

And I even lost a jacket.