View source for Aussiecon 2 Reminiscence (Clement)

{{DISPLAYTITLE: Hal Clement's Aussiecon 2 Reminiscence}}
1985 -- [[Aussiecon II]], [[Melbourne]]
by [[Hal Clement]]
From the [[Noreascon Three]] [[PB]]

I prefer to believe that the haziness of the memories I hold of [[aussiecon 1|Aussiecon]] in 1985 is not my advancing age but the fact that for me it was over fifty [[cons]] ago. Such affairs are not, of course, all alike, but they tend to have quite a bit in common; and when one occurs not merely in a city but in a major geographical area where one has never been before, the frame may draw more attention that the picture.

I remember meeting many pleasant and interesting people, but I remember more vividly the thermal area at Rotorua. I have a clear mental image of the bull statue behind the Taurus Books table in one of the [[hucksters' rooms]], but much clearer ones of the view from the top of Ayers Rock and of a shapely female fellow [[fan]], appropriately clad, building a sand castle on the beach at Green Island.

I remember details of a [[program]] which was well enough organized so that the plan glitches which must have occurred -- I can't believe there has ever been a [[con]] with none -- were not obvious to me either as a guest or as a participant. I had no trouble finding out any time where I wanted to be or was supposed to be. I also remember standing out at night looking at an upside-down Northern Cross, and in early dawn watching Orion standing on his head, and becoming really conscious for the first time in my (then) sixty-three years that the world is really round and that my head was actually pointing the other way in space. I remember with gratitude the arrangements made to get me in touch with a local astronomer, and with regret the fact that [[Melbourne]] weather prevented me from seeing Proxima Centauri (no problem with Alpha and the Southern Cross; no telescope needed, and not all the nights were spent in [[Melbourne]]). I am also grateful to whoever heard me regretting my inability to find any geological maps of [[Australia]], and went to the trouble and expense of sending me a set at my home address a few weeks later. No covering letter, and return address only the publishing office for the maps...

This is one non-drinker who has fond memories of [[Australia]] and Australian [[fans]]. The people are great; I am not qualified to judge the beer.

The memories, in short, are all pleasant, and I hope to get back. Push your bid, Sydney or Perth or Darwin!

{{fanhistory | year=1985}}
[[Category:Australia]]