A bit more about London

Wow, where to start? This is all very exciting, and I’m still in shock.

As you probably know, Christchurch is hosting the World Bookcrossing Convention in April 2009, and I’m one of the organisers. In 2008, the convention will be in London, and we’ve been trying to come up with ideas for promoting the 2009 convention there. It’s going to take a lot of promoting, because it’s a long way for people to come from Europe and North America, and while we love all our Australian bookcrossing friends, it would be nice to have a good number of guests from further afield, to make it a true world convention.

Anyway, while we were thinking small scale about bookstrings and jandals, Skyring was thinking big. And talking to other bookcrossers who think equally big. And what eventuated was a plan to send an ambassador from NZ to the London convention, to be funded by donations from bookcrossers around the world. And he asked the NZBC Yahoo group to choose an ambassador. And to cut a long story (and a lot of discussion and voting) short, I was picked!!!!

Otakuu was a *very* close second (there was only one vote in it), so we’re now trying to figure out ways we can get more donations in so she can come too. Going to London will be fantastic, going with a friend would be even better!

And that’s not all the excitement, either. The plan is to get a Round the World ticket, so that on the way there and back I can stop off in a few other places (hopefully hosted by bookcrossers everywhere I stop, so we won’t have to find the money for accommodation and food), and promote the 2009 convention there as well. There’s a few cities in North America which are already on the “must visit” list because of the wonderful bookcrossers that live there, and I’m sure the list will grow even longer by April. It’s going to be a busy trip, but it’ll be worth it!

I just can’t get over the fact that I was chosen to represent NZ bookcrossers. I feel so honoured. And so excited!