KingSnakeX4's Z.O.N.E. (KSx4's Metropolis): Brace yourself, ALA is coming! (ALA '13 Day 0)

It is amazing how much things can change in last year and I think that ALA '13 reminds me of how much changes I went through but I'm very happy because it results in much better stuff for me. I have said this year about ALA is that it is not the best con I've been to but it is undoubtedly one of the greatest gatherings I've been to.

ALA '13 saw me meeting quite few people from Tumblr, which is very astonishing for me because it is very surreal to meet them in person after chatting with them online for a while. Also, this con saw me reinforced some of the friendships, which I'm very happy about.

I took very relaxing and lenient approach to ALA, which work out in my favor. The days lead up to ALA, I did nothing about it except for playing games and chilling. The day before ALA, I casually packed up my stuff and texting my best friend, Mark, whose seems to be super hyper big time.

Tobi nearly withdraw from ALA but Mark managed to convince her to go with us and I'm very happy that she is able to go.

Day 0 was kinda hectic with chaotic morning with me driving all over the place to retrieving Mark and Tobi. At one point while I was driving, Mark had received information that his girlfriend suddenly will go to ALA so I had to bring him back to his house to get the cosplay prop for her. Not the way I want to start off Day 0 but sometimes, things can get out of control so that's normal for cons.

Me with Tobi before we hit the highway.

Me with Mark, whose is the main architect for whole ALA situation for me and Tobi.

My roommates for ALA.

Our stuff.

Arriving at LAX Marriott after 2 grueling hours of driving.

ALA, here I am!

Pool view from 5th floor. I told Mark straight up that I want the room with pool view so I can see the whole pool deck. Also, I use pool deck to determine when to put on cosplay.

Our room! We have 1 more roommate whose will be coming soon. His name is Cristian and he's super cool cat.

Regarding on room situation at cons, I told Mark that I want to cap the room at 4 people to reduce any issues whatsoever. Also, I want the room to be free of drama since I want to be able to come to room anytime so I can relaxing in peace.

After transporting the stuff to the room, I succeed in meeting Heaven from Tumblr. Isn't Heaven so beautiful?!? It was awesome to finally meet her in person after talking to her for a while on Tumblr.

This is Hidey. I follow her on Tumblr as well but we have never interact at all, which makes it bit awkward for her. But I told her that I religiously follow her Tumblr blog, which prompts funny reaction from her. Bit creepy, me thinks but she's super cool girl.

Hanging out outside Ballroom floor with pair of super cool girls.

"Look at those awesome lights!"

Chilling with cool girls from Tumblr.

Great stunning location. This is where massive gatherings are held, like Homestuck and cosplay chess.

Yep, Heaven is sipping her water.

Awesome Keith cosplay! When I asked her if I can take her picture, she would act exactly like her character, which surprised me a lot. It makes me very happy big time.

Kicking it back in lobby with the girls.

The lobby sure is lively.

That's Jen! Isn't she so adorable? In fact, every time I see her, I'd yell out her name to get her attention.

Chatting about the cons and debating whether to order the pizza.

Hmm, the pizza was very tasty.

Talking about going to San Diego Comic Con. It's funny to see Heaven's reaction when I mentioned SDCC. She seems to perk up about it since she really want to go to it.

Yep, that's how famished we are. Heaven and Hidey soon went to their room to rest up.

Mark is chatting with Cristian, whose is working on super last minute cosplay. Mark told me that he's not happy about Cristian having his own bed but I told him that I didn't care about it since I just want to have very peaceful room.