ArmchairBEA: I Imagine if I Went..

to Book Expo America..

I imagine stepping out of the airport, with my suitcase in tow and my purse on my shoulder. I will know exactly what to do and where to go, because I've spent the last week organizing my travel plans on a little notebook. I find myself reading them in my head, to myself, making sure I wouldn't get lost. I imagine texting my parents and best friends back home in San Francisco, trying not to freak out, shouting, "I'minNewYorkOhMyGoshICanNotBelieveI'm.." You get the point ;) Instead, I will contain myself and try to act like a normal person. I will simply tell them I made it to New York alive and well.

I imagine getting to the hotel, checking in. I imagine putting down my stuff, looking around the 'unlived' hotel room. After that, when I know I'm all alone, I shall let it all go and jump and down and do a little happy *cough, crazy, cough* dance around and around until I'm out of breath and I can't dance no more.

I imagine getting ready to go to Jacob K. Javits for the actual event! *happy dance required here as well* I will be so nervous, yet excited all at the same time.
When I get there, I already know the place and the people would definitely overwhelm me. There are so many things going on; Book signings, author events, discussion panels, publishing booths, speakers, etc.

I imagine bumping into one book blogger after another, finally having the opportunity to meet them in person! <-- This part would be pretty awesome, don't you think? With my tote bag that will be eventually be filled up with books, goodies, and all that lovely stuff, I will walk around until my feet hurt. The craziest thing is, I wouldn't really mind. I imagine feeling lucky to be at a place like this; a book lover's dream destination... eerrr, I mean, event. A place where we have the freedom to be the total bookworms that we are, as if it's the most natural thing in the world.
I imagine telling myself how crazy this is; that I have never been surrounded by so many book people before! I imagine smiling to myself, as Book Expo America, proves the great power of written art. Of books, words, and literature. I imagine it would be quite an unforgettable experience; one that I won't forget. One that I would want to repeat again and again. Perhaps.. annually. ;)

To those who are in NYC for BEA right now, I hope you are having the best time! :) And for those who were not able to go -- especially to the Armchair BEA participants -- maybe next year for us :)