A Crisis visit - part 1

Last weekend saw a visit to the Crisis show in Antwerp. Its been on my wish list for years to attend and as it will probably be impacted in some way in the  future due to the Brexit machinations (whichever side of fence you are one - I can't see making business for small gaming companies low impact , being high on the priority list for HMG or the EU) I thought its time to visit. Mrs D and I decided to mix the visit to Antwerp into a full weeks break with us staying in Ghent and Ypres too.

The first bonus was that there was to be a number of the challengers from the AHPC along as well as the Grande Fromage himself - Curt and Lady Sarah were over from Canada too. I met up with a number of the guys on Friday evening and sank a Duvel or 3 or maybe 4 ish...

From left to right: Me, RobP (behind), ChristopherS, JakeK, Jerry Miller and his wife Christine, Nick, Curt and MikeF
Photo credit from Curt

There was various challenge talk , side duels and good old general war-games chit chat. The Camel themed bonus round I lobbied for I am sure will be fun for everyone.

This looks like the right place!

Even 30 mins after opening it was still queued .. but it did move swiftly enough

I met a number of acquaintances in the queue , Colin from Carry on Up the Dale , and Edzard from Miniature Modelling Mayhem - before long I was in.

There was serious eye candy and plenty of different traders not found on the UK scene - oh and it was busy! 

I soon met up with some of the boys where - it was great to meet Stefan Ko - we managed to lure him from his game for far too long !

Curt ,Chris , Nick , Stefan and Sidney

We were also joined by Sander and his young son Arthur who was on roving reporter duties - you can see his report here 

Stefans group NWF game was a real eye catcher - well done guys

I had a good chat with Stefan - thanks for the beer too! Photo Courtesy of Curt

Another favourite was a Sudan themed game

After a whizz around the games for inspiration (will post more pics on next post) I went in search of shiny...

Couple of interesting merchant houses to add tot he collection

These were by More Terrain from Germany - nice stuff 

Ruin bits - just cause I liked em

Top up of flags from Flag Dude 

Few bits from Ainsty 

Bases from Warbases

the freebie with entry - if any one wants it let me know

A brilliant gift from Sander - full of great photos and potential ideas  - thanks very much

I soon ran out of cash - and found few of the smaller European traders were taking card - and then frustratingly the nearest cash machine was a decent walk away. Given the weather had turned and rain had set in , I  declined the top up option - and made a note of a number of other items to order on line over the next week or two.

Overall it was a very good show , maybe a few too many resellers -or people selling the same thing , but there were some very interesting non uk suppliers discovered. I will certainly be back - I would prefer this to Salute any day. Now if I can rope some guys in maybe we can put on a game...