Marit VS

OK I know I am technicaly cheating by combining both days in my final blog post - but there was no way I was going to post anything at five am as I crawled back into my hotel room.

I wont get the final numbers until I get back to london, but I can safely tell you that over the course of the last 3 days we registered at least 1400 people. The expo hall was buzzing with people (well... from around 11am when the affiliates decided to move from their beds) and it turned into a surpising day. I knew Calvin Ayre was planning something special for his Keynote speech, but the Bodog team had so far managed to keep everything tightly underwrap. All I knew was that this was going to be different. My suspicions were confirmed when out of the blue the conference room turned into an Brazilian Festival, with dancers, jugglers and amazing gold painted acrobats. This was all to lead a phantom of the Opera clad Calvin to the Podium, where he then danced and finally made his grand entrance. I probably would not have believed it if I hadnt been there. The Interview was great, with Doyle Brunson coming into the conference half way through. From what we could see on stage it looks like Bodog new poker network and Doyles room might be making some business deals soon enough.

I am sad to say that it was not a girl who won the ASOPs - Although give credit to Annabel Ritter, who out of five girls who entered the tournament, she made it to second place. Rok Milanovic won the coveted white gold and diamon encrusted bracelet and well done to him! Now I just need to somehow not work the next event, grab myself a chair and try and win some poker. You never know, I might be able to find some time. This could be the start of me eventually winning the WSOP. Or not... :no:

And what an ending to the conference. The Everest guys invited us for food and drink at Spoons - restaurant and bar on a boat overlooking the castle. Budapest was even kind enough to arrange for fireworks with our dinner (exclusively for us of course) and then off to C-planet for a great night of fun, music and networking. Details get a bit hazy after that - the after party we ended up at was the VIP area of the DockBeach - an open air club on the little island in the between Buda and Pest.

Warning to all of you out there - DO NOT ask Marcus or Bob Rains about the reb bull story. Or at least not until after your stomach has settled down from the night before.

Anyway everyone, I am off to go an enjoy the best hangover cure in the industry - free drinks from Intertop at the hotel bar. Hair of the dog is the best way forward.

I've had such a great time, I cant wait until London. But until then, farewell, goodbye, auf Wiedersehen, goodbye. :wave:

Thanks to everyone who came along and joined in and see you all in a few months.

Marit