I hate it when you type up a lengthy post and you lose it all because the computer suddenly decides to close the window you were working in. Stupid Microsoft.
This shorter retype will probably make most of you glad that I'm not rambling on again...

Spent today juggling between hotels, to get into the other one which has covered access to the convention center (in case it rains this weekend as forecast), and is about $17 per night cheaper.
I don't get a refund from the full amount the Hyatt charged at check-in for up to 3 days, so will have to temporarily pay out another $700 for accomodation, which I may not get back in time for the convention (and if I did, there aren't many in the dealer room who take credit cards).
Still can't get a hold of Saintly to let him know that I have switched hotels, so have to work out a way of catching him when he arrives 'some time on Thursday night'.
Had a bit of a recon of the convention center today, and it is huge. Saw three of the Botcon staff (Brian, Pete, Rik) on my way over there, and it looked like they had some of the convention toys with them (don't ask, I didn't try to look at them - I'd like to enjoy the unveilling to the masses and feel the crowd's excitement like BotCon of old - and I haven't been following who the extra BC toys are either).
Walked around the city CBD, because their busses don't go south of the river (the state border about half a Km away), which left only 2 stores of interest that were reachable by bus, which wasn't worth the time and expense of checking out (I'm not after much at retail at the moment, so not too fussed about missing the opportunity here). The next two days should be fun enough to make up for it.
Couldn't find the grocery store that the internet searches said should be nearby. So no big sampling of American foods like in recent years (I get so fascinated by all their unhealthy breakfast cereals, and wanted to post some back home this year (wouldn't be enough time to eat them here)).
I found an outlet that sold Gyros (didn't know what they were, but remembered it from an episode of Seinfelt), they ended up being like a cross between a soft taco and a kebab.
Also found a pathetically small music and DVD store nearby, but didn't find anything I really wanted (like certain cartoon DVDs that are heaps cheaper here than in Australia).
I also realised that I don't have the means to transfer photos from my camera to this computer, so will have to take as many as I can with my phone in addition to the better quality ones on my camera.
I'll leave you tonight with some photos so far from my phone, and will hopefully be back online in about 24 hours in the other hotel.
The first is from my seat in the plane watching the engine being pulled apart (no, not paranoid at all... ) and the second is the convention center from my room.