Glasgow Face Painting and Juggling Convention 2003
Review from Rab (Chucky) Donald

That was the easy bit though. Once we got off the train we just about lost Steve and then we spent ages trying to find the place. First we headed about 30 minutes in the opposite direction then when we were finally going the right way we passed it. Finally finding the SCCC we were relieved to find the host of the convention, luckily Steve saw him and knew him. We went back a wee bit to where we were supposed to be.

Just in, sore legs, we were instantly welcomed by two girls (finally things were looking up). We were given a piece of a puzzle and went to mark our territory, poor steve was the tallest ands he got the smallest room. We stayed up watching the amazing jugglers (me and Timmy were too embarrassed to start practicing, we weren't half as good as these guys). Eventually we learnt a few tricks of the trade and everyone was really friendly to talk and teach.

The next morning we got up and got our breakfast (it was all complimentary). We looked at our workshops and I fancied the same stuff as Steve so I just hung with him for the day (he's definitely an entertainer). I learnt loads with balls and Steve wanted to see the face painters. He sat at the front (showing his good side) hoping for a chance to be a model. His chance came and he was painted like a lion (you can see his face in the photo album). I was also asked if I wanted my face done (after sitting at the front showing my good side) and I was a green tiger. We were marveled (i.e. stared) at for the whole day.

We went back to see Timmy and he were absolutely amazing on the devil sticks, just shows what practice with coaches can do. I was also amazed at all the staff's and I was shown Steve's and was hooked, I had to get my own. That night there was a ceilidh and me and Timmy were mostly outside (doing what boys do) playing with fire. It was great fun. We lit the staffs and watched as the pros put us to shame (whilst warming up). They were really good but one did set her shirt on fire.

After that we had a show which was amazing and had very talented people. It had UV and the balls with lights inside them. It was really cool. We then had a volunteer thing for jugglers out of the show to do stuff (renegade). Most of it was really funny and we had a great singer to. Steve told a funny story/joke at the time as acting it out. I got to show of my amazing new invention (a poi at each end of a staff) this got loads of people thinking what was I doing. Tried my best to sell it to a stall but even Steve had to laugh at my attempts. So I'll just wait a while!

We all went to bed really tired that night and the next morning I was woken up at about 11am (before Steve and Timmy) and told it was already 4pm and I had missed the workshops. At this I got up to relies I had been had and wasn't pleased (I missed my beauty sleep). I guess now it was funny but I would still rather have slept.

At the Glasgow Science Scentre, me and Steve had the courage to try to go upstairs where it was packed with interactive stuff (the staff kept stopping us). We told them that the supervisor said it was ok and by the time the girl had checked it we were long gone (poor girl). We felt like we were about 5 again and had plenty fun. Again by the time we got back Timmy was really good at the devil sticks.

Then came competitions. I had never seen people juggle with haggis before, but I did that day indeed. We had the 5 haggis juggle and the 3 haggis juggle that Steve almost won (and should have, I think he just gave it away) but actually came second.

We had another game that Steve and I entered (you chuck up the juggling
balls for your partner to catch, sounds easy in theory). In practice we did
really well, in the competition I totally guffed it up (sorry Steve).

Overall it was an amazing experience and I definitely plan to do it again. I learnt a lot from it and had loads of fun. I would advise any jugglers to go.