Viking BreyerFest, Part 2: Breakables and the Open Show

After showing two days at the BreyerFest Open Show last year and doing both Breakables and the Open Show the year before that, we decided not to show at all on Thursday this year. Sarah and I and our parents found that two days of showing and early wake ups was too tiring, and because we only had 3 full days in Lexington anyway, we didn't really want to spend 2 of them in a show hall. 

So instead, we had a leisurely breakfast on Thursday morning and then ran a few errands to lay in provisions for the Open Show on Friday. After lunch, Sarah and I headed over to the CHIN to check out Breakables, see friends, and shop. We were glad to have some time to chat with our fellow clinky-fan friends at Breakables, and as always, there were a number of lovely models on the show tables.

Stunning Nymphenburg Zebras

A beautiful rocking horse grey Beswick Shire

As I mentioned in my last post, rumors have been swirling as to whether or not the CHIN, which is becoming a Delta-by-Marriott hotel, will remain as the host hotel for BF, and if so, if they will continue to allow room sales next year. We don't have answers yet, but the hotel is undergoing renovations, and based on the (more or less) finished rooms we saw, it's going to look very different next year. We took some photos for posterity.

Entrance to the 500 and 600s with its infamous carpet

The main lobby as seen from above

 

A typical current hallway

The newly renovated rooms were in the 300 and 400 wing, and I found them harshly lit and austere. Not at all the same comfortable, tacky-but-welcoming vibe of the CHIN of old. 

Still the old carpet for now

Also not a fan of blond wood

The 4am wake up on Friday morning drove home the real meaning of the Norwegian maxim "up and not crying."

We forced ourselves to set up our collectors classes without any caffeine in our bloodstreams, a feat of rare strength, let me tell you. We were both thrilled to have winning entries, and we were grateful to sip on some sweet, sweet bean water as soon as we were done. 

My Western Horse and Pony themed entry

 

Sarah's variety entry

The show moved along at a very fast clip this year, so neither of us had time to take many pictures, but we had a very good day even with the intense pace. 

After the show, we were all tired and hungry, so we ordered a pizza and decided to tuck in early. 

More shopping, Flinka in person (in equine?), the horse park, loot, and more in the next post!