Next week I will go to Sweden for the seventh time. That means that next month, I have been sitting in a bus for roughly 210 hours. It also means that I know for certain I have quite some good tips for you guys. That’s why this is some sort of survival guide. I also added a packlist ^_^.
Bring your own pillow
People that went to DreamHack with us earlier know this already: you will get some goodies. One of the goodies is a ‘sleeping set’, containing a sleeping mask, earplugs and an inflatable neck pillow. While this is all nice and do help you to sleep better in a moving bus, a real pillow is much better. In combination with the earplugs and the sleeping mask, you will sleep like a weird little angel in a bus. A blanket or snuggie would be nice as well. Or you could just wear the zip hoodie you will receive. I apologize in advance for the inconvenience I’m causing by sitting in the back on the ground floor of the bus. You might have to crouch if you want to pass me when I’m asleep.
Get your crowns early
But not too early! We know that it’s possible to order Swedish money at your bank, but as far as I know it’s not cheaper than using your bank pass to withdraw at the ATM next to where the bus stops. So don’t worry in advance about Swedish money, you can get it in Sweden. You do have to worry about the money upon arrival though, unless you love standing in line. At earlier editions I saw an ATM inside the venue, but it was always pretty busy there. I’m not really sure if the last few editions had the ATM, but I can assure you that you want to use the ATM next to the bus stop.
Countering sweaty armpits
I don’t know how you guys do it, but you should do us a favour and bring some deodorant. They also have showers at DreamHack. Now I know some people will get sweaty armpits more often than others; I can sweat kinda fast as well and that’s okay, but we can all work on it. I always bring three bottles of deodorant. The first bottle can be found in my toiletry bag, the second one in my hand luggage and the third one in my laptop bag. That way I have a bottle in the bus, at my event spot and in my hotel room. Another way to counter sweaty armpits is by telling the one you can smell, although that could be a bit harsh. Please don’t think of me as a jerk when I tell you that you could use some deodorant, I try to be subtle and you can tell me if I need some as well.
When you talk, I can smell you
The sweaty armpit countering also applies a bit to your breath, actually. You shouldn’t counter this with deodorant though. I always bring two packs of gum with me; one for in the bus and one for at my seat. So, sounds pretty much the same, but I didn’t open this special dental hygiene paragraph to complain. I just wanted to tell you that you will be in a bus for about fifteen hours. During that time, you will visit quite some fast food restaurants and hopefully you will sleep a bit. Because of that, your perfect happy toothpaste smile will turn into the breath of a thousand asses. If you want to start gaming upon arrival or if you have a hotel that you can check in later that day, you might want to put your toothbrush and toothpaste into your hand luggage. In the morning we might be lucky to have our last stop (our first stop in Sweden) next to some hotel, where you can brush your teeth at the public restrooms. I always feel a lot happier when that foul taste is gone!
The way back home
On Sunday we will leave early in the morning. You will receive an email about that with the exact time. Make sure you’re at the bus on time. Everyone might be a little bit cranky since it will be early in the morning, and I don’t really love waiting that much myself. The most important thing to do, is to make sure your luggage is at the right place. One of our crewmembers will tell you if the luggage in the trailer is for Eindhoven, Utrecht or Enschede. We like to pack all three of our destinations seperately. That way we don’t have to empty the bus everywhere we stop. Also, please let me cross your name off when you enter the bus. That way I know we’re not missing you. Want to go outside after I crossed you off? Then please make sure I can still see you :-).
Packlist
– Your ID Card!!!
– PC and gaming gear/screen/laptop/software
– Power cable/HDMI cable/DVI cable/Laptop lock
– Network cable (about 15 meters)
– Clothes
– Towels
– Toiletry bag (with toothbrush/toothpaste/deodorant/shower gel/shampoo etc.)
– Aspirin
– Sleeping gear (pillow/blanket/sleeping bag/air mattress)
– Mobile phone (and charger)
– Swimwear (if you like, there is a water park nearby)
– If you’re a cosplayer, bring your cosplay ;o
(A more detailed packlist can be found on the DreamHack website)
Looking forward to meet you all next week!
– Jeroen
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