Frankfurt and the Asia Connection

Are you a book worm?

If the answer is yes, then the International Book Fair (in German: "Internationalen Buchmesse") is for you. But if the answer is not, just like me, having fun looking around is not disgusting but rather fun.

Take my experience for example. Me and some colleagues attended this worldwide event of the geeks last October 18, 2009 in its usual venue, the Frankfurt am Main, Germany. The word "worldwide" implies the huge crowd of spectators that includes of course the exhibitors from the seven continents, book readers and collectors, dignitaries invited for speaking engagements, and the sight-stealing group of teenagers dressed in anime costumes.
















[Frankfurt am Main (Main pronounced as 'mine' after River Main) fifth largest city in Germany and is the second largest metropolitan area. A part of early Franconia, the inhabitants were the early Franks. The city is located on an ancient ford on the river Main, the German word for which is "Furt". Thus the city's name receives its legacy as being the "ford of the Franks".

Situated on the Main River, Frankfurt is the financial and transportation center of Germany and the largest financial center in continental Europe. It is seat of the European Central Bank, the German Federal Bank, the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and the Frankfurt Trade Fair, as well as several large commercial banks. Frankfurt Airport is one of the world's busiest international airports, Frankfurt Central Station is one of the largest terminal stations in Europe, and the Frankfurter Kreuz (Autobahn interchange) is the most heavily used interchange. Frankfurt is the only German city listed as one of ten Alpha world cities. Frankfurt lies in the former American Occupation Zone of Germany, and it was formerly the headquarters city of the U.S. Army in Germany.] -Wikipedia

And because I am not a bookworm, I am not going to talk about books from here on. But on my playful side.. ANIME and its by-product: Cosplay!  I was amazed with the Asian influence, especially of Japan's renowned manga, to the European youngsters.

Being the number 1 Naruto fanatic in the world, i quickly recognized the first teen dressed in Akatsuki costume that i saw passing by. The first thing that came to my mind is to take photo with him but I realized i was there for a more serious purpose, so i stopped the urge. Upon seeing a couple of others loitering around, i bother to ask if they are part of the event. But they said it was just for fun.

And so i also have fun. Never mind the books, i don't have the money to buy and the time to read it anyway.
So, here goes the fun...

Classical but very artistic.


Definitely loved the Akatsuki costumes. These guys acted like a pro.


This one is so cute. She can mock the costume she puts on. Looks like Britney Spears though.


This young couple are real sweethearts. The girl, Claudette, is a Fil-German whose mother hailed from San Carlos City, Negros Occidental. Though a fluent German, she admitted she still understands some Visayan and Tagalog words and can converse a little bit. What got us so amused was her French-looking but German boyfriend who was more than fond of talking to us like an OFW excited to have found a fellow Filipino abroad. He recalled few words that Claudette's mother oftenly used like "Ano, ano? Siguro...", "gwapa and gwapo", and he even know what is going on in the Philippines like the devastation caused by typhoon Ondoy. Very conversant. He was even the one who noticed the Ako Mismo dog tag i wore and recognized the Philippine flag. That was amazing!


Another Akatsuki costume in a great pose.



A Naruto Picnic.

So... who says Book Fair is boring?