I must say first, I adored this festival to such an extent, I'm trying to bend over backwards to find any kind of open-mindedness! But here's my thought, as I mentioned to Meritites the other day.

This was(rather like Americas' Inti Raymi festival last summer) an absolute priceless example of how to run a small festival. Tons of great images, graphics, things to do, articles to read, places to go, laughter and pretty souvenirs to share. Egypt should be tremendously commended! But what I loved most is that is was HOOD based, and so many of the events, articles, and things built and tremendously enhanced hoods in Bast territory.

So my suggestion to Seme and others, although there are a couple of things that are definitely GEMS quality, is that the 'hoods where Bast took up residence this April should be nominated as Best Places of AncientWorlds (which is coming up as a contest as soon as Best Homes is over!)

I feel like the care and fun lavished on the 'hoods can really best gleam and shine if there are "best places" winnings. Just my thought, and we'll go back and look at the GEMS nominations! But last year, Inti Raymi was nominated as an entire FESTIVAL offering, and we were concerned about opening the door to nominate entire festivals. Before you know it, all of the events at every festival will be nominated, not as stand-alone experiences, but as group events, and I think that would become almost impossible to judge. BUT festivals that take place in the hoods should be eligible not only for stand-alone GEMS awards but also as special hoods!

Just sharing my thoughts, brothers and sisters!