[Vol-2] Boston Genshin Pop-Up Store Event 2024: A Gamer’s Adventure in Teyvat IRL

src: https://x.com/GenshinImpact/status/1874818019697823988/photo/1

Previous Blog Post

Before we dive into the chaos and excitement, let me just say: keep an eye out for the "People & Staff Thoughts" section—some spicy insights await!

Traveller #1

The event was engaging and well-organized, with staff interacting wonderfully with attendees. The blind bags were a hit—a fun and novel idea that many enjoyed! While it's the second time around, a bit more polish could recapture the magic of the first. Space was the main limitation, but it’s understandable given the crowd.A lovely highlight: these events are fostering friendships! One attendee shared how he and his friends met at a previous Genshin event and now attend together. 🌟Great job overall—looking forward to the next one! 🎉

Day 4: Freebies, Friends & Full-On Vibes

The lesson of the day: Early birds snag the goodies. I arrived early and grabbed my two pulls right out of the gate. Boom: Raiden and Zhongli! But then, déjà vu. I already had Zhongli, so I traded it with a guy for Childe (Tartaglia). Felt like a solid roll.

The big event of the day was the cosplay & concert, and boy, was it poppin’. I reunited with the trio from Day 3— @studioblooby (now rocking a sick Xiao with a face mask), @kalosians (Xingqiu), and @bluelemmingcosplays (Ganyu, looking stunning). @studioblooby turned out to be a professional photographer, and watching her work the magic lens was like a live-action tutorial. I swear, she was the archon of photography—cool, collected, and nailing every shot. Learned a lot from her and also enjoyed their company. I wish to hang out more with them!

The staff was on fire too! Cosplaying while helping customers? Xiao (@jingyi_zbz), Venti (@stella_tantan), Katheryne (@uusagi_yuki), Xiangling (@ksama.cos), Kelle, and even a Chichi were out there flexing their dedication. Honestly, seeing the energy they brought made me wonder if they had Zhongli-level contracts binding them to the job.

We also had Arlecchino (@white_bo.ok), Barbara(@latte.cos_latte), and an adorable Keqing who was just kawaii overload.

The highlight? A live performance by Berklee's Chinese Traditional Music Club(@ctm_berklee), who played Natlan-inspired music. My inner bard was vibing harder than Venti in a tavern. Somewhere, a glass of dandelion wine was raised in their honor.

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Bonus shoutout to a casual-outfit Xiangling(@shericosplays)—it was unique, comfy, and low-key genius and special thanks to Kequing, for allowing me to do the photoshoot. Made a ton of new friends and traded contacts. Seriously, if friendship were primogems, I’d have enough for a guaranteed 5-star.

Staff #A

Day 5: Belle of the Ball

Day 5 brought the hype, and I couldn’t wait to see @bluelemmingcosplays cosplaying Belle (ZZZ). Spoiler alert: she nailed it. I also met a new cosplayer Lumine (@fatechaser__) and had a galaxy-brained idea: why not get Belle and Lumine to pose in each other's iconic stances? The result? Absolute perfection.

Belle and Lumine up to something .......

Like every day, I showed up early and bumped into the guy who traded me Childe. Naturally, we chatted about the latest Genshin updates(v5.3)—you know, the usual: "Did you pull for the Pyro Archon yet?" and "How many primos have you got left, bro?"

My pulls for TCG that day? Arlecchino and Keqing. RNGesus was on my side Big W.

The creativity didn’t stop there. One cosplayer had 3D-printed the head of Honkai Star Rail’s female MC, Stelle. Like, what? Props to them for their dedication and ingenuity.

Later, I joined a group of card collectors who traveled all the way from NYC. We explored nearby comic and anime stores, geeking out and adding another layer of fun to an already epic day.

Proxy #1

First time ZZZ Hub in America. Y’all already know I had to come from 3 states over to check it out. This shit is so peak, man. I loved meeting new people and hanging out with fellow nerds. Boston has been pretty amazing. Btw, Ellen Joe best girl.

Day 6: The Wrath of Barbatos

Okay, real talk: The Anemo Archon was PISSED. The winds were so brutal I thought I’d get yeeted straight to Mondstadt. Imagine leaning forward like a Chocobo jockey just to stay upright.

When I finally reached the event, the setup crew was battling the elements like it was an endgame boss fight. The wind even destroyed the Neuvillette and Wriothesley standees, which felt like a personal attack. Naturally, I pitched in to help (Traveler vibes, amirite?).

Inside, my pulls were solid: Yoimiya and Raiden. But here’s the twist: a kind soul (@cos_gray) traded me NYC exclusives Ganyu and Baizhu for Furina (I had got in trade earlier by trading Radien). I was hyped!

The day ended early since not much else was happening (except the wind). I headed home to hit the books, but not before planning to return for Day 7 and see @cos_gray in cosplay.

To Be Continued...

The final days of this epic Genshin adventure are coming in the next blog post. Will I pull my dream card? Who will steal the cosplay spotlight? Stay tuned, fellow Travelers.

Ad astra abyssosque!

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