My Trilogy initiation was nearly identical to yours. I, too, was completely transported and immersed in Middle Earth for about 3 or 4 days, as I recall, during my college days (though I had dropped out then, only to return a number of years later)...Later I named my bike (10-speed) Sting (there's a strange reason). On my 33rd birthday I threw my own party and gave presents to my friends. I really feel I should reread the 3 books before I see the movie. I don't think I could recreate that 1st experience either, but I want to bring the characters and scenes to life in my own way before I see Hollywood's intepretation. BTW: I was in New Orleans last week and had a Muffaletta at Frank's Grocery. Mmmmmmmmmmm.