Mittens 2018 confirmed - Boston 15-22 September

AGA · Thu 04/01/2018 22:28:46

So it's early in the new year, which means it's Mittens planning time!

Given our usual 'every third year in America' tradition, 2018 is another America year. For some reason Boston has jumped out at me as being a good idea, and when I mentioned it on the Discord chat channel, people seemed in favour. There should be plenty of interesting things to see and do, and the whole historical bent seems nice. It looks possible to rent places of various enough sizes and prices to house however many people attend.

So, who's interested?

We booked this place: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/6741599! 15-22 September.

Confirmed Attendees
AGA
Disco
Esseb
Grundislav
JenniBee
Jess
Layabout
Layabout's +1
MillsJROSS
MillsJROSS's +1
m0rph84 [no bed required]
Privateer Puddin'
scotch
Snarky
Tamara
= 14 [15]

Interested Parties
Pesty [no bed required]
= 1

Privateer Puddin' · Fri 05/01/2018 01:17:16

Yep!

Grundislav · Fri 05/01/2018 02:17:25

I'd definitely go if it was in Boston. It's a cool city and close enough to make travel cheap!

Snarky · Fri 05/01/2018 05:21:41

Absolutely!

Layabout · Fri 05/01/2018 05:36:47

Count me interested. I would love to visit Boston.

Esseb · Fri 05/01/2018 10:06:33

I'm interested!

Grundislav · Fri 05/01/2018 15:52:19

Add a +1 for me, as Jess is also interested.

Dave Gilbert · Fri 05/01/2018 19:05:52

Yes yes yes. Love Boston. Count me in.

tzachs · Sat 06/01/2018 01:52:33

Ooh, we're definitely interested, but I'm guessing it's going to be problematic coming with a (very demanding) 2 year old? Was there ever a precedent of somebody bringing a kid? And how did it go? If not, maybe we'll do a weekend there and come visit.

cat · Sat 06/01/2018 09:46:10

Boston sounds awesome, but with a baby, we will not be able to come. I don't think Mittens is for kids and I'd have been pretty pissed had people brought their kids to the Mittens I attended.
However, I was thinking about organising a Mittens with kids (Kiddens

) next year in Europe.

AGA · Sat 06/01/2018 12:46:42

Yeah, unfortunately I don't think kids at Mittens would really work... I think the only way it could work is if the parents stayed somewhere else (hotel / own rental), and met up during the day with the main group. I really can't see a young child fitting in with all the noise, drinking and late nights that are known to happen at Mittens!

Snarky · Sat 06/01/2018 13:17:32

I think it would be a shame if all the Mittens regulars who are having kids have to stop coming, though, or if we had to segregate it completely into parents vs. non-parents meetups.

As people grow older, the nature of Mittens changes as well. And really, I don't think there was really anything about Mittens Iceland that was particularly non-kids-appropriate (depending on how parents feel about the penis museum). If there's a concern that having children around would cramp our style, maybe we could alternate every other year? Or get two separate places nearby each other. Or overlap it so that part of the time is with kids, parts all together and parts without. I think there are ways to make it work.

tzachs · Sat 06/01/2018 20:23:04

Quote from: AGA on Sat 06/01/2018 12:46:42
I think the only way it could work is if the parents stayed somewhere else (hotel / own rental), and met up during the day with the main group.

Right, I guess this is what we might do then (and we'll come just for the weekend probably).

Disco · Tue 09/01/2018 02:17:46

Why not?

Looking forward to crossing a new state off my travel map!

yamipanda · Sat 13/01/2018 10:31:07

Interested.

Layabout · Thu 18/01/2018 10:29:08

I will have a plus 1 and an idea on dates people are thinking would help as we need to get an idea of flight costs from Australia.

AGA · Thu 18/01/2018 11:09:20

It has been suggested quite a few times that we might have Mittens a bit later. Tamara and I have a very busy summer planned, so that would actually be preferable to us. What do people think about the second weekend of September, for instance? Flights also seem to be cheaper than the summer peak for the majority of us who live in the northern hemisphere (sorry, Ryan!).

Grundislav · Thu 18/01/2018 16:56:26

Post-summer is fine, just make sure it's in September or October, any later and it gets pretty damn cold in Boston...

Layabout · Thu 18/01/2018 22:57:28

Quote from: Grundislav on Thu 18/01/2018 16:56:26
Post-summer is fine, just make sure it's in September or October, any later and it gets pretty damn cold in Boston...

At least in September and October I get a chance to wear my jackets. We get two weeks of winter in Australia!
I'm OK with mid to late September. Flights are what they are - I'll just have to look out for some sweet deals.

Privateer Puddin' · Fri 19/01/2018 15:10:04

September should be ok.

Snarky · Fri 19/01/2018 15:47:04

Yeah, I think that should be Ok. I spent a summer in Boston once, and in July it topped out at 33Â°C and 100% humidity, so waiting for a cooler month may not be a bad idea.

If anyone is keen, it would be nice to take a road trip around New England as well.

scotch · Fri 19/01/2018 19:51:13

Definitely add me, I'll come almost certainly since I live a little outside of Boston. Really look forward to it!
Makes no difference to me, but yeah September is usually a decent bet in terms of weather, and it's also a bit cheaper for flights from Europe.
I might be able to bring a car or two, if people want to do anything off the T.

AGA · Fri 19/01/2018 22:43:09

Quote from: scotch on Fri 19/01/2018 19:51:13
Definitely add me, I'll come almost certainly since I live a little outside of Boston. Really look forward to it!
Makes no difference to me, but yeah September is usually a decent bet in terms of weather, and it's also a bit cheaper for flights from Europe.
I might be able to bring a car or two, if people want to do anything off the T.

What about the wife? Would you be staying, or just commuting from home?

scotch · Fri 19/01/2018 23:37:59

I'd stay unless there is a space issue, but I'd only drag my wife (Kristin) along for trips/dinner rather than have her stay, due to vacation time issues.

Esseb · Sat 20/01/2018 11:07:39

September works for me too.

arj0n · Sat 20/01/2018 14:00:09

Count me +1 (my GF) as interested

Disco · Sat 20/01/2018 19:41:24

I am fine with September, but won't be able to do the second week. Kayla and I visit our brother every year around the 7th to ~10th that month. Having it the first or third week would actually be really convenient for me (and my employer) by lumping time off in one go, if that works for the group at large of course.

AGA · Sat 20/01/2018 19:45:53

We can't do the first week, but the third is fine. Weekend to weekend is of course always preferable for a Mittens, so does 15-22 September work for everyone?

Andail · Sun 21/01/2018 20:18:38

Boston sounds great and I'd love to go, but the only feasible way for me to meet up would be if I took the entire family to Boston, stayed at a hotel and then visited you guys from there.

Esseb · Wed 24/01/2018 23:06:06

15-22 september works for me.

Monsieur OUXX · Thu 25/01/2018 16:32:11

Not possible for me (too far). However if there is some sort of European-based warmup or after-party, I'd be very interested.

MillsJROSS · Thu 25/01/2018 21:41:55

I'll have to think about this one. Count me (+1) as a maybe.

I'm fully ok with families being involved if it means we get to see more old friends.

Dave Gilbert · Fri 26/01/2018 23:25:50

That might be the same weekend as Boston FIG? (festival of indie games). The date of the event hasn't been released yet, but usually they have it the 2nd or 3rd Saturday of September. Could be a fun thing to go to.

Disco · Wed 31/01/2018 15:04:55

Quote from: Snarky on Fri 19/01/2018 15:47:04
If anyone is keen, it would be nice to take a road trip around New England as well.

That would be grand! Of particular interest to me is Vermont/New Hampshire, but wouldn't mind trying to visit all the states if time and itinerary allow.

Snarky · Wed 31/01/2018 15:55:21

Cool!

I'm in! I need to clear it with work, but we have freedom to schedule our vacations, and it shouldn't be a problem when it's fixed this far in advance.

Quote from: Monsieur OUXX on Thu 25/01/2018 16:32:11
Not possible for me (too far). However if there is some sort of European-based warmup or after-party, I'd be very interested.

If there is interest in a smaller-scale Euro-Mittens, we are (as I have sometimes mentioned) welcome to stay at my family's house in Southern Spain. It sleeps 7 people comfortably, and we could probably squeeze in another 2-4 at increasing inconvenience (sofas, etc.). It's quite far inland, an hour's drive from the nearest international airport, with nothing particularly interesting nearby, but it's a nice place to unwind.

Spoiler

(Pictures taken last January; it's quite a lot drier in the summer)

[close]

Layabout · Thu 01/02/2018 07:51:00

15 to 22 is good for me

AGA · Fri 02/02/2018 16:59:36

Okay, so housing options...

There are quite a lot of options, in a variety of locations and styles. A few choices below:

Link	Beds	Total Cost	Cost Each
https://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p417583vb	12	$4,028.00	$335.67
https://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p4755753	12	$7,769.50	$647.46
https://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p1186801vb	15	$5,306.00	$353.73
https://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p8564962	16	$8,042.04	$502.63
https://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p1186801vb	20	$6,148.00	$307.40

Just some ideas, please feel free to suggest anywhere else you see that might be suitable.

AGA · Fri 09/02/2018 22:15:39

We're running out of options rapidly, as places are booking up. What about this place: https://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p492936vb? It sleeps 16, seems well equipped, and the ocean location could be great! Around an hour's drive or public transport from Boston. It's about $400 per person, but the larger, cheaper places are running out!

If we can agree on a place quickly, I'll make the booking ASAP. Everyone please respond to confirm if this place would be good, from 15-22 September. If people don't at least respond with a yes or a no, I'll have to assume you're no longer interested.

http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=55673.msg636580840#msg636580840

Dave Gilbert · Fri 09/02/2018 22:29:28

My only issue with that place is that it's marketed as being "away from it all", which tells me that it's not near the actual city? I can find an address on the site so I can't say for sure.

AGA · Fri 09/02/2018 22:32:28

There's a map. As I said, it's around an hour's drive, same by public transport, from Boston. That's pretty standard for Mittens, I think. We're usually a medium journey from the nearest big city, and it's never been a problem before!

Hull / Nantasket Beach, since I know you know Boston. Here's a Google Maps link to the exactish location.

Pesty · Fri 09/02/2018 22:36:10

Hello my friends woah nelly what year is it? Anyway hi, I would like to go to mittens and see all you good good kids! AGA knows this I've just been too busy to post it Official-like, so here I am posting it Official-like!

This place looks super cool! It's probably not TOO "away from it all", though its definitely worth checking to see how far it is from the city!

AGA · Fri 09/02/2018 22:39:26

Nevermind, that house is taken! Owner apparently doesn't update the calendar.

AGA · Fri 09/02/2018 22:49:16

Okay, this place also looks nice: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/17364158?location=Boston%2C%20MA&adults=16&children=0&infants=0&guests=16&check_in=2018-09-15&check_out=2018-09-22&s=Zc-bWzqM / https://www.google.nl/maps/place/Prospect+St,+Peabody,+MA+01960,+USA/@42.5413464,-70.9527657,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x89e313b5ec9b769b:0xaa3062c898067f9e!8m2!3d42.5413464!4d-70.950577?hl=en. Around $300 per person, huge place that can house loads of people. Again, around an hour from Boston.

scotch · Sat 10/02/2018 00:42:50

I'm ok with wherever. I do think the Hull area ones seemed doable, good value, and the beach would have been cool. Ferry and rail are both options there. Central Boston sucks for driving and parking, so if people wanted to get in I would drive/uber them to the T/rail and go from there. I'd guess about 40-50 min for either option.

The Peabody one looks cool for size and obviously price! Salem nearby is kind of a fun day out. Probably pushing it for travel time though, since it's not near any good stations. I'll have a look about to see if anything stands out... a lot is disappearing.

Dave Gilbert · Sat 10/02/2018 00:57:29

I'm fine either way!

Privateer Puddin' · Sat 10/02/2018 01:03:57

Latest place looks good! Didn't realise places would be booked this far out

scotch · Sat 10/02/2018 01:29:13

Oh yeah, places book out like crazy towards fall. I have stuff booked for November already.

As for the stuff north of the city, I like this one:
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/6741599?location=Boston%2C%20MA&adults=15&check_in=2018-09-15&check_out=2018-09-22&s=ApQCnsvR

Streetview

It's vast, near the sea, and it's 30 minutes and $9 per person from Boston center on Uber, also close to Salem and also has a lot of bathrooms which is a plus.

Privateer Puddin' · Sat 10/02/2018 01:35:40

Didn't realise the last one was a bit hotely (millennial, just went straight for the pictures

) so scotch's suggestion looks good, but just to note the owner lives in the basement and no loud conversations after 10PM

Anyway, places are running out so everyone feedback!

m0rph84 · Sat 10/02/2018 04:32:41

Count me in!
I live in Boston! September is a great month, fall foliage is amazing here.

Never went to a Mittens before. How the housing works? I have an apartment here so I can return home at night.
Is this doable? The problem is that I have a wife and a 1-month-old baby that will be around 9-month-old in September...

Snarky · Sat 10/02/2018 07:18:54

Quote from: AGA on Fri 09/02/2018 22:49:16
Okay, this place also looks nice: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/17364158?location=Boston%2C%20MA&adults=16&children=0&infants=0&guests=16&check_in=2018-09-15&check_out=2018-09-22&s=Zc-bWzqM / https://www.google.nl/maps/place/Prospect+St,+Peabody,+MA+01960,+USA/@42.5413464,-70.9527657,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x89e313b5ec9b769b:0xaa3062c898067f9e!8m2!3d42.5413464!4d-70.950577?hl=en. Around $300 per person, huge place that can house loads of people. Again, around an hour from Boston.

Hmmm... it sleeps up to 45, so as Puddin' says it will be a bit hotely. Looks nice otherwise, though note "Quiet Hours 10:30PM - 6:30AM"

Quote from: Privateer Puddin' on Sat 10/02/2018 01:35:40
scotch's suggestion looks good, but just to note the owner lives in the basement and no loud conversations after 10PM

I thought you were joking!
That sounds non-ideal.

Esseb · Sat 10/02/2018 13:00:30

I'm basically fine with any house, if it's difficult to find available houses it might be inefficient to get everyone's approval. I trust AGA to find a suitable place.

AGA · Sat 10/02/2018 13:34:43

Unfortunately we're seriously running out of valid options. Both those options have their plus sides and their negatives, but I'm not sure we can afford to be fussy anymore. We really need to book something today. As Esseb says, if it comes to it I might be forced to just pick a place and book.

To make it easier though, here's a summary of the two current options:

The Wheatland	Large spacious 6 bedroom house
16-45 people Up to 22 separate beds Up to 5 unshared rooms (only one bed) $5925.55 total / $370.35 each Not suitable for under 2s Around 1hr from Boston by car and public transport Potentially a shared space, if other people book at the same time as us Quiet Hours 10:30PM - 6:30AM Clean up after yourselves in common areas Please note that personal items cannot be left in the common areas	16 people 10 separate beds 4 unshared rooms (only one bed) 30 minutes' drive from Boston, but public transport is barely available $6197.40 total / $387.34 each No food in any of the bedrooms No loud music No loud conversations or music after 10pm Owner lives on site, but with separate entrance

Overall I'd say the second option is more like a traditional Mittens house, while the first is more like staying in a B&B. The main downside is the lack of noise after 22:00, and need for a car/Uber, but I think we can probably cope better with that than the other place's rules. It's not like loud noises are much of a Mittens thing, and we can always go upstairs into one of the bedrooms if we really need to make more noise! According to scotch, who lives locally, it's also better situated for Boston and the local history.

Snarky · Sat 10/02/2018 13:48:11

Personally I'd go with option 1, but I'm ok with either.

AGA · Sat 10/02/2018 13:52:43

Quote from: m0rph84 on Sat 10/02/2018 04:32:41
Count me in!
I live in Boston! September is a great month, fall foliage is amazing here.

Never went to a Mittens before. How the housing works? I have an apartment here so I can return home at night.
Is this doable? The problem is that I have a wife and a 1-month-old baby that will be around 9-month-old in September...

The way it usually works is you pay your share, you stay at the chosen house for the week. We hang out for the week, and do nerd stuff (not always AGS related). Usually at least one day involves getting out of the house and seeing the local attractions/history.

However, I will warn you that both options we're looking at say no children under 2 are allowed on site (for safety reasons). If you wanted, you could probably work out some way of doing it though. You visit us during the day, then go home to your family at night, or you stay with us and visit them every day or two. Whatever you feel comfortable with! Of course if you didn't sleep at the house you wouldn't need to pay a full share of the costs.

AGA · Sat 10/02/2018 14:25:15

Oh btw, if you look at the photos of the second place there's a huge attic we could easily use for later night drinking, game playing, noise making. There's very little chance the owner would be able to hear us from his basement apartment. To me, that basically removes my main concern...

AGA · Sat 10/02/2018 14:41:23

Okay, I've booked Large spacious 6 bedroom house, from 15-22 September. I noticed that Airbnb will refund 100% of the fees if you cancel within 48 hours, so it seemed a good idea.

Sorry for all the high speed and chaos today and yesterday, but I really wasn't expecting stuff to book up this quickly!

Privateer Puddin' · Sat 10/02/2018 15:10:30

Thanks AGA for sorting it all out once again!

See everyone in Boston!

Esseb · Sat 10/02/2018 15:33:15

Thanks for sorting this out, AGA, the house looks great.

scotch · Sat 10/02/2018 19:03:29

Nice one AGA! I think it'll work great. Can't wait

Snarky · Sat 10/02/2018 19:05:41

Paid! Thanks AGA!

So Mittens in Boston... See you all at MITtens!

m0rph84 · Sat 10/02/2018 20:52:48

Quote
However, I will warn you that both options we're looking at say no children under 2 are allowed on site (for safety reasons). If you wanted, you could probably work out some way of doing it though. You visit us during the day, then go home to your family at night, or you stay with us and visit them every day or two. Whatever you feel comfortable with! Of course, if you didn't sleep at the house you wouldn't need to pay a full share of the costs.

Sounds good! I saw you booked from 15-22 September.
Let me know how I have to pay my share and how much I have to pay if I do not sleep there.

Thanks!

AGA · Sat 10/02/2018 20:57:25

We're paying for the accommodation, not the company, so if you don't use a bed I don't think there's any need to pay... Please try to work out ASAP whether you'll want a bed though!

m0rph84 · Sat 10/02/2018 21:12:32

Oh ok no, due to my situation I don't think I'll need a bed.
Thanks!

arj0n · Sat 17/02/2018 12:07:16

I was waiting to receive news from the hospital, which is also the reason why I haven't answered the Mittens-PM's yet.
This news finally came in yesterday: I will be hospitalized in the beginning of September, for my right-side arm & wrist.
I was hoping they scheduled it after Mittens, but that's not the case. Therefor I'm sadly not able to join Mittens this year...

Sorry for any delay or whatsoever caused by me, and I hope y'all have a great time!!

Privateer Puddin' · Sat 17/02/2018 12:14:39

Hope all goes well with the arm!

JenniBee · Thu 29/03/2018 19:50:48

If there's still a spot open, I'd love to go.

Snarky · Sun 01/04/2018 11:59:36

Hi JenniBee. Maybe AGA isn't checking the forums right now, but since there were at last count three open spots, I'm sure you're welcome!

Also:

Quote from: Disco on Wed 31/01/2018 15:04:55
Quote from: Snarky on Fri 19/01/2018 15:47:04
If anyone is keen, it would be nice to take a road trip around New England as well.

That would be grand! Of particular interest to me is Vermont/New Hampshire, but wouldn't mind trying to visit all the states if time and itinerary allow.

Probably about time to book flights, so should we make some firmer plans than this? I was thinking something like three, maybe four days? Before or after Mittens? Late September is getting into Fall Foliage season in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, which might be nice but is also peak tourist season there. (The American obsession with leaves changing colors has always seemed a bit weird to me, but maybe I just don't realize what I'm missing.)

Privateer Puddin' · Sun 01/04/2018 12:03:42

I'm not ready to book flights yet but I am planning on being there longer than just Mittens so a maybe for New England stuff?

AGA · Sun 01/04/2018 12:07:57

Quote from: Snarky on Sun 01/04/2018 11:59:36
Hi JenniBee. Maybe AGA isn't checking the forums right now, but since there were at last count three open spots, I'm sure you're welcome!

I already sent her a PM!

AGA · Mon 02/04/2018 14:38:09

So do we have any plans for [rental] cars? Will anyone be driving their own car? Tamara has said she wouldn't mind driving a rental.

Disco · Tue 03/04/2018 18:56:01

Quote from: Snarky on Sun 01/04/2018 11:59:36
Probably about time to book flights, so should we make some firmer plans than this? I was thinking something like three, maybe four days? Before or after Mittens? Late September is getting into Fall Foliage season in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, which might be nice but is also peak tourist season there. (The American obsession with leaves changing colors has always seemed a bit weird to me, but maybe I just don't realize what I'm missing.)

Yes! I was thinking about the same number of days. Going before Mittens would perhaps be better for me personally, but I am fine with whichever time is best for those involved. Having lived in Michigan my entire life, I am spoiled by fall foliage colours every single year, so peak time does not concern me

Snarky · Tue 03/04/2018 19:30:19

Sounds good! On balance I think pre-Mittens works better for a road trip, anyway. After a week stuck together in a house I'm liable to get cranky.

I just cleared the vacation days with my work, so I'm ready! Looking at flight options, right now the best deal would be to arrive in Boston (Logan) at 6:50PM on Tuesday 11. September, alternatively Wednesday at the same time if we want a shorter trip. So we wouldn't get very far out of Boston that first night. (There's no good option that arrives in the morning, what with time zones.)

Quote from: AGA on Mon 02/04/2018 14:38:09
So do we have any plans for [rental] cars? Will anyone be driving their own car? Tamara has said she wouldn't mind driving a rental.

I can do a rental as well. But also, in the Boston region it should be easy enough to get an Uber or Lyft if we need it, right? I wonder if it might even be cheaper if we don't use the rentals every day or for very long trips.

AGA · Wed 04/04/2018 05:54:54

Bear in mind of course that "an" Uber/Lyft would actually have to be four. Same for rentals of course, but I imagine trying to coordinate the arrival of four separate external drivers would be more awkward than being in control of our own transport.

AGA · Sun 20/05/2018 11:23:22

Quote from: AGA on Wed 04/04/2018 05:54:54
Bear in mind of course that "an" Uber/Lyft would actually have to be four. Same for rentals of course, but I imagine trying to coordinate the arrival of four separate external drivers would be more awkward than being in control of our own transport.

So what do we think? Does really no one see the need for car rental(s)?

Privateer Puddin' · Mon 21/05/2018 01:47:51

I feel like car rentals would be better, but I don't drive and can understand if people don't want to be lumbered with doing all the driving.

Layabout · Mon 21/05/2018 02:39:17

We will probably have a rental car since we are travelling down from NY with Francisco.

AGA · Wed 23/05/2018 16:52:40

So would this road trip people have mentioned involve renting a car? Tamara has said she wouldn't mind being a driving slave if she rented. That, plus Layabout/Grundislav's rental, and the car scotch is planning to bring, would actually give us more than enough space, especially if there's also another roadtrip rental...

Snarky · Sun 27/05/2018 11:08:25

I will rent a car for the road trip, and can certainly keep it for the Mittens week as well.

Could you please send out the actual address of the house to the people who are going? (It appears to be here, but Google only knows it as "Spouting Horns Road", which is otherwise a fantastic name.) The ESTA Visa-waiver form asks for the address of stay, although you don't have to fill it in if not known.

This is also a quick reminder to everybody not from the US to make sure to get your travel documents in order.

Layabout · Tue 29/05/2018 11:40:32

Quote from: Snarky on Sun 27/05/2018 11:08:25
This is also a quick reminder to everybody not from the US to make sure to get your travel documents in order.

Thanks Snarky, I did think about the ETSA a month ago, but forgot about it. Such a silly thing.

MillsJROSS · Wed 18/07/2018 03:07:55

Just booked all my travel! I'll be coming in late on the 15th, won't touch down till 10:30pm.

Leaving by train at 11:00 the following Saturday. Looking forward to seeing some new and old faces.

Disco · Mon 13/08/2018 18:39:22

Just purchased my return flight from Boston. The flight that made the most sense logistically on the arrival side leaves Logan at 05:30 (Ouch!!) If there are any night owls in the group that can drop me off in the wee hours (25-30 minutes from door to door), I am willing to negotiate a compensation package!

Snarky · Wed 15/08/2018 07:24:03

I'm sure it'll work out, Disco.

I just read up on where we're staying, and did you all know that the town (renamed to Lovecraft, MA) is the basis for the the setting of popular comic book Locke & Key?

Maybe we should try to fit some cave exploring into our program...

(And if you haven't read it, I recommend the comic. It's solid Vertigo-style fantasy/horror with a completed, self-contained story.)

Also, if anybody's interested in fielding an adventure game jam team (without spending the whole week working on it), let's talk!

Snarky · Sat 08/09/2018 19:33:36

So I bet I'm the first to be leaving for Mittens, tomorrow morning!

Why now, a week before the start of the event? Well, since the place I'm living now is inconvenient for the airport, I'll be stopping over at my parents' for a couple of days before catching a flight to Boston, joining Disco and Priv. Puddin' for our pre-Mittens New England road trip. But it does mean I have to get all my packing done and anything else that needs doing out of the way before I leave.

See you on the other side!

Privateer Puddin' · Sun 09/09/2018 15:08:01

I'm in New York since Friday

Even my hotel is getting in the mood with bluecup..

See you in Boston!

Snarky · Sun 09/09/2018 20:27:03

OK, you win!

But then again I feel like you're always on the move. See you in Boston! (I just realized that I'll be landing 00:25 my time, so the drive that evening should be interesting...)

Esseb · Sat 15/09/2018 09:50:33

My plane leaves in a few minutes, so I'll see you all in Boston later today!

Grundislav · Sat 15/09/2018 16:16:53

We're picking up our car in a little while and then driving up! Should be there this evening.

Stupot · Sat 15/09/2018 20:54:49

Enjoy Mittens, everyone. Keep us updated with piccies ands gossip. X

Grundislav · Sun 23/09/2018 01:15:14

Mittens is over! Here is one of our group shots:

LimpingFish · Sun 23/09/2018 01:44:43

Nice! Hope everyone had a fine time.

Snarky · Sun 23/09/2018 02:05:57

Good Mittens!

I'm finally boarding my plane out of Boston. Next time I'm not gonna book something at 9.30 in the evening... Hope you made it back OK, Disco.

Disco · Sun 23/09/2018 02:42:27

Was very good, indeed! Been in major zombie mode most of the day, so will update later with my recap and photos.

Quote from: Snarky on Sun 23/09/2018 02:05:57
Next time I'm not gonna book something at 9.30 in the evening... Hope you made it back OK, Disco.

...and I will likewise never fly at 05:30 ever again

I meant to post an update earlier. Thanks for saving my ass this morning!! I really owe you one. The person at the gate said I made it about two minutes before closing (cut it extremely close for my connecting flight as well). Sorry for the inconvenience, hope your sleep was not too disrupted as a result.

Privateer Puddin' · Sun 23/09/2018 02:45:05

I am in Florida for my post Mittens holiday! I'll stick photos in a proper gallery at some point, but for now:

Esseb · Sun 23/09/2018 07:28:55

Just got back as well to a decidedly more chilly Oslo. Will post gallery within the next few days.

It was a fun Mittens, and it was good both meeting the old faces again and the new inductees.

cat · Sun 23/09/2018 18:27:27

Looks like you had a great time

And it seems you played an escape the room game? How appropriate!

milkanannan · Mon 24/09/2018 18:12:02

Looks like fun! I'll get to one of these yet.

Snarky · Mon 24/09/2018 19:34:40

I'll share the accounts with you guys soon (soon...), I've just been too jetlagged to enter the last few little things yet. If you have any outstanding receipts or expenses (some people paid for Ubers/Lyfts, for example), please send them to me. I assume for the Tides bill we'll just split it evenly among the people who were there?

Quote from: Disco on Sun 23/09/2018 02:42:27...and I will likewise never fly at 05:30 ever again I meant to post an update earlier. Thanks for saving my ass this morning!! I really owe you one. The person at the gate said I made it about two minutes before closing (cut it extremely close for my connecting flight as well). Sorry for the inconvenience, hope your sleep was not too disrupted as a result.

Glad you made it! I was pretty sure you were going to have to catch a later flight. No worries, those 50 minutes of lost sleep did not prove debilitating.

Disco · Wed 26/09/2018 22:36:48

Which one of you S.O.B.s used my Steam code for Lamplight City?! I will reclaim my honour via hand-to-hand combat next Mittens. You have roughly 360 days to prepare yourself.

...tick-tock...tick-tock...

Edit: Apparent "zero" and "O" confusion!