Hey guys! I know this is ridiculously early to start planning Mittens again, but since the availability of big houses is somewhat limited in Berlin, you can't start planning early enough :)
This is the house for this year's mittens in Berlin:
(http://shatten.sonores.de/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/mittenslocation.png)
http://www.homeaway.co.uk/p768088
Facts:
The date is: 10.08. to 17.08
The house is located in "Schoeneiche bei Berlin". The nearest Airport is Berlin Schoenefeld SXF.
Space is somewhat limited: the villa fits 18 persons. I could ask for some additional beds though.
The price: 209 eur, but we get a sauna, a pool and a jacuzzi :D
Is anyone interested to stay another night at a youth hostel directly in Berlin afterwards?
Attendees
* AGA SXF 11:15 GMT+2
* Abstauber (car, 3 free seats)
* Christina with Abstauber
* Snarky TXL 14:10 GMT+2
* miez Train 15:08 Central Station
* Ascovel
* Cat Train 09:36 Central Station
* raeff (Bernhard) Train 09:36 Central Station
* Esseb TXL 12:10
* Limping Fish
* Arjon (Car, 3 free Seats)
* Tamara with Arj0n
* Bicilotti TXL 10:40
* CJ
* Mrs. CJ
*DoorKnobHandle Train 13:10 East Trainstation
* m0ds TXL 13:40
Archive:
Update
How about 09.08.2013 to 16.08.2013 plus possible post mittens activity directly in Berlin (weekend at a youth hostel) ?
Is everyone happy with Villa Katharina?
* Villa Katharina: http://www.villakatharina.com/index.php?newlang=english
- Location: Gmaps Link! (https://maps.google.com/maps?q=Goethestra%C3%9Fe+17,16259+Bad+Freienwalde&hl=de&ie=UTF8&ll=52.779664,14.034047&spn=0.010215,0.033023&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=54.137829,135.263672=h&hnear=Goethestra%C3%9Fe+17,+16259+Bad+Freienwalde+(Oder),+Brandenburg,+Deutschland&z=16)
- takes up to 18 persons (including carriage house),
- 220 eur each including tax, linen and towels. If you want to bring your own stuff, you might save a few bucks.
- already two cars for convenient park and ride - anyone else bring a car ? Tell us :)
* Old hunting lodge, approx 100km from Berlin
http://www.villakatharina.com/index.php?newlang=english
- takes up to 18 persons (including carriage house), but it's pricey and quite a ride to Berlin (but awesome if we shoot a movie there)
* Villa in the outskirts of Berlin
http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=del=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=de&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fewo-direkt.de%2Fferienwohnung-ferienhaus%2Fp768088%23reviews&act=url
- Pretty close to what we had in Ireland, but I need to ask if they can put in more beds. Currently only up to 14 persons
* Apartment complex Floram�hle (we can rent the whole building)
http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=de&sl=del=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.floramuehle.de%2Fhome.php
- in the middle of Berlin, quite cheap and takes up to 17 persons. But neither pool nor jacuzzi
* Apartments (we might afford 2 levels)
http://www.berlin-lodge.de/ferienwohnungen/mitte/652/koepenick-1.php?lang=en&lang=de&lang=en
- 3 apartments in one building, up to 14 persons per apartment
- located directly in the city
The hunting lodge would be amazing. I don't understand the price list though, why are there three separate categories?
A city thing would be good too of course, if this place is too expensive, but being out in the forest would be excellent.
I will be there. Jen will almost certainly too.
Quote
(http://www.berlin-lodge.de/userdaten/415/652/bilder/ob-652-9-190711-092548.jpg)
Only the best for AGS! ;)
Villa-cat looks great though! It's like Disneyland. I'm certainly tempted to go, but also to the annual gathering in Cologne next year. So Germany twice in one year...No problem! Of course the company is not in question - but as I'm not having a hol this year, and no pool in Ireland, I have to say a pool on the grounds would certainly tempt me to commit a little harder, landlocked venues just aren't my first choice for any kind of holiday. But nice scenery and good aesthetics at a location like that hunting lodge always please that forever-looking-at-adventure-game-backgrounds section of the mind, fo shizzle :P Good of you to look into it though abstauber!
I will be there to play Meyer!
Also, woods or city is fine. We had urban sprawl this year, a rural cabin would be a nice change of pace.
"Villa-Cat" :D
Yeah, it's pretty much landlocked, but also close to the polish border, so we can also visit Szczecin or the Baltic sea.
Anyway, the complete price for Villa-Cat would be 224 eur per person (4019 eur total, incl. towels, linen and tax), if we find 18 attendees. They list three categories, because they offer the villa and the two apartments in the cottage separately.
PS: hooray, du lügst.. 63.. err.. cheers :D
May well be there.
Not sure about next year, we are considering going on a long holiday which will use all my vacation days.
However, Villa-Cat means that I will have to come, even if it is just for a weekend :P
I guess I'll have to get my sun and soak some other way next year. I'm in, and though I'm fine with whatever I guess I would prefer the hunting lodge option. At least they have mineral baths!
@cat: Last year I saved some overtime for mittens. If you arrive on Saturday or Sunday you just need to save 5 days (38-40 hours). Come on, it's villa cat! :P
Btw. here are some more pics of the villa and the second structure (Kutscherhaus)
http://www.fewo-direkt.de/Deutschland/urlaub-ferienwohnung-villa-Maerkisch-Oderland/p36245.htm#photos
http://www.villakatharina.com/modules.php?name=mlContent&pa=showpage&pid=3
If I could find some way to Mr. T myself onto a plane I'd show up, but alas, that is quite unlikely.
Hmm, flights to Germany might be a bit more manageable for my wallet than ones to the USA or Australia.
Colour me interested in this! I would love to visit my first Mittens, if you guys'll have me, AND if my work schedule can give way for this. ;)
Also: either city or countryside is fine by me.
I live near Germany, but for university reasons I doubt I'll have time to attend. But we'll see.
I'd like to be there... about time I visited the neighbors' country :D
I will be there! Somewhere semi-rural with easy access to attractions or an urban daytrip would be ideal. There seemed to be many times more options for a group our size in Germany than in any country I have researched so far, at least on Holiday Lettings and HomeAway. If it does not necessarily need to be in/near Berlin out options are quite plentiful it seems.
I'm definitely interested in attending in Germany!
I should easily find the funds, but set me up as a maybe for now please.
I'm in! For definite! DEFINITE, I SAY!
Villa Katharina has my vote, if we can get it for a reasonable price.
Interested! :)
Sweet, twice as much feedback as I expected in two days. :D
If it doesn't have to be Berlin, I'll keep on looking for some houses in all over Germany. But most ones I've found so far are just 150 m2, which might be a bit too small. What is you limit on the price per week and person? Villa-Cat costs 224 eur, is that too much?
@Disco: A trip to Berlin from Bad Freienwalde takes about 1:30h by train. If we go there by car I think we could make it in under 1 hour.
@ProgZ: Unfortunately the transatlantic passage costs about 3000 eur and takes 28 days. But hey, you're a freelancer, right? You could work during travel ;) I'd pick you up from Hamburg.
Me & Noa are definite maybes!!
Personally I'm neutral regarding urban vs. rural, I can see the benefits both in the city or in the forest, and all the places look equally great to me.
Just in case it doesn't have to be Berlin, this place looks also pretty nice.
http://www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p867149
And it's a steal compared to Villa-Katharina 8-)
That Malberg villa is a bit small, but it looks AWESOME! :D
And it's super close to where I live haha (as opposed to being as far away from me as possible while still being in the borders of Germany pretty much) - so I'm all for the Malberg villa!
Since I am a complete Mittens -noob, is the mittens always held at roughly the same time of the year and if not, is there any preliminary idea on the month it might take place on?
The last two times it was in the late August, so it should be around that date again.
Quote from: abstauber on Wed 19/09/2012 13:46:10
Just in case it doesn't have to be Berlin, this place looks also pretty nice.
http://www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p867149
Indeed. I'm really digging the whole villa scene! ;-D
Quote from: abstauber on Wed 19/09/2012 13:46:10
Just in case it doesn't have to be Berlin, this place looks also pretty nice.
http://www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p867149
Wow, imagine demo night on that big screen! Count me as interested for this mittens. Hopefully I will be able to make it. At this stage, I'm not too fussed about the location although Berlin could be interesting...
Sign me in as very interested. Berlin is really close (compared to, say, UK).
Mittens in Germany? Damn it's tempting... finally a trip I could afford!
I'll have to see if I can take a week off next summer.
I'm not gonna be joining, because I'm actually going to Berlin this Monday. On that note I'm gonna go off topic for a sec (you can PM me if you don't want to spoil the topic here), I'd have question for peeps that have been to Berlin - I found 2 different underground tickets & attraction discounts packages "Berlin Welcome Card" and "Berlin CityTour Card", both are 30e for 5 days, but does anybody have like a warning about which is better (maybe one of them has discounts for sucky places, I've experienced this in Munich)? Search produced that Welcome Card might be better, but I'm still not sure. Also where's like a good place to find tourist offices so I can buy them, because I'm not staying at a hotel?
Is Spandau citadel or Tehnic museum worth visiting? What's a MUST see that might be missed if just following the regular tours? Is the ZOO/Tiergarten worth visiting or walking through the park is not worth the time?
Is there some major reconstruction and it isn't worth going somewhere (I'm sure there is, I've been around south Europe and there's always something that's being renovated)?
What kind of a celebration is on October 3rd, it's supposed to be a party at Brandenburg gates, but is it like a not working holiday or something?
Also we plan on stopping in Potsdam and Dresden, anything else that might be a fun stop (especially if were coming from the south (Croatia) to Berlin)?
Consider me (and Tarah) a very strong maybe!
We are planning to be in Europe around Mittens time next year and are very interested!! I can't give 100% guarantee yet but it's been too long since my last Mittens and I am eager to get back to Germany again as well! The only thing that might be a problem (?) is we might only be able to be there for 2-4 days (depending on how much time we can mutually get off from jobs) because we're going to pack as much traveling as we can into our available time and one full week in one place may not work out for our itinerary! But don't worry because we'd still pay our share of the cost!
I'm also a strong maybe. But I would prefer the first half, even the beginning of, August.
I fully support Andail in his call for the first half of August.
Any time in August works for me and Jen, but mid-late would be best.
Also, would be nice if the dates didn't get into conflict with Gamescom dates: 21-25.08.
Anyway, could you add me to the list, abstauber? I'm almost certain I'll be able to come.
Good point Igor. I'd like to go to both so I'd settle for a date that's as close to that of Gamescom as possible so that I can go from one to the next. However, I'm more likely to prioritize Mittens because going to both could get expensive, so if Mittens dates are far apart from Gamescom or overlap, it's not a big deal for me personally. Igor, don't they do that meet and greet at Gamescom on only one day?
The first three days of Gamescom are the ones worth being at, culminating on Friday night's Adventure-Treff party. The first day is the trade visitors only day.
If it would be possible to go from Gamescom right to Germittens or vice versa, it would be great.
Alright, let's make a little progress here.
How about 09.08.2013 to 16.08.2013 plus possible post mittens activity directly in Berlin (weekend at a youth hostel) ?
Is everyone happy with Villa Katharina?
PS:
In case you want to visit Gamescom in Cologne you just need to survive two more days until it starts and there's an excellent train connection between Berlin and Cologne.
Since 15th of August is a public holiday here, this strongly increases the possibility of me attending!
I'd be interested.
abstauber: Don't forget to add the dates to the very first post.
Berlin sounds interesting. Now if only I knew what "Mittens" was...
http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/wiki/?title=Mittens :)
Dates sound fine to me.
Just as a tiny bit of information (I know this is more of a meeting than a see Berlin tourist thing), if you want to visit Reichstag, you need to go their website and fill out the forms. And you need to do this at least 3 days earlier. You can decide the time you'll visit (it's in groups). I sort of suggest going at night, it looks awesomely lit up, but it looks great during the day as well. You get to go up in the dome and see Berlin from the roof of the building.
It's free and awesome, the only problem that it's scheduled.
Dates sounds good for me. Don't think I'll go on to Gamescom though as it would be after Mittens + other side of the country + RyanAir doesn't serve Bonn airport, etc. But dates and flight prices to Berlin look good this end. And thanks Anian, great info - sounds like it would be a real treat!
Yeah, I think I'll take that trip too. I'll meet a few of you on AdventureX this year - if we get along well, I'll be on GerMittens too.
I appreciate it's a bit early now, but is there any reason we shouldn't book now? Plenty of people seem interested (including CJ, by the way!), so why not book soon, just to guarantee no one else gets there before us?
Quote from: m0ds on Thu 08/11/2012 14:05:10
Dates sounds good for me. Don't think I'll go on to Gamescom though as it would be after Mittens + other side of the country + RyanAir doesn't serve Bonn airport, etc. But dates and flight prices to Berlin look good this end. And thanks Anian, great info - sounds like it would be a real treat!
Just checked. The direct ICE line (High Speed Train) does the Berlin-Cologne connection in under 5 hours. If you already book in May and use only the trains of this connection (what means no flexibility in using other trains, but as it's a direct connection you just have to catch the train) it's 29 Euro, what is 38 USD or 24 BP.
And if you want to fly, you can use Air Berlin for 49 Euro.
And we would be pretty glad to welcome as much as you as possible on our big yearly Adventure-Treff party on gamescom's Friday evening. No entry fee, you just have to pay for your drinks and the beach club we use is not really expensive. And it's worth every cent because a lot of interesting people from the adventure game scene are there every year.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DlbfXwaRyk&feature=youtube_gdata&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ATYoutube+%28Adventure-Treff+Youtube%29
Hey all (and happy new year btw)!
I've just tried to book the villa (this Sunday to be specific), but oh noes: that date has already been taken. So if it wasn't booked by anyone of you, I'm afraid we need to discuss the date once more.
The owner told me that the only free Friday to Friday spot is this one: 23.-30.08.2013 The price is 4000 â,¬ including bed sheets, linen, towels and electricity. We also need to pay 1,50â,¬ visitor's tax per day and person. So it'll be around 233 Euro in total for a group of 18.
Is this still okay for you?
Oh no, too bad. I'd actually prefer an earlier date but I hope it will still be possible for me to come.
Sweet bejezus! Looks really nice! I just got a pay raise so it looks like my participation is even more likely than before, too!
Not great for me and Jen. She can only really do early - mid August. Her mother's birthday's on August 22nd, so she doesn't want to miss that.
Quote from: abstauber on Tue 15/01/2013 16:54:19
Is this still okay for you?
I got some leave that month, so especially with the date change I think I can make it. I could also bring a car, if that is still necessary.
@AGA If it's just about the 22nd, I'll gladly pick Jen up from the Airport on the 23rd.
Just to be safe I'll ask the owner for dates in July as well, although it will be hard for me to switch holidays in that month.
There are other plans in motion at the moment, so please don't reorganise on our accounts. Jen's happy for me to come on my own if it comes to it anyway.
Dates no prob. Cost (190 gbp) a little bit high for me, but only cos I prefer the 150 gbp region... But how much is beer and public transport?
What about your second place? It's a thousand euros cheaper and we can get it a week earlier. It has a pool and a jacuzzi AND a sauna and loads of Boris bikes... It would however be Sat 10 to Sat 17 they don't seem to like Friday arrivals. 208 euro (170gbp...not a huge saving but available earlier at least) each for 18 people, still only 20 min from Berlin, modern facilities...
Gotta admit. I take one look at the location and enjoy its wonder and then 10 minutes later it's out of the question. Sure katharina looks nice but is it really worth the extra thousand euros for that 5 minutes of "wow this a beautiful place" ..? I was very pro that location but am more pro this one now I think :P The screenshot of the pool says "just jump in". How could I refuse?? Anyway it's an option if an earlier date is needed, I guess..!
http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=del=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fewo-direkt.de%2Fferienwohnung-ferienhaus%2Fp768088
Kath seems quaint. After more reading I don't like it as much. Seems more expensive for less. More cluttered just for "authenticity as a hunting lodge". I think we need space tbh, not hundreds of tiny wooden rooms. Don't think I'd really want to be hold up there for a week though. Appears to be better suited for Winter vacation rather than Summer. It looks more like a museum than somewhere to have fun!! The open, modern nature (and space) of the second location is much more appealing to me now tbh. But I can see why AGSers might want a "period" style holiday venue that seems very German whilst in Germany. The 5 min wow factor thing :p I admit I was keen on villa Kath originally but perhaps after experiencing some German efficiency at AdvX and these comments about the dates, and actually reading the websites in more detail - the second location gets my vote now.
The only problem with that other villa is that it's small: it fits only 14 people and about 22 are interested :( And from the interior I can almost tell you that the owner is not cool with overbooking it.
Villa Cat is just the biggest place around Berlin, except we ditch the whole Villa idea and rent two apartment floors (or that mill place)
It says it's for 18 people? Same as villa Kath...? Maybe the translator isn't working right. It's also telling me about lovely wooden planks.
Quote
per night (EUR) 650 â,¬
per week â,¬ 1,499 - â,¬ 2,999
Bedroom 7
Sleeping facilities for 18
Bathrooms 7
Awesome, how could I miss that?! I must have assumed that those 7 bedrooms would be double sleeps. I'll ask them right away.
edit: the 9th is already taken - Saturday to Saturday would still work out though.
@Ghost: would that also be possible for you?
Gamescom is 4 days after too so it takes into account no clash and Jen's situation. Works out a week earlier for Cat too. As you say Sat to Sat seems to tick the right boxes still. possibly good for taking days off work too rather than eating into two working weeks (ie mon to mon). Of course, if that can kind of thing works out for all other interested parties too...
Not sure about the Malberg one in terms of price and avail, but it sleeps 2 less people. Anyway thanks for checking with them ab!
Sat-Sat sounds good, as m0ds said, it's easier to take that time off from work. Also most houses are only rented Sat-Sat.
Oh, and please move me to the list of probable attendees :)
Alright - request for the second villa is out.
@cat Done :)
Bear in mind we're shopping for 18 people here, while in reality it may turn out half the people drop out (which is what usually happens!). If people could check they're able to attend on all the suggested dates, we can get firmer numbers, making it easier to find a suitable place.
As long as we don't drop below 10 people I think we'll be fine with both of them. At Villa Katharina we can also cancel the carriage house if there aren't enough attendees. The pool villa on the other hand is much cheaper and also affordable with 12-14 people.
Since Berlin (and Cologne too) are pretty popular travel destinations, we'd rather book in the next couple of days and see who's coming. Otherwise we'd have to rent a spot somewhere deep in the woods or you all have to camp in my backyard ;D
Are you happy to incur the cost of the booking deposit yourself for the time being, and get your money back via PayPal when people are willing to commit? I can just see raising funding adding further delays otherwise!
Nah, I'll simply start a kickstarter project, so we can buy the place :P
--
But yeah, that's a problem I'm well aware of. For renting a popular place that's the price to pay - again: it's peak season and it's the capital.
As soon as the dates (and then my vacation) are confirmed, I can pay my full share. And I think I prefer m0ds' house, it seems to be better suited for our needs (pool and jacuzzi - that's like Italy and Ireland in one place!).
I'll be able to pay as soon as necessary. As will a few other people, I'm sure. Roughly how much is the deposit for each place?
The booking fee for the pool villa is 500 euro and Villa Katharina is around 1000 euro.
Btw. funny math at the pool villa: free bikes cost 2 euro per person and day :X
http://www.homeaway.co.uk/p768088
Also with all additional costs listed at the bottom of the page, the stay at the pool villa is 4007 euro, so there's no real price difference except that it's closer to Berlin
@cat and AGA: That sounds awesome.
--edit: on the german page the additional costs for the pool villa are lower, although the booking fee is way higher (1200 euro). I'm excited what I get to read in the owner's mail :)
? I'm getting 153.27 GBP (185 euro) per person for the week... (with 18 peeps)
and that's including the deposit paid equally between us so we get some of that back too... more like 170 euro... No?
2999 euro fee, 300 eur deposit, 42 euro for daily fee. Where did you reach 4007 euro?
I got about 190 GBP on Katharina with 18 peeps.
Either I've got my maths wrong or perhaps you should pretend you're viewing their site through google translate like me ;)
THAT SAID LOL there are no single beds :/ theyre all doubles/kings. Not ideal if you're not berian and jen.
Hehe, well there's also a real english version of that page, which I've linked to the first post. It says:
Other charges 5 â,¬ per person and day 2011, 6 â,¬ per persons and day 2012
(This includes: Bed linens, hand towels, electricity, WLAN, water, cleaning)
Extra reserve able: Sauna 1 â,¬, Whirlpool 1 â,¬, Bicycle 2 â,¬ (Price per person and day)
Bookable only for all persons and for the entire period of stay
On the german page, they say 6 eur per day includes everything, but for 18 people it's still 756 eur extra charges.
So all in all the pool villa costs 170 gbp
Oh I get it, yup! I see the math better now .^^
How the hell are you supposed to pre-book sauna/whirlpool or buy it on the day? Or perhaps it's token operated? LOL. Or will they just assume we'll book both 18 times over for the full week. Cheeky! ;)
There's an option for a pool? Well, I know which alternative has my vote! (Seriously, it looks great. Bikes! Sauna! Sorry, Villa Katharina, my heart's been taken.)
Any time except the first half of July works for me, and I can pay up right away to help cover the booking fee.
Wow that new place looks great, and more Mittens-ey than the previous selection. +1 for the pool and jacuzzi!
Is it well positioned for using the bicycles for more than country touring? I just had this menacing vision of the lot of us riding in a pack and cruising over a hill :)
I'm in for any dates, but early August is still my preference.
I'm in for any date. I'll be unemployed so no pressure to get home for me, although earlier than late August would be preferable.
Quote from: abstauber on Wed 16/01/2013 13:38:32
@Ghost: would that also be possible for you?
It's possible; I'll have to haggle a bit bit with my bosses, but I really want to be there. It's probably the best chance to attend Mittens I'll ever get, so yes, still interested and 87% sure to make it!
I'd like to register my interest! I'm free for any dates, and cost of what I've seen so far would be fine. I'll keep checking in!
I'm in. List me as probable/definite.
Anytime in August is fine by me.
The nearest airport to the pool villa is...Berlin Schonefeld (SXF)? Direct flights to/from Dublin seem to hover around the 90 euro mark, which is also fine.
I should be able to contribute my share up front, as soon as I sort out my dormant Paypal account.
Put me on the list of definite attendees also.
Any date in August works for me. I can pay my share early as well if we need to gather enough for the deposit.
I showed the link with the house to Bernhard and now he is a possible too - that would also sort out the double bed issue for me ;)
Jen really loves the idea of the pool villa place too. If we can get that place in early-mid August we're definitely both in, assuming employee approval for time off. Otherwise it'll be just me, since I'm contractually obliged to attend all Mittenses.
Hehe, alright. I'm still waiting for the answer of my reservation request though.
And yep, the closest airport is Berlin Schönefeld (SXF). It's so close that setting up a shuttle service should be no problem.
Where (whom?) do I send my money?
Should I count this as a definite interest? :)
I'll send the payment information via pm, once I get a reservation confirmation and having paid the booking fee.
@abstauber:
Are there any restrictions in participating in a mittens?
If not, sign me and my gf Tamara (http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/forums/index.php?action=profile;u=10845) up as 'Possible attendees'.
And oh: a car, 4 seats.
Yay, more cars! As far as I know there aren't any official restrictions. Of course inviting all your local soccer club mates would gather some resistance ;) But bringing partners/bf/gf/wifes/husbands whatsoever is perfectly alright.
@mOds: The weather is pretty unpredictable, it could be steaming hot or we might not see the sun in the whole week :)
--edit: there might be the rule that you should be old enough to travel on your own, but that won't apply for most of us :D
I would say though that traditionally we've said that if space is short, friends and partners have a lower priority than established AGSers. If Chris Jones wants to come, but his space has been taken up by your girlfriend, she's going to have to stay at home!
Quote from: AGA on Fri 18/01/2013 10:29:52
I would say though that traditionally we've said that if space is short, friends and partners have a lower priority than established AGSers. If Chris Jones wants to come, but his space has been taken up by your girlfriend, she's going to have to stay at home!
That's completely understandable AGA.
But when she should have to stay home I most probably would stay home too.
That would create another place for a second gf for you AGA ;)
Thanx for the info though.
I don't think it's every actually come down to anyone having to pull enough though, so don't worry!
Thanks abs! I'm not going to get caught up in the 'couples' debate again, but move me to "interested". I'm happy to give up my space, I've been to many many euro Mittens. Happy to make way for newcomers. Though I agree with B it should be individuals served first before couples (bar the hosts, of course!).
From my count there are 17/18 AGS individuals before couples (cept abs) that seem actively interested. No reason it shouldn't be your decision though, as host(ess)! :)
Just wait until people ask to bring the kids :shocked:
But I'm pretty sure we can avoid the whole couple-discussion (and also Tamara has got an account here + worked on games, so she's an AGSer) - it's still a long time until August.
Quote from: m0ds on Fri 18/01/2013 13:10:51
I'm happy to give up my space, I've been to many many euro Mittens.
But, but... this was my change to meet m0ds real-live... :~( ;)
LOL. Ultimately, I wish they'd just build bigger houses!!!
Is already decided which lodge/villa/apartment it is going to be?
I'm in favor of trying to find room for everyone who wants to come. Are air mattresses and sleeping bags out of the question?
I could imagine that the house owners might have a problem with "unofficial" guests - at least when we try to rent those first class villas. Chances to break stuff are higher when the place is overcrowded. Not to mention that we get a problem with chairs and kitchen space.
But currently I still don't see a big space problem - compared to the last two Mittens, interest was always higher than actual booking rate.
I would say, at this point, there's a solid 80% chance (and growing) that Tarah and I will be able to make it.
I'll omit the boring details but the odds are improving daily!
If the space fills up it's not a problem... she and I can get a hotel (and will probably have a car as well!).
** fingers are crossed **
As I alluded to on IRC, there's a chance I will show up as well. I'm a student and I will need to get confirmation on exam dates before tho (and that'll only be foreseeable in the next couple of months), so I guess I'm a maybe!
So what's happening, abstauber? Did the owner reply?
Sorry I've been on phone-internet until today and I still haven't learned to use it conveniently.
Yeah, the owner answered and we can have the pool villa from Saturday til Saturday 10.08.-17.08.2013.
For 18 people it's 3.755,00 eur (incl. everything) - 1500 eur have to be payed in advance. If nothing's wrong with the date I'm about to book it in the next few days.
Does "everything" include the pool, jacuzzi, bikes and "Kurtaxe"?
Yep - also electricity, wifi and bedlinen. Visitor's tax would only apply for Villa Katharina.
I am very excited about this.
My boss approved my vacation, I'm a definite!
Great! I've also checked out the town nearby and seems that there are also a few hotels, just in case more people express their interest.
Here's the hotel guide of "Schöneiche bei Berlin", unfortunately I've only found a german version.
http://www.schoeneiche-bei-berlin.de/res.php?id=655
EZ: single room
DZ: double room
Frühstück: Breakfast
Ferienwohnung: holiday home
Our villa isn't located on the map itself, but it's about 2-3 cm above the green 5.
Aww, looks like it will be a tight fit with so many people :/
My finances just took an almost 800â,¬ hit due to my car breaking down, but I will have plenty of time to save up for the trip if there is still room for me.
sauna, pool, jacuzzi, bikes, electricity, wifi and bedlinen.
Sounds good ;-D
Put me on the interested list too, this sounds like fun! :)
My leave has also been approved, so I'll definitely be there. Not that there should have been any doubt of course ;)
Considering I will have a three month old child at this point, I can probably mark myself as a "no" right now.
@Dave - no chance to visit your in-laws, show your child around and book a tiny business weekend trip to Berlin? :)
Anyway - the place is booked :D The next step will be that tomorrow I'll PM everyone in the possible list. When you're in that list, you've got two weeks for a first installment to save a definite spot.
After that we'll see who else is interested and open the definite booking for everyone in the "maybe list".
If needed, I'll also ask the owner about extra beds, but let's see how the first booking round turns out ;)
Hey, I'm thinking of popping over for a couple of days. August is normally busy with the combination of a lot of people on holiday and a conference in early September.
Okay, Jen and I are both definitely in. We'll send the money as soon as you're ready for it.
Also, bagsy a two person room! Not sure what the room + bed arrangements will be, but after Dirk and Christina's choice we're reserving the next best room!
I know it is probably a bit early to think about transportation, but is there a cheap/reliable way to get from SXF Airport to Schoeneiche?
Trains, buses, etc.
We could pick up (max 2 persons) from the Berlin Schoenefeld SXF Airport to join us on our way to the house, we practically pass by the airport during the ride.
From the airport to the house will take about a small hour (says googlemaps).
Following my disappointing performance last year, consider me in this time! My girlfriend would also like to come along too.
If space is an issue we don't mind staying somewhere nearby
Sehr gut, ja!
Hooray, we'll have a full house!
... no wait: a very full house, awesome! :D
But if everyone on the definite list really wants to come, I think it's about time to at least think about some additional space.
This place is pretty close (2 km):
Here we could rent two apartments (7 sleeps max), which are around 20 eur per night and person.The good thing here is that we are a bit more "dynamic" if it comes to cancellations.
http://www.appartement-monteurzimmer.de/
For the approx the same price, we could also rent another house with 6 to 8 sleeps, although this one isn't as close as the apartment house (6,2 km)
http://www.fewo-aktuell.com/texte/seite.php?id=93351
I would suggest you wait a bit longer though. Just because 33 people have expressed an interest, it doesn't mean that even 1/2 those people will actually come. Everyone wants to come to Mittens, but not everyone manages to, unfortunately.
I'm a definite too.
Sounds good, I'm a definite!
Getting word from people that they've started paying for this, but I can't see any payment details or anything anywhere. Am I being blind?
Yeah, unfortunately we just have 18 spots in the house, so I'm currently accepting payments from the first 18 people until the 20th February. If by then the house isn't fully booked, you'll be the next in line.
In the rare case that the villa is already booked out, we need to take a look at other accommodations and see how we manage the sleeps.
Ah ok, fair enough. I'll keep my eye open.
So when are we going to open this up to the late registrants? Looks like the last few slots aren't filling up?
Abstauber told us we had until the 10th, so that's this weekend. From the first 18 on the list, it seems only LimpingFish and Darth+1 haven't yet confirmed their booking.
I should think even with the usual dropout rate among those who've expressed an interest, we'll easily go over the number of spaces available, and should pick a second place in the area ASAP. The apartments abstauber found looks like the best bet. (Closeness is key!)
I'm definitely in, I just have to sort out my payment. My Paypal account went a little haywire a while back, after I upgraded it, and it now seems incapable of properly accepting bank transfers.
As soon as I get it fixed, I'll be putting my deposit down.
Just an information for those who are interested to join gamescom in Cologne/Germany this year. The annual Adventure-Treff-Party will most probably take place on 16th August in Cologne. Location has to be confirmed until July, but we actually want to use the same as last year. Entry is free, only drinks and food on own bill. It's a beach club in Cologne-Poll. During the last years this was an event where a lot of developers met for a meet and greet and it's more or less only related to adventure games (for example last year Charles Cecil, Steve Ince, Deck13, Daedalic Entertainment and lots of publishers and press people have been there). Everyone who is interested in adventure games is invited to come. Probably we can organize a bus from Berlin to Cologne on 16th (it's a 6 hour ride), also for the people from the adventure-treff-Community who live in or near Berlin.
Alright, we're almost booked out. I haven't heard from Darth Mandarb yet and he already offered to stay in a hotel/motel/tent, so I hope it's okay (and fair) to open those two spots for reservation again. I'll send some PMs right away.
Yes! By all means fill up those slots! We still haven't been able to say 100% if we can make it so let those who know for sure have the available slots :)
She and I have no problem at all staying in a hotel and commuting to Mittens. Given that we [most likely] can't stay the entire week (she wants to see several countries while we're over there) it's probably for the best anyway if we don't use up two beds!
Quick update: we're completely booked out. So if anyone else want to come (looking at Mr. Jake, Ghost and WHAM), I'd say it's time to think about additional space.
@Darth: Maybe it's the best if you find a nice place directly in Berlin so you can see a bit more of the city and visit us from time to time - or we simply meet you downtown.
CJ and Abby (his girlfriend) are very likely to come, even if it's not in the main Mittens villa.
Ghost told me he absolutely will be there....
I will be there, come hell or high water. If additional space is made available that's great, otherwise I'll just see that I get some quarters close to the main site. One with a patient German granny who doesn't mind an AGSer leavin early and coming late... ;-D
Will there be some kind of program/planning created for the week, abstauer?
I think the suggestion of Anian to make a reservation for the reichstag is a very good idea.
We should definitely do a bike tour! Also Raeff and I plan to stay in Berlin Sat-Sun for sightseeing.
I'm still considering bringing my gf to Berlin that week, or just the weekend, and meet up with you guys once or twice.
Maybe it's an idea to make a small list of possible activities like one day Berlin visit or bike tour (which is also a great idea!)
Then people can subscribe to it if they would like join.
Then it's also easier for non-villa people who would like to meet up. Would be a bummer if someone like to meet up and we're not all there.
Sounds like a good plan. It's also completely un-Mittens-like, haha! :-D But I'm all for it...
Plans never work for Mittens. I realise Germany has a reputation for efficiency and timekeeping, but that won't carry over to Mittens...
I formally request that we have the premiere of Das Banshee during this Mittens. BJ8 has been out for ages now, it is time! :D
Seconded!
Thirded!
About making plans... I still have Snarky's words in my head: shepherding a herd of cats ;) But we can still place a reservation for visiting the Reichstag and simply cancel it, if we don't make it.
Don't you try to shepherd me (http://www.smiliemania.de/smilie132/00007638.gif)
Just as others pointed out already - plans are futile. Oh, and +1 for Das Banshee, whenever this might happen during that week ;)
Jeez, no pressure or anything :P
I'll do my best to get it done for Mittens.
Good boy. :P
Quote from: AGA on Mon 04/03/2013 18:12:02
Plans never work for Mittens. I realise Germany has a reputation for efficiency and timekeeping, but that won't carry over to Mittens...
Quote from: Miez on Mon 04/03/2013 16:06:18
Sounds like a good plan. It's also completely un-Mittens-like, haha! :-D But I'm all for it...
Lol, it's kinda what I expected... :) :grin:
Quote from: abstauber on Wed 06/03/2013 10:21:46
Thirded!
About making plans... I still have Snarky's words in my head: shepherding a herd of cats ;) But we can still place a reservation for visiting the Reichstag and simply cancel it, if we don't make it.
... but I think that's a good idea! Thanks!
You guys make me wish I wasn't deathly afraid of airplanes (once they are in the air).
Missing the premiere of Das Banshee is almost too much, not to mention visiting Germany having long been a dream of mine ;(.
So after some serious thought and consideration, I've unfortunately realized that coming to Mittens this year isn't going to be good for my wallet, since I already spent a lot of money on my trip to Australia, am currently unemployed, and have a move to New York planned for September. Go ahead and free up my spot for someone else. I hope to see you all again next year!
Is this the first time in what, nine years? Don't pull a CJ, man!
Awww..really? If you're super-duper 100% sure, then just PM me and I'll refund you.
Ohhhh - please come to Mittens, wouldn't be the same without you :~(
crowdfund grundislav coming anyone?
or mob him coming anyone?
I'd rather buy an "Ultimate Ben Jordan Collectors Box", preferably signed.
Quote from: abstauber on Fri 03/05/2013 09:37:06
I'd rather buy an "Ultimate Ben Jordan Collectors Box", preferably signed.
Seconded!
Yay, let's kickstart Grundislav to mittens! And then sit and watch while he struggles to meet really high expectations :)
Quote from: abstauber on Fri 03/05/2013 09:37:06
I'd rather buy an "Ultimate Ben Jordan Collectors Box", preferably signed.
I've got one, I won it on a Mittens quiz about ten years ago. You can buy it for â,¬1m!
Quote from: Grundislav on Tue 30/04/2013 23:13:11
So after some serious thought and consideration, I've unfortunately realized that coming to Mittens this year isn't going to be good for my wallet, since I already spent a lot of money on my trip to Australia, am currently unemployed, and have a move to New York planned for September. Go ahead and free up my spot for someone else. I hope to see you all again next year!
Whaaaat!? That sucks... I fully understand your reasoning of course, but still. Bleh. :(
Quote from: AGA on Fri 03/05/2013 10:17:51
Quote from: abstauber on Fri 03/05/2013 09:37:06
I'd rather buy an "Ultimate Ben Jordan Collectors Box", preferably signed.
I've got one, I won it on a Mittens quiz about ten years ago. You can buy it for â,¬1m!
Original piece of Ben Jordan artwork! Signed! Yours for a cool mill.
(http://custardsclutter.com/benjordan-1.jpg)
Did it come with those limited edition National Rail tickets too?
Yes. National Rail tickets, Japanese textbook and a laptop!
Just so you guys know, Jen and I have broken up, so she won't be coming. Don't worry about refunding the money or anything, don't want to cost to go up for everyone else.
Oh damn, that's a shame... :( but you will be coming, right?
Fuck :cry:
I second Misha's question.
Oh yeah, I wouldn't miss it.
Holy crap! 2013, what kind of year are you?!
Anyway, since I also didn't get a reply from Mr. Jake yet, I'll hereby open ex-Grundislav's sleep to the public now. And being an optimist, I won't offer the other sleeping place just yet.
Sorry to hear that Berian :-\
Oh, sorry to hear that :( I'm glad you still come to Mittens
Sorry to hear that Grundy, it would've been good to see you again! Hope your move to NY goes well!
Oh also, myself and the missus will only be staying until Thursday (we already had plans on the final Saturday hence booked to return early) so if anyone wants to take our room for the final two nights, it will be available!
Just booked our train tickets. We will arrive on Saturday morning (10.8.) in Berlin and leave next Sunday (18.8.) in the evening.
I am going to be booking flights here in the next few days hopefully. Are there any plans for a day (or two)in Berlin afterwards? I see Cat and Bernhard are leaving Sunday evening. Anyone else interested in staying for the weekend?
Berian and I are landing a few days early so will have some sightseeing out of the way already, but I would like to maximise the time we have if possible :)
Now Grundislav and Jen now aren't coming, bagsy a double bed to myself! No sharing for me!
Just in case more people are interested to stay until Sunday we might rent a hostel room like in Dublin.
Btw. is anyone interested in some retro gaming? I wonder if I should bring a C64 so we can all enjoy playing Maniac Mansion with a joystick :grin:
Consider me interested if there's still space for the long haul (sorry to hear about grundy and jen). What kind of hostel prices for the Sat & sun night please abs? :) And whats the per person price again please? 200/220 euro?
Depends on the how much money I'll have left after next month, but it's very likely I would be interested staying longer as well.
Cool beans! Come on, guys. You know you'd regret it if you don't, and it'd be such a shame to let free spaces go to waste.
I am out, sadly. It's all job interviews and the possibility that I have to move at a notice. Shame, really, I've been looking forward to meeting you guys.
Completely out? So even not a short visit?
Quote from: Tamara on Thu 30/05/2013 15:53:41
So even not a short visit?
Unfortunately, no. I did the math. The trip's just too expensive to justify a weekend stay. Sorry.
Quite a shame. Good luck with the interviews and maybe see you next time.
@Mods:
Prices seem to be quite moderate. Depending on the room size it's 20 - 30 eur for e.g. this hostel:
http://www.heartofgold-hostel.de/rooms/
Booked my flight.
I will arrive in TXG @ 10.40.
bicilotti: Mittens is in Taiwan this year? http://www.world-airport-codes.com/taiwan/taichung-9036.html
Quote from: Esseb on Tue 04/06/2013 12:07:38
bicilotti: Mittens is in Taiwan this year? http://www.world-airport-codes.com/taiwan/taichung-9036.html
:grin:
Argh...
Sorry to continue the trend, but it looks like I will have to drop out as well. For some reason airfare is about 30% more than I am used to paying, and work is beginning to slow for the next 8-10 weeks so probably best to hang back and go again next year. I barely scraped by last year for various reasons and don't want to repeat that experience again.
I'm pretty upset about it, but will do my best to benefit from taking a year off and see you all again in 2014. Have fun and enjoy yourselves everyone! I look forward to hearing about it.
Dammit Disco, now who am I going to share veggieburgers with!? ;)
Seriously - it's a shame you won't be able to make it. Just make sure you'll be there in '14.
Aww, that's a real shame. So no Yoga sessions at the pool this time :~(
Please drop me a PM once you're 100% sure that you won't make it so you can get your deposit back.
:_(
I've amended my flights, since I can't be bothered hanging around Berlin on my own for three days (originally Disco and I were going to go sightseeing). My flights are now:
London Gatwick (South Terminal) to Berlin Schoenefeld
Dep 10 August 2013 08:20
Arr 10 August 2013 11:15
Berlin Schoenefeld to London Gatwick (South Terminal)
Dep 18 August 2013 12:10
Arr 18 August 2013 13:05
Haven't worked out what I'm going to do after Mittens ends. I'll either get a hostel in Berlin for the night, or just sleep in the airport.
Gah!
No 'Cisco, No Disco... :~(
Come on, interested attendees! Step up and claim these tragically available places!
I wish I could but since I missed out originally I've just not saved enough. :(
This is why I think we shouldn't be so strict about the maximum number of people early on. We could have confirmed everyone on the waiting list, and dealt with the slight overbooking closer to the event if it turned out to be a problem (which, in the event, it wouldn't have been). I'm sorry to see people were turned away or told they couldn't count on a space, when ultimately we could have fit them in. (wtf)
Anyway, I'll be arriving at TXL at 14:10 on 10.8, pre-sunburned as I'm coming pretty much straight from Africa. Looking forward to it!
Quote from: Snarky on Tue 18/06/2013 14:07:10
Anyway, I'll be arriving at TXL at 14:10 on 10.8, pre-sunburned as I'm coming pretty much straight from Africa. Looking forward to it!
Quotesunburned
Can't wait to
bicilotti.Tint.Red = 256;!
See you there, Snarky!
Yeah sorry I've been a bit wavy about it too, I also have kind of spent the money I would've used a few months back. But I'm waiting on a mid-July payment and that will determine for me if I can go or not (GOG.com, no idea, but the current number of votes on the game multiplied by sales divided by their share and Remi's could equal Mittens for me (laugh)). That'd be a fitting end to the last couple of years "AGS journey" for me so I'd still like to make it, and generally have issues booking Mittens' til two weeks before anyway.... :p
And he's (AGA) kept pretty quiet about it but don't forget you can now randomly donate to AGS (http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/community/donate/) which could form some collateral that could help cover costs for community activities like Mittens. After servers have been paid off and CJ has been sent a crate of alcohol free beers.
I did wonder why I'd just received a PayPal payment from a random beardy Dutchman (thanks, Misja!). This explains it.
It's what random beardy Dutchmen do :D
@Snarky: Yeah I suppose by now Jake pretty much hates me :P But anyway I would have a bad feeling taking people's money without a place to sleep in return. Who's job would it be to decide who sleeps in the house and who has to stay in a motel for the same price. Nah, no good with real money involved - besides there were(and still are) quite a few alternative accommodation options.
@mods: Ryanair pretends, that a flight from London-Stansted to Berlin Schönefeld is just 38,99 pounds. So I guess the "real" price is abound 80pounds, still pretty affordable.
abs, or anyone attending - I really really need the euro figure for actual Mittens please (just for being able to stay at the place nothing else). euro 200 or 250 or something? I can at least get started trying to pay it :)
Them £40 flights are fine :) Luckily ryanair prices stay the same.
If you join, it's 221,75 Euro for everyone - the current price is 236 Euro. Food, beer and liquor is pretty cheap over here ;)
Abstauber, if you bring your commodore 64 you better record your playthrough of Maniac Mansion ^_^. Oh, and don't forget the demos!
Good news, everybody. Well. Maybe.
I've actually decided to attend for the first time! The date marks my 10th year on the site almost perfectly, it's not too expensive and spots in the villa opened up, so I'll be there.
Can't wait to have a cold one with some of you amazing folks! :)
Hey, that's really cool!
Miez, I can't wait to meet you in person, it's going to be awesome. Hopefully Mark can make it too! Heck, we'd have a good couple of FoY people at Mittens then!
Yep :) That'd be awesome, so let's see how things turn out.
Now to check, is anyone going on to gamescom?
Nah, I've been to Gamescom for the last 4-5 years, it's fun but I think I'll pass this time around. But please, Mark, make sure you can attend this Mittens! I wanna meet up with ya and have a beer or a dozen!
The more I look at the pictures of the place, the more excited I get! :) It's going to be so fun and awesome!
Yay, made my train reservation! Arriving 15:08 at Berlin HBF on the 10th.
I'm so looking forward to this. I'm already preparing a special prize for the quiz :)
Quiz?
Yes, I don't know if there was one last year, but the two years before we had a quiz. Everyone brings a small price and the winners can choose the one they want.
Oh cool! Good to know we have to bring a small price with us :)
What day/time are people's TXL departures roughly please? AGA, Bici, Snarky. I guess its no problem to get to TXL from Berlin city center but this info is useful for me. Kinda :)
Mine is Saturday 14:50. My recollection is that you take a bus to get to the airport (which some, i.e. me, find less pleasant than a metro or train line).
6:35 TXL quite unfortunately, so I presume I will have to take a Taxi.
edit: Saturday
Very early..! Thanks for the info, and scanning older posts I see now AGA is leaving on the Sunday. Quite a mix of leaving days and times :)
Yay, I just got the reservation confirmation for the Reichstag Dome: Tuesday 6th August 14:30.
@Snarky and Mods
Yep, there's an express bus to TXL from Berlin Alexanderplatz with a 10 minutes cycle. So it's more or less like in Dublin.
SXF is connected via train from Berlin Mainstation with a 30 min cycle.
Quote from: abstauber on Tue 16/07/2013 07:38:07
Yay, I just got the reservation confirmation for the Reichstag Dome: Tuesday 6th August 14:30.
Nice, thanx :)
Quote from: abstauber on Tue 16/07/2013 07:38:07
Yay, I just got the reservation confirmation for the Reichstag Dome: Tuesday 6th August 14:30.
That seems a bit early, unless I got my Mittens dates horribly wrong.
Wow, sharp eyes. Totally didn't notice that, but it's indeed a bit early.
Typo or wrong date?
Ah, sorry for the confusion. It's a typo, here's what they said as copy and paste.
Quote from: Besucherdienst
Sehr geehrter Herr Abstauber,
gerne entspreche ich Ihrem Wunsch und bestätige Ihnen den kostenfreien Besuchstermin
am 13. August 2013 um 14:30 Uhr (planmäà Ÿiger Einlass) für die
von Ihnen angemeldeten insgesamt 17 Personen.
But I almost booked the youth hostel at a wrong date today ;-D
Sehr gut.
Ja, sehr gut und Glück gehabt.
Aaanyway :) I've just sent out the payment informations to those who haven't payed full.
Btw. Is anyone else coming by car? Because here's a little drawback: You need a green environmental badge to drive in Berlin downtown. Christina's car doesn't have one, so we're just bringing one car.
@Arjon and Tamara: I'm afraid you need this badge, if you plan to drive around in Berlin. So please visit this site to order one (or hope not to get caught ;) )
http://www.milieuvignet-duitsland.nl/nl/milieuvignet.html
I will look into this Dirk, thnx for the info.
Do we need more cars, Abstauber? I guess your car will be enough to go shopping, right? Otherwise we would have to think about car rental...
Well, the urban railway station are 5 to 7 km from our place.
We have two cars with four free seats (each) at a time, so it is possible to get us all going - it just takes longer. We also have 10 bikes at the house, even though I don't know if locks are included.
I don't mind going 5-7km by bike, I'll remember to bring a lock! Will it be possible we get picked up from the railway station when we arrive on Saturday?
I think CJ might be planning to rent a car. He'll be leaving before the end though, so getting back into Berlin from Mittensland might be difficult.
Quote from: cat on Thu 18/07/2013 12:50:41
Will it be possible we get picked up from the railway station when we arrive on Saturday?
Of course, just tell me your time of arrival at Friedrichshagen and I'll be there.
@AGA We just need to make all excursions until thursday and recover afterwards :)
@everyone else: If you haven't supplied you times of arrival, please consider it. It'll save lots of phone costs on Saturday ;)
I will be arriving by Zug at Berlin HBF at 15:08.
Have to look into my connecting train...
Milieuvignet for the car has been ordered.
I think we're gonna aim to arrive at the villa between 14:00 and 15:00.
We are able to pickup max 2 persons from the 'Berlin Schoenefeld SXF Airport' since it's kinda on our route, so if needed let us know.
Curious about a couple of things myself:
Spoiler
1) Is there a bus from the local place to Berlin? Google maps doesn't have street view for the town/village with the Mittens place in it. I don't know anything about German busses, but clearly 2 cars won't cut all of us getting around. So if you're able to dig up any info about bus services, it could be useful. Or taxi rates? No worries if not. I'll be happy to just loaf around myself...
2) Are the amenities confirmed? May seem silly to ask but it's happened in the past, you get there, and some of the listed/pictured items are gone, or closed, or not prepared and unusable for the duration. So it'd be great to hear from the renters that the pool is definitely up and running, same for the jacuzzi and sauna, and the bikes. And also WIFI! Is it bloody working and is there signal!!! We always seem to manage a bum deal on wifi. Worth telling them we need this and if it's not working, they'll be getting a lot of phone calls through the week.. ;) It might be worth finding out if there's a "limit" before we arrive (there was a limit in Ireland, which only took one Christopher Walken FMV game to use it all up :P)
That's all I have in the way of questions for now... I'm sure you have it all under control :) Shouldn't be long before I can book my flight. Still tempted to get to Hamburg early and hop in the car with you guys but if not it'll be TXL hopefully around the same time as Snarky (14:00-14:30).
1) I haven't found out if there's a bus from our place to one of the S-Bahn stations yet. But getting to Berlin main station and back takes about 30 minutes via S-Bahn, so that's the preferred way.
2) I better hope so. The previous tenants leave at 10.am and we get the keys at 15:00 - so they have 5 hours to fix everything the others broke :) Volume limited internet rates are still quite uncommon in Germany. The biggest carrier recently announced one, but it will be introduced in 2015 so we should be safe. But prosecution of dubious file sharing activities is a problem. Better leave those bit torrent clients at home ;)
Christina and I need about 1 hour to be at the Hamburg Airport and we plan to reach Berlin at 14:00. So everything between 08:00 and 10:30 pm should be fine.
You should be receiving my money in the next couple of days, abstauber, I send it over this morning.
And yeah, can we be sure we will have decent (ie. usable) internet there? Is there a statement/can we check or won't that be necessary? Having no connection there or have it be very limited would suck!
Quote from: DoorKnobHandle on Sat 20/07/2013 13:16:13
And yeah, can we be sure we will have decent (ie. usable) internet there? Is there a statement/can we check or won't that be necessary? Having no connection there or have it be very limited would suck!
No it wouldn't! Having Internet at Mittens is by no means expected. This is a social thing, not a nerding about on computers thing.
Besides, if you're German too, can't you just bring your smartphone and use that to connect if you really have to?
Having internet does not mean abandoning all social aspects! :p Obviously I don't want internet so that everybody is on their laptop or smartphone all day, but it would certainly be useful to show each other projects we're working on, to play and show other people music we like (via youtube) and so on.
EDIT: But yeah, if we can't get internet, it's not such a big deal as my previous post made it sound like. It'll be great fun regardless.
Of course an internetconnection is needed, otherwise the forums would be totally underpopulated. And don't forget to set up a live webcam and a lifechat into the house ;)
Actually, I thought it was great when internet stopped working in Ireland. Suddenly everybody had to stop spending the whole time on facebook and - OMG - talk to other people IRL.
Quote from: cat on Sat 20/07/2013 14:30:56
Suddenly everybody had to stop spending the whole time on facebook and - OMG - talk to other people IRL.
Wait ... was that right before we all decided that Irish Carbombs were an 'acceptable beverage'? :P
Quote from: cat on Sat 20/07/2013 14:30:56
Actually, I thought it was great when internet stopped working in Ireland. Suddenly everybody had to stop spending the whole time on facebook and - OMG - talk to other people IRL.
Hah! Like I need the internet to be antisocial!
Just booked my flight. Will arrive 12:10 in TXL on the 10th.
Who else is arriving in TXL, and what's the best route from there to the house?
Edit: If the Internet goes down we can print out a stack of empty forum posts we can fill in so that we can still communicate without actually talking to each other.
Socialize with Berian.............internet..............socialize with Berian.............or internet...............hmmmmmmmmmm.......... tough one that! ;)
Bear in mind that on the Internet I am ALL POWERFUL. Whereas in person I'm just extremely powerful.
@Esseb
Without having done the route myself, try this:
1) TXL (Express Bus) to Beusselstr.
2) S41 to Ostkreuz
3) S3 to Friedrichshagen (Direction Erkner)
4) This is as close as you can get, call one of us car owners to get picked up.
Cool. Is there anyway to find out the fee for such a journey? I don't know any German and am confused enough as it is :P But perhaps if there's an online 'ticket' website you may be able to share a ballpark figure on the cost from TXL to fredrickshnarf please?
Also, do you think that hiring a car from TXL will also imply that Berlin car ticket thingame? I'd presume yes (it sounds a lot like the 'Congestion Charge' we have in London). I'm considering (very very just consideration, probably won't do it) car rental but again a bit scared and confused about the actual driving element :P
If think right-hand traffic isn't a problem for you... ;) That car badge I was talking about to Arjon is about the low emission zone in Berlin. Those badges make sure that your car doesn't emit too much respirable dust and such. If you rent a car, this won't be an issue for you.
The fee should be 3,90 euro, if I get their website right, here's an english version.
http://www.vbb.de/en/article/airport-txl/to-from-airport-txl/7547.html
I'm pretty sure that most people do speak English in Berlin - at least enough to talk about public transportation :)
4 euro from TXL to the station near Mittens? Man oh man why do I live in the UK where that would cost 40 euro. Thanks for the info tho sir!
Okay, I will be arriving at the Berlin East Train Station on Saturday at 1:10 pm (Google Maps pin: http://goo.gl/maps/HkHLo (http://goo.gl/maps/HkHLo)). Can anybody pick me up from there? I'm willing to wait an hour or two of course. If nobody can come by the trainstation, I'll take a taxi or try and get closer with public transportation from there.
Well, looks like Berlin East Train Station is (or is close to) Sixt Car Hire Berlin Central Train Station, Europaplatz, Berlin, Duitsland and that's on our route, so we could pickup max 2 people...
I doubt that East Train station and Central Train station will be the same ;)
@dkh
It would be much easier to pick you up from one of the two SBahn stations I mailed around. From your place you can simply take the S5 to Neuenhagen (Direction Strausberg Nord) and wait there for your pickup.
Isn't it also possible to exit at Ostkreuz instead of Ostbahnhof? From there on you can take the S3 to Friedrichshagen (Direction Erkner) and possible group up with other mitteneers.
@Arj0n: You're at the central station, I'm at east! :p But I can take a train from east to central to meet up with you there, they seem to be travelling 10 minutes every 5 or so, so no big deal. When do you think you'll be at Berlin central station roughly on Saturday?
@abstauber: Thanks, those are definitely other good options, if getting picked up by Arj0n doesn't work out, I'll look into that!
Quote from: DoorKnobHandle on Mon 22/07/2013 14:44:23
@Arj0n: You're at the central station, I'm at east! :p But I can take a train from east to central to meet up with you there, they seem to be travelling 10 minutes every 5 or so, so no big deal. When do you think you'll be at Berlin central station roughly on Saturday?
Then we also can drive straight to the east side of the station in stead of 'the wrong side', if I can find that 'east side' ;)
And since we are by car we can set our own start time, so if you do like to join us on from that airport we can recalculate the trip length and pick you up at (roughly) about 1:30? At the east side? :)
Here's our gmaps route if I used the proper address for the train station: http://goo.gl/maps/EQxsL (http://goo.gl/maps/EQxsL)
Sweet that would be perfect and awesome, Arj0n! :)
I added a pin for the east central station where I will arrive (it's pin C): http://goo.gl/maps/gGba0
It is pretty much exactly on the way! If you can aim to be there at 1:30, as you said, that'd be great! I have your phone number and you have mine, so if my train is delayed or whatever, we can get in touch!
Does that sound good?
Quote from: DoorKnobHandle on Mon 22/07/2013 15:58:57
Sweet that would be perfect and awesome, Arj0n! :)
I added a pin for the east central station where I will arrive (it's pin C): http://goo.gl/maps/gGba0
It is pretty much exactly on the way! If you can aim to be there at 1:30, as you said, that'd be great! I have your phone number and you have mine, so if my train is delayed or whatever, we can get in touch!
Does that sound good?
Seems OK to me DKH.
So we'll meet you at point C (Erich-Steinfurth-Straà Ÿe), not at point B (Sixt Car Hire Berlin Central Train Station) so point B can be skipped/removed from the route, right?
Oh yeah sure, I thought you had to go there for some reason, B can be removed! Thank you so much!
Our our-car-doesn't-emit-too-much-respirable-dust-and-such-badge (or milieuvignet) did arrive today :)
Tez booked:
In > Heathrow-TXL 10 Aug 2013 13:40 (BA0992)
Out > TXL-Heathrow 18 Aug 2013 19:15 (BA0987)
Would've liked to got the same flight as Berian but it's just too early for me. Plus British Airways turns out cheaper than Ryanair or Easyjet at this late stage. Anyhoo, sorted. So I'll be in Berlin. Whether I'll make it beyond TXL...dunno. Sprachen de...English? I'll probably hang around and wait for Snarky who lands soon after.
Great to hear you're really coming m0ds.
Yeah, great news! Believe me, this would be the first airport where they don't speak English. Is there any chance that you bring a camcorder?
Thanks :) I'll bring my camera and live stream setup (to test/prepare for adventurex later this year). And a prize or two of course :D
Cool beans!
Quote from: abstauber on Fri 19/07/2013 13:45:27
But prosecution of dubious file sharing activities is a problem. Better leave those bit torrent clients at home ;)
Hmmm... I just realized that the first out of the last bunch of
Breaking Bad episodes will air during Mittens. We'll figure out a way to watch that, right?
Now that would be great!! :)
FFFFFUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU...DGE!
Say hello to [REDACTED]'s newest employee! Say hello to a proposed starting date of September 9th! Say hello to the e-mail asking me to get in touch with my new employer! Say hello to the new starting date of August 12th!
Say hello to...my ridiculous stalling to avoid saying that I likely won't make Mittens '13. :~(
Now you understand the fudge.
The job has been on the cards for a while, and I thought I had organized enough around it to facilitate Mittens (the September start date was all but agreed upon). It now appears otherwise. I could argue that I simply can't start that early, but it comes with compensation, and I'm a coward. :-[
Abstauber, I feel like a shit for bailing so close to Mittens. I'll pay my remaining share, so as not to upset the house finances.
Feel free to look away in disgust as I slink back to my fudge.
Quote from: LimpingFish on Fri 02/08/2013 01:36:02
FFFFFUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU...DGE!
:_( for not coming (really :_(, I was hoping to meet you this summer), but :) for finding a job in such difficult times!
That's bad news :( Could you at least change your flight so you can still be with us that weekend in Berlin?
Aw man, I feel like I'm the worst host in the history of Mittens :~( If there's one thing I've learned, then it's listening to Snarky and overbook the place like there's no tomorrow. I hope for the best that I don't scare away the rest of you.
But congrats for your new job, it's understandable not to argue with your future boss without having signed the contracts yet. You can still send us a postcard to make us happy :)
Aw, that's a shame LimpingFish :( Congrats with the new job, but I was looking forward to seeing you again...
And I was hoping you'll be telling us goodnight horror stories every night. :(
Bah, sorry to hear about that Chris. But I agree, stick it to the man and come along! ;)
Mittens + worldwide terror alert. Nothing new there then!
Thanks for the kind words, everybody. :(
I've just sent a PM to Abstauber, to verify I was cancelling, and just as I clicked the SEND button, part of my brain began to scream blue murder. And as I read these last few posts, that part of my brain is now howling "Idiot! Idiot! Just go, you wuss!"
Nnnnnnmmmmmggghhh...dare I give in? Dare I
double flip-flop, and
really annoy Abstauber?
...
I feel like such a lemon.
...
Updates pending.
Quote from: Mods on Sun 04/08/2013 01:28:28
Mittens + worldwide terror alert. Nothing new there then!
Is it...a sign? 8-0
Quote from: LimpingFish on Mon 05/08/2013 00:09:28
Nnnnnnmmmmmggghhh...dare I give in? Dare I double flip-flop, and really annoy Abstauber?
...
I feel like such a lemon.
...
Feel the
lure of Mittens.
QuoteUpdates pending.
* bicilotti glues his finger to 'F5' and reloads like there is no tomorrow
Flip da flop. Do it! :D
Yes, do the flip-flop!
On another note: is anyone going to show and tell something? Do we need some kind of adapter-thingy to connect a laptop?
Yes, do the flip-flop!
Just explain at your new job this situation, maybe they understand and let you have your mittens holiday after all.
How do you English peops say that: nothing ventured nothing gained...?
So, put your best limping foot forward, Fish!
(http://i.imgur.com/phDeTZi.jpg)
@cat: I think those flat screens all have a hdmi port, so it should be easy to connect a computer to the screen. If don't forget it, I'll bring a 2m hdmi cable.
+1 on the HDMI cable, that would definitely be useful!
Also: note to self, don't forget to bring a quiz prize!
Do you also have a VGA->HDMI adapter?
Abstauber: since the Accommodation & Facilities section (http://www.homeaway.co.uk/p768088#amenities) only states 'internet', do you know if can we also use the classic lan cable or is it wifi only?
It would be grand if you could be there, LF, so come on and make with the flip-flop!
@cat for analog to hdmi you'd need an active converter instead of just an adapter. But most of the newer flat-screens still have an VGA port (at least mine does). You just need to make sure to bring a cinch audio cable as well
@Arjon: I'm pretty sure, they have a tiny wifi-router stored in a closet and no dedicated LAN wires across the house. So yes, it might be possible, but not very convenient.
The quiz should be particularly interesting this year, as I am making one of the prizes One Hundred Million Dollars (real money).
and the question is: How will breaking bad end?
What a dick, you could just give us six million two hundred fifty thousand each without us having to quiz... ;)
Edit: On that subject tho all me prizes arrived today (I think one is worth about four ninety nine at least :P), so the packing can begin!
abstauber: what kind of weather/temp should we expect?
It's pretty hot here right now. Get rid of the beard, bic! (laugh)
I want to wish you all a great time. I'm sad as hell that I can't come, but hopefully this won't be the last Mittens. When you're in town drink a beer in my name and please, everyone, go and try a Currywurst or, if you are feeling adventurous, a Taxiteller. They are tasty!
Quote from: abstauber on Mon 05/08/2013 13:07:36
(http://i.imgur.com/phDeTZi.jpg)
Oh, man! I nearly fell off my chair! XD
Well, since yesterday was a Bank Holiday, today I got in touch with my employer. Unfortunately, though they sympathized (like
that's hard to do >:(), the earlier start date has become a necessity, due to the departure of their last employee, and with the way they struc-...uuggh! It's all very
1984.
So my Germittens dream is dead. I flipped, but my flop was cruelly snatched out of the air before it's big, sproing-y impact.
Nevermind. Mittens is about who
is there, not who
isn't. ;)
Germittens will be awesome, and I'll be there in spirit. Or perhaps I'll be there through the power of a tiny, highly-trained wasp equipped with a holographic display relay mounted...somewhere.
Thanks to Abstuaber for putting up with all my faffing about, and thanks to those who expressed the desire to actually interact with me in person!
Go Mittens! Ich bin ein Mittener!
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to shop for a suitable pillow to scream into at work. \o/
Quote from: LimpingFish on Tue 06/08/2013 22:25:21
Well, since yesterday was a Bank Holiday, today I got in touch with my employer. Unfortunately, though they sympathized (like that's hard to do >:(), the earlier start date has become a necessity, due to the departure of their last employee, and with the way they struc-...uuggh! It's all very 1984.
I am super-sad not to meet you in Berlin this year, but super happy for the newly found job! Take care!
Shame man hook up a web cam we will project you during show n tell :)
Oh well, at least you tried. Hopefully we'll meet up next Mittens (nod)
@bicilotti: I've tried a 16-day weather forecast which is almost as accurate as guessing :D
It seems like we will encounter gorgeous weather with only slight rain on Tuesday. Temperatures should be around 24°C. I think you'll be safe as long as you bring something a little rainproof.
Quote from: bicilotti on Tue 06/08/2013 22:35:33
I am super-sad not to meet you in Berlin this year...
Me too. :~( I mentioned to Abstauber that I was looking to check out some shooting locations from
"Dèmoni" (https://secure.flickr.com/photos/filminglocationsdetectives/sets/72157604415840926/with/2394724982/), which might have made for an interesting day trip, providing they weren't too out of the way.
And I wanted to show off my somewhat improved ability to pronounce Italian names and movie titles! ;-D
Quote from: abstauber on Wed 07/08/2013 11:52:55
Hopefully we'll meet up next Mittens (nod)
Indeed. ;-D
Anyway, here's to a another great Mittens! Have fun, everybody! \o/
EDIT:
Quote from: Mods on Wed 07/08/2013 00:04:03
Shame man hook up a web cam we will project you during show n tell :)
That would be cool! ;-D
Quick question: Is linen provided?
Yeah, does linen include also bath towels?
Ah, I've missed holidaying in beds with one thin sheet and that's all.
+1 on the towel question please :)
If you look at the website, it says towels are provided too
http://www.homeaway.co.uk/p768088#amenities
In the review below it of okt 2012, it says you get one towel for the week.
Yep, towels and linen are included
edit: but don't forget to bring your best socks - as I've understand the house rules, they like us to keep our shoes outside. :D
Cool, mosque style ;)
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy says to always have a towel with you.
Since there is a pool, it might be a good idea to have more than one towel.
Also: Wheeeeee, Mittens!
Wheeeeee, indeed. :D
I'll be coming by train at Ostbahnhof at 11:00 AM. So if I won't arrive at the villa by night, it means something is wrong.
Have a great Mittens, everyone! Sad I couldn't make it.
I was in Berlin earlier this summer and warmed up the place for you, though :)
Sad to miss [yet] another Mittens :(
Have a great time everybody and take lots of photos!
Miss? I thought you'd be visiting us?
Quote from: Ascovel on Fri 09/08/2013 14:51:56
I'll be coming by train at Ostbahnhof at 11:00 AM. So if I won't arrive at the villa by night, it means something is wrong.
I'll be at Ostbahnhof (Berlin East Central Station) two hours after you! If you're still around there by then, I have short blond hair and will be wearing a black and red striped shirt!
(http://www.ocado.com/catalog/images-hires/80766011_H.jpg?identifier=456c7730e983cabeb11db57ec0801795)
(laugh) (laugh) (laugh)
Haha that's perfect! :p
Quote from: DoorKnobHandle on Fri 09/08/2013 16:23:13
Quote from: Ascovel on Fri 09/08/2013 14:51:56
I'll be coming by train at Ostbahnhof at 11:00 AM. So if I won't arrive at the villa by night, it means something is wrong.
I'll be at Ostbahnhof (Berlin East Central Station) two hours after you! If you're still around there by then, I have short blond hair and will be wearing a black and red striped shirt!
@Asco: we arrive between 13:00 and 14:00 to pick up DKH, so if you don't care waiting we can pick you up at the same spot where DKH is waiting (http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=46794.msg636462836#msg636462836)?
All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go... see you tomorrow!
I'll be leaving for the airport at about 23:30 today (my flight is early tomorrow morning). It'll be getting a ride from CJ and Abby from Berlin to the Mittens villa, so I'll be there... at some point!
Quote from: abstauber on Fri 09/08/2013 16:21:08Miss? I thought you'd be visiting us?
That was the
original plan... but then I decided to propose to my girlfriend (nod). I quickly realized how expensive it is to get married (the ring and all the arrangements) and how much time it takes up.
We might be crossin' the pond for the honeymoon but that won't be until November.
I considered postponing the engagement so I could attend Mittens (priorities you see?) but then I realized she might not share that sentiment (wrong)
You could have attended Mittens with her and proposed there! IN GERMAN! ;)
ICH BIN EIN HUSBAND? DU BIST EIN WIFE?!
Quote from: AGA on Fri 09/08/2013 20:13:49
I'll be leaving for the airport at about 23:30 today (my flight is early tomorrow morning). It'll be getting a ride from CJ and Abby from Berlin to the Mittens villa, so I'll be there... at some point!
When are you departing from Berlin to the villa? Free spots?
Otherwise, I will stick to my plan (hump Esseb and Snarky).
Quote from: bicilotti on Fri 09/08/2013 20:22:51
When are you departing from Berlin to the villa? Free spots?
Otherwise, I will stick to my plan (hump Esseb and Snarky).
No idea! CJ told me to get in touch when I arrive (11:15) and we'd meet up in Berlin. I'm arriving to a different airport to you, but if you can get into the centre at around the same time I'm sure CJ'd be happy to drive one more. Might be worth sending him a text just to check though?
I'm not packing until tomorrow morning. I know! I'm crazy, I'm a rebel, I live on the edge...
Guess I'll look out for some of you at the airport, and work it out from there. See you in Berlin!
Quote from: AGA on Fri 09/08/2013 20:27:01
No idea! CJ told me to get in touch when I arrive (11:15) and we'd meet up in Berlin. I'm arriving to a different airport to you,
Oh, my mistake! No need to cause discomfort to the Man himself, I will hang around with my BFFs.
Esseb, Snarky, m0ds, I always have my laptop with me, so if you want, shout when you arrive.
@DM: Hey, congrats! Well you could have proposed to her after Mittens anyway, who wouldn't want to marry a Mittens Vassal :=
Quote from: AGA on Fri 09/08/2013 20:19:42
ICH BIN EIN HUSBAND? DU BIST EIN WIFE?!
I wanna ride on that cheap wave too (roll)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMHtR2IT97U
(it translates to Marry Me)
Bici, my man. I'll give you a ring when I land.
Darth: You're getting engaged without her having met us first? That's like her not having met your family. Worse!
Happy Mittens everyone. Shame my last minute secret plans to attend didn't work out. Hope you all have a good time :)
Also wishing everyone a good time. Really wish I could have made it this year, but alas.
Quote from: MattFrith on Sat 10/08/2013 00:58:06
Happy Mittens everyone. Shame my last minute secret plans to attend didn't work out. Hope you all have a good time :)
Quote from: Grundislav on Sat 10/08/2013 01:04:37
Also wishing everyone a good time. Really wish I could have made it this year, but alas.
Mittens is inside our heart, pals. :)
I haven't slept, am super excited, gonna have a shower, open a religion thread and then MIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIITTTTTTTTTTTTTEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEENS
Have fun and safe travels, everyone. I am so gutted not being there this year, but shall see you all in 2014 and make up for it with my heart being more fonder by the absence :D
Wishing you all a great time „over here“!
(http://www.smileyvault.com/albums/userpics/12962/germanyflag.gif)
Have a save ride and a great time!
(http://www.smileyvault.com/albums/userpics/12962/willkommen.gif)
Eager to hear your reportings and see some pics! (http://www.smileyvault.com/albums/userpics/12962/huhuu.gif)
Safe journey folks and see you in a while (maybe) !
(http://31.media.tumblr.com/4b633a5a4308fa8716c280d76284cf9a/tumblr_ml8ap5wsw81so746io2_250.gif)
Still stuck in the traffic jam. We hope to arrive at 15.30.
Arrived at location with Tamara, ascovel and dkh ðŸ˜Å
Settled in, cosy place, wifi awful so don't expect much interaction... Took me 15 mins to login here (no joke). Just seen CJ walk out of the sauna room with an axe, not too sure what he's up to but everyone seems to happy & relaxed :)
Mittenz like rockz
Ascovel
Sheep Quest postcard? Signed by Mitteneers?!
Thanks, guys! Really made my day! ;-D
Back from Mittens 2013...
Err, more to follow, maybe.
Arrived home!
I keep addressing people in English!
To the gentle individual who wrote on my laptop:
Quotehello francesco so sad you are leaving. Hope to see you soon xoxoxoxoxox have a nice trip back home TAKE CARE!!!!
thank you!
Pics or it didn't happen!
Home! after a lot of confusing train-business (trains not going, or simply too full to get a free seat).
This was a great Mittens - I enjoyed myself a LOT! ;-D
I feel pretty privileged to be part of this community and to be able to share a week a year with some of the funniest, smartest, most creative, geeky and awesome people I know. Thanks Mitteneers!
I'll share my pics as soon as I've had a chance to delete all the ones that are blurry/unfocused/have-a-thumb-in-front-of-the-lens.
Also: this Mittens I won mittens. Best Mittens ever! (thanks Cat).
Glad you guys had a good time! It must be quite cool being able to meet fellow AGSers and put a real face to their username.
EDIT: Here's a question for you, when you meet up do you guys refer to eachother by your AGS usernames or real names?
Mittens was awesome, enjoyed it greatly - and I think everyone did. Now I read every post in the Mitteneer voices!
@Oldschool_Wolf: It's real names almost exclusively, except when newbies like me can't quite remember some real names yet in the first couple of days.
Got home just now. Will try to get pics up tomorrow, but now sleep.
Cool, I'm excited already to get to see mittenneers' photos :). I can hardly wait, please upload them ASAP. I hope to participate in Future-Mittens someday.
Quote from: DoorKnobHandle on Sat 17/08/2013 23:10:54
@Oldschool_Wolf: It's real names almost exclusively, except when newbies like me can't quite remember some real names yet in the first couple of days.
Maybe that's why I keep my username same as my real name ;-D.
EDIT: Added a new sentence, edited the previous ones so that they make more sense.
Just finished the last night with the mitteneers that stayed the last day. Killed the last crate of beer with the last man (and woman) standing and had a lot of fun. Really must get some sleep now... Was an awesome mittens!
A selection of my pictures is up on Flickr. Check 'm out here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/miezpiez/sets/72157635124995056/
Coming back from Mittens via train. Soaked with filth, swaet, beer and great new memories.
Quote from: Miez on Sun 18/08/2013 14:11:21
A selection of my pictures is up on Flickr. Check 'm out here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/miezpiez/sets/72157635124995056/
Very nice pics!
I propose renaming this one (http://www.flickr.com/photos/miezpiez/9535329115/in/set-72157635124995056) to
Who needs cycling when you got swag?edit: nice bike/ferry adventure you had there! You forgot to told us how you survived the neverending tunnel of doom, though!
QuoteI propose renaming this one (http://www.flickr.com/photos/miezpiez/9535329115/in/set-72157635124995056) to Who needs cycling when you got swag?
Totally! :D
Nice photos Miez :). Needless to say but these photos clearly show that you all had a great time!
A request: I were wondering whether you could label a photo or two of all mitteneers along with their usernames so that newbies such as myself would recognize everyone...
A question: What was your first reaction when you saw that floor is made up of glass? :D
Quote from: Adeel S. Ahmed on Sun 18/08/2013 17:57:43
A request: I were wondering whether you could label a photo or two of all mitteneers along with their usernames so that newbies such as myself would recognize everyone...
We made a group photo in front of the Reichstag - I'm pretty sure we could label that... I didn't take that picture though.
Quote from: Adeel S. Ahmed on Sun 18/08/2013 17:57:43A question: What was your first reaction when you saw that floor is made up of glass? :D
I took me a couple of tries before I actually walked on it :D
Back home safe and sound and had a lot of fun. Cato, sorry I didn't get to say goodbye! That will cause some PMD for sure ;)
Hope everyone is home, well, and happy! It was a lot of (relaxing) fun! :)
Edit: Real nice photos Miez. LOL, the URL was left after all 8-0
The purpose of the Mittens photos is not to parade our vile physical bodies before the prying eyes of all forum members... but you can see labeled group photos from past years at http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/wiki/Mittens, which should give you a key to most of the people from this year, too.
Thanks for the photos, Misja! Although I seem to be scowling in a lot of them, I had a really great time, honestly. It was lovely to see you all, again or for the first time. The place, despite some minor problems, was great, and the surroundings were absurdly idyllic. I also think the program was just about perfect, with plenty of time to relax but enough to do to not get bored. As evidence, I will list what I did on Friday:
-Got up, sat by the pool reading in the sun
-Made pancakes, ate pancakes
-Played "Resistance" board game with Miez, dkh, cat, bicilotti and Ascovel
-Read some more (finishing Neil Gaiman's "The Ocean at the End of the Lane" that I got from Miez), watched people playing in the pool
-Sauna
-Pool
-Watched Mods film his Mittens FMV game
-Went for a bike ride around a nearby lake with a bunch of Mitteneers
-...including a ferry ride
-...and a picnic
-...and an underwater tunnel
-...and a stop at the lakeside beer garden of a local brewery, for a beer and a pretzel
-Came back just as it was getting dark, ate pizza, hot dogs and a home made salad
-Made, played "1000 blank white cards"
-Watched dailies from the FMV shoot
-Mostly didn't watch the two Ben Jordan movies
-Final night chatting with fellow Mitteneers, saying bye to bicilotti
-Bed
That is just about as perfect a day as I can imagine.
Mittens = bliss
I feel extremely grateful that I could be a part of it once more this year, and to all of you for being part of it as well. Special thanks to Abstauber and Christina for organizing, dealing with much of the hassle and work before and during the week, shuttling us around, and for being such wonderful people. Let us know if there's a problem with the deposit; you are NOT going to be stuck paying for it.
Hope to see all of you as well as the people who sadly couldn't make it this year next summer! Perhaps in Croatia...?
Quote from: Snarky on Sun 18/08/2013 21:06:19
Special thanks to Abstauber and Kristina for organizing, dealing with much of the hassle and work before and during the week, shuttling us around, and for being such wonderful people. Let us know if there's a problem with the deposit; you are NOT going to be stuck paying for it.
My thoughts
exactly!
Finally back home after a 7 hours drive plus 3 hours extra for German traffic jams.
Mittens2013 was such an awesome experience.
Thanx for Dad and Owowow (Ab & Christine) for hosting it in a great way!
Thanx to all mitteneers, you all were a great and lovely group!
Yup, was quite some drive, but totally worth it! Thnx fellow mitteneers for making this the best holiday ever! It was a blast meeting you all and do fun stuff together. I'm really going to miss you all! Thnx Dirk and Christina for organizing such an amazing holiday!
Big thanks from me too guys! That was a hell of a lot of great Mittens.
And thanks very much for the photos, Misja. I've just decided to change my hair dresser.
I'm back! (and have been for the last eight hours - just been busy until now)
I'll do a writeup tomorrow, but for now I've updated the Mittens pages on the wiki and updated the forums titles. Please let me know if you spot any mistakes.
That's a quicky :) Thnx for adding the mittens titles so soon.
Welcome, fellow serfs! Hopefully we can all upgrade our titles next Mittens! ;)
That's the goal yeah! :)
I'm back from Mittens. It was a great week and I really enjoyed seeing you guys again and meeting the new Mitteneers ;-D
Thanks a lot to Dirk and Christina for organising!
Thank you Dirk and Christina :) Fun and happy hosts! I had totally forgotten about the existence of ICQ thank you for reminding me that Dirk ;)
PS: If anyone wants to have a go at turning a couple of clips of bicilotti walking into useable 8 frame walking animations or so, it needn't be first person. And it needn't be totally elegant but I think I have clips of him walking in all the major directions ;) Anyway thanks everyone for taking part in that, will get down to it real soon!
(http://i42.tinypic.com/2w1tcgg.jpg)
Quote from: AGA on Mon 19/08/2013 00:42:34
I'll do a writeup tomorrow, but for now I've updated the Mittens pages on the wiki and updated the forums titles. Please let me know if you spot any mistakes.
I think I should be Knight!
http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/forums/index.php?action=faq is missing the highest title
It sure seems to be a fun time, and what a good looking group!
Thanks for the pictures, and I hope sometime to see an event close enough to me that I can attend.
Still not completely home as we had to stop at the home of Owowow's parents :)
Now we just need to catch their cat and drive home. In the meantime, enjoy the group photo!
(http://shatten.sonores.de/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Mittens2013_small.jpg)
Full size:
http://shatten.sonores.de/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Mittens2013.jpg
I'll post the remaining pics and some more words later on.
A selection of my photos (Arj0n's photos will be uploaded soon)
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.555125081216587.1073741833.100001572990822ype=1&l=16e5192ef2
Both albums rocks, good job Tamara and Miez!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=555129561216139&set=a.555125081216587.1073741833.100001572990822ype=3&l=16e5192ef2
^-- this one is a masterpiece, Tamara! You captured the moment, I can feel the tension in the air!
Thnx! Also a lot of credits to Miez for his excellent skills to retrieve it back.
Have you got a Facebook account too bici?
Who needs swimming when you got swag?Spoiler
(https://sphotos-b-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/q80/s720x720/1157451_623917927638471_715185273_n.jpg)
;)
Hahaha nice shot. And one I didn't manage to photobomb! ;)
Looks more like "Who needs swimming when you're on skag?" ;)
For a second I thought he had an erection!
Quote from: Oldschool_Wolf on Mon 19/08/2013 18:21:06
For a second I thought he had an erection!
And that's how me trying to be witty lead to ultimately ruining that code-aura that dkh has been building in the last, mhh, 7 years :P
Quote from: Tamara on Mon 19/08/2013 15:24:05
Have you got a Facebook account too bici?
Nope! (that's why I am even more grateful to see pictures on some public space!)
I envy you mitteneers for that cool experience - the pics look great! (nod)
Thanks for sharing :kiss:
... and please don't hesitate to show us mooooore pics! (http://s14.directupload.net/images/user/121108/t8tsczyr.gif)
OK, 1 more (sorry Pablo Swagkorn 8-)):
Who needs playing Commodore 64 games when you got swag?Spoiler
(https://sphotos-b-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/1098277_623949530968644_1742351742_n.jpg)
(roll)
And here you can see the famous man who's always in love with his food (https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/1150550_623951600968437_1526694945_o.jpg) :)
45cm, baby!
Sooooo I was reviewing my memories of the just concluded event, and jot down a few notes on each of the participant.
As they say, where there is no challenge there is no fun (smile):
Mitteneer #01: if it weren't for you, I would have slept through most mittens! Thanks for keeping me awake and alert!
Mitteneer #02: the sparkly winner of the drinking game, hooray to you!
Mitteneer #03: I appreciated your cheerfulness and *great* acting skills!
Mitteneer #04: with this mitteneer, I gossiped a bit with, woo!
Mitteneer #05: I had a very interesting and very pleasant chat with you, both of us being pretty drunk!
Mitteneer #06: no mittens would be mittens without you! Keep the faith and the crown!
Mitteneer #07: to this mitteneer goes the award for "best post mittens depiction!"
Mitteneer #08: a very knowledgeable and professional AGSer, whom I share the passion for retro stuff with!
Mitteneer #09: a pillar of mittens in the years, one that always brings the fun!
Mitteneer #10: you brought life to mittens with your talents *and* with a particular object! Well done!
Mitteneer #11: this mitteneer made me do something new (sing!), and for that I say "thank you"!
Mitteneer #12: always easy going, always comedic, always refined!
Mitteneer #13: for sure the most resourceful (and helpful) of them mitteneers!
Mitteneer #14: a board game magician (and a saviour in time of famine)!
Mitteneer #15: The mitteneer with the most intriguing show and tell project, I say!
Quote from: AGA on Mon 19/08/2013 19:22:56
45cm, baby!
Pizza-geddon! 8-0
Great pictures, everybody! Stay strong through the PMD! To help take your mind of it, I offer you this picture of a hairless rat wearing a fetching blue waistcoat (http://cuteoverload.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/9447028701_0e93ef1f40_z1166780434.jpg?w=560&h=373). Freaky!
Quote from: bicilotti on Mon 19/08/2013 19:35:46
Mitteneer #05: I had a very interesting and very pleasant chat with you, both of us being pretty drunk!
Thinking of it, this probably could be anyone :P
I'm glad that I had the chance to chat with every person attending Mittens.
The significance of Cat's avatar has only just clicked... :-[
Quote from: bicilotti on Mon 19/08/2013 19:35:46
Sooooo I was reviewing my memories of the just concluded event, and jot down a few notes on each of the participant.
As they say, where there is no challenge there is no fun (smile):
You want a PM with the educated guesses?
Great groupphoto btw, abstauber!
Quote from: bicilotti on Mon 19/08/2013 19:35:46
Mitteneer #01: if it weren't for you, I would have slept through most mittens! Thanks for keeping me awake and alert!
Mitteneer #02: the sparkly winner of the drinking game, hooray to you!
Mitteneer #03: I appreciated your cheerfulness and *great* acting skills!
Mitteneer #04: with this mitteneer, I gossiped a bit with, woo!
Mitteneer #05: I had a very interesting and very pleasant chat with you, both of us being pretty drunk!
Mitteneer #06: no mittens would be mittens without you! Keep the faith and the crown!
Mitteneer #07: to this mitteneer goes the award for "best post mittens depiction!"
Mitteneer #08: a very knowledgeable and professional AGSer, whom I share the passion for retro stuff with!
Mitteneer #09: a pillar of mittens in the years, one that always brings the fun!
Mitteneer #10: you brought life to mittens with your talents *and* with a particular object! Well done!
Mitteneer #11: this mitteneer made me do something new (sing!), and for that I say "thank you"!
Mitteneer #12: always easy going, always comedic, always refined!
Mitteneer #13: for sure the most resourceful (and helpful) of them mitteneers!
Mitteneer #14: a board game magician (and a saviour in time of famine)!
Mitteneer #15: The mitteneer with the most intriguing show and tell project, I say!
Gosh ... I can only guess a couple of these! :-[
Quote from: bicilotti on Mon 19/08/2013 19:35:46
Mitteneer #01: if it weren't for you, I would have slept through most mittens! Thanks for keeping me awake and alert!
Mitteneer #02: the sparkly winner of the drinking game, hooray to you!
Mitteneer #03: I appreciated your cheerfulness and *great* acting skills!
Mitteneer #04: with this mitteneer, I gossiped a bit with, woo!
Mitteneer #05: I had a very interesting and very pleasant chat with you, both of us being pretty drunk!
Mitteneer #06: no mittens would be mittens without you! Keep the faith and the crown!
Mitteneer #07: to this mitteneer goes the award for "best post mittens depiction!"
Mitteneer #08: a very knowledgeable and professional AGSer, whom I share the passion for retro stuff with!
Mitteneer #09: a pillar of mittens in the years, one that always brings the fun!
Mitteneer #10: you brought life to mittens with your talents *and* with a particular object! Well done!
Mitteneer #11: this mitteneer made me do something new (sing!), and for that I say "thank you"!
Mitteneer #12: always easy going, always comedic, always refined!
Mitteneer #13: for sure the most resourceful (and helpful) of them mitteneers!
Mitteneer #14: a board game magician (and a saviour in time of famine)!
Mitteneer #15: The mitteneer with the most intriguing show and tell project, I say!
They're all me!
Quote from: AGA on Mon 19/08/2013 21:56:06
They're all me!
I see... naming yourself
mittens deity, and now this... a textbook case of PMM, Post Mittens Megalomania! :P
Great subtitle bici!
Quote from: bicilotti on Mon 19/08/2013 19:35:46
Mitteneer #01: if it weren't for you, I would have slept through most mittens! Thanks for keeping me awake and alert!
Mitteneer #02: the sparkly winner of the drinking game, hooray to you!
Mitteneer #03: I appreciated your cheerfulness and *great* acting skills!
Mitteneer #04: with this mitteneer, I gossiped a bit with, woo!
Mitteneer #05: I had a very interesting and very pleasant chat with you, both of us being pretty drunk!
Mitteneer #06: no mittens would be mittens without you! Keep the faith and the crown!
Mitteneer #07: to this mitteneer goes the award for "best post mittens depiction!"
Mitteneer #08: a very knowledgeable and professional AGSer, whom I share the passion for retro stuff with!
Mitteneer #09: a pillar of mittens in the years, one that always brings the fun!
Mitteneer #10: you brought life to mittens with your talents *and* with a particular object! Well done!
Mitteneer #11: this mitteneer made me do something new (sing!), and for that I say "thank you"!
Mitteneer #12: always easy going, always comedic, always refined!
Mitteneer #13: for sure the most resourceful (and helpful) of them mitteneers!
Mitteneer #14: a board game magician (and a saviour in time of famine)!
Mitteneer #15: The mitteneer with the most intriguing show and tell project, I say!
I'm none of them... 8-)
Errrr, are you holding the same item that popped up in Mods shower drain Mr. B...?
Spoiler
(https://sphotos-b-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/1209356_624010017629262_2076271309_n.jpg)
I knew that cake tasted funny...
Quote from: Arj0n on Mon 19/08/2013 22:11:15
I'm none of them... 8-)
(laugh) Now
that's what I call a Post Mittens Depression! (to be read with the same voice as: "I already told you I am not getting wet today").
Quote from: Tamara on Mon 19/08/2013 22:10:30
Great subtitle bici!
Thanks!
Quote from: AGA on Mon 19/08/2013 22:20:09
I knew that cake tasted funny...
:=
More pics!
http://esseb.com/photographs/germittens/
There's some awesome shots in there, Esseb! Good job...
I like how in this image (http://esseb.com/photographs/germittens/004.jpg) you manage to somehow focus on the attractive woman, rather than the one whose birthday you're meant to be recording (wtf)
Nice pics esseb!
Looks like you had a lot of fun :) Did you discuss the location of next years Mittens?
Quote from: AGA on Mon 19/08/2013 23:07:53
I like how in this image (http://esseb.com/photographs/germittens/004.jpg) you manage to somehow focus on the attractive woman, rather than the one whose birthday you're meant to be recording (wtf)
The alternative would've been too horrible to comprehend.
Quote from: MattFrith on Mon 19/08/2013 23:25:18
Looks like you had a lot of fun :) Did you discuss the location of next years Mittens?
Some proposed countries of the Mediterranean/Adriatic (Croatia, Malta, etc.); some fancied eastern Europe; some said Portugal; some other, other things; m0ds wants a pool.
As for me, Salton Sea (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salton_sea#Increasing_salinity).
Double post and daily reminder: you must not forget the bombmania tune!
(now it's stuck in your head all day long :P)
Quote from: bicilotti on Tue 20/08/2013 09:34:47
Double post and daily reminder: you must not forget the bombmania tune!
(now it's stuck in your head all day long :P)
http://www.lemon64.com/music/ :D
Since several did post a public link to a selection of their mittens photo's in
this thread, here's a nice selection of some pics with captions (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.623888107641453.1073741825.100000608089686ype=1&l=17c72f5ca1) that I've shot.
Enjoy :).
Finally I got everything in place, I guess that's the downside if you bring your complete household ;)
The photos are still on the laptop, but I hope that I'll get them online soon.
I'd really like to say THANK YOU for such an amazing Mittens. It was a great honor to be the host of 2013 and I enjoyed the week more than any other this year.
--edit: here are some of my pics:
https://plus.google.com/photos/113058589828313693288/albums/5914259847637498689
Quote from: abstauber on Tue 20/08/2013 17:40:26
--edit: here are some of my pics:
https://plus.google.com/photos/113058589828313693288/albums/5914259847637498689
requested access to this album.
Hmm... I thought that would be a public link. Does this one work?
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ye83sthwje90x57/Mittens2013_dirk.zip (82 MB)
Yup that one works. Thanks again to Christina and you for organizing and hosting an amazing week!
Yup.
Here's my photos: http://www.screen7.co.uk/junc/mittens13/ModsMittensPics.rar (73mb)
So, since I wasn't around to kick everyone's ass this year...who won the quiz? :=
Cat did!
Quote from: Grundislav on Fri 23/08/2013 22:24:00
So, since I wasn't around to kick everyone's ass this year...who won the quiz? :=
Pff, I've beaten you at least once! I did really badly this year though, as all the questions were about AGS games, and almost none about others.
When it comes to ags berian is retarded!
What am 'delete Mods' account' button do?!?!?!11!!
It pays me 200 euro..go for aer!
Quote from: AGA on Fri 23/08/2013 22:39:37
I did really badly this year though, as all the questions were about AGS games, and almost none about others.
It also didn't help that you answered
your own question wrongly :P
LOL, that's quite an achievement too!
Quote from: Miez on Fri 23/08/2013 23:22:06
Quote from: AGA on Fri 23/08/2013 22:39:37
I did really badly this year though, as all the questions were about AGS games, and almost none about others.
It also didn't help that you answered your own question wrongly :P
I think he was trying to go for the 'consolation prize'... Failed that 1 too :P
Quote from: Mods on Fri 23/08/2013 22:42:22
When it comes to ags berian is retarded!
This was truly the most retarded trick ever I have witnessed: Mr. B eats a slice of pie with an 'extra item' and the next moment Mods pulls that same item out of his shower-drain-with-immovable-grid upstairs...
Still haven't figured out how you 2 did that... (roll):P
At last! First proper Mittens attendance and first public post on this forum.
Big thanks to everyone at this year's Mittens, I really enjoyed being around you. You have been a great bunch of people!
And remember: just say Nein to Beck's!
Hope to see you next year, Bernhard / raeff.
Quote from: raeff on Sun 25/08/2013 18:12:46
Hope to see you next year, Bernhard / raeff.
Indeed :)
Quote from: DoorKnobHandle on Fri 23/08/2013 22:27:46
Cat did!
Yes, and I won a surprise package with a cool game in it - Ghost Pirates of Vooju Island. Looking forward to playing it!
And as Bernhard, I'm also looking forward to see you all next year!
Hawaii would be cool for next year. We could search for Cornjob and the mystery of Run Hot.