NEW INFO, PLEASE READ (http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/yabb/index.php?topic=33493.msg459329#msg459329)
Date: 15 August (5PM) - 22 August (10AM) 2008
Place: Ardennes, France
Location (http://www.caverider.com/temp/maybemittens.txt)
Attendees (coming from):
AGA (UK)
Chrille (Sweden)
CJ (UK)
Creed Malay (UK)
custard (UK)
Darth Mandarb (USA)
Disco (France)
Dominika (Poland)
DutchMarco (Holland)
Esseb (Norway)
Finkenstein (USA)
FruitTree (Holland)
Goldmund (Poland)
Grundislav (USA)
JetXL (Holland)
Layabout (UK)
Lorena (Spain)
miez (Holland)
MillsJROSS (USA)
m0ds (UK)
MrColossal (USA)
Nacho (Spain)
Quintaros (Canada)
Radiant (Holland)
scotch (UK)
The Ivy (Canada)
[26]
The first week of August is precisely the time frame I was hoping for, as I am going for both meets again this year. weeks later could still be possible, but for my purposes this would be most realistic.
I don't mind about the dates or location. It seems that the main cost here is going to be the rental, especially in August... as long as that doesn't go too high I'll most probably be there
Most of the places I've looked at so far are in the £100-150 per person per week region. Obviously the smaller the place, the less expensive it'll be. I'll work out a price once I know how many people are coming.
First week of August should be fine for me.
Yay! I'm in.
I'd definitely like too, I'll need to get a better grasp of how much it's going to cost this year though before I can give a definite answer :)
What Mark said. I'm definitely up for going, as I'll probably be in Europe anyway. :)
-Dave
Count with two more! France is close, I have car, license, and lots of spare time.
(Oh, with "two more", I meant Lore and me).
Oh right, my sister Kayla might be with me at some point, and would be interested if there is room. She had the same exposure to adventure games I had growing up, so wouldn't be lost.
Oh yeah, and to add another to the significant other bandwagon, my gf might join up for a while. She's in the game industry herself and has already met a few AGSers, so she'd fit right in. If space is an issue we can grab a hotel.
I'd love to go as a first-timer :) More info about prices and stuff would be nice, but put me up as a probable!
I will be bringing my lawyer :=
A yes from Layabout
I'd love to go. In fact, until this was posted, I thought Mittens was still scheduled for Canada and was just about to sign up for Brittens instead. However, it all depends on my girlfriend's plans for the summer (including a family wedding which we don't know the date of), so I can't say anything definite yet. But please add me to the "very interested" list.
Sure, I'm interested, assuming work doesn't rear its ugly head again with another conflicting deadline. Shouldn't be a problem this year.
I'll be there!
However, I've been noticing that the prices for renting places seem to increase significantly in mid-July. So, considering that France is likely to be a more costly meet than Ireland, would it make sense to consider flipping the dates round, so that Mittens would be in late June / early July to take advantage of the cheaper rental prices, and Brittens could be in late July or August (which would make it more expensive, but probably not as much as mittens would be cheaper)?
I wouldn't miss it for the world. Count me in!
I'll be there!*
*If I have money and time, which I think I do!
Quote from: Grundislav on Thu 17/01/2008 19:25:36
I wouldn't miss it for the world.
But would you miss it for ... a big wad of cash?!?
Oh, I hope it's ok if I bring my mate Bob along. He's a right character, and he's usually got a few balaclavas and baseball bats with him because of his "work", which could make for some fun summer sports.
My birthday is on the 8th of August.... would I be allowed to come anyway? :)
I would really like to go. I'll have to have a look at my finances and see if it's possible. I speak French and I know Radiant does. Anyone else? If not you'll just have to trust us. ;)
Count me in!
My very first Mittens!!
Farl - how about I fly into Spain first?
On a second thought, I couldn't really miss this... Count me in as well before all the seats gets taken! :)
Darth, I have car and there are a couple of nice cities to visit in the road to (Pyrinées/Touluse/whatever Francittens will be made), such as Valencia and Barcelona. If you want to come, you (and Grundy) are invited. :)
P.S. Sorry for not visiting msn lately, will try to get more free time ASAP.
The regulars had better hurry or their places will be taken up by everybody's partners and family :P
(not that I object, mind you, it just strikes me as funny)
Crikey, so this is what happens when I don't lurk every single day.
I'm in!
Bonjour tout la monde.
I'd be up for it, but I don't think it'd be practical...
Count me out officially, but what I might be able to do is pop across for a day trip during the event and meet everyone for shits and giggles. So I'll keep up to date with plans, but won't commit myself to anything.
Mittens en France? Sounds comme une heap de funne! I'd like to attend...
I regret to inform myself that once again I won't be able to make Mittens this year. I really would like to attend one of these years, but I'm planning my own adventure which I like to call: "Moving out of my parents house (finally)"â,,¢.
I'm also moving to the opposite side of the country (from Texas (http://maps.google.com/?q=Texas) to Oregon (http://maps.google.com/?q=Oregon)), so my expense sheet is a bit high this year.
However, pending where my life takes me over the next year, I may or may not be able to attend Mittens '09!* 8)
*Let's be practical here and not commit ourselves to anything.
Reserve a spot for me, pray do.
What would be Awesome is a Mittens Tour.
Whether it be cross-American or Cross European or something.. we all just jump in cars and do a road trip.
Or how about we book a load of us on some great railway journey such as the one that goes through Russia which I can't remember the name of.
Also Vince should open his home for a week and we'll all get to try on the cheese hat.
Providing this years Brittens doesn't leave me maimed and/or in a vegetative state, wherever it's held, I would be interested. :)
Quote from: LimpingFish on Fri 18/01/2008 23:31:22
Providing this years Brittens doesn't leave me maimed and/or in a vegetative state, wherever it's held, I would be interested. :)
Unfortunately waiting until a couple of weeks before the event isn't really an option. I'm going to need solid numbers and deposits and stuff sooner or later :P
I had the time approved by my boss several months ago. So, I'm in, as well. I just need to update my passport.
-MillsJROSS
Quote from: AGA on Fri 18/01/2008 23:47:43
Quote from: LimpingFish on Fri 18/01/2008 23:31:22
Providing this years Brittens doesn't leave me maimed and/or in a vegetative state, wherever it's held, I would be interested. :)
Unfortunately waiting until a couple of weeks before the event isn't really an option. I'm going to need solid numbers and deposits and stuff sooner or later :P
Oh, sure, I know what you mean.
...checks bank account...calender...
I'm pretty sure I could make it, anyway. Label me "Interested", but put a little asterisk after my name.
*To designate how awesome I am. \o/
Quote from: LimpingFish on Sat 19/01/2008 22:10:28...checks bank account calendar...
Wait...you have a calendar that shows you what the balance of your bank account will be at future dates? :o Where can I get one? :=
If there's room at the moment put Jess and I down to maybes.. We're small and sleep in the same bed so we're basically one person.
We just need to get passports.
If there is room (or if there will be if anyone else drops out), count me in.
Goodbye sis :'(
but HELLO Eric and Jess :D Hope you guys can make it, and if your fear of flying is still persistent, why not ask for some sort of job shadow opportunity so you can be in the cockpit during the flight? :P That should ease your concerns.
btw just to let you single dudes know what you are missing :P -
(http://www.lumpcity.co.uk/~disco/kayla/kayla6.jpg)
(http://www.lumpcity.co.uk/~disco/kayla/kayla1.jpg)
| (http://www.lumpcity.co.uk/~disco/kayla/kayla5.jpg)
|
(http://www.lumpcity.co.uk/~disco/kayla/kayla4.jpg)
| (http://www.lumpcity.co.uk/~disco/kayla/kayla3.jpg)
|
Disco, what have I told you about whoring out your sister to ags nerds.
The Ivy is cuter :P
Quote from: The Ivy on Thu 17/01/2008 21:35:23
I speak French and I know Radiant does
Quote from: Radiant on Mon 21/01/2008 00:18:11
The Ivy is cuter :P
What sort of French is that then? :-* ;)
I just happen to like ribbons.
Quote from: jetxl on Mon 21/01/2008 10:26:16
I just happen to like ribbons.
Sorry, I don't speak Dutch. Does that mean you're interested in attending ???
I'm interested in attending! Though it depends on 2 things...
#1 - I need to be sure of the date when it is, so I can ask free from work...
#2 - Still haven't got my drivers license, so I need to find a way to get in alittle cheap way to get to france ;)
But I would seriously like to attend. My french is very bad, because my teacher would only watch cartoons of Asterix & Obelix during lessons at highschool, not I minded back then... :P
Quote from: Radiant on Mon 21/01/2008 00:18:11
The Ivy is cuter :P
Si la soeur de Disco lit ce forum elle sera très mécontent. Bien fait. Mais merci. :-,
Quote
What sort of French is that then? :-* ;)
Er, foppish? I've also been working on my franglais and Quebecois.
Quote from: AGA on Mon 21/01/2008 17:06:08
Quote from: jetxl on Mon 21/01/2008 10:26:16
I just happen to like ribbons.
Sorry, I don't speak Dutch. Does that mean you're interested in attending ???
Nay, I don't have any fond memories of France, last time not excluded, so I'll give up my potential seat to someone new. Seems like mittens is already overbooked, anyway.
By the way, the places aren't necessarily full yet. People should keep letting me know if they're interested, just in case we manage to find more room.
Chateau party!!!!
I want to sign up on the maybe list. There is no chance in hell I can know for certain, but it sure would be nice to see ya'll again.
Cool, Andail, I hope you make it this time, it's been a while, and I'm sure there will be room. As AGA said, if anyone else would like to come do put your name forward. It is looking kind of full but you never know how many people will drop out this early.
Please Petter, come! ^_^ The Vindön rowing boat crew is back! :D Hey?
What about the Polish guy??? :(
Quote from: Nacho on Tue 22/01/2008 18:21:36
Please Petter, come! ^_^ The Vindön rowing boat crew is back! :D Hey?
What about the Polish guy??? :(
hehe, that's starting to seem like a long time ago, isn't it? Fond memories from the childhood of Mittens...
Quote from: Andail on Tue 22/01/2008 13:54:37
I want to sign up on the maybe list. There is no chance in hell I can know for certain, but it sure would be nice to see ya'll again.
I'd rather sign up on the No Want To Go There Guys.... France? Aw....well, I guess you'll see it in the map eventually.
Any word from Helm? Because Helm in France is an instant YouTube moment...
Helm is alive?
Quote from: Dualnames on Wed 23/01/2008 00:32:29
Helm is alive?
Well, the character he based that nick on is about to be killed off permanently, but our Greek AGS mate is someone whom I'd like to meet again...
He has told me via msn he misses us, so, I guess he will come...
If he does not come, I will take my car, go to Athens, and kidnapp him.
I would just like to say that if there is interested parties, I would more than happily pick someone up in my car on the way there as I'll most likely drive!
Could be a more adventurous option for me, I'll be in Paris the week before Mittens, so I would be up for it if you are driving anywhere near there.
I have no idea as I've never actually driven in france, but I'll figure my route out... Oslo-Brittanny or whereever! :D
On never mind then, that would be from the opposite direction. I thought you might still be in England at the time, but I guess school would be out :P
I was going to give up on this dream due to civil service, but it appears I have some kind of epilepsy which means I won't have to do it in the next 3 years and probably not after. So now I'm taking part in the local porn industry to get some cash, and I'll try to save it, incase there's a place in line available as it comes. Take me as something called the last resort, as I'm happy to give the seat to someone else too, for if it so happens, I'll replace the mittens with a trip abroad with my girlfriend. So... in English; I'm a probable unless the list is full, I don't want to take anyone's place if someone's more willing :)
Quote from: Tuomas on Fri 25/01/2008 10:01:53
I was going to give up on this dream due to civil service, but it appears I have some kind of epilepsy which means I won't have to do it in the next 3 years and probably not after. So now I'm taking part in the local porn industry to get some cash, and I'll try to save it,
Er, you sure you want things like that potentially leak onto the internet?
Quote from: Radiant on Fri 25/01/2008 13:48:02
Quote from: Tuomas on Fri 25/01/2008 10:01:53
I was going to give up on this dream due to civil service, but it appears I have some kind of epilepsy which means I won't have to do it in the next 3 years and probably not after. So now I'm taking part in the local porn industry to get some cash, and I'll try to save it,
Er, you sure you want things like that potentially leak onto the internet?
Radiant, meet Tuomas.
Ok, so a lot of people want to come. We've found a place that will take 30. It's in the French Ardennes, on the border with Belgium. The price is reasonable compared to other places in France, and will be about 122 EUR per person for the week, assuming we fill it up.
Here are some details, including transport recommendations. If you are able to drive to the location it'd be appreciated, makes airport transfers a bit easier.
http://www.caverider.com/temp/maybemittens.txt
The week we are looking at booking begins the 16th of August.
If this is acceptable then we need to book it as soon as possible, because most of the summer is already booked up. That means we need to raise a 35% deposit (1225 euros). That's 40 euros per person, but I assume not all 30 people will be able to send it on short notice, so if any of you are willing to send more, or even the whole thing (122 euros) that would be appreciated.
AGA will be collecting the money, presumably by paypal, he can give you the details.
As for myself, I'm willing to put forward 117 whenever I get paid, hopefully that'll be soon enough.
Current pledges (strikethroughs have paid):
80, Layabout
117, custard
117, CJ
117, Miez
117, Grundislav
52, Chrille
117, Darth Mandarb
234, Nacho & La Lore
117, Esseb
117, Quintaros
117, MillsJROSS
117, AGA
40, Disco
117, Radiant
117, scotch
Total deposit required: â,¬1277
Collected: â,¬1312.51
The PayPal address is:
(http://www.agagames.com/pics/payPalAddress.png)
PayPal allows you to pay directly in Euros without doing any conversion yourself, so just send â,¬122 to that address, or whatever you can manage if less.
NOTE: the amount required is actually â,¬117, but PayPal charges something like a 4% charge on every transaction, so the cost is elevated by â,¬5 each for PayPal transactions. Sorry!
British people can also send AGA a bank transfer of £87 and avoid the PayPal charges if they want to do it that way. PM AGA (http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/yabb/index.php?action=pm;sa=send;u=39) if you want to do this, and he'll send you his bank account details.
i can pay £65 as soon as aga wants it. I will probably be driving there if anyone is interested in splitting the fuel and ferry. I can see the journey maybe taking 8.5 or so hours factoring in breaks for fuel and what not. I will not pick up from greater London. Easiest pickup spot is Milton Keynes or Luton. Possibly Welwyn Garden City. In France, the best pickup point is Lille. I will let you know in a month if I will be driving there or not.
Depending what my cheques are today, I might be able to pay $60 (~â,¬40) either in a few days or a week, with the rest coming soon after. Now I just need to invent another 12 days in the itinerary from scratch :P
Thanks, coming faster than I expected.
For people driving from the UK, the route that google maps suggests goes very near Charleroi airport, so you might also be able to subsidise the trip taking people from there. I think I'm coming down from London area with CJ unless he changes his mind.
The Ardennes? I thought people wanted to go to the Pyrinees, to the Cathar Contry or to an interesting medieval town... Ardennes are nice, but they are not different from any other nice forest in some other place of the world... What if we go to somewhere that can only be found in France? Dunno, just my two cents, I am still in. :)
I would have liked other areas more, but the only other potential location so far was Brittany which is no more exciting. It comes down to where we can find a large house that we can afford, that is not a million miles away from a reasonably sized airport. There were a couple of places in the Alps that I quite liked but they were harder to get to, and not really big enough, sadly. Anyway, I'm sure this will be as French as Benidorm is Spanish ;)
It's certainly not too late for someone to suggest another location if they'd prefer it, but by that I mean a specific place for 30 people with a price tag poor AGSers are going to be able to afford. France is a very expensive holiday destination in summer.
Benidorm Spanish??? ???
I might chip in a part of my amount, even though I'm not at all sure I'll come, or even likely. You can always use my amount as the prize for the annual quiz.
QuoteOk, so a lot of people want to come. We've found a place that will take 30. It's in the French Ardennes, on the border with Belgium. The price is reasonable compared to other places in France, and will be about 115 EUR per person for the week, assuming we fill it up.
This place looks good to me (even if it doesn't have a pool!) but I guess transport is a bit of a concern; some of us will be able to drive or hitch a lift with someone who is, but for the guys flying in from further away, Brussels Airport is about 70 miles away so it would be useful if someone who speaks French (or Dutch, or whichever language is spoken in that bit of Belgium) could search out any public transport options from there to this town.
QuoteIf this is acceptable then we need to book it as soon as possible, because most of the summer is already booked up. That means we need to raise a 35% deposit (1225 euros). That's 40 euros per person, but I assume not all 30 people will be able to send it on short notice, so if any of you are willing to send more, or even the whole thing (115 euros) that would be appreciated.
I can pay the whole 115 now, but do we have to give a deposit immediately? Can't we provisionally book the week anyway and tell them we'll get the deposit to them by a certain date?
QuoteI will probably be driving there if anyone is interested in splitting the fuel and ferry.
I think I'll also drive, and looking at the list there are potentially 8 people going from the UK. If we could go in two cars then that would probably make the trip quite easy and cheap, so it's certainly worth considering.
QuoteThe Ardennes? I thought people wanted to go to the Pyrinees, to the Cathar Contry or to an interesting medieval town... Ardennes are nice, but they are not different from any other nice forest in some other place of the world... What if we go to somewhere that can only be found in France? Dunno, just my two cents, I am still in.
As scotch says, this seems to be mainly down to numbers. It's surprisingly difficult to find a reasonably priced place to rent for 30 people, so we're rather restricted on choices.
QuoteI might chip in a part of my amount, even though I'm not at all sure I'll come, or even likely. You can always use my amount as the prize for the annual quiz.
I hope you make it Andail, it's been far too long since we've had a Mittolympics! ;)
Oh, I've edited the original post to add where people are coming from, which might help any transport arrangements.
Hehe Farlander, I just meant that the previous locations haven't exactly been cultural highlights of their respective countries :) It's not required for a good AGS meet.
CJ: "Brussels Airport is about 70 miles away ... public transport"
Brussels Airport is a long way away but as I put in my info, Charleroi is closer, and it's the budget airport too. It's still around an hour away but a large taxi split between 7 would be an option, otherwise car rental. That's assuming there's nobody to pick them up, and I think there may well be. Hajo has a car, and maybe m0ds would drive, dunno. There are cars here and there. I can read enough French to get around the bus and train sites but I haven't seen anything very simple. The trains don't go that way anymore as far as I can tell, and I haven't found a bus but it's worth native speakers looking.
If you're flying to Paris you can get the train, it's not cheap but it goes right to the village.
CJ: "Can't we provisionally book the week anyway and tell them we'll get the deposit to them by a certain date?"
The response we had was "The owner of chateau le ridsou has asked me to tell you that a 35% deposit is required to confirm a booking at the chateau." so I guess not. I don't think it'll be a big problem getting together the money in the next week or two, although I am aware it could go any moment. If the August week is taken there's also very late August, or Mid July as options. Doesn't make any difference to me, but it could to some.
I can provide the 115 euros now as well. Just let me know where to PayPal it to...
For me, way too early for a deposite. March/April more likely.
No problem, we're doing ok so far, anyone else? I'll find out the transfer details.
I PMed AGA for his PayPal information ...
Should Lore and me pay 230 or would 115 do the work?
Quote from: AGA on Fri 25/01/2008 14:25:21
Radiant, meet Tuomas.
I can't do that unless he comes to Mittens, now can I?
Anyway I'd be happy to mail you the money, preferably over paypal. Kindly PM me with your account and so forth.
I can probably pay the whole 115 Euros now / in the next couple of days if someone PMs me the Paypal details.
Matt
To save me answering everyone's PMs regarding PayPal, the address is:
(http://www.agagames.com/payPalAddress.png)
PayPal allows you to pay directly in Euros without doing any conversion yourself, so just send â,¬122 to that address, or whatever you can manage if less.
NOTE: the amount required is actually â,¬117, but PayPal charges something like a 4% charge on every transaction, so the cost is elevated by â,¬5 each for PayPal transactions. Sorry!
British people can also send me a bank transfer of £87 and avoid the PayPal charges if they want to do it that way. PM me if you want to do this, and I'll send you my bank account details.
I can pay the full amount as well. In fact, I just did.
Gotta love PayPal doing the conversion for me.
I too sent the full amount!
Quote from: Esseb on Sun 27/01/2008 16:49:02
I can pay the full amount as well. In fact, I just did.
Received.
Quote from: Darth Mandarb on Sun 27/01/2008 17:20:29
Gotta love PayPal doing the conversion for me.
I too sent the full amount!
Received.
By the way, scotch messed up the price calculation. It's actually 122 Eur per person. :P
Quote from: AGA on Sun 27/01/2008 17:27:28
By the way, scotch messed up the price calculation. It's actually 117 Eur per person. If you already sent money don't worry about the difference, but everyone else it's 2 Eur more :P
Does that mean it'll be 119 euro tomorrow? :P
No, it means scotch can't count, but I can. Unless this place ends up fully booked and we need to go elsewhere, this is the final price!
I will pay ASAP... How does PayPal work? Sorry, I am a stupid spanish guy.
Go to http://www.paypal.es/. You need to open an account, then link it with a real-life bank account or debit/credit card. That'll let you send money to anyone else who has a PayPal account then. It's pretty simple, and there should be enough instructions on that site :)
:'(
Can't make it.
I was ok with the earlier dates in August, but I see we've had to go later in the month, and I'm busy that last weekend.
Arse.
Sorry Guys - better take me off the list.
:'(
Aw crap. Will you at least be making it to Brittens?
QuoteSorry Guys - better take me off the list.
D'oh! But I want to bum you!
That's a politically correct 22nd century saying for "a jolly good time with", btw
See you at Brittens hopefully :)
It's not necessarily the final price if the number of people falls below 30 or the owner changes the price from the one listed, also there's a fee for linen but you can probably pay that when you get there.
And matt, we're not planning to be there for the later weekends in August... the 16th is a Saturday, that's the only weekend we'll be there for, there are two weekends in August after it ends. Maybe you could come but leave a day early if you need to be somewhere that weekend at the end?
Sorry I haven't posted this earlier, but I was away all of last week. I'm afraid that the new date is too late in the month for me, so I can't participate this time around. Hopefully next year if Mittens is still set in Europe then.
It's in Miami next year. If July is easier for the interested people we could just as easily have it 19-24 July, I don't mind myself. Probably should have asked around. Usually whatever week we pick a few people can't make it, sadly.
The current dates (middle/end of August) are best for me. I'm very likely to come if we settle for this date. I know for a fact I can't come if we pick the end of July or the beginning of August.
Just me though. And I'm the second most prominent mittens guest you've ever seen!
19-24 would be silly, since it's only 5 days.
Could be just me, but isn't it a little silly to start discussing and changing dates after people have started paying? (I for one wouldn't be able to do a late july or early august...)
That's why I asked if it was easier :P obviously if you can't come then we can't change the dates.
And I meant whatever the week in July is, 18-25 apparently. Doesn't seem like it's an option though.
Nacho and Lore just sent the deposit! ^_^
Aw crap, I just realised PayPal is charging me â,¬5 in transaction charges every time someone sends me â,¬117. I know I said the price wouldn't change again, but... the price is changing again, to â,¬122. Sorry, guys. Again, people who already paid don't need to worry (at least not for now, I don't promise not to hit you up for money at Mittens :P).
QuoteI just realised PayPal is charging me â,¬5 in transaction charges every time someone sends me â,¬117
Why don't you wait til you've got enough and THEN make the transaction, so you only pay that 5 euros once? You don't get charged for people sending you money, unless you've been haxx0rd of course. But it seems odd, I don't get transactions charges, and looking over the PayPal help page, nobody in the UK should either, whether you have a personal, premium or business account.
QuoteFree for £50.00 GBP or more, £0.25 GBP for £49.99 GBP or less to bank accounts in the UK
Last time I checked, you lived and had a bank account in the UK, and everyone who's sent you money has sent you far more than £50! I'd get in touch with PayPal dude, you're being ripped off.
I have a premium account, different rules apply.
Accept the following funded payments:
* PayPal Balance
* PayPal Instant Bank Transfer
* PayPal eCheque
1.4% + £0.20 GBP to 3.4% + £0.20
Accept credit or debit card funded payments
1.4% + £0.20 GBP to 3.4% + £0
It's only free to *send* and *withdraw* funds, which means transferring them from your PayPal credit to your personal bank account.
Ok. So when is the latest you will need peoples money/deposits by? As you know I normally can't fund Mittens until a month or two before it starts, and deposits have only existed since last year at Canada - and made it very hard for me to be able to go last time and will again this time. So if you need it earlier than that, well, I won't be there. Once again this year is not going to be good for money for me.
By the way, British people can send me a bank transfer for free if they want to do it that way. That's what CJ is doing.
m0ds: well assuming I get enough money from everyone else soon it should be fine regarding deposits. Obviously it's not entirely fair for some people to pay in full and others not pay at all, but as long as no-one has any complaints I'm okay with paying the deposit using some people's money without taking any from those who can't afford it yet.
I think the final amount will only need to be paid at Mittens itself.
i'd prefer to send a bank transfer aga.
Quote from: Layabout on Mon 28/01/2008 20:38:03
i'd prefer to send a bank transfer aga.
Right, check your PMs.
Quotem0ds: well assuming I get enough money from everyone else soon it should be fine regarding deposits. Obviously it's not entirely fair for some people to pay in full and others not pay at all, but as long as no-one has any complaints I'm okay with paying the deposit using some people's money without taking any from those who can't afford it yet.
Cool, well I can probably send you 30/40 next month as a kind of gaurantee, and more the next month. I'll PM you when the time is right :)
Hey Mills, you accidentally sent 122 USD instead of 122 Eur. Which leaves you 40 Eur or $60 short, I'm afraid.
All better now.
-MillsJROSS
Only â,¬250 left until I can pay the deposit. CJ initiated a bank transfer a few days ago that should complete tomorrow or the day after, so if one or two more people pay up, we can get this all booked up.
Okay, payment from CJ has been received. That leaves â,¬131.37 more. I could pay my share of the money, which would only leave â,¬15 or so remaining. Someone else pay!
I really, really, really want to go, but I think the dates might be exactly when my next school year starts... :'(
Would you be 18 by then, Victor? Dunno if I mentioned it yet, but there is a minimum age of 18.
Okay, I've got enough money for the deposit now. Just need to wait a few days for the money to transfer from PayPal to my bank account and the deposit will be paid!
By the way, it looks like arriving on the afternoon of the 15th, and leaving on the morning of the 22nd will be the best option. That's the longest time we can score.
Quote from: vict0r on Wed 30/01/2008 15:11:21
I really, really, really want to go, but I think the dates might be exactly when my next school year starts... :'(
Quit being such a jive turkey. I missed half my first week of class this semester because it conflicted with my holiday schedule. Don't let the schools oppress you!
Quote from: AGA on Wed 30/01/2008 15:35:24
Would you be 18 by then, Victor? Dunno if I mentioned it yet, but there is a minimum age of 18.
Will be 18 in April, so everything will be a-ok on that part...
But fcuk it... A couple of days should be allright! I won't be able to pay just yet though. When do I have to pay?
The deposit has been collected now, so you can pay whenever you're ready now.
I've made the booking. Mittens is confirmed. Yay!
at this point I feel I should emphasize that I'm a big "maybe". Having done some quick calculations I've come to the cost of 500+ € which is basically a lot money from an unemployed "student". So I guess people might need to be prepared, that some of us in the list are to drop out, and then won't be paying their share..
What, exactly, is all this about? Just out of interest...
A bunch of men, some hot oil and a jacuzzi..now do you understand?
;)
QuoteI've made the booking.
Groovy.
QuoteHowever, I got hit with a â,¬200 booking/card-handling charge that wasn't previously mentioned.
Bastards. We'll have to do at least â,¬200 worth of damage to make up for it.
Quoteat this point I feel I should emphasize that I'm a big "maybe".
I'm sure a few people will drop out between now and then, so I'm sure we can sign up a couple more people on a 'reserve list' type thing if anyone else wants to come.
QuoteWhat, exactly, is all this about? Just out of interest...
Well, the King of Sweden might be turning up this year. We're all going to pay homage.
The Road Trip.
I will be driving to Mittens this year.
My car is an R-reg Rover 214, very reliable. It has 5 seats and is a diesel.
I will of coarse take up the driving seat, which leaves 3 other seats (so not to be too cramped)
The Pick Up points will be anywhere near the M1 between Milton Keyens and the M25, then anywhere near the M20. If anyone in central london wants a lift I will do a deviation into Watford, catch a train to there, I can take you.
So, who wants to ride in the Laymobile.
I think Mr Lovegrove has asked for a ride. And If Grundy comes to england first, he has a seat.
As for the other car, I believe Mr CJ may be driving as well.
Help towards the fuel and ferry will be much appreciated. The exact plans for the journey are not specific yet, but there is plenty of time to plan.
By the way, the entirety of the chateau money will be due by 06 Jun 2008. So if people who haven't paid yet could send their money when possible, that'd be great. There's â,¬2,300.29 left to be paid.
Ah yes, now that we've confirmed a location, I guess we can talk travel. It's a bit early, perhaps, but it's good to know what our options are.
To go into a bit more detail about location, here's one of my trademark crude maps:
(http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/temp/mittens2008.gif)
Mittens is in a place called Vireux-Molhain. To get there, there are a few options:
1) Drive there from where you live. From London it's about 300 miles.
2) Fly to Charleroi (Brussels South) airport -- [2] on the map. This is about 35 miles from the chateux, and we're not sure yet whether there's a public transport option. If you did this, sharing a taxi or hire car the rest of the way might be the best plan.
3) Fly to Brussels airport -- [1] on the map. This is about 75 miles from the chateux. You can surely then get to Charleroi by train/bus, but we don't know about the rest of the way (as above).
4) Fly to Paris ([6] on the map), and then get the train. There's a train that goes from Paris (via Charleville Mezieres) and stops at Vireux-Molhain, and it takes just under 3 hours.
Of course, there may be more options that we haven't thought of yet. As I say, it's a bit early for this sort of talk but I guess people will probably want to book flights relatively soon.
scotch, Esseb and I have already bagged a place in the CJ-bus, assuming he ends up driving.
I don't wanna travel alone, french confuses me! Layabout?
Quote from: Privateer Puddin' on Tue 05/02/2008 21:24:32
I don't wanna travel alone, french confuses me! Layabout?
You could drive, and get helpful AGSers to guide you!
Quote from: AGA on Tue 05/02/2008 21:20:22
scotch, Esseb and I have already bagged a place in the CJ-bus, assuming he ends up driving.
Well, if all else fails we could try and cram 5 into the car, but considering the length of the journey I don't think it would be an ideal situation...
pudding, no problem, you can come with me...
where are you based?
Does anyone have a car space spare for me? :)
I'm in Portsmouth. We'll agree on a pick up point sometime and I'll appear there!
I can see my house from there!
Okay, I'll do the transfer this weekend, I promise.
I think I'm the only Dutchy around this time again? (no jetxl?) So I guess I'll be using the train, then. I don't think anyone is going to come near where I live, unless of course any of the Americans plans to fly over Schiphol Airport, which is conveniently next to my house and also conveniently probably the closest airport to the meet :)
Belgium does actually have a couple of airports, Radiant :P
Quote from: AGA on Tue 05/02/2008 22:47:31
Belgium does actually have a couple of airports, Radiant :P
Belgium? What's that? Never heard of it. Is that some kind of French food? Or perhaps a kind of Chinese bird? :P
Quote from: Radiant on Tue 05/02/2008 22:40:32
I think I'm the only Dutchy around this time again? (no jetxl?)
I told FruitTree to come, he sucks though!
Miez is Dutch, fool!
echt wel! ;D
Quote from: miez on Wed 06/02/2008 02:06:05
echt wel! ;D
Wait, Miez is mittenzing? That's new!
Okee, trein of auto? Ik heb wel ergens een rijbewijs liggen geloof ik.
Ok Creed, you can come in the Laymobile.
Which means it is full.
M0ds, will you need a lift. So I know, I can still fit you in the car but it might be a bit tight. Please let me know asap.
As for the seating arrangements. Grundislav is back left as requested. Pudding can be shotgun, whilst Mr Creed can be back right. Creed, you will need to be at Luton or Watford quite early on the 15th. My estimates around the region of 8-9am. Tom pudding, Is it too difficult for you to get to Watford? If not, I might as well pick everyone up from Heathrow. I'd prefer not to as this adds serious time to the journey. (actually no it doesn't, it adds a minute according to google)
Actually, now I think about it, heathrow is a better option. The M1 is full of roadworks and those evil 'average speed cameras', so going down the M40 would avoid all that crap.
So heathrow pickup, time tbc (probably about 9-9:30)
sound ok?
QuoteM0ds, will you need a lift. So I know, I can still fit you in the car but it might be a bit tight. Please let me know asap.
Do you have amnesia?? Do you not remember talking to me a week ago and discussing this AND your project? You're a penis ;) Seriously though, sitting in the middle all the way to France? I think I'll find another arrangement, but cheers none the less. I really don't know if I'm going to go yet, but I'll let you know if I really need that middle seat!!
Pfft My error. Sorry Creed, M0ds gets the space. I am a stupid head. Can you get to bicester mark? Probably the easiest if I am heading to heathrow to pick up francisco.
Lay, I will let you know
Quote from: m0ds on Fri 08/02/2008 01:01:44
As Francisco is no bigger than a midget, why can't he travel in the middle?
I'll kill you! >:(
Uh oh, no BJ's for m0ds this year.
Okay, I made the transfer.
Quote from: Radiant on Sun 10/02/2008 22:19:01
Okay, I made the transfer.
What kind of transfer did you make? I haven't received any notice about a PayPal transfer at least.
Quote from: AGA on Thu 14/02/2008 22:56:06
What kind of transfer did you make? I haven't received any notice about a PayPal transfer at least.
Hm, checking this, it turns out paypal is withdrawing funds from my bank accounts, and this takes 4 to 6 days.
Which is to say, it takes ten minutes, but they tack on a few days for their interest rates.
Ah okay. I'll let you know when it clears then.
Right, that's been received. Thanks, Radiant.
Okay, it's less than 5 months until Mittens now, and the full balance of the chateau rental needs to be paid by June 06 - only 9 weeks away.
As it stands, these people have shown interest in attending, but haven't paid their moneys:
Andail
Chrille
Creed Malay
DaveGilbert + Janet
Disco
Finkenstein
Ghormak
Layabout
LimpingFish
Minimi
m0ds
MrColossal
scotch
The Ivy
Tuomas
vict0r
Are you guys all still interested? If you're not, please let me know so I can try to find other people to attend in your place. We want as many people in that chateau as possible! If you are interested, please get your money to me when you can.
Kayla is out; she said something about needing 4 wisdom teeth extracted without insurance or some ridiculous excuse like that :-\
Bummer. Time to find someone else to take her place. Anyone interested?
I'm still very much interested in attending; I'm just waiting to hear back about a job offer. If I have an income, we're go. 8)
I'm still in!
ScubaChicVB and I may like to attend. I guess I was just holding out as long as I could to see if we'd have it in Florida, USA this time...
Is there still room for us and our money?
Well there are 29 people set to attend currently, but I expect a couple of people will drop out at this rate. If all else fails we could smuggle one of you in under cover of darkness and melt the 30-person limit. So yeah, you're welcome!
Melt the limit! MELT THE LIMIT! That's madness. You and I have never "melted a limit" together, nor will we.
{Logs on to facebook and destroys all evidence.}
I have never seen more than three people in the same outdoor jacuzzi at any one time ::)
I'm coming, I'm gonna send some money in a couple of days.
But what about...Eric? Scotch? Mods? Dave? Chrille? And those others....
I'll be there. Creed owes me some money that he's going to pay you, Berian. If you havn't received the money from him by then I'll give you the money myself.
Andail, great! I'm working on getting my deposit ready to send to Bez sometime in April. So see you there! :)
i am still coming.
With sis not coming it looks like I will not be flying back from Paris now, but rather London where I shall arrive. Do any of you driving brits have room left in your car for me to get a ride to England on the way back? The Eurostar is something like $40 single if I remember correctly from 2006, but I would like to avoid that if possible, and put the share toward petrol instead.
Quote from: Disco on Tue 01/04/2008 16:39:52
The Eurostar is something like $40 single if I remember correctly from 2006,
$40 would probably get you a Mars bar on the Eurostar...
Seriously, though, cheapest possible Eurostar is £55, or $110.
As far as I know, everyone going in cars to France will be coming back in them, and that they're full :-\
Quote from: SSH on Tue 01/04/2008 16:44:59
Seriously, though, cheapest possible Eurostar is £55, or $110.
The people who are driving are looking at about that much in petrol, tolls and Chunnel crossing each anyway.
Seriously? Meh. This is uber expensive again, but maybe thats just cos I'm not earning as much as usual. Wouldn't a plane and public transport be cheaper? Anyway if tolls, petrols and cabin hire exceed £200, I'm out. Sorry.
Well, let's break this down.
We're using the Channel Tunnel, which is costing us £43 per person, return.
There are no tolls on our route, since luckily to get to the Mittens Chateux from Calais avoids all the evil French toll roads.
The drive is about 550 miles there and back, which is likely to cost about £70 in petrol (£18 per person).
Therefore travel costs should be about £60 each for the trip by car.
Added to the cost of the cabin (which I think was about £85 each) means that the total for transport + cabin hire shouldn't be more than £150 each for those of us driving from the UK.
QuoteAs far as I know, everyone going in cars to France will be coming back in them, and that they're full
Well, we could always leave someone in France -- I'm sure someone will be so taken by the area they won't want to leave. Alternatively, if scotch never reappears from his mysterious disappearance, we might have a spare seat.
AGA, you might as well mark Janet and me down as a "no." If we end up coming, it'll only be for a short visit and we'll grab a hotel nearby.
Thanks CJ!! Well thats very re-assuring, so still perfectly possible! I just need a good break-down of the costs like that, so thanks. USE brain triumphed again :)
PS; True CJ about someone accidentally dissapearing for others convinience ;)
Dave, shame to hear you won't be attending the full thing :( It's WadjetCon and you have butterfingers?!
Quote from: SSH on Tue 01/04/2008 16:44:59
$40 would probably get you a Mars bar on the Eurostar...
Seriously, though, cheapest possible Eurostar is £55, or $110.
Hmm, I seem to remember it not being that much. Gary and I took it one way from Waterloo to Paris and I believe it was 40 something (maybe pounds). Maybe that was a young persons rate.
Anyways if cars are full and it cost that much then I may end up just doing a multi-city flight.
EDIT- Wow, it's actually less expensive than a roundtrip to London O_o
Speaking of which - Miez, how're you traveling? Live anywhere near Leiden?
Quote from: Pumaman on Tue 01/04/2008 23:52:55
Well, let's break this down.
We're using the Channel Tunnel, which is costing us £43 per person, return.
There are no tolls on our route, since luckily to get to the Mittens Chateux from Calais avoids all the evil French toll roads.
The drive is about 550 miles there and back, which is likely to cost about £70 in petrol (£18 per person).
Therefore travel costs should be about £60 each for the trip by car.
Added to the cost of the cabin (which I think was about £85 each) means that the total for transport + cabin hire shouldn't be more than £150 each for those of us driving from the UK.
QuoteAs far as I know, everyone going in cars to France will be coming back in them, and that they're full
Well, we could always leave someone in France -- I'm sure someone will be so taken by the area they won't want to leave. Alternatively, if scotch never reappears from his mysterious disappearance, we might have a spare seat.
What CJ said applies to my vehicle too. And mine is full full full.
Quote from: Radiant on Wed 02/04/2008 11:26:09
Speaking of which - Miez, how're you traveling? Live anywhere near Leiden?
Hmm ... didn't really think about it yet. Train I guess - I'm in Utrecht.
I'm sorry to say that I will have to be passing on this years Mittens. <sigh>
I really wanted to come, but we are saving up for our house coming up soon, and ScubaChic gave me the ultimatum of either a new computer, or a trip to France; not both.
Well, I like you all fine and all, but my pr0n box loves me back.
I mean, perhaps next year all. That, or Brittens.
Well, I dug out my bicycle from the cellar for the summer. I have basically two options. I spend money on getting it fixed and start riding towards France right now, or forget about Mittens. I'd so love to come, but I'm afraid the industry doesn't pay quite as much as I would like :(
Alright...I think we need to consolidate some of our traveling arrangements. Its much easier to get a flight to CDG airport...and then from there, a group of us can take a train, or rent a car, and travel on to Paris and then from Paris East to Vireaux...our destination. So we should all agree to get to CDG at a certain time and commute together to the destination. Anyone up for that?
-MillsJROSS
For people who are driving to the château, PM me and I'll provide you with the exact address. Otherwise you're best off getting to Vireux by train then we'll try to organise people to be shuttles from Vireux to the château (it's only a few km apparently).
Okay, it's about 6 weeks until 06 June now, and that's when the entire cost of the château needs to be paid. If there's anyone who has decided to drop out, please let me know, and if you haven't paid yet, please do soon!
I've looked at some flights and I'm not sure what would be preferable for getting to the chateau. Going to the main airport in Brussels is rather cheap for me, departing from Gothenburg, only 1500 sek. But from what I've heard it's difficult to get from there to Vireux. I suppose it might be easy to go to the main Brussels airport and on to Charleroi and from there to Vireux. Anyone have more info on this?
Getting to Charleroi using RyanAir is a mess, I'd have to go to Glasgow or something and from there to Charleroi and I'd have to spend a night in Glasgow if I chose that option.
Oh, I'll pay before this weekend then.
I don't know how I will get there but I always end up where I'm supposed to be when I travel somewhere, and I seldom plan stuff very much, but it would be cool if we could meet up before, Chrille. Like the good old days...
Whether I fly to Brussels or Paris doesn't really matter, either way I'll probably hang out there for a day or two since I know people in both cities, so I guess I could meet up with the Americans at CDG whenever they arrive.
I've considered going to Brussels for a day or so earlier. I've not been to either Paris or Brussels, but I figure one day might be enough in Brussels while I'd rather spend a few more if I went to Paris.
It would be fun to meet up, Andail.
So Jess and I have our passports, we just need to now research plane tickets and how many arms and/or legs it will cost.
I'm flying into Barcelona and meeting up with Nacho and Lore and we're driving to Paris ... if we time it right we could have a pre-Mittens meeting in Paris! Then head out to Mittens.
I'm super excited to FINALLY learn what Mittens actually means! Oh ... and to meet the rest of you too of course ;)
If you guys drop by Paris, I'd be happy to meet you and show you around :D
Provided I'm here mid-August... if so, yeah! ;D
I'm going to be in Paris for about 3 days prior to Mittens, as well.
Ditto :D Quintaros and I will be shacking up in Montmartre as of the 12th if I recall correctly, and are up for all kinds of shenanigans. One warning though, in Paris if anyone offers you a ride on a centaur, don't believe them. It is just a crappy Seine tour -_-
Hey, pre-mittens in Paris! See you there, Quintaros and Disco. Everybody else is invited, though! We must have a date there.
Darth, send me a PM with your ideas, because I am basically "passing" of gathering info about everything regarding to Mittens, since I know I just gotta:
Get a big car.
Drive to the north.
:)
Eric, do your best! We can pull you around in a trolley if you end up too limbless
Count me in! I also voted for rance, so it would be the right thing to come as well. I'm also quite curious about experiencing Mittens (at least once).
I have a car, so I should be able to pick people up from the airport. But: due to an accident I had 2 years ago, I'm not allowed to drive at the moment ( :o no it wasn't a car-accident, it was a motorbike one) and it is taking quite a while to regain permission to drive again. :'(sss
Is there still place for me? I won't snend money (by Paypal or any other means) until that's confirmed, but I'll pay up as soon as I have the confirmation. I promise.
There's place for at least 5 more people, so yeah, you can come, Marco :)
Hm, I would like to revisit Paris as well for a few days. Mind if I join you guys? I'll see if I can get the days off from work.
Paid!
See you in France :)
Hey Radiant... Actually, no. We don' t want you to join our group in Paris.
hehe...
;)
Of course we don' t mind if you join us, foooool! We will probably have to open another thread for the pre-mittens in Paris.
Quote from: AGA on Sun 27/04/2008 14:05:53
There's place for at least 5 more people, so yeah, you can come, Marco :)
It would be great, if AGA would PM me his payment details (the PNG went 404, just waiting for AGA's Paypal address). I hope to be able to pay ASAP.
Correction: I just recieved AGA's PM and paid the E122 (Damn! I can't type the euro-symbol on ths keyboard! >:(
Okay, to everyone who hasn't paid yet: the money is due in less than a month, so I'll really need it ASAP, especially if you're paying via PayPal, since I need to transfer the money from PP to my bank account to pay for the château, which takes a few days.
PAAAAAAAY MEEEEEE :(
Paid btchs :D
AGA just stole my money :)
ps, Radiant, this means I can give you your trophy in person...far better than via post!
Quote from: Mods on Sun 11/05/2008 14:11:13
ps, Radiant, this means I can give you your trophy in person...far better than via post!
Spent your stamps money on beer again, haven't you? :P
All right...I'm in. :)
Wow. I did research on airfare. I found flights to Brussels BRU for $1300 bucks. And flights to Paris CDG for $1200.
I also found the place to buy a train ticket: http://www.raileurope.com/us/rail/fares_schedules/index.htm
"Paris" to "Vireux Molhain" I experimented with dates in June but the average roundtrip price SHOULD be $82 USD (or $148 Freedom class)
God I'd hate to be the one asshat who always talks about coming to Mittens but never gets it together....
I can't believe Scotch booked the only chatuea without a swimming pool! DOH!
Pool or no pool the place looks badass. Try and swim in the river. Anybody else curious about the mysterious phenomenon known as the party barn??? Do I smell the next installment "Ben Jordan and the Masque of the Party Barn"?! ?! ?
(http://www.holiday-chateau.com/typo3temp/pics/4dc4fc536c.jpg)
The grounds look pretty funtastic too. I wish I could be the loud obnoxious American tourist in France.
(http://www.chateaulerisdoux.fr/index.2.jpg)
(http://www.chateaulerisdoux.fr/maas.jpg)
I'm getting better google hits with the phrase "Domaine Du Risdoux Le Risdoux Iv". No ghost stories yet :(
http://www.chateaulerisdoux.fr/accomodation.htm
I've sent you the remaining money I owed you, Berian.
(http://www.chateaulerisdoux.fr/maas.jpg)
I'm pretty sure this is just another Brittens photo...!!!
;)
It will be a good laugh no matter what! Perhaps we should shoot a Ben Jordan movie!
"BJ Versus the French Tickler"?
I want to go
BJ does Berian and it's Bon
Okay, most people have paid now, and most of the other people are due to pay soon. Minimi, are you still wanting to come, you're the only person I'm not sure about now.
My name is Eric and I have paid.
WITH MY LIFE!
R.I.P.
Eric Colossal
peprony and
chease
Im in i sent a letter containing the money
Bad news, everybody!
I don't think I can make it. My plans for the future changed a bit after a new job opening, and it's unlikely I can attend Mittens as it stands now.
I might try to pop in for a weekend or so.
Quote from: DarkMaster on Fri 16/05/2008 02:42:47
Im in i sent a letter containing the money
You Trust Royal Mail???? Man you are trusting... really really trusting...
I was looking forward to seeing you at Mittens, Petter. Hopefully you can join us after all, even if it's just for a while. Good luck with the job!
Any word on the pre-get-together in Paris? What day/time? I am finalizing my ticket plans and don't want to miss anything!
Quote from: Darth Mandarb on Fri 16/05/2008 20:39:20
Any word on the pre-get-together in Paris? What day/time? I am finalizing my ticket plans and don't want to miss anything!
I'm afraid I won't be able to attend Paris because I have a wedding that weekend (no, not my own :) )
Andail, you can't not come!! We'll never be able to have a Mittolympics without you ;)
Quote from: Darth Mandarb on Fri 16/05/2008 20:39:20
Any word on the pre-get-together in Paris? What day/time? I am finalizing my ticket plans and don't want to miss anything!
I arrive in Paris on the morning of Tuesday, August 12th at around 10AM. I think Disco is planning on arriving the same day, as we're sharing a hostel room.
I haven't really planned out how to spend those few days before Mittens but I figure I'll be touring about the city lots since I've never been there before.
Okay ... we should all try and set something up! My itinerary changed in the last day or two (flying into Spain was just too much extra money or inconvenient for the time I can get off of work)
So...
I will be flying into London on 12 August. I was planning on wandering around there for a day (as I've never been there) and then headed to Paris (never been either) on the train! I am planning on driving from Paris to Mittens with Nacho and Lorena (though I haven't seen him on MSN to tell him my new plans!)
Any of you Londoner's care to show this Yank around for a day? (fair warning: I want to do the touristy crap!)
It looks like I'll be taking the Eurostar from London to Paris too, though I would be leaving the morning of the 12th to meet Quintaros, so would likely miss you. May fly though, unsure at the moment.
Do you plan to stay the night in London? If so I can recommend some cheap accommodation and perhaps some pointers on getting around and things to see, depending on your interests.
Okay globe-trotters ...
I have purchased my tickets!
I get into London on 13 August 10:30. I will spend that day (and night) in London being a HUGE tourist. I have a ticket on the Eurostar the following morning @ 9:30 (arriving in Paris at 12:47) and will spend the day (and night) being a HUGE tourist! So ... whoever will be in Paris on the 14th we should arrange something.
Nacho and Lore are going to meet me in Paris and we're renting/hiring a car to get to Mittens.
Excited.
Quote from: Darth Mandarb on Sat 17/05/2008 15:26:29
...whoever will be in Paris on the 14th we should arrange something.
Assuming North American cell phones work in Europe, you can get ahold of Disco and me that way to arrange a meet-up on the fly.
I might fly to Paris a day or two earlier just to see the catacombs. Anyone else interested in seeing them?
I am definitely interested in seeing them! As long as there's also time to see the Eiffel Tower ... touristy I know, but I've always wanted to see it (go up it!)
What about Creed (Davy)? Has anybody heard from him recently?
I haven't seen him on IM in a long time and he's not logged in here since 29 April! I know he'd be interested in seeing the catacombs too!
Davy? Are you out there?
I still exist, I am just still all internetless after moving house into a new place, which has limited access to electricity, but does feature random gouts of firey death. Which is exciting!
I'm currently down for travelling in the Layaboutmobile, which will be cramped but fun. I'll look into seeing if I could get to Paris a day or two earlier though, cause I really would like to see the catacombs.
And also the Giant Sewer Balls.
The Rover does not travel near Paris. If you go, try to get to lille.
didnt see this till now nevertheless i cannot go. Probs next year tho folks
OK it might be a bit late to say rhis, but I will be driving from the Netherlands to France. So I'lll be able to pick people up from the airport. Preferably Amsterdam airport (Schiphol), since that's close to where I live.
FYI: I have an Alfa Romeo 156, should carry about 4 with (not too much) luggage, at a bit of a push. I can seat about 5 slim people on the back seat, I have an MP3 player for a carstereo with a USB-interface. Oh, but don't erxpect that I'll allow Dance music in my car, with me in it! (and I come with it, so that last bit is a given.) FYI: my tastes include Led Zep etc, Pink Floyd, Hidria Spacefolk, Can, Kingston Wall and similar Prog), I'm not an intolerant soup-nazi or something, but Now you know what I like best. Look up the "ear wurm" on Wikipedia, I have that easily with chartsmusic.
Additional: I can seat 5 slim people on the backseat, but they'd also need slim luggage or else it wouldn't fit. In fact, in general I'd prefer bags because I can stow them in the trunk more efficiently (the trunk isn't that big).
If I'll pick people up at the airport, I'll probably be recognizable by the mediumsized darkblue cup I'll be waving, I'll be the only grown person looking foolish waving a cup, so that I'll be easily recognizable from any distance.
Indeed, what is the latest layamobile situation? The last I heard more people than could fit in it wished to travel in it... I can't believe I cant drive this year...otherwise I blatently would've done!!
ps; fantastic to see the whismical Goldmund unt Dominika are down to attend
Quote from: DutchMarco on Sun 18/05/2008 16:35:27
OK it might be a bit late to say rhis, but I will be driving from the Netherlands to France. So I'lll be able to pick people up from the airport. Preferably Amsterdam airport (Schiphol), since that's close to where I live.
Actually, I happen to live near Schiphol (Leiden, to be precise) so I would be interested in coming along.
I do have several gigs of MP3s if you want them :)
Quote from: Radiant on Mon 19/05/2008 11:09:42
Actually, I happen to live near Schiphol (Leiden, to be precise) so I would be interested in coming along.
I do have several gigs of MP3s if you want them :)
Hi Radiant, I'm from Oostzaan, which is right next to Amsterdam, so I believe I'm closer to Schiphol than you are. For some silly reason it feels like I'd be making a detour going to Leiden when I'm supposed to go to France (The last time I was in Leiden, it felt like quite a distance to get there - by Dutch standards of course! I've read somewhere that the state of New Jersey is about 2x as big.)
Of course, I'm being silly , and obviously I'd be willing to pick you up!
About those MP3s, what is in them? And BTW I have 8GB USB-sticks, does anyone have a laptop they'll be taking with them? (with conversion plugs/cords for the French power outlets?) I think I might take mine with me, but I don't (yet) have conversion plugs/cords for the French outlets.
A laptop might be a good idea. The château's website says there's an Internet connection there, but I don't know if that means there's WiFi or if there'll be a desktop PC installed there or what. Not that we really need Internet to have fun, but it's nice to have!
I'm pretty sure most of Europe uses the same plug type as France, Marco, with a few exceptions. Dunno if that includes Holland too or not though.
Computers of any form are not allowed at Mittens.
But I'm a cyborg, CJ!
Also, I just booked our flights... Now we need to find out how we're getting from Charles de Gaulle airport to Paris to the house. The train seems... Far away and expensive! I wonder if my rocket pack will get through customs...
Eric, Darth Mandarb, Lore and me will rendez-vous in Charles de Gaulle the 14th, at 1300, to go to the Chateau by car, dunno if with my car, if I drive to Paris, or with a rented one, if we fly to Beavois (sp?... Paris's third airport) the afternoon of the 13th. If you want to come, you are invited, but tell to me asap to get/rent a bigger car (Darth is giantic)
Rats, I really really want to go...I need to sort this out somehow.
to be continued...
Nacho, I'll be arriving at Charles de Gaulle within a few hours of Eric and Jess. I'm not sure what the car situation is now, but do you think I might be able to get a ride as well?
Quote from: Quintaros on Sat 17/05/2008 15:33:55
Quote from: Darth Mandarb on Sat 17/05/2008 15:26:29
...whoever will be in Paris on the 14th we should arrange something.
Assuming North American cell phones work in Europe, you can get ahold of Disco and me that way to arrange a meet-up on the fly.
You need a tri-band phone, as US/Canada GSM operates at 850 and 1900 Mhz and most of the rest of the world at 900/1800 Mhz. So you'll have to find out your phone specs, but google should help there.
Most phones made in the last 5 or more years are tri-band though. I've been able to make calls in the US and Canada since forever.
Cheaper phones still tend to only be dual-band. E.g. Nokia 1200, Verizon Wireless CDM 8905. NB, AGA, I work for a company that sells mobile network monitoring systems, so don't argue!
Quote from: Andail on Tue 20/05/2008 12:04:16Rats, I really really want to go...I need to sort this out somehow.
I really hope you can make it!!
Eric and Ivy - It would be awesome if we all hooked up for the journey! If we need to, we can rent a larger van type vehicle! Get a gaggle of AGSers. But fair warning ... if we have 5 or more people I demand we sing "on the road" songs to help pass the time!!
As for cellphones ... I am planning on getting a new phone this month, so I will ensure it works over-seas!
Quintaros and I are in the market for getting a ride if there are still possibilities for room. If renting a bigger van is a thought, there would definitely be a market. My Parisian friend found us a site that sells tickets to the nearest stop to the chateau for about â,¬30 one-way, but I have yet to discover these on my own :-\ I have only been able to find some for about â,¬80, which is roughly equal to one week's budget :o
www.voyages-sncf.com
I don't think a car situation would work though, me, Jess, The Ivy and MillsJRoss are all meeting up in CDG airport and if there's enough room for 4 new people with all their luggage than sure! Let's all pile in... But otherwise I think it's the train for Jess and I at least.
Unless a big ol' party van is rented like Mittens Canada
Yeah, now that I think about last summer with the AGS Bus, it didn't work out any cheaper really. I'll keep looking for those â,¬30 fares :)
Quote from: AGA on Tue 20/05/2008 13:59:54
Most phones made in the last 5 or more years are tri-band though. I've been able to make calls in the US and Canada since forever.
My phone didn't work in Canada. Though truth be told, I own games more expencive than that phone.
Quote from: Darth Mandarb on Tue 20/05/2008 14:38:53
s for cellphones ... I am planning on getting a new phone this month, so I will ensure it works over-seas!
I have a disappointment in stock for you: There is a very slim chance of an American one working in Europe (and vice versa), there were (don't know if they still exist)phones that worked at both the European and American frequencies. Big chances are that you won't get one when buying a new one. So make sure you get one which also shoots photos and/or plays MP3s, so it'll be of some minor use ove here...
Does anybody know the cost of renting something large enough to fit a group in?
Nacho - if it's cheaper to take the train maybe we should just do that instead? I have no real preference other than the fact that, in a rented car, we could stop whenever we wanted (and/or make slight detours). But a cross-country train trip would be fun too!
I'm down for anything really ... I just really want to make sure to see the Catacombs and the Eiffel Tower in Paris while there.
Quote from: DutchMarco on Tue 20/05/2008 15:25:29I have a disappointment in stock for you: There is a very slim chance of an American one working in Europe (and vice versa)...
Well ... we shall see what comes up. Once I meet up with Nacho I'm sure his phone works over there so it's probably not a big deal.
This site (http://www.carhire3000.com/) has a 9-seat car for £576. So £64/$125/â,¬80 per person for the week assuming you fill it up.
Hertz has some 7-seaters for ~£350. I'm sure you'd find some decent prices if you shopped around with an exact number of passengers in mind.
80 Eur per person is similar to what the train would cost for a return though, isn't it? Might be worth considering.
I think that if renting is the same price as the train, it should be great to rent a van, so we have a vehicle to move in the village where the Chateau is. But I still haven' t booked my flights, apparently the website where I usually book them is having problems... One I have that part sure, I will think in the van.
If I can' t book my flights, wtf, I will drive to Paris with my father' s in law van, I think it has place for 7 people.
About luggages and so... My experience tells me that you won't need much more than a swimming robe and clean t-shirts. ^_^ So, keep it simple, one small bag would do the work.
Assuming we get a 7 people van...
DM
MrC
Jess
Ivy
Mills
Lore
Farl
I have 7... Perfect if we keep the luggage just with handbags...
I've always managed Mitteneering with a small bag, and still had enough clothes to wear fresh clothes every day for a week. I think everyone at last year's Mittens had about the same, and there was enough room to fit everyone and their luggage into the Mittens Van.
Does the chateau have a laundry/wash facility? (I reviewed the site but I don't speak French!) If I know I can wash clothes while there I'll pack a lot less (clothing).
I'm okay with Van and/or Train ... whatever the "Group" decides!
Hey, it's a me, Jess!
the Van idea sounds awesome. I just thought I would throw down my vote. The train was looking pretty expensive and having transport for the week would definitely be cool.
Count me in if you rent a 9-person van. It seems cheaper to just rent a 7-person van though. Also, I'd probably be bringing the usual backpack rather than just a handbag :P.
Quote from: Darth Mandarb on Tue 20/05/2008 18:07:54
Does the chateau have a laundry/wash facility? (I reviewed the site but I don't speak French!) If I know I can wash clothes while there I'll pack a lot less (clothing).
This site (http://www.holiday-chateau.com/index.php?id=2049) is a better source of information overall, plus it's in English. Doesn't seem to mention laundry facilities though, unless I'm missing it.
There's a river... there are rocks... beat the dirt out of your clothes like we did for thousands of years!
So who's bringing their horse?
Mandarb is a horse (from a series of books) ... does that count?
Wheel of Time! And no!
What would be the most ideal situation for me (being a driver) would be to pick people up from a nearby trainstation (I duno if the trains get all the way to the chateau / village). So there *will* be a car available at the chateau (mine - good for shopping at a hypermarché) and people don't have to go through all the fuss of renting a car. And I won't have to travel all the way to Paris to pick people up from the airport. To Americans it wouldn't seem like such a big distance but if you grew up in such a small country like I did, you'd think differently about it. I can drop off Radiant and FruitTree at the chateau before picking you people up at the station, that would mean more room on the seats and in the trunk.
Quote from: DutchMarco on Wed 21/05/2008 11:20:11
What would be the most ideal situation for me (being a driver) would be to pick people up from a nearby trainstation (I duno if the trains get all the way to the chateau / village). So there *will* be a car available at the chateau (mine - good for shopping at a hypermarché) and people don't have to go through all the fuss of renting a car. And I won't have to travel all the way to Paris to pick people up from the airport. To Americans it wouldn't seem like such a big distance but if you grew up in such a small country like I did, you'd think differently about it. I can drop off Radiant and FruitTree at the chateau before picking you people up at the station, that would mean more room on the seats and in the trunk.
FruitTree is coming?
I told him to come.
Awesomeo! Didn't see his name on the list, thats all :)
That's because he hasn't actually spoken to me about coming, or given me any money!
Ok, Lorena and me, flight data:
From Valencia (VLC) to Paris (Beauvais) (BVA)
Wed, 13Aug08 Flight FR6452 Depart VLC at 18:05 and arrive BVA at 20:30
COMING BACK
From Paris (Beauvais) (BVA) to Valencia (VLC)
Sat, 23Aug08 Flight FR6453 Depart BVA at 20:55 and arrive VLC at 22:50
So... Basically we have a lot of room to do things. I don' t know if to spent a night in the airport and rent a car early in the 14th, or Rent it late on the 13th and try to spend one more night in Paris...
The "7 people van", still interested, no? Because I want to rent a van, ASAP... Of course, the days when the van will be rented and used just by Lore and me won' t have to be paid by the group...
Here' s the thing... Let' s imagine the Van costs 30 euros pey day.
Day 1: Van occupied by Lore and Nacho. 15 Euros pro person.
Day 2: Van occupied by DM, Lore and Nacho. 10 Euros pro person.
Day 3: Van occupied by DM, Lore, Jess, Mills, Ivy, Eric and Nacho 4.2 Euros, pro person.
Chrille... Still interested? Because then I would move to a 9-seat van.
Quintaros, Disco... Will you be in Paris the 12th? Because we could move to make a 2-day before mittens rendez-vouz.
Please, reply... I am starting to get excited... ^_^
Okay: The estimated price of the vehicle is 1.156,26 EUR, considering that I have looked it for 10 days in august, that makes:
115.6 euros per day.
Divided into 8 people: 14, 45 euros per day. Not too expensive, IMHO. Please, confirm, because I want to book.
Chrille
Ivy
Jess and Eric
Mills
Darth
Lorena and Nacho.
Nacho, count me in! :)
I call shotgun (or driver)!!!
No room left for Darren and I if there are nine seats? ??? We posted interest a few days back. I can't remember seeing a 2007 Mittens-sized bus anywhere in my European travels that was not a coach :P
Regarding Paris, we are up for rendez-vouzing, yes, and will be there from the 12th.
Oooops... Sorry... I really missed your post, guys. Man, I am really on trouble now, since apparently you "booked" for your seat in the van before than no one... What do I do now? Anyway, let' s see if somebody falls off the list, we only have need a seat! :D
EDIT: Two cars for 5 people, ex: CITRÖEN C3 would be aprox. 360 euros... If we book two, that would make 720. Chaper than the van. Less than 7 euros per day... Think of it. I would need another person to rent a car, probably in CDG, since I would land in Tille.
Clio III would be quite cheap, as well... 383 euros. I would pay the intial price for booking and you would have to pay to me, so, basically it' s impossible me to chat you. :D
EDIT: Apparently Automatic are more expensive... So, who knows to drive in manual? This are my thoughs...
Nacho and Lore rent a car the 13th in the night, go to Paris and meet Disco and Quint. This group of three have room to do lots of things, but the most sensible thing would go to go to pick Darth Mandarb at Aéroport CDG train station... So, the other 5 (Jess, Eric, Ivy, Chrille and Mills) would have to rent a car in CDG. Group rendez-vouz, groupal visit to the City of light, and groupal trip to the Chateau... Easy, no?
Quote from: Nacho on Wed 21/05/2008 17:51:31
Oooops... Sorry... I really missed your post, guys. Man, I am really on trouble now, since apparently you "booked" for your seat in the van before than no one... What do I do now? Anyway, let' s see if somebody falls off the list, we only have need a seat! :D
EDIT: Two cars for 5 people, ex: CITRÖEN C3 would be aprox. 360 euros... If we book two, that would make 720. Chaper than the van. Less than 7 euros per day... Think of it. I would need another person to rent a car, probably in CDG, since I would land in Tille.
Clio III would be quite cheap, as well... 383 euros. I would pay the intial price for booking and you would have to pay to me, so, basically it' s impossible me to chat you. :D
EDIT: Apparently Automatic are more expensive... So, who knows to drive in manual? This are my thoughs...
Nacho and Lore rent a car the 13th in the night, go to Paris and meet Disco and Quint. This group of three have room to do lots of things, but the most sensible thing would go to go to pick Darth Mandarb at Aéroport CDG train station... So, the other 5 (Jess, Eric, Ivy, Chrille and Mills) would have to rent a car in CDG. Group rendez-vouz, groupal visit to the City of light, and groupal trip to the Chateau... Easy, no?
2 cars sounds like a great idea! I am all for cheaper with more trunk space!
Darth, would you still want to drive our car? Are you coming in through CDG airport?
I would drive but I don't think I can without a European license.
From my Googling, American driver's licences seem to be valid in Europe.
EDIT: check it: http://www.dmv.org/driving-abroad/
Quote from: Finkenstein on Wed 21/05/2008 18:32:07Darth, would you still want to drive our car? Are you coming in through CDG airport?
I would drive but I don't think I can without a European license.
I am flying into London and taking the train to CDG (get in around 1300 on 14 August).
I'm more than happy to drive if needs be! One car, two cars, a van ... whatever! (though how I'd drive two cars I haven't figured out yet!) I think the two car idea makes the most sense as well. It'll be cheaper for all involved and make getting around the chateau that much easier!
AGA - thanks for that link! I was looking for something like that!
Jess... Darth is an adventurer... So, he is going to be in London the 13th... and somehow will appear in Aéroport CDG, which apparently has a train station (makes sense).
So, if the driving licenses work... It' s up to you (Rented car group "B") to get one.
Tourism car one is full with DM, Lore, Quint, Disco and Nacho, but one or two people could move to the other car if needed (Darth Mandarb, or whoever who offers to drive if nobody in "group B" dares to drive).
What's is sure is that we will be at the airport when you tell us, Madam!
So... the thing is that apparently automatic cars are more expensive to rent... You decide. If somebody knows to drive in manual, the better.
EDIT: One of the cars has been booked.
Quote from: AGA on Wed 21/05/2008 18:37:11
From my Googling, American driver's licences seem to be valid in Europe.
Yes, but don't forget that they drive on the wrong side of the road over there. :=
I would rather not drive if I don't have to, I am kind of afraid of it! At least in Paris anyway, once we get out to the middle of nowhere maybe I will have stronger nerves to drive on the crazy side of the road!
Eric and I are getting into CDG at around 7 am, so showing up around then or close to it would be cool.
I guess I will book the other car now? Where do I go to do that?
Also, eric and I will be staying an extra day in Paris on the 22nd and leaving the 23rd. It doesn't really affect anything traveling plans because we all need to be out of the Chateau at the same time, but if anyone else wants to stay also, let us know! We haven't booked our hotel yet.
They only drive on the crazy side of the road in the UK. The rest of Europe is normal.
Quote from: Grundislav on Wed 21/05/2008 19:50:58
The rest of Europe is normal.
I suppose you could say that, but then I guess relative to Wales anything seems normal.
Quote from: Grundislav on Wed 21/05/2008 19:50:58
They only drive on the crazy side of the road in the UK. The rest of Europe is normal.
British people! Always trying to be soooo different.
Come on now, if you're that jealous you can always try and start a trend back home. If you start driving on the left, I guarantee that before long everyone around you will be doing it too.
Quote from: Pumaman on Wed 21/05/2008 19:56:39
Come on now, if you're that jealous you can always try and start a trend back home. If you start driving on the left, I guarantee that before long everyone around you will be doing it too.
I tried that already ... for some reason people didn't look fondly on me for it. So instead I tried to see if I drove on the sidewalk if folk would start walking in the road. Same result I'm afraid.
Quote from: Finkenstein on Wed 21/05/2008 19:47:34
Also, eric and I will be staying an extra day in Paris on the 22nd and leaving the 23rd. It doesn't really affect anything traveling plans because we all need to be out of the Chateau at the same time, but if anyone else wants to stay also, let us know! We haven't booked our hotel yet.
QuoteEric and I are getting into CDG at around 7 am, so showing up around then or close to it would be cool.
I guess I will book the other car now? Where do I go to do that?
I guess it' s just a matter of going to the CDG website and browse for car rental... anyway, other option is to go directly to the renting companies websites, they will ask you at a point of the booking form for the place where to rent.
For example, I booked in "AVIS" and they asked me where to pick the car. One of the choosable options was "Beauvais Airport". Charles de Gaulle airport option will be there. After filling the form you get a google map screener that tells you where to pick the car, but, under my experience, the renting car companies offices sallute you as soon as you get to the disembark area.
Extra day in Paris:
We will also be in Paris till the 23th, didn't booked the hotel either.
I do not fly out (of London) until late on the 23rd as well ... so I can stay the night of the 22nd in Paris as well!
Though ashamed for my long quietitude, I only want to tell you here that me and Manolo are dying...
Dying to see you in France!
Ah, hah hah! Oui, oui, voulez-vous couchez avec moi? Ce soir! Oh la la! Omelette!
My lips form a wondrous smile when I think about our reunion.
You can whip me prudently for absence in the forums, but Mittens frequent I want.
25 contestants ... 7 days ... only one ticket home. Who will become The Mittens Survival Apprentice?
Quote from: Goldmund on Wed 21/05/2008 21:07:49
Though ashamed for my long quietitude, I only want to tell you here that me and Manolo are dying...
Dying to see you in France!
Ah, hah hah! Oui, oui, voulez-vous couchez avec moi? Ce soir! Oh la la! Omelette!
My lips form a wondrous smile when I think about our reunion.
You can whip me prudently for absence in the forums, but Mittens frequent I want.
Oh La La!!! Will you do a visit!?!?! :D YEAHHHHH!!! MIO AMICHO, BAMBINO CARO, GELATO, MOLTO GUDDO!!!
Quintaros, Disco... I have booked at your hotel. Perfect Hostel, MontMartre... See you there.
Goldmund... Are you open to threesomes or swingers? if so, we will comment about that in Mittens.
Quote
Oh La La!!! Will you do a visit!?!?! :D YEAHHHHH!!! MIO AMICHO, BAMBINO CARO, GELATO, MOLTO GUDDO!!!
Quintaros, Disco... I have booked at your hotel. Perfect Hostel, MontMartre... See you there.
Goldmund... Are you open to threesomes or swingers? if so, we will comment about that in Mittens.
Dear Nacho, I can honestly say that my heart beats faster and my breath quickens when I only think about the forbidden pleasures you offer.
I call this year's edition... PERVITTENS!
Wait, you mean a threesome with Quintaros and Disco?
Goldmund! What a pleasant surprise to learn you and Dominika will join us in Le Fraawnce!
Quote from: Goldmund on Wed 21/05/2008 21:07:49
Though ashamed for my long quietitude, I only want to tell you here that me and Manolo are dying...
Dying to see you in France!
Great news, this Mittens truly is shaping up to have an all-star cast! Now we just need to get Kandyman back and the circle will be complete.
Quote from: Pumaman on Thu 22/05/2008 19:57:50
Great news, this Mittens truly is shaping up to have an all-star cast! Now we just need to get Kandyman back and the circle will be complete.
........And Baron, of course.
Quote from: Goldmund on Thu 22/05/2008 18:59:40
Wait, you mean a threesome with Quintaros and Disco?
Of course... Call it a foursome, if you get a donkey.
Quote from: BaRoN on Thu 22/05/2008 23:36:45
........And Baron, of course.
You have a child now, you're officially an un-person!
Well I'm sure you're all sittin' around thinking, "Darth will finally be attending his first Mittens!"
Definitely.
Quote from: BaRoN on Thu 22/05/2008 23:36:45
........And Baron, of course.
Naturally! Not to mention DarkStalkey, jetxl, Magintz, Helm, mattgoble, Petteri, DaveGilbert, spleen, Becky, Hajo, Fuzzpilz, 2ma2, Scummbuddy, Annie, Hotspot, Pablo, netmonkey, strazer, Ashen, Sinitrena, LimpingFish, Zooty, SinSin, Pesty, KevBot, RenegadeImplementor and any other previous attendees that I forgot to name-drop.
:=
Quote from: Pumaman on Fri 23/05/2008 19:33:21
Naturally! Not to mention DarkStalkey, jetxl, Magintz, Helm, mattgoble, Petteri, DaveGilbert, spleen, Becky, Hajo, Fuzzpilz, 2ma2, Scummbuddy, Annie, Hotspot, Pablo, netmonkey, strazer, Ashen, Sinitrena, LimpingFish, Zooty, SinSin, Pesty, KevBot, RenegadeImplementor and any other previous attendees that I forgot to name-drop.
:=
Awww, nobody knows who I am :(
The ones coming are not mentioned, Pietter ;)
Quote from: Nacho on Fri 23/05/2008 21:38:33
The ones coming are not mentioned, Pieter ;)
Wait, I thought jet, Helm, Adam & Becky were coming? No? Did I miss something?
Oh, not sure about Adam and Becky, but unfortunatelly, Jet and Helm won' t come (Unless they make a last minute change of opinion, which should be very welcomed).
None of those people are coming, and have at no point said they would. You're confused!
Aw no way :( I was looking forward to having at least one more couple so we could play that Moment of Truth game :/
Too bad though, would have liked to see you all again.
We have three couples so far, and, deppending on how you play your cards with AGA, four... what else do you need?
Quote from: Nacho on Sun 25/05/2008 16:17:55
and, depending on how you play your cards with AGA, four... what else do you need?
Probably several strong drinks would be a start.
Quote from: Disco on Sun 25/05/2008 16:22:12
Quote from: Nacho on Sun 25/05/2008 16:17:55
and, depending on how you play your cards with AGA, four... what else do you need?
Probably several strong drinks would be a start.
DONE!
Ah, Blazej und Manolo, how could I now resist paying at least a short visit to mittens, even though my appearance there will be as swift as the beat of a butterfly's wing (and surely as graceful).
Quote from: Finkenstein on Wed 21/05/2008 18:32:07
2 cars sounds like a great idea! I am all for cheaper with more trunk space!
Darth, would you still want to drive our car? Are you coming in through CDG airport?
I would drive but I don't think I can without a European license.
I think (but I'm not sure) that all you'd need is an international driver's license, which is a copy of your own national driver's license, whicg makes it wasier for the authorities you wouldn't hope to meet during your vacation (or when driving to work or ...) could read your license. Oh, and it might help if you learn to drive with a stick shift. Automatic gearboxes are rather rare in continent. They are commonly only found in big ex[ensive cars (you want to rent a Mercedes?) or in smaller cars intended for people who are too demented to drive with stickshift, but tghey still want to drive (can you spell run for your life?)
Quote from: Andail on Mon 26/05/2008 18:55:35
Ah, Blazej und Manolo, how could I now resist paying at least a short visit to mittens, even though my appearance there will be as swift as the beat of a butterfly's wing (and surely as graceful).
This news is better than 11 very good news!!!!!
I'd try to bring an artificial plastic leg of Specimen no. 5 to your honour!
Bad news, my boss won't give me any days off that week.
That's a shame, I really wanted to see you guys!
Ah well, have fun without me.
Oh, damn... Bad news Petter. We will have a drink in your honour. :D
Andail :'(
Tell you what, post your boss's name and address and we'll all posse round there and sort him out.
Quote from: Andail on Wed 28/05/2008 08:33:42
Bad news, my boss won't give me any days off that week.
No!...
The slavery still seems to hold strong in the viking countries.
This news unmade my day. :(
Quote from: Goldmund on Wed 28/05/2008 18:45:21
Quote from: Andail on Wed 28/05/2008 08:33:42
Bad news, my boss won't give me any days off that week.
No!...
The slavery still seems to hold strong in the viking countries.
This news unmade my day. :(
And a sad Goldmund unmakes my day as well. :'(
You'll be missed once again, Petter! But are you by any chance seeing Leonard Cohen in Helsingborg this July? If so, maybe I'll see you there.
Shame Andail ... I wanted to meet! Perhaps next year :)
That's a real shame Andail :( Post us the long awaited lifesize cardboard cut-out!!
Quote from: Andail on Wed 28/05/2008 08:33:42
Bad news, my boss won't give me any days off that week.
That's a shame, I really wanted to see you guys!
Ah well, have fun without me.
Tell your boss you have the Flu or some other sickness and say that Mittens was the only thing that cured it.
Might just work. :)
Guys.. can I come?
Quote from: Dualnames on Wed 04/06/2008 13:59:58
Guys.. can I come?
There are 6 spaces left, so I don't see why not.
Quote from: AGA on Wed 04/06/2008 19:05:06
There are 6 spaces left, so I don't see why not.
Well, if he has a dual name, doesn't he require two places? :)
LOL!! And pay twice as much ;)
See you there
See you there
!
One thing I'm curious about, being a MitteNewbie: How are boring but essential things like food etc. arrranged? (speaking of dinner, breakfast will usually be eaten in the chateau I presume) We'll eat out I presume? (does that make sense in English?) / get some takeaway / what have you
The frequency of dinners out have decreased as the quality of accommodations has increased. In Greece we had provided lunches included in the overall price, but ate dinner out every single night if I remember right. Spain was mostly snacks until dinner time when we would have no choice really but to eat out, but did use the campgroud's bar/restaurant a couple times. Canada was the opposite since we had a big cabin with a kitchen and cooked mostly at home, though we did eat out occasionally in the town and on longer trips.
To make a short story long I think we will probably be making most of the meals at the chateau, with the isolated meal out at times.
It's not really boring either, cooking as a group is fun and can be a source of interesting situations (i.e.- "Huh? I thought I had 5 beers left :/", "WHO THE FUCK ATE MY HOTDOGS!!", and of course "Why is Disco covered in ketchup?")
I see. I hthought about eating out because, it might be a hoped miracle to find someone willing to do all the cooking and cleaning (I'm willing to at least do some cooking, I have a nice recipe for pastasauce which I'm sure you'll like - we sleep in dorm bedrooms right? I'll cut down on the garlic then.) and with cooking comes washing, but I suppose we could all behave like responsible adults :o let's hope we can do that during Mittens dishwashing time, too, and not just at work!
Dishwashing? At Mittens? That usually happens on the last day before we have to clean up or get charged extra!
The standard diet at AGS meets consists of oven pizza, cheese slice sammiches, eggy bread and home made soups, the contents of which are endlessly argued over, and which CJ keeps trying to put an egg into.
You are meant to put the skins of the veg into the soup, because they have the most vitimans and flavours in them, no matter what Scotch says.
You are!
(http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/The_Ivy/Mittens07049.jpg)
Cooking isn't really necessary when most of the purchases are chips and beer...
I must admit that it seems appealing to negate the necessity to cook, but I'm trying to think of my health here (and will be trying to do so over there as well). So, just for the sake of breaking our fast in a sane manner, I would suggest we also get some orange juice and similar non-alcoholic beverages, the beer can wait until lunch. I recall hearing during my holidays in the US the term "peanutbutter and jam", so wouldn't that do for breakfast? ;D
I'm sure we'll survive, don't take this post as " OMG, he's serious! what's he thinking?" No, I'm notserious, I'm only joking (and I AM thinking, thank you very much).
I don't think we've ever planned our food arrangements in advance of a mittens, and yet we've also never starved to death. Well, except that one time at the 2001 Mittens, but we promised never to speak of that again.
QuoteThe standard diet at AGS meets consists of oven pizza, cheese slice sammiches, eggy bread and home made soups, the contents of which are endlessly argued over, and which CJ keeps trying to put an egg into.
But soup wouldn't be soup without egg, and you know it!
DutchMarco, I don't think you realize how casual and spontanious Mittens is.
I'll predict that you'll visit the local shop almost daily. And for the stuff they don't sell there you'll visit a big supermarket (may I suggest Leclerc, they are hure!).
You'll buy your own food and drinks, though others will treat you on food and snacks as well.
Despite the rumours, Mittens is not a beerfest and I'm sure some mitteneers don't even drink.
But what do I know, I'm not even going.
Paying twice... damn I should change my nick then to onenames.. Mods stop making a fun of my nick because .. because.. because...
I love it when I know who to blame for the joke! ;D
Said the man who had taken the glory of my name for 7 hours.. as well as SSH did that day.
You were timing it??!?!?!?!? ;D WOW!!!!!
:p
Anyways... Get back to organising your beautiful get together! I hate you all!
(Ps. I met with mash potato and auriond, and lemmy and binky! on 2 seperate occasions and I'm quite proud that I had huge fun! TAKE THAT! (not the band please...))
Quote from: jetxl on Tue 10/06/2008 12:56:28
DutchMarco, I don't think you realize how casual and spontanious Mittens is.
I'll predict that you'll visit the local shop almost daily. And for the stuff they don't sell there you'll visit a big supermarket (may I suggest Leclerc, they are hure!).
You'll buy your own food and drinks, though others will treat you on food and snacks as well.
Despite the rumours, Mittens is not a beerfest and I'm sure some mitteneers don't even drink.
But what do I know, I'm not even going.
Don't worry, I understand (from the neture of this website) and am glad that Mittens isn't a tighly regulated thing, I was just wondering. Since this would be my first Mittens. Hypermarchés are very common in France (and usually stuffed away in a remote area of the village, so you'll need a car to get there, but since I didn't expect us to have a schedule for who does the chateau-travail (housework) and when, so I thought we would be going to restaurants.
It's a French tradition to buy freshly baked bread every morning, and throw away what you can't eat because there's always something left
BTW my English vocabulary doesn't seem to have an entry for the word "hure", it keeps brining up the substitute "huge" - It's not just the Leclerc ones which are huge, Casino and any other hypermarkets are hure as well!
Nikolas.. no need to wow I just played it random with the hours.
QuoteHypermarchés are very common in France
I love hypermarchés! So much stuff!!! When I was younger & went to France with my parents there always seemed to be the most amazing amount of decent stuff for the computer. I bought a hints & tips guide which had a guide to Flight of the Amazon queen and The Dig, plus hundreds of other cheats. But it was in French! LOL. Somehow it still helped. That reminds me of the time I bought a mini-golf game I loved the first time I was allowed to go away from the beach on my own. 3D Ultra Mini golf by Sierra I think, I loved the wacky commentaries in it. But again it was in French LOL with no language selection. Darn it. So I'm looking forward to buying something French for the PC that I won't understand this year round ;)
Hey Dualnames, check your PMs!
I'm looking at some flights and the one that appeals to me the most arrives in Paris on the 13th around 6pm and departs from Paris on the 22nd at 8pm. That leaves at least one day for me to join anyone interested in visiting the the catacombs.
Only thing that worries me is getting back to Paris before 6pm, preferably earlier, on the 22nd. I assume we'll leave by car early enough to make it?
Also, to those of you spending some time in Paris before the 22nd. Where will you be staying?
I'm definitely interested in the catacombs and I know Davy (Creed) is too! I'm arriving in Paris around 1:00pm (13:00) on 14 August ... I'm not sure where I'm staying yet (Nacho ... is there room with you guys?)
Also ... I will be renting the car this week (that's car "B" to those in the know!). Who will be in the car with me? Eric and Jess ... who else?
As of the 12th Darren and I are staying at Perfect Hostel (http://www.paris-hostel.biz/youth.html), which is really a hotel since they have rooms for between 2 and 4 with individual beds, but at hostel prices. Nacho and Lorena are booked there as well, from the 13th on. I have stayed there before with Magintz in 2006, so can vouch for it's awesomeness.
My flight is the 23th, afternoon, so, I will take to Paris to any mitteneer after the event itself of Mittens. No need to say that people in my car won' t have to pay the price of the car when it' s used just by Lore and me.
Darth... I... Booked for Hostel Montmartre, but just for one night! :S I will fix it. You can book in Hostel Montmartre as well...
Quote from: Darth Mandarb on Tue 10/06/2008 19:29:00
Also ... I will be renting the car this week (that's car "B" to those in the know!). Who will be in the car with me? Eric and Jess ... who else?
Ivy and Creed Malay? But we need to know when they come...
We need to leave the chateau by 10am on the 22nd, so you should have plenty of time to get to Paris by 6, Chrille. It's only 3 hours' drive, maybe even less by train.
Quote from: Nacho on Tue 10/06/2008 20:09:48Ivy and Creed Malay? But we need to know when they come...
I think Creed is travelling with Layabout.
Creed will probably go to Paris when some of the rest of us coming in cars do, mid week. I think Eric and Jess wanted to go then too. Probably won't be most of the group, but only for a day, so as not to split the group up too much.
Quote from: AGA on Tue 10/06/2008 20:33:55
Quote from: Nacho on Tue 10/06/2008 20:09:48Ivy and Creed Malay? But we need to know when they come...
I think Creed is travelling with Layabout.
Sorry, I confused Creed with "MILLS".
So, car "B" is, I think, DM, Jess, Eric, Ivy and Mills, no? Come on, guys, start posting (Via PM, I don' t mind) your stimated arrival data.
I get in at 6 something in the morning at Paris on the 15th, and I believe Eric and Jess are going to be in around the same time. And then the Ivy is coming, me thinks.
Then departing we're leaving the 23rd, afternoonish...and we're probably getting a hotel somewhere on the night of the 22nd. Leaving the day for some site seeing.
I believe that's what's happening. Hope that helps.
Cool, does that mean I have a spot in the Eric/Jess/Mills-mobile? I'm flying in around 8 that morning as well.
Quote from: Radiant on Sat 24/05/2008 23:23:02
Quote from: Nacho on Fri 23/05/2008 21:38:33
The ones coming are not mentioned, Pieter ;)
Wait, I thought jet, Helm, Adam & Becky were coming? No? Did I miss something?
Zounds, a late reply but yes, we're not going to be able to come this year (again! bah!) due to work and money issues. We're saving up for next year though, so we'll definatly be there!
Jess and I are arriving around 7am at CDG.
Oh, then I guess that "A car" guys and Darth, arriving the 14th at 13:00 are free to make city sightseeing the 14th.
Darth, you are also free not to rent your car till the 15th, to save a day of money, I will take you from CDG to Montmartre (our "base") and then, subway, which is the best way to move through Paris.
Hello my fellow globe-trotters!
I have reserved car "B" from AVIS at CDG. The pick-up is 15 August. Nacho will be coming with me to get the vehicle and I will be hanging out until the rest of the car "B" people arrive.
As I have it now it'll be:
Driver:
Darth (that's me!)
Passengers:
Mr. C
Jess
the Ivy
Mills
Is this correct? Do I have all the facts? If you find yourself on that prestigious list above please notify me of your arrival times so we can arrange ay'thing! I wish tomorrow was 12 August already!!!
Oh yeah ... the total cost is just over 400 USD. Which, if my math is accurate, would be around 80 USD per person? Does this seem reasonable? I got the same car that Nacho did and that's the price they gave me (but it's estimated so it could go up I'm guessing).
It says the car seats 5 people and 3 small suitcases so I'm a bit worried about all the luggage!
Hey Darth, sounds good to me! I'll try to pack light. :-,
Quote from: Pumaman on Mon 19/05/2008 21:13:45
Computers of any form are not allowed at Mittens.
Ola l'uomo Puma,
How serious are you with that rule? (I'm obviously not counting my car's ECU as a forbidden computer) I could take my laptop with me, but your highness is making me doubt that. Obviously, we won't be playing PC-games all the time (I can set a password that'll make it impossible to use it for that) - also I expect people who want to develop modifications to their game won't want to do that during Mittens.
So - should we consider it to be a guideline or a strict rule?
Hehe I forgot the smiley on that one :P
Of course you're free to bring your laptop if you want to, we usually have at least one for people to demo their games on at the Show And Tell session.
Less than 2 months to go now!
Darth 80 dollars is a lot, but, since it' s a car renting for a week, it basically is like 11 bucks per day... less than a whisky & Cola per day in some touristic towns... I think we have no more option. We will use the cars hardly, to make the money worthy... Those AVIS thieves will have to put new tyres after our rental! :D
Don't worry, if petrol prices carry on rising then by the time Mittens happens we'll only be able to afford to drive halfway to the chateux anyway!
I was going to post "The urban legend says the cars do work with olive oil, as well", but seeing how olive oil prices are rising as well, I think it shouldn' t be appropiate.
Right guys. I'm just waiting to say "I told you so" when we end up taking handcars, what I have advocated since Mittens Benidorm :D
(http://thelibrary.springfield.missouri.org/lochist/frisco/history/Images/presentation/handcar.jpg)
Indeed, it was good in Benidorm, I dont think the cars went anywhere all week. It looks like we may need some trips from the chatuex, unless we can find plenty to do there to amuse ourselves, hawheehawhee! ;)
Oh and that reminds me - BRING PRIZES FOR THE SUPER QUIZ!!! :D
Does le chatuex have a DVD player? If it does I'll make it pub quiz stylee!
Dunno. The site says TV with VHS and cable/satellite.
I've booked the flight. I'm arriving in Paris on the 13th at 3pm and departing on the 22nd at 8pm. Are you guys staying in Hostel Montmartre on both the 13th and the 14th or are you planning on staying at the airport overnight on the 14th?
Ok, so I had a thought:
We're going to be about 24 people this year, which is going to be the largest Mittens so far. The last Mittens to have nearly as many people was 2006 in Benidorm, and one of the main complaints there was that there was a great deal of disorganization.
It's true that it's very hard to organize such a large group, and undoubtedly there are going to be groups forming and going off to do other things. Also, there are instances where people all want to do something but it takes forever to get going because more and more people join after finding out the plans later, causing a delay as they get ready or whatever.
So, in order to cut down on annoyance/disappointment, I offer a proposal - a bulletin board.
I suggest we pick an area of the chateau and designate it as the "Activity Center" where we can place a board or a paper or something to write on each day that lists any group activities, so everyone is on the same page as far as what's going on.
For instance, let's say people want to go into town in the evening. They would write the time they plan on going and the general location. That way, anyone wanting to go along can meet up and go, and anyone who feels like going later/doesn't find out in time can know where everyone else is in case they want to attend afterwards. If there is an all day event planned, like a trip to Paris, then we can have a sign up time the day before so everyone knows about it well in advance.
I figure this system will cut down on confusion and hopefully allow everyone to know what's going on.
Thoughts?
This could work well, not being at Mittens 06, I don't know how bad it was (though I do remember some of the talk after), certainly helpful if you come back to the chateau and no one else is there and you can quickly see where they are :D
I think the fact that the château is in the middle of nowhere will help, since it won't be easy for people to wander off and do their own this like they could at Benidorm Mittens.
That said, being the Mittens organiser this year, I'm perfectly willing to kick people up the arse to get them organised, and the bulletin board idea would help a lot with this.
Hey AGA, I have a car, I can go wander off hahahaha.
Umm... I need to find a new job, the pub i work in went bust yesterday... Not good.
But i'll still be at Mittens. I just may need to borrow some money off my dear old brother.
Not if I steal your keys you can't.
If anybody doesn't follow the rules of posting on the board ... can I chastise them and lock it?
Quote from: AGA on Wed 25/06/2008 08:53:52
That said, being the Mittens organiser this year, I'm perfectly willing to kick people up the arse to get them organised.
Cool Berian....I would just love for you to
try to kick me up the arse :P
Just so you're aware, I got an A- (94%!) in kick boxing at the local community college. Additionally, the only reason I got a minus is because I was absent two days, so be warned!
Quote from: Chrille on Mon 23/06/2008 19:57:28
I've booked the flight. I'm arriving in Paris on the 13th at 3pm and departing on the 22nd at 8pm. Are you guys staying in Hostel Montmartre on both the 13th and the 14th or are you planning on staying at the airport overnight on the 14th?
Lore and me will sleep in the Hostel the night of the 14th and the 15th... You must think in "nights" and, whereas the evening is going to be "14th", that night is going to be "15th". So... unless I have lost something, you must think in the night of the 15th... 16th will be the first night we will be allowed to sleep in the chateau, I think.
Nacho - Is there a place for me on the floor anywhere (the night of (thursday) 14 August)? Or should I book another room?
I still haven't figured out where I'm sleeping the night of the 13th (in London) ... are there nice park benches?
Everybody had the same problem as me? I booked for the 14th... then I realised about the NIGHTS in Paris, that we should have to stay another night, so, I emailed the guys at Montmartre, and they extended the stay for one night...
As we are still a month and a fourthnight from Mittens, I guess it' s not going to be a problem if you do the same, Jeremy.
Quote from: Darth Mandarb on Wed 25/06/2008 15:09:45
If anybody doesn't follow the rules of posting on the board ... can I chastise them and lock it?
Hahaha! Brilliant :D
Yep, I'd imagine it will be a bit easier this year as Berian says we're quite cut off, surrounded by several acres of chateux gardens & tennis courts and stuff. I will certainly be making several big bonfires...if its allowed :D Hopefully we can focus on doing stuff together this year. Obviously there may be a need to split into two groups simply because the numbers are so big, but I remember getting frustrated in Benidorm that it would be about 5 different groups going their seperate ways. But that said, that again was mostly at night and usually just over eating & drinking arrangements, so it wasn't TOO bad :)
But for people like scotch & disco & magintz who nearly got themselves killed, I think it would be best to have a noticeboard so that we know where everyone is ;)
Quote from: Disco on Wed 25/06/2008 15:22:58
Just so you're aware, I got an A- (94%!) in kick boxing at the local community college. Additionally, the only reason I got a minus is because I was absent two days, so be warned!
Surely all the ketchup and assorted condiments would come off your body if you were to engage in that sort of exercise?
Shouldn't we be buying a ferry or eurostar ticket or something??
Yeah, the price will only go up otherwise. Our car is going down the tunnel which I think worked out about the same price as the ferry at the time, between 4.
Indeed, if you guys haven't bought one yet I'd do it soon. The price of the tunnel has gone up by about £40 since I booked, and if you want to get the same crossing as us Layabout should have the details.
How much is it roughly? Do you have a link to the ticket line? Oh and can you give me a rough idea on how much petrol it will be each?? Though, as I think I'll be going in Layabouts car, its probably better he tells me that (asap!) :)
As far as organization is concerned, maybe should hold some sort of morning/afternoon power meeting. Or, we could just all hold hands, and we'll never have to worry about a thing.
-MillsJROSS
Quote from: Mods on Sat 28/06/2008 18:59:01
How much is it roughly? Do you have a link to the ticket line? Oh and can you give me a rough idea on how much petrol it will be each?? Though, as I think I'll be going in Layabouts car, its probably better he tells me that (asap!) :)
Yeh, need info too :D
Well the Eurotunnel is now £210 return which would be about £50 each for 4 of you sharing -- but we need Layabout's input on this really because he might have already bought a tunnel/ferry ticket, I don't know.
Hello.
I was going to book the bloody eurostar this week, but I have some issues that need sorting out, such as a job, since the place I work at has gone bust.
Fuel costs... well I have no idea really, as I'm not sure how many miles I'll get out of my tank. In 2 months the price of diesel will most likely be £1.50 a litre, so lets go on about 40 mpg average. bout £120 worth of fuel there and back I think.
I'll need about £90 from all i think.
The ferry is not that much longer really, it'll just add another hour to the journey, and at this point it seems worth it. If you want to save some money take the ferry a couple of hours later than our crossing, it'll give you some more time to get down and you don't really need to be at the house as early as us, the booking is in AGA's name so we wanted to get there first. If you leave at 1:30pm on P&O and return at 3pm it'll be £110 between the lot of you, half the price of the tunnel...
I vote for the lovely cheap ferry. Also, it gives us a chance to pretend to be pirates.
I vote ferry too! I have very little money
Ferry voted for as well. Anyway, i like the ferry's. And Francisco can see the ol white cliffs of dover.
Yarrr maties! Cliffs and ferry get me vote as well.
Travelling by ferry is fine by me :D
don't know if anyone mentioned this before but will people be bringin their guitar, banjo, drummset and whatmore along?
I got a very crappy guitar that I could bring...
Quote from: Layabout on Sun 29/06/2008 12:23:33
Hello.
I was going to book the bloody eurostar this week, but I have some issues that need sorting out, such as a job, since the place I work at has gone bust.
Fuel costs... well I have no idea really, as I'm not sure how many miles I'll get out of my tank. In 2 months the price of diesel will most likely be £1.50 a litre, so lets go on about 40 mpg average. bout £120 worth of fuel there and back I think.
I'll need about £90 from all i think.
90 split between 4 of us? Thats fine! Or, £90 each? :o
Actually more like £50 EACH now i think about it.
Thats okay!! I can set 50 aside for petrol. I will have some emergency funds in the bank aswell. I understand petty can be a bit of a bitch sometimes! Still, we have cheaper prices to look forward to abroard, don't we? :D
Also, has anyone found our chatuex on Google earth yet? If someone has the co-ords I'd love to see. I couldn't find it :(
I think he meant for both petrol and ferry because 600 miles @ 40mpg @ £1.25/l = £85 fuel; + £100 ferry = £185; / 4 = £46 each, so realistically £50 sounds fair. Continental petrol is the same price (http://www.aaroadwatch.ie/eupetrolprices/default.asp) as here unfortunately, diesel is a bit better though.
It's difficult to say for sure but I believe this is the house (http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/mm?ie=UTF8&hl=en&ll=50.036456,4.729335&spn=0.012211,0.024891=h&z=16) (on the east bank), based on the directions description and the fact that there's a brook named "Risdoux" next to it.
I don't know if anybody is interested ... but since we spoke of "activities" I have a few things that are on my "must see before I croak" list and the château we're staying at is close to two of them.
I want to visit Bastogne (the location of the battle of the bulge) and the remnants of the Maginot Line.
Both are easily in a one-day round trip proximity (if I'm reading Google maps correctly)
> Bastogne (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=bastogne&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=47.349227,76.992187&ie=UTF8&ll=50.007739,5.515137&spn=1.209139,2.406006=h&z=9&iwloc=addr) (my grandfather was in the Battle of the Bulge and this is a historic location)
> Maginot Line (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=maginot+line&sll=50.007739,5.515137&sspn=1.209139,2.406006&ie=UTF8&ll=49.960055,5.213013&spn=1.210338,2.406006=h&z=9&iwloc=A) (just because of the historical signifigance)
My brother and I are planning a back-pack-across-Europe trip in the next year or two so if I don't get to these things on this trip, there's always the next one. I was just wondering if anybody was interested in hoppin' in the rental and makin' the trek(s) with me? If not, no biggie! I just wanted to float the idea.
Furthermore, I don't know the logistics of traveling across the French country-side (or into Belgium) so if there are difficulties (lack of petrol stations, passport/customs issues, etc.) please let me know!
Count on me!
This (http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en=h&msa=0&msid=109838658309522003548.000436a049ee5ced83620&ll=50.070583,4.735947&spn=0.010247,0.018797&z=16) is the exact location, scotch. At least that's the best Google Maps has for the exact address of the château.
Well that's the wrong way for driving to the place. Seems like people are meant to drive to Vireux-Wallerand and take the path along the river, for 3km. Here's more evidence (http://caverider.com/temp/mittensintelligence.jpg) from MS's map thing. You can clearly see the house, gites, chapel, tennis court, and WMD factories.
http://www.chateaulerisdoux.fr/route.htm says cross the bridge from Vireux-Molhain and after the town hall, the first right towards the Fracotte pool, up to the river, then left along the tow path for 3km.
Quote from: Darth Mandarb on Thu 03/07/2008 16:25:52
Furthermore, I don't know the logistics of traveling across the French country-side (or into Belgium) so if there are difficulties (lack of petrol stations, passport/customs issues, etc.) please let me know!
Not sure about petrol stations, but I would doubt there is a serious lack of them in the countryside, probably more frequently stationed than in Nowheresville, Indiana even.
Regarding passports, once in France you should have no problem with any border controls since Belgium is part of Schengen (as is France), which means there are no physical border controls between the two. Heck, you could even drive to Estonia without having to show your passport, unless stopped by the police or something.
Thanks scotch, I did see that place & wondered if that was it...I couldn't see any access routes when I searched for it on Google earth but mostly cos I forgot to put the "roads" thing on!! Sweet. The page says the river is at the end of the garden, which makes sense at your location :D
I'd certainly be interested to visit the Maginot Line & a couple of other war sites as Darth suggests. That reminds me when I was a kid we went to this village in France, I can't remember the name...but it had been left as it was when it was bombed in WW2, with mangled houses, cars & kids toys about the place. It was the most depressing day out of my life!
edit: £50 for ferry AND fuel? bargain :)
QuoteI want to visit Bastogne (the location of the battle of the bulge) and the remnants of the Maginot Line.
Both are easily in a one-day round trip proximity (if I'm reading Google maps correctly)
Yeah, I'd probably be interested in doing some sort of World War site exploration day out; I think where we are is quite close to where the front line was, at least in WW1. We'll have to find a poppy field on Google Maps beforehand to visit as part of it ;)
QuoteThat reminds me when I was a kid we went to this village in France, I can't remember the name...but it had been left as it was when it was bombed in WW2, with mangled houses, cars & kids toys about the place. It was the most depressing day out of my life!
That place does sound quite cool, but unfortunately it's called Oradour-sur-Glane which is about 400 miles away on the other side of France!
QuoteWell that's the wrong way for driving to the place. Seems like people are meant to drive to Vireux-Wallerand and take the path along the river, for 3km. Here's more evidence from MS's map thing. You can clearly see the house, gites, chapel, tennis court, and WMD factories.
Yes, this seems to be the correct location (http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&FORM=LMLTCP&cp=50.036553~4.732468&style=h&lvl=16ilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&encType=1); Live Maps seems to have better detail of this area than google.
QuoteContinental petrol is the same price as here unfortunately, diesel is a bit better though.
Amazingly, petrol is currently cheaper in the UK than France, this must be a first! But yeah, diesel is cheaper over there... but that only means it hasn't quite reached £6/gallon yet!
Okay everyone, I have an announcement to make that you're probably not going to like. Because we're short some people, we're obviously also short the money those people would have paid. This means that I had to get a loan from our glorious leader Chris Jones to pay off the remaining amount (thanks again, Chris!). This means that everyone is going to need to pay about 40 Euros extra.
I know how much this sucks, but it's really not something that could be avoided. Tons more than the 30 people limit we decided on originally expressed an interest in coming, but obviously loads of people dropped out. 30 originally looked like a conservative number! I've tried to get the booking with the château people reduced to a lower number, but they couldn't do that.
I'm sorry to drop this on you so close to Mittens, but I was hoping some more people might sign up at the last moment. I assume Chris is okay with waiting until Mittens itself to get the money off you, but I'll let him decide for himself. Chris?
Are you including me in the calculations? I will pay CJ by the time Mittens comes, which makes it 40/6*5 = 33 eur, right?
Also there's still time for us to invite people to come. Then again it's nice to share rooms with fewer snoring AGSers and have less congested bathrooms so I don't mind paying the extra personally.
Sadly it was inevitable that people would drop out, however it does mean we all get a bit more space for brooding and balloon rooms.
So yes, at Mittens I will be collecting an extra 33 EUR from everyone (unless any extra people sign up in which case it will be less).
If that extra 33 EUR tips you over the edge and you can't afford mittens any more, don't panic!! Just let me know and we can work something else out -- for example, AGA is repaying me in sexual favours.
This is exactly why AGS needs a donate button
8)
Quote from: Pumaman on Sat 12/07/2008 18:42:45
for example, AGA is repaying me in sexual favours.
What's the exchange rate on american sexual favors?
Quote from: Pumaman on Sat 12/07/2008 18:42:45
Sadly it was inevitable that people would drop out, however it does mean we all get a bit more space for brooding and balloon rooms.
Yes. This time the Balloon Room will NOT fail.
Everyone, bring a packet of balloons if you are able. It will be Worth It.
Okay, so at Layabout's request I have booked the ferry crossing for the Laymobile (which is still go as he asked me to tell everyone).
It came out to £112 for the whole trip, which divided by 5 of us means each passenger owes me £22.
We depart from Dover at 12:20 GMT, arriving at Calais at 14:20 French Time on August 15, and return August 22 at 15:15 French Time, arriving back in Dover at 15:50 GMT.
Yarr!
Only an hour's crossing. That's no time for acts of piracy!
Thanks Francisco! Sorry i didnt text you back with the details of my registration and address, I got a little drunk last night, but it seems you managed to book it.
We are all set for Mittens!!!
Yeah, I was going to book under your name but did it under mine instead. I still need your car's registration, though. It can be given to them either by email or phone, don't know which you prefer.
Quote from: MrColossal on Sun 13/07/2008 20:28:52
What's the exchange rate on american sexual favors?
Depends on whether the person performing the favours is a member of the abstinence lobby.
I was going to book a room at the Hostel Montmartre in Paris but it appears they are fully booked already. I'd settle for just a hotel or a hostel close by though. Anyone know of any, by any chance?
What about people who are members of the American Goat Society? Surely that must factor in.
Quote from: Pumaman on Tue 15/07/2008 22:47:06
Quote from: MrColossal on Sun 13/07/2008 20:28:52
What's the exchange rate on american sexual favors?
Depends on whether the person performing the favours is a member of the abstinence lobby.
Also they tend to have been mutilated, so probably a bit less than the non-US rate.
You guys I am so freaking stoked for Mittens. Also for a balloon room...and sexual favors. But mostly Mittens...
Eric and I are trying to book a hotel room for Friday the 22nd to Saturday when we leave and I was wondering where other people are staying?
We probably all can't be in the same hotel but it would be cool to be in the same area and meet for dinner or walking around town.
Anyone who is staying in a hotel that night, give me your street address or name of your hotel or whatever landmarks are in your neighborhood so we can coordinate!
I still have no idea where I'm staying the "Paris" nights ... to be honest I was kind of hoping I'd meet Julie Delpy and we could wander around exchanging witty banter all night (thus no need for a hotel).
Alas I find the odds of that fleeting... soooooo I [too] am looking for a place to crash! So let's all figure something out! Anybody familiar with the Paris hotel scene who could recommend something to us foreign travelers?
There are loads of cheap hotels around the Gare du Nord and Gare d l'Est (which are right next to each other).
I have stayed in the same place just south of the Gare du Nord several times. It's above a sex shop. At night you can hear bleating. Perfect for AGA.
Since my usual lazyness once again interfered with my hostel plans I've looked for a place in the area where the rest of you guys are staying. There was a hostel called Woodstock just next to Perfect Hostel. However judging by the comments the security is really low and thefts are common so it does not sound too appealing. I'm considering settling for a 50â,¬ hotel also in the area. I think it was called Hotel St. George or something like that.
I'll book in a day or two. If someone finds something better I'm up for almost anything.
Quote from: Darth Mandarb on Thu 03/07/2008 16:25:52I want to visit Bastogne (the location of the battle of the bulge) and the remnants of the Maginot Line.
Interesting. I'm all in favor of excursions.
By the way, I believe I mentioned this earlier, but I'll be arriving a bit later than the rest of us. This is because my cousin is getting married that very same weekend, which will be a big family reunion which I really can't miss. That's august 16th, so I'll arrive on the 17th. So that means no Paris for me, but of course I really can't miss Mittens either.
There has sadly been a small (but significant!) change of plans: I shall not be coming to Mittens by my own car, since the CBR (Centrum voor Bureaucratische Remmerij) (an even nicer English translation: Centre for Bureaucratic Retards), which is the institution which determines who gets to have a valid driver's license and who doesn't (as in: me) has decided that at all costs, I should not get my license back. There's a long story behind this, I WILL get to Mittens and tell you all about this, wheter you want to or not :o. However: I've promised Radiant and FruitTree that they could come as well, so Radiant has decided to miss the first few days (not that it's his OWN marriage, so what other excuses do you have, Pieter? :P) so in terms of comfort, the car is now full. (my 2 parents, myself and one other Person, (FruitTree). However, we might just be able to squeeze one more person in, arrangements sor that are already underway.
er.. Marco I forgot to ask you this before but we need a plan as to how we're gonna get back aswell right? :P
Here at Brittens we were thinking in order to make Mittens into an even more spectacular event than usual, it would be great to have a celebrity appearance for one night. Having considered all the options we phoned Timmy Mallett's (of Mallett's Mallett -- google it) agent today and he would be available to come down to Mittens for a one-night performance.
This would cost us £18,500 + travel expenses, which would probably be about an extra £900 (EUR 1100) each. Obviously this would be quite a large last-minute additional cost for you guys, but we think you'll agree that it'd be worth it.
Would you guys be interested in doing this? If not we can always try and get Pat Sharp for next year.
Count me in!
This is that guy in the red suit that lets you sit on his lap and tell him what you want for Festivus right?
Hehe, well, Berian and Scotch are made of money so they can cough up for Mallets mallet.
Layabout, a few questions regarding your car;
1, what make and model is it?
2, is it 3 door or 5 door?
3, do the back windows open?
Im still paranoid we're going to be cramped in like sardines...
Quote from: FruitTree on Fri 25/07/2008 13:45:03
er.. Marco I forgot to ask you this before but we need a plan as to how we're gonna get back aswell right? :P
Hi Fruity Tree, I'm thinking that we'd go back the same way we came. (assuming there aren't one-way roads we'd have to ride in the opposite direction; that'd be illegal and dangerous!)
After someone asked about towels and linen, it has become clear that there's an 8 Eur per person charge for hiring that stuff. So either be prepared to pay â,¬8, or bring your own stuff!
Ok, so while the Timmy Mallet thing was a joke, we are considering buying an old London Bus and doing a European Road Trip for Mittens 2010 ... stay tuned!!
Quote from: Pumaman on Mon 28/07/2008 23:10:25
Ok, so while the Timmy Mallet thing was a joke, we are considering buying an old London Bus and doing a European Road Trip for Mittens 2010 ... stay tuned!!
I already googol'd Timmy mallett and he seemedmore like a chldren's entertainer - Was wondering how old you thouhht we were? Love to see one of his shows online though, just out of curiosity - he isn't on utube, is he now?
http://youtube.com/watch?v=EUfv-tAfXn4
5 Door Rover 200 with windows that all work, a sunroof and squeaky doors. It has a Turbo too! wee..
I'm gunna try and make sure i buy most of my fuel in france since diesal is about 30p cheaper over there.
I second the routemaster idea!
allright just to get things straight, the 22nd is the last day of mittens right? so the 22nd is the day we all leave right? not the 23rd? 'cause else I'm gonna have to get another day off from my work...
Cool, well now I need to know about pickups and stuff, what were your plans for that Layabout?
QuoteI already googol'd Timmy mallett and he seemedmore like a chldren's entertainer - Was wondering how old you thouhht we were?
Ever heard of a little thing called nostalgia? Though granted if you didn't see him as a kid, you probably wouldn't be very interested in seeing him again now!!
Quote from: FruitTree on Sun 03/08/2008 10:01:41
allright just to get things straight, the 22nd is the last day of mittens right? so the 22nd is the day we all leave right? not the 23rd? 'cause else I'm gonna have to get another day off from my work...
Yes, we must vacate the chateux by 10am on Friday 22nd August.
Alright!
We have found a hotel for all those staying the night of the 22nd in Paris, if anyone else is interested in staying at the same place, you can book your room here:
http://www.expedia.com/pub/agent.dll/qscr=dspv/htid=186138
OR if that link doesn't work for you or need to read it in another language you can check out the Hotel's website and book your room from there:
http://www.armstrong-paris-hotel.com/
(DANG, looks like it's cheaper through the website, too bad I already booked through expedia!)
it's about $100-140 a night, which is not bad for a hotel in Paris and it's close to a few big things like the Louvre and the Eiffel tower in case we miss anything and want to scout around on Friday.
I have booked my room at the Hotel Armstrong (for the 22nd)!
I think it was 91 USD (59 EURO) for the night which, as Ms Finkenstein commented isn't too bad considering its location/proximity. I got a single room (with a single bed) not knowing who else is going to be there ... so should anybody want to use some of my floorspace (thus saving you some money) feel free to let me know (as long as you don't snore!)
Booked in Armstrong! I hope to see Lance there...
Double room for Lore and me, sorry Darth, I don' t like threesomes... Maybe couple exchange with Dominika and Blazej, but nothing else.
Quote from: Nacho on Mon 04/08/2008 10:12:49Double room for Lore and me, sorry Darth, I don' t like threesomes...
** Darth un-packs all his sex-toys ... **It's okay ... I always get strange looks from airport security when I try to take them with me anyhow!
;)
Quote from: Nacho on Mon 04/08/2008 10:12:49Maybe couple exchange with Dominika and Blazej, but nothing else.
Sure, I'm only afraid that my child may get frightened by an uknown penis.
Maybe if you dressed it as a teddy bear, toy rabbit or something...?
QuoteSure, I'm only afraid that my child may get frightened by an uknown penis.
Who mentioned Dominika was the member of the couple I want to lie with? I didn' t!
Quote from: Nacho on Mon 04/08/2008 22:12:08
QuoteSure, I'm only afraid that my child may get frightened by an uknown penis.
Who mentioned Dominika was the member of the couple I want to lie with? I didn' t!
Oh I see ... so I'm not good enough for you huh?!!1?!?
Guess I'll just have to settle for some gorgeous French woman for the night ;)
I've booked a single room for the Armstrong on the same night. I've also invested in some heavy padlocks... :P
I'm bringing the Fun Gun!
Not the gun gun? :(
Quote from: Nacho on Mon 04/08/2008 22:12:08
QuoteSure, I'm only afraid that my child may get frightened by an uknown penis.
Who mentioned Dominika was the member of the couple I want to lie with? I didn' t!
Wait, so Lorena has no penis?!
My wife assured me all girls have one...
Two words will sollute our problem.
Spoiler
Anal Sex
AGS will be banned from google once the google bot goes through this.
It's ok, we're used to Mittens being saucy after Disco and his ketchup last year.
Hey... Only 6 days. I want to remind everybody not to go crazy with your bags and packs, ok? The rented car might be a small Clio. ;) You all knows we pass mittens with just a tanga, and a tree leaf whrn it gets dirty.
Quote from: Mods on Sun 03/08/2008 11:22:43
Cool, well now I need to know about pickups and stuff, what were your plans for that Layabout?
Any word on this?
I need need need to know this too! I have to book tickets as soon as soon. Where is good to be picked up from, Ryan?
If I had the money and wasn't scared of meeting 26 new people all at the same time (causing a nervous breakdown) you could count me in.
One of these days,
--Snake
Is it worth us collecting mobile phone numbers just in case somebody gets lost or doesn't turn up?
In fact, let's re-phrase that ... everyone who's coming, PM me your phone number (remember the country code!!), and then I'll send a PM to all of you on Monday with everyone else's number.
That way, when we all inevitably get questioned by the French cops, we can just phone Ivy and get her to translate the argument for us. But just in case her phone is engaged, the standard line "Je vous deteste, de porc" should get us through.
Quote from: Pumaman on Thu 07/08/2008 23:18:45
That way, when we all inevitably get questioned by the French cops, we can just phone Ivy and get her to translate the argument for us. But just in case her phone is engaged, the standard line "Je vous deteste, de porc" should get us through.
No, no, just quote Moulin Rouge lyrics at them. You know, "Voulez-vous couchez avec moi?" and all that. They will get it and think it's funny.
Quote from: The Ivy on Fri 08/08/2008 01:20:53
No, no, just quote Moulin Rouge lyrics at them. You know, "Voulez-vous couchez avec moi?" and all that. They will get it and think it's funny.
Ah yes. A couple years ago I was in charge of a scouting camp for Dutch kids in France, and the group included a couple of twelve-year-old girls who insisted on singing that all the time (despite not speaking French and probably not knowing what they were singing either). Attracted quite a bit of attention, too :)
Voulez-vouz couchez avec moi?
Do you want to get the coach with me?, I pressume. ;) I guess that' s what we have to ask when we are at the bus stops, no?
Here is a Belgian tv segment about the chateau. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRyR6ZylK9U
I don't speak Belgic. Do they say it's haunted or something cool like that? Feel free to lie.
They say they payed more than half a milion euro's for the Chateau (they did the renovations too). The owners live next to it in the barn (the building with most of the bedrooms). They also own a tanning factory (or have a location for it) which is also on the domain.
It's tradition that the people who sponsored the stay in the chateau get the brides suit. So AGA and CJ...
edit: One of the bedroom floors is all crooked.
And this dude built the chateau for his mistress.
(http://www.nieuwsbronnen.com/tenbunderen/leopold2.jpg)
Bufffff, seems like the perfect place for making a great soccer match. My vote goes for an "America" vs. "Europe" one...
We will do his beard proud! Well, I know me & Miez certainly will :D
Layabout you foo! It's like 5 days to go and we're still in the dark! I will be in Oxford centre on the 15th, can you get there or somewhere near??
I have a mobile number that at least *used to* belong to Layabout if you want it to call him.
I have his current mobile number, i'll PM it to you.
Grund texted him and I think he's still sorting stuff out, but my current plan is to join up with Grund at Heathrow, unless Layabout has some easier pick up points :P
Chrille, Nacho, Lorena, and I are meeting up in Paris on the 14th ... I think Quintaros and Disco will already be there yes? We've got that [basically] planned out and ready to go.
However ... the next day ... a problem has arisen!
I do not have a credit card (long story, I don't like credit cards). I have my mastercard/debit card for my bank account but they will not let me use that to rent the car (so says the lady on the phone). We will have to find another way to rent the car! Perhaps another traveler who has a credit card or something? I called them and tried to tell them that my bank card is a mastercard but they wouldn't have any of it.
Any ideas? I don't mind paying cash to whomever uses the credit card (and then people can just pay me back (those that are splitting the cost with me I mean)) but whoever uses their card will have to swap the reservation to their name!
In my defense when I booked the reservation I read the bit where it says "debit cards are allowed" so I didn't think this would be a problem.
(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a214/La_Lore/Montmartre.jpg)
I' ve talked to Jeremy via msn, and apparently the credit card problem will be solved easily.
Plans for the people in Paris:
Quintaros and Darren will be the first ones to be there... They will be at Perfect Hostel Montmartre.
Lore and Nacho will arrive to Beavois airport at 20:30... Will probably arrive to Perfect Hostel Montmartre around midnight.
The morning of the 14th we will meet Disc and Quint at the breakfast... We will go to walking to pick up Chrille to make a bit of Tourism. He will wait for us at the Gare du Nord Suede Hotel lounge at... what time, Chrille? 10:30?
Darth Mandarb will arrive at 12:47. We expect him to arrive to the Gare du Nord Suede Hotel Lounge at 1337. Then we will go to the catacombs.
Next day, we move to the airport, and pick the others at 11:00. All correct? I would love if you (Jess, Ivy, Eric...) send me info about your flights... Company, estimated arrival time, etc... And we go to MITTENS!
And that' s all! :D
How many people going are called Darren? :o
I didn't transfer Layabouts number onto the new old brick I'm using at the moment, but thanks for the PM. I was hoping to get this answer online cos my credit situation isn't great...ever! :P But if there's still no news here from him on Thursday, I will have to call ;)
hahaha! I guess that M0ds' question because I said "Quintaros and Darren...". Quintaros is Darren' s nickname.... :) I meant "Disco and Quintaros..." or "Kenneth and Darren"
Ok, those of you who sent me a PM, you should have received a PM back with everyone else's number.
Also folks, don't forget that our rental of the chateux doesn't officially start until 17:00 on Friday, so there's no point getting there earlier than that ;)
I arrive in Paris on the 13th at 15pm so I'd be up for doing something once I've checked in at the hotel. Otherwise I'd probably look around Paris by myself on that day. As for the 14th I say 10:30 is fine.
I missed the bit about the numbers and the PM, CJ. Let me know if there will be a second version of it and I'll send you my new number.
Mmmm... If you are going to be that early in Paris, Chrill, it should be nice if you meet the others and you three go out to have a drink together... The problem is that Quintaros is flying by now, so, impossible to chat to him via msn, and Disco, who was at SSH' s home, might be travelling right now to France as well... So, who knows; Maybe you can call them, or leave a note at their hotel.
The cool thing is that we are quite close, in the same area... :)
I'll just take a walk over to the hostel and see if I can spot Disco or Quintaros.
Lufthansa # 9377 Operated by: UNITED AIRLINES INC.
Washington Dulles Intl (IAD) to Paris Ch. De Gaulle (CDG)
Departure (IAD): August 14, 5:29 PM EDT (evening)
Arrival (CDG): August 15, 6:55 AM CEST (morning)
Pick-up for the rental car is 0900 on 15 August so that'll be pretty close timing to when MrC, Jess and Ivy arrive (Ivy arrives @7:45) ... we cannot pick up the car until 0900 but maybe we could all get some breakfast or something?
That puts Me, MrC, Jess, and Ivy in the rental for sure. Mills are you still in our car?
QuoteI get in at 6 something in the morning at Paris on the 15th
Is this still accurate information?
Whoo whoo! I'm at Luton right now and going to be boarding my flight to Paris in about 1/2 hour. See you homies there.
Nacho and Lorena- we would probably like to welcome you graciously into Perfect Hostel if you would be arriving at midnight or so, shenanigans are always given priority over (early) sleep :P.
Darren! What is your flight? I know you will be arriving at around 10:00, but not from where and with whom. I ask as if I will somehow find out before I see you anyways :P hopefully we will just happen to arrive in the same spot :/
Darth:
Mills is in our car!
Remember I told you about the GPS we had? Well I lied, apparently it doesn't have French maps, but we are totally going to buy some, or hell, I will just print out some google maps on how to get to the place!
Jess, I think we are having the same problem with our GPS :) We downloaded a file that apparently is a Michelin France guide for GPS, but who knows... It might be porn, as use to happens with downloaded files... No matter what they are expected to be, they allways end being porn (Which is good, 90% of the times).
So... what do we do, guys? Do we ask the people to stay close to the arrivals gate in CDG untill we arrive there, around 9 o clock?
anyone nerdy enough to have made a checklist? 'cause I could sure use one :P
I've been so busy at work my head isn't focussed at all, I'm afraid I might forget somethin essential like a bluecup or sumthin!
Clothes
Money
Passport/ID (just in case)
Towel (I think the château people are providing these, but just in case)
Washing stuff
That's about it for essential stuff, I think.
So are we all supposed to meet up somewhere before we leave Paris and then have both cars take the same route?
We must decide that now Chrille... I originally thought that "people from B car" was going to come much later... I don' t really know what to do.
Possibilities:
a) Quintaros, Disco, Darth, Chrille, Lore and Nacho awaking at a nasty early hour to make a welcome committee to the guys comming to the airport. Then we all go to the Chateau. We would arrive before being able to dispose our rooms, but that' s not a big problem:
Pros: We would be together soon. Cons: Less time in Paris, nasty wake up time, we would arrive to the Chateau too early.
b) Make a small welcome committee(Me, Darth, and Quintaros, probably) that will bring the "B car guys" to Paris... Be there for a time, make a walk, eat... and then all together go to the Chateau, approx at 1400.
Pros: Comfy for the "B car guys". Cons: Uncomfy for the people in charge of the "small welcome committee", who should have to do the CDG trip twice.
c)Tell the guys from the "B car" to come to Paris.
Pros: Relax for the people of the "A car". Cons: "B car people" would have to manage to find us, probably have to pay for cabbies, and we should have to go to CDG again to rent the "B car" (Darth Mandarb rented the car in CDG)
d)People of the "B car" waiting for us to go for them at a not so early time (1100). Pros: Perfect for "A car people". Cons: Boring for "B car people".
I don' t mind to go for "option B" if somebody comes with me...
EDIT: Jess, no need you to get anxious about the GPS, I am quite sure we will be able to get two by the end of the day...
I had another idea as well ...
Since we need not be to the Chateau until 1700 we could postpone the Catacombs journey until after we pick up the car "B" people on 15 August ... that way we could all visit the catacombs (assuming all the car "B" people WANT to do that ... I know Ivy said she wanted to, yes Ivy?)
I'm very much a "go with the flow" kind of guy ... so whatever we decide I'll go along with (unless it involves clubbing innocent and defenseless baby seals (then I'll just watch))
If Jess and I aren't dead from the journey, I guess so.
But that's basically what it hinges on, how much do we want to die after getting off the plane.
Understandable.
I think we should, probably, still postpone the catacombs excursion until the 15th so that, if the wayward travelers so desire, they can join us!
Thoughts?
I think the catacombs would be fine as long as we have time to get some lunch/breakfast food and stuff.
I am also a go with the flow-er. No one ever said you guys had to pick us up right when we got to the airport, if you want to come at 11 or something I don't see a problem with that. Odds are our planes aren't all going to be on time getting in so we will be standing around anyway. Just give us calls around 7:30/8:00 and check in with us.
We can occupy ourselves until you guys wake up! Eric and I didn't order French money in time so we have to get to an ATM as soon as we get to the Airport, oh and we will probably wonder around speaking fake French to people and taking pictures of our butts. (you may not want to associate yourselves with us when you get there)
Yes! I remember I commented with Chrille the "alltogether to the catacombs on 15th option" and he told me "would you like to the Paris sewers after a 6-hour flight?" Yes...now I remember we agreed it shouldn't be a good option.
And... after thinking a bit, bringing the "b car people" to Paris has some other cons... If I go making trips from CDG to Paris... we wouldn' t have space in the cars to go from Paris to CDG!!! (Remember, we wouldn' t have the second car till 1100 on 15th...)
I will be checking the forums till the last moment to know which decission you' ve taken.
I'd be up for going to the catacombs on the 15th too as long as we don't cancel the plans entirely in the end. I won't have time to go on the 22nd unless we leave real early!
Going on the 15th would be a good idea also because we won't have to stress after picking Darth up on the 14th. They stop letting people in the catacombs around 4pm or so.
They also stop letting people out after 4pm so if you are still down there you'd have to survive the night, fighting off skelingtons that awake at midnight! Anyone else up for that?
Only question remains is what should we do on the 14th? Any requests/suggestions?
Quote from: Nacho on Tue 12/08/2008 15:56:13
Yes! I remember I commented with Chrille the "alltogether to the catacombs on 15th option" and he told me "would you like to the Paris sewers after a 6-hour flight?" Yes...now I remember we agreed it shouldn't be a good option.
And... after thinking a bit, bringing the "b car people" to Paris has some other cons... If I go making trips from CDG to Paris... we wouldn' t have space in the cars to go from Paris to CDG!!! (Remember, we wouldn' t have the second car till 1100 on 15th...)
I will be checking the forums till the last moment to know which decission you' ve taken.
Nacho, I don't know what you are trying to say here. Why wouldn't there be space in the cars?
If somebody doesn't come pick up the people getting into the airport we are going to have to navigate through Paris to try and find where you guys are and I just assumed it would be easier to get everyone from the Airport, an easy to find destination where everyone will be arriving. The car is also under Darth's name so I figured he should be the one to pick it up.
All that needs to happen is whenever you guys are ready to leave where you are staying, come to the airport, get the rest of the crew and then we can head out to the catacombs or where ever else anybody wants to go.
If the time to pick up the car is a problem I'm sure we can just tell the people at the rental car place we can't pick it up until a little later.
If we (10 people) are in Paris, we wouldn' t have space in the cars because the car can only be rented in Charles de Gaulle airport at 11 o clock. We would be in Paris, let's say, at 10 o clock, being 10 people with only one car...
:)
Dunno why, I can' t modify my messages.
Clarification: Jess, when I said "no space in the car" I meant only for the trip from Paris to Charles de Gaulle Airport. :)
I'm confused about the cars.
Nacho, if I have understood this correctly you will have picked up car A already by the 15th?
Maybe Darth can either take the train to the airport around 11am and pick up car B and the others and we will wait for them to arrive at the catacombs? Either that or you can drive Darth there in car A.
We could all come to the airport I guess but we'd have to squeeze four people in the backseat or hide someone in the trunk.
The plan is to drive everyone to the catacomb entrance by car right? We'd have to leave our luggage in the cars I guess since carrying a backpack for the duration of that walk doesn't sound too appealing. Also I think we'll need to have checked out of the hotels on the 15th so I don't know if we can leave our luggage in the hotels/hostels while we are at the catacombs.
Chrille, car A is rented by me the 13th.
I am not sure if everybody agrees in visiting the catabombs on 15th... It might be a bit rushed... And remember "car b people" feelings... they might be totally tired after such a long flight.
Wait, I'm confused, how are we all going to get to the Chateau if we all aren't going to fit in the cars?
We are probably going to have to rent a 3rd car if we all can't fit.
We'll all fit!
I think Nacho is concerned that those of us in Paris before the 15th (when we pick up car B) will be 6 in number and can't all fit in car A to pick up those of you arriving on the 15th. It won't be a problem. we don't ALL have to go to the airport to do the pickup!
We'll make it work, one way or the other :)
I am leaving for the airport in 1 hour!!!!
Maybe we should agree to have both cars meet near the catacombs at a certain time on the 15th and the people who are too tired to walk could have a meal or a drink somewhere near until we return. Then we'll take both cars and leave for the chateau at the same time.
I am sorry Jess, Chrille, DM and myself talked so much about this in msn that I assumed you know so much about the issue as we do.
So, I am going to explain it:
I will rent car A the 13th. The car will be parked somewhere in Paris till 15th.
The 15th you arrive at 0700. You will be in Charles de Gaulle Airport. IF YOU COME to PARIS, in Paris there will be Disco, Quintaros, Chrille, Darth Mandarb, Eric, Jess, Ivy, Fruit tree, Lore and Nacho... And only "my" car. 10 people for just 5 seats.
So, the problem should be for 5 people to go from Paris to the airport (where Darth is going to rent the second car, at 11:00)
From 11:00 08/15/2008 till the end of mittens there will be two cars, so, 10 seats for 10 people. My only concern is how to take 10 people to the Airport (where we will rent the second car) with only one car. It' s not a big problem, I guess... there are cabs, metro, trains, busses... Maybe I want to have everything tied and I frightened everybody with my paranoias! :D
No, Nacho I think you are confused, and it's making me confused because this has all already been discussed and figured out.
Erin is not going to come to you guys in Paris, Erin is coming into the airport at 7 in the morning, we will get into the airport at 7 also as well as Mills. You don't need to bring 10 people in any car to the airport, just one person, Darth, should come and get the car and then we can leave and meet at the catacombs.
There is nothing crazy going on here.
Yes, I understand that... if that implies that you are going to go to the catacombs after 1100, with Darth, after he has rented the second car.
But my "concerns" where just if you (with Erin and Mills) had the thought of coming to Paris BEFORE Darth rents the car.
If you don' t... then it' s all ok, and perfectly clear! :D Sorry for messing it all! :-\
We will wait for the car.
And some of us will be there a bit earlier to kill the time between the flight and the car renting! :D
Hah, that was confusing but now things seem to be sorted out.
I only need to know one more thing. Should we still meet at the lobby of my hotel around 10.30 on the 14th and proceed to pick up Darth?
OH NO! I just had a realization!
We won't all fit in the car. Darth, Mills, Jess and I are all Americans, therefore we are morbidly overweight! There's no way we will all fit!
Oh why didn't my grease addled brain think of this chicken wings!
Chicken wings? I meant sooner.
mm chicken wings...
Chrille: Yes.
Eric: Don' t make fun of my concerns about the space in the car. :-[ :'(
Weather's looking potentially rainy (http://uk.weather.com/weather/10day-Givet-FRXX6283) on the weekend. If you have anything fun for indoors bring it along. There will be some laptops around for game demoing and I'll pack my Wii for playing DVDs and games.
So, do I bring my game again even though I've only done 2 new backgrounds and 2 animations on it since last mittens?
Also, I THINK I got the GPS thingie hooked up with maps for France but it doesn't like calculating a route from CDG to Vireux-Wallerand and it doesn't understand Rue de Ridoux but hey, it might still help!*
*bring maps anyway...
Cool, since I managed to have only one GPS. Anyway, one GPS is enough, I guess, since the cars will travel together...
some one bring RISK!!!
Air France just called and told me my 12.50 flight has been cancelled and that they booked the next one at 16.00 for me. So I'll be at CDG much later than I thought. Probably around 18/19-ish.
Hm, it seems that we may go a bit later than we hoped for --
Dominika has some medical examinations, and depending on their result it's possible that we can leave on Friday, not tomorrow.
If we're not there on Friday, then, please don't worry!
Before I leave tomorrow, does everyone who's making their own way to Mittens have the address of the château?
Just go ahead and post it, these are the final few posts that will be on this thread and a final reminder would be easy enough to spot.
But evil people might invade Mittens :O
Fine, it's:
Domaine Le Risdoux
BP 13
Lieudit Le Risdoux
Vireux-Molhain 08320
France
Quote from: MrColossal on Tue 12/08/2008 22:00:42
OH NO! I just had a realization!
We won't all fit in the car. Darth, Mills, Jess and I are all Americans, therefore we are morbidly overweight! There's no way we will all fit!
Don't worry, I'm sure the fire brigade will give you a lift (http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2008/feb/22/health.healthandwellbeing).
Right, I'm leaving now - claiming this to be the start of Mittens for me! Hehe, see you people in a bit! The Mittexcitement is getting to me already :)
m0ds, you do realise it's Friday morning that we're going, not tomorrow? ;)
I'm in London ...
What a nightmare getting here! Delta delayed me in Ft. Lauderdale for 3 hours thus I missed my British Airways connection flight and was stuck in JFK for a night. I hate [HATE] sleeping in airports. I was sitting in a terminal chair just killing time when a mouse, yes a mouse, scurried over and eyeballed me for awhile. So I broke into one of the closed terminal restaurants and lay down on one of the [oh so] comfy booth chairs ... but I didn't sleep. So now I'm in London going on 36 hours without sleep and I'm running down to the pub to check it out.
Ugh ... so what sucks is I had to take a flight this morning instead and as a result lost my "day in London" day :(
Headed to Paris in the morning to meet up with Nacho and the gang!!
It's not mittens unless you sleep in an airport!
One more twelve hour shift at work, and I am free!
So, every one, seriously, bring a pack of ballons if you can. Their cost is not prohibitive.
(http://www.2dadventure.com/ags/baloonroom.jpg)
Look how HAPPY balloon rooms make people!
Darth, I hope the London pubs treated you well.
In addition to the address AGA gave, in case anyone has forgotten, because the place is not in town or on a public road you should be aware of how to get to it when you get to town (Call CJ/AGA if you do get lost).
Drive to Vireux-Molhain. Cross the bridge in the middle of town, into Vireux-Wallerand. After the town hall, turn right, go along Rue Edmond Guyaux for a few hundred meters, right into Rue de 8 Mai, 1945, and keep going. It will turn into Rue de Ridoux, then it'll turn into the path alongside the river, and after 3km you'll see the house on your left.
Quote from: Layabout on Thu 14/08/2008 01:33:36Darth, I hope the London pubs treated you well.
I was so tired I made it as far as the hotel bar ... met a few interesting people but most of them were foreigners like me (since it was the hotel bar) ... so while not quite the London experience I was going for it was still interesting. Had a few beers ... came up to sleep it off.
It's 0700 and I'm off to catch my train to Paris!
Quotem0ds, you do realise it's Friday morning that we're going, not tomorrow?
CJ, I'm already there! Where are you? Where is everyone else??
Hehe, you're right though! I only found out yesterday that it was Friday, I thought we were travelling on Saturday for the past 3 months :O But that & the fact I finally hit my savings target for Mittens yesterday got me more excited & I packed and moved to my "pick up" destination, which I'm sorting out today with Ryan hopefully. Today is also my pre-Mittens celebration of drinking sorts ;)
Oh, and I thought I'd get a few demos on USB before I leave. So, see you next Tuesday, right? :D
!
All right, flying out in a few hours. I'm bringing a secret demo and a board game called "Star Wars: Epic Duels."
This is going to be awesome.
Whoo ... I'm going to try and get there by train. Which is going to be an epic adventure (especially the way back as - apparently - there's no way back by train unless you travel via Uzbekistan Luxembourg).
Ah well. Save me a sleeping place, as it might be quite late until I arrive. ;D
You could try to go to Namen (Namur) and get a lift. Saves about 4 hours.
Quote from: jetxl on Thu 14/08/2008 15:43:33
You could try to go to Namen (Namur) and get a lift. Saves about 4 hours.
Good one ... I'll look into that. Even though I already have a round-trip ticket to Lille. :)
Quote from: jetxl on Thu 14/08/2008 15:43:33
You could try to go to Namen (Namur) and get a lift. Saves about 4 hours.
Sounds like a decent plan. Those French railways are hilarious in their waiting times...
Would it be possible for one of the car drivin' folks to pick us poor little Dutchies up in a slightly more railroad-accessible location? Pretty please? :)