EDIT BY AGA:
Near Foiano della Chiana, Tuscany, Italy.
Official pages: http://www.yourtuscanvilla.com/large_villa_pool_tuscany/profile.htm and http://www.fattoriaiponti.com/
Read this (http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/yabb/index.php?topic=39969.msg532637#msg532637), this (http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/yabb/index.php?topic=39969.msg533312#msg533312) and this (http://home.comcast.net/~snarkibartfast/mittens2010pay.html) for location and payment details!
List of attendees (http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/yabb/index.php?topic=39969.msg533854#msg533854)
ORIGINAL MESSAGE:
Hi :D
Now that January is nearly elapsed it seems like it is time to start discussing this thing again. While previous threads have gone on about where to hold the 2010 meetup (http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/yabb/index.php?topic=38220.0) and possible venues (http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/yabb/index.php?topic=38771.0), regardless of where it is I think the next thing to discuss is when to hold it, which we can then use as a guideline for picking a place.
Last year was the odd year with Mittens being held toward the end of June rather than the late July/August that it normally was previously (I think due to property availability?) which seemed to be fine overall now that the majority of us are not studying or something as has been the case with many prior events. Perhaps everyone interested should state what times they are not available this summer and what their preferred timeframe would be if any.
For myself, once again this year I plan on doing another 6 or so week trip (which I am well-positioned to do more successfully this year than in other years :D) so I am flexible, though have a preference toward the latter half of summer as opposed to earlier on.
Would love to join Mittens this year. No sure yet it if it'll work out with my job, but it would need to be in July or August.
I'd like to go again this year! I'm leaving my job some time this spring and probably not starting the next one until this fall, so I should be free most of the summer.
Only thing is, I probably have to go to a conference in Finland on 9-11 June, and definitely to the wedding of a friend of mine in Cyprus on 24 July (and a couple of days before/after).
For me, the ideal thing (esp. if we hold it in Italy) would probably be from Monday 26 July and on. But like I said, almost any time would work for me.
I'd like to join, but have no idea yet what my summer schedule will be. I have no preference towards either date, though.
I am planning a trip to Holland/Germany in late September but before that my dates are completely open as well. Barring some major shit going down in my world I wouldn't miss it for anything!
Any date should be okay for me. Late July / early August is generally when it happens though.
Yes, july/august sounds about right. :) Anything with "bring some swimwear" temperatures works for me...
If we end up going somewhere super-hot like Italy, maybe late June/early July might be a better bet to avoid us all melting into a hot tub of human remains?
I've got a short trip planned at the beginning of June, so any time after the 14th would be good for me.
And CJ, don't worry, I don't think Italy will be as hot as Florida.
Quote from: Pumaman on Sun 24/01/2010 23:42:52
If we end up going somewhere super-hot like Italy, maybe late June/early July might be a better bet to avoid us all melting into a hot tub of human remains?
Inner italy has somewhat nasty summers. But near the sea, hot weather is mitigated by light breezes and the opportunity to take a bath whenever you like.
edit: this post also allows you to closely compare my forum pic with Francisco's one
I'd prefer late July/early August personally, but thats just because I've got other financial comittments that I doubt would help me towards Mittens if its earlier than July. But generally, I'm flexible :)
Surely after surviving Greece and Spain, your "cheese" skin will be fine, CJ? :p
I DEFINITELY WON'T BE THERE. (again)
I was really looking forward to going last year...but things just kind of slowly fell apart leading up to the payment deadlines...ahh...one day. :-\
For me any time between the middle of June and first week of August is probably fine.
Mid-July and onwards would work best for me.
I am fairly confident that I will be able to attend. Anytime mid-July onwards would be good for me.
Matt, take me with you in your magical dream boat.
So far we had the possibility of third week-ish of June and late July into August with the last few replies pushing for the latter. To be more accurate lets say after sometime after 26 July (per Snarky who has a specific availability) through the first week of August as requested by Petter. Still looking possible is the third week of July from perhaps about 15 to 22.
It's looking like the best dates so far among these replies is 26 July to about 8 August, a two week window which should make looking for properties easier.
If I could scrape together the moneys required, I would prefer mid-July.
Quote from: Layabout on Tue 26/01/2010 02:32:43
If I could scrape together the moneys required, I would prefer mid-July.
Mid-July here too. But it's not like i have particularly high probability of making it this year.
Any date works fine for me.
We're talking about Mittens here not your love life, Esseb.
I am fine with most weeks also. Preference is to sync up with earlier times we've had in the past.
Okay, a couple of issues:
1. Is everyone (or at least most people) okay with Italy as a destination?
2. I've spoken with bicilotti, and he's willing to act as our man in Italy, in the event we need somebody to help with speaking Italian during the booking process (assuming Italy is the eventual setting). I know there was some fuss previously about his not having attended Mittens before and blah blah blah. However, he's been an AGS member for ages, and seems trustworthy and reliable. Personally I'd be more than happy of his help.
Probable attendees:
AGA
Andail
Becky
bicilotti
Chrille
CJ
Creed_Malay
custard
DarkStalkey
Darth Mandarb
Disco
Esseb
FSi
Grundislav
Jake
Jess
Miez
Mods
Nacho
MrColossal
Quintaros
Radiant
Snarky
Tier
(24)
Possible:
Dualnames
Layabout
Pablo
Wesray
(4)
I might be there. Anytime from mid-June onwards is fine with me.
Oh yeah and I'm happy with Italy.
Si, Mittens. Si, Italia.
Quote from: MrColossal on Wed 27/01/2010 20:05:59
We're talking about Mittens here not your love life, Esseb.
So you're cancelling? I bought these tickets months ago.
Edit: And Italy is perfect.
I will come. Whenever! (+ for Italy)
Italy is perfecto by me!
That place AGA linked to looks freakin' sweet too!
Looks like it's not too far from Roma either (and I have to visit Rome). I'm sure some of the Bastogne road-trippers wouldn't mind making a day(or two)-trip into Rome (or anybody that is interested of course)!
I deleted my last post, because the location was fully booked for most of the summer.
Here are some other large Italian places:
http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/rentals/arezzo/49413
http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/rentals/reggello/31484
http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/rentals/southern-tuscany-umbrian-border/15513
http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/rentals/siena/40245
http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/rentals/barberino-di-mugello/107632
They vary in cost quite a bit though. And most of them say 'car advised' or 'car necessary'. Which could obviously be a problem.
Tuscany does seem nice though, and it isn't too far (3-4 hours) from Rome for people who want to do that.
Hmm, this place: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/rentals/siena/3969 looks pretty great. However, it's quite a long way from anything. It's very cheap, and has good facilities though. We'd need a few people driving though, in order firstly to get to/from the train station (15km away), and secondly to actually buy food and such. We were fairly distant at France Mittens though, and it seemed to work alright.
Mittens in Italy! Yes please!
So who would be willing to either drive from their home country, or rent a car in Florence (nearest airport) and drive? Something like five cars overall would be ideal.
I haven't really though of how, but I'm really happy with the where, and I know the why!
I will however only declare interest, and have a definitive answer later on.
Quote from: AGA on Wed 27/01/2010 21:26:33
So who would be willing to either drive from their home country, or rent a car in Florence (nearest airport) and drive? Something like five cars overall would be ideal.
I could try to borrow a car from my family, but can't say right now if they need it. I'll see them this weekend though, so I can give you an anwer in a couple of days.
I'd be happy to rent a car. Though since I only drive in the US, I'd probably need one with automatic transmission.
A couple others I found the other day-
http://www.perugiaonline.com/anticaposta/ a "Hamlet" here, for 24 though :S
http://www.villafossi.com/holiday-homes-tuscany.html close to Florence apparently.
I'll likely be training to the closest station, no drives. Though I'm sure the cars we don't have coming we could all split for.
The place I previously posted (http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/rentals/siena/3969) is 2 hours from Pisa Airport (which Ryanair fly to, for cheap connections from the UK), 2:45 from Rome, and 1:15 from Florence. So pretty reachable from various airports. There is also a rail station in Siena, which is about 15km away. So it seems pretty well situated, as long as we can get enough people to give rides from the rail station to the house. This Italian rail site: http://www.italiarail.com gives a price of about $29 USD from Pisa to Siena. So probably a bit more to Rome, and a bit less to Florence.
ARGH. So it turns out that place is a lot more expensive than it seemed. In high season, it's 6755 Eur for a week for 32 people. Although that's lots of little apartments, so we could probably take fewer space if we needed. Still, it'll be something like 210 Eur per person for that...
Unfortunately, I don't think I'll be able to attend this year. I got a couple of upcoming expenses and simply can't afford to go this year. But I'll look forward to the pictures/stories, and, hopefully, will make it the next year.
-MillsJROSS
MITTALY
I'm interested in going this year, but I'd have to see what my finances are like closer to the date. Going to Italy...that would be quite an expensive date (even if Eric and Esseb were involved).
Awww.. :'( I have no money..
I want to attend some year, I'll try to save some up money 'til the next one.
Not bad Berian but looks quite claustraphobic! Seems tough though, looks like every option means sacrifices, whether it's on price, people or distance to the nearest night-life...
DutchMarco also used this site and an example, it appears to be under 1000 euro for 22 people.
http://www.belvilla.org/presentation.php?Huiscode=IT-06010-12&cat=10&countryid=it&ec=direct_nl&frames=nee&fromnumberpersons=11&Lo=vakink&periodid=1w&Pt=travisi=nl
For the record, it seems I can drive abroard now, so if any UK crew want to think about renting a car when in Italia I'll happily share the driving. Or just do all of it, I'm not bothered :) I'm half thinking to drive out there from the UK, but that could be disastorous ;) Still, I'm open to people who want to form maybe one of the hire cars. Perhaps we can get a people carrier, or a Tourneo if there's a company that do 'em :)
We've looked at that place before. It's not a bad location really and is a really nice looking villa. English translation of that page:
http://www.belvilla.org/presentation.php?Huiscode=IT-06010-12&cat=10&countryid=it&ec=direct_nl&frames=nee&fromnumberpersons=11&Lo=vakink&periodid=1w&Pt=travisi=en
I think the â,¬1000 you are referring to is the Deposit and cleaning prices.
Ah right you are Tier! Then it's probably 8000 euro for a day. :'(
That one seems to be $3860-4744 a week, according to other sites. Not too bad then, although the higher price would be a bit much per head. http://www.latorredicelle.it/index.asp <- looks like this is the official site.
Neat. But that place is quite the opposite end of claustraphobic!! :o The site breaks each cottage down to seperate hire prices though? Oh, and it seems most of it is already reserved for late July/August. Still you know more about booking these places than me :) Even at the upper end, 4744 euro that's still under 200 euro each if we gaurantee 25 people to somewhere with a similar price. I can't remember what we paid each for the chateau en France, how much was that?
France was 3,539.29 Eur total, between 27 people. So about 130 Eur per person. I'm not sure why you think the one I posted is claustrophobic though. Like the one you mentioned, it's split up into like six little houses, and seems to be decently spread out. Certainly looks roomy enough from these photos: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/photodisplay.aspx?home_id=3969. "My" place seems to be completely open for bookings right now. But obviously none of this is final anyway, so we can always keep looking until most of us are satisfied!
I don't know about the rest of the people but is anyone really tied to busy school summer holidays? Just an idea but wouldn't earlyish September be cheaper and still very warm if we choose the right place.
I don't think anyone really wants to wait that long though. And why anyway, just to save a bit on paying high season prices?
Ahhh yeah "your" place looks awesome too, Berian! Is the whole place bookable & private or is it sharing with other folk? Just the impression I get from "restaraunt", but I can't tell if that's on-site or not. Either way, yes, that place certainly looks less claustraphobic than it did when I skimmed the link earlier. Gets my vote :)
It's four or five individual apartments, but assuming we manage to book all the places (which seems to still be an option currently) we'll have it all to ourselves.
I am in. In I am.
I might possibly afford it but I don't know yet. If I can and nothing else gets in the way I'll definitely come. Assuming there is still room.
I'll be there! I can of course be one of the drivers if we need to hire cars -- though ideally it would be nice to find somewhere that had at least a village of some sort within walking distance.
Don't worry CJ, drink driving is like a national sport in italy. Much like taking a fall.
Italy, neat! That bumps my attendance from possible to probable, since it would be a few-hour drive by car for me. :) Of course I could give people from the same general area (Southern Austria, Upper Italy) a ride.
I have been in the Tuscany-area before, very beautiful indeed. I really hope it 'll work out with my job.
Sounds interesting, as it is not far away from me. I don't know if I will get a whole week off, is it possible to only come for a weekend?
Quote from: cat on Fri 05/02/2010 14:01:16
Sounds interesting, as it is not far away from me. I don't know if I will get a whole week off, is it possible to only come for a weekend?
cat, do you mean Mittens in general or hitching a ride with my car? Where from Austria are you from, btw?
In theory, Cat - yes, show the bloody hell up! You're more than welcome. Some people might have a problem with it, but I think accounting for extra people if they're "popping over" to the event is actually quite fun, despite the boundaries on certain location numbers. I'd say yes. You'd be one of the few maybe the only Italian person, and I know myself and quite likely CJ would definitely like to learn some language from you. See you there!
Biccilotti - make sure you show the bloody hell up too! ;)
AGA - Awesome, well, I held back on a reply, but basically - book it. Providing there is a town preferably within walking distance (based on the rather non-walking distance to civilisation in France) .. no-one else has commented on it but I think that location is mint. :)
As I did for Mittens (and Wintermeet) in '08 ... I'll probably fly into another country and rent a car to drive to Mittens. So depending on where I fly into I could probably swing picking up some people! As the time draws closer and we get more confirmation (location/dates) I'll post again when I make plans!
I know I've stated(optimistically) that I'd (try to) organize this Mittens, but with my current employment outlook I don't think it'd be a good idea if I were to attend at all :'( :'(, but if it were to be held here in NL, then I'd love to drop by for a day or so :) :) :).
When are the dates and location going to be finalized? I'd like to see this happen sooner rather than later since getting travel Visas can be a slow process.
Can we set the end of February as a deadline for people to add their input so that a decision can be made in early March?
Quote from: Mods on Sat 06/02/2010 00:56:54
In theory, Cat - yes, show the bloody hell up! You're more than welcome. Some people might have a problem with it, but I think accounting for extra people if they're "popping over" to the event is actually quite fun, despite the boundaries on certain location numbers. I'd say yes. You'd be one of the few maybe the only Italian person, and I know myself and quite likely CJ would definitely like to learn some language from you. See you there!
Ah, ok, so when the date is fixed, I hope I can tell if I will be able to come.
And I think you got something mixed up, I'm not Italian, I'm Austrian (from Styria) but I do speak a little Italian.
I see no reason why it couldn't be finalised very soon. So what do people think about Monday 26 July - Monday 02 August?
Fine with me :D
Quote from: AGA on Sun 07/02/2010 19:49:25
I see no reason why it couldn't be finalised very soon. So what do people think about Monday 26 July - Monday 02 August?
Could do. Is that cheaper than mid- august?
No, high season is usually from like early July to early September.
Quote from: AGA on Sun 07/02/2010 19:49:25
I see no reason why it couldn't be finalised very soon. So what do people think about Monday 26 July - Monday 02 August?
Sounds good to me.
Hey! Sorry about the late post, but I am definitelly in... Any data would be fine!
I'm definitely interested too. If I start saving now, I'll actually afford it.
Those dates look good for me as well, and are a comfortable distance away from the World Cup final *glares at Tier* :P
Well that sucks. I can't make it on those dates.
Kidding.
I'm in.
Works for me!
I concur with those dates. Verily!
My birthday will be during Mittens IX.
Be sure to toast my birthday with some sacrificial ceremony.
Okay, add me to the list please.
Those dates also work for me, so consider me "in" as well.
If my job allows me, I'm in too.
sidenote: again you have the opportunity to admire and compare Francisco's avatar and mine
Quote from: bicilotti on Tue 09/02/2010 21:35:51
If my job allows me, I'm in too.
sidenote: again you have the opportunity to admire and compare Francisco's avatar and mine
By the way best avatar mockup EVER bicilotti, I've always wanted to scream that. Now on Mittens, or Mittalia, Is anyone like driving from the Eastern Europe? I'm seriously thinking of flying to, but might even just drive there. I leave in Greece, so it's a rather..eh..short trip.
Yes to those dates in the most yes way of saying so.
And := to a Jim cameo!
Quote from: Mods on Tue 09/02/2010 22:56:57
Yes to those dates in the most yes way of saying so.
And := to a Jim cameo!
You will probably see that cameo (btw nice term!) ;)
The dates look good for me too, but my boss will have the final say. I should know more in the next couple of months. When do we need to make the final decision?
I'm 11, can I come if my mom lets me? :=
Only if you buy your own beer!
.
.
.
Nah, I'm just joking. We'll share with you.
The dates look good to me, too.
Hopefully I'll get stuff organised by the end of this month. So it'd be good if everyone's sure of their coming by then.
Quote from: AGA on Fri 12/02/2010 10:59:44
So it'd be good if everyone's sure of their coming by then.
:=
How rude! :O
I'm sure to come by then.
We're talking about Mittens here not your love life, Esseb.
I'd defo like to "come", been a while since I saw any of you chaps or chapette (annie)
But I can't... No Money ... Ever... and I don't drive anymore
Might try and "come" next year
Si data e località .
All good by me. and Kimi may well be coming too. Who is my gf. That cool?
Everything is fine by me. And Adamski.
I will attend if I get the days off from work!
I need to check flight prices and such though.
Jess has to check with her publisher but those dates seem fine.
What happened to the strict no women rule?
That only applied to the first two mittens. Then they started to infiltrate our locales, those sneaky women
The rule changed when CJ got her gender realignment surgery.
much to our excitement
Quote from: AGA on Sun 21/02/2010 19:51:26
The rule changed when CJ got her gender realignment surgery.
How is that different from gender reASSIGNment? Does it mean (s)he had the right bits, they were just pointing in the wrong direction?
Quote from: SSH on Tue 23/02/2010 07:50:58
How is that different from gender reASSIGNment? Does it mean (s)he had the right bits, they were just pointing in the wrong direction?
Hey! When I asked you to take a look at my problem, I thought we agreed it would stay between the two of us...
Please make sure we get a pool!! That is all 8)
Oh I'm so tempted
edit: just watched the mittens benidorm vid on the beach front lol
Mods you need to give me a lift ;D
Okay, so it's March now...
Any objections to the location/dates/cost or anything now? If not, I'll contact the people and see about booking.
Okay, so my previous favourite place is unavailable on the dates we decided on. This place: http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p305585 looks pretty good though, and is â,¬265 per person with the 24 person limit. We could probably squeeze an extra couple of people in if necessary though.
I'm still okay with the dates ...
However, it's looking like I will most likely be a +1 then so I'm not sure how this works?
Well that might not be a problem. But if we do have to set a limit on people, it's gonna be non AGS people (like girlfriends or whatever) that are first out. Aiming for something like 25 people should be fine though, since that's two more than we currently have planned.
7000 euro... bloody hell! This is why AGS needs a donate button.. :P
Edit: Fair enough. They're all ridiculously priced everywhere.
And/or ready to charge loads extra for lots of people.
Quote from: AGA on Wed 03/03/2010 18:32:31
Okay, so my previous favourite place is unavailable on the dates we decided on. This place: http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p305585 looks pretty good though, and is €265 per person with the 24 person limit. We could probably squeeze an extra couple of people in if necessary though.
Looks nice -- would the cost be a problem for people? What was the per-person cost of renting the Miami house last year?
It was $360 per person for the Mittens house last year, and according to google, 265 Euros = 360.5855 U.S. dollars, so it comes out exactly the same.
I miss the days when mittens meetings were held at people's houses and free of charge...
I'm sure if a couple of the attractive female AGSers cosied up to Berlesconi, he'd give us the use of a villa or two for the week!
Eeeeeek... I might be a +1 as well... :-\
Okay, so I really want to find and book a place ASAP now.
So if you're currently undecided, DECIDE! This includes bringing girlfriends or whatever. I will try to get a place with the exact number of spaces, to save money. I suppose girlfriends could share a single bed with their partner, and people could sleep on floors, if it came to it, but that wouldn't be very comfortable after a week. So yeah, I need numbers!
Okay, since the other place seem to be booked, I now have to look for new places.
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p436376 <- this place houses 24, and looks pretty good. Plus it's actually available. It's slightly more expensive though, at â,¬290 each. Italian places seem to be quite expensive!
I just sent an inquiry to that hamlet placed I linked a page or two back. The website's "How to reach us" link ended up being driving directions :S
Some of these places are damn hard to get a hold of.
http://www.perugiaonline.com/anticaposta/
It says 22+2 which seems to be the magic number at the moment. With all the spaces filled and at the highest rate listed on the site, it should be â,¬209/person not including â,¬15 each cleaning at the end, which is one of the lower rates I've seen in a while :)
Quote from: AGA on Mon 08/03/2010 00:15:20
So if you're currently undecided, DECIDE! This includes bringing girlfriends or whatever. I will try to get a place with the exact number of spaces, to save money. I suppose girlfriends could share a single bed with their partner, and people could sleep on floors, if it came to it, but that wouldn't be very comfortable after a week. So yeah, I need numbers!
Then I will most certainly go. One me, zero girlfriends or whatevers.
Right so I decided Im not gonna be able to go, road trip or no road trip.
I am gonna start saving now for mittens 2011 (Presuming we are all still alive !)
Both nice suggestions, but I vote the cheaper more central place suggested by Disco.
Sin: Shame. I looked at my world atlas and decided the road trip would never have happened I'm afraid...way too far!! another brittens instead then :)
I do really like the look of the place AGA suggested. Plus it looks like it is a better location for Florence and Pisa etc. Also, Vineyards! I could probably accommodate the slightly higher price if needs be.
I remember looking at the place Disco suggested a while back and it seems a bit out of the way, although it is near Perugia, not that I know much about it.
I'd say AGA's one is my choice.
A friend has suggested that Italy will be quite warm when we are there, any word on this place having central air?
Quote from: MrColossal on Mon 08/03/2010 16:05:07
A friend has suggested that Italy will be quite warm when we are there, any word on this place having central air?
Places with other gases or vacuum instead of air are usually more expensive.
Quote from: Mods on Mon 08/03/2010 12:53:57
Both nice suggestions, but I vote the cheaper more central place suggested by Disco.
Sin: Shame. I looked at my world atlas and decided the road trip would never have happened I'm afraid...way too far!! another brittens instead then :)
Defo "I SMELL A ROAD TRIP!!!"
Quote from: MrColossal on Mon 08/03/2010 16:05:07
A friend has suggested that Italy will be quite warm when we are there, any word on this place having central air?
I haven't been to Italy, but other hot countries in Europe (Greece, Spain and so on) that I've been to tended to have houses that were built in such a way that even without air con they stayed cool. "My" place doesn't have it listed in the features anyway.
Quote from: MrColossal on Mon 08/03/2010 16:05:07
A friend has suggested that Italy will be quite warm when we are there, any word on this place having central air?
>Use beer on Ice.
Done.
>Drink frozen beer.
Your score has just gone up by 5 points!
QuoteDear Kenneth,
thanks for your request through our partner Perfect Places and you can see the unit ANTICA POSTA DI VALLELUNGA also on our web sites:
http://www.italy-villas-rentals.com/vacation_rentals/22797/
The full property is available in the period 26 July to 2 of August but I've contacted the owner to double check.
I've asked the owner the possibility to add 2 people in the property since it can sleeps up to 21 people.
I hope to let you know as soon as possible.
Best regards.
Lucy
Well at least the whole property is available. Curious though the website says 22 beds + 2 on sofabed while she says 21 and the listing here says 17?
Anyways I suppose I shall ask for a quote now if the rate might be different going through this third-party, but since we have two possibilities at the moment I am wondering if anyone else would like to chime in with regards to location, price, things to do, sexiness, etc.
Well people seem okay with the one I mentioned, and we're up to 24 people wanting to attend now... So although your place *might* house 24 people, it might also be as few as 17. So I'd rather go with a sure thing. Your place does look good, but unless we can be sure it's 24 people, it's not really an option.
I think, for now, I will say it's just gonna be me.
This is a new girlfriend and I'm not sure she'll even be around by the end of July (most women only have a 2-3 month tolerance for being around me). I don't want to secure the spot to the exclusion of AGSers. If the Gods are kind to me and I've actually found a woman who sticks around we'll see if there's room when the time comes.
As for the location(s) ... I'm okay with either I think. Disco's link is slightly closer to Rome but AGA's is closer to Pisa (both places I'd like to day-trip to while there) I might fly into Rome and spend a day (or three) there before Mittens maybe. Oh these decisions ... I'm okay with either of those places but I think the one with the higher capacity might be a better option?
Okay, so I contacted my place. Unfortunately it's a little more expensive than the website says - â,¬318.75 per person. http://www.agagames.com/mittens_enquiry.txt is the text of the email they send me. The place does sound pretty great, but obviously it's fairly expensive.
I don't really have any input to offer on these decisions: I'm fine with whatever, really. AGA's place looks maybe a little bit better (and apparently has more room), as long as the price isn't a big problem for people.
I'm not sure what my situation will be this summer, but barring unforeseen upheavals, and my schedule permitting, I'll almost certainly be there.
AGA's house seems better to me, and seems to be easier to get to. Having enough room is always important otherwise people end up with nowhere to sleep and thats a bad thing.
Berians house seems more suited for people getting out and doing stuff, and the extra room is always a boon.
Best to have everyone under the same roof, so between the two I'd go for Berian's pick.
The price is a bit of an issue for me since more euros means even more dollars in proportion, but I am sure I can manage eventually.
Way too much for me, sorry. That's a good £300 + another 200 when you add flights, car hire + cleaning. Unless I win the lotto I won't be able to commit to that, soz. I'm not feeling the girlfriend vibe thing this year really either. It's bad enough dealing with nacho and lorena splitting I don't really want to be thrust into those kind of emotions in the future with all new gf's when really I'm trying to turn up and be with some game developers. Wives and fiances (and girlfriends with profiles from AGS that existed BEFORE a mittens) seem fine, but girlfriends of new & RND function... meh. You probably won't even be with them next year, why are you making me give a shit about knowing them?? :P
Girlfriends almost certainly aren't coming though. There are 24 spaces at my place, and (at least with you) at least 24 AGS people wanting to come. â,¬318.75 is £290 though, so I guess you might not be able to afford that.
Okay, so are there any other objections, aside from Mods?
250 is my max limit really. And even then my max limit should really only be 150 :P No girlfriends sounds good, and persuades me more.
Finally though - is it not possible to make offers to these people with properties. Do they actually know who's staying with them and how we could help benefit their trade in the future or through means of what we do? Do you bargain with these people? I'm sure like most of us they'd rather have some than none. Did you try haggling it down? If not you can always pass the email addy on to me to try.
Your recipient is right - the pictures don't do that place justice, so to us right now it's not worth 7000 euro. It has a pool but no decent picture. You should state that because of the poor representation it's not worth the asking price - I mean, there's a photo of some wall shapes for a start. A view looking out of the front door. The photographer was obviously drunk at the time and not even creatively drunk. Just pressing buttons I think ;)
Also, you could ask to scratch the daily maid and the preperation service, which must be a good 500 of the euro they're asking for, if not 1000. In fact they say there is a cook too so that could be 2000 of it! Maybe you "gentlemen" (ha) are looking for an all out Italian experience right from your HQ but I certainly don't need people there wiping my bum. I get the impression they'll be very "Hmm what are they up to on my property" type of people with a very watchful eye and well.......it just seems extremely creepy :/
Disco's place is more like "Yeah. A place with a roof in italy, for cheap, with air con and a pool. Oh, and a decent photo of the pool. Do whatever the **** you want!!11" which to me says inviting - but I don't know. My perception of inviting is definitely different to most other people! I guess it could be thrilling to think you're going to have a maid looking after you, a couple and a cook, as you trounce around in their antique house. But that to me is [thumbdown], or [sometwistedsequeltohugoshouseofhorrors]
I say this because I realise a lot of people are finacially okay with these sort of things, but it's amazing to me how the trend now is just to go to bigger, better, more expensive places. I'm in the minority I know and thats fine and it's just as fine if you do go ahead and book this place, just some friendly advice. I think it's a rip-off, by which I mean, I think the people offering the place are ripping US off. Shit photos and a sob story about them could mean it's actually quite a shit place. Anyway, lets look at previous costs of accomodation:
Mittens 02: £25 camping
Mittens 03: Free some camping
Mittens 04: Free
Mittens 05: £60 camping
Mittens 06: £60 camping
Mittens 07: Dunno, log cabin, surely £150+
Mittens 08: £150
Mittens 09: Dunno, again, private villa maybe £150
Mittens 10: £290
This year would be a massive increase. Is that 150 extra pounds for a chateaux? Or for the sunshine? Cos I've had those before for less! So if it's all hardcore-AGSers again why don't we just go camping in Rome? Cheap, traditional & fun. + its ok to stink at Mittens ;) And its ok for your sisters dog to stink too.
Anyway your one re-assurance keeps me in the park for now, AGA, cheers.
There's always an idea to do two at the same time, and meet up. You can organise Mittens l'esperienza and I'll organise Mittens massiccia celebrazione ubriaco ;)
The economic climate is also responsible for price inflation, mods. 5 years ago this same place was probably a good 50-150 euros less (per person). Any nice place you're bound to find is going to seem rather expensive by comparison to previous outings, I'm sure.
Understood Progz, but that's surely the point where you realise it's worth reverting back to the older, cheaper methods. They were by no means any less enjoyable or satisfying :) That or people just need to re-define what they're classing as "nice", or perhaps have completely re-defined it already. The cost seems attributed to the services they're providing to me. But understandably people flying from afar would prefer a pampering so that's why people are prepared to pay. But I don't want that pampering, that's why the price becomes a problem. That and it just not existing :P
Miami was only slightly less expensive than the house AGA is suggesting.
FYI telling the rental folks that we're a group of twentysomethings doesnt actually help matters, they usually expect that to mean its more likely to get trashed. We're not any different to any other group of friends wanting to rent a villa in a competitive area in Tuscany, there's no bargaining to be had here - what have we got to offer them that would make them consider giving us a discount? :P
If you want to look for campsites, then feel free, but it seems like over the last few years (since 2007) that renting somewhere more private is the way things are going as less of us are students and more of us have full time jobs.
I don't disagree there. Wasn't Berian like 5 years old at the first Mittens, though := ? Times and tastes change and some of the oldbies may not want to go back to their Salad Days of camping.
QuoteMiami was only slightly less expensive than the house AGA is suggesting.
FYI telling the rental folks that we're a group of twentysomethings doesnt actually help matters, they usually expect that to mean its more likely to get trashed. We're not any different to any other group of friends wanting to rent a villa in a competitive area in Tuscany, there's no bargaining to be had here - what have we got to offer them that would make them consider giving us a discount?
If you want to look for campsites, then feel free, but it seems like over the last few years (since 2007) that renting somewhere more private is the way things are going as less of us are students and more of us have full time jobs.
Um, what game did you make again*? ;)
LOL I think we would have younger folk joining us this year? I can't remember the list. If the people interested reflects an age old group that just keep getting older then fair enough. Yes people do get jobs and so forth, but I don't see why that becomes important. It should be affordable to everyone who is part of the AGS community. Like I say I'm not opposing the idea, everyone who's attempting to make deals is doing a great job, Bez, disco etc.. but hey better we actually talk about it. I'd hate to think Mittens gets sorted without any debate ;) And on a personal note I do have to consider these options because myself and a few others are interested in making another movie at Mittens.
*Mind you that's the first time in 10 years I actually have grounds to use that line. Ha!
Much cheaper:
28 people max, £200 each for 22 people, £142 for 28. That would cause a reason for girlfriends to be allowed ;) Nearer the end of August though
http://www.yourtuscanvilla.com/large_villa_pool_tuscany/profile.htm
20 people max
http://www.world-villa.co.uk/italy-villas/tuscany-villas/casa-giulia-3040-en-v.html
There are still more options out there. All with better photos ::) If most people have jobs then I assume they get to choose when they can take their 21 days off - so why not go to Berians place in September, when it's cheaper, but just as warm?
Well that is confusing regarding the amount of people the first link accomodates. At the top it says 28, then it says 22 twice in the description (in reference to outdoor seating and to beds between 9 rooms), or does this place have gîtes too :P
I like that is has "rich" fabrics too.
Well I'll take another look at this, dunno if flying into Firenze costs more than Florence though.
However, I think at this point everyone has committed to the agreed upon dates of 26 July to 2 August, which are likely harder to shift than anything else. I know it would be tough to work around for me.
Disco, Firenze is Florence :D
hmm I thought Firenze was a city in the south of Tuscany, and Florence was a bit further north :P how embarrassing!
Also I would like to add my thoughts on the cook/cleaning people being there when we are. I agree with Mark that is would be rather awkward to have people cooking and cleaning, as I would rather look after myself in both of those categories, and part of the fun is making a mess of the kitchen in particular :D
Not that we get up to too much mischief but I think if they were there full time it would be sort of a buzzkill for some of our spontaneous activities like roof quests and queen burnings and other such things.
If there is a way to opt out of that for our stay, that would be perfect.
I've emailed the people, to see if no maid/cook service is possible.
Apparently it'll be â,¬200 less without the cook service. So â,¬310 per person.
I guess what it really comes down to now is, are (most) people okay with booking this place, or do we seriously look into other places?
Thanks for trying to get this sorted, AGA.
It's strange that they're quoting a price higher than the Max listed on their own website, if we decide to go for this one then you could try sending them an e-mail offering EUR 7000 to start with and see if they accept!
I'm happy to just go with this and get on with getting it booked, because time is ticking by now ... so can everyone else who mentioned an interest in coming please confirm now whether you're definite and can afford the price!
I really don't feel comfortable trying to haggle. The price difference thing is a bit weird, but maybe the price on the site is without the staff or something.
I'm definite, yeah.
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p91289?uni_id=88937
this place is a possible option
but I am in what the evers
Count me in.
Me too.
I'm in.
I'm also a definite.
In.
(remember to compare the avatars)
I'm down
I am in also. Glad to see Bicilotti is getting involved too :D
I'm happy to join in
I'd love to come, but I start a new job next week. So I don't know if I will get the week of.
Okay, though thing seem to be getting pushed on kind of heedless, there was a maybe justified feel that we're diving at unedded luxury here. Is everyone really totally swayed and set by this house? It does seem a lot more expensive than what we need, and while yes, a lot of folk are older and now have better jobs, not every one is in the same straight. Remeber the old days, when it was just about friends getting together? Remember the awesome house in france? that was not the first ultr-luxury house some people initially wanted, but it turned out to be bone-deep awesome.
If everyone is set on this place, then so be it, but otherwise, I'll have a scout around as soon as I get into uni and find some other alternatives. And m0ds has already found one or two that look good as well.
Also, I kind of hate saying anything aginst the grain or going anti-party on things like this, so please do not hate me for saying words. :P
EDIT
some places
http://www.italyfarmhousesrental.com/bolsena_apartments/home.htm
http://www.holprop.com/r/property-rent-2~id~IT564843~site~2~c~y~sess~98614376.htm
http://www.holprop.com/r/property-rent-2~id~IT564783~site~2~c~y~sess~98614376.htm
i'm in kind of a rush right now, sorry if I'm isreading stuff on th tuff I found, but will look more later. the place mods found does seem pretty nice - http://www.yourtuscanvilla.com/large_villa_pool_tuscany/profile.htm
Thanks for having a look around too, Creed. I think the problem with the one I suggested are the availability dates, they don't fit in with the dates people are hoping for. The second two links you've posted sound interesting but I couldn't get any pictures to work... this one you mentioned (http://www.holprop.com/r/property-rent-2~id~IT564843~site~2~c~y~sess~98614376.htm) sounds lush at least :) Distances to other places don't seem to be filled in on those pages though.
Berian - you are aware that your place sleeps 12 partners and 12 individuals? With only 2 couples going this year that's a whole lotta gay! ;) Creepy place...likely to have to sleep with another man...and again look at that pool. It's not a pool. It's a fenced off pond! All this just to be fairly close to some shops and restaraunts? I still think you're rushing into this bud. It seems most places should be booked by the end of March to avoid dissapointment, we still have a good week and a half.
And why no haggling? It's great that you organise some Mittens' from Wales dude but it's nice to think you can at least try some bartering from your chair for the benefit of everyone that's going. Any of us can look at places and press a book button so if you're going to do this it'd be nice if you maybe fought the case a little bit! :)
All you need to say is you've found other places all offering better prices, so you'd like them to kindly consider matching them because you're putting all your eggs in one basket by comitting to their place which descriptevly sounds very nice but from the pictures it is too hard to get any kind of real feel for. Or something along those lines. I thought the Welsh knew how to chat shit? ;)
Like I said, pass me on the email address. Maybe Becky was right. There is no way to convince these people that we are anything more than a new group to mess up their house. So why try and come across any different in email? .^^
Oh & also, who's driving? Because without at least 2 or 3 rental cars there's no way we're getting anywhere. I was prepared to be a designated and sober driver but I can't be there to do that for you guys if it's going to cost so much. The mantle usually falls on CJ and Darth...maybe Grundy is going to try his luck this year? ;)
8 people carrier at £70 each:
http://www.avis.co.uk/ProductPage.aspx?VehicleId=0ff8229b-e7ff-488b-af81-e647871a78b9&Item=37c07a24-8c16-460e-bdd0-bb93926ea4e6&PickupCode=PSA&PickupDate=26%2f07%2f2010+13%3a00%3a00&ReturnCode=PSA&ReturnDate=02%2f08%2f2010+15%3a00%3a00
...DG falling asleep at the wheel of the people carrier in NY state will always be a fond memory :)
Antica is out:
QuoteHello Kenneth,
I've spoke to the owner and unfortunately he closed an unit ( IL GIRASOLE) for the next 6 months for renovation so the sleeping places are less: only 17.
I suppose that the web sites http://www.perugiaonline.com/anticaposta hasn't updated.
I can suggest you other accomodations suitable for your group composed of 24 and available from 26 July to 2 August ( Monday to Monday):
In Umbria region:
MONTELUCE
http://www.italy-villas-rentals.com/vacation_rentals/16769/
In Tuscany Southeast region:
PALAZZO SARTEANO
http://www.italy-villas-rentals.com/vacation_rentals/43128/
Consider that in high season all our properties can be booked only from saturday to Saturday this is why I suggested you only 2 properties avaiable, if your dates may be Sat to Sat as well, maybe I can send more listings!
I think her suggestions are a little overkill, even if the price was right (44?! :P) Still worth checking out though. The first link seems alright to me unless the price scales up.
Read the thread! Something like five or six people have agreed to drive.
I doubt you're going to find somewhere that's almost entirely single beds, and actually houses 24, anyway. Did anyone actually care about sharing beds last year?
I think some of Mods' arguments are pretty ridiculous ("creepy place"? How so? And honestly, the pool looks fine), but it's certainly best if everyone is happy, and the other alternatives seem OK too, as long as they've got enough sleeping space.
I know one thing for sure: this year I'm bringing my own sheets. I'm not sleeping under a f*&#ing curtain again!
okay just emailed dudes about this place.
http://www.vacations-abroad.com/italy/tuscany/lucca/7306/default.aspx
Quote from: Mods on Thu 11/03/2010 14:13:33With only 2 couples going this year that's a whole lotta gay! ;)
I foresee a reenactment of the "Those aren't pillows!" scene (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCqcMOB6STc) from
Planes, Trains and Automobiles, except of course you'll all be sleeping naked due to Italian summer temperatures. Not that there's anything wrong with that ;).
They have to be ridiculous when it's 15 to one.
Well look, Berian - you're obviously adament on that place, fair enough. No-one else has said they think that's the only place that will work. You found one that fits the criteria but you don't seem to want to take it any further than that. In fact everyone that's decided to chime in has still continued to say
anywhere is fine. So I'm not really sure why you're defending it.
We've now quoted several places with prices less than 250 per person. I don't see why dates take preference over people who might not be able to afford it either - that's cocky. I also still don't see why Mittens caters for people who do sod all around the AGS community too, but that's another argument! Just about
all the other links over the last page or so have more twin bedrooms and singles than the one you're suggesting.
QuoteDid anyone actually care about sharing beds last year?
Sorry, why are you and Becky presuming everything should be based on the last Mittens and who did what and how their financial situation was and will be for this year? Start afresh! And no, I don't want to sleep with other guys. Sorry, is that wrong of me? I guess the dates taking preference thing is so everyone who went to Miami can catch up again. Well, that's lovely isn't it :)
Creed: That place is for 10 people max?
Edit: Not a peep in this thread from from 10 of the attendees over where to stay yet either, so I assume that means they don't mind..
You wouldn't want to sleep with me m0ds? :(
other places are being checked, dude.
I've done my fair share of gay in this community already sir ;)
Maybe for money...
I've emailed the place I found to check if it can hold 24-28 people or if it really is only 22.
The type of place is not so important to me. I don't mind bunkin' with another fella, just don't want to share a rack is all.
Sylpher and I managed well in Miami (even with his sawin' logs!), CJ tolerated my laptop movies all night long in Poland and Quintaros and I chatted to the wee hours in France. If we do end up having to share beds I call Nacho as my room-mate. He's tiny and will spend the night humping my leg anyway.
I'm feelin' like I'll probably fly into Rome and rent a car there so I'll most likely have a car at Mittens which we can all share as needed. If anybody else wants to meet up in Rome (as we did in Paris) we could road-trip together to where-ever the final Mittens location might be.
Villa Grifone is 24 people.
http://www.yourtuscanvilla.com/large_villa_pool_tuscany/profile.htm
Situated south Agrezzo border we would be 110 miles from Pisa (2hrs)
About 50 miles from Florence (1hr)
And 80 miles from Rome (about 1hr 30)
And only 60 miles from San Marino - but that would be slow, mountainous driving I believe.
We'll also be a stones throw away from that massive central lake.
Luckily anywhere on the A1 seems like no major driving burden. Leaving at 5am you'd probably even reach Sicily by 9 or 10am on a daring road trip :)
They've also reduced the price and now quoted 4400 euros, as apposed to 4800.
That's 184 euro each.
There is a 1500 euro security deposit, which is fully refundable, so that's a further but returnable 65 euro.
That's 249 euro in total...and 25 pounds under my £250 budget.
18 euro per person for final cleaning. So 202 euros is your actual spend after refunded deposit. That's a very comfortable £182 for me, making a saving of roughly £110 on Berian's chateau.
They are saying something about the sofa-beds costing extra. If people want to go for this one, then I'll try and make a bargain on them with that one. Or just piss in one to get my 100 euros worth ::)
Creed - any luck?
Quote from: Mods on Fri 12/03/2010 22:11:38
Villa Grifone is 24 people.
...
They've also reduced the price and now quoted 4400 euros, as apposed to 4800.
That's 184 euro each.
There is a 1500 euro security deposit, which is fully refundable, so that's a further but returnable 65 euro.
That's 249 euro in total...and 25 pounds under my £250 budget.
18 euro per person for final cleaning. So 202 euros is your actual spend after refunded deposit. That's a very comfortable £182 for me, making a saving of roughly £110 on Berian's chateau.
Actually, I like this one more. Just saying.
Still in - I really don't give a flying hoot about luxury. Just give me a place to bunk down and I'm happy. ;D Most importantly imho is a large communal space...
Okay so - I've had no joy back from the places I tried. The place M0ds found sounds good to me, what about everyone else?
No problem Creed - you tried! The date is the only questionable thing now. Then why not let it go to vote...perhaps someone can create a unanimous vote page :P But if people are really set on the original dates then that's fine and it means it won't be possible to be the cheaper villa I suggested.
Sun July 31st - Fri August 6th for Villa "Don" Grifone. Alternatively a little later from Mon 23rd Aug - Mon 30th Aug. At which point it could be as little as 176 euros each (total payable after refunded security deposit). I just confirmed this, well, they did - it'd be 178 euros.
So that would probably mean +1 day & night of added adventure on Saturday July 30th or the annual AGS-in-an-airport thing.
or Mon July 26th - Mon August 2nd for Villa "Carlito" Beriano. Understandly Mon- Mon makes things a bit easier, but this is why it'd be good to hear people's views on the two dates.
Wow that is quite a bit of difference, and with flights the way they are I am leaning toward Grifone. Dates being moved 4 days east doesn't bother me at all either since I will probably be in Italy before and after those two sets anyways.
So does Sun July 31st - Fri August 6th at Villa "Don" Grifone sound appealing to people?
Looks alright to me.
Consider me appealed.
Sounds good to me.
I presume we won't have to pay the extra EUR300 for heating since it'll be an Italian summer...
Grifone didn't mention heating, so I assume not! Sweet. Based on the last few replies I've gone ahead and made an initial reservation, hopefully hear back tomorrow. Someone else will probably have to help put down the deposit with their card, if that's alright. Thanks Berian. I'll make sure you have an "alright" time ;) I appreciate you guys considering the finances involved here & the slight date change but; lets do this! 8) It'll be awesome!
Quote
The house can accomodate 24 people using 3 sofa beds.
Private equipped pool, gazebo and barbecue.
Rental cost for this week is 4400 euros. Included: electriciy, water, bed linen and towels, house cleaning 2 days per week, wash machine.
Extra: refundable security deposit of 1500 euros, 100 euros per sofa bed per week, final cleaning 18 euros per person (Min 200 euros).
Still getting info on the sofa bed thing.
I'm sure that will be fine, even if the lawn looks a little threadbare in the photos. I like the courtyard! With those dates, I might make some sort of one-week pre-Mittens odyssey from Crete to Italy.
Awesome - Don Grifone sounds appropriately Maffia... ;D
"Few steps from the main body of the villa is a very romantic cottage for two people where you will find a dining room/kitchen, a sofa bed and LCD satellite TV set, in addition to one double twin bedroom (can become a double king) with ensuite bathroom with Jacuzzi bathtub."
dibs
Ah yes there's a seperate 2000 euro fee for the cottage, so I'm glad you're happy to cover that personally Andail ;)
Quote from: Mods on Wed 17/03/2010 12:20:46Ah yes there's a seperate 2000 euro fee for the cottage, so I'm glad you're happy to cover that personally Andail ;)
If I'm allowed to bring my girlfriend I might be interested...
:P
Hello, I have a little wifi in Cyprus so thought I would also agree on the Don Grifone place too. Hooray!
okay, the place seems to now be booked on the days we were going for - I'm hoping that's you, mods. :P
EDIT - Oh no it isn't, I misunderstood the calender! 31st to the 6th is stil there! Get us booked guy! :D
Calendars on sites like that only tend to get updated when the property owners bother to do it anyway. So you never really know if a place is *really* available until you contact them.
Yep. The owner said it was still free on those dates a couple of days ago. I told them it's a definite yesterday so I'm just waiting a reply. If they booked it to someone else in that two day period...goddamn! But I don't think they did. I'll let you know when I know :)
I am in!!!
Oh sh*t, Nacho's coming? Can I still cancel?
;D
Haha! Right, it's a confirmed date.
Quote"Hello,
We inform you that your interested week is still available.
100 euros (to be paid on spot) are per sofa bed per week, it means 50 euros per person per week as a majority for consumption. No camping allowed in the property!
We confirm you the price of 4400 euros including sofa beds.
Looking forward to hear from you, please let me know asap if you wish to proceed so we can send the booking form for you
Regards and thanks!
Sabrina"
If someone can make sense of the sofa bed payment then do say. Its an on the spot fee but it's included in the 4400, is that right?
Quote
Your message has been send
Im loving italy already! lol
Right.
Final details of this place...
Sat 31st July - Sat 7th Aug
The up-front payment is 1760 euro, just under 74 euro each.
The final payment there will be 2640 euro, 110 euro each.
+ 18 euros each for end of stay clean.
Heating is 6 euro per cubic metre, so presuming we don't use any, it'll amount to 0 :)
Total of 202 euros per person.
A security deposit is required to be paid on arrival at the Villa, that amounts to 1500, just under 63 euros each. You will be given this back at the end providing no-ones gone through a window or anything ;)
265 euro total, 63 refunded to you at the end.
Now, who is willing to pay the up front 1760 and let the rest of us pay you back?? :)
No-one can do this?
Okay then, how is everyone for 70 euros by the end of March?
No problem - just let me know how to get it to you...
I don't get the next lot of my student money til mid April, and can't pay till then, but once I get it I can pay in full. Sorry. :(
Understandable. I'm buying a car this week so I too need a few weeks to raise Mittens funds. Thats why it really needs someone to make the initial payment, but that's quite a lot to ask. Ideas?
I can pay my full quota and maybe something more.
I don't have enough "liquid" cash layin' about this year to pay the whole thing but I can easily pay my full portion whenever you (or whoever) need it!
I can have my deposit portion in by the end of the week, and can pay the full amount in the coming few weeks
Thanks for letting us know!
If someone can confirm PayPal withdrawal fees relating to the US I'd be greatful.
I'm wondering if like mine it's changed now, and is completely free to withdraw any amount like it is in the UK..?
Most likely we'll have to PayPal Snarky the initial 75 euro.
Yeah, I've offered to lay out the booking fee. As for sending me the contributions through PayPal, like I just told Mods:
According to the PayPal website (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_display-fees-outside), PayPal charges you 2.9% + $0.30 when receiving sums up to $3000 within the US, and 3.9% + $0.30 for cross-border payments. On a 75 EUR transfer, that's $3.24 and $4.25, respectively, so the PayPal charges in total might come to almost $100.
It's still probably the easiest way, but I'd probably want to split that cost with everyone by asking for a few bucks extra from each person.
Do we have a list of who's coming? The price per person will depend on exactly how many we are.
It'd be best to go on the presumption it is the full 24 people listed as probable on page 1, Snarky. Seriously, I doubt anyone will feel hard done by if only 23 people turn up and we've all paid you $5 for paypal fees when it could've been $4.50, etc :) You're doing the generous deed of reserving the villa..
There is an option to click 'I'll pay the charges' when you make a PayPal transfer now. So there's no need for us to work the charges out, just send 75 Eur in USD, and do the charging thing.
Thanks for offering to do that, Snarky.
But before we all start sending 75 EUR, do we actually have 24 people who are certain enough to pay the deposit now? When does the deposit need to be paid by?
Edit: Its booked, cheers Snarky! :D
Cool...Well CJ deposit needs to be paid ASAP. Currently within 5 hours or so but I have asked for an extension til the end of this week. Snarky is kindly paying a bulk up-front amount, and hopes people can pay asap. Anyone that is able to pay it now should do so, etc. Creed says he needs to wait til payday and I won't have the euro til next month either because I'm buying a car this week. But it's more about helping Snarky out and softening the blow a bit.
At the end of the day, 24 people or not, it looks like we're going to have to pay for 24 anyway. But you're right, a final headcount and rough idea of when you can pay the deposit would be good. Based on people who've chimed in,
Definites, who have paid the full amount:
bicilotti
cat
Chrille
Creed
Disco
Dutch Marco
Esseb
Grundislav
Kim (Creed's girlfriend)
Miez
Mr Jake
Pumaman
Quintaros
Snarky
Tier
(15 folk)
[15 total]
Definites, who have paid the deposit:
AGA
FSi
Jen (AGA's girlfriend)
Mods
(4 folk)
[19 total]
Quote from: AGA on Mon 22/03/2010 16:55:53
There is an option to click 'I'll pay the charges' when you make a PayPal transfer now. So there's no need for us to work the charges out, just send 75 Eur in USD, and do the charging thing.
Great! That sounds much more convenient.
Yeah, I paid the deposit (I think, still don't see anything on my credit card statement), so it's just money owed to me at this point. It'd be good to start seeing some of it coming in over the next few days, I guess, more for my peace of mind than because I expect to need it anytime soon.
I assume we'll have to go through a similar process to pay the rest of the fee? When is that due? If the initial estimates of per-person cost is off, that will give us a chance to adjust.
I think last year there was only a single transfer, to Grundislav. How did that work? Did you just carry the deposit by yourself, Francisco?
Last year I had to pay the place in two payments, I paid with a check for both, and had everyone send money via Paypal. I covered the cost of the security deposit, not including it in the price, so as not to have to worry about giving everyone an individual refund when it was returned.
Also, maybe I missed it, but what is your paypal address, Snarky? And how much is owed?
So what's the PayPal address, Gunnar? I owe Esseb some money, so I will pay for both me and him via PayPal as soon as I know the address.
Quote from: Mods on Tue 23/03/2010 00:06:53Definites, but no discussion of deposit
Darth Mandarb
Hey!!
Quote from: Darth Mandarb on Mon 22/03/2010 13:33:47... but I can easily pay my full portion whenever you (or whoever) need it!
:P
Snarky - awesome! Thanks for paying the deposit! Let me know where to send (and how much) and you'll have it!
Likewise! :P
Quote from: Mods on Tue 23/03/2010 00:06:53
Definites, but no discussion of deposit
Disco
(rewind 10 hours)
Quote from: Disco on Mon 22/03/2010 14:22:03
I can have my deposit portion in by the end of the week, and can pay the full amount in the coming few weeks
Just saying :P
Also thanks Gunnar for securing this place for us. Monies will be soon ^.^
I know it's a late mention but I'm hoping to tag along for a day or two to say hey. I'm about 90% sure I will be there for a day or two. Bring a sleeping bag for myself and crash anywhere there is floor space. I'll buy a couple of crates of beer to compensate for my sleepage in the place, if people are cool with the sound of that.
If people are happy/unhappy with this let me know as I don't have much holiday left this year hence the stay for such a short time.
Quote from: Grundislav on Tue 23/03/2010 01:53:29
Last year I had to pay the place in two payments, I paid with a check for both, and had everyone send money via Paypal. I covered the cost of the security deposit, not including it in the price, so as not to have to worry about giving everyone an individual refund when it was returned.
Also, maybe I missed it, but what is your paypal address, Snarky? And how much is owed?
Hmm, it sounds like (http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/yabb/index.php?topic=39969.msg533312#msg533312) things are
a little bit different exactly the same this year, what with the payment in two stages + a security deposit when we arrive (bringing the 1500 EUR in a suitcase full of money, I guess).
Edit: Hmmm... Would it be easier for people to just make one payment, and I'd then cover both the rental charges? Up to you guys, really.
I guess we'll work out how to pay the rest of the rental and the security deposit later. For now, you should be able to send me money through this page (http://home.comcast.net/~snarkibartfast/mittens2010pay.html). Hopefully there's an option there where you pay the PayPal charges, please choose that. (Stupidly, I can't actually test it since it's my account.)
If you can't pay right now, that's OK. Just send your part of the money when you have it.
I'll pay my part within a week, just have to work out some details and see if my significant other can make it as well.
I am still interested in coming, I'll have to check with my new boss. But as it seems there is no space left anyway, right?
I'll pay asap... I need to pay my rent the 25th, but I will get my wages soon, so, I guess I'll have the money for that... I get around a grand monthly.
I probably haven't paid close attention to the thread so far, but on the site it says "max capacity 28 people"...but on the rest of the site they never mention that number again...what's up with that?
I'm not going, so not a definite.
Quote from: Snarky on Tue 23/03/2010 05:17:33
Quote from: Grundislav on Tue 23/03/2010 01:53:29
Last year I had to pay the place in two payments, I paid with a check for both, and had everyone send money via Paypal. I covered the cost of the security deposit, not including it in the price, so as not to have to worry about giving everyone an individual refund when it was returned.
Also, maybe I missed it, but what is your paypal address, Snarky? And how much is owed?
Hmm, it sounds like (http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/yabb/index.php?topic=39969.msg533312#msg533312) things are a little bit different exactly the same this year, what with the payment in two stages + a security deposit when we arrive (bringing the 1500 EUR in a suitcase full of money, I guess).
Edit: Hmmm... Would it be easier for people to just make one payment, and I'd then cover both the rental charges? Up to you guys, really.
I guess we'll work out how to pay the rest of the rental and the security deposit later. For now, you should be able to send me money through this page (http://home.comcast.net/~snarkibartfast/mittens2010pay.html). Hopefully there's an option there where you pay the PayPal charges, please choose that. (Stupidly, I can't actually test it since it's my account.)
If you can't pay right now, that's OK. Just send your part of the money when you have it.
So is the total 202 Eur per person?
Yes (201.33 EUR to be exact). The security deposit is on top of that. I'm not sure whether I can cover that myself; added to the second rental charge it goes way above my credit limit, so if they're due at the same time I'd have to charge it by some other means. Or maybe someone else could step in for that.
I could change the PayPal button to offer several different payment options (only the pre-payment, the whole thing, the rest of the payment), but honestly it sounds like it would be a mess to keep track of. Would anyone object to giving me the full 202 EUR ahead of time? I wouldn't need it from everyone right away, as long as a few people can pay now-ish (within the next few weeks) and everyone is paid up by the time we go.
Snarky, no, you shouldn't be expected to cover or necessarily deal with that.
I think it best if everyone attending (fully) for the full week be responsible for bringing their own 65 euro in cash to cover the security deposit.
It's obviously not hugely important to them how much they get because they're asking for it in bills on the door to hand back to us when we leave. The question is if we'll ever see them and our deposit again... ;)
Andail - we could take 28 if we wanted. They just add sofa-beds. They've added 3 already to cater for our 24. Price would be higher though of course, but now it's booked & deposit paid - I don't know if it can be altered. So we can't cater for your partner really, sorry. We kinda decided no girlfriends unless they're AGS earlier in the thread. There just isn't space... Really it depends on the few who haven't chimed in and whether the possibles want to take any of the free places or not. We should know for sure by the end of the week who's going to fully comit and who isn't, so we can re-asses the space issue for your missus soon. I did ask about camping but they said no camping in ze villa zeig heil!
Custard - lol oh my bad! shame tho Tommeh!
cat - yes there is space now by the looks of it, please find out with your boss asap!
Magintz - yes definitely pop along!
Nice one Nacho!
And sorry darth and disco I missed those responses. Good stuff though :)
Radiant, Chrille (cheers Chrille!) -- any news guys?
Dualnames, Layabout, Pablo, Wesray, what are your intentions? Never say never!
There's going to be alot of traveling for me this summer and I havn't planned everything. I'm still pretty certain I'll be able to make it in the end and should be able to pay by the end of this week so put me on the list of definites.
Quote from: Mods on Tue 23/03/2010 14:28:56
Snarky, no, you shouldn't be expected to cover or necessarily deal with that.
I think it best if everyone attending (fully) for the full week be responsible for bringing their own 65 euro in cash to cover the security deposit.
It's obviously not hugely important to them how much they get because they're asking for it in bills on the door to hand back to us when we leave. The question is if we'll ever see them and our deposit again... ;)
We're not leaving till we get our money! We'll trash the place if we have to!
Err... Come to think of it, they have my credit card details. Let's not do that!
QuoteAndail - we could take 28 if we wanted. They just add sofa-beds. They've added 3 already to cater for our 24. Price would be higher though of course, but now it's booked & deposit paid - I don't know if it can be altered. So we can't cater for your partner really, sorry. We kinda decided no girlfriends unless they're AGS earlier in the thread. There just isn't space... Really it depends on the few who haven't chimed in and whether the possibles want to take any of the free places or not. We should know for sure by the end of the week who's going to fully comit and who isn't, so we can re-asses the space issue for your missus soon. I did ask about camping but they said no camping in ze villa zeig heil!
If the place can fit 28, I'm sure they're not opposed to adding more people than we initially said and charging extra.
Quote
If the place can fit 28, I'm sure they're not opposed to adding more people than we initially said and charging extra.
Yeah, I can't see it being a problem, it's not like they're going to head count us or anything. And some people always drop out anyway.
Mods just hates girls. :P
Okay, so just to be sure, it's either â,¬202 if we're paying in full, or â,¬74 for just the deposit?
Yes. I'll update the PayPal button to accept 202 EUR once I have a chance, if you hold off a few hours.
I'm not a definite any more because my summer plans have got a bit wonky over the last couple of weeks, sorry.
I'll try to pay the $75 one by the end of this week ._.
Snarky, didn't know if my PM arrived, but I prolly will need your IBAN.
Quote from: Mods on Tue 23/03/2010 14:28:56
Dualnames, Layabout, Pablo, Wesray, what are your intentions? Never say never!
And as usual, I'd love to come, but short on income. Again. Well, have fun you all! :D
I need to make sure I can get the time off and then I will update
I have deposited :D
Good luck Eric, it would be nice if you could make it :)
Quote from: Disco on Thu 25/03/2010 14:09:50
I have deposited :D
Yes, in pretty much every AGS meet location :(
I've now made my deposit!
Is it worth starting a new thread now that we've actually booked a place, so that we can more easily keep track of what's going on?
Oh, I'm definitely a definite, Mods.
My boss confirmed my vacation so I'm a definite!
Good stuff!
Thanks again Gunnar for getting the depozio sorted :)
I won't make it after all. :( Seems that I have a conference to attend in early August. Work sucks (sometimes).
Have a lot of fun, guys!
So I'm hoping to be able to show up for a short time there myself too - not attending the full Mittens, but making a short (time-wise) trip there by motorcycle (that should be a great trip, through either Belgium/France or GermanyAustria and Italy, and I have my reasons to look forward to that - like never having ridden my bike on long trips across Eureop before, and being slightly tired of the flatness of this country, and some other stuff too.
So I now depend on some technical issues to see if I can get my motorbike-license in order again on time (I hope to achieve that before May) so presuming that works out OK, I'll need some place (pref. nearby) to stay for one night or maybe 2. Anyone has any suggestions? (you could also suggest 'get off your lazy #### and look for yourself, but you can't blame me for asking, now can you?)
Darn, I do wish everyone all the best, it's a very nice looking venue and I'm sure you'll all enjoy it, hence teh darn: I wish I could come.
Darn, I asked too soon, I guess, it's on the site itself:
http://www.yourtuscanvilla.com/tuscany_small_country_hotels/list/rating/list.htm (http://www.yourtuscanvilla.com/tuscany_small_country_hotels/list/rating/list.htm)
Argh. I just made the full payment, but I never did see an option for paying the transfer charges. Would it be alright if I gave you the money for that in Italy, Snarky?
So, guys...? I've just had a look at my PayPal status, and it looks like PayPal is taking 8.23 EUR out of each 202 EUR transaction, and then screwing me on the exchange rate on top of that. All in all, I'll be out almost $400 on the whole thing. (What a fucking rip-off!)
AGA, do you have any idea where I can set up this option to have sender pay transaction costs? If not, I'm going to have to redo the payment setup to add it to the charge, and also to make payment in USD. I'll cancel the transactions for those of you who have already paid to refund your money, and we'll start again.
Oh, and if someone would volunteer to test the new settings once they're set up, that would help a lot!
Edit: Oh, I see. If I make a payment page, they charge exorbitant fees. But if each person sends the money "spontaneously" as a personal transaction, there are no fees (within the US) or very low fees (for the rest of the world), and/i] the seller can elect to pay them. OK, I'll fix the payment instructions and convert the sums to USD.
Oh, I just discovered Norway it's not an EU country, hence I can't pay via wire transfer, pfft
Don't worry, I'll borrow a credit card and send the dough before 01/04
Aye Snarky, may be best if you can share your PayPal address rather than use Pay now buttons.
I for one can't pay it all in one go, so I'd prefer to pay you 40 euro this week perhaps and the other 35 in a fortnight when I have more.
Ok, let us know exactly how to pay you and I'll transfer the money again.
Mark, I edited your people attending list with the latest info from this thread.
Cheers! DS, Eric and Jess aren't definites anymore - unless you've heard anything from them.
Yeah, I was thinking of moving a few people into 'quite likely but not entirely definite' or something, but it seemed overkill. I spoke to DS recently though, and he seems very unlikely now, because he's busy with work.
I'm going to confront my art lead right..... NOW! BE BACK WITH UPDATE
UPDATE:
I am going to put in for the time off now and it should go through the approval process just fine, I am a strong definite
Does that mean Jess is definitely in too?
We are attached at the genitals so yes
Good news!
And definitely too much info!! ;)
Hey Mark, have you heard from Quintaros? If not, might be worth sending him a PM or something. Or Facebook perhaps.
Yup, will facebook him.
I've put updated payment instructions up here (http://home.comcast.net/~snarkibartfast/mittens2010pay.html).
Thanks to all of you who have been so eager to give me money!
Quote from: Snarky on Wed 31/03/2010 05:43:07
I've put updated payment instructions up here (http://home.comcast.net/~snarkibartfast/mittens2010pay.html).
Thanks to all of you who have been so eager to give me money!
Mmm, another sneaky one. I thought RickJ was a reallly hidden one, but you sir..or should I call you "snarkibartfast"?
I just sent you the full amount again. Let me know if I missed something!
There, payed the $101 one.
Hopefully did everything right.
Upd: Oh, that probably makes me a 'definite'.
Okay, so I texted Matt (Tier), and he said he's on holiday until Saturday, but he will pay his deposit then.
Quote from: AGA on Tue 30/03/2010 13:43:49
Hey Mark, have you heard from Quintaros? If not, might be worth sending him a PM or something. Or Facebook perhaps.
Sorry for being late to respond. I just wanted to confirm with my girlfriend that she could get the following week off. Now that that's settled, I'm in and will pay the deposit over the weekend.
Ok, is there a way to transfer money to a paypal account WITHOUT logging in to paypal? (i.e. using credit card only)?
No, not to a personal account (like I have).
If you give bicci the pay now button option he can do it without having a paypal..
Nope, doesn't work that way. The first thing that happens when you click the Pay Now button is that it asks you to log in to PayPal. That's why I could never test the payment process myself with that method.
With a business or premier account I could create a button that would take credit card payments, but not with a regular personal account.
bicilotti, a wire transfer is probably your best bet. That Norway isn't an EU country ought not to be a problem; you can make these transfers internationally (I just made one from the US to Italy, and in the past I've made transfers between the EU, US and Norway in pretty much all directions). If you really can't make it work, a final resort would be Western Union, though I'm sure they would take a good chunk of the money too.
Ah I see. I've had a business account for years so I keep assuming it's the norm.
This might come in useful for you gentlepeeps:
http://learnitalian.elanguageschool.net/
And I've learnt somethings essential from the free language-course (appetiser) offered by Nokia for owners of their phones:
Leie capisce l'Inglese?
Do you understand English?
Io capisco un po l'Italiano.
I understand Italian a little bit.
These might come in handy in your travels in Italy. (maybe rephrase that last one to Io no capisco.) I think it might be very useful to recognize these phrases (maybe even pronounce them!) When dealing with the authorities (hopefully that won't happen, but as Eoin Colfer stated in H2G2 6/3 wrt simple hand gestures: One being's "This pasta is fantastico" is another's "Your mama plays it hot and loose with sailors". (iirc number 2 or 3 in the intergalactic poll on causes of warfare) Now translate that last sentence to Italian and you're ready to go on holiday.
Went to my bank, paid my thang!
Snarky:
wiretransfer - 207 â,¬uros*, should be visible in your account on April, 9th or shortly after!
Yay for my first Mittens!!!
*Google told me that
I am paying the deposit right now.
Er, actually, turns out I paid in full. Sweet.
Regarding location, it's not far from Lucignano, AR, Italy. Will have exact details asap, the directions are a bit rough at the mo; "From Florence or Rome you leave motorway A1 in Valdichiana exit and follow for Foiano della Chiana. When you arrive in Foiano you follow direction for Lucignano and from the centre of Foiano we are at 4 kms on your right."
I haven't found the Grifone pool on Google Earth yet :P I've emailed for more specific details.
People coming from the UK, any solid travel plans yet? I'm thinking of flying to London and taking a budget airline from there, as it might be cheaper that flying from Miami to Florence.
Budget isn't particularly cheap to Italy, it seems. We're talking £170 minimum, ~£220 for most airlines. Dunno if that's better than you'd pay for direct though.
RyanAir only do their deals a couple of months in advance don't they?
Where aers 170, I've found around 200 so far..?
Ryanair - London Stansted to Pisa. But that's flying late the day before. Which might be a good idea anyway. But yeah, the prices might change before we get around to booking.
Thanks to everyone who've paid their share! Just to verify, here's the list of people I've got money from:
Grundislav - 277
AGA - 101
Esseb - 277
Darth Mandarb - 277
FSi - 101
Disco - 101
Pumaman - 277
Mr Jake - 277
Chrille - 277
Quintaros - 277
cat - 277
bicilotti - 277
Tier - 277
Miez - 277
Jen (AGA's gf) - 101
Mods - 68
Creed Malay - 277
Kimi (Creed's gf) - 277
The money collected so far covers (in fact exceeds) the deposit. Tempting as it is to take those few hundred dollars left over and flee to Mexico, I know that sooner or later, Mitteneers would find me wherever I try to hide.
I'll add to this list as other payments arrive.
Mittens 2011, how does Mexico sound, guys?
Jess and I will pay you, let me just get this comic convention out of the way first! PLEASE
Mittens 10 is meant to be Mods's big Caribbean thing! Dunno how likely that is really though, given the likely expense. The Caribbean is close enough to Mexico to hunt down Snarky though.
Okay, since there seem to be three spaces left to fill, I'm going to bring my girlfriend. So, unless there are loads of objections, she can send her deposit to Snarky right away?
If it's allowed to bring girlfriends I wanna lay claim to one of the spots too!
Girlfreind spot claim here too!
I have paid the full amount, woo! Now to find some flights...
Quote from: AGA on Fri 09/04/2010 20:37:54
Okay, since there seem to be three spaces left to fill, I'm going to bring my girlfriend. So, unless there are loads of objections, she can send her deposit to Snarky right away?
Well as you'd only be reading a book for the entire visit without her, this is allowed ;)
If you're positive DS, Becky and Radiant aren't able to visit.
I'll have my deposit amount around the 29th of this month.
As for the Carribean, it's still on the cards. That or the Azores. Otherwise it'd be good to host a decade of Mittens back in the UK, maybe Ireland or somewhere random like Guernsey. Plenty to discuss at Mittalia...also wouldn't 2012 be the official decade...
Becky and DS are definitely not in. Not sure about Radiant. So it's either two or one free spaces left now, after I've claimed one, I guess.
Quote from: AGA on Sun 11/04/2010 19:42:41
So it's either two or one free spaces left now, after I've claimed one, I guess.
I guess this means we won't be sharing a bed this year :'(
Quote from: Disco on Sun 11/04/2010 19:52:26
Quote from: AGA on Sun 11/04/2010 19:42:41
So it's either two or one free spaces left now, after I've claimed one, I guess.
I guess this means we won't be sharing a bed this year :'(
Not unless you can convince Jen to let you in with us. Not very likely though.
Okay, Snarky, you should have received some moneys from my girlfriend.
Yup, got it.
All this stuff is out of date:Quote from: AGA on Sun 11/04/2010 19:42:41
Becky and DS are definitely not in. Not sure about Radiant. So it's either two or one free spaces left now, after I've claimed one, I guess.
I still figure they'll let us bring up to 28 people if that's how many can fit in the house, so potentially 5-6 free spaces.
Counting out Becky and Adamski...I haven't got
any money from these people:
Nacho
I've got the first $101 from these people, but not the other $176:
AGA
FSi
Mods
Jen (AGA's gf)
These people canceled:
Andail
MrColossal
Finkenstein
Radiant
There's no rush, it's just for our reference so we can keep track of where we're at.
Edit: Missed AndailEdit 2: Updated to current status
So did Andail pay you? He's not in your list (http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/yabb/index.php?topic=39969.msg536121#msg536121), but he has expressed an interest.
No, but I intend to pay when I get home from my vacation in Barcelona, which is tomorrow.
On a side note, my girlfriend can't make it, so there's one spot more for somebody else's girlfriend to claim, although in return I might claim that girlfriend, being there alone and all. Just saying it's a risk you're taking, ya know what I'm saying.
For the GPS location it's here:
http://www.fattoriaiponti.com/
On Google earth its here I believe:
43°16'7.37"N 11°46'51.43"E
Or could be the one just to the south east of that position.
The page you linked claims 43°16'017N 11°46'619E.
Yeah but I don't know how to make that work in GE :P
I get a road when I put in that one.
Still can't find a place near it that looks like the photos :/
43°16'01.7N 11°46'61.9E works, and is near Foiana della Chiana, the place mentioned on the other website. This (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=43.2667138889,+11.7683861111&sll=51.548277,-3.271034&sspn=0.020362,0.038581&ie=UTF8&z=13) is a Google Maps link to the same place, only in lat/long instead of degrees.
Well I'm intrigued why it points to a location that looks nothing like the villa...
Hmm, well it's definitely in about the right area. Did you try contacting the people to get the exact postal address?
Is anyone else flying to Pisa? I get pretty decent Ryanair prices to Pisa
Milan is waaay cheaper than Pisa, and it's only about four hours away from the house.
Bam (http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=attoria+I+Ponti&sll=43.265949,11.787917&sspn=0.002969,0.00559&ie=UTF8&ll=43.266851,11.776035&spn=0.00134,0.00662=h&z=18&layer=c&cbll=43.266851,11.776033&panoid=hca1qOmkqwCSG0TtR_oONw&cbp=11,21.51,,0,14.41)
Hooray for Streetview!
Quote from: AGA on Tue 13/04/2010 12:50:06
Milan is waaay cheaper than Pisa, and it's only about four hours away from the house.
I'm riding (by train) from Milan to Villa Grifone. If any mittener lands there we could travel together.
Quote from: Tier on Tue 13/04/2010 14:16:12
Bam (http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=attoria+I+Ponti&sll=43.265949,11.787917&sspn=0.002969,0.00559&ie=UTF8&ll=43.266851,11.776035&spn=0.00134,0.00662=h&z=18&layer=c&cbll=43.266851,11.776033&panoid=hca1qOmkqwCSG0TtR_oONw&cbp=11,21.51,,0,14.41)
Hooray for Streetview!
Yes! But um, there should be a clearly visible pool! And regarding full address I was just given that website and told to follow the directions on there, but I'll probably email them again soon if we're still confused.
As for the bus Berian, go for it - but there may be 11 of us travelling from the UK (if you include Nacho and Grundy). I'm inclined to hire a seperate car. See how it goes.
Doesn't the website mention that the place has just been renovated. In which case, the satellite picture could be out of date. Still a bit worrying though.
Regarding transport, I think Disco and I might be flying out a few days before and then get a train to the nearest station( Lucignano or Foiano della Chiana I believe).
I might be comin' from the UK too ... Nacho and I are discussing the pre-Mittens arrangements. I flew into London before Mittens '08 but, due to my connecting flight mishaps in New York I was 12 hours late, hadn't slept in two days, and was only there for about 6 hours (which I used to sleep). So I'd like to get that time back if possible to explore the city.
Tarah (my special lady-friend) will be with me. If there isn't that available spot [for the girlfriends] she will go visit her sister (who lives in Italy) but she expressed interest in hanging out with a bunch of computer geeks for a week in the Italian country-side. She loves geeks (obviously or I'd have never attracted her).
Quote from: Tier on Tue 13/04/2010 14:49:49
Doesn't the website mention that the place has just been renovated. In which case, the satellite picture could be out of date. Still a bit worrying though.
Regarding transport, I think Disco and I might be flying out a few days before and then get a train to the nearest station( Lucignano or Foiano della Chiana I believe).
Yes, true. And checking again that place does look like the buildings TBH :) Better photos on the alternate website. Edit: Oh, and the bloody sign .^^
Keep us posted Darth. Still looks like there is a gf spot for you, so no worries.
PS: Restaraunts, bars & supermarket locations: http://italia.indettaglio.it/ita/toscana/foianodellachiana.html
I looked at ryanair's flights some weeks ago and managed to miss both Milano and Pisa (geography lessons anyone?). At first I was going to fly directly to Florence for about 260â,¬ but going to Milano would save me about 200â,¬ in flight costs!
I might arrive a day or so earlier to to spend some time in Milano, but either way I'd be interested in traveling together from Milano.
As would I. I'm just trying to coordinate flights right now, since there's a huge gap between morning/afternoon flights and I don't know what time everyone wants to arrive at the Villa on Saturday.
Cool! Villa check in time is between 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm
Edit: Repeat If anyone is considering flying in on FRIDAY rather than SATURDAY (it's cheaper) do let me know :) Seems Milan is the best place to fly into.
Mark, I'm considering flying in to Milan a day early, which is to say Friday, so as not to be cutting it close with the trains and the travel time and whatnot. PM me or something so we can discuss this further.
I also think I'll be arriving Friday but quite late around 11PM.
Quote from: bicilotti on Tue 13/04/2010 14:39:36
Quote from: AGA on Tue 13/04/2010 12:50:06
Milan is waaay cheaper than Pisa, and it's only about four hours away from the house.
I'm riding (by train) from Milan to Villa Grifone. If any mittener lands there we could travel together.
How much might that cost sir?
Grundislav & Quintaros: Awesome. I'll check some flights and get in touch with you chaps soon :)
Anyone thinking of flying into Rome (FCO)? I'll be coming from Cyprus, and am looking at similar prices for flights into Rome (Saturday at 11:30) and Milan (at 13:45). And Rome is only half as far away. Of course, if there's a bunch of people meeting up in Milan and traveling together from there, that would probably be more convenient regardless.
So um, anyone want to go by ferry and road? ::)
Quote
Over the past 1,100 years, Eyjafjallajökull has erupted four times: in 920, in 1612, between 1821 and 1823, and in 2010. Each of the first three of these incidents preceded an eruption in the nearby subglacial volcano, Katla.
The eruption of this nearby long-dormant volcano in March and April 2010 prompted fears among some geophysicists that it might trigger an eruption at the larger and more dangerous Katla.[9][10][11] In the past, all three known eruptions of Eyjafjallajökull triggered subsequent Katla eruptions.
Silent beast...and no doubt the PTB are expecting it. Katla would bring global flight to a standstill. Could be an interesting summer, getting stranded or not even getting to Italy :P Then living under a dark ash cloud. :=
Where is Katla?
My girlfriend is currently stranded in Iran due to the eruption... wasting her remaining vacation time so that she may not be able to meet me in Italy after Mittens.
Now you're telling me that this volcano has a Round 2...
Katla is about 50 miles or so away from Ejakpleurghnburgh (the currently erupting one).
I hope your girlfriend gets some leniancy over the delays dude! If insurance companies are going to class it as an act of God & leave many people skint then it's pretty cheeky for businesses to dock people's vacation allowance too.
Oh well next thing you know global recession, global meltdown and everything starts again and there's no such thing as work or money. Or Iceland. :=
okay, I am about to pay, just need to let them let me have a paypal account! :)
I just booked my flights to Milan, I'll arrive on thursday 29th to see the city before going down to Florence. Havn't looked at places to stay in Milan nor at ways to get to Florence though.
I bought my train ticket to Firenze and will arrive there at Saturday morning. Are you planning to go to Firenze during the week for some sightseeing? If not, I'd spend the Saturday there and come to the villa in the evening. How will you guys arriving at Milano come to the villa? What's the next trainstation?
Quote from: cat on Mon 26/04/2010 08:55:04
Are you planning to go to Firenze during the week for some sightseeing?
I'm sure there will be at least some people interested in doing a day trip to Florence; we don't tend to make firm plans in advance but I'm sure there will be people who want to do that one day.
QuoteHow will you guys arriving at Milano come to the villa? What's the next trainstation?
Some of us are planning to rent a car and drive down, I'm not sure what the nearest train station is but we can probably find that on the internet.
I will prolly come by train (or someone elses car :P).
We can throw a party the night before the trip \o/.
Additional infos:
from Milan to Arezzo is like 40â,¬.
My crappy flat in Milan can house 2 people (which should be Star Trekkers Matt&Disco).
40 euro each way bici? or is that a return ticket :)
Quote from: Mods on Tue 04/05/2010 16:08:09
40 euro each way bici? or is that a return ticket :)
Each way! If we are enough (like, ten or so) I can go and beg for a lower price, but I need
brains names of the traveller)
I think I can manage to get from Firenze to Arezzo without any problems (given that there is no sciopero ;-) ). But how do I get from there to the villa?
So, 80 euro? Ouch! Still cheaper than if I'd flown directly to Firenze though. Bicilotti, is there a schedule for this train somewhere? How many times a day it leaves etc?
It seems there are going to be quite alot of us staying in Milan for at least one night. I guess a hostel would be the cheapest option.
Quote from: cat on Tue 04/05/2010 16:38:01
I think I can manage to get from Firenze to Arezzo without any problems (given that there is no sciopero ;-) ). But how do I get from there to the villa?
Yeah - I'd have the same question. I'm actually going to be in Italy a week early (to see some of the sights) but getting to the villa is going to be ... interesting.
Ah yes much needed info. Hopefully some car renters will be able to pick you up and bring you from Foiana, Arezzo or further if there's any major problems. It may be good to ascertain just how many people will be going to Milan first and then look into more car rentals.
For bus times from Arezzo to Foiana della Chiana see page 43 of this PDF:
http://www.etruriamobilita.it/orari/_OrarioGeneraleInverno2009-2010.pdf
There appears to be a bus every 30 minutes or less, but I have no idea how to tell Friday from Saturday on that thing
I haven't found bus information from Foiana central to the villa, but if all else fails - get a cab from Foiana to Pieve Vecchia (and maybe take a google map snapshot with you too). It's a five minute cab ride.
Here's a map (http://www.screen7.co.uk/junc/foianamap.jpg)
You can point at a circle and say "Here. Heeeeeere. .... No, no... Heeeeere. Yeah. Here." If anyone can provide the Italian for "Here, please" - that would work great in conjunction with the map. :P
You could probably ask a taxi driver in Foiana to take you to "Villa I Ponti .. Villa Pieve". I'm sure they do it frequently through the year! Shouldn't be more than 10 euro.
Don't forget to look at Street view (http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=attoria+I+Ponti&sll=43.265949,11.787917&sspn=0.002969,0.00559&ie=UTF8&ll=43.266851,11.776035&spn=0.00134,0.00662=h&z=18&layer=c&cbll=43.266851,11.776033&panoid=hca1qOmkqwCSG0TtR_oONw&cbp=11,21.51,,0,14.41) to familiarise yourself with the actual location, and whats near it should you walk or be on a bus.
The blue dashed line = the bus route from Arezzo to Foiana.
Yellow circle = taxi rank, bar & shops
Yellow dots = "Strada Provinciale Siena-Cortona" aka the road to Mittens
Blue circle = the villa
Note, for the active amongst you, it's a 2 mile walk from Foiana to the villa. If you manage to find information on a bus from Pieve Vecchia then it's only about a three-quarter mile walk to the villa.
PS Yous Italians may find some bus info at the Foiana website? http://www.comune.foiano.ar.it/
Cool m0ds - thanks for the info!
No problem dude, just try not to take the wrong turn and end up 20 miles somewhere else! Not that you've ever done that before ;)
Thanks for the info!
Quote from: Mods on Wed 05/05/2010 16:45:56
No problem dude, just try not to take the wrong turn and end up 20 miles somewhere else! Not that you've ever done that before ;)
What, me? Direction sense of a homing pigeon I have! ;D
Quote from: Mods on Wed 05/05/2010 15:13:24
Ah yes much needed info. Hopefully some car renters will be able to pick you up and bring you from Foiana, Arezzo or further if there's any major problems. It may be good to ascertain just how many people will be going to Milan first and then look into more car rentals.
I'm planning to rent a vehicle for the following week so I may as well get it for Mittens as well.
I can take three or four from Milan (arriving at LIN-Linate at 9:30PM)
Ok, so 7 of us have booked flights which land at Milan Malpensa at 10:05am on Fri 30 Jul. We're planning to hire a car then to drive to and for the duration of mittens.
Is anybody else flying in to Malpensa who wants in on the car?
It now looks like being two four seater cars. Which would leave one possible space. However, we're also planning to spend the day and night in either Milan, so you'll have to be up for doing that too!
Would I be able to get in a car if I arrived in Milan on Saturday the 31st?
Scratch that. I can arrive in Milan at 4:15pm on Friday the 30th. If there's a space available in one of the cars, I'll gladly take it!
Hmm, well we're arriving quite a bit later than that. But we won't actually be leaving Milan until the next day, so I suppose as long as you can get into Milan yourself that'd be fine. I think there's a train station at the airport that would let you travel into Milan central yourself?
Could you possibly pick me up from Firenze or Arezzo?
Quote from: cat on Wed 12/05/2010 08:20:28
Could you possibly pick me up from Firenze or Arezzo?
Second that - if there's any seat left I'd like to apply for a seat as well ... either from Firenze or Arezzo (or any other place in the general area). :)
@Miez
So, if its not possible, we could at least team up for the challange to get to the villa.
Quote from: cat on Wed 12/05/2010 09:16:31
@Miez
So, if its not possible, we could at least team up for the challange to get to the villa.
True. Italy in double trouble. :D
I'd be interested in going by car from Milan as well if there's space.
For the people getting the train from Milan, I am led to believe that the villa is roughly equidistant from two local train stops (Lucigiano and Foiano della Chiana) on the line from Arezzo. That would involve about a two-three mile walk, depending on the station.
Map (http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF&msa=0&msid=116355300484209657323.00048662b7b0ba5394db7) (Feel free to add anything else onto the map)
Bicilotti, Disco and I should be getting the train down from Milan on the day. Who else is definitely travelling by train besides Cat and Miez?
Quote from: Chrille on Wed 12/05/2010 10:36:40
I'd be interested in going by car from Milan as well if there's space.
You can ride with me. Any others?
Yeah, since it seems like no one else would like to go from Rome, I'd be very happy if I could hop on in Milan. (Getting from Rome FCO to the villa by public transport seems like an exhausting all-day venture.)
Edit: When were you planning on leaving? I can get a 150 EUR flight to Milan BGY getting in at 17:45, while a flight to Milan MXP at 13:45 is twice that price.
I finally informed myself, and found out that we can get a 10% discount if we there are at least 10 of us (talking about Milan - Arezzo).
I will prolly go by train, are there any folks interested? No need to be deifnite, it's just to test the water.
p.s.: snarky, it's not really a great idea to travel from rome to milan to get back to the villa. Can't you just take a train to arezzo and let them lift you from there to our destination?
Quote from: AGA on Wed 12/05/2010 00:16:31
It now looks like being two four seater cars. Which would leave one possible space. However, we're also planning to spend the day and night in either Milan, so you'll have to be up for doing that too!
I don't know if this includes me but I'm willing to rent but no matter who with I would need those people to help pay for it in advance. It would be about 75 euro each rental and maybe 25 petrol. So those wishing to go by
train are you sure you don't want to get in on the car? Because the total train fare is 80 euro. For the same amount, 20 euro extra, you'll get a personal seat in a car
throughout Mittens. There might be problems if we
all want to go out but only 80% of us can be seated in cars.
We do need to double-check drivers, who is willing at least. So far its CJ, Quintaros, me possibly... Anyone else? Still: Let's split down the current info.
Train:
1. Bicilotti
2. Tier
3. Disco
And possible car arrangements. Well, just to give an idea of spaces and alternatives, etc.. I'm not suggesting you actually ride with these people :P Apart from car 1, who already have their minds made up ;)
Car 1 - CJ:
CJ
AGA
Jen
Jake
Creed
Kim
Grundislav
Esseb
Car 2:
Quintaros
Snarky
Train:
cat
miez
Currently unknown:
Chrille
Mods
Wait! Perhaps it's Darth who is another willing driver?
Okay ... my plans have (maybe) changed a bit. I am bringing Tarah with me but now where we "land" is up in the air.
There are a few things I need/want to see while in Italy (Rome, Pompeii/Vesuvius, Venice, etc) so if people want to make some road-trips during mittens (which would be preferable) that would be great! However, if nobody else wants to make the road-trips (which is fine, of course!) I want to plan around doing them before/after Mittens. I figure if I'm going all the way to Italy I'm going to see all those places I have always wanted to see!! :)
I will probably rent a car where ever we (Tarah and I) land so we'd probably have (at least) 2 spaces available. However, we have talked about trains as well so that's not fully decided just yet!
I know I mentioned it before but this thread is 20 pages long now ... anybody interested in Rome, Pompeii, Venice? Let me know and let's solidify some plans!
What you also have to consider is highway toll in Italy. It's not that cheap, if I remember correctly.
Personally, I'm not up for a lot of road trips during Mittens. I planned an extra week afterwards to take care of my desire to see Italy. During Mittens I'd rather just relax and socialize in the vicinity of the villa.
There are so many nice places to go in Tuscany (Firenze, San Gimignano, Volterra, Siena,...), I think we should do some of those trips and people that stay longer in Italy go to Rome, Pompeii, Venzia.
Quote from: bicilotti on Wed 12/05/2010 15:26:47
p.s.: snarky, it's not really a great idea to travel from rome to milan to get back to the villa. Can't you just take a train to arezzo and let them lift you from there to our destination?
It's not a matter of going from Rome to Milan and back to the villa, but of flying to Milan instead of Rome. The train option seemed painful and complicated enough that I'd rather avoid it.
Like I asked in my last post, would a 17:45 arrival at Milano BGY be OK (what with possible delays, and baggage and all, it might mean as late as 7 PM before I'd be ready to go) with the other car people? Seems a bit late to start a 4-hour drive...
Well for those of us who can't get 2 weeks off (I went on a cruise last week using 1 of my 2 allowed vacation weeks) cramming as much into the week is a necessity! I have managed to squeeze a few extra days out of them, but not another full week.
So whoever is interested let me know! It'd be great to have a group traveling together! Venice is a long way from the villa so Tarah and I will probably do that after and, no offense, but I want to be alone with her in Venice :P I know in France we made a day trip to Bastogne and it worked out very well (except for that traffic jam on the way back!).
I'll go by myself (with Tarah of course ... unless Andail steals her heart from me!!) but I thought I'd just offer up the option to see if anybody else was interested!
Quote from: Snarky on Wed 12/05/2010 16:09:16
Quote from: bicilotti on Wed 12/05/2010 15:26:47
p.s.: snarky, it's not really a great idea to travel from rome to milan to get back to the villa. Can't you just take a train to arezzo and let them lift you from there to our destination?
Like I asked in my last post, would a 17:45 arrival at Milano BGY be OK (what with possible delays, and baggage and all, it might mean as late as 7 PM before I'd be ready to go) with the other car people? Seems a bit late to start a 4-hour drive...
It's not so late. Maybe people should start posting their arrival information so that the car arrangements can be organized.
Quote from: Darth Mandarb on Wed 12/05/2010 17:05:01
Well for those of us who can't get 2 weeks off (I went on a cruise last week using 1 of my 2 allowed vacation weeks) cramming as much into the week is a necessity! I have managed to squeeze a few extra days out of them, but not another full week.
Yeah, I can appreciate that. If the majority of people want day trips I will go with the flow but I think I prefer Cat's recommendation of keeping them in the Tuscany area.
A day trip within Tuscany (though not much further) could be a good idea. Of the cities Tier and I are visiting before and after Mittens, we were not able to fit in some nearby ones like Siena or Florence. We were assuming at least one day trip though which is customary.
Currently we are landing in Milan 4 days early and leaving straight away for Turin, then back to Milan a couple days before Mittens. Afterwards, our itinerary takes us through Cortona, Assisi, and Venice (where we shall happily provide a buzzkill for anyone's romantic plans ;)) before flying back to London from Milan.
Magintz is currently planning on doing the 4 day Turin/Milan leg with us, but would be flying back the day Mittens starts, so would be around to visit anyone who is there the few days prior.
Creed's plus one (Kimi) said she would help drive whatever car she's in. But she can only drive an automatic, so it might just be better for whoever's car it is (Mods?) to do all the driving instead.
Also CJ's car will probably be a five seater, with Esseb crammed in there too.
Quote from: Disco on Wed 12/05/2010 18:32:06Currently we are landing in Milan 4 days early and leaving straight away for Turin, then back to Milan a couple days before Mittens. Afterwards, our itinerary takes us through Cortona, Assisi, and Venice (where we shall happily provide a buzzkill for anyone's romantic plans ;)) before flying back to London from Milan.
Haha! Well we can all travel there together (would be fun) but you can't come on the romantic gondola ride with us (unless you steer it and do that singing stuff) :P
I am thinking that the road-trip might have to be something like Pisa (it seems roughly the same distance as the Bastogne trip was - might be a bit further, hard to tell on google maps). I've heard Pisa is a tad underwhelming but I still would like to see the leaning tower thing-a-ma-bob.
Pompeii looks to be very far and would probably take too much time away from Mittens so I'll worry about that outside of the Mittens time-line. I'm flying into Rome so that solves that little bit as well.
Sooo ... Pisa anyone?? :)
Quote from: Darth Mandarb on Wed 12/05/2010 18:46:35
Haha! Well we can all travel there together (would be fun) but you can't come on the romantic gondola ride with us (unless you steer it and do that singing stuff) :P
Well I am confident in my singing but will only steer if there is a Red Cross nearby, a caveat I'm sure will dissuade you :P
Dunno the time frame you are working with but we have alloted two days each in Cortona and Assisi and three in Venice, making it 10-13th I believe, so we can see about making the journey together at points. Would be fun I agree :D
---
I just checked some mileage from the Villa on possible daytrips:
- Castiglione del Lago (on the large lake nearby) - 32km/20 miles (36 minutes by car)
- Perugia - 61km/38 miles (57 minutes)
- Pisa - 189km/117 miles or (2 hours)
- Siena - 50km/31 miles (53 minutes)
- Florence - 86km/53 miles (1 hour 10 minutes)
okay, caus eof times and all, the early arrivers cars are looking like-
car 1 - CJ, Berian and his fair lady, and jake
car 2 - me, my fair lady, esseb and grundislav
I guess there's a potential two more seats there, but remember we'll all have baggage and stuff. but we've alwayts managed to cram it in before. I gues it's down to how many care people want?
Four seater cars are cheaper than fives, so it's more likely to be just us eight. Unless people really to go for another two seats.
Yeah TBH I'd rather be a car able to mission it about and pick random people up. But there's no way I could cover the rental cost on my own initially. And if all else fails I'll be taking the train :=
Quote from: Quintaros on Wed 12/05/2010 18:07:07
Quote from: Snarky on Wed 12/05/2010 16:09:16
Like I asked in my last post, would a 17:45 arrival at Milano BGY be OK (what with possible delays, and baggage and all, it might mean as late as 7 PM before I'd be ready to go) with the other car people? Seems a bit late to start a 4-hour drive...
It's not so late. Maybe people should start posting their arrival information so that the car arrangements can be organized.
OK, I've booked that ticket, then. I'm arriving at Milano BGY on Saturday July 31, on Blue-Air 511 from Larnaca (Cyprus), scheduled to land at 17:45. For now, I'm assuming I'll meet up there with Quintaros and the rest of the people in that car and drive down that evening.
I've started making a list of people's arrival and departure times: http://www.agagames.com/Arrivals_and_departures.html. So far it's just Snarky and the early arriving British crew.
Once again I have to skip mittens. I am very sad.
I'm afraid I have to echo Andail here. I will very likely end up in Italy this year, only not that week. Have fun, everyone!
I arrive in Milano (Bergamo) on July 29th at 18:30 and depart on August 7th at 14:45.
Sad to hear you guys won't be able to make it :/
The Mid-Atlantic crew now have air passage.
Arrival: 27 July 10:05 Gatwick - Malpensa (easyJet 5291)
Departure: 13 August 21:20 Malpensa - Gatwick (easyJet 5298)
Quote from: Chrille on Mon 17/05/2010 16:14:36
I arrive in Milano (Bergamo) on July 29th at 18:30 and depart on August 7th at 14:45.
Sad to hear you guys won't be able to make it :/
Got flight numbers / airline name, just in case we need them?
Quote from: Disco on Mon 17/05/2010 16:20:03
The Mid-Atlantic crew now have air passage.
Arrival: 27 July 10:05 Gatwick - Malpensa (easyJet 5291)
Departure: 13 August 21:20 Malpensa - Gatwick (easyJet 5298)
That's you and Matt?
Yep AGA
The airline is Ryanair and the flight numbers are FR4713 (to Milano) and FR4712 (from Milano).
Quote from: cat on Wed 12/05/2010 16:05:53
There are so many nice places to go in Tuscany (Firenze, San Gimignano, Volterra, Siena,...), I think we should do some of those trips and people that stay longer in Italy go to Rome, Pompeii, Venzia.
Yeah, a couple of day trips should be fun. We don't all need to agree in advance -- as per usual Mittens practice, the people that are interested in going somewhere can just get together and do it.
QuoteAlso CJ's car will probably be a five seater, with Esseb crammed in there too.
I never agreed to all this, none of you are coming in my car!!
Fine, pay £9000 all on your own then :@
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lp2uDyzxP6g
It's the Italian Christopher Walken!
Okay, so I realised there are four couples coming, but I think only three double bedrooms. So I want to reserve one for me and my girlfriend.
I want one too!! Reserved!!!
Hello! I have been absent from the internet for a while so here's the deal...
1.) I have been having to stay at work very late and some weekends are about to become mandatory
2.) Jess has left her job because it was horrible
3.) I don't know about us being able to attend Mittens anymore
I need to discuss it with her one last time to make sure we are actually deciding what we are deciding but I just got some time now to get online so I figured I'd update people.
Bagsy on the other double bedroom.
That's awful news, Eric. :( Really hope it's possible for you gys to make it, and that stuff picks up for you.
Welcome to crunch in the games industry Eric :(
Yeah, um, I'm gonna have to ask you to come in on... Saturday.
Yeah this is the most overtime I've seen at the 5 years I've been at this company so I can't really complain!
Hate to hear that, Eric. Hopefully you and Jess can make it.
What Chrille said: I really hope you can make it ... wouldn't be Mittens without you two.
Yes, you two better come. I still owe you for that Mexican in Albany!
Ditto! And get that scoundrel Mills to travel with you!!
Okay ... I attempted to re-read this entire thread but didn't seem to locate the information I am looking for!
What is the closest train station to the villa?
I am finding [train] tickets to Arezzo but that seems to be about 40 minutes from the villa and I'm sure I read there's a station much closer?
My [currently planned] itinerary:
- Fly into Venice (either on 29 or 30 July) and hop the train to Rome
- 1 day in Rome
- Pompeii (in the morning of) the next day and then on the villa for Mittens
- [hopefully] a road-trip to Pisa while at Mittens (for any interested)
- after Mittens back to Venice for a day
- Then fly back to the States.
Not planning on renting a car with this itinerary but if the need arises it can always be done. I wouldn't mind chauffeuring a bit.
I haven't found the name of the station or anything yet but I did just find this about getting to another villa in the area:
QuoteBoth from the north and from the south, get off at the Arezzo train station, where you find connecting trains or buses to Foiano della Chiana operated by L.F.I. (La Ferrovia Italiana).
I went to the L.F.I website and found timetables valid up until 12th June 2010 showing the two stations closest to the villa (Lucignano and Foiano). It seems to suggest it is about 30-40 minutes journey time, which I can't see changing drastically in the next timetable update.
Link (http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&sl=it&u=http://www.trasportoferroviariotoscano.it/orari/successivi/%2520Loc.50x70%2520AR-SINALUNGA%252012-2009..pdf&prev=/search%3Fq%3DLa%2BFerrovia%2BItaliana%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff&rurl=translate.google.co.ukwu=1&usg=ALkJrhiYMEjW-fbnpAjgh0CWCyi4Qd9eAw)
Darth, I made a map a while ago that should serve as a useful reference for the stations in relation to the villa:
Link (http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=116355300484209657323.00048662b7b0ba5394db7&z=133)
None of the stations seem to show up on the map, Tier.
Oops, you're right. Fixed it now hopefully
Awesomeness.
Thanks for the info Tier and Mods!
Okay all,
there The sun has shone on my good fortunes recently, it looks like I'll be with a job/an income after all, in spite of me having been made redundant in one place.So if at all still possible, I'd like to make my reservation for one of the reemaining places (as mentioned in the thread's title). I do not want to miss this opportunity of hanging outwith all you guys n gals again, in what must be God's very own Tuscan villa - it looks divine enough for that! Vatican eat your heart out.
So put me in as a - regrettably delayed - definite. As soon as I have confirmation of my placement in one of the last few spots, then I'll pay up. - I'll solve the empty checking-account issue with the help of my secret Swiss savingsaccount - just mention the words nazi-gold to the bankmanager and I'll be fine in that respect.
Excellent. Go ahead!
Good news Marco! See you there then hopefully. Which reminds me, I can pay the final bit of my deposit today. Woop :)
Right I think that's paid. Gunnar is it okay to just keep sending you the same amount until it covers the rest of my accomodation bill? It'd be useful to know if you're happy to recieve some back after Mittens because that will ease up my travel money situation. If it's a problem and it's going to be needed before Mittens that's fine, let me know. But this paypal thing is uber-convinient for me, and I'm happy to pay the fee each time.
Quote from: Snarky on Sun 13/06/2010 16:22:21
Excellent. Go ahead!
You're kidding, right? You really expect me to say that to a Swiss bankmanager? You do realise that after military training, all Siwss men (even bankmanagers right down to the lowliest clerks) get to keep their weapons at home, just in case their neutrality-trick doesn't work, gosh didn't this nautrality-policy do wonders for the Netherlands in the late 1930s...
Most jokes aside, this is utmost cool. I'll transfer the money, Snarky, asap or rather: as soon as I get a more positie bankbalance on my checking-account, having paid off my motorcycle-tuition put my balance a little bit into the red - Oh great, I haven't mounted my own motorbike yet and I'm already red-lining.
God news: my bank balance has gone from red (if even only mildly so) to black (or blue, however you call that), so I've paid the $101 + fee to harboe (aka Gunnar) will pay the rest later on, I promise I will!
To those arriving by train to Arezzo, did you book any tickets yet and if so, what time will you be arriving?
Just to note, currently with 20 attendee's we will have to pay an extra 36 or so euro each.
If we make the cut off point the end of June I will get back in touch with Grifone and see if they can lower the price as we're 4 people short of what was originally planned.
But if anyone else wants to come, now is the time to make it known....hurry!
Well ... shoot.
This is probably the worst possible time for me to announce this (given Mark's post) but it's looking like I won't be able to make it this year :( Something has come up (not with me, but I'm caught up in it) and I need to be here. There is a [very small] chance that I'll still be able to make it so I'm not canceling any of my ticket/reservations (and don't need/want a refund or anything) because if the time comes, and I'm able, I'm getting on that plane.
To those that are saddened (I'm sure there's one or two) I am sorry. I was really [REALLY] anticipating this year's Mittens :(
So I guess that means Tarah isn't coming either?
That's a real shame Darth!
I'm also umming and arring about funds for this Mittens. But we'll see.
:( :( I am sad that all these cool people are dropping out.
Quote from: Mods on Tue 22/06/2010 23:14:59
That's a real shame Darth!
And sadly, if you and your misses can't go and we don't find additional people (or Grifone won't allow a discount due to reduced numbers), I'll be bowing out too cos of other financial problems :-[ What is it with 2010? :(
The year itself is fine, just slots neatly between 2009 and 2011. It's just that the point-n-click gods seem to frown upon Italy being the country of choice.
It's a real shame, Jeremy, I was looking forward to seeing you again! Whatever it was that needed your presence back home so badly must've been pretty bad, so double bummer - but by all means no reason to keep your GF away from us, Jeremy old boy! You alreadyshielded your date from us in Florida, remember? So you owe us this time.
Hope you'll be able to make it anyway!
Quote from: AGA on Tue 22/06/2010 18:53:33So I guess that means Tarah isn't coming either?
Sorry guys ... I'm afraid she just won't go without me.
I really am going to make every effort possible to pull this off. It's not looking good, but I'm not giving up hope!
And mods I don't want the money back so unless, as you posted earlier there aren't more people coming, it shouldn't make a difference right? You won't have to back out!
Ugh! This really sucks :(
Oh and Marco ... she's a black-belt in Kung Fu so I don't worry at all about letting her loose among you guys!! ;)
Quote from: Tier on Tue 22/06/2010 23:23:17
:( :( I am sad that all these cool people are dropping out.
Thanks...
Quote from: DutchMarco on Wed 23/06/2010 00:16:24
Quote from: Tier on Tue 22/06/2010 23:23:17
:( :( I am sad that all these cool people are dropping out.
Thanks...
Don't worry, DutchMarco, I'm sure you and everyone else attending are also cool. I look forward to meeting everyone. :)
Good luck, Darth Mandarb. I hope everything works out well for you and are able to make it!
Quote from: Darth Mandarb on Tue 22/06/2010 23:59:17
Quote from: AGA on Tue 22/06/2010 18:53:33So I guess that means Tarah isn't coming either?
Sorry guys ... I'm afraid she just won't go without me.
I really am going to make every effort possible to pull this off. It's not looking good, but I'm not giving up hope!
And mods I don't want the money back so unless, as you posted earlier there aren't more people coming, it shouldn't make a difference right? You won't have to back out!
Ugh! This really sucks :(
Oh and Marco ... she's a black-belt in Kung Fu so I don't worry at all about letting her loose among you guys!! ;)
Wow. Now my mind is filled with images of how your first date went. You mean you would be worried about us, right? Right? Right?
Back on track, yes, this is all very succulent.
Quote from: Darth Mandarb on Tue 22/06/2010 16:32:29
Well ... shoot.
This is probably the worst possible time for me to announce this (given Mark's post) but it's looking like I won't be able to make it this year :( Something has come up (not with me, but I'm caught up in it) and I need to be here. There is a [very small] chance that I'll still be able to make it so I'm not canceling any of my ticket/reservations (and don't need/want a refund or anything) because if the time comes, and I'm able, I'm getting on that plane.
To those that are saddened (I'm sure there's one or two) I am sorry. I was really [REALLY] anticipating this year's Mittens :(
Well damn! that sucks :(
Jess and I are confirmed no.
I... I apologize...
Quote from: MrColossal on Sun 27/06/2010 21:06:28
Jess and I are confirmed no.
I... I apologize...
Very damn!
I hope your personal/income situation will improve soon.
Mittens won't be the same without you 2.
[sob], My very first Mittens without you!
Quote from: MrColossal on Sun 27/06/2010 21:06:28
Jess and I are confirmed no.
I... I apologize...
Well damn, that sucks double. :(
Ok, confused myself a bit. People who've paid in full, does that mean you've paid the entire accomodation fee* except the cleaning bill?
* of original total price
Yes, Mods. What else could it mean? Don't mean to sound picky or anything, but I honestly don't see what else you could think it meant!
LOL, thanks - I thought maybe there was a minimum deposit. Sorry, been out of it recently Bez. Free beer :=
So what is the situation now? Have we paid the villa fee in full now or do we still have time to do that? I'm guessing people will have to pay a bit more now due to dropouts...
I've paid the full sum to the villa people, except cleaning or whatever money they wanted when we get there.
Probably I'll need more money from you guys when you get there, I haven't had time to crunch the numbers (I am insanely busy right now, mainly because I'm about to move back to Europe while also trying to finish a big project at work before I leave).
Also, if you have only paid the first part of the money to me (or like M0ds is paying in installments), now would be a good time to ante up the rest. The list of people's payments is utterly out of date and I don't have time to update it right now, so you'll have to use your own memory as to what you've paid.
Edit: Fuck it. I'm leaving this job in two weeks anyway...
I've paid 5841.68 USD in total to rent the villa. By my count we're currently 20 or 21 people, so assuming the worst case, that works out to $292 per person. In other words you all owe me 15 bucks (or possibly just $1). Please, I don't want the money now (the amount might change if anyone else drops out or joins at the last minute), you can pay me in person at Mittens. This is not including the 15 or 18 EUR per person fee they talk about charging on top; I'm not clear on when they might collect that, how, or even if they are actually going to demand it. There's also a security deposit to pay up on arrival--of course, we should be getting that back afterwards. I suppose I'll handle all of those things as well. Anyway, my current estimate is that you might be looking at about another $34 all told.
Here's my list of 2010 Mitteneers and what we've paid:
Full Payment:
1. Snarky - 5841.68
2. Grundislav - 277
3. Esseb -277
4. Disco - 277
5. DutchMarco - 277
6. Pumaman - 277
7. Mr Jake -277
8. Chrille - 277
9. bicilotti - 207 EUR
10. Miez - 277
11. Quintaros - 277
12. cat - 277
13. Creed Malay - 277
14. Kim - 277
15. Tier - 277
Partial Payment:
16. AGA - 101
17. Jen - 101
18. FSi - 101
19. Mods - 100
Maybe:
20. Darth Mandarb - 277
Canceled/Declined:
Adamski
Andail
Becky
Finkenstein
MrColossal
Nacho
Radiant
Tarah
Hopefully Darth can make it, and hopefully Nacho is in even if he hasn't paid yet!
You guys have paid me 4558 USD to date, so I'm currently down 1283.68 USD (including my own share).
I can confirm that Nacho will not be there. :(
I'm still up in the air ... but it's a slim chance at this point :( x 2
Quote from: Darth Mandarb on Wed 07/07/2010 19:59:30
I can confirm that Nacho will not be there. :(
I'm still up in the air ... but it's a slim chance at this point :( x 2
This deal's getting worse all the time.
I'd like to announce that I am still going.
Sorry to hear about people dropping out. Hopefully you can make it next year.
C'mon guys n gals!
It's a real bummer that all these wonderful people aren't coming this year, but look at who is: US! So it's gotta become an awesome Mittens, right?
(even if only because the venue is perhaps the awesomest I've seen, with all deserved respect for the France and Florida locations)
Oh BTW, back on topic: are we supposed to bring our own linnen? Or is it provided/included? (I hope it is, because I won't have much luggage space to carry stuff with me and I plan on bringing some clothes too which will take up most of my luggage space, then add towels etc and I'll be fully loaded.
Urgh. I guess I should book my hotel for Milan and the train down to Arezzo before this trip turns out really expensive. Anyone else spending a night in Milan before the 31st? Anyone else leaving for Milan very early on the 7th?
So, about getting there - are there any plans now on travelling together from Arezzo?
So noone has booked their trains yet?
I just have a ticket to Firenze.
Yeah, I'll probably have to look into going to Arezzo by train. Time to start booking probably :D
I know at least Tier, Bicilloti and I are going to make the train journey from Milan, but I imagine I would be buying the ticket just prior to boarding unless there are any significant advantages (i.e.- price, sold out train) to booking in advance?
Quote from: Disco on Thu 08/07/2010 23:42:21
I know at least Tier, Bicilloti and I are going to make the train journey from Milan, but I imagine I would be buying the ticket just prior to boarding unless there are any significant advantages (i.e.- price, sold out train) to booking in advance?
no advantange, I was trying to gather as many peeps as possible so to book us all in places near to each other.
In that case I might as well just buy the ticket down on location. If there's a risk of tickets selling out on the way back I should probably get one because I need to be in Bergamo airport at 13.45 on the 7th. Any estimates as to when I need to leave in the morning to get there on time? The Arezzo - Milan route takes three hours and I think they leave every hour or so. The bus from Milan to Bergamo takes an hour.
Ok, so there are at least two of us who need to get to Milan early on the 7th. Maybe it wouldn't be so expensive if there are enough of us to share a cab from the villa to Arezzo in the morning?
I'd prefer to catch a train that leaves for Milan from Arezzo around 7.30 am. There's another leaving at 9 am, but that option only leaves me three hours to get to Bergamo airport once I reach Milan. It should be enough as long as the bus to Bergamo airport leaves more often than once every hour. I'd rather be safe than sorry, hence catching the one at 7.30.
Does anyone have that flight itinerary page? I think AGA posted it up but I can't find the link anywhere.
http://www.agagames.com/Arrivals_and_departures.html
Thanks Chrille!
And if any of the LGW crew know if the 9 seater/minibus is happening or not, can you let me know. I deleted some key PM's I think. Thanks!
Just for information: I arrive at Firenze SM on 31.7 at 06:18 and depart on 07.08. at 21:49.
Quote from: Mods on Sun 11/07/2010 15:33:51
Thanks Chrille!
And if any of the LGW crew know if the 9 seater/minibus is happening or not, can you let me know. I deleted some key PM's I think. Thanks!
Well it is, but we're actually arriving a day early.
Yep, noted. The same flights are still good, can't pay til 20th ish for mine though. Checking your itinerary it appears there will still be space in the 9 seater?
There's still space, yeah. We're staying in hostels in Milan, and Rome and Florence on the days before and after Mittens mind. Which is another 60-75 quid on top.
Quote from: Snarky on Wed 07/07/2010 01:51:37
Canceled/Declined:
Adamski
Andail
Becky
Finkenstein
MrColossal
Nacho
Radiant
Tarah
Sorry to hear that all you guys have had to decline, it won't be Mittens without you!
QuoteChecking your itinerary it appears there will still be space in the 9 seater?
Our 9-seater currently contains:
Me, AGA + GF, Davy + GF, Esseb, Hotspot, Grundislav ( 8 )
so there is one space remaining, though it might be cramped if we do try to fit 9 in.
As AGA says there is 3 days worth of hostel stays and food/drink to add to the cost.
Ok, thanks for the info! How much will the van hire be each? Looks like I will only have 5 euro for Mittens, lol.
It might be cheaper to just fly in and out closer to proper Mittens time, then either see if you can get a lift with someone else, or just get the train. Would at least leave you with some money to eat with!
Quote
It might be cheaper to just fly in and out closer to proper Mittens time
Don't be silly, it's about £100 more expensive, which is why you chose different dates originally...I still have
that PM Berian!! ::)
Quoteyou can get a lift with someone else, or just get the train
Quotethough it might be cramped if we do try to fit 9 in.
Well if that's you guys way of saying you don't really want a 9th, please just say so ;) Otherwise, I need to know how much I'll be paying roughly for hire and petrol to opt in. I will only have 1 rucksack, no big bag or anything.
Still, the more difficult it is to get to that pool the more rewarding the experience will be I suppose :=
Also - Grundy what are your intentions about getting back to Milan on the 7th Aug? Follow Chrille's plan?
QuoteAlso - Grundy what are your intentions about getting back to Milan on the 7th Aug? Follow Chrille's plan?
Yeah, I'll be taking a train back, though probably not as early as Chrille. My flight leaves at 4 something, so I'll need to be back in Milan by 2pm or so. If the train takes 3 hours, I'll get one at 10 or 11am.
Quote from: Mods on Tue 13/07/2010 14:22:47
Quote
It might be cheaper to just fly in and out closer to proper Mittens time
Don't be silly, it's about £100 more expensive, which is why you chose different dates originally...I still have that PM Berian!! ::)
Really? I honestly don't remember that, it was so long ago. I thought we chose longer dates just because we wanted an explore!
Anyway, I'm not sure about the car, since CJ booked that. It's about £62 for the hostels though. We've already booked, so you'll have to sort your own bookings if we give you the names of the hostels.
Mods, there's still a spare seat, so if you want to ride with us, that's cool. Not sure what the cost would be, but someone will. We're leaving Milan in the morning of the 31st, as far as I know. Will you be there for then?
Maybe man. If you're all around on the 31st that would be sweet. But I don't want to interfere with the "we" crowd. So I'll let you know soon, need to check all the options and flights again.
Grundy: Cheers, sounds good.
By "we" I just mean "the people in the van thing". Be cool, man! :)
Just wondering if we should bring our own linnen, or if it's included in the rent.
After last year, I'm always bringing my own linen.
I didn't have that much to complain about the linnen. I can't remember if I had used what was provided or used my own - since I would go on tour after Mittens Vice Edition, I'd already brought my own - you're expected to have your own in hostels. But I think I used the mansion's linnen, and I didn't have much to complain, except for a snorer in my room :o. But I won't blame that on the linnen. Besides, the snorer was good company when awake.
Quote from: DutchMarco on Thu 15/07/2010 11:49:07
I didn't have much to complain, except for a snorer in my room :o
Oh no, that has a 1 in 2 chance of being me :'(
Quote from: Disco on Thu 15/07/2010 13:43:16
Quote from: DutchMarco on Thu 15/07/2010 11:49:07
I didn't have much to complain, except for a snorer in my room :o
Oh no, that has a 1 in 2 chance of being me :'(
Fear npt, I'm nogt complaining too much, I was only joking. And besides, I don't think it was you.
I hope I haven't insulted you into wanting to NOT bunk with me anymore?
It was almost certainly me, since I'm known for my snoring. Don't worry though, this year only my girlfriend will have to endure it, and she should be used to it by now.
Quote from: DutchMarco on Thu 15/07/2010 11:49:07
I didn't have that much to complain about the linnen. I can't remember if I had used what was provided or used my own - since I would go on tour after Mittens Vice Edition, I'd already brought my own - you're expected to have your own in hostels. But I think I used the mansion's linnen, and I didn't have much to complain, except for a snorer in my room :o. But I won't blame that on the linnen. Besides, the snorer was good company when awake.
Oh great. You used the mansion linens even though you had brought your own, and I ended up sleeping under a curtain because there weren't enough. :-\
(No hard feelings though!)
Chrille did you perchance find a price for the train Milan - Arezzo?
It seems the trains that leave every hour are about 57â,¬ one way (unless you want to go first class, which is more expensive). There's one train on the way down that leaves quite early at 6.50, but it's only 35â,¬ so it might be worth it.
Thank you Chrilleburgh, is there any easy way of finding this info? I may have to go from Pisa to Arezzo. But hopefully Milan so there's a 50/50 chance I will ride with you or the CJrew. I may have to street it up in Milan for one night but under plenty of influence that won't be a problem. Walk to the villa 8) That 35 euro train is tempting, is there a return price? Muchos pleurghias :)
Oh yeah, I forgot to include the link (http://www.trenitalia.com/en).
I should be more worried about finding details about my home journey. I can't fully relax about this trip until I know what trains/buses to take on the way back. I might just leave on friday evening to make sure I'll be in Milan on time on the 7th.
Also, is anyone planning on bringing a laptop this year? I might just have something for this year's show and tell.
ASYLUMBURGH!!!
You didn't flush it down the toilet afterall!
Thanks for the link sir := I'll be taking your travel times into consideration when I book my flight.
Quote from: AGA on Thu 15/07/2010 18:46:57
It was almost certainly me, since I'm known for my snoring. Don't worry though, this year only my girlfriend will have to endure it, and she should be used to it by now.
Well, actually, now that you mention it, it was indeed you, and I only heard you one time, wasn't too upset about it though, you sounded quite modest. I just tagged it (like your girlfriend, I presume) as cute, and ignored it from then on. (OK,
tried to ignore it) You weren't as bad as the other bloke I once heard in the hostel in Niagara, NY, he snored
violently and I couldn't catch sleep for a while, oh well, I woke the poor sod who'd missed the taxi to catch his flight home, he slept too soundly.
The stories you get from vacationing with people who snore, will keep you amused for years on end. In that sense, I suppose I ought to be grateful to you snorers!
So, check-in at the villa is on 31. July between 5PM and 8PM. They might not let us in any earlier than that, and someone needs to be there by 8PM with money for the deposit and cleaning charges (almost 2000 EUR all told).
I'm pretty sure I won't be able to make it by 8 (my plane only lands in Milan at 5:45). Is anyone else confident they'll be at the villa by that time who has deep enough pockets to put up the deposit/cleaning?
We can be there by then if necessary. As for the deposit, I'm not sure. That may depend on my carmates' finances.
Quote from: Chrille on Sat 17/07/2010 01:39:34
Oh yeah, I forgot to include the link (http://www.trenitalia.com/en).
Cheers, blood-e hell... 115 euros for a return ticket from Milan to Arezzo. I could go stay with Papa Feurstein in NY for cheaper than this Italy shizzle :p
It'd probably cost you 3x as much to go the same distance in the UK though. It's like £9000 to go from here to London. And I'm only exaggerating slightly.
Yeah. At the time it seemed much cheaper to fly to Milan. But after adding the train costs it would've just cost me 30 euro or so extra to go directly to Florence.
Also, it seems necessary to switch trains somewhere along the way but I have no idea where because the station names are abbreviated on their website. Bicilotti, perhaps you know where?
Is there an Italian version of Megabus, maybe?
Haha yes Chrille, change at F. SBN or what not. It was a hyperlink though, at least it looked like it, but I didn't click it to find out. Wait, F. SBN is Firenze. All I could make out is from Milan, you change at Firenze "SBN" and then move onto Arezzo. But if biccilotti could help us source some decent travel info and any lower prices (ala mega bus as you say Creed) that would be really useful.
I looked into bus services, and all I could tell is: They're shit.
We really really need bicci to help us here.
I think there are some trains from Milan to Arezzo that are around 30 Euros for a single. They take about 4 hours but it is probably worth the saving if you arn't in any rush.I'm guessing it is a service that has a lot more stops along the way.
Cheers. Those are the trains at like 6.30am in the morning, so anyone planning to fly into Milan on the 31st won't benefit. I have no idea why the Italians charge you two singles and not a return price, but like I said, my overall view of the Italian travel system so far is: cens0red ;) But yes, that is a cheaper option, I may try and fly in the night of the 30th to make the most of it, but you get this scenario:
Cheap flight = expensive rail fare
Expensive flight = cheap rail fare
Both end up being about £200 in total. :-\
EDIT: Cheers Matt, below, that's useful!
I looked on Trenitalia and there appears to be at least 2 of those cheaper journeys during normal hours. There is one at 10:50 (highlighted in the pic below) and one at 14:50. That latter journey is definitely quite good for anyone getting a morning flight to Milan.
(http://i782.photobucket.com/albums/yy101/UpperTierStudios/traintimescopy.png279654536)
Busses busses busses.... a possible site to investigate:
http://www.sena.it/index_e.htm
Currently I see Milan to Firenze 5 euros!! Misleading...
Edit, wait, Milan to Siena would be much closer, and that's 31 euros each way. 4hr 30 ride, same as the cheaper train.
Still, getting cheaper.
Quote from: AGA on Sun 18/07/2010 19:48:18
We can be there by then if necessary. As for the deposit, I'm not sure. That may depend on my carmates' finances.
That's you, CJ, Jen and Jake, right? It would be great if we could have a definite yes on this. I'm in contact with the villa owner, and she's willing to be flexible (on both the times and the sums) if we can give her a straight answer. If it doesn't work out for you, could anyone else do it?
Meanwhile, are the other cars (http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/yabb/index.php?topic=39969.msg540505#msg540505) still happening? The one with Jess, Eric and Andail is out, I take it, and I see Chrille is looking into trains. What about the other ones? Quintaros, you still picking me up at Milano Bergamo (BGY)? (My plane lands at 17:45, so conservatively it might be until 19:00 before I'm done there. Then it's a four-to-five-hour drive to the villa... for a lovely worst-case midnight arrival. Assuming we don't get lost.)
It might also be smart to exchange mobile phone numbers for those last minute panicky moments (or for when one of us gets lost ::) ). Any ideas on how to share these without the interwebs harvesting our numbers?
Indeed, this is where the annular hidden Mittens board would come in handy!
All us early arrivers from the UK are now travelling in one big van-bus-truck thing, which holds nine bodies.
Quote from: Mods on Wed 21/07/2010 14:13:44
Indeed, this is where the annular hidden Mittens board would come in handy!
there's been a hidden board why didn't I notice?
(Cause it was hidddeennn Dualnamessss)
Why don't we all pm one person who can create a document to send to everyone?
It doesn't exist! :o
I would set up an ez-board if any of today's free ones were any good.
Otherwise, miez, my number is bastardised in the sands of internet time already, and it hasn't changed since 2002 - so if you or anyone else wants to text me their number, please put your name too cos I don't think I have anyone's number these days. I will text you back a list of all the responses Mon 26th evening. +447900331134
Do you know if mobiles gain a different international code when you go abroad?
Please save my number! I am guaranteed to get lost and stuck :D
edit: Or as Tier says, PM
Quote from: Snarky on Wed 21/07/2010 11:31:38
Meanwhile, are the other cars (http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/yabb/index.php?topic=39969.msg540505#msg540505) still happening? The one with Jess, Eric and Andail is out, I take it, and I see Chrille is looking into trains. What about the other ones? Quintaros, you still picking me up at Milano Bergamo (BGY)? (My plane lands at 17:45, so conservatively it might be until 19:00 before I'm done there. Then it's a four-to-five-hour drive to the villa... for a lovely worst-case midnight arrival. Assuming we don't get lost.)
Yeah, I'm still up for picking you up. I was hoping some others would want in on the ride.
I probably have a fairly complete list of people's mobiles. I'll try to assemble it.
As for the stuff you PMed me about, Snarky, I'll try to see if that's something we can do. I will contact the relevant people, and see if we can gather the money between us. And find out an arrival time.
And no, Mods, mobile numbers stay the same no matter where you go.
Quote from: AGA on Wed 21/07/2010 20:25:29
And no, Mods, mobile numbers stay the same no matter where you go.
Yes, they stay the same, but if you're calling e.g. a UK mobile phone from anywhere outside the UK, you do have to type in the international calling code for the UK (+44). And it's +44 no matter where in the world the phone is.
What does change sometimes is that if you're calling FROM the phone, you might have to add on a calling code depending on which country you're in. So if you're trying to call a US number from a US cell phone while you are in Italy, you might actually have to enter the code for the US (+1). I'm not sure if this is consistent or not.
If you're using the country code with your numbers (which I do by default, even if they're UK numbers), the number will never change. You do still need the code to dial a 'native' number from abroad, as well as to call native numbers if you're both in the same foreign country. If any of that makes sense. Basically use the country code all the time to be safe!
Cheers, thanks for that. Then the number I posted above is accurate, yaya!
Quintaros let me know your fee and I might well stick around for your car. I don't know your schedule, you'll obviously be in Milan on the 31st, what about the 7th? What are your leaving plans?
Edit - okay, I see you arrive at 9.30pm on 31st (?) July, what about your return journey, and Snarky, where are you flying out from and when?
Mods, I don't know yet what the final costs are going to be for the rental but I'd estimate that about 10 euros would cover you each way.
I do have to be back in Milan on the 7th to pick up my g/f at about 6PM.
Sweeet thanks sir well that would be the best option for me if it's okay to ride with you. I plan to get to Milan by 10am on 31st so I can mill about til Snarky turns up etc and the flight home won't be til 9pm so being back in Milan by 6 would be super. Thank you! I'll go ahead and book my return flight now then :)
Edit, booked. Dep: 07/08/10 from Milan (Bergamo) BGY 22:15 on FR8263
Yeah, I'll also have most of the 31st to kill while waiting for Snarky to arrive. I'll come get you and we can go see or do something for the day.
It would've been great to go in your car, Quintaros. But I don't expect you'd want to leave the house as early as I have to in order to get to Bergamo airport on time.
Wow, Italy is just 8 days away.
Quote from: Mods on Wed 21/07/2010 23:35:33
what about your return journey, and Snarky, where are you flying out from and when?
I'm flying from Milan MXP on August 8 at 6:20 PM. Since we have to check out of the villa on the morning of August 7, I guess that means I have a day in Milan (and need to find somewhere to stay). What are the rest of you who're flying out on the 8th doing? (AGA, Creed, Esseb etc.)
Quote from: Snarky on Fri 23/07/2010 14:24:26
I'm flying from Milan MXP on July 8 at 6:20 PM. Since we have to check out of the villa on the morning of July 7, I guess that means I have a day in Milan (and need to find somewhere to stay). What are the rest of you who're flying out on the 8th doing? (AGA, Creed, Esseb etc.)
So Mittens has already happened? How was it? :P
Me and Kim are moving flat today, so might not be able to get a holds of the internet again before Mittens. If not, we'll see you in Italy! Godspeed, peoples.
Well I'm in Pisa right now and I'm glad to say that Italy is still here. ;D
Make sure it hasn't gone anywhere in a week, and I presume we'll see you around :) Enjoy!
Ooh. Edit. Any luck with the posters, sir? :)
Any more phone numbers would be appreciated.
I've got a few, could do with a few more to send on to people.
Quote from: Mods on Sun 25/07/2010 00:35:15
Make sure it hasn't gone anywhere in a week, and I presume we'll see you around :) Enjoy!
Ooh. Edit. Any luck with the posters, sir? :)
Any more phone numbers would be appreciated.
I've got a few, could do with a few more to send on to people.
I have the posters with me, let's hope they survive being hauled around tuscany for a week :)
My phone number would be 00 31 6 24126970. I guess.
A question for the UK crew, where are you staying on the night of the 30th, and if it's in Milan, how much is it? What about you Quintaros?
Edit: Never mind - I booked the same flight as you guys. If it's okay to get a lift in the van to Linante airport when you pick up Grundy that would be great, and I can wait to meet Quintaros and then crash in the airport or what not :)
PS: Awesome miez!! Thank you dude! Enjoy your week :)
FYI Mods, I'm not getting picked up at the airport, I'm making my way to wherever the UK crew is when I arrive in the afternoon of the 30th.
My number is 00 46 7 3 4 0 6 4 3 9 5
I arrive late on the 29th and I'll meet up with the brits on the 30th when they've arrived. I'm staying at Hotel Sempione.
Quote from: Snarky on Fri 23/07/2010 14:24:26What are the rest of you who're flying out on the 8th doing? (AGA, Creed, Esseb etc.)
We fly out on the evening of the ninth, not the eighth. We're road tripping around the country for two days before we go home!
I have a few more phone numbers, Mods, plus a list of the ones already mentioned in this thread. Don't really want to post it publicly though, since it has the sekrit CJ number in. I'll PM you the link. Then I'll PM it to everyone else in a day or two once it's as complete as it's likely to get.
EDIT: actually, I'm only missing Disco, FSi, Quintaros and Snarky now. And I've been told that Disco has no mobile
Quote from: Mods on Sun 25/07/2010 15:37:26
A question for the UK crew, where are you staying on the night of the 30th, and if it's in Milan, how much is it? What about you Quintaros?
Edit: Never mind - I booked the same flight as you guys. If it's okay to get a lift in the van to Linante airport when you pick up Grundy that would be great, and I can wait to meet Quintaros and then crash in the airport or what not :)
PS: Awesome miez!! Thank you dude! Enjoy your week :)
Like Grundy said, we're not actually meeting him at Linate. However, Malpensa is like 50km from the actual city itself, while Linate is only 5-10km from the city. So it shouldn't be the end of the world for us to taxi you to Linate.
Aye well it looks like the 30th will be spent in Milan by most, so no problem. I'll hang out with Chrille if you folk have to desperately head off elsewhere. And like I said I'm quite appealed to be an Italian bum for the night, see how many pieces I end up in the next day ;D
Also, Chrille, surely you can get the car down with me quintaros and snarky on the 31st? :)
Edit, thanks for updating the itinerary with my details, AGA - you can also add that I'm on the same outgoing flight as you guys. - you have, cheers. See you at Gatwick about 4am, then :P
PS - at 40 euro a night, I might just join you in hotel semaphore, Chrille
Disco and I are in Milan on the 30th so give us a call if you are around :D
Looks like we will be! I'll blag someone's mobile to call you ;)
Oh, and as always - don't forget to bring your awesome prizes for teh super kwiz!1
I will be donating a Broken Sword II copy (because we've never seen THAT at a Mittens super quiz!!) and some music CD's.
Good of you to say that! I'll pack a cool DVD, I know at least you will like it, Mark, being the short-movie maker you are.
Oh and BTW please, let someone make sure there's toiletpaper when we get thereSo it's not like in the chateau.
rWhich brings me tot hisquestion: theree are shops in the vicinity of the vills, aren't there?
There are shops in the same town as the villa, yes. Exactly how close they are, I'm not sure. But we'll have plenty of cars, so it won't be a problem.
So, how does this work with food and stuff - will it be bought for all and then the costs are divided, or does everyone buy his own food?
Are there any cachmachines around the villa?
Yeah I would go with a per person thing in mind rather than group catering for now, these things are never planned beforehand and generally people end up doing what they want, but I'm sure there will be going to a restaraunt & BBQ etc.
I think this year though we should perhaps set up a wee fund to cover milk, cereals, sugar etc, but its no point discussing that sort of thing til we're there really.
I'm not sure there's a cash point near the villa, but there may be one in Foiano. However, as you're Italian, I'm sure you'll have no problem discussing these things with the villa people who will be around certainly on the saturday.
Well, I'm not Italian, but I can ask the people none the less ;)
Oh, my bad, where are you from? So that means just one Italian going then. I don't even know how to say hello yet! I'm such a bad tourist.
Quote from: Mods on Tue 27/07/2010 13:40:51
Oh, my bad, where are you from? So that means just one Italian going then. I don't even know how to say hello yet! I'm such a bad tourist.
Shame my italian are great, and can't use them, cause I ain't coming. :(
@mods: check my profile ;)
Disco and I are now in Turin, yay. We are spending today and tomorrow here and then heading over to Milan for an encounter with the resident Mittalian, Bicilotti, on thursday.
Quote from: Tier on Tue 27/07/2010 15:12:56
Disco and I are now in Turin, yay. We are spending today and tomorrow here and then heading over to Milan for an encounter with the resident Mittalian, Bicilotti, on thursday.
in his crummy flat.
I'm *so* nervous :P
Quote from: bicilotti on Tue 27/07/2010 18:14:32
Quote from: Tier on Tue 27/07/2010 15:12:56
Disco and I are now in Turin, yay. We are spending today and tomorrow here and then heading over to Milan for an encounter with the resident Mittalian, Bicilotti, on thursday.
in his crummy flat.
I'm *so* nervous :P
They're english, make em tea and fries.
My girlfriend speaks decent Italian, for what it's worth. Plus bicilotti being a native, I'm sure we'll cope.
I've seen enough of La Piovra, the Octopus, to get by I think :P
I took a year and a half of Italian in college, though that was almost 6 years ago. Still, I think I can contribute to the communication if need arises.
So... what is hello?
And thank you
And one beer please?
;D
Buongiorno, Grazie, Una birra per favore.
Thanks. Ahh yes I just had fun with Google translate, it's not too difficult... Posso usare il bagno per favore? LOL. Looking forward to it, grazie. Oh, and... GUANTI!
Mohat ma guanti.
I'm trying to get the the information together for getting from Arezzo to the villa. Getting to Arezzo should not be a problem because the route is operated by the national railway. However, from Arezzo to Lucignano there is a private railway organisation. http://www.trasportoferroviariotoscano.it/servizi_orari.asp (http://www.trasportoferroviariotoscano.it/servizi_orari.asp)
The timetable is here http://www.trasportoferroviariotoscano.it/orari/%20Loc.50x70%20AR-SINALUNGA%2006-2010.pdf (http://www.trasportoferroviariotoscano.it/orari/%20Loc.50x70%20AR-SINALUNGA%2006-2010.pdf) and it seems that there are several trains a day.
I still have to figure out if this trains departs from the same train station as the other trains from Milano or Firenze arrive but I do think so.
Is anyone interested in joining me in Arezzo and going together to Lucignano? Maybe we could share a taxi there. I also do speak a little Italian, so this may help.
Who else is going by train and who by car anyway?
That's great information, cat. I was looking for something like that.
If you're taking a taxi to Lucignano, why not just take it all the way to the villa? The villa website suggests getting there by taking a taxi from Arezzo. I wonder how much it's going to cost. Seems like half an hour ride or so.
Actually I was thinking about a taxi from the trainstation Lucignano to the villa, but a taxi from arezzo might be a reasonable solution if we are enough people. The train doesn't seem to be expensive though.
I will most likely do some sightseeing in Arezzo before going to the villa so I'm very flexible related to train departures.
Indeed, any problems - if you or anyone is stuck in Arezzo or Lucignano, there will be cars around from 5 o clock ish Saturday, and with both places being close to the villa I'm sure emergency lifts will be no problem. Good luck!
@Cat - Bicilotti,Disco and I should be in Arezzo at some point during the afternoon on saturday. We will probably go on one of the trains that takes longer from Milan for money saving. If we get the 10:50 am train it gets into Arezzo at about 3pm. We could meet you if you like when we get there and then work out something to get to the villa.
@Tier: Great!
Hah, I trusted Google Maps to tell me where my hotel, Sempione, would be. It gave me directions to some place about 6km from the central station. However, the hotel I've booked is just one metro station away.
Tier and Disco are with me! ;D
I am so happy. If you are in Milan right now, we could meet each other to eat a pizza or something!
Right, me go journey! See you soon :=
/me leaves for Mittens
Well as I suspected I am stuck here in the states.
Have fun all my fellow Mitteneers! I wish I could be there!
My flight was delayed by a couple of hours so I just reached the hotel. Not going anywhere tonight I think. But I'll see you guys tomorrow!
Still enjoying Lucca, but I'll be in Arezzo tomorrow sometime. This is of course like preaching to an empty church, as all Mitteneers are already on their way. Tsss. ::)
Still at work, I'm leaving this evening - are you joining us in Arezzo?
And it seems like we will have fantastic weather:
http://weather.uk.msn.com/tenday.aspx?wealocations=wc:itxx0028 (http://weather.uk.msn.com/tenday.aspx?wealocations=wc:itxx0028)
@Cat - yeah, that might be smart... meeting you all in Arezzo. Keeps me from wandering all over Tuscany completely lost. That's a thing that's better done in company :)
I'll be arriving at either 12 or 13 o'clock in Arezzo - depending on what train I can catch. Let's call tomorrow and get together, ok?
The weather is fantastic today - but it was downright BIBLICAL yesterday. Don't think I've ever seen so much rain and lightning before! :o
Bicilotti, Disco and Matt say:
"Hello. We bought the tickets and we are going to be in Arezzo at 15:00"
:=
What should be the arrangements? Should we just meet at the station?
I'll arrive at Arezzo in the morning so I can be there at 15:00.
Miez, if you want to meet earlier, just call.
Now, I'm off to the station, see you tomorrow!
Boing (http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/yabb/index.php?topic=41569.new#new).