POZ Community Forums
Off Topic Forums => Forums Gatherings => Topic started by: allanq on September 19, 2007, 03:14:07 pm
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I'm really enjoying reading all the reports and seeing the pictures from the AMGers.
I wasn't sure what to expect from the AMG. Frankly, I was more than a little nervous about meeting so many people. Soon into the event, I realized how unfounded my apprehensions were. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming.
There were several guests of members at the AMG whom I very much enjoyed meeting. David & David's friend Bonnie is a terrific person. I hope she'll decide to become an AMG groupie!
At the start of the Saturday morning walk, a very handsome young man started walking beside me. He had been diagnosed fairly recently and had been "lurking" without actually becoming a member. He showed up for the walk, and nobody knew who he was. By the end of the AMG, it was clear that he had been having a wonderful time (thanks largely to another forum member whom I will let speak up for himself).
Creighton's friend Curtis was another great guest who I hope will join the forums. Curtis and David (Blixer) deserve a medal for being the most adventurous AMGers. I was blown away by all the wonderful and strenuous walks they did--across the Golden Gate Bridge (and back), up to the top of Buena Vista Park, and many other sights in between.
On Monday, I had the pleasure of spending a day with the folks from "down under": Jan, Jen (ozjen), and Jen's husband, John. What a great group they are! Lots of laughs when you're around that crew.
Driving home on Monday evening my eyes started to tear up as I crossed the Bay Bridge on the way back to Oakland. I was just so grateful to have been part of such a wonderful gathering.
I'm still smiling, but feeling more than a little sad that this event is now officially over.
Time to start thinking of next year's AMG!
AllanQ
Edited to add this:
How could I forget to pay a special tribute to Robert. He was one of the heroes of AMG 2007. After the ceremony at the AIDS Memorial Grove, he made two round trips in his car to get people back to the hotel. Given the traffic in San Francisco, this was no small task. He also took people on extensive car tours, showing them sights they would never have been able to see on their own. He is truly a most kind and generous man.
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At the start of the Saturday morning walk, a very handsome young man started walking beside me. He had been diagnosed fairly recently and had been "lurking" without actually becoming a member. He showed up for the walk, and nobody knew who he was. By the end of the AMG, it was clear that he had been having a wonderful time (thanks largely to another forum member whom I will let speak up for himself).
He's not just handsome but very special. I'm making another trip out to the west coast this Friday to see him.
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Dennis,
You guys looked so great together sitting on the steps of that fountain in Sausalito.
Good luck to both of you!
Allan
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We are talking "cover of GQ" cute (and I mean both of them)!
Gary :D
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We are talking "cover of GQ" cute (and I mean both of them)!
Gary :D
Cover of POZ Magazine ! :D
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Dennis,
He's a keeper and really nice...like I need to tell you. ;) Talk about your eyes lighting up! Hell, I was almost blinded when you look at him. 8) Good times this Friday. My best to the both of you!
{{{Hugs}}}!
Roger
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Allan,
It was so great to get to meet you! I really appreciated your Saturday AM tour. Curtis and I walked about 12 miles around the city on Friday and another 8 miles on Sunday. I was a bit surprised I was ready for the Saturday tour but made it fine. I sure got a unique view of a number of areas of the city.
Thanks again for all you did!
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Allan,
The Tour was unforgettable! When we walked down Maiden Lane and I heard that opera singer doing his thing in full glory I was overwhelmed! All the interesting factoids you shared about the buildings, people, and places was just amazing....a reflection of your inner soul!
Thank you again....and yes...time to think about 2008!
Be Well...
Craig
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Allan.
I just listened to the CD and I love your choice. After this weekend, I can't help but think we may have been seperated at birth. We seem to have so much in common from music of the 60's to wannabe tour guides.
And Dennis.....you coming all the way to Arbuckle? You're a lucky guy!! So is Robert.....
robert
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He's not just handsome but very special. I'm making another trip out to the west coast this Friday to see him.
Special? Hell, I don't think anybody else got his attention after you two met! Tell him hello and that we look forward to his joining the forums.
A big thanks to Allan for the wonderful tour. These 'introductions' to a new city we're visiting really make it enjoyable and give us a starting point for venturing out on our own. I just think more of a warning about those damned steps to Telegraph Hill are in order! ;) Like the tourists we are, we walked up the steps and took the bus back down. I'd definitely recommend doing the opposite. Bonnie felt right at home with just about everybody she met. I think she could have gone without us and had just about as much fun.
I hope to see Curtis and Craig's friend Dan on the forums, too.
David
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Hello darl'n,
I can't thank you enough for showing us your city.......and especially your' secret way'.
Us three "downunders" would never have seen the wonders of san francisco if not for you.......
.......AND.... you didn't need a map.......very impressive!.
What a fantastic day we had!
And not only that, we had a wonderful lunch at pier 39 as well. ( forgive the tautology)
And to dennis and robert.........all our love to you both.
cuddles and kisses.
lotsa love Jen xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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Hey JEn.,..
It was great seeing you again. I'll start working on my Perth itineray any day now. In the meantime, please give my regards to the Ten Pound Pom.
robert
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Not as sad as we were to leave you....thank you so much for our wonderful tour, as Jen said, if not for you we would not have seen half of your beautiful city.
Love and hugs
Jan :-*
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And not only that, we had a wonderful lunch at pier 39 as well. ( forgive the tautology)
Hi Jen,
That wonderful lunch was across the bay from Pier 39 at the Swedish Bakery in Tiburon. I had sampled their pastries, but never lunch. Now, thanks to the down under folks, I know a good place for a very good, reasonably priced, and scenic lunch in Tiburon.
Allan
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Well I always thought you were Allang, I just now realize you are Allanq. Doesn't make much difference to me, but still.
Milker.
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The font for our screen names makes it hard to distinguish a "q" from a "g", so I've taken to occasionally signing off as AllanQ.
When I was in the army (during the Spanish-American War) I had to fill out a form that asked for my middle initial. Since I have no middle name, I left the space blank. I was told that I had to fill in the blank, so I invented "Q" as my middle initial. My friends from my army days still call me Allan Q.
AllanQ
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Robert
Your room's all ready and waiting mate. :D
The TPP says g'day back.
Allan
Of course iy was Tiburon.....silly me. I was getting mixed up with lunch that you, me, Bonnie and Jan had on the Saturday. So many wonderful lunches........sigh. :D :D
Love to you both
Jen xxxxxxxxxxx