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Author Topic: Next year in Europe!  (Read 104040 times)

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Offline fearless

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Re: Next year in Europe!
« Reply #100 on: September 25, 2007, 07:50:36 pm »
I like the idea of having an AMG in NA as well as in Europe.  Go to both, or one, or the other, something for everyone.  I still feel very strongly about the East Coast, most of that being due to the fact that I suffer extreme fatigue when traveling.  I like the idea of Philly or Baltimore, have NO desire to venture into NYC for anything, lol!  Chicago sounds great, but what about Riviera maya (south of Cancun) or Aruba?  Less expensive in Mexico, not sure about Aruba, but it would be a middle point for most, wouldn't it?  What about Savannah, GA?  Hot as balls in September, but a beautiful town, and Thunter would definitely be there!  ;)

~Cindy

The Riveria Maya is simply stunning, and Playa del Carmen a really charming town with easy access (day trips) to the island of Cozumel, and the Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza and Uxmal and the lovely city of Merida. September/October is off season and accomodation very very cheap. I had great accomodation for about $35 US a night in Play del Carmen. (Cancun, which I would not really recommend as it really is just a tourist town is also cheap at this time of year - I had an enourmous room with 2 queen sized beds overlooking the Carribean for $90 US a night). And, you can get direct flights from most places in the US/Canada/Europe.

Aruba looks great too. And, I could also travel to Venezuala which is on my list of things to do before I die.

Like Jan though, there is no such thing as a short flight for us. My return flight from Cancun (via Mexico city and LA) to Aus was something like 36 hours door to door. Add in the fact that you cross the dateline, and I think I left Cancun on Thursday and arrived home in on on the Saturday morning. As you could imagine, I stank and was somewhat cranky and tired when I arrived home. The price you pay for living at the 'arse end of the world' as one of our Prime Minister's put it.

Be forgiving, be grateful, be optimistic

Offline aztecan

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Re: Next year in Europe!
« Reply #101 on: September 25, 2007, 09:37:22 pm »
Europe, Asia, U.S, South America...it doesn't matter.
I'd go to hell if I had to; just as long as I get to see everyone again.

Rich
(who misses everyone already)




Hey Rich,

I miss you - and the others - too.

I like the idea of Europe, but don't know whether I could afford it. Barcelona sounds like fun, as does Amsterdam or the islands.

I also feel for our non-American brothers and sisters who risked a great deal coming into the U.S. this year and who would be risking the same again if it is held in the U.S>

I like the idea of Mexico, since the conference would be held there as well. Mexico can be affordable and fun.

If it is held in the U.S> again, Chicago would be OK. I also had the idea of going to New Orleans. The French Quarter wasn't flooded and should be fine and the city is notoriously friendly to everyone.

Just a thought.

HUGS,

Mark
"May your life preach more loudly than your lips."
~ William Ellery Channing (Unitarian Minister)

Offline RapidRod

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Re: Next year in Europe!
« Reply #102 on: September 25, 2007, 10:09:05 pm »
I hope that we can have two AMGs next year. I know I couldn't afford to go out of the country, but I believe we have enough folks (which I wish we didn't and that no one had HIV) that we could have one in both places. I'm game for next year. I already miss everyone. I'm starting to save my coins for next year.

Offline Cliff

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Re: Next year in Europe!
« Reply #103 on: September 26, 2007, 07:02:46 am »
Honestly, the west coast time zone wiped me out.  I just couldn't handle the time change for such a short period of time.  I think my vote will go for a location on the east coast next time. 

Europe would be nice, but I'm afraid it just may be out of reach for most AMG participants.  A regional event might be cool....not sure if I have the time away from work to do two events a year.

c

Offline David_CA

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Re: Next year in Europe!
« Reply #104 on: September 26, 2007, 10:12:06 am »
Coastal Mexico sounds like it would be really nice and quite affordable.  There's one major issue, though.  Hurricanes.  August and September are prime hurricane season.  I'd hate to have an AMG ruined by something as probable as a hurricane.  Living in a VERY hurricane prone area has proven this to me over and over.  If they don't make their way up the East coast, they generally screw with the Gulf. 

David (who's been blown many times... by hurricanes  ;) )
Black Friday 03-03-2006
03-23-06 CD4 359 @27.4% VL 75,938
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  Atripla started 12-01-2006
01-08-07 CD4 429 @26.8% VL 1872!
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02-17-10 CD4 678 @39.9%  
06-03-10 CD4 768 @34.9%
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01-10-11 CD4 908 @36.3%
05-23-11 CD4 846 @36.8% VL 80
02-13-12 CD4 911 @41.4% VL<20
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Offline Cliff

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Re: Next year in Europe!
« Reply #105 on: September 26, 2007, 10:24:29 am »
The other issue with Mexico is water supply.  I went to the Baja Penisula last summer with some friends and about 1/3 of us became ill during the trip, and we were staying at a resort where the water supply should have been up to a high standard.  We avoided drinking the water directly but still became ill, (probably due to ice in our drinks or the use of water in our cocktails or food).

Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: Next year in Europe!
« Reply #106 on: September 26, 2007, 10:38:00 am »
I really can't imagine going to Mexico at the height of summer, and that includes September down there.  The prices are cheaper for a reason -- the climate is nasty those months.

And I agree with Cliff, when you have a bunch of HIVers do you really want to be around questionable water supplies?  I've personally traveled to such countries with HIV but it is a big risk, certainly depending on how your lab numbers are.
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline Tim Horn

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Re: Next year in Europe!
« Reply #107 on: September 26, 2007, 03:53:04 pm »
Some food for thought:

The 17th International AIDS Conference is taking place in Mexico City from August 3 to 8, 2008. An AMG immediately following the conference might be an option to consider, with some folks arriving early to attend the conference itself. Here's a link to the official conference website.  There are plenty of affordable hotels throughout Mexico City and the weather is quite agreeable (plus, the famous Mexico City smog is considerably better in the summer months). As for the water supply, NOBODY should be drinking from the tap -- bottled water is in abundance and restaurants, more times than not, use iodine to help sterilize water used for washing vegetables and such, especially those to be eaten raw.

I lived in Mexico City for two years, so if I can be of any help in furthering this as a suggestion, please let me know.

Tim Horn
« Last Edit: September 26, 2007, 04:02:02 pm by Tim Horn »

Offline RapidRod

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Re: Next year in Europe!
« Reply #108 on: September 26, 2007, 04:07:34 pm »
Tim, you don't have to worry about this crew drinking the water. They just better not run out of booze.  :)

Offline Jerry71

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Re: Next year in Europe!
« Reply #109 on: September 26, 2007, 04:26:29 pm »
I guess if we plan on a trip out of the states and you don't have a passport yet you better start now to get one or face not going to next years AMG. I for one do not have a passport due to the fact of not ever going out of the USA.

Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: Next year in Europe!
« Reply #110 on: September 26, 2007, 04:30:59 pm »
I need to renew mine as it expires in 4 months.  Thanks for reminding me.
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline RapidRod

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Re: Next year in Europe!
« Reply #111 on: September 26, 2007, 07:12:00 pm »
Yeah, I'll have to get a passport myself and probably should do it early due to the back log.

Offline Lisa

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Re: Next year in Europe!
« Reply #112 on: September 26, 2007, 07:44:17 pm »
I'm not so sure that many of the US participants will be able to get a passport in time due to the huge backlog by our efficient government. I am in love with the idea of Europe, but my pragmatic mind goes into major overload when I start thinking bout how many fewer would be able to attend because the grants commitee wouldn't be able to swing but a meager two or three because of the airfares involved.
Not trying to rain on the parade, but I just don't know how feasible it would be.

    ::ducks and runs for cover::
« Last Edit: September 26, 2007, 07:46:40 pm by Lisa »
No Fear  No Shame  No Stigma
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Offline fearless

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Re: Next year in Europe!
« Reply #113 on: September 26, 2007, 08:09:15 pm »
I really can't imagine going to Mexico at the height of summer, and that includes September down there.  The prices are cheaper for a reason -- the climate is nasty those months.

And I agree with Cliff, when you have a bunch of HIVers do you really want to be around questionable water supplies?  I've personally traveled to such countries with HIV but it is a big risk, certainly depending on how your lab numbers are.

Depends on what you call nasty, I guess. Personally, I found it pleasant at that time of year, but I take the point that you softies may not be able to cope.  ;D

As for the water, it is bad on the Yucatan Peninsula, but it is so bad the locals don't touch it either. All water is filtered or bottled, including the water they use to wash your food in, use for ice. But again, I take the point. Water can be problematic wherever you go though, and regardless of HIV. For example, the water in the UK is perfectly drinkable, but becuase I am unused to it, it always turns my stomach. As a rule, I never drink the local water whenever I travel overseas, regardless of whether or not it is drinkable.

We're starting to run out of options though. US options are problematic for us foreigners, Canada has been done to death, and Europe seems too expensive.
« Last Edit: September 26, 2007, 08:11:56 pm by fearless »
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Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: Next year in Europe!
« Reply #114 on: September 26, 2007, 08:18:47 pm »
btw, when I said Mexico at the height of summer I was particularly thinking of the Yucatan, as it's the Caribbean type of climate as opposed to Mexico City which is a higher attitude than somewhere like Denver even.  For example Mexico City is currently 66F/18C. 

My issue is more humidity than temperature.  The Caribbean is just very humid at the heigh of summer... think going to Miami in August.  I wouldn't spend money on that myself.

By the way, is there a reason that this function is held in September as opposed to October?
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline allanq

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Re: Next year in Europe!
« Reply #115 on: September 26, 2007, 09:16:23 pm »
Canada is a big country, so even though we've had two AMG's in Canada, there are still lots more interesting places in Canada. I've never been to Ottawa, but I was looking at a website for Ottawa, and it looks like an attractive and interesting city. Air Canada has non-stop flights from London so Europeans would not have to enter the U.S. It's several hours closer for Europeans than San Francisco. Climate in September & October should be good, and the water is safe to drink. The Canadian dollar has risen sharply against the U.S. dollar, but I'm sure Ottawa is still less expensive than Europe.

Just putting another possibility out there.

Allan

Offline milker

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Re: Next year in Europe!
« Reply #116 on: September 26, 2007, 10:00:17 pm »
ugh not ottawa please  >:(

the only interest is that when you cross the river you're suddenly in France and everyone speaks French to you. Then you cross back and you're back to England. Apart from that, this is a dull city.

Milker.
mid-dec: stupid ass
mid-jan: seroconversion
mid-feb: poz
mar 07: cd4 432 (35%) vl 54000
may 07: cd4 399 (28%) vl 27760
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oct 07: cd4 353 (24%) vl 29993
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mar 08: cd4 392 (23%) vl 75548
jun 08: cd4 325 (27%) vl 45880
oct 08: cd4 197 (20%) vl 154000 <== aids diagnosis
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apr 23 09: cd4 604 (29%) vl 50 woohoo :D :D
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may 27 10: cd4 655 (32%) vl undetectable :D :D

Now accepting applications from blowjob ninjas™

Offline fearless

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Re: Next year in Europe!
« Reply #117 on: September 26, 2007, 10:09:10 pm »
btw, when I said Mexico at the height of summer I was particularly thinking of the Yucatan, as it's the Caribbean type of climate as opposed to Mexico City which is a higher attitude than somewhere like Denver even.  For example Mexico City is currently 66F/18C. 

My issue is more humidity than temperature.  The Caribbean is just very humid at the heigh of summer... think going to Miami in August.  I wouldn't spend money on that myself.

So was I. But I thrive on humidity. Call me crazy. At 18C, I'd be freezing my tits of in Mexico city today.

It is going to be such a big undertaking for me, as it is such a long way to travel that it is really only worth my while if I can tack AMG onto longer holiday. I have no real interest in Canada and the US is problematic.

Guess I'll change my preferences and vote for Europe, anywhere, and then I'll go off to fulfill my Sicilian fantasy.
Be forgiving, be grateful, be optimistic

Offline allanq

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Re: Next year in Europe!
« Reply #118 on: September 26, 2007, 10:21:45 pm »
ugh not ottawa please  >:(

the only interest is that when you cross the river you're suddenly in France and everyone speaks French to you. Then you cross back and you're back to England. Apart from that, this is a dull city.

Milker.

I guess you can make anyplace look attractive on a website.

AllanQ

Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: Next year in Europe!
« Reply #119 on: September 26, 2007, 10:45:22 pm »
then I'll go off to fulfill my Sicilian fantasy.

I get Sicily every day in the neighborhood I live in :)
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline milker

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Re: Next year in Europe!
« Reply #120 on: September 26, 2007, 10:55:26 pm »
I get Sicily every day in the neighborhood I live in :)
Sicily is beautiful, like Corsica, but I'm not sure what a bunch of HIV positive people would do there. And how Corleone would react.

Milker.
mid-dec: stupid ass
mid-jan: seroconversion
mid-feb: poz
mar 07: cd4 432 (35%) vl 54000
may 07: cd4 399 (28%) vl 27760
jul 07: cd4 403 (26%) vl 99241
oct 07: cd4 353 (24%) vl 29993
jan 08: cd4 332 (26%) vl 33308
mar 08: cd4 392 (23%) vl 75548
jun 08: cd4 325 (27%) vl 45880
oct 08: cd4 197 (20%) vl 154000 <== aids diagnosis
nov 2 08 start Atripla
nov 30 08: cd4 478 (23%) vl 1880 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
feb 19 09: cd4 398 (24%) vl 430 getting there!
apr 23 09: cd4 604 (29%) vl 50 woohoo :D :D
jul 30 09: cd4 512 (29%) vl undetectable :D :D
may 27 10: cd4 655 (32%) vl undetectable :D :D

Now accepting applications from blowjob ninjas™

Offline fearless

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Re: Next year in Europe!
« Reply #121 on: September 26, 2007, 11:36:55 pm »
Milker, Sicily is not for all of you, just me after AMG. ;D But, there is heaps to do there. So many different peoples have contorlled Siciliy over the years, it is steeped in history. Also, has some great ancient Greek ruins, an active volcano, food and coffee to die for. Beaches. And, Sicilianos -WOOF.

Philly, I grew up with Sicilians and Calabrians. Hence, my deep desire to spend some time there. And, yes, I've had my fill of Sicilians. My first sexual encounters of any kind were with a Sicilian boy from up the street.

I'm thinking AMG should be either Amsterdam or Lisbon.
« Last Edit: September 26, 2007, 11:42:17 pm by fearless »
Be forgiving, be grateful, be optimistic

Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: Next year in Europe!
« Reply #122 on: September 26, 2007, 11:45:31 pm »
I'll be heading for the Costa Smeralda in Sardinia for some Campari and Cock.
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline milker

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Re: Next year in Europe!
« Reply #123 on: September 27, 2007, 12:06:39 am »
I'll be heading for the Costa Smeralda in Sardinia for some Campari and Cock.
Only you can find cock in Sardinia :D

Milker (who will sip the Campari)
mid-dec: stupid ass
mid-jan: seroconversion
mid-feb: poz
mar 07: cd4 432 (35%) vl 54000
may 07: cd4 399 (28%) vl 27760
jul 07: cd4 403 (26%) vl 99241
oct 07: cd4 353 (24%) vl 29993
jan 08: cd4 332 (26%) vl 33308
mar 08: cd4 392 (23%) vl 75548
jun 08: cd4 325 (27%) vl 45880
oct 08: cd4 197 (20%) vl 154000 <== aids diagnosis
nov 2 08 start Atripla
nov 30 08: cd4 478 (23%) vl 1880 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
feb 19 09: cd4 398 (24%) vl 430 getting there!
apr 23 09: cd4 604 (29%) vl 50 woohoo :D :D
jul 30 09: cd4 512 (29%) vl undetectable :D :D
may 27 10: cd4 655 (32%) vl undetectable :D :D

Now accepting applications from blowjob ninjas™

Offline MOONLIGHT1114

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Re: Next year in Europe!
« Reply #124 on: September 27, 2007, 12:20:03 am »
I don't do well with humidity, either, and if I were in Mexico, I would be by the pool all damn day, and on the dance floor all damn night (with air conditioning, of course).  I understand about the water issue, but most of the hotels have pretty good filtration systems just for that very reason.  I have been to Cancun twice, and visited the Riviera Maya during one of those stays. 

I still say Cancun/Riviera Maya is good because its CHEAP and its a place that our friends from Europe can get to, as well.  It stinks that the Aussies have such a far haul to get anywhere near NA.

Also, do you actually need a PASSPORT these days, or can you still get by with the birth certificate and driver's license, like I did in 2000 and 2003?

HIV+ since '93, 1/12 - CD4 785 and undet.   WOO-HOO!!

Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: Next year in Europe!
« Reply #125 on: September 27, 2007, 12:26:28 am »

Also, do you actually need a PASSPORT these days, or can you still get by with the birth certificate and driver's license, like I did in 2000 and 2003?


http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

yes, by the time of the next AMG the rules will have changed for Mexico if I read that correctly
« Last Edit: September 27, 2007, 12:28:03 am by philly267 »
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline MOONLIGHT1114

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Re: Next year in Europe!
« Reply #126 on: September 27, 2007, 12:27:56 am »
Well, crap on a stick!

TY, Philly!  :)
HIV+ since '93, 1/12 - CD4 785 and undet.   WOO-HOO!!

Offline Ann

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Re: Next year in Europe!
« Reply #127 on: September 27, 2007, 08:28:09 am »
~ahem~


Amsterdamnit?



:)
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Offline mjmel

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Re: Next year in Europe!
« Reply #128 on: September 27, 2007, 09:32:16 am »
A European/Scandanavian gathering would be VERY cool but it'll diminish in US attendance considerably. Many just can't afford the cost of getting there much less discovering our US dollars won't go far once there.

Using orbitz I searched for a round trip for a week to Amsterdam now and a few months down the line:
The lowest cost flights I could find:
RT Flight to Amsterdam in 2nd week of October on US Airways: [Philly to Amsterdam] $757.00
RT Flight to Amsterdam in April 08 on Continental: [Philly to Newark to Amsterdam] $839.00
+Food.
+Hotel.
+Transport.
About 2 grand for a week for the frugal. (who goes overseas for only 4 days!)
xxx,
Mike



Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: Next year in Europe!
« Reply #129 on: September 27, 2007, 09:55:56 am »
Amsterdam is NOT Scandinavia, darling.  That said, if you do want Scandinavia I have friends in Stockholm so I'll have a free place to stay.  Copenhagen and Helsinki are two of my VERY favorite cities in Europe.

But yes Mike, it's safe to say the numbers for US attendees will be wildly affected, and let's all face it -- we probably make up 75% of the board, or more.  If I decided to go I think I'd have to use my airline milage, and yeah I'd not want to dash over somewhere for 4 days.

I double-checked prices from Newark, NJ airport which is often cheaper due to volume as a Continental hub,  and via travelocity.com found a RT flight for $536.10

That said, once you pay for a flight and save up money for the hotel, you're going to be slammed with day-to-day prices because the US dollar sticks royally.  It's really a travesty.  When I went to Iceland last year I recall paying $10 FOR A HOT DOG at a rest stop no less.  Iceland is more expensive than mainland Europe, but still... expect $8 for a piece of dust on the floor.  Forget ordering a steak anywhere.

I would think for the bargain that the rest of the world is getting in the US they'd all be clamoring to visit, which I guess would be the case except for the HIV med worries (which, while I totally understand I think is quite over-hyped).
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline RapidRod

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Re: Next year in Europe!
« Reply #130 on: September 27, 2007, 11:06:14 am »
I like the idea of going to Mexico or the east coast myself. I'd love to go to Europe but that is out of the question for me.

Dan J.

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Re: Next year in Europe!
« Reply #131 on: September 27, 2007, 11:12:27 am »
How about Boston Ma.

Offline englishgirl

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Re: Next year in Europe!
« Reply #132 on: September 27, 2007, 11:29:49 am »
I would think for the bargain that the rest of the world is getting in the US they'd all be clamoring to visit, which I guess would be the case except for the HIV med worries (which, while I totally understand I think is quite over-hyped).
another reason that people dont like to visit the US is because we all get treated SOOOOO badly at immigration that even our governments have complained about it to your government, your government had to request port authority staff to be less rude and the city of new york has just launched an ad campaign using celebrities to try to lure people back. honestly it really is a dreadful and pretty intimidating experience going through border control, even for the general public hiv not even in the equation. very sad that it's so but i actually know quite a few people who have been put off visiting despite the weakness of the dollar cos of past bad experiences.

That said, once you pay for a flight and save up money for the hotel, you're going to be slammed with day-to-day prices because the US dollar sticks royally.  It's really a travesty.  When I went to Iceland last year I recall paying $10 FOR A HOT DOG at a rest stop no less.  Iceland is more expensive than mainland Europe, but still... expect $8 for a piece of dust on the floor.  Forget ordering a steak anywhere.
it's not just cos the dollar is weak - some parts of europe are just REALLY expensive. i sympathise! melia and i noticed at amg that what US folks think is expensive (eg for food) is actually what we normally pay. no wonder i never have enough money!!

i hear what youre saying about not wanting to go so far for only 4 days or so, but that's what we're expected to do to come to an amg in the states! maybe dennis' idea of a cruise is a good idea (a week or so, and you know already what your food & board expenses will be) but again the issue of US immigration comes up.

if europe is out then i'm liking the idea of canada (east coast) or mexico. or maybe we should meet halfway and go to the azores, altho personally i always think they look grim as hell apparently they are quite nice...
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Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: Next year in Europe!
« Reply #133 on: September 27, 2007, 11:37:42 am »
While I do understand the US border control is a bitch, I will qualify it and state I've experienced unsavory situations in Europe.  I was pulled aside twice in Charels de Gaulle airport last year, and I was completely searched in at the airport in Reykjavik.  Not only that but in the later airport I had to explain what my Biojector (for fuzeon injections) was for and show copious documentation for the instrument.  There are many other times I've gotten searched, even pre-EU controls on a cross border train going into France where they insisted that charcoal (I was an art student) was hashish or something... and I had to deal with that in  another language.

Dunno... I just look at it as part of traveling and get on with it.  Then again I've been told I look like a drug dealer.

That said, I realize that the HIV/US stuff causes a lot of grief for many.  I don't think there's a great solution to all of this except to conduct separate AMG functions and let other choose which to attend.  We're all going around in circles.
« Last Edit: September 27, 2007, 11:40:08 am by philly267 »
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline NycJoe

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Re: Next year in Europe!
« Reply #134 on: September 27, 2007, 12:39:42 pm »
I would love to go to Amsterdam.  Never been and I think with advance notice could def save up the $$ for it.  So if their is a Euro AMG I would love to go....Joe

Offline mjmel

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Re: Next year in Europe!
« Reply #135 on: September 28, 2007, 07:00:26 am »
No philly, not going in circles. Folks just voicing ideas and opinions here. I have learned a thing or two about what Europeans go thought to get here. I see you have had the same treatment on foreign soils. So, i repeat, it's just exchanging ideas as the tallying of the votes determines where it's held. Very democratic, you know.

Cruise: a cruise leaving out of a Canadian or non-US port would be another consideration regarding our sweet Europeans members with no worry about meds. Ports: Canadian west coast, Vancouver, or Canadian east coast.
Cruises are especially cost efficient for groups too.
xxx,
Mike




« Last Edit: September 28, 2007, 07:05:19 am by mjmel »

Offline Dragonette

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Re: Next year in Europe!
« Reply #136 on: September 28, 2007, 07:55:24 am »
Englishgirl, thanks for putting it out there.

I can come to Mexico, Canada, Aruba, whatever... Amsterdam would be a great place, and I am not saying it cos it's close, I think it's a great place for such a gathering, smallish, friendly, green and "green", lots of gay establishments/hotels, great nightlife, art, markets... what more do we need? It's the only place I know that is completly sleazy and invitingly cozy at the same time. It does have crappish weather though but no worse than the UK. The best time is probabaly mid-april to June. Although Sep. can be good too, it was great in previous years but we know what a "summer" we had in western Europe this year... at least it's not cold.
Yes it is expensive, but maybe something could be worked out, a cheap deal with a B&B or something. I doubt though that Amsterdam is more expensive than NYC or SF. London most prob is... the gap between UK and here is quite astonishing.

And I am always up for Spain, the Canary islands would be good too, though I don't know how "free" we would feel there. I have never been but is does look bit like chav heaven. Still, strength in numbers...

But then again, I re-scrolled to the top and Fearless' description of Mexico is quite tantalizing...

« Last Edit: September 28, 2007, 07:57:51 am by Dragonette »
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Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: Next year in Europe!
« Reply #137 on: September 28, 2007, 10:03:06 am »
No philly, not going in circles. Folks just voicing ideas and opinions here.

I was more referencing the overall concept of whether to have two AMGs or one, that's all.  Not any details as to what/when/where past that decision.
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline northernguy

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Re: Next year in Europe!
« Reply #138 on: September 28, 2007, 11:21:51 am »
I get Sicily every day in the neighborhood I live in :)

Do you have a little Sicilian in you?
Apr 28/06 cd4 600 vl 10,600 cd% 25
Nov 8/09 cd4 510 vl 49,5000 cd% 16
Jan 16/10 cd4 660 vl 54,309 cd% 16
Feb 17/10 Started Atripla
Mar 7/10 cd4 710 vl 1,076 cd% 21
Apr 18/10 cd4 920 vl 268 cd% 28
Jun 19/10 cd4 450 vl 60 cd% 25
Aug 15/10 cd4 680 vl 205 cd% 27
Apr 3/11 cd4 780 vl <40 cd% 30
Jul 17/11 cd4 960 vl <40 cd%33
April 15/12 cd4 1,010 vl <40 cd% 39
April 20/12 Switched to Viramune + Truvada
Aug 2/12 cd4 1040, vl <40, cd% 38
Oct 19 cd4 1,110 vl <40 cd% 41

Offline ademas

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Re: Next year in Europe!
« Reply #139 on: September 28, 2007, 04:50:06 pm »
I love Mexico City, and I have a very good poz friend there. 
I'd love a good excuse to go back.

Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: Next year in Europe!
« Reply #140 on: September 28, 2007, 04:53:43 pm »
oh... and cat tranquilzer is for sale in every club really cheap.  That pretty much settles it for me then.
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline allanq

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Re: Next year in Europe!
« Reply #141 on: September 28, 2007, 05:37:20 pm »
What about Bermuda?

There are non-stop flights from London (British Airways through Gatwick), so we can avoid the problem of U.S. entry restrictions for European members. There are also non-stops from many cities in the U.S., including Chicago and many cities on the east coast. I'm not sure how members from Australia & New Zealand could avoid connections in the U.S.

AllanQ

Offline RapidRod

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Re: Next year in Europe!
« Reply #142 on: September 28, 2007, 06:19:02 pm »
What about Bermuda? I took a risk and got HIV. I'll be damn if I take another and fly over the Bermuda Triangle.  ;D

Dan J.

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Re: Next year in Europe!
« Reply #143 on: September 28, 2007, 06:54:20 pm »
What about the British Virgin Islands ?

Offline Dennis

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Re: Next year in Europe!
« Reply #144 on: September 28, 2007, 08:17:32 pm »
Bermuda is beautiful.  However, it is also very expensive.


What about Bermuda?

There are non-stop flights from London (British Airways through Gatwick), so we can avoid the problem of U.S. entry restrictions for European members. There are also non-stops from many cities in the U.S., including Chicago and many cities on the east coast. I'm not sure how members from Australia & New Zealand could avoid connections in the U.S.

AllanQ


Offline tigger2376

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Re: Next year in Europe!
« Reply #145 on: September 28, 2007, 11:07:43 pm »
This is now getting fantastic! Bermuda not an option for most...as if I didnt know!
Barcelona
Paris
London
I know i'm going to enjoy the party in the afterlife, but do you all mind that I'm going to be VERY late!!!

Offline allanq

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Re: Next year in Europe!
« Reply #146 on: September 28, 2007, 11:46:09 pm »
Here's an interesting list:

The world's most expensive cities


Offline northernguy

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Re: Next year in Europe!
« Reply #147 on: September 30, 2007, 12:34:29 pm »
What about the British Virgin Islands ?

While there may be a few Brits amongst us, I can guarantee there are no virgins.
Apr 28/06 cd4 600 vl 10,600 cd% 25
Nov 8/09 cd4 510 vl 49,5000 cd% 16
Jan 16/10 cd4 660 vl 54,309 cd% 16
Feb 17/10 Started Atripla
Mar 7/10 cd4 710 vl 1,076 cd% 21
Apr 18/10 cd4 920 vl 268 cd% 28
Jun 19/10 cd4 450 vl 60 cd% 25
Aug 15/10 cd4 680 vl 205 cd% 27
Apr 3/11 cd4 780 vl <40 cd% 30
Jul 17/11 cd4 960 vl <40 cd%33
April 15/12 cd4 1,010 vl <40 cd% 39
April 20/12 Switched to Viramune + Truvada
Aug 2/12 cd4 1040, vl <40, cd% 38
Oct 19 cd4 1,110 vl <40 cd% 41

Offline englishgirl

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Re: Next year in Europe!
« Reply #148 on: September 30, 2007, 12:49:19 pm »
While there may be a few Brits amongst us, I can guarantee there are no virgins.
i believe i am a 'technical' virgin it's been that long >:(
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"I'm not keen on the idea of the afterlife - not without knowing who else will be there and what the entertainment will be. Personally I'd rather just take a rest." Oscar Berger, PWA: Looking AIDS in the Face, 1996. RIP.

Offline gerry

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Re: Next year in Europe!
« Reply #149 on: September 30, 2007, 02:47:22 pm »
One question; What about the Grants Committee? Can we realistically expect to raise two lots of grant monies per year?


It takes about 6 months for the Grants Committee to do the work and have a comfortable breathing room.  Time is essential in planning this in order to raise the money, communicate and coordinate with people needing assistance, get someone to clinch a good deal on airfare, etc.

Likewise, the pool of donors is not extensive.  Even though we raised a lot of money this year, there were less than 20 donors involved.  Their continued generosity is impressive (as I've been in the committee the last 3 years).  Having said that, I'm not sure if it's reasonable to expect annual, or in this alternative proposal, twice-yearly participation from the pool of donors.  If people are convinced that the existence of the grants committee is an important part of these gatherings, then more work and commitment spread throughout the members who believe in it would probably need to be though out and realized.

Just my 2 cents.
« Last Edit: September 30, 2007, 07:47:04 pm by gerry »

 


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