POZ Community Forums
Off Topic Forums => Forums Gatherings => Topic started by: anniebc on June 16, 2008, 03:47:33 am
-
Hi everyone
I was hoping to have the memorial service at the hotel but they are asking a ridiculous amount of money for a room, so we have to look at having it somewhere else, one suggestion was to have it at the beginning of our tour at the pyramids, I think this would work if everyone who is attending the AMG is going to the pyramids, I wouldn't want anyone to miss out on the service, also I have no idea what the weather will like because I would like to use candles again this year if possible, I have a fair idea what I would like to do for the service, but if need be I will have to come up a plan B as a back up.
Dennis is looking into things for me but if anyone else who can help with suggestions I would like to hear them, if the pyramids service doesn't work out then please keep in mind we need somewhere that is not too far from the hotel and is easy to get to without worrying about transport and getting everyone there.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Hugs
Jan :-*
-
Hi
I have had one suggestion from Tim Horn, thanks Tim...I would like to know how you guys feel about this..so please some feed back would be good.
The only other thing I can think of is a room at the Hotel, Dennis has been quoted $350 (is that right dennis?), if so are you guys are willing to pay $10 each towards this? if you are then I'm more than willing to pay the balance.
I need to get something sorted out soon so I can start making plans for the Memorial service, I have a lot of others things to do between now and then, so please help me out here.
This is the Pm I had from Tim:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jan:
The problem with Mexico City is that its hard to find a quiet, secluded and picturesque corner for ceremonies such as this (it really is one of the biggest, busiest cities you've ever seen). Having the service in a old church would be terrific, but I can't really think of one off the top of my head... and, besides, it can be a VERY frustrating experience organizing things of this nature when you don't know who, exactly, you're dealing with (especially in Mexico).
You could always attempt to claim a swath of the National Cathedral on the Zocalo, but its usually clogged with tourists and I'd hate for you guys to get chased off by someone who isn't quite sure of what you're doing in there.
My suggestion would be to have the ceremony outside. I think the AMG hotel is in the Zona Rosa. While there aren't any picturesque plazas or parks in this neighborhood, it is very near the Angel of Independence, an enormous monument in the middle of Paseo de la Reforma and a very popular site of rallies, demonstrations, vigils, and ceremonies. And, to me, there's something very profound about an AIDS memorial services at the feet of an angel of independence.
You could set a time for the service -- during the evening, if you want to have candles -- and walk over, en masse, and set something up relatively quickly. While the traffic around the monument can be distracting, again, we're talking about Mexico City here.
What do you think?
-
Excellent suggestion...it sounds like it could become complicated if we as a group try to go someplace else. I agree the rental rate seems steep (I guess this is how the hotel makes money) but I am willing to "chip in" as suggested and I bet others will be also. This is an important and uplifting part of AMG (I hate that I had to miss it last summer) so I hope we can be as supportive as we can.
Gary
-
Hi Jan,
Thom and I like either options and would be will to help out with the cost of the room at the Hotel. But we really like Tim's suggestion of an evening service at the Angel of Independence. Hope this helps with your plans.
See you soon. Love always, R&T
-
I'm open to either suggestion. I like the convenience of the meeting room at the hotel (and the fact that if we're paying that much bloody money, we can keep the room for a few hours and make it multi-purpose.) I also like the the prospect of a nighttime candle service in front of this monumental monument. Or even in the day. I'm not very adept at Google Maps or Google Earth (ahem, calling Curtis) but it looks like this location is roughly a mile from the hotel.
I'm sure the hotel can flag down the proper taxis to get us there, and I'll volunteer Santiago to give explicit instructions to each cab driver (hell, he's getting a t-shirt, might as well make him work for it.)
Or if we decide on a room at the hotel, I'll even sponsor someone's contribution, so that'd be $30 from me and Santi.
edited to add a picture:
[attachment deleted by admin]
-
I know this may be far-fetched, but....
In Mexico $350 means 350 pesos. They use the same sign for pesos as the U.S. does for dollars. Is it possible that the quoted rate of $350 meant 350 pesos? That would make it about US$33.
That price sounds like it's probably too low, but I was just wondering....
-
Everything quoted to me from the hotel is quoted in US dollars.
I know this may be way off base, but....
In Mexico $350 means 350 pesos. They use the same sign for pesos as the U.S. does for dollars. Is it possible that the quoted rate of $350 meant 350 pesos? That would make it about US$33.
That price sounds like it's probably too low, but I was just wondering....
-
I think Tim Horn's idea is right-on! What a neat spot to remember those dearly departed. I totally support the trek to the angel monument and I think the Feista Americana is doing a bit of price gouging to the touristas; thumbs down. Nevertheless, I would be happy to contribute to the cause (cost of space) but I'd rather be outside. Due to frequency of afternoon showers at that time of year, late morning would be a cool time of day if we choose the angel spot to hold memorial.
There is a rather large park at the end of Paseo de Reforma that could be a possibility also. Could research that again for its name as it has been awhile since I last reviewed the tour books........summertime and all the joys that come with it have keep me a happy camper lately.
Mike
-
I just can't see having a memorial service in a hotel room. I go for Tim's suggestion. Now I've written a PM to Juan Carlos (xyahka) (http://forums.poz.com/index.php?action=profile;u=5952) asking if he can help us. I know he's from Ecuador but I believe he's met some of our friends in the Vivir con el VIH (http://forums.poz.com/index.php?board=26.0) thread. I know some of them are from Mexico City and maybe they have some ideas. (I sure hope they can join us. Even if I don't speak the language, I want so much to welcome them to Aidsmeds.) Anyway, I asked Juan Carlos if he could get some ideas from them. I've haven't heard back from him yet but when I do, I'll let you know.
robert
-
I just can't see having a memorial service in a hotel room
It won't be a hotel room Robert, it will be a meeting room...it's just something to think about if we can't come up with anything else.
I really like the idea of having it outside, and the Momument sounds and looks beautiful...I'm just a bit concerned about the weather, personally I don't mind the rain but I can't speak for others, but if it's windy then we have to go with something else other than candles...but even that would be ok I can come up with a plan B.. ;)
hugs
Jan :-*
-
I really like the idea of having it outside, and the Monument sounds and looks beautiful...I'm just a bit concerned about the weather, personally I don't mind the rain but I can't speak for others, but if it's windy then we have to go with something else other than candles...but even that would be ok I can come up with a plan B.. ;)
hugs
Jan :-*
Hey Jan:
I like Tim's suggestion. In the event the weather is an issue, well then we'll just have to play it by ear and adjust accordingly. I'm confident things are going to work out just fine.
While the location is an important part of the Memorial Service, the real important part is simply that we are all gathered in one place (where ever it may be) and remembering those we've lost and celebrating our own blessings.
RAB
-
I love the idea of having it outside, especially around the Angel of Independence. I know I'm probably going to get some mean looks, but instead of having the service at night, we could have a sunrise memorial. The sun coming up around the Angel of Independence - just thought the whole imagery would be significant: the dawn of a new day celebrating our independence and the "angels" who have gone before us.
I also agree with RAB. The scenery isn't nearly as important as the collective remembering and reflecting. Thank you so much Jan for putting this together. If there is anything that you need help with, please PM and let me know.
Mum
-
I wouldn't dare speak for anyone else.... but I always give a mean look when I am up at the "crack of dawn." I much prefer to dream about sunrise rather than actually witness one... but I will defer the wishes of the majority if that is what we decide (reserving the right to grumble and be grouchy.)
Gary :D (being a little tongue-in-cheek, but only a little....)
-
While the location is an important part of the Memorial Service, the real important part is simply that we are all gathered in one place (where ever it may be) and remembering those we've lost and celebrating our own blessings.
RAB
Right on, cupcake!
Mike
-
I like the idea of the Angel. It would be a great symbol and a great gathering place.
Evening would be nice. I don't know about sunrise. I don't think we can herd the cats that early.
HUGS,
Mark
-
Hi everyone
The Memorial service will be help on Friday the 15th..all I need to know now is whether you guys want it in the morning ,as we have always had in the past, or would you prefer an evening one prior to the Meet and Greet?.
Please let me know what you prefer...thank guys
Hugs
Jan :-*
-
I think the morning would be best. It is when we've done it traditionally and it has always worked very well.
HUGS,
Mark
-
Grand Dame, feel free to pick whatever time of day suits you well since you have (repeatedly) organized this service and have good judgment on these matters. I leave it up to you and/or majority rule because it truly doesn't matter to me. I'd be there if it was midnight or sunrise or otherwise.
Mike
-
My vote is for morning. That way if Dennis, or anyone needs to make some last minute run-through or check on the progression for M&G, then he'll have time. And, I'm selfish, but mornings tend to be cooler than afternoons and Mini tends to nap. But, whatever the group decides, we'll be there.
Mum
-
Thom and I prefer the morning. If memory serves me right, we may be faced with afternoon rain showers and the morning may be a bit cooler in terms of temperature.
-
Hi everyone
Please let me know what you prefer...thank guys
Hugs
Jan :-*
Morning is fine with me.
RAB
-
Definitely morning.... nicer weather and who needs to sleep in during vacation time....
Nick
-
Thanks guys
Morning it is..so it will be at 10.30 at the "Angel of Independance" so all you night owls will get a chance to have a wee sleep in if you need it... ;)
He doesn't know it yet. but RAB and I will take a wee walk from the hotel to the "Angel" to see how long it will take to go on foot..(think of it as training for the pyramids RAB.. ;)) if it's too far for everyone to walk I will check out the transport.
27 days and I'm outta here.
Hugs
Jan :-*
-
I will be happy to accompany (just in case RAB misbehaves....) especially because the exercise will be good for me. I am doing my best to keep off the 30 lbs I lost since you guys saw me in San Francisco. It is a daily battle...but I want you to see the slimmer, healthier version of me!I will be there by Wed. afternoon if that works out for your "trial run."
Gary
-
Jan and Lou-ah-vull:
According to my map, it's 4 1/2" from the Fiesta Americana Reforma to the "Monumenta a la Independencia".
Now, if each inch = .225 tenths of a mile [ ??? ::) :P subtract the 9, carry the 5, compute the square root of 69 ;)], then that means the memorial is just about 1 mile from the hotel. ENJOY
RAB ;D
-
Jan and Lou-ah-vull:
According to my map, it's 4 1/2" from the Fiesta Americana Reforma to the "Monumenta a la Independencia".
Now, if each inch = .225 tenths of a mile [ ??? ::) :P subtract the 9, carry the 5, compute the square root of 69 ;)], then that means the memorial is just about 1 mile from the hotel. ENJOY
RAB ;D
Pray tell, how long do you think it will take for my foot to leave the ground and connect to your backside..you just had to go and do the big numbers thing on us didn't you..now give that to me in Kilometers... :D
Hugs
Jan :-*
-
I hope that this year's Memorial Service was very meaningful to all of you.
As always, thanks so much to Jan for all the work she does in preparing and conducting the services.
At the same time you were gathered in Mexico City, I was in my church, on my knees at the altar. I lit 4 candles: one for Christine, one for James, one for Mikie's partner Jim, and one for my friend Kevin who died on January 26th.
I said a prayer for our departed loved ones, as well as for all of you attending this year's AMG and all those who were unable to attend.
Much love to all,
Alan
Friday August 15th, 2008
-
At the same time you were gathered in Mexico City, I was in my church, on my knees at the altar. I lit 4 candles: one for Christine, one for James, one for Mikie's partner Jim, and one for my friend Kevin who died on January 26th.
I said a prayer for our departed loved ones, as well as for all of you attending this year's AMG and all those who were unable to attend.
{{{{hugs}}} Alan
With what's been going on in my life this year, I couldn't help but peek at this memorial thread. Though it's the reason I sought out aidsmeds, it saddens me that there are so many of us grieving and memorializing our lost ones. During the 50 days Jim suffered in the hospital and the short 9 days he was back home, so many people here offered me comfort, support (thank you again to everyone that contributed for Jim's cremation so that I was able to bring an honorable closure to his life), advice, and sometimes just a cyber-shoulder to cry on. Many of those people truly knew the stress, grief and turmoil that I was going through (and still dealing with), as they had gone through similar situations themselves (some of them having even lost multiple partners like I have!).
Unable to retain Jim's house much longer, I've been going through some deep depression this week, as I began packing up my belongings for an unknown move into an uncertain future. Today, before I packed up the luminere (the one sent to Jim when he first entered the hospital by an aidsmeds friend), I lit it one more time for a few moments. I sent my thoughts and prayers out for those who have lost their loved ones to this disease, to those kind souls here who offered me such support, and for those attending the AMG (for a safe journey to-n-fro and fun along the way!)
Best wishes and good health to you all!
mikie
-
Greetings!
We were able to have a lovely and memorable memorial service at a monument a short walk from our hotel. We had a waterfall fountain to gather around and the monument to the revolutionary heroes seemed quite appropriate. Alan, you were sorely missed..but since you joined us in prayer you really were present with us.
We lit the memorial candles at the dinner this evening (much too windy this morning at the memorial) and it was a nice touch after a great dinner that really was a celebration of life.
While smaller than previous AMGs, this has been a memorable experience for all so far. This is quite a unique city and most of us would probably have never ventured here on our own. In the morning we visit the Aztec pyramids which should also be a memorable and beautiful addition to our gathering. Plenty of pictures are being taken (as always some are quite scandalous.... :-) and will be posted as soon as we can get regular internet access. For most of us, this will be after we return home.
Keep us in your thoughts and prayers as you all are in ours!
Gary