New dates for AMG and attendence

[Miss Philicia]

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtC50jltwx0

[minismom]

I'm hijacking the thread to say: Timilicious, you are lookin' really beautiful, babe! 

I drink 2 cups of milk a day: 1 for breakfast and 1 before bed (which I just finished )

It does look like we'll have quite the gathering.  I'm glad!  The more that get to meet me, the better

Mum - who just got an email that my passport should be here on or before 4/13, but I"m thinking that I'm not getting mail on a Sunday.

[RAB]

Hey, Philly,   We're flying Continental out of Pittsburgh - for about double what you're paying - with a 2hr 5 minute layover in Houston.  Just looked for the frazzled lady with the very happy go-lucky little Miss who's talking to everyone in the crowd, sporting a Dora backpack and black Converse hightops.

Mum

Emphasis added for clarity.

Mum:

Please tell me you are talking about the cost of two (2) tickets , as opposed to one (1) for Philly.  I just checked and the cost of flying out of Pittsburgh is $483.00 (adult--not sure what the cost is for a minor passenger).  I'll be sick if you paid something like $800.00 for each.

RAB

P.S. Does this mean you've actually booked your tickets?   

[Miss Philicia]

OK... I just bit the bullet and purchased my airfare to Mexico City.  Horiby expensive, considering that taxes alone run $100... actual ticket cost was $423 RT on Continental with with layovers of 2.5 hours in Houston.  At last I get mileage on that airline as I already have enough with them to fly to France twice

Just to be clear -- my total cost with taxes was $524.50

[David_CA]

Flights for us are running about $700+ at present.  We can drive two hours and save about $50, which would be silly.  As a point of reference, to fly to SF again would cost less than half ($324).  Basically, it's going to cost as much to fly to Mexico City as it did to Montreal and San Francisco combined.  I'm just not feeling excited about this trip.  This is a major chunk of change for everybody who's planning to attend!

David

[RAB]

Flights for us are running about $700+ at present.  We can drive two hours and save about $50, which would be silly.  As a point of reference, to fly to SF again would cost less than half ($324).  Basically, it's going to cost as much to fly to Mexico City as it did to Montreal and San Francisco combined.  I'm just not feeling excited about this trip.  This is a major chunk of change for everybody who's planning to attend!

David

David:

I can certainly understand your lack of enthusiasm for going to Mexico City.  I mean $700.00?  That's insane if you ask me.

But I also have to say that, even though I understand your concerns, I'd be awfully sad if  the two of you and Bonnie elect not to attend.

I don't want to reignite the drama that brought us to this decision, because that won't do a lick of good.  Plus, if I even venture into the topic of how we got into this position, Ann will lock the thread just as she did your  "Why the silence?" thread. 

The fact is, those who had such strong opinions about what this coming year's gathering should be (location, political statement, reality vs imagined cause) got absolutely everything they wanted in the selection of Mexico City.

The sad reality is, that in doing that, you (and I suspect countless others--because of cost), either elected to withdraw from the discussion or are now realizing that the cost is just too much.

David, you two have been a significant part of the last two AMGs. 

Your smiles, your gifts, and frankly your very presence, have contributed a lot.

Whatever decision you make in regards to this year's gathering, I just hope you both (and Bonnie too) realize, that.

RAB

(Who's feeling kind of sad to be honest.)

[Miss Philicia]

Hey, it's a donation to the HIV Travel Ban brouhaha!

Just for shits & giggles I did a search on travelocity.com for the same dates, but from Philadelphia > Amsterdam and the cheapest tickets came to $1,086.00

Needless to say that due to the US recession the hotel, food, and general spending costs would inflate this expense greatly.

So I guess we should look at it that we're actually saving a LOT of money )))

Now, if we'd had AMG somewhere like Miami we'd be looking at ticket costs of $200, and with those savings we could all book rooms at the Ritz Carlton.

[Jody]

I booked my flight from Aug. 13 to Aug. 20 using sidestep.com that Rab recommended and via cheaptickets got a round trip from JFK in New York non stop for 359 dollars plus 20 extra dollars for insurance...It is with Delta so I hope they are still in business 

Now I am reading Aztec by Gary Jennings that Tim Horn recommended to get in the mood.  I am now hoping that we can book our hotel reservations soon.

Jody 

[minismom]

We've not booked our tickets yet for 2 reasons: 1- Hubby and i are still trying to agree as to the amount of time we're going to be gone.  I was opting for a long weekend, like Jeromy and Mark.  Hubby wants us to stay for the entire time.  Makes me wonder...lol!  2- my father flies a lot for work and is going to see if we can use his frequent flier miles for our tickets if he buys them, but puts them in our names.  We're also waiting to see what the hotel is going to cost / night and go ahead and book our room.

When we looked up the flight times and tickets, I'm wanting to say that the Continental flight from Pitts to Mexico with the 2hr 5min layover in Houston was very close to $700 / each with taxes and insurance.  There's no discount for a minor child.  But, again, i could be losing my mind, but, at least this time, I dont' think I am. (but that doesn't mean I haven't. Denial may not be a treatment option, but it could be a viable alternative)  Anyway, we'll look again once the contract is finalized with the hotel and we figure out our exact travel days.  At the moment, we will probably arrive on Thurs. and leave on Monday or Tuesday.

mum

[David_CA]

RAB,
It's making me sad, too.  And f'in pissed.  I took a Klonopin and went and raked the yard for two yours (I hate raking the yard) to get out some of the anger.  Here's the deal.  D and I do have the money to go.  There will be outstanding medical bills left outstanding.  Credit cards will still have those balances.  Things that really need to be done around the house will remain undone.  The main point that really gets me pissed is when I think why are we doing this?  Why are so many folks with fixed / limited incomes who'd absolutely love to attend not going to be able to attend?  It's not because of a ban that we are effectively powerless to change at this point.  It's because of a location chosen to allow, on paper, anybody to attend.  In actuality, it eliminates many people from even having hopes of attending.  Why?  WHY?.  That's as far as I'm going with this thought, as I too know what will happen.

Now, if we'd had AMG somewhere like Miami we'd be looking at ticket costs of $200, and with those savings we could all book rooms at the Ritz Carlton.

Or SF again for the mid $300's (accomodations were reasonable and I think we all had a blast.  Or a BIG city like Chicago or Boston for $235 to $260.

I'll also add that I've stayed out of the Gatherings forums for quite a while.  It only served to fuel the anger I feel about depriving many members, who'd really benefit from the gathering, of attending.  Thanks for that.


Maybe it's time for a mixed drink.  Those certainly help Klonopin do its thing.

David

(edited to correct a typo)

[Miss Philicia]

Those certainly help Klonopin do its thing.

Klonopin always helps, or at least that's what Jesus says.

[mjmel]

If it's any consolation, I too wait till I'm angry/frustrated about something before I attempt to rake the yard. We have several trees on the property.
Lots of sticks. Sticks. Branches. Teeny Tiny broken branches. Spring, Fall, Winter.....pick 'em up sticks.
 
Mike

[Andy Velez]

Dear All,

I've just had it confirmed that I will be working at the Conference in Mexico City. Like Tim I just can't add on the extra days that would require my hanging out until AM4 begins. So I will just wish you all well.

I hope that next year time and place will work out and I will be able to attend.  If the legislation now in Congress passes then the onerous law preventing those with HIV from traveling to the US will be lifted and AM could meet here sometime soon.

Best wishes to you all for another happy reunion,

 

[Ric Wilke]

Hey all,

If you haven't booked flights yet keep an eagle eye on fares.  Two weeks ago Thom and I could only afford to fly out of Chicago.  That means ground transport from Milwaukee to Chicago.  Believe it or not, we can now fly out of Milwaukee with only one stop and we get into Mexico City around 2:00pm.  Total cost for both of us is just a tad over $1000 plus the town car from home to airport.  (It's cheaper than paying $13 per day to park at the airport.)  Have no idea why things are changing in our favor but we won't complain.

We are both getting excited and have seriously considering putting off the breeding of Miss Tucker until fall since she is not being cooperative with her breeding season this spring.

Hugs to all, R&T   

[allanq]

Unfortunately, I'm afraid that I'm going to have to bow out of the AMG this year. There are just too many other big trips that I have to take this year, including three to the east coast that are family-related.

Allan

[anniebc]

Dear Allan

I'm so sorry I won't be able to meet you again or talk to you face to face, I so enjoyed meeting you in SF and thank you so much for the wonderful sight seeing tour you took me on the first day I arrived, not to mention our day out at the Golden gate bridge and Muir woods...I know you will be missed by many at this years AMG.

Hugs to you
Jan

[Curtis]

Howdy from Texas.   

These dates actually work a lot better for me, and I'm wondering why it's so much more expensive to fly to Mexico City from the East Coast than it was to San Francisco.  Someone even said more than SF and Montreal combined.  So, I'll have to look at the cost too.  I'm very interested in seeing people again.

Curtis

[David_CA]

Howdy from Texas.   

These dates actually work a lot better for me, and I'm wondering why it's so much more expensive to fly to Mexico City from the East Coast than it was to San Francisco.  Someone even said more than SF and Montreal combined.  So, I'll have to look at the cost too.  I'm very interested in seeing people again.

Curtis

That was me that said that about prices for SF and Montreal.  SF seems to be the cheapest place for flights, for some reason.  I doubt if a flight from TX will be all that pricey.

David

[pozniceguy]

Curtis...I have a flight from Dallas to Mexico city for $285.00  RT  including taxes  Flying  on American Airlines

Nick

[Basquo]

Curtis...I have a flight from Dallas to Mexico city for $285.00  RT  including taxes  Flying  on American Airlines

Nick

Hey, Nick! Everything costs more in Austin, even flights.  I talked to Curtis today and he said he was willing to fly out of San Antonio, which is really no cheaper than Austin.  However, my BF said he has friends with whom we could ditch a car in Houston so I will look into that.  Money is the only thing that's keeping me from jumping in right now. I will be majorly pissed if I don't get to see everyone this year!

Creighton

[mjmel]

Howdy Curtis! Was unsure whether it was the same Curtis I met in San Francisco. The goat charmer. 

It will be so nice to see you again, handsome.

And Creighton, Be there.

Mike

[RAB]

Hey, Nick! Everything costs more in Austin, even flights.  I talked to Curtis today and he said he was willing to fly out of San Antonio, which is really no cheaper than Austin. However, my BF said he has friends with whom we could ditch a car in Houston so I will look into that. Money is the only thing that's keeping me from jumping in right now. I will be majorly pissed if I don't get to see everyone this year!

Creighton

Creighton and Curtis

Looks like the cheapest fare (according to sidestep) is about $410.00 for you guys.  I know that the travel cost,

("Money is the only thing that's keeping me from jumping in right now.")

is a concern.  But one thing to consider is that we're paying  >$40.00 per night less for our hotel this year.  Also, I'm told by Damn Fool (who goes to Mexico a couple of times a year--though not Mexico City) is that our dollar actually goes pretty far when it comes to shopping/dining/clubbing (don't know about tattooing though!   ).  So, even though the airfare might seem expensive, some of that can be offset.

Creighton, I truly hope you guys are able to come to this year's gathering.

Maybe you could pawn your Versace thong?   

NOW BOOK THOSE DANG TICKETS!

RAB

[Curtis]

I'm thinking to book in the next three weeks or so, but I'm not sure I'll be flying back from Mexico City.  Have some other ideas in the works. 

Yes, Mike........the goat charmer.  (For some reason that's rather endearing.)

Curtis 

[mrtallguy]

Hey guys (and gals)...

Looks like I will be there.....not sure who will be joining me yet....

stay tuned!!

Craig

[anniebc]

Hi Craig

So glad you called in, I look forward to seeing you again.

Hugs
Jan

[RAB]

Hey guys (and gals)...

Looks like I will be there.....not sure who will be joining me yet....

stay tuned!!

Craig

 

Thanks for starting my morning off with such great news! 

RAB

[Robert]

hey tg.

this is great news.  I can't wait to see who you bring either.

You are such a player....

robert

[mrtallguy]

((((((HUGS))))))

BACK TO JAN, RAB, AND ROBERT!!

THIS IS SUCH A GREAT GROUP!!

SEE YOU IN 3 MONTHS!

XOXO

CRAIG

[DCGUY2007]

I really enjoy traveling and would love to meet everyone but I just don't have a desire to go to Mexico city. 

[Ric Wilke]

Hey DCGUY,

Hope you will reconsider.  AMG, no matter where it is held, is an awesome experience.  Just consider this quote from one of our dear members, "It's okay.  I understand.  I'm positive, too."  That is what AMG is all about.  Laughs, tears and more hugs than you can imagine.  Hope you will join us.

Hugs, Ric

[Ric Wilke]

Hey Craig,

Great to hear that you will be joining us again this year.  Can't wait to see who you are bringing with you.  See you soon, R&T

[mrtallguy]

Hey DCGUY,

Hope you will reconsider.  AMG, no matter where it is held, is an awesome experience.  Just consider this quote from one of our dear members, "It's okay.  I understand.  I'm positive, too."  That is what AMG is all about.  Laughs, tears and more hugs than you can imagine.  Hope you will join us.

HEY DCGUY....

I echo your thoughts....and Ric's comment above....
I was thinkin "why not a city on the coast....Cancun or Puerto Vallarta....Mexico City does not "flip switches" for me either.....but I went to the AMG last year and Ric is right....the energy of this group is SO over the top...
I have never felt anything like it before.....WE AS A GROUP will make Mexico City an amazing place to hang!

Peace...
Craig

PS.....Hey Ric!  Looking forward to seeing you guys as well!!

[aztecan]

Hey gang,

Just wanted to let you know I'm committed (don't even go there!). My airline tickets have been purchased.

Albuquerque to Mexico City ($398 plus tax - $502) American Airlines. They were the cheapest and I don't have a huge layover anywhere.

Now, all I need to do is make hotel reservations. Do I remember anyone wishing to share a room. I promise not to snore too loudly.

HUGS,

Mark

[Cliff]

((((((HUGS))))))

BACK TO JAN, RAB, AND ROBERT!!

THIS IS SUCH A GREAT GROUP!!

SEE YOU IN 3 MONTHS!

XOXO

CRAIG

Well, look what the cat drug in!  Nice to see you around mister.

[mrtallguy]

Well, look what the cat drug in!  Nice to see you around mister.

MEOW!!!

How is Cliff doing??

Will I be seeing you this year at AMG?? 

[DCGUY2007]

AMG definitely sounds great. Its just that I am thinking of a few vacations. I also saw the poz cruse mentioned. I am also going to Europe again next summer. But this AMG event does sound great. I will seriously have to think about this. Maybe I will win the lottery  so I can quit my job and just travel

[ozzie]

It would be awesome if I could make it this time... and DCGUY2007 if you win it can you share with me? lol
oh and hi everyone.. I haven't logged in for sooooo long!

[Robert]

It would be awesome if I could make it this time... and DCGUY2007 if you win it can you share with me? lol
oh and hi everyone.. I haven't logged in for sooooo long!

yeah, I'd say about a year or so.  Where have you been?  I don't want to get too nosy, but by your picture it looks to me like you  might be in jail   Think you can get time off for good behavior?

Anyway, can you come?  uh?  can ya?  can ya?  I sure hope so.

robert

ps...and get dcguy to come along with.

[ozzie]

yeah, I'd say about a year or so.  Where have you been?  I don't want to get too nosy, but by your picture it looks to me like you  might be in jail   Think you can get time off for good behavior?

Anyway, can you come?  uh?  can ya?  can ya?  I sure hope so.

robert

ps...and get dcguy to come along with.

hahaha been here.. just more busy growing up 

I doubt we can go. We are going to move to our own place this weekend (finally after 4 years) and its just a lot of money we have to spend during the first few months buying and fixing stuff. Maybe the next meeting should be in Miami    lol.

[manchesteruk]

Hello all,

There's no way I can afford the costs or get the time off work to attend this year unfortunately but I hope everyone has a good time and see you next year hopefully.

Chris

[mjmel]

Hello all,

There's no way I can afford the costs or get the time off work to attend this year unfortunately but I hope everyone has a good time and see you next year hopefully.

Chris

I will surely miss seeing your warm, sincere smile and friendliness, Chris.  We never got to finish that chat, did we.

Mike