POZ Community Forums
Off Topic Forums => Forums Gatherings => Topic started by: AMG Coordinator on February 19, 2008, 03:33:29 pm
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Hello Everyone,
Please post below if you plan on attending AMG 2008 in Mexico City. It would also be helpful in contract negotiations with the hotels if you could also include your proposed arrival and departure date. The official dates this year is August 7th - 12th.
Thanks!
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David & David are planning on attending. I believe Bonnie will be joining us again, too!
David
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I plan to attend.. will arrive 7Th depart the 12Th
Nick
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Mini and I are trying very hard to be able to go. We'll arrive on the 7th and probably leave on the 12th if there's no activities planned.
Mum
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I would also like to attend from Aug. 7 - 12.
Jody
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attending.
arriving Aug 6--depart on 13th
Mike
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I plan to attend.. arrive 7Th depart the 12Th
Rich
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And, YES I also plan to attend.
In 07 Aug
Out 11 or 12 Aug....5 or 6 nights....dunno yet.
robert
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It will be my first and I plan to attend! (Though I DID NOT vote for Mexico) ;)
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I'm planning to attend not so much to see Mexico as to meet and get to know all of you!
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planning on atteding
7th - 12th
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Hi
I will be there..3rd-8th for the IAC..and from the 8th-14th for the AMG.
Hugs
Jan :-*
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I'm planning to arrive August 7th and stay at least until August 12th, maybe a few days longer.
I'm thinking of extending my stay to spend a little time traveling within Mexico. Not sure where I'd like to go yet.
Allan
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Jeromy and I are planning on attending
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I will be there!
Gary
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Thom and I are planning to arrive on Aug 7th and departing on Aug 12 (dates subject to be increased). We may have to alter our plans due to a planned litter of pups Miss Tucker may present us with around that same time frame.
R&T
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I plan on attending Aug 7-12
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I'm planning on being there the 7th through the 12th. I may stay longer, depending on how finances look.
HUGS,
Mark
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Will attend IAC and plan to extend stay to include a couple days for AMG.
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If you go, do you have to go for the whole time? My oldest b-day is 8-9.
Thanks, Snow
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checking airfares daily...
(has anyone actually booked their flight yet?)
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I am debating, I just don't know yet...... :-\
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Thinking of going. Not crazy about it being in Mexico but would like to meet others :)
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I'm an iffy. Travel time and cost may not work for me this year.
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Well unfortunately I will not be attending this year due to timing. I had to put in my vacation request by the end of January, and not knowing when AMG was going to be I had put in my request for June, and decided that I would go to Thailand with my partner. I hope everyone who goes a good time. I still think about the good time we all had in Toronto, Ontario CAN, and hope to see you all again someday. Well maybe next year I will attend again.
Take care in Mexico
Jeremy...
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This is a thread that I was dreading, since the money fell apart with the job. BUT I should be able to swing it, or at least I hope I will.
And I may be bringing my (mexican national) husband, who really wants to visit his mother in Guanajuato.
Let's all visualize dollar bills flying into JR's pockets (c-notes would be better, of course). OHHHM OHHHM
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Hi Everyone: ;D
I didn't think I was going to be able to attend AMG this year due to a big trip Damn Fool and I had been planning for nearly a year. Unfortunately that trip had to be put off. >:(
But on the bright side it means I'll be coming to MC.
I don't speak a lick of Spanish.
I hate Corona.
Tequila makes me sick.
So, why go to MC?
Well, to see old friends and make new ones of course. :-* (That and a certain goat farmer I'm sort of fond of threatened me with bodily harm if I didn't show up! :o I'm convinced she was dead serious about it too! She scares me! :P)
(has anyone actually booked their flight yet?)
YEP booked my ticket on Sunday. Arriving Wednesday, the 6th, late afternoon.
SEE YOU ALL IN 5 MONTHS!
Until then Adios,
RAB
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So good you will be coming to Mexico dearest friend RAB...I see you booked your flights, did we decide that it would be the 7th of August? I see Dennis was saying he could not get the Holiday Inn and Allan mentioned possibly going the following week. I don't want you to be all alone in Mexico with the rest of us coming a week later!!! ;)
Jody :)
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I don't want you to be all alone in Mexico with the rest of us coming a week later!!!
I was worried about that too Jody, but if we need/have to change the dates then you won't be on your own because I will have to hang around until everyone gets there too..the question is could you cope with me on your own if you had to.. ;)
I think we need to get this sorted out one way or another, and quick, I know some have bought their tickets already, although Rab tells me he can change his (hopefully) if he has to, but will need to do it as soon as possible, also would it be possible for those who have already booked their holiday time from work be able to change it?
Feed back on this is important so if you can, please let us know what you think, we need to get this sorted out ASAP so we can go ahead and book flights and holidays...and to help Dennis out with the hotel bookings.
Hopefully Dennis will have some news for us before the week is out.
Well, to see old friends and make new ones of course. (That and a certain goat farmer I'm sort of fond of threatened me with bodily harm if I didn't show up! I'm convinced she was dead serious about it too!
You better believe I'm serious about it... ;)
Hugs
Jan :-*
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As to adjusting the dates... we're flexible (David, Bonnie, and I). I'd rather us make some changes now and have a decent hotel. On another note, I'm glad to see RAB has decided to grace us with his presence! ;) Even better, he'll be joining us in M.C!
David
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Mini and I are pretty flexible, too. We just need to know so we can book our flight and make provisions for the rest of the family. What about starting it on the Tuesday (12th) just after the big conference is over? I know that everyone is working very hard to make this happen and I'm so greatful for all of it.
Mum
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Ugh......
could we just settle on the dates and hotel already?
very unsettling--all this back and forth business.
do we need a dreaded poll to finalize the dates?
I know it's 5 months away and still plenty enough time to settle things--but some need to make plans to get time off of work and yet some have already purchased flight tickets. May I suggest that we confirm our dates and hotel by the end of the month of March.
Mike
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I agree we should get a date sorted out as soon as we can, but I know how hard it must be for Dennis in regards to the hotels because of the IAC, I have tried to google a few hotels and it's not easy trying to find one that can offer us the rooms we need.
Remember he is trying to deal with hotels via e-mails, and I'm sure he is trying to get us the best prices possible, but we may have to settle for a hotel that is a little more expensive than the ones we have been looking at so far.
I'm sure things will be worked out well before the end of the month if we can get all those who are going to MC to give us some feed back and their thoughts on this.
Hugs
Jan :-*
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I agree with Jan.
Jeromy and I are flexible with the dates if they need to change.
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I think we should change the dates. Clearly our first choice of this was very faulty, though well intentioned.
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First suggestion...To start the AMG on Saturday the 9th of August (the IAC finishes up on Friday the 8th) to the 13/14th (Wednesday/Thursday) of August.
OR
Second suggestion...To start the AMG from the 13/14th (Wednesday/Thursday) to the 18/19th (Monday/Tuesday)
Hi Philly I put up these two dates a while back to give the guys a choice, I think the first date was chosen because a lot of the guys were hoping that maybe Tim and Andy would be able to attend the AMG for a couple of days.
I'ts obvious the first dates are proving a bit of a head ache for Dennis..I'm hoping we will hear from him soon so we can move forward and have a better chance of getting a hotal booked...some of the guys need to know ASAP so they can change their tickets if need be.
If anyone know how to get in touch with Dennis maybe you can let him know, I don't know how often he can check in with us all, but I do know he is doing his best trying to find a hotel for us.
Hugs
Jan :-*
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By no means am I trying to hijack this thread but in case dates and hotels continue to be difficult to coordinate and if other dates are considered just remember the POZ cruise is October 26 – November 2, 2008. Room and food included in cost and according to the FAQ section on the website passport is the preferred document for U.S. citizens however your original state issued birth certificate with a raised seal along with with a photo ID is perfectly acceptable.
www.hivcruise.com
and
www.positivecruise.com
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Hello Everyone,
I am checking in and even posted an update yesterday. I also posted on February 21st in the following thread
http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=19031.msg244358#msg244358 (http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=19031.msg244358#msg244358)
stating the conference was posing an issue with room availability. I requested everyone to please "do their homework" and research hotels and post accordingly. Not one person posted a hotel suggestion past that date.
We went through this same scenario last year. This is YOUR gathering. The group voted on the dates and destination and that is what I am working with.
No further polls will be conducted regarding destination or dates. If I cannot secure a hotel by the end of the week then I will begin working to secure accomodations for the following week.
Dennis
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As long as my passport shows up on time, I am planning on being there! Can't wait to meet everyone finally!
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Hi Dennis
I have been checking on hotels but because there has been nothing available from the hotels I checked I didn't post anything about them..and I'm not sure about the location we want either...but I am looking.. ;)
I will set aside some time today, (probably this evening when I have more time) so I can go in and have a look at the other dates mentioned and get back to you.
I know I sound like I'm nagging..(but what the hell I'm a women it's what we do best... ;))..but as Dennis so rightly pointed out this is our gathering so we have to get involved he can't do this on his own, I know a lot of you are busy and there are never enough hours in the day but we have to work on this as a group..so lets get together and make this happen.
Hugs
Jan :-*
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Hello Everyone,
If I cannot secure a hotel by the end of the week then I will begin working to secure accommodations for the following week.
Dennis
Hey Dennis:
Either weekend could work for me. I wasn't paying attention when I booked my ticket and assumed that the dates were set. Since I'm using mileage awards to get there, I can change my ticket.
I don't have a clue as to how to search out hotels in Mexico City because of all the possible locations. I don't know if something like this (hotels in the Zona Rosa section) will help or not:
Calinda Geneve Londres 130 5211-0071
Century Zona Rosa Liverpool 152 5726-9911
Excalibur Hanburgo 49 5535-0007
Internacional Havre Havre 21 5211-0082
Krystal Rosa Liverpool 155 5228-9928
Marco Polo Amberes 27 5511-1839
Misión Zona Rosa Napoles 62 5533-0535
Plaza Florencia Av. Florencia 61 5211-0064
Royal Amberes 78 5228-9918
Suites Amberes Amberes 64 5533-1306
Segovia Regency Chapultepec 328 5208-8454
Westin Galería Plaza Hamburgo 195 5230-1717
(http://Calinda Geneve Londres 130 5211-0071
Century Zona Rosa Liverpool 152 5726-9911
Excalibur Hanburgo 49 5535-0007
Internacional Havre Havre 21 5211-0082
Krystal Rosa Liverpool 155 5228-9928
Marco Polo Amberes 27 5511-1839
Misión Zona Rosa Napoles 62 5533-0535
Plaza Florencia Av. Florencia 61 5211-0064
Royal Amberes 78 5228-9918
Suites Amberes Amberes 64 5533-1306
Segovia Regency Chapultepec 328 5208-8454
Westin Galería Plaza Hamburgo 195 5230-1717)
or possibly this (?) (a site for booking group travel):
http://www.hotelplanner.com/?sc=areaguides_aff&City=Mexico City DF/ (http://www.hotelplanner.com/?sc=areaguides_aff&City=Mexico City DF/)
either way, I'm confident this will all work out.
THANK YOU for all the hard work you are doing. We all appreciate it immensely.
And just to echo what Jan posted:
..but as Dennis so rightly pointed out this is our gathering so we have to get involved he can't do this on his own, . . . . but we have to work on this as a group..so lets get together and make this happen.
As I said above, I think we're going to be fine. Finding a hotel is always one of the biggest challenges we face in these gatherings. But for 3 years now we've made it happen, and I know we'll be able to do it again this year.
RAB
(Who still doesn't speak a lick of Spanish, but might lick one if given the chance! :-[)
EDIT TO ADD: FOR SOME REASON THE LINKS TO THE HOTELS IN ZONA ROSA DON'T WORK. SORRY
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Hi Dennis
The only hotel I really got the chance to look at tonight was the Marco Polo (Ademas mentioned it in another thread) as far as I could see they had vacancies from the 12th and room rates were at $75 per night..not sure if this helps, I'm really not good at checking things up on the net...mainly because I don't know where we want to stay.
Are we looking fo hotels in the Zona Rosa area?
Hugs
Jan :-*
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Jan, although the initial preference was to situate ourselves in the Zona Rosa sector (predominately gay area), I believe at this point that a shift in neighborhoods will not matter as long we can secure a hotel to accommodate the group.
Should we have to adjust the time frame to the following week (of Aug. 13-20) than I would presume many of the hotels that were disqualified due to lack of rooms would be reconsidered. Like, for instance, the Cristina Maria, Marco Polo and others located in the Zona Rosa.
I, likewise, would have to rebook my flights and pay penalties and although this is unfortunate I understand that it may be unavoidable as the availability of hotels from Aug 6-13 is scarce. Who knew.
Mike
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Hello Everyone,
I am checking in and even posted an update yesterday. I also posted on February 21st in the following thread
http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=19031.msg244358#msg244358 (http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=19031.msg244358#msg244358)
stating the conference was posing an issue with room availability. I requested everyone to please "do their homework" and research hotels and post accordingly. Not one person posted a hotel suggestion past that date.
Dennis,
Speaking for myself and Jeromy (and I assume a few others) we voted in the hotel poll when it was open and we were willing to go along with whatever won or was decided was best either due to cost, location or overall preference. I honestly wasn't aware of the conference/room availability issue until just the other day.
Our apologies if you needed us to be more active - we just have no knowledge of MC and didn't want to start making suggestions based off of google and add to your burden.
We will be happy with whatever you (or anyone else who has a knowledge of MC) can find and have faith in your efforts and abilities.
Mark
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I'm going to throw out a suggestion here. So far, it appears I'll attend the conference and that started me thinking. First, it's possible that some of the larger groups booked blocks of rooms that may or may not be used. And, it's also possible, not necessarily probable, but possible that people who are already booked to go on behalf of ASOs, drug companies and the like, would consider bunking with a colleague in order to free up a room for two AMG attendees.
Some of us know people who are likely going and it wouldn't hurt to ask if in fact they are; if their group or firm's booked a block of rooms, if they'd be willing to take on a roomie, or buddy up with a colleague, etc.
I don't know what the AMG count is at present, but armed with whatever that total is plus a buffer of those still deciding plus a couple more, then why not call the IAC organizers and see if they can add to our knowledge? Whoever is handling hotel information might prove to be very helpful. Please forgive me if this was suggested in this or any other thread as I've not been tracking the room availability issue. And, I'm not going to research the thread to see if it was.
Here is the link to the Hotel Accommodations page for the conference.
http://www.aids2008.org/mainpage.aspx?pageId=307
Em
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Using the AIDS 2008 hotel list, I checked most of the hotels in Zona Rosa and came up with no availability.
http://www.aids2008.org/popup/Hotel_list.htm
Is starting on the 7th a good idea? The conference ends on the 8th, isn't getting rooms on the 7th going to be a problem?
I like Em's suggestion. I don't know who the hotel coordinator for the conference, but I assume they would be nice enough to give us a few pointers. There may be an email link on the website.
Another option is that we break tradition and not all stay in the same hotel. I know that means we don't get a group discount, but maybe if we are all in the same area, with responsibility for booking hotel rooms falling to each participant, that will work just as fine. But given there is limited rooms available, I'm not sure how feasible this option is. Another option is to go somewhere on the outskirts of city, where the hotels are likely to be more plentiful and cheaper (though not sure with the conference in town). Maybe even staying near the airport or the business district. You can always find plenty of hotels near an airport in downtown (though usually more expensive in downtown compared to the airport). Not an ideal option for sure, but it is one nevertheless.
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I just requested a bid from HotelPlanner.com with the following parameters:
Mexico City, Mexico
check-in Fri 8 Aug
check-out Fri 15 Aug
50 rooms (too many, I know, so I will probably have to amend the request)
max daily rate $150
1 meeting room daily (for social hour)
1 banquet room (for meet-n-greet)
They will get back to me. I'll let you all know. what they say.
In the meantime, how should I tweak the request (if at all)?
JR
edited to add: RAB you scamp, I'll give you a lick of Spanish ;D xo
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Another option is that we break tradition and not all stay in the same hotel. I know that means we don't get a group discount, but maybe if we are all in the same area, with responsibility for booking hotel rooms falling to each participant, that will work just as fine. But given there is limited rooms available, I'm not sure how feasible this option is.
I think this idea from Cliff is worth exploring if we are stuck at the moment. I agree that it is not ideal, but it may turn out to be the most feasible.
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I will not be attending AMG 08
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Here's what I got from hotelplanner.com:
Casa Inn Mexico Hotel
Rio Lerma 237
Mexico. City 06500
Mexico (MEX)
Downtown-City Center
Rate: $83 per nite
Particulars: Group must book rooms no later than 7 days before check-in. Group is responsible to use at least 50% of group room block. Group members may cancel reservations no later than 1 week before day of arrival. 100% is required as a deposit. These policies are specific to your group request as determined by the hotel.
One complimentary room or free banquet or meeting space when more than 25 rooms are booked per night. We can offer you sgl, dbl and tpl accommodations, if you need a triple room we will charge you $12.00 USD, for the third party. The breakfast buffet cost you 12 USD per person,lunch and the dinner cost you $15 USD per person, and both will be buffet. We have free of charge access to internet wireless in every place at the hotel, we are one block near to Reforma avenue, two blocks near to the pink zone, all our rooms are brand-new. We can accept kids under 12 years without cost in the room. We can offer you the reception rooms for free, if you need coffe or cocktail service, we can give you a very special prices. Please click here to contact me if you have any questions. -- To receive an estimated $250 back* from HotelPlanner.com off the group total, follow our *Cash Back instructions.
Here is a link to a review of the hotel with pics.
"http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g150800-d185402-Reviews-Casa_Inn_Mexico_City-Mexico_City_Central_Mexico_and_Gulf_Coast.html" (http://"http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g150800-d185402-Reviews-Casa_Inn_Mexico_City-Mexico_City_Central_Mexico_and_Gulf_Coast.html")
This was the only bid that came back. I hope it isn't a take it or nothing deal. It may just take more effort, though.
Someone get back to me with some word on whether to reject this offer, maybe seek another, or whatever. They seem to have rooms available. Wasn't that the problem?
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Have they sent you a contract? What are the deposit/cxl policy. They stated we are responsible for 50% of the block of rooms. Do they require a deposit for 50% up front? Also, you might want to try to negotiate a lower rate. I found rates on line ranging between $62 and $72 per night.
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Have they sent you a contract? What are the deposit/cxl policy. They stated we are responsible for 50% of the block of rooms. Do they require a deposit for 50% up front? Also, you might want to try to negotiate a lower rate. I found rates on line ranging between $62 and $72 per night.
In the other tab, I have a pm for you in the making. No need to put in this link now, though. We'll talk!
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Hi - thinking of attending - would be a first for me. Is there a source - web link for previous AMGs - im interested in seeing the topics discussed, guests speakers...
Francis
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Hi - thinking of attending - would be a first for me. Is there a source - web link for previous AMGs - im interested in seeing the topics discussed, guests speakers...
Francis
Hi Francis,
I don't think I've seen you post before, so welcome! As to links so previous AMG's... read posts from last year around this time through the end of September for details of the San Francisco AMG and in August of '06 for info on the Montreal AMG. Overall, they're very informal, but I've always left feeling like I didn't get to spend as much time as I wanted with other attendees or doing things in the city where the AMG was held. This is a very positive thing, though, as I've enjoyed meeting every member that I've met and loved both cities I've visited (Montreal and S.F.). If you have any particular questions, feel free to post 'em or ask other members in a PM.
David
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Hi - thinking of attending - would be a first for me. Is there a source - web link for previous AMGs - im interested in seeing the topics discussed, guests speakers...
Francis
Goodness... where have YOU been hiding?
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As mentionned in a previous post - this will be my first AMG in Mexico. Is anyone interested in sharing a room? Trying to save a bit of money as my flight ticket will be more or less 1000$. I don't snore and can keep to my bed! :D My arrival and departure dates are flexible.
Francis
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Hey Fireman:
Welcome aboard buddy, you're going to have a great time! ;D
RAB
(Who's old and coupled but loves the scenery! ::))
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Hi Francis
Look forward to seeing you at the AMG this year.
Nearer the time there will be people coming in looking to share a room, so just be patient..all good things come to he who waits... ;)
Ignore Rab, he is "coupled" but he is not old..I'm the Old women round here and no-one is going to take that away from me...and the good thing about that is, I get to give lots of "grandma" hugs to all you handsome young fella's.. ;)
Hugs
Jan :-*
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I have taken Dennis' advice and made travel reservations even though we cannot yet make hotel reservations. I will be flying into Mexico City on Wed. Aug 13 at 2:20 pm (CO 1424 from Houston) and returning home on Tues. Aug 19 at 12:04 pm (CO 1725) to Houston. I was able to use miles so the cost was just $66 plus $25 for travel insurance. I have been unable to use these Delta miles for the past two years so i was pleased I could work it out because this is an expensive trip. Regrettably i could not stay through Wednesday because I couldn't get a mileage flight out that day...but six days will be my longest AMG stay (and double my three day short stay last year.) I'll be watching the forums to see when i can lock in the hotel room. Looking forward to another great AMG this summer!
Gary
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Hey Fireman:
Welcome aboard buddy, you're going to have a great time! ;D
RAB
(Who's old and coupled but loves the scenery! ::))
... as D always says, we're married but not dead! ;)
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... as D always says, we're married but not dead! ;)
SNICKER ::)
Well that's obvious mister! Considering some of the rumors that went around after your last two AMGs! :o
RAB :-*
Edit to add smoochy icon
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Hey Fireman:
Welcome aboard buddy, you're going to have a great time! ;D
RAB
(Who's old and coupled but loves the scenery! ::))
I seem to remember some of that scenery, old man! :-*
Dare I mention that particular night club in Montreal where certain gentlemen performed certain types of exhibitions in various stages of undress? Hmmmm?
And then there was the incident in San Francisco! WELL! Darlings, just come see Mother Mark for all the nitty gritty details.
HUGS,
Mark
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I seem to remember some of that scenery, old man! :-*
Dare I mention that particular night club in Montreal where certain gentlemen performed certain types of exhibitions in various stages of undress? Hmmmm?
And then there was the incident in San Francisco! WELL! Darlings, just come see Mother Mark for all the nitty gritty details.
HUGS,
Mark
Mark
I can assure you I have no idea which night club you are speaking of! Unless of course it's the one that was on the left hand side of the St. Catherine, about mid block, with the enormous cat walk in the center of the room, lots of video monitors, and the bar off to the left.
I didn't actually go there! However, a certain goat herding granny and her partner in crime did! (But you didn't hear that from me.)
And as far as you knowing all the "nitty gritty"? Hmph! Dare I mention what went on in rooms 1412 and 1415 at Hotel Gouverner Place Dupuis? How many times was security called to that floor?
RAB
P.S. What incident in SF? ??? (I missed that one I guess. >:()
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As mentionned in a previous post - this will be my first AMG in Mexico. Is anyone interested in sharing a room? Trying to save a bit of money as my flight ticket will be more or less 1000$. I don't snore and can keep to my bed! :D My arrival and departure dates are flexible.
Francis
I have a feeling you'll have no problem finding someone to share a room with :) And a bed ;)
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Mark
I can assure you I have no idea which night club you are speaking of! Unless of course it's the one that was on the left hand side of the St. Catherine, about mid block, with the enormous cat walk in the center of the room, lots of video monitors, and the bar off to the left.
I didn't actually go there! However, a certain goat herding granny and her partner in crime did! (But you didn't hear that from me.)
And as far as you knowing all the "nitty gritty"? Hmph! Dare I mention what went on in rooms 1412 and 1415 at Hotel Gouverner Place Dupuis? How many times was security called to that floor?
P.S. What incident in SF? ??? (I missed that one I guess. >:()
For someone who claims he has never been inside said nightclub you seem to know the lay out pretty well...and in my defence I did only stay 2 hours..once you've seen 10 beautiful men strip off you've seem then all...as for the security, well I think they were paid a back hander by someone who needed is beauty sleep... ;D.
I missed the SF incident, I'm sure Mark will spill the beans one of these days.. ;)
Hugs
Jan :-*
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We all know that one certain someone has to be in bed by 9:00pm. ;)
Hugs, Ric