Everyone talks about getting Soulriders gatherings together. It's a pretty cool idea, after all. And we've had a few successful mini-gatherings as well.
But if we're going to pull it together into something bigger, we need to find out when and where is good for everyone.
So....a few questions!
1. If we were to plan something like this in advance, what would be a good time for you?
2. How far would you be willing (able?) to travel?
3. How far in advance would you need to know?
4. What sorts of places would you like to see this in? (big cities, states, etc)
1- At least 6 months in advance so I can save up a bit of cash for it. Probably more than that.
2- Anywhere in the states. Or damn close to the states.
3- Eh, refer to 1.
4- Eh, I don't care :P
I'll get to this after my crazy weeks end >_<
Dracos
But you already got to this. What's a few seconds more? ^_^
1. Any time is fine, as long as it's not around the holidays (family stuff comes first).
2. Anywhere in the contiguous US (while a meeting in Hawaii would be awesome, my pocketbook would weep little coppery tears).
3. Six months notice would be good, for savings purposes.
4. Big cities would be ideal if it's outside of the Southwest, mainly for airfare costs. I'd rather not have to fly and then drive, or try to arrange a flight into a smaller airport (too expensive).
1. Any time when the weather is warm enough for biking
2. Pretty much anywhere, but I'd prefer somewhere between Alaska and Mexico so I can take my bike rather than fly. I don't want to bike through Nicaragua, so no further south.
3. 3 months or so.
4. I likes the big cities. I'm also a huge fan of the southeast US and of the Atlantic. Charleston, anyone? :)
Hell, if we have it that close to Virginia, we might even convince Drac to come along.
Summer is generally best for me. =) And I'm allll for virigina =D
Continenental US and preferrably east side, since it's a damn long fight to cali.
Dracos
In my case I have no desire to meet up with anyone. It's nothing personal but I'm simply not a people person. Shy recluse doesn't even begin to describe me. The anonymity, as limited as it is, of the internet gives me some level of confidence, not much to be honest, when it comes to communicating with people and even that is extremely limited.
Still I hope everyone who is able to attend these gatherings does have a good time should this be successfully pulled together.
Sincerely,
Shuten
Okay, attempting to reorganize this.
Who would be interested in this summer? Aiming for maybe 30-40 people showing up, a couple of days of stuff. I've never even remotely considered how to organize something like this so... We'll look into it. Probably somewhere in the middle belt of the US to keep weather managable (Warm but not blazing). Obviously, I'm biased to near the Virginia area so I can drive and not fly.
What would folks be interested in doing too? That'll be relevent to actually picking where we'd try and set things up.
Dracos
Next summer should be doable, I'd think.
As far as what to do? Gaming and anime, of course. =D If we're talking 30-40 people, get someplace set up with a LAN, enough console systems to choke a horse, and a big screen HDTV showing anime. ^_^ I know that's probably mostly a pipe dream, but if you're going to plan, plan big.
Yeah. Figuring out budgeting and possibilities will need research.
Dracos
Middle America sounds good to me. And bowling. Gotta have bowling.
Ahhhh. The planning, the thinking, the hoping, reality slamming me in the face with an errant 747......
Well, obviously, if school and job allows, and I have my own car or whatnot, and a chaperone. (You know who). Otherwise, I would like to go ^^ See what most of you are like in real life.
I would also go if it were near the VA area, and if circumstances allow.
There'd be a huuuge chance of me not going, but I'd be most likely to go if it were during the summer and somewhere in the continental US. Hopefully, middle US.
*lives in Southern IL. Woo!*
I also submit my approval of the "VA-DC area".
-J
Same. *high-fives Jeram*
Baltimore region is even better. ^^
-007
You guys could have it in the Midwest. :o
Considering I live in southern IL... :D
Oh, Drac also mentioned that he wanted to know how people were planning on getting to whatever it is, "SRcon". I'd mostly try to find a train or bus or something. Screw driving and planes. :/
I don't really have a good or bad time... it's the advanced notice that will be the biggest factor for me, and I would say at least 3 or 4 months notice. Distance I am not worried about as long as it is within U.S. borders (so I can burn my next free ticket from United), and a major hub city would be nice (easier to get to). Other then that, I'm pretty open to whatever everyone else is interested in.
Shuten: I have no problem respecting your wishes, however, if this happens be prepared to spend a couple hours on Skype as we conference call you to death. :wink:
My suggestion to have SRCon piggyback on top of some anime Con wasn't too popular in the channel. For me, the next best place would probably be Northeastern US.
If there are any goons with a sizable house that could host us, we might want to hold the Con there.
Timewise, I am good between early June and late September.
Hmm... I would gladly host (I'm renting a nice sized house), but I'm not sure how keen everyone would be to being around kids (my roommate has two) and it appears that everyone wants to go east... not west. 8)
Well, Pacific Northwest is where I am, so if it's there, I'll definitely show up.
Speaking for CyMage and myself....
At the moment, summers are bad traveling times because that's when Cy works the most. The trials and tribulations of living in a tourist town.... So basically, any time between Memorial day (Victoria Day in Canada) and Labor Day are probably bad. Though right before or right after would work, except it's bad for school. =p If there IS a summer meeting, it would have to be close, so we can actually drive there and back in good time.
As for transportation, we don't have a lot of money to fly so within reasonable driving distance would be good. (no more than a day's drive)
Personally, I like the idea of having the meeting during the same general time as a con, though it would be more expensive. It is fun though and gives people plenty of things to do together other than game.
Incidentally, Cy and I will be attention ACEN '06, as per tradition. So we'll be busy the first weekend in May. =p
Quote from: "tabyk"Hmm... I would gladly host (I'm renting a nice sized house), but I'm not sure how keen everyone would be to being around kids (my roommate has two) and it appears that everyone wants to go east... not west. 8)
Mmm, I dunno. I have one too but I suspect if we actually get a sizable number of people (10+) it would be a poor idea to hold it in someone's house?
I remember how bad it can be cleaning up after such parties =)
Dracos
I'd agree. If we get more than 10 people, we'd probably want to rent out a room somewhere - most decent-sized hotels have rooms for just such a purpose.
Quote from: "Dracos"I remember how bad it can be cleaning up after such parties =)
Dracos
You mean you actually have a social life and friends to party with? ^_^
Could've fooled me ^_^
Dude, you think I do anything but party, net, game, school, work, sleep?
@_@
Each gets their time slice. Rotate, optimize, party.
Dracos
Geekdom power.
I know about the game, net, school, work and sleep, but I was not aware you had friends, let alone friends to party with :D
This everyone who is interested in any plausible sense?
Dracos
I would be interested, but question the plausibility of my attendance. I appear to be of that narrow group of people who live nearer the Gate of Death, in the land of the setting sun....
I'm interested.
First of october I'll begin serious size calculations, place calculations whatnot.
If you haven't voiced any interest, I will not be taking you into account.
This is for everyone. If you've got any interest in showing up, post and let me know. The difference between 5-10 people and 25-50 people is huge as far as planning goes.
Dracos
I'm interested.
Interested as well.
I'm interested.
Interested if it's not too far away and, of course, it doesn't conflict with anything horribly important. <,<
Interested as always.
-J
I'm interested.
I'm so there man.
Of course, I'm always up for a road trip!
-Dan
I'm interested, since by summer I'll have my car.
Yeah, repeated here:
I Haven't forgotten. I am looking into it. Hopefully early december I'll start having real info to post here.
Dracos
COmpiles the list of legend
*pokes to see if the thread is alive*
Was actually going to kick this after finals. The current largest issue in the way is that I have little idea as regards making good midsized private multiday gatherings.
I was thinking I'd hold an IRC session on it around the 15th or so to collect those interested in putting it together.
Dracos
ROAD TRIP
WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE~
Sounds like a plan. Cool.
Okay, who is good for a meeting on Wednesday night the 21st?
Dracos
Can't do it. Got class 6-10pm.
Sounds good.
Works for me.
Not a problem.
Okay...down to our final four...or something like that. If you've got a preference to one of these places. Ring in. If not, I'm not going to know or care or remember.
Option A)
Langley, VA around july 20-23rd, ~70-80 for hotel. Has CIA.
Option B)
Savannah, Georgia around july 20-23rd. Expected hotel cost 50-100, ~80 for preliminary guess. Has Architecture. Neat place. Sunny.
Option C)
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. about 50-60 dollars. Has rapids.
Option D)
Cincoteague, Virginia, 40-70 for hotel. Has horses.
Dracos
I vote for Savannah!
I've been to the CIA and Harpers Ferry, and probably asimilar enough place to the other Virginia location that the difference won't matter.
Though, I think the other places might be more affordable for others to get to.
I'm gonna go for C or D, because I'm cheap and I wouldn't be able to make it to Georgia. >_>
That said, chances of me getting anywhere at all are on the low end.
Harper's Ferry sounds like the best of the four options to me. I'll try to make it if at all possible, but do we have hard dates for that option yet?
We're thinking July 20-23.
We will have hard dates and place decided by January 10th.
Dracos
My vote would be for Harpers Ferry.
I'm very happy with any of them, but I'd rank them:
1. Savannah
2. Langley
3. Harper's Ferry
4. Chincoteague
Any of them would work for me... unless Harpers Ferry has white water rafting, at which point I will have to insist upon it. :lol:
I'm also open on the dates as long as I get enough notice that I block out that time frame on my work calendar.
The dates are July 20-23.
Anyone who wants to be counted in deciding, please ring in today early.
Dracos
The date sounds good.
My first choice would be Harper's Ferry. Langley or Cincoteague wouldn't be bad either.
Not sure about Savannah since it would be the most expensive and I'm not sure if I want to go down that far south.
1) Harpers Ferry
2) Virginia
3) Savannah
Based on how easy it is for me to get there.
Okay, we've got a pretty resounding contingent behind harper's ferry. I've never been there but it is where we are going to go.
So...dates/places:
Harper's Ferry, July 20th-23rd.
Some basic info on it:
http://www.harpersferrywv.net/
We'll shortly try to have up both hotel options and things to do there. This is though the concrete date/place so that tickets can be scheduled or driving plans made.
Dracos
Hmm, it's doable for me - although I'd prefer VA, since I live in DC. On the other hand, I live to serve the KFL.
-J
It'll be an hours longer drive then for you then for me. =) Trying to get it easiest for everyone.
Dracos
Hmm... any new updates? ^^
None so far.
If folks need the hotel nailed down now we can do that, but beyond, we have the dates and the place. I hope everyone is making plans to be there. Those who'd like to volunteer to help plan, please let me know as I'm kinda overstretched at the moment.
Dracos
Okay, I've heard nothing from folks consiladating plans for this and a lot of 'um, well, um'.
I don't have time for a full fledged meeting on this.
If you are 'definitely' going to be there, I'd like you to confirm here. If you're getting your own hotel room, please let others know you've reserved or whatnot so things go smoother. As of now I have no idea who has bought tickets to go or reserved rooms. I'm driving, so this doesn't affect me much.
Dracos
Definitely going. Right now waiting to see what everyone else is going to do as far as room reservations go.
Definitely going.
13 hour drive one way. -_-
Oh well, guess i'll be making a roadtrip of it.
I"m in. Waiting to see if we're trying to find a single hotel or not.
Yeah, assuming I can get lodging, I'm in.
-J
Okay, I haven't been able to get anyone to help select hotels so...this coming week I'll be doing that. =) Hopefully we'll get that squirreled away shortly.
Sorry for all the delays on this and looking forward to seeing you all there this summer. =)
Dracos
Hotel list:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g60722-Harpers_Ferry_West_Virginia-Hotels.html
Okay, scaling through a few things and AAA recomendations, the only real decent hotel in the Harper's Ferry area is the Comfort Inn ( http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g60722-d100259-Reviews-Comfort_Inn_Harpers_Ferry-Harpers_Ferry_West_Virginia.html )
Upside: It's actually marked by AAA with even marks (3 stars).
downside: It says its average rate is 90ish a night. So for the nights of the 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd(?), we're looking at about 360 per person. Haven't contacted them yet. Anyone have any ideas?
Dracos
*goes to request vacation from the boss*
Waiting until May to finalize plans... work is too unstable at the moment to make a 100% committment. Count me in for a 99.7% sure, though. :)
90$/night is a lot less than I'm paying for ACEN. :)
-Dan
Hah, fair enough. =)
Dracos
Vacation has been approved.
Now, we will see what happens. So far I'm scheduled to head on down that weekend. However I don't know if I will have my job in the upcoming month or not. So count me in, 90% sure.
-7
Have just marked the time off on the calendar at work, and am working on the assumption that I will get it. Would anyone be interested in sharing a double-bed room at the hotel?
I'm pretty keen with the notion of sharing a room.
Dracos
split costs? yah! =)
As you know more about locations, motels, et cetera, I would be willing to pay half if you make a reservation for a motel room with 2 beds, Dracos. My play thus far is to fly out on the 19th, and then head back home on the 23rd, so I'd need the room for 4 nights.
So, whaddya guys want to do when we get there? ^_^
Yeah, that's what we have to start planning next. Was intending to get that started after monday, but if anyone has preliminary desires, they can fling it here.
Dracos
Things to do at the gathering?
odin has suggested that there are horses nearby. Are folks interested?
Lan gaming? I'll be bringing some machines. If anyone's got a preference, let me know.
Rafting? Believe there's some of that avaliable, but might be a full day type thing.
Preferences people?
Dracos
Definitely in for Lan gaming along, though hopefully some people will bring some consoles as well :)
Not yet sure on horses or rafting.
Also, about reserving rooms, shouldn't we try and reserve it as a group? I could help out on that after mid-May.
That's possible. I dunno, never done that before. I'll try and give a call next weekend to work it all out.
Anyhow, for lan stuff, naming games is every bit as important.
Dracos
If you're still on board, I need to talk with you pronto.
We're getting a revised headcount prior to finalizing hotel plans. Finalizing will happen tomorrow night.
Dracos
Gathering Meeting Monday Night if folks can make it. Please IM or Email or whatnot if you can't. Meeting in #soulriders.
Dracos
As requested during the meeting that ended shortly before this post.
Dracos,
Remember to select some people to be given temporary VOp status during the duration of The Gathering to ensure the channel has enough people to keep order.
Sincerely,
Shuten
Folks, bring AAA or other discount stuff if you have it. You'll need it at check in. To try and have everyone together, ask to be placed near Philip Bloom's room when you get there. Tabyk, you're all set, it'll 180+tax for you (max), but probably far less as I'll see how low the AAA rate goes when we're there. I'm all set.
For those not all set, again, you're calling the comfort inn at harper's ferry. Their phone number is: (304) 535-6391. Ask to be placed near Philip Bloom so we're all together. Make sure to handle it soon. We're looking at about 8-10 of us making it, not too bad.
Tabyk and I are getting the 19th and going to be leaving the 23rd. Minimum you'll want to get in the 20th and leave the 23rd, so you'll need a room the nights of the 20th, 21st, and 22nd (though getting there early helps!). That's a thursday, friday, saturday, and sunday. There will be no internet. Just for warning.
Things to do there:
There are good caves nearby as I hear it.
A nice national park.
Downtown historic harper's ferry
Some historic sites.
There are horses. If folks are interested.
We'll be definitely touring around the 21st and maybe a bit the 22nd, depending on what people want to do. We'll be deciding the night of what we're doing the next day.
What to bring?
Bring one set of cool clothes, but generally warm stuff. It's warm in this area of the country around this time of year, so it's good to set that up.
Someone (Hopefully more than one0 bring a travel guide and some maps? It'll help us out during it.
We will have enough cars, hopefully, but I'm only really sure of 2 coming in (my own and one other).
Poker cards (007 Said he should provide)
If you have nintendo DSes, bring 'em along with any/all multiplayer games.
If you have portable computers and/or games for at night, bring 'em.
We need/want a router/hub possibly one with wireless, ideally one with a fair number of ports. If you have one you can spare, post here and bring it.
If you've got good board/card games, those are welcome too. =)
I will almost certainly not be running a one night D&D extravaganza on the 22nd. =P
We will not be doing bloodsport. Leave the blades at home.
And that's that. If you have any questions, post 'em. Post when you've got your reservations set. I'll see you all there.
------------------
Note to self: Vop some folks for extras while the gathering is happening.
I'll try to get the DS games list done tonight (currently at work).
Also, is there anyone else who's looking for a roommate? I'm currently leaning towards sharing a room with someone else since it'll cost much less. Though at this time it looks like I'll be arriving at the 19th.
Does anyone know if they can pick me up from the Greyhound station in Frederick (15 miles away) around either 5PM on the 19th, or 2PM on the 20th? Thats the closest I can get to Harpers Ferry without resorting to a taxi.
If I make it there, it'll be a goddamn miracle.
I have booked a room!
Man, I'm psyched about this trip!
-007
Please post your Cell Phone numbers for the purpose of making everything go easier.
786-338-1439 - Dracos / Philip
--------------
Ginn: If no one else will, call me when you get in and I'll swing by. I'll see what I can do but would rather you manage a hookup elsewhere if you can.
Hmm, if odin's going...maybe I can go. Maybe. MAYBE. I may not be in town. I will look tonight.
Sure - it's 443-474-7426, or "Jeremy" (I know, it's nothing like my screen name).
-J
347-528-7060
I have a tendency, well, a rule really, not to pick up unless I know the number or are expecting a call, so leave a message.
I'm driving from NY City on Thursday and returning on Sunday. (remind self to reserve car).
Gin has a spot on the return trip, but if someone else needs a lift, let me know.
I'm also moving, next weekend July 7th, so my internet connectivity may be sporatic.
Ken
Cool.
Chibi-ginn, if you still need a ride, poke me. I'll do it and we'll get that settled out.
Dracos
I'm really sorry to say this, but I won't be attending after all. Certain circumstances have drained my savings (see bitching thread), which means I currently have little to no money for a bus ticket, much less a hotel room.
This sucks.
Stuff to bring:
Sunscreen
A backpack (useful for carrying stuff when touring the place)
Gatorade/water (it will be hot, and there's this really cool outlook that you can hike to that's awesome for pictures)
Camera/Disposable Camera
Swimsuit (you never know)
Board games (for multiple people, Risk anyone?)
Deck of cards
In addition, I will be bringing my old laptop, a poker set, and router/switch combo for lan gaming if we want to do that.
If anybody else can think of extra stuff to bring, post it here.
I am leaving now. I'll be reachable at my cell number in a few hours. When you are coming in just give me a call so I know you're there and can greet you.
Dracos
Chess matches won - 2
Go matches won - 2
Pounds of sweat lost from hiking - 4
Nights of poker - 1
Temperature in hotel room - 68 degrees
Naps taken - 1
Having fun at the SR Gathering - Priceless. For everything else there's Mastercard.
This is what we call the FIRST back post.... GOTCHA SUCKAS!
And so on...
-J
Psssh, I had time to do my homework and take a nap before I posted. :)
-007
I'm back. Con report to follow.
Dracos
Just got back a while ago.
Soulriders Gathering Report
We bring ye the tales of the gathering, reported pseudo-fresh days after it had ended. To share....I dunno, the drunkness of the event with all who care to hear.
Day...-4?
Okay, for most folks, the gathering started thursday night. For me? Ginrai managed to convince me to let him come down here early, so he came down to Charlottesville sometime sunday afternoon where he was picked up from the train, dragged around the city... and addicted to Suikoden. 2 that is. Well, I claim that, but his addiction was a weak one, lacking in the proper game devouring energy! Either way, pizza was made and a good time was had by all.
Day -3
The next day was spent with anime and games as Ginrai recovered from his trip and I discovered Ninja Five-0. I think it was monday I did that anyway. Ate my soul for a few days it did. Good stuff. Gin got a bit further in Suikoden and introduced me to Ouedan. Then kicked my ass in Mario Kart DS. Bastard =p
It's to be known that I'm about the most jaded tour guide you could possibly get. Twice as bad if I've been to the place more than once. Years of traveling have mostly sapped me from most caring for the normal touristy stuff. So in discussions on such, I suggested such wise plans as "You really don't want to go there", "By the gods, the ball of fire in the sky will fray your skin from your bones!", and "Suik, feed addiction!"
Alas, no addiction had taken place, and Ginrai was brought to the scenic by some standards historic downtown that afternoon. Because I'm a silly arse who neglected to use a map, I ended up parking some mile and so from the place, leading to a scenic walk through generic urban streets 1-52 or so. Good exercise! Once there, we traversed the bricked walking only outside mall which had stood for years of time, passing stores most ancient and exotic...but largely utterly uninteresting to my tourist companion as the sun beat down on us. Needless to say, never to miss an opportunity, on the way back I introduced gin to custard, and picked up some myself. How a new yorker had gone without ever trying custard is beyond me. Always seems to be on every corner when I'm driving there. But there you have it.
Day -2
Gin awoke with paltapable mission fuming about him. He was going to get some souveniers and see... Jefferson's home, a true tourist attraction! Well, after his heart medicine and inevitably five hundred distractions. Needless to say, it was about midafternoon by the time we got to Monticello, a nice enough place, even if hot as can be outside. There we got our lovely lectures on various parts of the Jefferson life and, of course, how many different ways one can mention slavery in a tour not about it (hint: It's a lot on a plantation).
Traversing that, Gin made me aware of a very important goal. The true reason for his trip was... To eat at the local Ben and Jerry's! In fact, I had not really been aware there was one, but sure enough, he knew where one was and we went over to check it... after some Quizzono's subs. Not bad really. And actually getting me into gamestop. A true feat, given I'd not been in one since I got to charlottesville I believe. Needless to say, I was going to leave with a silly purchase and Maximo ended up being it.
Finally acquiring our ice cream, we headed back, where I began packing and Ginrai played through Jowston. Continually revised estimates on how far he could get were made as he proceeded to talk to every single townsperson. Well, at least his RPG-fu is reasonably intact.
Day -1
Seeking to check out the area beforehand, I printed a map and hit the road around 2... 3 after Gin got through his mighty checklist of everything he brought. Took quite a bit. Anyhow, we hit the road and looked at the map. Then I said the directions was silly and began navigating by intuition.
Two and a half hours later, I apologized for navigating by intuition as we hit Maryland on the north border of West Virginia. Apparently, I-81 neglects to have signs to Harpers Ferry on its northbound side. Good to know as we turned around and found some twenty odd signs letting us know unmistakably the right turn to make on I-81 south. Way to go signmakers!
Finding the right road, we made our way into town sometime around six and explored the place. This took all off a few minutes since the town was really tiny. Needless to say, we finally went to the hotel to check in. A very interesting surprise awaited us and one that set the tone for the rest of the trip. The hotel was surprisingly nice in about every feature. Free Wireless, good air condition, in room microwaves and reasonably sized minifridge. It even had a remarkably decent continental breakfast. Truly, a great pick and curiously almost none of it advertised on its little notices.
The night was filled with more pizza and gaming as we awaited the coming of the crew.
Day 1
Finally, the real start of the gathering, I bet you guys thought I'd never get here. Anyhow, Thursday was an interesting day, not the least of which because I had no honest idea on just who was going to actually make it. Anyhow, Ninja Cop was continuing to entertain as I teased folks on IRC from the hotel room. Eventually we dropped by the local Ruby Tuesday's for some decent food fare while waiting for the rest of the folks to arrive.
First arrival goes to Ranma007 who set a good starting tone as well by getting the room directly across from ours. "Call me if you need something" "Dude, you're right across the hall. We're not quite that lazy!" Anyhow, he joined us first, bringing among other things his chess board.
Notably, Ranma007 is very good at chess. Given, he was playing me who isn't very good, but being owned by a blindfolded guy at chess is kinda humiliating so I'll just go with he's very good at chess. He's also reasonably good at Go, defeating both me and Gin at such a game. Around this time Jeram joined us, making a round four to the group. Still waiting on others, we decided it was getting late and to go get some grub. A trip to the local fancy restaurant, The Anvil, served us nicely in this regard as much chatter on anime and games was had. I wonder how much they appreciated the set of t-shirt wearing goons in their fine restaurant =P
On arriving back, we got a knock at the door signifying KPJam's arrival as the last fellow to arrive. Or at least I assume so as the phone reception kind of was touch and go and he could've been there for hours beforehand without us knowing. Much hanging about took place as we waited for an important hour, the hour... of POKER.
Yes, at midnight we decided we were going to have a rousing game of poker with switching game subsets every hand. Topping this up, Ranma007 revealed he had a truly awesome poker set. Bringing out his silver case (But not in a tuxedo or with the shades), he opened it up revealing two decks and a professional chip set. Good show indeed and a great kickoff for the poker game. Texas Hold 'em was mostly the game of the night as 007 revealed he was a brutal gambler, often raising the pot to a thousand or so before the first set of cards had even gone in. KP and Ranma won that set a couple hours later, finishing knocking out the last of us and bringing an end to that night's gaming. Some 2 am at this point, we all turned in.
Day 2
After a late breakfast and a later start, our motley crew hustled into KPJam's minivan (Good choice of vehicle) and made our way to the nearby national park. Here we had a noble plan. There was this outlook at the top of a mountain we were going to see. Following 007 directions' we got off, amazingly, some fair hike from the trail. Needless to say, we were still in good spirits with bottles of water as we reached the SHADE OF THE TRAIL. Yes, in that heat, the shade of the actual trail was much appreciated.
We began our hike up, KP and myself leading the crew with fast strides and little regard for the fact that there was no way we'd keep that up. That said, soon it was that someone demanded a stop and being that it was a friendly hike, we stopped and enjoyed the woods a while before moving on. We eventually reached this pretty nice overlook...which was not where we were aiming for. Continuing on we eventually found the closer. A sign going that it was several miles further. Glancing at our mostly exhausted crew, we decided discretion and ice cream was the better part of valor and went to go get some.
One cheesy tourist trap place later, we were equipped with ice cream, food, and air conditioning. A fair trade, I say. Hitting the local tourist shops, we acquired a neat shot glass and some other stuff before checking out the wax museum. One 'no, we're not paying for that' later, we were on our way out of the place back towards... Walmart. To pick up some stuff for the next day and probably way too much other stuff.
Returning to the hotel, most the crew napped. I boktai'ed. Not a great game but easily crushable. Anyhow, about 8ish we got together to watch some anime and eat before starting poker by popular request at an early hour. Ten pm. The tragedy. This round went tons better. For me. I pretty much cleaned house that night with the game preferences leaning more towards higher value games and games of balls. Classic moment of the night was a game of Indian high card where everyone else had 2s. It was beautiful. The folks got a good glance of my complete lack of poker face. Or more particularly "Is that laugh a good laugh or a bluffing laugh or just amused in general laugh?"
Day 3
Starting out earlier, we had several options on where to go and much discussion was had. Then I was an ass and pointed out it was goddamn hot outside and suggested caves. This went remarkably awesome as there was some really nice caves reasonably (hour drive) close. So we made our way to the Shennadoah caves, which if you've never been there before, are a pretty beautiful set of caves. Unfortunately, it was a tour deal, but the tour guide was pretty cool and we dashed around the caves getting some nice photos and generally having a good time.
"It's cold!"-Ginrai, lacking a true appreciation for the MIDDLE OF SUMMER!
Unfortunately, my limbo fu wasn't the best. I was unable to limbo the entire cave. That didn't stop me from doing it pretty much every time I could and avoiding getting my face smashed regardless. 007 should have some awesome shots of the caves to go up later. Following it, we took advantage of the tourist trap 'pay for every stop in town' deal we were given and checked out 'parade on main street', a cute enough attraction with various puppets and some gigantic bears, Dire in any case. Skipping the more expansive America on Parade museum nearby, we traveled back to harpers ferry and checked to find that Jeram was still alive. Finding this so, half the group collapsed dead again. Boktai 2 this time, if you're wondering.
When they finally woke up, we did a run to the Golden Chorral... which was closed. Then we went to Long john silvers. Also closed. We started driving through the town confused as could be at all these restaurants closed at such an early time before finding a Ruby Tuesday's open. And packed as it was apparently the only place open in town. Lead by a starving KP, we got a table and waited for food.
We instead got a show as the waiters continually goofed in a pretty funny manner with our orders. I think I got two other people's burgers before they brought me... a triple steak deal. And then got reminded that I ordered a burger. Just total goofiness, though they were good sports about fixing it up. On return, we continued some poker at night.
Day 4
Well, this was the end of it and aside from a group pic, we all safely headed out to our homes. The overall gathering was quite a blast and I'm looking forward to trying to organize another one.
So, who's going to the next one? ^_^
-007
I found old pictures! I'll have to post them here!
Heh :) Cool, 007.
Mmm, I keep putting off arranging another one of these. I should bite the bullet and get this going again.
Come back to the east coast, dammit D:
Pfft, you've done east and west coast. It's time for midwest!
Alright. Let's get one of these started.
I'm gonna suggest a target timeframe of Feb/March 2011. This is far enough out for folks to begin plotting and our normal slow opinion process to take its place.
First up is choosing a spot. Gonna give some early options and give this 3 weeks to settle before one is picked, so folks can suggest others and vote. Vote for all the ones you would like to go to. One with most popularity will go. :)
1)Houstin, Texas. Large vote of the most active 'do a gathering' contingent. Home base of Merc and such. - 1 Vote
2)Toronto Canada. Catch up with some of our northern brethern. Rock out. Hit the ski slopes? - 4 vote
3)Australia somewhere - Same logic.
4)Somewhere in britain - Same logic :)
5)Dallas, Texas - 1 vote
6)Chicago - 2.5 vote
7)Israel, Somewhere - 2 votes
-----------
Yes, I realize that many of ye are not wealthy inclined. Vote anyway even if some places are out of your reach.
Technically, Houston would be home base. Austin is Halbarad. ;p
Friend Computer Corrects you.
I vote Dallas, Texas. Trunky, Stormy, and I are there.
Alright. If you are voting for your home place, vote for one elsewhere as well so that I don't get a list of people's homes with one vote each beside each of them :P
Dinnae any of ye like to travel? :P
I'm a poor student with no drivers license and no passport, I vote Toronto as it's the easiest big-city type place I can get to :-\
Toronto and you could definitely count me in. You'd want to do March at the earliest, though. April would get you much better weather.
Ski slopes is optimistic. It's really flat around Toronto. If you want to ski and are looking at Canada, Montreal is a much better bet... it's also much further from just about everyone, though.
But there is *tons* to do in Toronto even without skiing. Casa Loma (I believe it's the only real -- ie not built for novelty castle in English-speaking North America). Queen and Yonge streets are great. It has a Chinatown that's about 5x cooler than Chicago's *plus* another heavily Asian area up in Markham containing Pacific Mall. There's Wonderland (theme park) if we want to do that, and Toronto Island. Professional baseball, hockey, and basketball. CN Tower, of course. Priceline often has rooms at the Chelsea for $90-100/night, and that is a *NICE* hotel in an ideal location.
Much as I like the UK idea, if I'm going to the UK next year, it won't be to hang around with you guys, awesome though you all are. :-)
Chicago, I could do as well. It's the exact same travel time as Toronto for Ricey, grey, and myself, and it's a fun city. But again, I wouldn't do it in Feb just because of weather. March is even pushing it a bit. We might also lose grey on that one since we haven't pestered him enough yet to get a passport. :-P
If it's anywhere exotic I would consider it. Not the US or Canada, though, which likely shuts out most people.
(exotic, e.g. Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Israel...)
Change of plans:
Vote for every location you'd like to go to. One with the most popularity will get the nod.
And yeah, I second rat that somewhere exotic would be fun, but I think that counts most folks out.
If I need to pay thousands of dollars to go see some people I know only by name, they should, too!
Hah :) Again, I at least don't mind. But I think aside from yourself, cor, me, and odin, most don't have the money to do that at whimsy.
Of the listed places (come back to the east coast you bastards ;_;) Chicago works best for me, followed by Toronto. I could probably get relatively cheap plane tickets for Chicago. It looks like Toronto is doable by Amtrack from where I am, but I'd have to be at the station at 3 AM apparently.
It looks like Chicago and Toronto are currently leading.
I still say Dallas, but Toronto would be okay. It won't cut into my tax-evasion time, either.
I'd go with Chicago if we meet up sometime in April. That way it'll be possible to see a Cubs game while there.
Otherwise, how about Boston?
I can make Chicago, and maybe-possibly Houston.
Anywhere I can drive to easily works for me, so Texas (Austin/Dallas/Houston) pretty much for me.
No budget for anywhere else now that I'm going back to school and still jobless.
If I can get a part-time job, I'd go for Chicago or Toronto, but that's about the only way.
Okay,
Chicago - Philip, KLSymph, Ragnar, Odin, 007.
Toronto - Philip, Odin, Grey, Ragnar, Iron Dragoon, DY.
Our top runners. I will do a recount of the above posts real quick, but please state below if you're able to make either place, that's what the above list is for. I know, this doesn't really help with the texan crew, but it seems like the north east again is again the more concentrated spot.
And if chicago is to be there, I'm looking for an organizer/helper. Someone who knows the area and has some starter ideas. Odin has already stepped up for Toronto so if we go with that I'll tap him pretty quick to get us a starter itinerary of fun. It looks to have a bit of a lead all of a sudden, but I'm also interested in us having a good time out there :)
Toronto.
I'm for Toronto.
Toronto is it. Odin, you're tapped as our good local. Advice on dates/hotels/travel? We'll try and nail down the fine details this month.
Who's our evil local?
Evil is never local. We operate on a global scale.
Okay, currently going to target April 29th (arrival) to May 5th (Departure). This gives 5 full days to hang out, tour, and enjoy ourselves. Odin and ...kwok are mostly locals and will be yammering advicewise. The temperature during this time is going to likely be between 15-25 C, or 60-75 F, if I read the weather sites correctly. Bring light jackets at the least, heavier one just in case or if you're particularly suceptible to cold.
Any voices with issues on the date speak now or hold your peace.
Hotels will be checked out and posted soon.
<odin> Dracos: Delta Chelsea.
<Dracos> hmm?
<odin> It's downtown, and through travelzoo and/or priceline, it's often in the $100/night range.
Most likely this. I'll research soon.
Possible itinerary items:
Chinatown
Casa Loma
CN Tower
Blue Jays game
I don't pay close enough attention to the basketball and hockey seasons to know if the Raptors or the Leafs will be playing.
Toronto Island
Ontario Science Centre
Wonderland (amusement park)
Trip to Niagara Falls
A pre-Broadway musical (Stuff opens in Toronto before going to New York - I just saw South Pacific there last week it was amazing)
What sort of things would people be interested in/not interested in? Does anyone (especially looking to Onigiri, grey, and Kwok) else have other suggestions?
Evenings will have no shortage of fun. Between rep cinemas, jazz bars, and really good pubs we'll have a hard time deciding what to do in the evenings.
-Dan
I wanna see a Leafs game! @_@
Chinatown - sounds fun
Casa Loma - sounds fun
CN Tower - maybe
Toronto Island - sounds fun
Ontario Science Centre
Wonderland (amusement park) - sounds fun
Trip to Niagara Falls - been there several times, always a nice sight
A pre-Broadway musical (Stuff opens in Toronto before going to New York - I just saw South Pacific there last week it was amazing) - rocking idea :) Do we need to plan to book this in advance?
Hum, also tossing as an idea: fishing trip on lake ontario? Glancing around briefly seems about a 110-120 a person and at the beginning of the season.
Or we can get guns and let iddy get us all killed :P
Sounds good so far. My only concern is that I have enough money to get there, but probably won't be able to if there are going to be frequent $100 outings.
Well, that's why I ask so folks can voice what kind of trip sounds good. There's lots of different trips we can take. Hitting more exotic offerings take a fair bit of cash.
And on that note:
Delta Chelsea - 158 a night.
Not too bad split 2 ways, might hurt some folks if its one way. Can folks make this? If not I'll look for a cheaper venue.
That's a hefty price tag.
I'll just be driving in during the day. Screw your expensive hotel rooms! =p
Wait a second. Drac's been to NF several times and never visited? T_T I am teh hurtz
Well, several times over the last 26 years or so :P
I suppose I could've visited 3.5 years ago but I kind of was with family and driving up there from the new york side.
158 per night is quite hefty indeed.
Fair enough. The price has dropped to 149, but understood.
Okay, let's start making things a bit more real. I've done a serious level of hunting and talking with folks. While we can get a much better rate, it'd also mandate us constantly using a vehicle rather than the various cheaper transportation options and being a good deal outside the city. From discussion with our resident locals:
http://www.expedia.com/pub/agent.dll/qscr=dspv/htid=12735/crti=2/hotel-information : This seems to be the happy medium point at 136 a night. That's a good 100 less over the trip than before, so hopefully back in people's ranges. If that link fails, it's the Novotel Toronto Centre. I've checked that right now I could book eight rooms there for 2 people each at that rate.
We'll mostly be using subways and bus's to get around (with our handy know it all, odin helping keeping us from getting too lost).
This post, From here out, will be used to formally organize critical information to getting us all there and having a good time.
Location: Toronto, ON
Dates: 4/29/2011 - 5/05/2011
Hotel: Noveau Toronto Center, 45 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5E1W2 - currently 136 a night for 2 people, 2 beds.
Expected Temp: 60-75 F
Clothing: Bring light cold weather gear (Heavy if you're cold sensitive). Probably too cold to swim but the hotel has an indoor pool. Dunno about umbrellas but they never hurt.
How to get to the hotel: If you arrive as a group, you can share a cab, but there are also buses that can get you out there. There are no free shuttles from the airport to the location.
Why stay at the hotel: It is far more fun if everyone hangs out together and far easier to coordinate. In the past we've had a couple stay at a distance, and usually it ends up poorly. I strongly encourage even locals to book in for the week.
Those Formally Confirmed as going and who they are rooming with:
Dracos - Rooming with ginrai.
Odin - Currently planning to room with Shawna, possibly also Onigiri and Grey.
Iddy - Ragnar'd.
Ginrai - roomied.
Ragnar - Roomied.
Things being brought:
It would be cool if someone volunteered to bring some evening entertainment: Movies, Anime, Card/Board games, etc. Obviously, we'll have plenty of stuff to do into the moderate evenings, but I haven't seen one of these without late night/early morning hangouts. Ranma's full poker and chips set was a fun win a few years back.
Iddy - Laptop full of movies.
Current Schedule/plan:
Trip to Niagara Falls - We totally are going to do this because its classic fun. :)
A pre-Broadway musical - The theaters there seem pretty cool. We should make a night or afternoon of it one day.
Random decision making for the rest for now! Shout out for favorites, Odin posted a good list (http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php?topic=1654.msg1016498#msg1016498).
~~~
I will update this as folks post below with details on things they are bringing, places they'd like to go, etc. Note, if you are not confirmed (and literally already planning to go buy tickets to get there), please don't add in "I'd like to go to expensive event". I'm totally down with hunting down leafs tickets for folks, for instance, but not for anyone who isn't really making a serious commitment to being there.
I have no roommate yet. I think Gin asked, Gin you can try again here for first dibs if so and confirming that ye will be there. Otherwise, who wants to split.
Also folks, I encourage starting to hammer down flight plans early to get the best rates.
I'd be interested in a roommate. Contact me if you are also looking to save money. I'd also like to get a general feel of activities so I know if I can afford it.
Odin, do you have a glance into there?
Too bad the trip is so early in the year. The outdoorsy things in Niagara Falls are more fun when the weather is warmer.
Chinatown - whatever you want to spend... we'll probably at least eat there.
Casa Loma - About $20
CN Tower - $25-$35 depending on what you want to do
Blue Jays game - $15-$250ish depending on where you sit... maybe $70 for decent seats
I don't pay close enough attention to the basketball and hockey seasons to know if the Raptors or the Leafs will be playing.
Approx the same for other major sporting events
Toronto Island - $15ea
Ontario Science Centre $18-$25 depending on whether you see the movie too or not (IMAX).
Wonderland (amusement park) - $30, but sometimes you can get a deal as low as $20.
Trip to Niagara Falls - gas, various activities there... I'd budget about $100-$250ea.
A pre-Broadway musical - Depending on seats and when you purchase. $40 to $1000 per seat. Go 2hrs before the show and you get discount rates, but we probably can't all sit together doing that. Not a huge deal.
You can pretty much sign me up as going. I haven't gotten to my base in Afghanistan yet, and won't be able to 100% confirm until then, but it's like 99% positive that I'll get the needed vacation dates.
Also, I don't mind having a roommate as long as:
1) You don't snore.
2) You're not an insomniac.
PING!
PONG!
Reminder: Time passes, remember to say if ye are thinking of coming.
Reminder: Book early!
I'd have to talk with Cy, but we might just drive in for shenanigans when we can.
You guys should come!
Or at *VERY* least, tell us when you have a free day and we'll plan that as our Niagara Falls visit.
It'd be sad to be so close to you guys for an #sr gathering and not see you!
-Dan
Damn straight!
Hotels are expensive and we have a hotel room in Chicago to pay for later in the year. (my cousin is getting married in July and I'm determined to go)
Hard to say about free days this far in advance. If nothing changes in the next few months, Cymage always gets Tues and Wed off though.
Don't worry about super advanced notice. We're just bugging you because we want you guys to manage to get there somehow, someway and continue toward that path :P You could let us know when we're there practically as we'll probably be playing day by day somewhat.
Well, we're planning on driving over at least once. So we'll see you guys in some way. :D
Anyone want an Afghani souvenir? I can get stuff like small prayer rugs, scarves (which are fairly nice, just need a color and if you want regular or Kashmir), and a few other odds and ends.
Are those the buzzing prayer rugs?
So I'm thinking of going as well. I've been considering it for a couple of months, and I think it'll work out on my side. Here's the official post, as well as the obligatory notice asking if anyone's looking for a roommate while in Toronto.
I don't suppose someone more experienced in ordering hotel rooms and the like could help me out? I've only ever gone through travel agencies before, and I'm not actually sure on the procedure here. Does the hotel even have rooms left for the dates in question? If so, how would I order them? Etc. It might well be pretty basic stuff but I'm not really making headway on my own and would appreciate some help.
Sure, I'm glad to help you.
If you can ping me on gtalk, I can walk you through the process, or I can write you a general step by step.
I'll catch you tomorrow morning (today prolly for you), if not I'll detail out here.
This post, From here out, will be used to formally organize critical information to getting us all there and having a good time.
The Facts
Location: Toronto, ON
Dates: 4/29/2011 - 5/05/2011
Hotel: Noveau Toronto Center, 45 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5E1W2 - currently 136 a night for 2 people, 2 beds.
Expected Temp: 60-75 F
Exchange Rate: Canadian Dollar seems pretty strong right now. For americans its 1 to .9
Clothing: Bring light cold weather gear (Heavy if you're cold sensitive). Probably too cold to swim but the hotel has an indoor pool. Dunno about umbrellas but they never hurt.
How to get to the hotel: If you arrive as a group, you can share a cab, but there are also buses that can get you out there. There are no free shuttles from the airport to the location. There is also the train to Union Station which is apparently nearby.
Why stay at the hotel: It is far more fun if everyone hangs out together and far easier to coordinate. In the past we've had a couple stay at a distance, and usually it ends up poorly. I strongly encourage even locals to book in for the week.
Attending
Dracos - Rooming with ginrai and Corwin, Arriving at hotel around 4:30 pm. Return Flight departs at 5pm.
Corwin - Roomied. Arriving: 7pm? , Departing:
Odin - Currently planning to room with Shawna, possibly also Onigiri and Grey.
Iddy - Ragnar'd.
Ginrai - roomied.
Ragnar - Roomied.
Music and Cymage
Not kwok, because he's lame and doesn't join us.
Count of Attendees: 12.
Things being brought:
Iddy - Laptop full of movies.
Dracos - Poker set, a DS and some games, possibly a psp too. Probably one or two anime OAVs too.
Ginrai - Some anime?
odin - laptop
Phone list:
786-338-1439 - Philip/Dracos
905-401-9984 - Cymage/Music
Transport and other 'expected costs'
Subway/bus - Don't get a pass says the Odin. We'll get tokens when we get there.
Lion King - likely to run 50-80 a person. Just heads up.
Pirates Opera - 52 a seat, Recommend Pre-buying here - http://www.stlc.com/index.php?id=930
Museums/Towers - Each of these should be about a 30 dollar budget.
Expect a lot of eating a good places :3
We'll get the city pass at the first stop, no worries about advance getting.
=========
The Day by Day Plan
Note: This is where the group generally will go, but there will be reasonable opportunity to break off at times if you want. We're all adults, so yeah :P Anyhow, the goal of this is that there's clearly a few fun things to do each day.
Friday the 29th:
Everyone should arrive at the hotel. Your primary goal for this day is to get in contact with Dracos. We'll hopefully all group in the evening at the hotel lobby and make tracks to grab some dinner (likely by no later than 7:00 pm), likely followed by some anime or poker and bed for everyone to adjust to the new timezone. We'll try and keep this a light night since a lot of us are flying in from halfway across the globe.
At 6:40 we'll meet in the lobby and make our way to the Friar (English pub). This shouldn't be a very late night.
For those getting there even later in the evening, you can check your bags with the hotel and come join us for dinner, or give us a call and see what's going on.
I suggest we also use this day to compare departure times/plans and set up any convenient shared travel on thursday.
Saturday the 30th:
Today is going to be a subway and bus and walking day. That's how we'll be getting around. Our general theme today is to enjoy the city, relax, and get acclimated. A lot of folks are coming from far off, so today is fairly flexible.
Morning:
Make a reservation in the morning for Copachabana. Looks like it'll be a pain to get in otherwise.
09:00:00 AM Breakfast at Petit Dejeuner
Odin will be doing some light tourguide duties here, below is his plan. Odds are this will just be light city touring while folks adjust to the time-zone or being human. It's up for 'where we want to go' time.
10:30:00 AM Walk Queen St and find some clothes for Iddy
Stop at Truefitt & Hill for a shave
Stop in at the Silver Snail (Comic/D&D shop)
Afternoon:
Basically touring the chinatown district now.
02:00:00 PM Lunch at Java House (breakfast will have been huge) - Have a small lunch, really. :)
Chinatown for the afternoon
Evening:
6:00 Dinner will be Copacabana up on Yonge and Eglinto. This is gonna be big meal. Hopefully we can spot another place for odin and shawna nearby. There is a salad bar, but it'd probably be really expensive all together there for them. I am told to expect dancing girls. - 50 a head though!
7:15 - we should probably head over and get our seats and things. It's probably about 20 by subway, so that leaves 20 or so for 'oops'. :)
08:00:00 PM Pirates of Penzance - Is an opera odin suggests.
Probably a poker and/or anime night ;) More likely a sleep night since we'll likely be getting back 11ish or later.
Sunday the 1st:
Today is going to be a subway and bus and walking day. That's how we'll be getting around. First real 'let's start seeing the cool shit' day :P. Also laughing at Dracos managing to find a seat anywhere and everywhere. ;3
Morning:
09:00:00 AM Breakfast – Eggspectations
Meet Cymage and Music at the hotel before we head out. :)
10:00:00 AM Casa Loma - this is a cool castle. Does require tickets, though we can get them at the castle. We'll spend a couple hours here.
Afternoon:
12-1ish. From casa loco, we'll head over to where CN tower is and have lunch somewhere around there. I'll probably poke my tour book for ideas or we can grab whatever looks good.
We'll have a few hours here of 'whatever' time :3
Evening:
We'll grab Aji Sai (Sushi) for dinner.
We're going to check for lion king tickets. If they are there, we'll head to that.
If not, we'll spend a bit at a pub and then possibly anime/poker/gaming night. ;)
Monday the 2nd:
This is our first big museum day. The whole crew is here and there's been lots of votes for science, so we'll go check out the science center and have a good time.
Morning:
09:00:00 AM Breakfast – Fran's
We're gonna head over to the Ontario Science Center today. Let's kill things with SCIENCE! :3 We'll stay there as long as we're having fun. If we get bored, we'll have odin take us to his favorite pizza place and tour around that area :3
Evening:
We'll head for Rashnaa for some Sri Lanka cooking.
Try for Lion King tickets
Backup plan – Rep Cinema & Peel Pub or The Rex depending on whether Iddy is behaving. :-)
Tuesday the 3rd:
Morning:
We need to go rent a car at this point so that we have one for. We'll know how many at this point that we'll need. Cymage and Music will be in 1 car. Odin, Shawna and 3 others will be in their car. This leaves us with potentially five other people to fit in. I'll rent a vehicle split between at least those 5 (and any who want to split). We should hopefully be able to get it and leave it at the hotel.
Niagara falls trip. We'll head off early in the morning to the falls, and I'm expecting them to take a few hours. Depending on how early, we'll either grab breakfast before heading off, or eat at one of the traps alongside the falls having a brunch there for some good watching. On the way there, we'll be going 4 to a car, so nobody is just 'driving by themselves'. On the way back it'll be 5 to a car.
Afternoon:
We'll do the maid of the mist and whatever else folks want.
We'll have lunch at the Skylon, where Cymage works. It's gonna be a bit pricy, but not as much as the steakhouse was :3.
Evening:
We're gonna try and stay for the lights. We'll pick somewhere for dinner and head back. Cymage and Music will wave goodbye here and return to REAL LIFE.
Hotel party night with the entertainment folks brought.
Wednesday the 4th:
Morning:
09:00:00 AM Breakfast – The Senator
Royal Ontario Museum - Let's see how they can entertain :)
Afternoon:
Probably continue that but if not, up to the crowd :)
Evening:
Gonna leave this one open :3
Remember to have made arrangements by this point on how you are getting back to wherever you are coming from.
Thursday the 5th:
This is departure day. While their might be a group breakfast for folks heading off later, the assumption is everyone is heading back this day. Group up with anyone you're heading off with and have a safe flight or drive back. :D
I"d suggest May 3rd for a trip to NF, as that's a day CyMage and I usually have off. We might be able to make it over for a day (possibly Sunday) to do stuff with you guys. We probably won't be able to take off the entire time which is why we wouldn't be staying at the hotel. I'll poke Cy to check this thread so he can throw in his 2 cents just in case he has different info.
If you need to call us, our home phone is 905-357-3920. Our cell is 905-401-9984
I'll might be able to get a couple vacation days around that time, but no guarantees on anything yet.
Sounds good to me. Penciling in the 3rd for Niagara falls trip.
Not that anyone probably needs it, but I have a full service Skype number I can give. Unfortunately, I also use it for business, so I'm leery of posting it. If anyone wants it, just send me a PM or hit me up for it in #SR. The number is full service, so if anyone needs to leave a voicemail for something, that number will do it.
So, The Mage and the Music will be heading to Toronto on Sunday, May 1st. We'll drive back over on the Tuesday when you guys are planning on visiting Niagara Falls.
That brings to mind a question though. We'll be driving over and back. How are you guys planning on getting to the Falls? We could take a couple of people with us but we're not going back to Toronto afterwards.
Also, what did you guys want to do in the Falls? Early May isn't the best time of year, though it depends on how warm April is going to be. Most of the typical attractions (boat, journey behind the falls, etc) won't be open yet. There's always the Butterfly Conservatory/ Botanical Gardens though. And Cliffton Hill. And depending on how many are coming, we might be able to get everyone to the top of the Skylon tower for free. Also, there is always winery tours if you're into that sort of thing, though that would take some driving.
Anyone interested in some specific things? I can get details/prices of any attractions you might be interested in.
Planning post is: http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php?topic=1654.msg1019835#msg1019835
Alright guys, it is definitely time to start answering the finer questions on what folks want to do in Toronto and when certain stuff is going to happen as well as when possible add details on it. I've bought a tour book (be here in a day or so) so I'll start tossing out a few things. Ideally we have Odin or Onigiri to suggest eateries of awesome.
Ideally, we will be sticking in the city or where we can use bus/subway transportation for much of the trip. We will need to rent a vehicle (or 2) possibly for the niagara falls trip, but let's try and put the driving trips toward the end as that way we do not need to book a week of rentals. Rentals will be split equally between all participating, so nobody gets stuck with the few hundred dollar rental charge by themselves. Probably on Monday so eying Monday through Wednesday for things outside Toronto proper. Please voice interest in what you'd like to see and I'll start adding it down on the schedule.
I'm gonna be getting that main post in itinerary fashion, so everyone will be able to print it out before the trip. Again, I really highly encourage folks to share their phone numbers. This makes a lot of things a lot easier than it is when "I" am the only one that knows your phone numbers before the trip.
First relatively empty draft of the itinrary is going up now in the post.
As we're getting closer, it would be kind of fun to hit a theater show sometime. Odin, can you make a pick there and suggest a day/time for it? If we have to get tickets early, that would be good to know.
Not-So-Secret= I'm kind of a boring traveler in planning. My favorite part of the road is usually eating at interesting places and seeing spectacle level entertainment/sights. So if you guys want a trip full of sights to see, definitely speak up. I'll do my best to get us a nice solid plan for fun, but if you guys rely on my choices alone, we'll probably have a few sad panda. I also am somewhat going from the posts others have made so far, so if I put things near each other that is a long trip, Toronto natives please call me out on it :)
Odin mentioned some kind of pre-Broadway show. That'll cover one dinner/evening if we go out to eat before/after.
Also, I suggest setting one or two nights aside for drinking. I *will* be drinking at some point, damn it.
There was mention of a nice Chinatown and downtown area. I suggest a brunch/lunch tour through each. That'll cover two mid-days, though I don't suggest doing both back to back. Spread them out a bit.
Also, I'm interested in seeing a game. Hockey or otherwise. Dunno what the seasons are, but I think minor league will be plenty good, and far more affordable. That'll cover another dinner/evening.
We're definitely going to Casa Loma. Do we want to try and get to these other places? If so, it may make sense to get the city pass (Provided we're going to at least 3 of them). If not, then we'll just want to get group rate deals at each place.
CN Tower
Casa Loma
Ontario Science Centre
Royal Ontario Museum
Toronto Zoo
It looks like the Jays are out of town the whole time. Do the baseball folks really want to get tickets to any other group?
Hockey looks to be the same story. We just miss the season.
Boxing matches? Pit fights? Foosball tournaments?
I have never been to the CN tower so if you guys can swing that on the Sunday or Monday Cy and I are going to be there, that would be awesome. I'd like to say I've been there at least once. I also wouldn't mind going to either of the museums. Not sure what time we'll be getting there on Sunday; we can probably leave here around 9am and get there between 10 and 11. I don't know what the traffic is like on a Sunday morning.
Here, I'll try to be more detailed on the trip from Toronto to Niagara. It takes about an hour, hour and 1/2 to go one way. Once you get out of the GTA, it's a really easy and fast trip so if we leave in the morning, we should get into town before noon. If you guys want to stop and see our moderate apartment, we'd love to have you for a quick stop. Also, Cy can get everyone to the top of the Skylon Tower if you want to see the view for free.
It does look like some of the typical touristy things WILL be open in April and May, so if you want to ride the Maid of the Mist or somesuch, that might be a possibility. Here's a link to most of the main attractions in Niagara Falls though: http://www.niagarafallstourism.com/thingstodo-entertain.html Also, if you're up for a walk and bring your passport with you, we can walk across the Rainbow Bridge to the American Niagara Falls and do stuff in the State Park. http://www.niagarafallsstatepark.com/ The bridge costs 50 cents to cross on foot. $3-4 to drive across. Also, if you don't mind more walking, we can get free parking in the Skylon parking lot because of CyMage. I'd suggest our apartment but that's another 3 blocks or so from the falls.
Not sure where you want to eat lunch. There are a ton of restaurants in town and the closer they get to the falls, the more expensive they are. There is a couple of really nice Japanese restaurants that are my favourite places to eat but there's also a lot of typical things. Eating at the Skylon Tower is a bit on the expensive side and Cy would be able to tell you what's availible for lunch better than I. I'm not even going to start listing all the other restaurants; there's just too many. If you have a type of restaurant you'd like to eat at, shout out and we can tell you if it's worth going to or not, for the most part.
I've been to the Toronto Zoo before. It's huge so you'd want to make it a full day trip, I'd think. I know Cy and I probably aren't interested in going ourselves but I thought I'd throw some info at you in case you end up going. I'm linking the admissions page but if you browse the website, it does say there is public transit out to the zoo so you can probably take the train or bus out no problem. http://www.torontozoo.com/ExploretheZoo/Admission.asp
bloody heck, they sent that guide to the wrong address @_@ What a nusiance. So much for having a guide this weekend for doing some writeups.
What time will everyone else arrive? Corwin and I should reach Toronto at around 7PM though there will likely be some delays on the ride.
I'll bring my DS and PSP. What games are you bringing, Dracos?
We should also try some Sri Lankan food while there.
I should be getting into the airport around 4 pm.
I'm not hearing a clear message on getting the special bulk pass deal.
Folks lemme know if you guys want to go to those places and get that. If just a few of us get it, we'll probably both go and it will be more expensive for those who haven't.
I dunno what games I am bringing. Some entertaining stuff, surely.
I'm for going to the CN Tower. And maybe the Ontario Science Center as well.
Quote from: Dracos on March 07, 2011, 02:49:40 AM
Current Schedule/plan:
Here's what I'm thinking... applies for Ricey, Shawn, and myself... I think at least most of this the rest of the group would find fun too.
Assuming everyone agrees to meet at the Friar, here's how to get there from the hotel: http://tinyurl.com/tofriar
Thu 04/28/11
10:00:00 AM Leave for Toronto
06:00:00 PM Dinner at Northern Thai in Kitchener
08:00:00 PM Arrive in Toronto
10:00:00 PM The Rex
Fri 04/29/11
09:00:00 AM AGO – lunch there
03:00:00 PM
07:00:00 PM Meet everyone at the Friar (English pub)
Sat 04/30/11
09:00:00 AM Breakfast at Petit Dejeuner
10:30:00 AM Walk Queen St and find some clothes for Iddy
Stop at Truefitt & Hill for a shave
Stop in at the Silver Snail (Comic/D&D shop)
02:00:00 PM Lunch at Java House (breakfast will have been huge)
Chinatown
08:00:00 PM Pirates of Penzance
Sun 05/01/11
09:00:00 AM Breakfast – Eggspectations?
10:00:00 AM Casa Loma
Meet Cy and IY-chan somewhere
CN Tower
See what else is open – there won't be much – maybe some waterfront stuff?
Try for Lion King tickets
Backup plan – Rep Cinema & Peel Pub or The Rex depending on whether Iddy is behaving. :-)
Mon 05/02/11
09:00:00 AM Breakfast – Fran's?
10:00:00 AM St. Lawrence Market
Open day... maybe Young St, world's biggest book store, bang on Kwok's door up in Markham... whatever.
Try for Lion King tickets
Backup plan – Rep Cinema & Peel Pub or The Rex depending on whether Iddy is behaving. :-)
Tue 05/03/11
09:00:00 AM Depart for Niagara Falls – who else has a car? I can fit five uncomfortably. I think we're 10 including Cy and IY, but their car probably won't be returning to TO.
09:00:00 PM Return from Niagara Falls
Wed 05/04/11
09:00:00 AM Breakfast – The Senator?
11:00:00 AM Royal Ontario Museum (The group may find something else, but Shawn and I are doing this one)
Try for Lion King tickets
Backup plan – Rep Cinema & Peel Pub or The Rex depending on whether Iddy is behaving. :-)
Thu 05/05/11
Depart
Quote from: Music-chan on April 04, 2011, 02:58:14 PM
I have never been to the CN tower so if you guys can swing that on the Sunday or Monday Cy and I are going to be there, that would be awesome.
They're not open Sunday (like most of Canada), but the CN Tower on Monday sounds like a great idea.
Quote from: Music-chan on April 04, 2011, 02:58:14 PM
It does look like some of the typical touristy things WILL be open in April and May, so if you want to ride the Maid of the Mist or somesuch, that might be a possibility.
The Maid of the Mist is my CN Tower. I'd really like to do that one if it ends up being possible. The walk across the bridge and in to the park sounds like a lot of fun too!
-Dan
Big thanks odin! I'll give a merge attempt. =)
Hey man, everything in Niagara FAlls is open on Sundays.
I'm not even kidding. >_>
Upon reflection, Cy and I didn't believe that the CN tower would be closed on Sundays. We looked it up and it's only closed on Christmas day. http://www.cntower.ca/plan_your_visit/hours/summer_hours/
Quote from: Music-chan on April 19, 2011, 12:30:34 AM
Hey man, everything in Niagara FAlls is open on Sundays.
I'm not even kidding. >_>
Well yeah, it's a tourist town. The whole rest of the country is closed.
Quote from: Music-chan on April 19, 2011, 12:30:34 AM
Upon reflection, Cy and I didn't believe that the CN tower would be closed on Sundays. We looked it up and it's only closed on Christmas day. http://www.cntower.ca/plan_your_visit/hours/summer_hours/
You're right. I checked that page earlier when i was working out what to put on what day, but I must've been bug-eyed from checking everywhere's hours because I clearly read it wrong. I just moved the CN tower to Sunday on my proposed schedule. That makes things much cleaner.
-Dan
I'm a little sad that you guys will be visiting the museums on days I won't be there, but otherwise the schedule seems okay. I'll try to give a more solid arrival time closer to the date. Perhaps we can meet up in the hotel lobby or somesuch?
Quote from: Music-chan on April 19, 2011, 03:25:13 AM
I'm a little sad that you guys will be visiting the museums on days I won't be there, but otherwise the schedule seems okay. I'll try to give a more solid arrival time closer to the date. Perhaps we can meet up in the hotel lobby or somesuch?
The schedule is completely malleable. We could totally do the ROM on Monday if the rest of the group is interested in it. AGO is closed Mondays, so we couldn't save that one, but I figure that's just a Shawn and I thing anyway, so we'll do it before everyone else arrives.
-Dan
I propose we leave lunch places wide open and just stop wherever is convenient and looks good to save on tons of travel around the city just to grab a bite. Here's what I've come up with so far for eateries.
Breakfast
Petit Dejeuner
Eggspectations
Fran's
??? - Pickle Barrel, maybe?
The Senator
Lunch
Java House Thai fusion
???
???
Somewhere in NF
???
Dinner
Friar & Firkin English pub
???
Aji Sai Sushi
Rashnaa Sri Lankan
Somewhere in NF
???
Sri Lankan food request accommodated... does anyone else have any other requests? We'll have two more dinners in Toronto.
I think we should have Kwok recommend a Chinese place, preferably in the Spadina/Dundas area so we don't have to go all the way to Markham.
For the most part, Indian is out because of allergies. There's one pizza place I know of that's safe, and well worth the trip up Yonge to get to. There are a million options. Unfortunately I can't find that pub with the Irish beer and Thai food way out on Bloor anymore (and I've forgotten the name)... that was really good.
Steak.
Brazilian Steakhouse if possible.
Quote from: Iron Dragoon on April 19, 2011, 01:04:44 PM
Steak.
Brazilian Steakhouse if possible.
I'm definitely not a good person to pick out a steak house. Ricey, grey, Kwok, got any suggestions?
-Dan
Quote from: odin on April 19, 2011, 08:54:21 AM
Quote from: Music-chan on April 19, 2011, 03:25:13 AM
I'm a little sad that you guys will be visiting the museums on days I won't be there, but otherwise the schedule seems okay. I'll try to give a more solid arrival time closer to the date. Perhaps we can meet up in the hotel lobby or somesuch?
The schedule is completely malleable. We could totally do the ROM on Monday if the rest of the group is interested in it. AGO is closed Mondays, so we couldn't save that one, but I figure that's just a Shawn and I thing anyway, so we'll do it before everyone else arrives.
-Dan
I'll just have to drag Cy up to the AGO some other day, I suppose.
Also, anyone have any idea where they want to eat when in Niagara?
Man, I love brazillian steak houses. I so rarely get to drag people there since the ones nearby are of the 50-60 dollars a head range.
I grabbed a travel guide, so I'll glance over the Niagara stuff. I just remember lots of tourist trap restaurants the last time I was there.
Gonna try and blend the schedules a bit :)
Major props to both odin and Music for pitching in tons here.
Quote from: Dracos on April 19, 2011, 08:27:08 PM
Man, I love brazillian steak houses. I so rarely get to drag people there since the ones nearby are of the 50-60 dollars a head range.
I grabbed a travel guide, so I'll glance over the Niagara stuff. I just remember lots of tourist trap restaurants the last time I was there.
Gonna try and blend the schedules a bit :)
Major props to both odin and Music for pitching in tons here.
They are truly epic. If anyone has a problem dropping $50-60 for it, I suppose I can offer to supplement fundage. A bit.
Not my pref, personally, but I can go for the steakhouse in a group, Iddy.
CN Tower, Casa Loma and one of the museums, preferably with a scientific bend (SPACE!) is something I would eagerly sign up for. Niagara Falls is a given. Trying as many different foods would count as my other touristy thing.
Quote from: Dracos on April 19, 2011, 08:27:08 PM
Man, I love brazillian steak houses. I so rarely get to drag people there since the ones nearby are of the 50-60 dollars a head range.
I did a quick google and found Copacabana up on Yonge and Eglinton. That's super easy to get to by subway. I may put you guys on the subway with instructions how to get there, since it appears they don't have any options for a crazy veggie person like me. That means if anyone balks at the price, they'd be welcome to join Shawn and I wherever we go to eat instead (assuming we don't go somewhere equally expensive).
-Dan
Quote from: Corwin on April 20, 2011, 12:37:10 PM
one of the museums, preferably with a scientific bend
If people are interested, we could do the Ontario Science Center on Monday, 5/2. I haven't been since I was a kid, but I remember it being awesome.
-Dan
Won't it be an issue, with everyone needing to handle checkout and getting to the airport/train/whichever way people got to Toronto?
5/2 isn't checkout. 5/5 is checkout.
Anywhooo, noted and noted and noted. :)
Right now I'm taking odin's desired plan and merging it in with others, trying to get something that's a cool plan for everyone.
There are a handful of folks interested in Royal Ontario Museum and some in the science centre.
For those asking on the city pass, it actually seems hat it breaks almost exactly even with 3 spots, so not really much cause to rush ahead.
I'll be trying to post a blended itinerary with these ideas shortly and we can hopefully take it from there. :)
I'm definitely down for amazing pizza...but nothing else will be allowed! A challenge unto the Odin! =P
Okay, merging in. Want to have some details and take it to a little more level. Have tour book but awesomely NOT IN FRONT OF ME :P hah.
Is there bus/subway passes? should we get them?
08:00:00 PM Pirates of Penzance - this seems to be an opera? Do we need to grab tickets ahead of time?
I'm still shaky on when Cy and Music will be arriving on sunday. I'd like to pencil in 'We meet them Here' so that it's easier to find each other, but I need a little more info to do so?
Updated http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php?topic=1654.msg1019835#msg1019835 with Friday, Sat, Sunday.
I'll try and get to monday and tuesday updates later today.
Quote from: Dracos on April 20, 2011, 02:38:41 PM
Is there bus/subway passes? should we get them?
There are, but passes don't make sense for only a week. We'll get subway tokens when we arrive.
Quote from: Dracos on April 20, 2011, 02:38:41 PM
08:00:00 PM Pirates of Penzance - this seems to be an opera? Do we need to grab tickets ahead of time?
We should. They're cheap. $52ea for the cheap seats.
http://www.stlc.com/index.php?id=930
Okay, I'll add that to the main post. Still intending that we can each print that post and it covers all the 'need to know' at any point.
Added a couple questions, formatted, and added a little more. Covered costs and things people should order ahead of time where possible.
I've marked empty spots, so that we can ideally add stuff folks want there.
For corwin, I think hitting the Ontario Science Centre sometime should be well doable.
Thanks for combining everything! A couple revisions:
QuoteOntario Science Centre here? Odin, your thoughts? Can we get here and have enough time?
Definitely not enough time. The CN tower will take a couple hours, so we'd get out around 3pm - assuming we get there at 1pm, which I think is optimistic. The Ontario Science Center is way up by Pape & Eglinton. That's a subway, then a bus ride... probably 45-60min to get there, so 4pm. They're only open until 5pm, and it's big. It's probably best to do it on Monday.
Other things might be better done after the CN tower... Yonge St or Bloor St shopping, seeing what waterfront stuff is open (we'll already be down on the water), the world's biggest bookstore, or something else random and fun.
QuoteLion King - likely to run 50-80 a person. Just heads up.
Probably more like $70-$100 assuming we're lucky and get last-minute seats.
-Dan
QuoteWe need to go rent a car at this point
You'd probably save money by getting the car in the morning. I'd call ahead to make sure it's ready to be picked up first thing, but I wouldn't get it the night before. Then you just pay extra for the rental *and* have to pay to park it overnight.
Avis, National, Budget, Thrifty, and Alamo all have rental offices within a 2-block walk of the hotel, so it'd be nothing to get there early in the morning.
-Dan
If everything goes correctly,we should leave Niagara Falls on Sunday sometime around 9am, maybe earlier if we can swing it, but neither one of us are really morning people. I'd like to get into Toronto around 10am or earlier. To be safe, I'd say we can meet up between 9 and 10am on Sunday. Does that work for you guys?
Not sure what time we can check into the hotel but I was planning on meeting people there just to make things easier.
No one seems to have mentioned any specific places they'd like to eat on Tuesday.
1. IF you want to eat where CyMage works, it would be anywhere from $30-40 CND a person if we make reservations as a group (group size doesn't really matter; just has slightly more limited menu choices). If you just want to show up and order from the full menu, we're talking more $30-100 per person, depending on what you get.
2. There's this Japanese restaurant we love to eat at, http://yukiguni.ca/ It's got sushi but it also has other Japanese dishes, like BBQ Eel and Sukiyaki. It generally runs around $25-35 a person, depending on what you get.
3. There's this restaurant right around the corner from our apartment that we've been meaning to try. It sells vietnemese food and is suppose to have some really great noodle dishes.
Those are just some options I thought of off the top of my head. There's this burrito place that has some really tasty and huge burritos. There's a Denny's, a ton of Italian places, steak houses, fast food, etc etc etc. There's even the Flying Saucer if you like greasy diner food.
Aaaaaaanyway, here's my idea of what might happen on Tuesday.
It takes about an hour to get to NF from Toronto, depending on traffic. What time we leave would really depend on how bad the morning traffic in the GTA is going to be.
I figure we get to NF mid to late morning. We can stop at our apartment if you want and we'll give you the five second tour. Then we can either walk to the Falls from our building (about 3 blocks) or we can drive to the Skylon and mooch off of Cy's free parking privledges. If you want to park REALLY close to the falls, such as in the big parking lot across from the Horseshoe falls, it'll probably cost around $10-15 a car. It's still the off season so I don't think it'll be $15 but I haven't checked prices.
Anyway, from there we can walk around and oogle at the falls, take pictures, etc. IF the Maid of the Mist is open, odin and anyone who wants to do that can. It'll be around $15 a person and probably takes around 20 minutes from start to finish, depending on if there's a line. There's also the Journey Behind the Falls which might be a few dollars less and would take about the same amount of time.
After that, seems like a good time for Lunch at the restaurant of your choice.
After lunch, if people are interested in walking across the Rainbow Bridge to the US Niagara Falls, that would take up another hour or two to walk through the park and oogle at the falls from the other side. You'd need your passport, as you have to go through the walk-through customs, and 50 cents for the bridge fee. Driving across costs more like $3-4 and we'd probably have to pay for parking on the other side as well. (this shouldn't be an issue, but bikes are not allowed on the walking path over the bridge) I'm not sure if it'll be open, but the Cave of the Winds (walking beside the US falls) is about $11USD and a very awesome experience. They also have a Maid of the MIst which is exactly the same as the Canadian one. Just starts at the other side.
If no one's up for a walk across the bridge, there's always Clifton Hill which has the most touristy stuff possible. Or a trip down the gorge to look at the Whirlpool, butterfly conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Flower Clock, etc. There's also a few other nooks and cranies around Niagara Falls that I've found if you like nature.
There's also two casinos in NF though I've never actually been on the gambling floor of either.
And of course, if you don't mind driving to Niagara-on-the-Lake, we could tour a winery or two. If you were hoping to take some quality Niagara wines home with you, this would be a good option. My sister has never had any problem getting multiple bottles across the border, but I'm not sure what it would involve on a flight, since we always drive across. I'm fond of Inniskilling and Jackson-Triggs, but Peller Estates has a really nice looking building, and I've gotten some nice wine from the Reif Estates. There are tons to choose from.
Wineries and tourist attractions tend to close around 5pm on the off season though the casino and restaurants are always open later. If you didn't mind getting back to Toronto late, you could stay in NF for dinner (it's going to be a bit expensive because everything here is) and drive back later. IF you stay past dark, you could see the falls lit up for the evening, which is quite nice. Though that probably won't happen until 8 or 9pm.
http://www.skylon.com/pdf/skylon-lunch.pdf should give you a quick idea the prices and menu items during lunch. Lunch runs between 11:30 and 3pm.
After reading the schedule more in depth, I would love to visit the castle on Sunday. Since we're planning on being there around 10ish anyway, wait for us!
Cy and I are not really into watching The Lion King. While I usually love Disney stuff, I'm not so much into the weird stage things. Cy is against the cost in general. =p So if you guys do end up doing that, we'll probably just spend some time in the hotel.
On a general note, we could bring some DVDs or Blu-Rays if people want to watch anything. I just recently got Tron: Legacy and Tangled (see my note about Disney stuff) and we have a lot of the now-older animes and a bunch of other movies and TV shows. I wouldn't want to list all the stuff we have, but we have a pretty eclectic collection, from movies like The Transporter to Avatar the Last Airbender series.
I will be bringing anime and games.
Quote from: Music-chan on April 20, 2011, 07:53:39 PM
If everything goes correctly,we should leave Niagara Falls on Sunday sometime around 9am, maybe earlier if we can swing it, but neither one of us are really morning people. I'd like to get into Toronto around 10am or earlier. To be safe, I'd say we can meet up between 9 and 10am on Sunday. Does that work for you guys?
That'd get you there in time for Casa Loma. :-)
Quote from: Music-chan on April 20, 2011, 07:53:39 PM
1. IF you want to eat where CyMage works, it would be anywhere from $30-40 CND a person if we make reservations as a group (group size doesn't really matter; just has slightly more limited menu choices). If you just want to show up and order from the full menu, we're talking more $30-100 per person, depending on what you get.
This sounds fun and the price isn't an issue for me.
Quote from: Music-chan on April 20, 2011, 07:53:39 PM
2. There's this Japanese restaurant we love to eat at, http://yukiguni.ca/ It's got sushi but it also has other Japanese dishes, like BBQ Eel and Sukiyaki. It generally runs around $25-35 a person, depending on what you get.
If it's really excellent, I'd give that a thumbs-up too, but we'll be in Toronto for a week and have an opportunity for some really good sushi (already planning on Aji Sai).
Quote from: Music-chan on April 20, 2011, 07:53:39 PM
3. There's this restaurant right around the corner from our apartment that we've been meaning to try. It sells vietnemese food and is suppose to have some really great noodle dishes.
Vietnamese restaurants rarely have veggie options. If you'd be willing to phone ahead and find out whether we'd have anything to eat, I'd definitely put this on the list. I've liked Vietnamese food every time I've had it.
Quote from: Music-chan on April 20, 2011, 07:53:39 PM
Those are just some options I thought of off the top of my head. There's this burrito place that has some really tasty and huge burritos. There's a Denny's, a ton of Italian places, steak houses, fast food, etc etc etc. There's even the Flying Saucer if you like greasy diner food.
I'd like to avoid chains (Denny's), Italian (unless it's non-Calabrian ... ie non-red-sauce Italian, then I *really* want to go there), and fast food if at all humanly possible. Greasy diner food is often worthwhile, and steakhouses often have good asparagus and interestingly-prepared potatoes. I'm all for that.
Quote from: Music-chan on April 20, 2011, 07:53:39 PM
I figure we get to NF mid to late morning. We can stop at our apartment if you want and we'll give you the five second tour. Then we can either walk to the Falls from our building (about 3 blocks) or we can drive to the Skylon and mooch off of Cy's free parking privledges. If you want to park REALLY close to the falls, such as in the big parking lot across from the Horseshoe falls, it'll probably cost around $10-15 a car. It's still the off season so I don't think it'll be $15 but I haven't checked prices.
Anyone who can't walk three blocks is going to be one hurting unit after our time in Toronto anyway.
Quote from: Music-chan on April 20, 2011, 07:53:39 PM
Anyway, from there we can walk around and oogle at the falls, take pictures, etc. IF the Maid of the Mist is open, odin and anyone who wants to do that can. It'll be around $15 a person and probably takes around 20 minutes from start to finish, depending on if there's a line. There's also the Journey Behind the Falls which might be a few dollars less and would take about the same amount of time.
Woo to both!
Quote from: Music-chan on April 20, 2011, 07:53:39 PM
After lunch, if people are interested in walking across the Rainbow Bridge to the US Niagara Falls, that would take up another hour or two to walk through the park and oogle at the falls from the other side. You'd need your passport, as you have to go through the walk-through customs, and 50 cents for the bridge fee. Driving across costs more like $3-4 and we'd probably have to pay for parking on the other side as well. (this shouldn't be an issue, but bikes are not allowed on the walking path over the bridge) I'm not sure if it'll be open, but the Cave of the Winds (walking beside the US falls) is about $11USD and a very awesome experience. They also have a Maid of the MIst which is exactly the same as the Canadian one. Just starts at the other side.
Count me in for all of that (except the driving across... walking sounds much more fun).
Quote from: Music-chan on April 20, 2011, 07:53:39 PM
If no one's up for a walk across the bridge, there's always Clifton Hill which has the most touristy stuff possible. Or a trip down the gorge to look at the Whirlpool, butterfly conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Flower Clock, etc. There's also a few other nooks and cranies around Niagara Falls that I've found if you like nature.
I'd say all the stuff above sounds more fun than this, but this all sounds fun if there's time.
Quote from: Music-chan on April 20, 2011, 07:53:39 PM
There's also two casinos in NF though I've never actually been on the gambling floor of either.
If everyone else is going, I'd do a casino, but it's *way* low on my priority list.
Quote from: Music-chan on April 20, 2011, 07:53:39 PM
And of course, if you don't mind driving to Niagara-on-the-Lake, we could tour a winery or two. If you were hoping to take some quality Niagara wines home with you, this would be a good option. My sister has never had any problem getting multiple bottles across the border, but I'm not sure what it would involve on a flight, since we always drive across. I'm fond of Inniskilling and Jackson-Triggs, but Peller Estates has a really nice looking building, and I've gotten some nice wine from the Reif Estates. There are tons to choose from.
You can only take me on a winery tour if Ricey is willing to drive back. :-)
Quote from: Music-chan on April 20, 2011, 07:53:39 PM
Wineries and tourist attractions tend to close around 5pm on the off season though the casino and restaurants are always open later. If you didn't mind getting back to Toronto late, you could stay in NF for dinner (it's going to be a bit expensive because everything here is) and drive back later. IF you stay past dark, you could see the falls lit up for the evening, which is quite nice. Though that probably won't happen until 8 or 9pm.
Lit up falls sounds nice too. I've never seen that in person.
-Dan
I'll try and get more of this into the post schedule. Again, big props on the help to both Music and Odin. I really appreciate how much you two are pitching in with making this awesome for everyone :D
Casinos really aren't on my radar. I like a good game of cards, but I really am not into serious gambling. I figure it'll be a lot more fun just having evening games between friends with just fake tokens at stake. Done that way, it doesn't have to compete schedule-wise with anything but late night entertainment.
My thoughts on the falls (and my jot up will reflect this): I've never been there at night either that sounds fun. The Maid of the Mist is cool, I rec it! And we should totally walk the path. =)
Also seconded for avoiding real general chains. I mean seriously, traveling across the world to get 'genericeveryfood' is pretty lame :P I'd almost wave off sushi but not everybody has a sushi joint everywhere and I do like me some sushi. ^_~
So, I'm trying to figure out exactly what I need to do beforehand - Mainly I'm planning on just going with the flow once I get there, but what are the things that I will need to set up in advance? It sounds like Pirates of Penance is something I should get tickets for; also, have we worked out bus/train/whatever passes?
I don't get a lot of Japanese food so the Yukiguni restaurant is just something Cy and I do on special occations. But if there are plans of sushi and other Japanese foods in Toronto, I'm not sure the restaurant is outstanding enough for a special visit.
I would say, if you have the money and the time, a dinner at the Skylon is worth it at least once. Sure, it's a tower type restaurant but it has an amazing view of the Falls and the Niagara region as a whole. It is considered "fine dining" so keep that in mind.
There's just so many restaurants in NF though. The most expensive things you can do in town is stay in a hotel and eat out, and there are tons and tons of choices for eating out. There's a Brazillian steakhouse, I'm pretty sure, though I've never been there myself. Heck, I can bring a phone book and you can see what your choices are, but if you want to eat somewhere that really has a Niagara Falls feel, The Skylon and the Minolta tower are probably the most obvious. ( Here's a link to the Minolta. I've never been but it's suppose to be really nice http://www.niagaratower.com/dining.php )
Quote from: Ragnar on April 21, 2011, 07:00:19 PM
So, I'm trying to figure out exactly what I need to do beforehand - Mainly I'm planning on just going with the flow once I get there, but what are the things that I will need to set up in advance? It sounds like Pirates of Penance is something I should get tickets for; also, have we worked out bus/train/whatever passes?
I've been updating the main post on this, so that's your reference point, trying to list things to pay for, links, and otherwise there. Yes to Pirates of the pizzanne or whatever.
For Music: Yes, gonna look and try and get Skylon down. Point is heard :) Though if it requires 'suits', I dunno how many of us will come prepared.
Quote from: Dracos on April 21, 2011, 09:53:31 PM
For Music: Yes, gonna look and try and get Skylon down. Point is heard :) Though if it requires 'suits', I dunno how many of us will come prepared.
At least bring a jacket, a nice shirt, and a tie. You'll need something for the theatre. That should serve for the Skylon too.
-Dan
Nonsense! fancy clothing, hiiiisss.
Sure.
I gotta start packing anyway. God I got a lot to pack.
No need for a tie at the Skylon. Cy and I usually got in nice shirts and jeans, but the jeans is mostly because we don't really own a lot of dress pants. =p
There's no dress code. But you don't want to look like a slob or anything, obviously.
CyMage can hook us up with reservations (though you don't need them) if we're sure, or mostly sure, we want to eat at the Skylon for lunch or dinner. Dinner would be nice if you want to stay to see the falls at night because it puts us in close proximity to the falls. IF you let us know how many will be coming and what time, we could set something up. Cy can get us the VIP treatment sort of; they like him there. ;)
For anyone still ordering tickets for Pirates of Penzance, Ricey, Iddy, Shawn, and I are R3 to R6. There are a few seats left near there.
Oops. Well, I just grabbed a ticket, didn't see this first.
Quote from: Music-chan on April 22, 2011, 02:11:37 AM
No need for a tie at the Skylon. Cy and I usually got in nice shirts and jeans, but the jeans is mostly because we don't really own a lot of dress pants. =p
There's no dress code. But you don't want to look like a slob or anything, obviously.
CyMage can hook us up with reservations (though you don't need them) if we're sure, or mostly sure, we want to eat at the Skylon for lunch or dinner. Dinner would be nice if you want to stay to see the falls at night because it puts us in close proximity to the falls. IF you let us know how many will be coming and what time, we could set something up. Cy can get us the VIP treatment sort of; they like him there. ;)
Noted, I'll look over schedule and try and get these details in t'day.
Quote from: Music-chan on April 22, 2011, 02:11:37 AM
No need for a tie at the Skylon. Cy and I usually got in nice shirts and jeans, but the jeans is mostly because we don't really own a lot of dress pants. =p
That's funny. I own only one pair of jeans. I wasn't even sure I'd pack them. :-P
Quote from: Dracos on April 22, 2011, 11:58:58 AM
Oops. Well, I just grabbed a ticket, didn't see this first.
You *might* be able to call and change seats. Otherwise, post your seat number and maybe we can get two groups going. Others may still have yet to purchase.
Quote from: odin on April 22, 2011, 12:26:22 PM
Quote from: Music-chan on April 22, 2011, 02:11:37 AM
No need for a tie at the Skylon. Cy and I usually got in nice shirts and jeans, but the jeans is mostly because we don't really own a lot of dress pants. =p
That's funny. I own only one pair of jeans. I wasn't even sure I'd pack them. :-P
We are not pressed pants sort of people, I guess you could say. =p
Oh right, the weird way you guys have of putting month before day. Sure, works for me. City pass-wise, it seems to cut down on some hateful ticket lines, but if some people won't get it the rest would have to wait on them, so it's pretty much an all or nothing thing, I think.
I did the math on the city pass versus what was in view, and it wasn't adding up as a particular gain in money for people.
I don't think we're going to have to deal with heavy lines. I just really don't think that'll be a big issue.
Quote from: Corwin on April 22, 2011, 04:31:14 PM
Oh right, the weird way you guys have of putting month before day. Sure, works for me. City pass-wise, it seems to cut down on some hateful ticket lines, but if some people won't get it the rest would have to wait on them, so it's pretty much an all or nothing thing, I think.
If we're doing the Ontario Science Center, then the city pass is worthwhile. Otherwise it's pretty much a wash. Ticket lines won't be overly long for anything we're doing (except *MAYBE* the CN Tower since we're going on a Sunday).
City Pass $67.97 + Sky Pod $8.83 + Water exhibition $7 = $83.80
CN Tower w/ Sky Pod $28.99 + ROM w/ Water $31 + Casa Loma $20.55 = $80.54
Essentially the same.
But the second we add the Ontario Science Center, that's another $20-$28 (depending on whether you want to see an IMAX show) that'd be included in the city pass.
Sorry, my brain is slush right now, I'll try and finish the list shortly so we can see.
Just bought tickets at seats R1+R2 for me and Corwin.
Odin: Are the lines long for any of those places?
Quote from: Ginrai on April 22, 2011, 10:29:45 PM
Odin: Are the lines long for any of those places?
I've never waited in line for any of these attractions save the CN tower, and that wasn't overly long.
-Dan
Screw you Canadians and your monopoly money.
That is all.
Quote from: Ragnar on April 22, 2011, 11:03:34 PM
Screw you Canadians and your monopoly money.
That is all.
It's no pinker than your armor.
Things in Canada can either have higher pricetags, or the currency can be stronger than the dollar. NOT BOTH.
In any case, I have a ticket for Q1. I will be poking you incessantly throughout enjoying the show.
Quote from: Ragnar on April 22, 2011, 11:40:44 PM
Things in Canada can either have higher pricetags, or the currency can be stronger than the dollar. NOT BOTH.
Try going to Norway some time. A hotdog from a street vendor is the equivalent of about $20CAD.
-Dan
Is Monday afternoon good for the Ontario Science Center? If so we should then get a City Pass.
I'd love to go to the science center on monday. My goals for this trip are the CN Tower and a museum of some sort.
Other that Iddy, who else will bring their laptop?
Quote from: Ginrai on April 23, 2011, 11:29:58 PM
Other that Iddy, who else will bring their laptop?
I'll have mine. I never leave home without it.
-Dan
What other shows are there other than Lion King?
Quote from: Ginrai on April 24, 2011, 11:06:02 PM
What other shows are there other than Lion King?
Pretty nearly nothing this time of year.
http://www.toronto-theatre.com/
-Dan
Sorry I've not finished up the schedule yet, I will try to tonight. It's been a bit wacky.
I may be in need of a place to crash in Toronto on Thursday night, as the friend I was going to stay with turns out to live farther away than I thought. Let me know if I can horn in on one of your rooms.
Quote from: Ragnar on April 26, 2011, 07:55:15 PM
I may be in need of a place to crash in Toronto on Thursday night, as the friend I was going to stay with turns out to live farther away than I thought. Let me know if I can horn in on one of your rooms.
Our plan has us arriving Friday morning, and probably most people are arriving Friday. If you don't find an offer for Thursday night, Toronto is full of hostels, you can probably get a bed really cheap. I'd look soon. There's something happening on the 28th or 29th (and I don't know what) that hotels all over the downtown (even the Rex!) are booked solid.
-Dan
I won't be there till friday (and room is packed as I've got cor and gin in it already) :( Sorry. Hopefully a local can help out.
Hey odin, I temporarily modded you. So ideally you should be able to edit: http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php?topic=1654.msg1019835#msg1019835 the main post.
I still intend to merge things in, but between work and house stuff I'm really being buried, so if you wanted to merge in your thoughts I'd totally be thankful. :)
(and yes, I'm being a bit OCD as we do seem to have most the trip plotted out)
http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php?topic=1654.msg1019835#msg1019835 hey I think that's the schedule.
Any last updates/suggestions? If not, hey print out your copy and keep it with ya when you come :3
Hey what do folks think on hitting a comedy club on Wednesday?
Say Second City? Or for a cheaper one Yuk Yuk Toronto?
*reads through tour book finally*
Any chance of finding a german biergarten in Toronto? >.>
Quote from: Iron Dragoon on April 27, 2011, 01:41:06 PM
Any chance of finding a german biergarten in Toronto? >.>
In Toronto, I don't know any. When do you land? Care to meet us in Kitchener tomorrow night? There are tons there. Kitchener used to be called New Berlin, and has the largest, best Oktoberfest west of the Atlantic.
We're spending Thursday night there on our way to Toronto, but I figured we'd go to my favorite English pub... could be talked in to German, though, if you can/want to make the trip.
You know, in retrospect, I wish I had looked up some of the Polish places in Toronto. Cy's dad mentioned that there's apparently a pretty large Polish population there. Ah well.
Quote from: Music-chan on April 27, 2011, 06:38:31 PM
You know, in retrospect, I wish I had looked up some of the Polish places in Toronto. Cy's dad mentioned that there's apparently a pretty large Polish population there. Ah well.
There's still time.
-Dan
The schedule is in digital text, not stone :3
Any opinions on comedy club on wednesday?
Quote from: Dracos on April 27, 2011, 06:53:57 PM
The schedule is in digital text, not stone :3
Any opinions on comedy club on wednesday?
I'd be up for it. As long as it doesn't rule out the strippers and blow later that night. :-)
-Dan
Quote from: odin on April 27, 2011, 02:04:54 PM
Quote from: Iron Dragoon on April 27, 2011, 01:41:06 PM
Any chance of finding a german biergarten in Toronto? >.>
In Toronto, I don't know any. When do you land? Care to meet us in Kitchener tomorrow night? There are tons there. Kitchener used to be called New Berlin, and has the largest, best Oktoberfest west of the Atlantic.
We're spending Thursday night there on our way to Toronto, but I figured we'd go to my favorite English pub... could be talked in to German, though, if you can/want to make the trip.
I land Friday at 4 pm.
Quote from: Iron Dragoon on April 27, 2011, 11:49:39 PM
I land Friday at 4 pm.
Well, you're SOL for Kitchener, then. You'll just have to settle for scotch tasting at Feathers one night instead. :-)
-Dan
Quote from: odin on April 27, 2011, 06:56:33 PM
Quote from: Dracos on April 27, 2011, 06:53:57 PM
The schedule is in digital text, not stone :3
Any opinions on comedy club on wednesday?
I'd be up for it. As long as it doesn't rule out the strippers and blow later that night. :-)
-Dan
Aren't you bringing your fiancee? :3
Quote from: odin on April 27, 2011, 06:47:10 PM
Quote from: Music-chan on April 27, 2011, 06:38:31 PM
You know, in retrospect, I wish I had looked up some of the Polish places in Toronto. Cy's dad mentioned that there's apparently a pretty large Polish population there. Ah well.
There's still time.
-Dan
I am so sick right now, I'm lucky if I even get half the stuff done I wanted to do before leaving on Sunday. *sigh*
Drac's complaining that I'm not coming to the gathering.
He's a whiner. Hold it in my country and I'll think about it. :D
Next gathering will be in australia.
At rez's house.
Well, maybe not at his house.
But in australia.
If he doesn't show up, we will hunt him down with an inquisitor squad.
It's not happening at my house! My wife will kill me, then probably you!
Also, I'll have a small child around, and you fuckers are nothing if not traumatizing. :D
Frankly, I'm still traumatized by the idea of you having a wife, let alone children.
Quote from: Carthrat on April 28, 2011, 08:45:16 AM
Frankly, I'm still traumatized by the idea of you having a wife, let alone children.
Yeah, I can't remember if I hadn't heard about this or if I just mentally blocked it out.
He's not celebrated here :P
Quote from: Rezantis on April 28, 2011, 01:49:49 AM
Also, I'll have a small child around, and you fuckers are nothing if not traumatizing. :D
As if you're not traumatizing enough on your own. :)
Rez has KIDS? Wait, did I know this? I have no idea.
Because Rez is a secretive pink cardinal. He doesn't even realize he's secretive because he's so focused on livin' :)
Also music get better soon!
Yo.
Just landed in Paris. Flight to Canada should still be on time. Unfortunately, that's about five hous away. But, I got out of the middle east safely.
Dubai, for all it's tourism, is still an Arab nation and they have a tendency for detaining people for weird shit. Especially when their travel originates from somewhere like Afghanistan.
Still, I'm on schdule and safe, though not comfortable.
Also, this post made via Kindle. For free. Fuck yeah.
Edit: An aisian couple just sat down across from me. She promptly leaned over and began to pop his zits. For ten mimutes. FML.
I depart. See you all canada side!
In Toronto. At hotel in about 45. Dont know who has arrived but yah. Call if ye are already there.
Okay at hotel. Phone ate my emails but I left word at the desk for Coe and gin. Key is waiting for them. Seeye all soon for the lobby meetup
Okay. A bit early but gonna wait in the lobby till 7. Swing down and find me
No one shall find you, only XORN.
Welcome to canada-land, all you crazy peoples. ;)
Except odin and Onigiri. I'm not welcoming you because you never leave.
We just got Lion King tickets. Row N 9-11 for May 4.
If anyone can get near there, that's the thing to do. I recommend buying in groups since it doesn't let you pick your seat, just gives you the best available seat in the section (price range) you pick.
-Dan
odin, question about parking. What's the situation like? I'd like some idea of what's the best route for tomorrow.
Sorta bad news, but according to the website, the Maid of the Mist opens on May 4th. Yes, that is the day AFTER everyone is going to be in town. Sigh.
Quote from: Music-chan on April 30, 2011, 08:25:13 PM
odin, question about parking. What's the situation like? I'd like some idea of what's the best route for tomorrow.
Park in the hotel. The Green P lot is cheaper, but you have to move the car out and then in daily in order to avoid getting a ticket.
-Dan
Quote from: Music-chan on April 30, 2011, 10:17:14 PM
Sorta bad news, but according to the website, the Maid of the Mist opens on May 4th. Yes, that is the day AFTER everyone is going to be in town. Sigh.
The other bad news is it looks like rain on Sun/Mon, so the CN tower would be not worthwhile at all (go up, see some cloud... yay!) I think we'll end up doing some rearranging.
-Dan
So far so fun. Cor conquers in poker. Iffy is king tipper. Also BBQ brazil was awesome
I would like to note that I started the poker tradition way back in the day. :D
Keeping up with odin is exhausting work.
That being said, I think I lost a few pounds while there.
Quote from: Music-chan on May 04, 2011, 11:46:00 AM
Keeping up with odin is exhausting work.
That being said, I think I lost a few pounds while there.
I think I gained about five. Too much good food.
And beer. Good beer. Yum.
-Dan
I succeded in getting people lost, yay
Quite so!
Why are there no pictures?
Quote from: Carthrat on May 06, 2011, 10:09:52 AM
Why are there no pictures?
(http://www.yggdrasil.ca/sr/last_supper.jpg)
Just the one? We expect full albums.
Sorry, we only took pictures of THINGS. People are so last century.
At least caption the last picture so we know who's who!
Quote from: Carthrat on May 06, 2011, 10:14:48 PM
At least caption the last picture so we know who's who!
The arm you can barely see is me.
I am ninja. :-D
-Dan
I thought I recognized that arm!
I'll throw up pictures eventually. Lamers! :3
The Soulriders Gathering 2011: Survivor Report.
This is a completely factual account of what occurred during the event known as the Gathering. These records were acquired at great personal risk by the investigator who is only filing them so that this can be properly finalized and sealed. This record is property of the Observers, and should not be read by anyone without Silver Raid clearance.
Friday. April Twenty Nineth
The various attendees gathered slowly at the Novetel from a variety of directions. Some came by plane. Others by car. Others by train. Iron dragoon was deployed by an aerial parachute drop over the hotel, and yet made his way down as if nothing was strange about this. He then killed the butler who asked if he could help him with his bags by turning his head until his neck broke.
Immediately following this, the current attendees were lead to a different bar than the scheduled friar. Perhaps to throw off police pursuit. Either way, it was mere minutes before they had conquered the scottish embassy, kicking the ambassador out and enjoying a few drinks in the comfort of his private office. The others were informed that they were to meet here to begin The Gathering.
Grey and his girlfriend were the first to show up. Dracos beheaded him and sent his girlfriend fleeing off into the night. This was taken in perfect stride by the attending Odin, Agent S, Onigiri, and Iron Dragoon. The blood splatter marking the floor was first questioned by Ginrai, when Corwin and he arrived late.
Dracos gazed at him.
And no one had any dinner that night.
Saturday. April Thirtieth
At nine am, everyone gathered to face the day. At nine thirty, they actually went off halfway across the city to their breakfast place. Nothing happened between these time periods. Odin naturally had upgraded to a sports jacket.
After feeding on excellent delicacies, they traversed through parts of Toronto's downtown, an intriguing sight that has its own unique charm. It mixes a variety of buildings that are clearly over a hundred years old, placed naturally next to skyscrapers, without apology.
Iron Dragoon desired two things during this day: A shave and a suit. He intended to hide his ferocious nature behind a veneer of civility. Odin and Ginrai joined him for a shave at an expensive shaving place. The others patiently waited their return.
Seventeen hours later, they came out with magnificent haircuts to find a pile of sleeping fellows. Naturally they went to town with the markers and made sure everyone had their own design.
They attended chinatown that evening, traveling among the misbegotten and dispossessed, searching out hacked off poorly made knock offs of various japanese shows. Sader watched from on high in one store particularly, cursing it with failure. Truly, the stench must have been bad as they detonated the central business hub on their way out: "Nobody important was working there anyway".
The observing agent involved again phoned the police at this. Strangely, they insisted that the destruction of Toronto's southern china-town branch had been planned demolition and that there was nothing they could do. They then began singing Tarantara over the phone, forcing the agent to hang up.
An endless conveyance of cheap sushi was had for dinner, but even that place was not spared as Ragnar destroyed their bathroom and the one next to it, declaring them uninhabitable before dashing off for the hotel. Dracos insisted on mangling people's names and devouring enough sushi for an army before declaring the place mediocre. The owner committed sepuku in shame at the declaration.
The crew finally sat down for a delightful operatta, where the importance of piratical duties were espoused upon, and major generals got up to sing and in the end, this was a triumph, everyone enjoyed except the ones that were dead. The pirates married all the women, for the good of everyone except for all the women who were now married to random pirates.
(More to come :P)
How about this one then?
We apparently have gone a few hours since last spammer logon. Perhaps the new combo even works.
No, i haven't forgotten that I owe people pictures. Fell into the gap of moving.
http://www.soulriders.org/soulriders/SRTrip2011/
There was nobody there but me, Corwin, and Ginrai it seems.
Anyhow, my phone really sucks for pics, Cor was right :3 But here are some pics. First one (The group shot) is probably the only one of interest to most :)
Dude in the tan beanie is me. Cy made fun of me because I'm short ;_;
Quote from: Iron Dragoon on June 02, 2011, 09:59:38 AM
Dude in the tan beanie is me. Cy made fun of me because I'm short ;_;
Lies! I believe his words were "I thought you'd be taller."
He could have been way more mean if he wanted to make fun of you =p
I propose that we have the next gathering.
Why?
Chicago is the crossroads of America.
It is full of rich museum culture and art, as well as architecture.
There's a big river that has boats.
It's not on the other side of the planet from most of us, and getting here is not prohibitively expensive...for most of us.
We have one of the largest anime cons in the country.
Me, 007, and KLSymph live here, and can attest.
If we keep doing them in North America, then the people who can't make it never will, though.
North America is SO GREAT, though!
Of course, if we have them outside of North America, how many people would actually be able to go to those? I have no issues with other countries and I'd love to travel, but there's no way Cy and I would be able to afford it unless we won the lottery or something silly like that.
That being said, in three years, I propose we have another GAthering in Canada, wherever it is that Cy and I are at. Gotta celebrate our 10th anniversary with our fellow SRians!
Just to emphasis, in THREE YEARS. Not next year. =p
Hum.
Just a check:
How many folks would be able to afford 2.5k for an australian trip?
1)Dracos (barely)
2)Rez
3)Rat (??)
4)?
Please chime in
Equally, how many folks are down for chicago, as 007 bends over backwards to make it super awesome?
No way on the trip to Australia. Even if it isn't exactly double for both Cy and myself to go, that's still going to be around 4k-5k. And we need a new car way more than a cool trip.
Chicago is a maybe. If we had the gathering around ACEN, it would be fun though. Rosemont is just a short subway ride from Chicago and probably a bit cheaper as well.
Having it here during ACEN was kind of our main idea. (Anime + con + gathering) * Chicago^2 = Awesome
It also makes sense because our first SR gathering was at ACEN =p
True story. We had a LOT of fun.
Quote from: Dracos on July 26, 2011, 12:38:26 PM
Hum.
Just a check:
How many folks would be able to afford 2.5k for an australian trip?
1)Dracos (barely)
2)Rez
3)Rat (??)
4)?
Please chime in
Equally, how many folks are down for chicago, as 007 bends over backwards to make it super awesome?
I'd be able to make it. Might bring my bro since he wants to go to Aussie land, so I'd be like, half there. Unless he couldn't go.
I admit I haven't been to an anime con in forever. heh. it might be fun :)
ACEN has gotten FREAKING HUGE, too.
Or so I hear. Odin could tell you the last time I went.
I was pretty big the last time Cy and I were there, adn that was a few years ago.
It's filling in the "we need a giant convention in the mid-west" gap pretty nicely. I except them to outgrow that convention center sometime.
Yeah, a 30,000 person convention is something else.
I've never been to any kind of Con. If this does go down and I end up going, I might have to dress up for it.
Costume ideas for a militant bald white guy?
Agent 47 from the Hitman games.
That'd require Iddy to lose the beard though.
And stamp a serial number to a dildo or something on the back of his head. Yes, not making that shit up. That is actually what goes on Agent 47's head. Artist prank.
Actually, I've already shaved.
The other thing, I won't even answer about.
There's a lot of militaristic characters in anime and video games. I should also point out that people use ACEN to dress up however they want sometimes too. I've seen Star Wars costumes and Indiana Jones. Sooooo, yeah.
And furry costumes. Let's not forget the furries.