SYDNEY NSW Planning Thread

May 5, 2009 10:21 PM

We need to pick a date and time between July 17 and July 19 and a location. I'll send out the group email soon.
posted by tellurian to Sydney, Australia at 10:21 PM (91 comments total)

I suggest we try and organise some sort of video link-up with other parties. I can bring a laptop & 3g card if somebody else knows the best way do do it.
posted by bystander at 10:24 PM on May 5, 2009

We should go somewhere special. James Squire Brewhouse down at Darling Harbour? It's a lot fancier than our usual places, but if mathowie's giving us cash in US dollars, we can probably afford it! :)
posted by web-goddess at 10:52 PM on May 5, 2009

Shame it is the middle of winter. Maybe date and time first, then pick a location depending? If we did time it so we were meeting at the same time as North America it would be fun, but obviously we'd want a daytime location (preferably with a harbour view to make them jealous). Otherwise I say the Friday evening might be good.
posted by bystander at 11:01 PM on May 5, 2009

Here's a meeting planner for Sydney, Portland and New York.

It looks like Portland is tending towards Saturday night, and if other US cities do the same, we could do hourly midnight toasts from 2pm to 5pm Sunday arvo. Which would seem to imply lazy Sunday afternoon drinks - very Australia, don't you think?

As far as venues go, I'll throw the weirdly named and decidedly non-youthy Australian Youth Hotel into the mix. I've been to a few work functions there - no harbour views, I'm afraid, but a nice courtyard bar and restaurant, and a comfy upstairs cocktail bar as well. I remember the staff being helpful and surprisingly tolerant of our tomfoolery.

How many MeFites are there in Sydney, anyway? Will just claiming a few tables in a corner suffice, or do we need to look for a bar with a function room?
posted by embrangled at 7:04 AM on May 6, 2009

...very Australia Australian. Apparently, my typing fingers turn into pumpkins after midnight.
posted by embrangled at 7:07 AM on May 6, 2009

No arguments against the Aussie Youth from me! It's a five minute walk from my house. :)

Actually I think they did it up in the last few years too, so it may be nicer than some folks remember if they haven't been there in a while.

I don't think we've ever had more than, say, 8-10 people at a meetup, so reserving a table or two would probably be sufficient.
posted by web-goddess at 6:33 PM on May 6, 2009

How many MeFites are there in Sydney, anyway?
I've just finished updating the list. I've identified 30 contactable, 1 that is not to be contacted and 4 bouncers.
[Keeper of The List aka Mother Hen]

Being the first to kick off (unless NZ gets in first) has its appeal but I'm liking the sound of lazy Sunday afternoon *Aroo de do de do, aroo de do de di day*. Under the bridge (either end) with a fall back of one of the nearby pubs could work. Plus we'd have pictures of our bottleo dockets instead of bar tabs.
posted by tellurian at 6:39 PM on May 6, 2009

Hmm. The Sidewalk Cafe at the Opera House has a bar, would provide great backdrops for photos with the bridge, is semi out-of-doors but still protected by the overhang. So there's another option for you...

(I've had a couple knitting meetups there.)
posted by web-goddess at 7:14 PM on May 6, 2009

The Rocks end of the bridge has a whole lot of construction work underneath it at the moment, IIRC. I don't know about the Milsons' Point end. I like the idea of a picnic in principle, but the word doesn't usually go together well with "July".

I will attend relatively anywhere depending on my schedule which I'll have to confirm closer to the date.

4 bouncers tellurian? Shouldn't need that many. One to do chucking out and three glassies should do us right.
posted by Fiasco da Gama at 7:21 PM on May 6, 2009

Harbourview Hotel or Glenmore could be options if the weather is uncooperative.
The Sidewalk Cafe is a tremendous spot, but from memory drinks can be a bit pricey.
posted by bystander at 7:22 PM on May 6, 2009

"pictures of our bottleo dockets"

Aw, you aussies are all class.

(Looking up airfares)
posted by Catch at 8:52 PM on May 6, 2009

Hmm, picnicking in July - won't everybody freeze?

But if that's the plan, I can recommend Wendy's Secret Garden as one of the best picnic spots in Sydney. Meandering paths, lush lawns and views of the harbour and the bridge - it's bound to make the other cities jealous. Assuming nobody dies of hypothermia, that is.

The Blues Point Hotel is nearby and would make a good refuge if it rains. I'm pretty sure some of its rooms have views over the water.

Actually, it's prime picnicking weather right now. I'm probably too new here to be calling meetups, but if anyone feels like a pre-anniversary picnic before it gets really cold, I'd be there with bells on!
posted by embrangled at 11:49 PM on May 6, 2009

James Squires or the Australian Youth Hotel would be excellent - both have private areas that can be reserved.
posted by ninazer0 at 12:03 AM on May 7, 2009

I'll try to be there, just so long as I have no input into the decision making process of where and when.
posted by Neale at 5:13 AM on May 7, 2009

With regards to expenses, I'll just point out that if we get 10 people to turn up, mathowie's $100 will - through the magic of exchange rates - turn into roughly $130 AUD. Which, depending on where we go, has gotta be at least 2 beers each!
posted by web-goddess at 6:05 AM on May 7, 2009

Make that 31 contactable. Loving that photography atom71. It's so Sydney and this is just brilliant.
[Keeper of The List aka Mother Hen]
posted by tellurian at 4:56 PM on May 7, 2009

Not sure that I'll be able to make it, but I definitely want to be on your contact list, tellurian.
posted by mosessis at 5:55 PM on May 7, 2009

Okay, I've put you on mosessis, but don't you think there will be something happening in Melburne (or are you going to be in Sydney at that time and are you coming just for the pinnies)?
posted by tellurian at 6:51 PM on May 7, 2009

The plan right now is to be in the Kimberleys in mid July, so I'll be looking at all options for the anniversary meetup. Definitely not sure if I'll be able to make it, but I want to know just in case.

However, if I knew what the pinnies were, it's possible I would come to Sydney just for them.
posted by mosessis at 10:31 PM on May 7, 2009

Count me in, anywhere in the vicinity of the CBD suits me fine!
posted by Admira at 12:49 AM on May 8, 2009

And if I was to recommend venues...

Bavarian Bier Cafe on York St
Red Oak on Clarence St
James Squire on Darling Harbour
Opera Bar
Anywhere on the rocks
posted by Admira at 12:51 AM on May 8, 2009

Or (and sorry to post 3 times):

Inner West options

Newtown: Madame Fling Flong (can you go past the name?!?!?)

Balmain: The Welcome

Glebe: A Different Drummer

Oh theres so many...
posted by Admira at 12:56 AM on May 8, 2009

Hey all, just a quick heads up from me to say I should be able to make it. I like the AYH and James Squire suggestions.
posted by arha at 7:46 PM on May 8, 2009

how about a pub crawl? what's more aussie than that?

we could start at the Portobello Cafe, near the Opera House (it's between the toaster & the water, and it's licensed), then work our way around to the Rocks. if we could organise the rooftop of the Palisades Hotel to finish up at, that would make everybody superjealous.
posted by UbuRoivas at 8:18 PM on May 10, 2009

At any time I like the idea of a pub crawl, but would it be appropriate for an afternoon meetup of relative strangers? We'd have late mefites wandering alone all evening through the Rocks, searching in vain for the drinking party.

Not that I've ever done that before
posted by Fiasco da Gama at 8:35 PM on May 10, 2009

I'd like to make it, please keep the emails coming through!

James Squire gets my vote as it is quite pleasant on Sunday afternoons. However, it would likely be chilly if we have it outside. AYH would certainly be cheaper.
posted by Deconstruct Now! at 8:40 PM on May 10, 2009

hm, good point.

i certainly don't relish the thought of wandering into pubs and asking random people "hey, are you friends with mr president dr steve elvis america?" on a drunken sunday arvo in the rocks.
posted by UbuRoivas at 8:41 PM on May 10, 2009

Yeah, a pub crawl has logistical issues, but maybe a two venue meet-up? Perhaps meet at 5pm in the Botanic Gardens then mosey on to the pub at 6pm? Gets the pretty sunset over the harbour then the drinking which is de rigeur.
posted by bystander at 6:30 AM on May 12, 2009

17-19....excellent. I should be in Syd then, and it's TAFE hols, too :)
posted by flutable at 5:00 AM on May 22, 2009

Perhaps meet at 5pm in the Botanic Gardens at Mrs Macquarie's Chair.

there, nicely fixed.
posted by UbuRoivas at 5:52 AM on May 22, 2009

I would like to be contacted... let me know and I will see if I can make it.
posted by lottie at 8:35 PM on May 26, 2009

Bump for recent activity.
Has anyone got any further opinions on this? I think even agreeing the time/date would be a help as there appear to be a few non-locals who might be able to arrange to be in town, given the right notice.
posted by bystander at 11:42 PM on June 21, 2009

I'm listed as maybe but would move my vote to "attending" for a Sunday afternoon drinks session in the CBD/Inner West
posted by Fiasco da Gama at 11:45 PM on June 21, 2009

As usual, I'd vote for somewhere with a view, on or near the Harbour - mostly, just to make our international friends insanely jealous of the backdrop.

Much as I love the Inner West (living there, and all) King St or Erskineville Rd just don't cut it in the 'spectacular' stakes.

Speaking of which, has anybody been to the bar in the Woollomooloo finger pier recently? I think they renovated it since I was there last...
posted by UbuRoivas at 12:33 AM on June 22, 2009

I don't know Roivas, the old Imperial Hotel AKA "Nortons on Norton" at the corner of Norton St and Parramatta Road can provide plenty of spectacle. Illuminated in flashing red and blue! Alternatively there's the Bald Faced Stag opposite the Hell's Angels bomb crater on Crystal St—a pub that gives you more sexual innuendo in the name than most pubs could claim on a busy Friday night.

The Palisade? The Australian Hotel?
posted by Fiasco da Gama at 12:57 AM on June 22, 2009

Speaking of Crystal Meth Street, what about the Oxford?
posted by UbuRoivas at 4:45 AM on June 22, 2009

Sorry to pour cold water on what would usually be an awesome idea, but...now that winter has started to bite, meeting in the Botanic Gardens or at Mrs Macquarie's chair sounds cold, wet, dark and not very welcoming to anyone who's new or coming alone. I'm really not keen to wander the gardens at dusk looking for people I might not recognise, and I guess out of towners would feel the same.

My vote would be for Sunday afternoon drinks in a warm and comfy pub. A view would be excellent, although I'm not sure we can expect people partying in, say, New York to be crazy jealous of a hazy bridge and some water in the background of our webcast. The problem with Sydney is that everywhere with a harbour view seems to be either tacky and touristy, or nice but very expensive. Can anyone suggest some great exceptions?

I guess we should also think about geek-friendliness - can we safely set up a laptop or two and not have them immediately stolen or soaked in beer? Should we consider one of the many old-fashioned corner pubs which now have free wireless internet? (I know of the Toxteth and the AB Hotel in Glebe, but I'm sure there are places like that all over the city).

I should add that the AYH has a really nice open fire in winter. I've always wanted to go there with a bunch of people, some forks and a packet of marshmallows ;-) Just saying...
posted by embrangled at 6:53 AM on June 22, 2009

I've booked the upstairs room at the Toxteth before, and often attend meetings in the lower room with the "fireplace". It's pretty good and there's internet.

From the NY meetup thread:

Private loft means we have received a donation of the empty space for two months (normal rent would be $12,000 for this period.) Thank you to TRIGEM Realty for this generous contribution.
holy shit
posted by Optimus Chyme at 5:24 AM on June 16 [!]

Holy shit indeed.
posted by Fiasco da Gama at 6:05 PM on June 22, 2009

The Toxteth, Ancient Briton & Australian Youth Hotel (all in Glebe) are decent choices, although the AB has turned into more of a megapub since its renovation, and always used to have particularly shitty management, leading to shitty, disgruntled staff.

The Friend in Hand (Glebe, again) is also OK - fully of "Aussie Pub" kitsch that could make a decent backdrop...anybody know if it has free wireless? (I'll be passing by this evening, so could investigate if nobody knows....)

Any votes for Different Drummer? (um, also Glebe)
posted by UbuRoivas at 6:17 PM on June 22, 2009

Yay! Glad the discussion has started up again. I'm fairly certain there's no free WiFi at the Friend in Hand. I was there a month or two ago for dinner and I remember posting to Twitter (yes, I'm one of those people) and not seeing any free wireless pop-up...

I like the idea of somewhere cozy with a view!
posted by web-goddess at 12:34 AM on June 23, 2009

There seems to be a lot of love for dingy^H^H^H^H^, cozy pubs of the inner west.
How about a vote:
- a comfy inner west pub AYH etc. or somewhere more Rocks/harboury/view?
- Friday night or Sunday after lunch?

We shall let the people decide!
I can make either, either time, but would give my preference to Friday night in the Rocks. If we went to the Glenmore or Aus we could make a chilly trip to the roof for some pretty lights/jealousy inducing pics then drinks inside.
posted by bystander at 1:33 AM on June 23, 2009

- a comfy inner west pub AYH etc. or somewhere more Rocks/harboury/view?
- Friday night or Sunday after lunch?

false dilemma!

anyway, let me try to narrow this down:

friday night = the rocks suck dead dogs balls. if friday night, then cozy inner west is the way to go. plus, the view is somewhat redundant - too cold.

sunday arvo = prefer rocks over inner west - eg glenmore or palisades. palisades *especially* if the roof is open / available.
posted by UbuRoivas at 4:23 AM on June 23, 2009

A hiring fee of $400 applies [for the Palisade's roof] from Monday to Friday and $500 on Saturday and Sunday.

How far is Mathowie's money likely to go? Because that would be *awesome*.

I have to reluctantly agree with Roivas re: the Rocks on a Friday night. British and Canadian backpackers on shore leave alternately coupling in public and fighting off the PORS makes good spectacle but I'm not sure it mixes well with me-fi wi-fi hi-jinx. It's far nicer by Sunday once they're all in hospital, held on remand or in Immigration detention out at Villawood.

Sunday Rocks or Inner West Friday, however, have a lot more potential and---though it doesn't apply to me---are more kiddy-friendly.
posted by Fiasco da Gama at 5:42 PM on June 23, 2009

good point - does anybody have kids (that they'd be bringing along)?
posted by UbuRoivas at 6:01 PM on June 23, 2009

I'll do a reconnaissance on the two firming favourites this weekend. It's close enough to the date to give a fair impression of what it'll be like. I'll spend a couple of hours at the AYH tonight and at the Palisade/Glenmore on Sunday afternoon. Hard work, but someone's gotta do it. If anyone wants to join me for an ale I'll be at YHA from about 7 and the Palisade/Glenmore around 12.
posted by tellurian at 4:40 PM on June 25, 2009

AYH around 7 sounds good. This is important research that needs to be done.
posted by UbuRoivas at 5:03 PM on June 25, 2009

tellurian & I scouted out the AYH & made an executive decision that the meetup would be at the glenmore in the rocks if the weather is fine, or at the AYH in glebe if the weather sucks.

if anybody has any disagreement, they should escalate it to our executive steering committee board executive, peacay.
posted by UbuRoivas at 7:34 AM on June 26, 2009

I didn't end up getting to the Glenmore on Sunday. I'll attempt it next weekend. The AYH gets quite noisy with the patrons and the music in a fearsome decibel fight. There are a selection of games (jenga, scrabble, etc for those so inclined). Upstairs in the Nude bar there is a pool table and two poker tables. We would need to book because it gets quite busy. I've spoken to the bar manager and we can reserve some tables. It's on a first in, first served basis and he doesn't have any bookings for the 17th yet. He's quite happy for us to be running a tab too. For those interested here is the bar menu and the restaurant menu.
posted by tellurian at 10:00 PM on June 28, 2009

So the 17th it is then?
posted by Fiasco da Gama at 10:12 PM on June 28, 2009

Yeah, maybe I jumped the gun a bit, there. AYH certainly did get very busy very early, with that typical Sydney shouting-over-music thing happening.

But I thought the latest plan was for a Sunday arvo meetup - our 19th would coincide with the USian 18th, and lunchtime Sunday would align us with Portland...wasn't that the story?

Friday nights are always going to be noisier than Sunday midday / early arvo; at least, that's the way most pubs I know work - they try to pretend that they're nightclubs on Fri & Sat nights because if you can't hear the conversation, you're more likely to knock the drinks back faster...
posted by UbuRoivas at 10:19 PM on June 28, 2009

Yes, I think that's preferable. I'll pop in to the Glenmore tonight and suss it out. Leaving it until Sunday is cutting it a bit close.
posted by tellurian at 11:06 PM on June 28, 2009

Pool and poker with strangers from the internet in the Nude Room. Jesus, this is going to take some explaining at home. But the weekend's marked in my diary
posted by Fiasco da Gama at 11:40 PM on June 28, 2009

hehe - if we meet in the nude room, all meetup pix will be NSFW [artistic nudity]
posted by UbuRoivas at 12:04 AM on June 29, 2009

So, call me stupid... but what's the date now?

And I may bring one or two sprogs if the time is right... or wrong.
posted by taff at 3:10 AM on June 29, 2009

Sprogs very welcome! I went to the Glenmore this evening and it's perfect. Great views, friendly space, good menu (can't post it right now, but I will tomorrow morning). I had a chat with the bar manager, gave him my details, and he'll call me tomorrow morning re: booking a table or two. This is for the Sunday 19th July, 11:00 onward. 11 definite with 10 maybes firming up the week before.
If the weather is good this will be a great spot to have a meetup.
posted by tellurian at 6:17 AM on June 29, 2009

Argh! can't find the camera cable. No menu for you. Standard fare - cheaper than AYH.
posted by tellurian at 4:10 PM on June 29, 2009

They have a web site:
http://www.glenmorerooftophotel.com.au/1_home/
It includes a menu with prices, and note a roast dinner on Sundays is $15.
Is the table or two going to be on the roof, taking a punt on a sunny July day, or can the bar staff perhaps hedge our booking with a table inside if it is miserable ;-)
posted by bystander at 4:13 PM on June 29, 2009

Hmmmm. I think I know that pub- (probably rolled home from there a few times in my youth...) how long will folk lurk there do you think? Not sure if I could get there at 11, but could probably pop in after 12.30...
posted by taff at 4:28 AM on June 30, 2009

taff, this is a sprog friendly venue (unless they are mad climbers). I'm looking forward to meeting you all. I'm only suggesting 11 because of the Portland sync. I can assure that I will be there for quite some time. Knowing some of the others, we won't be alone if you turn up at 12:30. I don't want to pre-empt this choice of venue so I'll send out a meetup email tomorrow calling for a vote or alternative venue suggestions (we need to move fast if this happens).
Oh! and thanks for the menu link bystander, perfect. I never thought of it, what can't you do on the internet nowadays.
posted by tellurian at 6:18 AM on June 30, 2009

Glenmore sounds great for me! I'm a definite, and I may bring the Snook along if I can tear him away from his World of Warcraft.
posted by web-goddess at 4:15 PM on June 30, 2009

I'd love to make it, but my RSVP will have to be maybe. I play soccer on Sunday afternoons, and will only make it if the game cancelled because of ground closures (which, given the run we've had this season, seems more likely than not...)
posted by cholly at 4:21 PM on June 30, 2009

Sounds good. Count me as a definite yes.
posted by ninazer0 at 4:25 PM on June 30, 2009

(dumb question)

So what's the time, date and location consensus?
posted by lottie at 4:37 PM on June 30, 2009

I think it's:

Glenmore Hotel, the Rocks

Sunday 19th July

11:30 am until closing time*

*your mileage may vary
posted by UbuRoivas at 7:35 PM on June 30, 2009

RE: Glenmore Rooftop booking request

Would be delighted to confirm your booking on the rooftop for the 19th July, however the rooftop does not open until 12pm daily. Would it be possible to move the booking to 12pm?

We do have quite a large function coming in at 2pm on that particular day but this should not effect your booking, however if it does then we will re-locate you to another spot on the rooftop.

Okay to lock it in?
posted by tellurian at 12:03 AM on July 1, 2009

sounds good to me.
posted by UbuRoivas at 4:24 AM on July 1, 2009

getcha name on the attending list then.
posted by tellurian at 4:04 PM on July 1, 2009

is that on facebook?
posted by UbuRoivas at 4:07 PM on July 1, 2009

Just in case you're serious. Joining us? - Yes button.
posted by tellurian at 4:25 PM on July 1, 2009

how long has that page been around? *PONY TIME*
posted by UbuRoivas at 4:56 PM on July 1, 2009

Perhaps the next question is how to spend Matt's money?
Perhaps start with a $50/$100 tab so the early arriviste are rewarded and stragglers punished (he says without knowing if he will be there on time).
Or we back the horse with the most Mefi-esque name with the money, and buy everybody shirts if it wins.
Or we ask Matt to toss it to the Mefi Kiva team?
I appreciate the thought, but don't really feel right accepting Mefi money for a meetup.
posted by bystander at 1:38 AM on July 3, 2009

I'm not at all a betting man (hell, I don't even buy Melbourne Cup sweep tickets, as the race bores me shitless) but I quite like the pony idea.

Second choice would be the Kiva idea.

Third, maybe not a bar tab, but snacks to share.

Of course, these are not mutually exclusive.
posted by UbuRoivas at 3:20 AM on July 3, 2009

Hey, it's lovely to be gracious, but speaking as a former greedy American bastard, if we don't take his money than all the greedy American bastards will! :)

I do like the pony idea, for sheer randomness.
posted by web-goddess at 4:18 AM on July 3, 2009

there's something about diverting somebody else's money into charity that doesn't sit well with me. i like charity to be a personal, non-showy thing.

i reckon we should each be given a proportion of the bounty to put onto a pony. it could amount to much fun!
posted by UbuRoivas at 4:56 AM on July 3, 2009

Point 2) here: mathowie won't be handing over any money over until he sees a bar tab. The money will be put in my paypal account.

I've been thinking about how to deal with this and I propose this solution:
I put my credit card behind the bar to set up the tab (I've confirmed with the bar manager that this is okay). I ask them to let me know when it reaches 125 AUD (or whatever the current rate is) - roughly 30 beers or 15 glasses of wine.
After that, you pay me the money before you get a drink on the tab.
This way we'll get a tab total and with the money you give me plus the mathowiemoney, I'll be able to pay the credit card bill.
Everybody buys their own food to avoid spending the mathowiemoney too quickly.
If anyone arrives so late that the mathowiemoney is gone, I'll shout them a beer.

Your thoughts/alternatives?

Also: the bar manager has asked me to keep him up-to-date on numbers so that he can make adjustments if necessary. Today I told him that we have 13 confirmed. arha and Deconstruct Now! you haven't indicated either Attending or Maybe. [Deconstruct Now! - your email is bouncing]. peacay, where art thou?
posted by tellurian at 5:42 PM on July 5, 2009

As an ex-sydneysider, I demand a shoutout! missing sydney, but not the weather :)
posted by dhruva at 6:35 PM on July 6, 2009

I'll be dropping by to say hi. Or lurk in the shadows. Possibly get lost in the Big Smoke.
posted by Duke999R at 2:02 AM on July 7, 2009

Sounds like a great plan, Tellurian. I'll definitely be there for lunch, but since I may have to work later that evening, my contribution to the length of the bar tab will be sub-par. More Matthowie drinking money for the rest of you!
posted by embrangled at 2:27 AM on July 7, 2009

Just chiming in to say the plan sounds great, tellurian. See you there!
posted by web-goddess at 5:14 AM on July 12, 2009

Good plan, tellurian; thanks for organising this.

And dhruva: you *KNOW* we don't do that callout stuff here!

(but maybe we can make an exception for people who ask)
posted by UbuRoivas at 5:11 PM on July 12, 2009

Ubu: obviously you werent at the first australian meetup. noob.
posted by dhruva at 6:18 PM on July 12, 2009

Liar! I so was at the first Australian meetup!

(I just didn't think to invite anybody else along, that's all)
posted by UbuRoivas at 8:18 PM on July 12, 2009

Arg, thought I had already put myself on the list. I'll be there.
posted by arha at 8:41 PM on July 14, 2009

I'm being optimistic and have finalised the booking for 20 people.
posted by tellurian at 9:13 PM on July 14, 2009

I'm so sorry folks, I'm not going to be able to make it to the meet-up on Sunday.

Very disappointed. We have lent our car to a young family (the dad is having treatments in hospital for the next few days).... if it were anything else, I'd have said no... but it's not like you can turn someone down for that.

Anyhoo... I promise to miss you all terribly and envy you all from afar.

Sob, sob. If it's at all humanly possible, I''ll be at the next one.

If someone is going to do some kind of webcamery, I"d love to see it.

Again, apologies. Not that you all know what you are missing out on, my charm is yet undiscovered by the metafolk... but I won't be there. Have a fabbo time possums.
posted by taff at 3:27 AM on July 17, 2009

Just catching a bus from Chippo now... See you all soon!
posted by web-goddess at 7:05 PM on July 18, 2009

I'm sorry folks that I couldn't make it at all after being so enthusiastic; I had to rearrange my day at the last minute for family reasons. Like Taff I'm very disappointed.
Had I any other contact with any of you but the internet, I'd have been able to apologise in advance.
posted by Fiasco da Gama at 3:55 AM on July 19, 2009

The location was great, the beer was cold, the company was delightful. A big thank-you to Tellurian for organising and a big ha-za for my first meet-up.
posted by bystander at 5:29 AM on July 19, 2009

yeah, good fun & a great bunch of people. perfect weather, too, though i wish i'd brought my fedora.

and web-goddess: you don't really have to knit me a dalek, but did you really miss this?
posted by UbuRoivas at 5:12 PM on July 19, 2009

Dude, you've made, like, TEN THOUSAND comments at this site. I can't remember every single one of them! Even if it is about Daleks. :)
posted by web-goddess at 7:13 PM on July 19, 2009

You don't remember all my comments?

*cries*

No, wait. That's probably a good thing.
posted by UbuRoivas at 7:20 PM on July 19, 2009