PLANNING THREAD FOR THE 2004 FLORIDA ANNUAL GATHERING

What a fantastic idea, Mapleleaf! I certainly think that with the publicity that we have gotten, a lot more members will want to join us.

As far as I am concerned, anytime of the year is good for me. I think though, that this year we had picked a great time for the out-of towners. Many of the "snowbirds" had already left, and the tourist season is winding down, so that the place is not as crowded. The weather is still a great change for northerners to get away from the chill.

It would be wonderful if the 2004 FLORIDA ANNUAL GATHERING does not conflict with the Three Continent Gathering being planned for April 1 thru 4, 2004, so that those interested can join us in San Francisco. c.i.

bookmarking (I think this is a terrific idea...)

I also think bookmarking is a terrific idea.

Love to , Mapleleaf.

Roger,

Phoenix is right about trying to get together during the off season.
Also, as c.i. said, we need to consider the SF gathering. Since those dates are already set, maybe we should think about doing ours during the fall.

The fall is football season, but I sense that may not be a problem for the A2K folks. Based on the times people showed up for this year's event, it might be well to consider Saturday and Sunday as the prime days; then members could arrive earlier or stay later as they desired. Also, Florida folks may want to consider planning around major events. If we can establish some dates, we could submit them for an informal poll.

If some of you could send the PLANNING THREAD to potential attendees, it would be helpful.

Appreciate all of your considerations in planning your Florida Gathering. If things work out, even I may slither over to Florida. c.i.

Fall is actually not a bad idea. (Diane ~ will you come down for that?)

It's off-season as far as tourism goes, hotel rates are cheap and the weather is mild.

For physical comfort, fall or early spring would appeal to me. Although in my family, fall is a busy season. However, I believe you go with the majority and hope that a few new folks will come. This year's group mixed well. Members were aware of the needs of others and acted accordingly. I wonder at what point you lose that intimacy, ten people, 15, 20, etc.

Mapleleaf, There are ways to make a larger group more intimate by breaking them down to smaller groups for different events. Some events can be shared by the whole group, such as a picnic. c.i.

Ooooooooooooooh a picnic out at Jetty Park (in Port Canaveral).....that sounds lovely!

Rae, are there other members who can host an annual meeting? Housing would be important. If not, we may need to return to your area; although, I wouldn't expect such a good deal, room cost, two years in a row.

CI., tell us about the England meeting, housing, events, groups, schedule, etc.

Mapleleaf ~ I don't know of anyone who could put us all up ~ if that's what you meant! Ummmm.....I know that Phoenix and Letty live in areas similar to Cocoa Beach ~ lots of hotels.

As long as I'm still in the hotel biz, I can at least get discounts for everyone.

Phoenix, are you out there. How about housing in your area? Letty?

Mapleleaf, The London Gathering for me was actually only for one evening on March 20. We met at the ye olde Cheshire Cheese, a pub with well known patrons from Dickens to Shakespeare, composed of many small cubby holes and rooms with separate bars and restaurants. After we all finally got together in one of the small pubs in the back, our group mixed very well, and we had a chance to talk to everybody there. We all had a couple of drinks, then Gautam suggested we go to the Bombay Palace for dinner, so our group jumped into two taxis for our rather long trip. We had a leisurely dinner of good Indian food and wine, and after about two hours, we said goodbye. I think Walter met up with McTag and Fiona on another day after our meet. McTag, Fiona, and I walked to the underground about a half mile from the restaurant, and said goodbye. I went straight back to my hotel, the Regent Palace, located on Picadilly Square, where I stayed for six nights. I figure this will be my last trip to my favorite destination, because of my age and places I still wish to visit while my health holds up. The hotel charged 57 pounds/nite - a little over $90/day. Not bad for a centrally located hotel. I paid a little more for my own shower and toilet. Other rooms are cheaper without private shower and toilet. I also purchased a rail pass before my trip that I paid $76 that allowed me to use the underground and busses in London for seven days for all six zones. I used it to go from Heathrow Airport to my hotel on the underground which is located less than half a block from the hotel. You can get day passes in London for a bit cheaper, but it limits the zones and times you can use it. I wanted to have the flexibility to travel anywhere at my whim. Some years ago when I visited London, I stayed at a B&B for one month, and paid something like $16 per day. I didn't have a private bath or toilet, but they included a full breakfast. I think the cheapest B&B now days is in the $50 and up range. I filled my days in London, and revisited some of my favorite musuems. Even saw three musicals. God, I love that town. c.i.

In central Florida, the absolute best time of the year, IMO is April-May &
October-Mid November. It is not too hot, and "relatively" dry. After mid-November, unless you go farther south, it gets a bit chilly for swimming.

There is nothing much right near me, but if one wants a beach area,
St. Pete Beach or Clearwater are good places- lots of restaurants. Then if we wanted, we could go to Busch Gardens, in Tampa. That place is so much fun (especially where you get the free beer! )

We could talk about the type of area that we wanted, and then I could give you an idea about the different kinds of vacations we could have around here!