Johnny Eponymous ([info]johnnyeponymous) wrote,
@ 2008-03-12 09:53:00
Previous Entry  Add to memories!  Tell a Friend!  Next Entry
Freakin' Out!!!
OK, I'm just over 48 hours before I fly-fly bye-bye and I'm slowly going mad in the fastest way possible. I've mostly packed (I gotta figure out how to fit 14 days worth of living into one suitcase!) and I've got most of my paperwork printed out.

But...

I still need to get some contact info from folks I'll be visiting. If you've agree to put up with me for a night or two during the trip, or if you've offered to show me around, send me an eMail with contact info (garcia@computerhistory.org) so that I will be flipping out a little less.

I've also discovered that y'all out on that side of the Pond are already looking out for me and I am so very grateful. I must remember to provide extra entertainment. I hereby declare that I will provide one free pratfall on request for all those who request it.

Chris

(Post a new comment)


[info]kproche
2008-03-12 05:50 pm UTC (link)
Bon Voyage!

BTW, I sent you email about Brine Shrimp and CC26. Did you get it?

(Reply to this)(Thread)

[info]johnnyeponymous
2008-03-12 06:12 pm UTC (link)
I haven't seen it, but there's crazy SPAM filter going on at the moment. Try resending
CHris

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

[info]kproche
2008-03-12 06:24 pm UTC (link)
sent. The previous version was a forward of a post by Cheryl to the BASFA list

(Reply to this)(Parent)

[info]bohemiancoast
2008-03-12 05:56 pm UTC (link)
I will email you pronto from my iphone -- because I was just checking our forward diary and thinking -- hey, we haven't heard from Chris, what's going on? So hopefully we can firm up details. We were wondering whether you fancied going to a Morris dance practice on Sunday morning and learning to hit big men with sticks.

On packing, remember that we do have washing machines here in the UK; I know the temptation to assume you have to carry everything you'll need for a fortnight, but resist it.

(Reply to this)(Thread)

[info]johnnyeponymous
2008-03-12 06:18 pm UTC (link)
Well, I do like hitting big men with sticks, but sadly both Sunday's are booked at the moment.

I figure it's gonna be difficult for me to find time to do a load of clothes, so I'm trying to make it as easy as possible, but I will have to find a little cleaning time because, with the CPAP, I can only get 10 full days of clothing in the bag! Luckily, it's an easy to handle bag.
Chris

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)
packing
[info]threeoutside
2008-03-12 06:37 pm UTC (link)
When you get back remind me to send you to some great web pages full of efficient, space-saving packing and wardrobe methods.

My own: If your CPAP has a water tank on it, you DO stuff it full of clean socks when you pack, right?

It is probably different for men, but I can pack like, 5 items of clothing so that they mix and match for at least 8 different outfits. Wash everything once, and you've got a good two weeks' worth of clothes in one bag (because you're wearing part of them on the plane)!

I'll shut up now. Have a GREAT TIME in Britain!!!!

(Reply to this)(Parent)

[info]howeird
2008-03-12 07:30 pm UTC (link)
Two words:
Disposable underwear

(Reply to this)(Parent)

[info]yourbob
2008-03-12 11:01 pm UTC (link)
disposable socks too!

(Reply to this)(Parent)

[info]cmdrsuzdal
2008-03-12 06:04 pm UTC (link)
Yay, exciting!

(Reply to this)
Freakin' Out!!!
[info]ceemage
2008-03-12 08:02 pm UTC (link)
I've e-mailed you - let me know if your spam filter eats it.

(Reply to this)

[info]don_fitch
2008-03-12 08:50 pm UTC (link)
A few things to consider/remember:

Take money.

Travelers' checks (in US$) can often be cashed with minimal fees at banks.

When traveling, the Time/Money relationship to which you're accustomed may change.-- no matter how sensibly /s/t/i/n/g/y/ thrifty you may usually be, under these circumstances time can be more important.

Most ordinary things can be purchased in most countries. A quick shopping-trip (for, say, new socks & underwear) may be faster, and almost cheaper, that finding and using a pay-Laundry-machine place.

Books are expensive to mail home. Live with this.

Have fun.




(Reply to this)(Thread)

[info]kevin_standlee
2008-03-12 09:22 pm UTC (link)
A more efficient way of getting money (as was discussed here earlier) is to withdraw it from an ATM at the airport. Yes, you'll get charged a fee, probably by the ATM at that end and by your bank. These fees are usually a flat amount, so draw the largest amount you can to minimize the impact.

Remember that the limit on what you can withdraw will be your daily ATM limit in dollars, so you'll need to multiply pounds by 2 (roughly), and even then it may still be too much. If the ATM refuses the request, drop down by twenty pounds and try again.

I assume that you've told your bank and credit card companies that you're going to the UK, so that they don't helpfully disable your cards for a suspicious pattern of behavior.

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

[info]johnnyeponymous
2008-03-12 10:18 pm UTC (link)
How does one go about informing a bank that you're going to the UK? I've never had any idea about that.
Chris

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

[info]kevin_standlee
2008-03-12 10:24 pm UTC (link)
Call their customer service number (it may be on your ATM card), or send them e-mail through their online banking. I don't know your bank, so I can't give specific answers. I have accounts with Bank of American and Washington Mutual, and I contacted them through online banking in both cases.

For credit cards, I called the customer service number and navigated voice mail until I finally reached a human begin. Mind you, Diners Club is used to the concept of countries other than the USA, which some banks seem to find troubling.

(Reply to this)(Parent)

[info]threeoutside
2008-03-13 03:36 am UTC (link)
What Kevin said. But, that said, don't be surprised if you still get a call from your credit card company (or your bank) when you get home and they make you go through a whole list of transactions confirming that it was, indeed, you, making those purchases. I thought I was being *so* worldly, telling my credit union before I went to France last fall, and making sure they made a note on my records - guess what, someone forgot to tell the credit card folks. No real problem, but annoying. And these idiots handle my money????

Bon voyage! I'm SO JEALOUS of you seeing the Dr. Who Museum!!! Have a great time!

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

[info]threeoutside
2008-03-13 03:37 am UTC (link)
Oh, and look for a flat-rate postal box. That might save you some money when you ship books home.

(Reply to this)(Parent)

[info]frankwu
2008-03-12 10:17 pm UTC (link)
Hey - just so you know, we'll be arriving Wed. morning and staying at the con hotel until and through the con, if you wanna contact us about getting together or anything Wed or Thu before the con. We're thinking of going dancing/clubbing Wed night. Maybe hitting a museum or something Thu.

Also, we have special plans for the panel on the TV show "UFO". You ever watch that? You may be recruited to run in with a cardboard cut-out of a Skydiver or SHADO Mobile.

(Reply to this)(Thread)

[info]johnnyeponymous
2008-03-12 10:19 pm UTC (link)
I never watched UFO, but I certainly know about it.

Linda's flying in on THursday morning, so how about we all get together and go to the Dr. WHo exhibit?
Chris

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

[info]frankwu
2008-03-12 10:43 pm UTC (link)
Hmm. Maybe. One thing is that that Thu is opening day, so it might be chaotic/crowded. Also, what time does Linda arrive?

If we decide to do this - I also need to check with Brianna to gauge her interest level, because I have no idea how big a Dr. Who fan she is - if we do this, maybe we could meet up at the airport, or something. Because our hotel is conveniently located... at the airport, ya know.

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)
Doctor Who Exhibit...
(Anonymous)
2008-03-13 04:48 pm UTC (link)
Jerry and I are coincidentally flying in with Linda on Thursday morning. Our hotel is centrally located to the Doctor Who exhibition (an other coincident...) near the Earls Court tube station.

We could set a time to meet at the station, I've tentatively put in 3 PM for the exhibition - the tickets are sold for set times, every half hour from 10 AM to 5 PM. If we meet at the Earls Court Road entrance to the station, while on the other side of the station for the exhibit, it'll be a neat start - there is London's last remaining police box just outside...

-Ken

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)
Re: Doctor Who Exhibit...
[info]frankwu
2008-03-13 06:15 pm UTC (link)
Chris, did you get tickets? For what time? 4 pm?

And maybe Ken and Jerry can get tickets for the same time?

(Reply to this)(Parent)
Re: Doctor Who Exhibit...
[info]johnnyeponymous
2008-03-14 05:45 am UTC (link)
We got tix for 4:30 on THursday. We'll meet you there, say 3:45 or so?
CHris

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)
Re: Doctor Who Exhibit...
(Anonymous)
2008-03-14 10:33 pm UTC (link)
OK. I have procured tickets for Jerry and myself for the 4:30 on opening day. Then after we can all get a bite to eat together, but we can work that out on the day...

As for meeting up, what are your preferences. We can meet at the Tube station - Exhibition side or Earls Court Road side - meet at the exhibition center itself, or at our hotel (a short walk away from both) at 20 Nevern Square. If we meet at the hotel, you can leave things in our room while at the exhibition if you want...

-Ken

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)
Re: Doctor Who Exhibit...
(Anonymous)
2008-03-16 06:26 am UTC (link)
Our overseas celebration should not end after we've exhausted the Dr. Who Exhibition Gift Shoppe! Everybody put in your vote on a place for dinner!

Lou Pescadou (affordable seafood)
241 Old Brompton Rd
Kensington, London SW5, UK


The Little French Restaurant (Little, French, different)
18 Hogarth Pl
London, SW5 0QY, United Kingdom


Masala Zone Restaurant (Sounds like curry)
147 Earls Court Road
Earls Court, London, SW5 9RQ, UK


All of them are in walking distance of the Expo. Then we'll take you to the Earl's Court Tardis for photos and put you on the train!

I can also help with pointing out the ATM, Post Office, grocery store and drugstore for any personal needs you may have. It's good to have plenty of snacks so you don't have to pay hotel prices during a con...

JEM (aka Mrs. Patterson)

PS: There's a funky Euro-Chinese lounge restaurant and the obligatory pub nearby - so there are many choices...

(Reply to this)(Parent)

[info]luckinspades
2008-03-12 10:37 pm UTC (link)
Have a safe flight! *hugs*

(Reply to this)

[info]yourbob
2008-03-12 11:02 pm UTC (link)
ENJOY THE HECK OUT OF YOUR TRIP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I know you will, but I'm just sayin'.

(Reply to this)

Create an Account
Forgot your login?
Login w/ OpenID
English • Español • Deutsch • Русский…