Welcome to European Tribune. It's gone a bit quiet around here these days, but it's still going.

UPDATE: 2011 MeETup!

by dvx Wed Oct 5th, 2011 at 01:17:47 AM EST

Once again, it's time for the annual ET Paris Meetup!

This year's event year be held on Saturday

October 8th.

So mark the date in your calendar.



So here's how things stand right now with the absolute highlight of the ET year: The actual venue address and time is:

Le Cantalou, 8 Avenue de Versailles

starting 12:00 noon

Here a link to the map.

Thought you'd be surprised. ;) Tell us below if you're coming, and when you're arriving.

As of right now, the list is as follows:

YYYESSS!!!

  • Jerome
  • Colman & Sam (& family?)
  • dvx
  • afew
  • Cyrille
  • LEP
  • Redstar
  • gk
  • pi
  • linca
  • Jake
  • Nomad
  • Ted Welch

Hoping mightily...

  • sgr2

:((

  • Bernard
  • Fran
  • Migeru
  • Crazy Hoss and Karin
  • Wife of Bath
  • Helen

I have contacted the Passy Home hotel to arrange our the usual ET discount; unfortunately, they seem to be in a weird email twilight zone at the moment, but I shall keep on them.

Also, as many of us arrive on Friday, suggestions as to a late afternoon/evening activity are always welcome!

[Update by afew: See below for a (imo excellent) Friday evening suggestion - who's up for this?]

This diary will be updated regularly as new information develops, and to reflect who is coming.

So check back often!


"We'll always have Paris."

Display:
Who's coming?

The fact is that what we're experiencing right now is a top-down disaster. -Paul Krugman
by dvx (dvx.clt ät gmail dotcom) on Tue Jul 12th, 2011 at 09:17:29 AM EST
We currently expect to be able to make it this year.
by Colman (colman at eurotrib.com) on Tue Jul 12th, 2011 at 10:24:41 AM EST
[ Parent ]
We being Colman, Sam, Christopher and Alexander :)

We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars. Oscar Wilde
by Sam on Sun Jul 17th, 2011 at 02:08:12 PM EST
[ Parent ]
Flights booked, the whole circus act is coming.
by Colman (colman at eurotrib.com) on Fri Aug 26th, 2011 at 05:27:08 PM EST
[ Parent ]
... and your little ponies too?

Damn.  Hate to miss that.

She believed in nothing; only her skepticism kept her from being an atheist. -- Jean-Paul Sartre

by ATinNM on Sun Sep 11th, 2011 at 02:30:36 PM EST
[ Parent ]
I of course intend to be there.

The fact is that what we're experiencing right now is a top-down disaster. -Paul Krugman
by dvx (dvx.clt ät gmail dotcom) on Tue Jul 12th, 2011 at 11:17:35 AM EST
[ Parent ]
Will be there.
by afew (afew(a in a circle)eurotrib_dot_com) on Tue Jul 12th, 2011 at 11:48:44 AM EST
[ Parent ]
Due to circumstances I can only be a maybe. But I will try my damndest

keep to the Fen Causeway
by Helen (lareinagal at yahoo dot co dot uk) on Tue Jul 12th, 2011 at 01:42:02 PM EST
[ Parent ]
On the assumption that I have a paying job by the first of September, I will be there.

- Jake

Friends come and go. Enemies accumulate.

by JakeS (JangoSierra 'at' gmail 'dot' com) on Tue Jul 12th, 2011 at 08:27:49 PM EST
[ Parent ]
Mmm I replied in the wrong place, here goes:

I can't know for sure whether I bear a strong responsibility for the choice of October this year (hint: there is a reason around early September why we are moving to a bigger place), but having dropped a considerable weight of not-so-subtle hints towards those who might make it so I must say thanks.

And, of course, I'll be there. Probably on my own -one month may seem a little young for a family trip.

Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's need, but not every man's greed. Gandhi

by Cyrille (cyrillev domain yahoo.fr) on Wed Jul 13th, 2011 at 08:36:20 AM EST
[ Parent ]
Wimp. C was at a meet-up at six weeks old.
by Colman (colman at eurotrib.com) on Wed Jul 13th, 2011 at 09:12:24 AM EST
[ Parent ]
Which is older than exactly one month ;-)
Plus, I think Mouna would be scared of the Eurostar trip with both the newborn and Elwan -maybe if it had been only one she would have considered the trip at that young an age.

Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's need, but not every man's greed. Gandhi
by Cyrille (cyrillev domain yahoo.fr) on Thu Jul 14th, 2011 at 10:39:34 AM EST
[ Parent ]
Where's your ambition?

Actually, she's the real concern at that stage - the baby doesn't give  a damn where it is so long as there's food, warmth, cuddles and someone to periodically clean poo off it. Whether mommy is up for a trip that soon afterwards isn't something you'd know until after the delivery - after a c-section Sam certainly wouldn't have been travelling anywhere at the end of four weeks, and she made a really fast recovery.

by Colman (colman at eurotrib.com) on Thu Jul 14th, 2011 at 10:56:46 AM EST
[ Parent ]
Actually, I'll probably come with Elwan, leaving Emrys and his mum at home.
Yes, I hope one day she feels a bit more daring and realises that the trip would not be traumatic to anyone. But at the moment she is very tired, and probably not that comfortable breastfeeding in public. Also, there are only a few positions that are not too painful for her so she may be worried about the train.

Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's need, but not every man's greed. Gandhi
by Cyrille (cyrillev domain yahoo.fr) on Fri Sep 23rd, 2011 at 05:29:44 PM EST
[ Parent ]
That's a pity, but I'm sure she's right. Sleep deprivation is a real pain in the ass.

Hopefully we'll get a chance to see her in London in December.

by Colman (colman at eurotrib.com) on Mon Sep 26th, 2011 at 04:08:46 AM EST
[ Parent ]
And congrats and good luck.
by Colman (colman at eurotrib.com) on Wed Jul 13th, 2011 at 09:16:18 AM EST
[ Parent ]
I should be on vacation e/o September until mid-October, so it looks like I won't be around :-(
by Bernard (bernard) on Wed Jul 13th, 2011 at 04:52:13 PM EST
[ Parent ]
:(
by afew (afew(a in a circle)eurotrib_dot_com) on Wed Jul 13th, 2011 at 05:16:31 PM EST
[ Parent ]
:-(

Oh darn! You sound quite knowledgeable about wine, and wine pairings. Was selfishly hoping to get some tips. Maybe 2012 will work out better.

Have fun on your vacation!

by sgr2 on Thu Jul 14th, 2011 at 02:10:25 PM EST
[ Parent ]
Does this mean you're coming?

The fact is that what we're experiencing right now is a top-down disaster. -Paul Krugman
by dvx (dvx.clt ät gmail dotcom) on Sun Jul 17th, 2011 at 10:39:43 AM EST
[ Parent ]
I'd sure like to, but just don't know yet. Will know more come September. Much depends on whether I'll be in London then, which makes getting to Paris a little easier (and less expensive) than trekking from Finland.
by sgr2 on Mon Jul 18th, 2011 at 05:24:43 PM EST
[ Parent ]
Oh, knowing how to spell Grenache, Syrah or Cabernet-Sauvignon doesn't make me a wine expert :) But you should find plenty of advice at the meetup nonetheless: ET is treasure trove of knowledge and expertise in various areas (and I'm not kidding).
by Bernard (bernard) on Sun Jul 17th, 2011 at 01:33:14 PM EST
[ Parent ]
The announcement came to late for me - I am working and thus will not be able to make the meetup. :-(
by Fran on Sun Jul 17th, 2011 at 02:39:04 PM EST
[ Parent ]
:(
by afew (afew(a in a circle)eurotrib_dot_com) on Mon Jul 18th, 2011 at 11:56:27 AM EST
[ Parent ]
:((

The fact is that what we're experiencing right now is a top-down disaster. -Paul Krugman
by dvx (dvx.clt ät gmail dotcom) on Tue Jul 19th, 2011 at 03:24:04 AM EST
[ Parent ]
maybe...

Now what ?
by pi (etribu-at-opsec.eu) on Sun Jul 17th, 2011 at 03:53:07 PM EST
[ Parent ]
Bought the train tickets today, arriving 12:xx in Gare de L'Est and leaving at 19:05 as well, so only for a quick visit...

Now what ?
by pi (etribu-at-opsec.eu) on Fri Sep 30th, 2011 at 04:26:52 PM EST
[ Parent ]
Probably. I will certainly be free on Saturday, but there's a small chance that I may have to arrive and leave on night trains for that day only, and I'm not sure I'll want to do that. I'll know for sure by early September.
by gk (gk (gk quattro due due sette @gmail.com)) on Tue Jul 19th, 2011 at 03:26:13 AM EST
[ Parent ]
Next year.  I'll try not to infect myself on the flight over.  Seriously, do you usually try to do it in the fall?

"I said, 'Wait a minute, Chester, You know I'm a peaceful man...'" Robbie Robertson
by NearlyNormal on Fri Jul 22nd, 2011 at 05:49:41 PM EST
[ Parent ]
Just booked my train tickets (arriving Bercy Friday morning, leaving Sunday evening). I might bring a cousin (currently living in Paris) to some of it.
by gk (gk (gk quattro due due sette @gmail.com)) on Mon Sep 5th, 2011 at 07:04:41 AM EST
[ Parent ]
I think I've forgetten posting I'll be there, too. Tell me about any plans made for the Friday evening !

Un roi sans divertissement est un homme plein de misères
by linca (antonin POINT lucas AROBASE gmail.com) on Sun Oct 2nd, 2011 at 10:08:27 AM EST
[ Parent ]
Suggestions and comments

The fact is that what we're experiencing right now is a top-down disaster. -Paul Krugman
by dvx (dvx.clt ät gmail dotcom) on Tue Jul 12th, 2011 at 09:17:56 AM EST
Father Jack has a suggestion



keep to the Fen Causeway

by Helen (lareinagal at yahoo dot co dot uk) on Tue Jul 12th, 2011 at 01:45:22 PM EST
[ Parent ]
October is an unknown quantity for me. I'm supposed to start writing the feature in earnest around then. I'll know more in August, before going to Blighty.

I shall try...

You can't be me, I'm taken

by Sven Triloqvist on Sun Jul 17th, 2011 at 03:24:35 PM EST
I'm planning to come if my body is holding up.

Hey, Grandma Moses started late!
by LEP on Mon Jul 18th, 2011 at 10:06:55 AM EST
What can we do to further that? Would it involve chanting in a circle, identifying the ETer with the highest shamanistic potential (probably CH), or just ordering substances on Internet?
by afew (afew(a in a circle)eurotrib_dot_com) on Mon Jul 18th, 2011 at 11:55:28 AM EST
[ Parent ]
I'll put that down as a yes then!

The fact is that what we're experiencing right now is a top-down disaster. -Paul Krugman
by dvx (dvx.clt ät gmail dotcom) on Tue Jul 19th, 2011 at 03:23:21 AM EST
[ Parent ]
I'll be there.

You guys can't do it in Belleville for a change?

The Hun is always either at your throat or at your feet. Winston Churchill

by r------ on Wed Jul 27th, 2011 at 06:38:40 AM EST
Friday evening?
by afew (afew(a in a circle)eurotrib_dot_com) on Wed Jul 27th, 2011 at 07:24:15 AM EST
[ Parent ]
Sounds like a plan...

The Hun is always either at your throat or at your feet. Winston Churchill
by r------ on Thu Jul 28th, 2011 at 05:05:53 AM EST
[ Parent ]
If you know of an eatery...

I recall Cyrille recommending a restaurant in the Belleville-Ménilmontant area, and I'm not sure if there wasn't a meet-up there once.

by afew (afew(a in a circle)eurotrib_dot_com) on Thu Jul 28th, 2011 at 06:14:22 AM EST
[ Parent ]
Probably, I think at one point there was an outing to Père Lachaise, which is right there.

Food-wise I know plenty, and the Oberkampf neighbourhood is full of good bars...

The Hun is always either at your throat or at your feet. Winston Churchill

by r------ on Thu Jul 28th, 2011 at 07:06:34 AM EST
[ Parent ]
The Père Lachaise jaunt was two years ago.

Afterwards, we went to a Chinese restaurant (in your neighbourhood). It was fun but something different would be an idea this time.

by afew (afew(a in a circle)eurotrib_dot_com) on Thu Jul 28th, 2011 at 10:37:45 AM EST
[ Parent ]
There's a good Cuban restaurant (very simple, but also very good, especially the porc) nearby.

Or, we could do dinner at my place depending on how many people are going to be there, and then hit the bars in Oberkampf.

The Hun is always either at your throat or at your feet. Winston Churchill

by r------ on Thu Jul 28th, 2011 at 12:30:33 PM EST
[ Parent ]
Sounds good, depending on numbers, which we'll see. I'll add something to the diary up there.
by afew (afew(a in a circle)eurotrib_dot_com) on Thu Jul 28th, 2011 at 04:07:20 PM EST
[ Parent ]
Who will be around on Friday evening and up for this?
by afew (afew(a in a circle)eurotrib_dot_com) on Tue Oct 4th, 2011 at 07:24:43 AM EST
[ Parent ]
I will - but we should decide soon, as I also want to try to meet a cousin sometime over the weekend, and I'm not yet sure if he'll want to join us.
by gk (gk (gk quattro due due sette @gmail.com)) on Tue Oct 4th, 2011 at 07:29:47 AM EST
[ Parent ]
We're going to be playing it by ear. It's possible one of us (most likely me) might be able to make it.
by Colman (colman at eurotrib.com) on Tue Oct 4th, 2011 at 09:29:35 AM EST
[ Parent ]
I will.

The fact is that what we're experiencing right now is a top-down disaster. -Paul Krugman
by dvx (dvx.clt ät gmail dotcom) on Wed Oct 5th, 2011 at 12:53:34 PM EST
[ Parent ]
LEP has told me separately he would like to come along.
by afew (afew(a in a circle)eurotrib_dot_com) on Wed Oct 5th, 2011 at 01:11:00 PM EST
[ Parent ]
We can add Jake S, who will be there!
by afew (afew(a in a circle)eurotrib_dot_com) on Thu Oct 6th, 2011 at 12:53:46 AM EST
[ Parent ]
I think it was slightly more to the South. I remember suggesting Les Allobroges, but that's Nation / Maraîchers rather than Belleville. Can't remember a Belleville recommendation of mine -but then it was a while ago.

Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's need, but not every man's greed. Gandhi
by Cyrille (cyrillev domain yahoo.fr) on Fri Jul 29th, 2011 at 04:23:17 AM EST
[ Parent ]
No, Les Allobroges was the one, I got the area wrong.
by afew (afew(a in a circle)eurotrib_dot_com) on Fri Jul 29th, 2011 at 04:41:23 AM EST
[ Parent ]
I will be from August 28 to September 4 in Madrid, then 2-3 weeks in England near Birmingham. So if some locals there would be interested...
by das monde on Wed Aug 3rd, 2011 at 04:40:30 AM EST
You know I can make myself available, especially if beer is likely to be involved.

keep to the Fen Causeway
by Helen (lareinagal at yahoo dot co dot uk) on Thu Aug 4th, 2011 at 02:54:01 PM EST
[ Parent ]
Standout event, Bridgnorth beer festival, you get there by traveling by Steam train from Kidderminster on the Severn Valley preservation railway. 15th - 18th sept

keep to the Fen Causeway
by Helen (lareinagal at yahoo dot co dot uk) on Thu Aug 4th, 2011 at 03:02:51 PM EST
[ Parent ]
I am in Loughborough on Sept 4-10 and 18-23, and traveling away in between. Will land in Birmingham again on Sept 18, around 13:30. Is there enough time until "beer runs out"?
by das monde on Thu Aug 4th, 2011 at 07:42:55 PM EST
[ Parent ]
Let me do some research.

keep to the Fen Causeway
by Helen (lareinagal at yahoo dot co dot uk) on Fri Aug 5th, 2011 at 03:32:53 AM EST
[ Parent ]
I can´t justify a trip to Paris just for a social occasion - enjoyable though that undoubtedly would be. There are too many important things to do and think about.  How about an ET seminar on "Preparing for Depression" or TARA vs. TINA.  We need to start oprganising a coherent alterantive policy response and garnering media attention for same.  One of the most striking features of the EU crisis is the complete lack of any cooperation between the PIIGS.  The serious people in each country seem so deperate to differentiate themselves from all the others.  But perhaps organisers on the ground - as in ET -  could organise a conference with papers from distinguuished speakers which would highlight the areas for concerted action?

How can we expect Eurobonds to "emerge" if there is no European demos pushing for them?  If you really want to put the frighteners on creditors you have to get the debtors to unite.  The whole ponzi scheme depends on fracturing the populace - getting people so afraid that they turn on each other.  But if ET could organise a forum which allowed reps from each of the PIIGS countries to formulate a common charter - debt restructuring, eurobonds, infrastructural investmenty etc. - then we could play our part in setting a new agenda or at least getting a TARA debate going.  If our leaders in Council and EP can´t do it, then maybe we have to.

Otherwise an ET meet-up just seems an indulgence...

Index of Frank's Diaries

by Frank Schnittger (mail Frankschnittger at hot male dotty communists) on Thu Aug 4th, 2011 at 06:18:09 AM EST
Austerity rules!

Economics is politics by other means
by Carrie (migeru at eurotrib dot com) on Thu Aug 4th, 2011 at 08:33:45 AM EST
[ Parent ]
If you change your mind, you can stay at my place.

The Hun is always either at your throat or at your feet. Winston Churchill
by r------ on Wed Aug 10th, 2011 at 08:40:07 AM EST
[ Parent ]
Maybe coming. I'm not as smart as you guys and that makes me shyer than normal. I may just spy from a distance... heh.

'tis strange I should be old and neither wise nor valiant. From "The Maid's Tragedy" by Beaumont & Fletcher
by Wife of Bath (kareninaustin at g mail dot com) on Wed Aug 24th, 2011 at 03:35:03 AM EST
See us up close and realize how dumb we are. Srsly.
by afew (afew(a in a circle)eurotrib_dot_com) on Wed Aug 24th, 2011 at 04:39:46 AM EST
[ Parent ]
Hey, I'm definitely not smart so I just come for the fun and the stuff that never gets in salon.

Plus, you'd be surprised what a difference it makes to posting and squabbling if you've actually met the person and got drunk with them/broke bread with them

keep to the Fen Causeway

by Helen (lareinagal at yahoo dot co dot uk) on Thu Aug 25th, 2011 at 01:18:30 PM EST
[ Parent ]
Can you send me a Cabernet via skype?

"Beware of the man who does not talk, and the dog that does not bark." Cheyenne
by maracatu on Thu Aug 25th, 2011 at 10:50:45 AM EST
Will eCabernet do?
by afew (afew(a in a circle)eurotrib_dot_com) on Thu Aug 25th, 2011 at 11:55:44 AM EST
[ Parent ]
Maybe coming.

Depends on my fencing competition schedule, progress of my flat's remodelling, money situation and whether I can fit a stop in Nevers on the way back...

Economics is politics by other means

by Carrie (migeru at eurotrib dot com) on Fri Aug 26th, 2011 at 05:05:55 AM EST
Never say Nevers again

keep to the Fen Causeway
by Helen (lareinagal at yahoo dot co dot uk) on Fri Aug 26th, 2011 at 06:08:08 AM EST
[ Parent ]
If I come, it will be by night train on the Saturday morning, for breakfast with Cyrille. In the evening I'll go to Nevers and stay overnight on Geezer's boat, returning to Madrid by night train on Sunday night.

But I still don't know if I'll do it.

Economics is politics by other means

by Carrie (migeru at eurotrib dot com) on Mon Sep 5th, 2011 at 07:09:12 AM EST
[ Parent ]
Aoh, I thought in our conversation you had said that yes you would come! So back to the maybe? What went wrong?

Well, hopefully you'll make the right decision.

Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's need, but not every man's greed. Gandhi

by Cyrille (cyrillev domain yahoo.fr) on Fri Sep 23rd, 2011 at 05:26:40 PM EST
[ Parent ]
I am exceedingly busy, I'm not sure I should afford it, and it's looking like doing the trip back via Nevers would be too much of a stretch, so I still don't know whether I'm coming, but it looks like no, now...

Economics is politics by other means
by Carrie (migeru at eurotrib dot com) on Mon Sep 26th, 2011 at 04:36:17 AM EST
[ Parent ]
I'm editing myself into the no section...

Economics is politics by other means
by Carrie (migeru at eurotrib dot com) on Mon Oct 3rd, 2011 at 05:00:12 AM EST
[ Parent ]
Another :((((((((((((((((
by afew (afew(a in a circle)eurotrib_dot_com) on Tue Oct 4th, 2011 at 10:42:39 AM EST
[ Parent ]
I have contacted the Passy Home hotel to arrange our the usual ET discount; unfortunately, they seem to be in a weird email twilight zone at the moment, but I shall keep on them.

Try passyhome.fr

by gk (gk (gk quattro due due sette @gmail.com)) on Sun Aug 28th, 2011 at 02:44:34 PM EST
Since I like being able to pay my bills, I will sadly have to decline discretionary travel this fall.

- Jake

Friends come and go. Enemies accumulate.

by JakeS (JangoSierra 'at' gmail 'dot' com) on Wed Sep 14th, 2011 at 09:08:27 AM EST
Damn!   No,  %#!&%@$%!!

"Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage." - Anaïs Nin
by Crazy Horse on Thu Sep 15th, 2011 at 12:26:31 PM EST
[ Parent ]
I am still in the maybe column. I have an interview about my status on 4th and may find my "leisure" time curtailed. I can't make any plans until then.

keep to the Fen Causeway
by Helen (lareinagal at yahoo dot co dot uk) on Thu Sep 15th, 2011 at 02:56:53 AM EST
Just arranged travel for Karin and self. Can't reach Passy Home, they seem to be bought by another company, and can't make reservations on the non-existent Passy home site or the new owner Federal Hotels. When i tried the old number it doesn't work.

Plant to arrive Thurs eve, hit the Thalys for breakfast Monday morn.

Hope to reach Passy Home if it still exists.

"Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage." - Anaïs Nin

by Crazy Horse on Thu Sep 15th, 2011 at 12:25:29 PM EST
So all of you last minute planning freaks, do as the DJs from Paris say, and get your asses in gear.

"Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage." - Anaïs Nin
by Crazy Horse on Thu Sep 15th, 2011 at 12:28:54 PM EST
[ Parent ]
Bah. I was wondering why they hadn't replied.
by Colman (colman at eurotrib.com) on Thu Sep 15th, 2011 at 12:30:47 PM EST
[ Parent ]
It's not in the yellow pages any more. I don't usually walk around there, but will check.

Wind power
by Jerome a Paris (etg@eurotrib.com) on Thu Sep 15th, 2011 at 02:25:30 PM EST
[ Parent ]
Seems to have been bought out and is not open for the moment. Probably being renovated.
by afew (afew(a in a circle)eurotrib_dot_com) on Thu Sep 15th, 2011 at 03:26:51 PM EST
[ Parent ]
Federal Hôtel Passy-Home

Hotel being renovated : 01 Mai 2011 ~ 31 Décembre 2011
Annual closing : 01 Janvier 2012 ~ 31 Décembre 2014

"Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage." - Anaïs Nin

by Crazy Horse on Thu Sep 15th, 2011 at 07:18:27 PM EST
[ Parent ]
Closed for 2.5 years ? That's not a renovation, that's a rebuild. Flat conversion ?

keep to the Fen Causeway
by Helen (lareinagal at yahoo dot co dot uk) on Fri Sep 16th, 2011 at 02:40:58 AM EST
[ Parent ]
Yeah, weird, though the place needed a lot of work to get it to the sort of prices the rest of the hotels there charge.

Well, we're booked in down the road, but it's considerably more expensive. Nearby is important for us right now ...

by Colman (colman at eurotrib.com) on Fri Sep 16th, 2011 at 03:20:45 AM EST
[ Parent ]
The hotel just across the river I stayed at in September 2010 is asking for nearly 50% (sic) more than a year ago.
by afew (afew(a in a circle)eurotrib_dot_com) on Fri Sep 16th, 2011 at 04:40:17 AM EST
[ Parent ]
I just booked for the Kyriad (41 euro p/night) just outside Paris at Porte d'Ivry (is that in Chinatown or just outside it?)
by gk (gk (gk quattro due due sette @gmail.com)) on Fri Sep 16th, 2011 at 05:46:22 AM EST
[ Parent ]
It seems to be beyond the périph'.
by afew (afew(a in a circle)eurotrib_dot_com) on Fri Sep 16th, 2011 at 08:04:57 AM EST
[ Parent ]
There are boatloads of hotels just beyond the périph' but with Parisian adresses. The best deals around if you don't mind being only slightly out of the way...

Indeed porte d'Ivry is just beyond the Chinatown, but only a tramway + RER ride from the 16th.

Un roi sans divertissement est un homme plein de misères

by linca (antonin POINT lucas AROBASE gmail.com) on Sat Sep 17th, 2011 at 07:26:32 AM EST
[ Parent ]
It is: right here. Walking distance (500 m) to the Porte d'Ivry subway station (Line 7).
by Bernard (bernard) on Sat Sep 17th, 2011 at 04:19:45 PM EST
[ Parent ]
Have you used a Kyriad hotel before?
by afew (afew(a in a circle)eurotrib_dot_com) on Fri Sep 16th, 2011 at 08:18:09 AM EST
[ Parent ]
Yes. In Lyon, maybe elsewhere. I seem to remember it as a basic hotel, with no problems, but I've no idea how standardized they are.
by gk (gk (gk quattro due due sette @gmail.com)) on Fri Sep 16th, 2011 at 12:34:13 PM EST
[ Parent ]
I've stayed in the Kyriad in Courbevoie (West) and Vincennes (East) before, and the amenities seem very standard (and very basic) from one to the other. Out there in the suburbs, they are often paired with a Ibis, which is one notch above (price-wise too).

Haven't checked Paris hotel prices in a while, but I remember it's very expensive, especially in the Western side.

by Bernard (bernard) on Sat Sep 17th, 2011 at 04:12:36 PM EST
[ Parent ]
Booked at Auteuil Tour Eiffel because it's just around the corner from the meet. Too expensive at €160 for two with breakfast, but cancelable for free up to 48h before arrival. (We're there Thurs to Mon, so that's why it's so expensive.)

Cheapest we've found (afew found) was €105, and i'd checked (on the net) a dozen with little satisfaction on the nexus of price/quality/location. I have found that location often saves hours and costs, especially if it allows easy access to metro.

i sure wish some of you would make a last minute decision to come. LEP, are you still thinking you can make it?

"Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage." - Anaïs Nin

by Crazy Horse on Sun Sep 18th, 2011 at 05:55:48 AM EST
[ Parent ]
Another consideration for me is the room noise rating. I've saved much money staying in some cheap places before, only to get no sleep because of the parties or whatever. Which eliminates any cost saving.

"Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage." - Anaïs Nin
by Crazy Horse on Sun Sep 18th, 2011 at 05:57:50 AM EST
[ Parent ]
I'm fixed now with a place across the river in the 15th.
by afew (afew(a in a circle)eurotrib_dot_com) on Mon Sep 19th, 2011 at 01:25:32 AM EST
[ Parent ]
Waiting for the email. Would we like it?

"Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage." - Anaïs Nin
by Crazy Horse on Mon Sep 19th, 2011 at 04:56:18 PM EST
[ Parent ]
Hi CH. Yes, I'm planning to be there; right now I'm nursing some sore ribs from a fall I took when working on my boat.
I bought a small boat this summer to help me to get away from politics. My wife told me I was too old to go back to boating but I'm determined to prove her wrong. The boat itself wasn't expensive but hiring a bodyguard when I go out will make it so ;)

Hey, Grandma Moses started late!
by LEP on Mon Sep 19th, 2011 at 12:54:54 PM EST
[ Parent ]
Stay safe and enjoy boating; I won't be around on Oct 8 (vacationing in the Southern hemisphere), but I'm sure we'll find opportunities to meet later.
by Bernard (bernard) on Mon Sep 19th, 2011 at 04:47:03 PM EST
[ Parent ]
Merde.

"Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage." - Anaïs Nin
by Crazy Horse on Mon Sep 19th, 2011 at 04:57:06 PM EST
[ Parent ]
Okay, my husband and I are going to drive from the very SE of Germany to arrive on Friday afternoon, hopefully, and leave Sunday afternoon.

But I'll probably cancel if it turns out that Helen can't make it; not enough women!

'tis strange I should be old and neither wise nor valiant. From "The Maid's Tragedy" by Beaumont & Fletcher

by Wife of Bath (kareninaustin at g mail dot com) on Sun Oct 2nd, 2011 at 07:08:30 AM EST
Arghh, don't put it on me. I still won't know till Tuesday evening and I may not be able to afford the transport options still available.

But please go, the best thing about the meetup is running into a bunch of people who get it; it's such a relief to actually talk to people who know the background of the things that concern you. You don't have to explain things, you don't have blank faces when you mention something. And just for once, you don't have some schmuck telling you you're talking nonsense cos you're suggesting that the oil is running out, that Monsanto are trying to ruin our agriculture,and that Goldman Sachs are the incarnate of evil.

Please go, not on my account, but for yourself

keep to the Fen Causeway

by Helen (lareinagal at yahoo dot co dot uk) on Sun Oct 2nd, 2011 at 04:30:45 PM EST
[ Parent ]
I understand, and I won't make it about you, but I'm so shy at first it just makes me feel better if there are more females around. And I don't even know which of the other attendees ARE female, though I've noticed there are some wives coming.

It partly depends on what my husband can work out about Friday and Monday off, too, which we won't know until tomorrow night.

You're still a big part of it for me, though. But no pressure... heh.

'tis strange I should be old and neither wise nor valiant. From "The Maid's Tragedy" by Beaumont & Fletcher

by Wife of Bath (kareninaustin at g mail dot com) on Mon Oct 3rd, 2011 at 02:12:37 AM EST
[ Parent ]
Ha, I'm a massive disappointment in the flesh, while osme of the guys are revelations in the flesh. CH, for example, is just such a repository of stories and fun (and Caol Ila). You get to see them all in a completely different light.

keep to the Fen Causeway
by Helen (lareinagal at yahoo dot co dot uk) on Mon Oct 3rd, 2011 at 02:33:16 AM EST
[ Parent ]
You are amazingly persuasive. My husband will press hard for the time off.

And I've seen your photos from past meet-ups, so I already know that you're quite appealing, so there.

'tis strange I should be old and neither wise nor valiant. From "The Maid's Tragedy" by Beaumont & Fletcher

by Wife of Bath (kareninaustin at g mail dot com) on Mon Oct 3rd, 2011 at 03:06:17 AM EST
[ Parent ]
Ah, no it's my personality that disappoints. In a town without beer, I'm pretty much marginal to conversation. There's just so much less to me than most imagine

keep to the Fen Causeway
by Helen (lareinagal at yahoo dot co dot uk) on Mon Oct 3rd, 2011 at 03:12:37 AM EST
[ Parent ]
Well, no problem. Though a wino myself, I can't imagine a town without beer.

'tis strange I should be old and neither wise nor valiant. From "The Maid's Tragedy" by Beaumont & Fletcher
by Wife of Bath (kareninaustin at g mail dot com) on Mon Oct 3rd, 2011 at 04:13:35 AM EST
[ Parent ]
lol
by afew (afew(a in a circle)eurotrib_dot_com) on Mon Oct 3rd, 2011 at 04:36:25 AM EST
[ Parent ]
"And I don't even know which of the other attendees ARE female"

Some you may guess from their names.

And yes, that is both a totally true and wonderfully disingenuous comment.

Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's need, but not every man's greed. Gandhi

by Cyrille (cyrillev domain yahoo.fr) on Mon Oct 3rd, 2011 at 04:55:43 AM EST
[ Parent ]


The Hun is always either at your throat or at your feet. Winston Churchill
by r------ on Mon Oct 3rd, 2011 at 07:01:59 AM EST
We'll have our two.

Which reminds me: I'd appreciate if people would not spotlight C too much. He's going through a phase were he freezes when he's the centre of adult attention ... just say hello and then give him a chance to acclimatise!

by Colman (colman at eurotrib.com) on Mon Oct 3rd, 2011 at 07:05:13 AM EST
[ Parent ]
Elwan (20 months) will be there.

Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's need, but not every man's greed. Gandhi
by Cyrille (cyrillev domain yahoo.fr) on Mon Oct 3rd, 2011 at 07:34:05 AM EST
[ Parent ]
Damn. Can't go.

I'll do everything in my power to make it next year. But that means there'll be rain in the forecast for next year instead of the lovely weekend coming up now.

'tis strange I should be old and neither wise nor valiant. From "The Maid's Tragedy" by Beaumont & Fletcher

by Wife of Bath (kareninaustin at g mail dot com) on Tue Oct 4th, 2011 at 03:39:39 AM EST
:((((((((((((((((((
by afew (afew(a in a circle)eurotrib_dot_com) on Tue Oct 4th, 2011 at 07:21:27 AM EST
[ Parent ]
Very sorry to report that we will not be able to attend. I had so wanted to be there, and to introduce Karin as well. But circumstances do not allow the visit.

I wish you all a successful and enjoyable time.

"Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage." - Anaïs Nin

by Crazy Horse on Tue Oct 4th, 2011 at 09:26:37 AM EST
Oh my.

:(((((((((((((((((((((((((

by afew (afew(a in a circle)eurotrib_dot_com) on Tue Oct 4th, 2011 at 10:41:48 AM EST
[ Parent ]
with regret I too must confirm my non-attendance. Both rail and plane are now unaffordable and, although I technically could make it before my next meeting regarding my benefit claim, I'm past the days of wishing to spend the best part of a day on a coach in each direction.

I'm gonna miss you guys. Have much wine for me.

keep to the Fen Causeway

by Helen (lareinagal at yahoo dot co dot uk) on Tue Oct 4th, 2011 at 01:04:51 PM EST
Even rail to Dover, ferry to Ostende, and rail from there? I did that once when I had to get to London on Good Friday and Eurostar prices were insane.
by gk (gk (gk quattro due due sette @gmail.com)) on Tue Oct 4th, 2011 at 01:10:53 PM EST
[ Parent ]
I'd have thought it was probably cheaper to go to Calais and take the train. But even that is £63 one way, which sounds expensive for France and that's before I cut off one of my arms to pay for the ticket in the UK.

I'm gutted. Still if I win the lottery tonight, I will be there (chances : two parts of bugger all)

keep to the Fen Causeway

by Helen (lareinagal at yahoo dot co dot uk) on Tue Oct 4th, 2011 at 01:36:00 PM EST
[ Parent ]
I get similar fares but in Euros. But these are all TGV fares; DB has routes that avoid the TGV, but I've no idea how to get prices for them.
by gk (gk (gk quattro due due sette @gmail.com)) on Tue Oct 4th, 2011 at 01:45:29 PM EST
[ Parent ]
Announcing: the 2011 mini-MeETup! in London, weekend of December 10th.

Which is to say we're going to be in London that weekend. With a babysitter. Ideas for late lunch followed by a few beers?

by Colman (colman at eurotrib.com) on Tue Oct 4th, 2011 at 01:11:19 PM EST
[ Parent ]
Could I add to that mini-meetup idea with the proposal that if anyone finds themselves jonesing for some Berchtesgadener Land touristic activities, they'd be welcomed here? I may be shy in a new group, but my husband and I love visitors who are very casual in their attitudes of comfort (one bathroom for however many) and we love to cook... vegetarian.

So if or when any of you find yourselves in our area, we'd love a mini-meetup weekend and can sleep 4 extra in a relatively comfortable way.  The view from the balcony is GORGEOUS, the trails and walks and tourist attractions are numerous and the company is tolerant.

Karen in Bischofswiesen.

'tis strange I should be old and neither wise nor valiant. From "The Maid's Tragedy" by Beaumont & Fletcher

by Wife of Bath (kareninaustin at g mail dot com) on Tue Oct 4th, 2011 at 01:17:51 PM EST
[ Parent ]
And a short taxi ride from Salzburg airport.

nb, The hofbrauhaus in Berchtesgarten gets its beer from a multinational, but the Unser Burgerbrau in Bad Reichenhall is the good stuff.

keep to the Fen Causeway

by Helen (lareinagal at yahoo dot co dot uk) on Tue Oct 4th, 2011 at 01:40:11 PM EST
[ Parent ]
We do pickup! Do I sound lonely? Salzburg is less than a 30 minute drive and Bad Reichenhall is 15 minutes down the road.

'tis strange I should be old and neither wise nor valiant. From "The Maid's Tragedy" by Beaumont & Fletcher
by Wife of Bath (kareninaustin at g mail dot com) on Tue Oct 4th, 2011 at 02:18:22 PM EST
[ Parent ]
Ha, I hope you're not lonely there, but it does sound tempting.

Easyjet only fly in winter, starting in December. Brrrrr

keep to the Fen Causeway

by Helen (lareinagal at yahoo dot co dot uk) on Tue Oct 4th, 2011 at 02:30:45 PM EST
[ Parent ]
Our only Dec. "booking" is 17-26rd, and the rest is totally open (the whole winter, I mean.)

For a gal from Austin TX, I have taken to the snow like a Norwegian Forest cat. The outdoors are good if you're properly dressed, and the indoors are splendid for being so necessary an escape from the outdoors. Hot chocolate with coffee liquor.

Sorry, am I selling too hard?

'tis strange I should be old and neither wise nor valiant. From "The Maid's Tragedy" by Beaumont & Fletcher

by Wife of Bath (kareninaustin at g mail dot com) on Tue Oct 4th, 2011 at 04:19:52 PM EST
[ Parent ]
Pigs Ear beer festival that week and ends on the Saturday.

And that more or less mandates a trip to one of the great Vietnamese restaurants in Shoreditch/Dalston

keep to the Fen Causeway

by Helen (lareinagal at yahoo dot co dot uk) on Tue Oct 4th, 2011 at 01:42:51 PM EST
[ Parent ]
Mmm I was hoping that you would not set the date so soon. I'll have to be in Morocco for a wedding sometime in December, and will know when later this week. Plus I know Miguel probably can't make that date.

Hopefully, we'll be around, but should the wedding be on that weekend, will there be a chance to move the date or have you booked already?

Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's need, but not every man's greed. Gandhi

by Cyrille (cyrillev domain yahoo.fr) on Tue Oct 4th, 2011 at 04:24:24 PM EST
[ Parent ]
We're constrained by other factors: it's partly a work trip.
by Colman (colman at eurotrib.com) on Wed Oct 5th, 2011 at 02:20:59 AM EST
[ Parent ]
To be fair, Migeru probably can't make any date this side of 2013!
by Colman (colman at eurotrib.com) on Wed Oct 5th, 2011 at 03:24:31 AM EST
[ Parent ]
Aaah :((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((
by afew (afew(a in a circle)eurotrib_dot_com) on Tue Oct 4th, 2011 at 01:33:34 PM EST
[ Parent ]
sorry

keep to the Fen Causeway
by Helen (lareinagal at yahoo dot co dot uk) on Tue Oct 4th, 2011 at 01:43:05 PM EST
[ Parent ]
Finally seem to have arranged place to stay - will be there.

Maybe it's because I'm a Londoner - that I moved to Nice.
by Ted Welch (tedwelch-at-mac-dot-com) on Wed Oct 5th, 2011 at 05:43:13 PM EST
Oh Man. I'm really happy for you guys, and last minute Ted and Jake S. But i'm also sad not to be there.

"Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage." - Anaïs Nin
by Crazy Horse on Thu Oct 6th, 2011 at 02:28:59 AM EST
[ Parent ]
I'm very disappointed you're not coming; it's been a long time.

Hey, Grandma Moses started late!
by LEP on Thu Oct 6th, 2011 at 03:16:08 AM EST
[ Parent ]
I definitely second that.

The fact is that what we're experiencing right now is a top-down disaster. -Paul Krugman
by dvx (dvx.clt ät gmail dotcom) on Thu Oct 6th, 2011 at 12:09:42 PM EST
[ Parent ]
What's our rendezvous for Friday evening?

The fact is that what we're experiencing right now is a top-down disaster. -Paul Krugman
by dvx (dvx.clt ät gmail dotcom) on Thu Oct 6th, 2011 at 12:11:10 PM EST
I got to Verona this evening to find the train to Paris cancelled due to a strike in France. Rather than take a bus from Milan, I decided to go home and hoped to leave early in the morning and connect in Munich. I assume the strike has blocked the ICEs as well, as I could only find connections via Bruxelles (!). The first Munich-Paris connection which doesn't go via Belgium arrives in Paris around 11pm, so I may take that. But, assuming it is running, the question is whether there is any point - how many of you may be forced to cancel because of the strike?
by gk (gk (gk quattro due due sette @gmail.com)) on Thu Oct 6th, 2011 at 05:27:38 PM EST
Only 1st class left Munich-Paris for around 200 Euro. I won't be coming.
by gk (gk (gk quattro due due sette @gmail.com)) on Fri Oct 7th, 2011 at 03:28:46 AM EST
[ Parent ]
Update: I thought of taking the night train tonight. The SNCF site lists a price of 120 Euros, but won't let me book. I finally managed to call someone, and it seems that the French controller who was attacked was seriously injured, and bookings have been blocked until they see whether they strike goes on longer than first announced (originally it was supposed to end at 2pm today).
by gk (gk (gk quattro due due sette @gmail.com)) on Fri Oct 7th, 2011 at 05:27:26 AM EST
[ Parent ]
My train leaves tomorrow around 8:50 in Stuttgart
and will be in Paris approx. 12:30.

So: I hope the strike will not cause any more trouble 8-)

Now what ?

by pi (etribu-at-opsec.eu) on Fri Oct 7th, 2011 at 02:11:53 PM EST
[ Parent ]
Tending to my ill wife tonight, so I'm not coming ; I'll try to make it tomorrow.

Un roi sans divertissement est un homme plein de misères
by linca (antonin POINT lucas AROBASE gmail.com) on Fri Oct 7th, 2011 at 12:07:35 PM EST
Arrived late thought we'd be at Cantalou sat ev  nobody there :-( ted. 33648096811

Maybe it's because I'm a Londoner - that I moved to Nice.
by Ted Welch (tedwelch-at-mac-dot-com) on Sat Oct 8th, 2011 at 02:06:20 PM EST
Found them !

Maybe it's because I'm a Londoner - that I moved to Nice.
by Ted Welch (tedwelch-at-mac-dot-com) on Sat Oct 8th, 2011 at 04:02:00 PM EST


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