Toronto Charas Meetup

[greenraven]

I might sound stupid being all European and all. But why are people considering driving to Toronto rather than flying?

MW3 Terminal wave 68 Epic Survival Moments! Strategy by TheRelaxingEnd & ChristianR87

XD XD XD

Seriously though, last time my family and I went on vacation something set of their damn alarms. They simply took our bags and tossed everything on the ground. When they didn't find anything they simply turned around and walked away. They didn't even apologize or attempted to put anything back in the bags.

This whole thing about getting together does sound like fun, and I'm pretty close (Chicago). But...



...let's just say I have some mental baggage that makes me not so people friendly these days. XD

If this works out and you plan on having a reunion in a year or two, I'll probably be down for that.

[drenrin2120]

I'm seriously considering going to this, but I'll need to know the dates far in advance so I can plan when to take my vacation from work. My job requires a 30-day notification and days off around the holidays can often be hard to get because other people snatch them up first. So yeah...if this goes down, I need dates.

Pretty much this. Though, it's usually easy for me to request days off because I rarely ask. Money will be a huge issue, though I don't much mind the drive. I drove to chicago back in May and actually stopped at Niagra. Coming from Massachusetts, that's a straight shot on I-90 west. Question for all you Americanos, do we need passports to go into Canada? I don't think mine has expired but I'm not sure and I know it can take a long time to actually get it once you buy it.

[A Forgotten Legend]

Yes. We do. (passport)

[Zerlina]

Freddie, flights within North America are incredibly expensive. Also if you have to pass through any American airports (which those in the states certainly have to do), it's an incredibly long process. Canada's pretty bad to depart from, too, but at least from my experiences in New York, Americans get it pretty rough when they fly.

Exact dates are in Freddie's post on p.1 (actually works out to late November). 18 Nov-December 2

And Nat and Cerberus, you guys should come up! You'll be together, and I doubt it will be a huge gathering. Besides, if you find it uncomfortable there's plenty to do in Toronto so you guys could just go sight seeing and enjoy your vacation by yourselves.


For those who are having trouble with cost, maybe you guys could work out a carpool if you're coming from neighbouring states, and split on gas and accomodations?

Speaking as someone who does a lot of sci fi conventions with other poor students, you also can't forget that a 4 person hotel room can TECHNICALLY hold 8 people, and a 2 person room can technically hold 4...

That being said, there are some cheaper hotels than others in Toronto. Googling "Hotels Toronto" will probably give you the more expensive ones.

From just a quick search I found this place which is not bad, especially if you split with someone. Or as the con kids do- multiple people.

http://www.canadianhotelguide.com/ca/Ontario-hotels/Toronto-hotels/Bond_Place_Hotel-hotel.html




And MIC, you might be surprised. We might all get along great in person.

[fruckert]

Also, the States have this wonderful little TSA thing.
That kind of puts a damper on any flying.

And, unfortunately, I think I'm the only Charasian besides Ben who lives on/near the West Coast.
And he doesn't really live anywhere near me, so...yeah.
This just won't work out for me.

ed: And he doesn't even live NEAR the west coast.
my geography is all fucked up

[Prpl_Mage]

Question for all you Americanos, do we need passports to go into Canada?

I bet you need to to get back into the US after crossing the border.

[greenraven]

I bet you need to to get back into the US after crossing the border.

[Natako]

Sadly, what green posted is true. The Canadian border police are laidback while the American ones treat you like a criminal right off the bat. It's very unnerving...and it's the main reason why the drive to Canada stresses me out. 7 hours of driving? Sure! That's relaxing. Crossing the border back into the US? Not so much.

Better get started on that passport soon if you don't have one. Even expedited, it takes a couple weeks to receive it.

[Zerlina]

In Canada we have a rush passport that takes 3 days- is that an option in the states?



Looking into some geeky things to do for everyone..you guys fans of Scott Pilgrim? I could take you to the places where it takes place Most of them are real!

[drenrin2120]

XD new fave comic and yeag ima look into whether or not i have my passport. I'm pretty sure i gotta renew it. and if so then blaaaaah

Also no we dont have speedy passporta available. too many fbi files and surveillance info ans background checks to sort through in only three days.

[greenraven]

In Canada we have a rush passport that takes 3 days- is that an option in the states?

I don't think you realize just how paranoid this country has become about it's borders. TSA and Homeland Security are just one stepping stone away from being SS DeathSquads.

[Zerlina]

I don't think you realize just how paranoid this country has become about it's borders. TSA and Homeland Security are just one stepping stone away from being SS DeathSquads.

...so should we make this a "Charas MOVE to Toronto" thing instead?

Come to Canada. We have free meds and maple syrup.

[Cerebus]

I don't think you realize just how paranoid this country has become about it's borders.

Not only at the borders, man. It's like... in their blood. Natako's a living proof.

[drenrin2120]

...so should we make this a "Charas MOVE to Toronto" thing instead?

Come to Canada. We have free meds and maple syrup.

im down

[greenraven]

...so should we make this a "Charas MOVE to Toronto" thing instead?

Come to Canada. We have free meds and maple syrup.

If Mitt Romney wins this presidential election I may just very well make a run for the northern border. XD