Hatrack River Forum: Kama Goes US (planning part deux)

This is topic Kama Goes US (planning part deux) in forum Books, Films, Food and Culture at Hatrack River Forum.

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Posted by Kama (Member # 3022) on :

I don't feel like looking for the old thread. Plus, it was too long already.

I have a visa interview next Thursday, so once I get pass that, I'll be able to buy the plane tickets. I already submitted my vacation schedule at work and talked to my boss, so it should be cool.

The plan is as follows:

Trip dates: August 7- 28 2004

arrive in NYC on Saturday, August 7. Go wild with Frisco
get to Jatraquon (I'm too modest to call it KamaCon) which will take place on August 13-15, 2004. I may get there earlier, though
go to Boston (some time during the week from August 16-22). Hang out with Bok, hike with mack (?) and others
last week reserved for the GreNMEtic team in Philadelphia, hopefully joined by GreNME himself.
go home from NYC on August 28 (probably)
go back to work. grumble, grumble.

Questions? Comments? Suggestions?

[ February 26, 2004, 02:44 PM: Message edited by: Kama ]

Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :

yeah, question..

There was a thread back then about chipping in to help pay for your trip here. Are we still doing that? If so, where do I send money? I never knew who was collecting.....

Farmgirl

Posted by Bob_Scopatz (Member # 1227) on :

Yes, I'll contribute too.

<makes note to call State Department to grease wheels for Kama's visa>

Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :

Well, at one point CT was going to be collecting the money, but I think that Kama has declined the offer. Is that right Kama?

Posted by ClaudiaTherese (Member # 923) on :

And as I have received no money, I thought that was the case, too. I think Kama wanted to take care of it on her own. Just let us know if you want assistance, Kama.

But if anyone wants to send me money, warn me first! I'll keep a list and verify that it reaches me.

[ February 27, 2004, 09:17 AM: Message edited by: ClaudiaTherese ]

Posted by Kama (Member # 3022) on :

Nah, I didn't decline anything [Big Grin]

I did say it wouldn't be necessary, as I plan on coming anyway and I would be very indebted if you did (in the non financial sort of way), but I certainly am not rich enough to decline such offers. [Smile]

Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :

But do we need to send it in advance, or bring our contributions to Chicago, to help with the rest of your journey?

Farmgirl

Posted by Kama (Member # 3022) on :

Okay, first, let me explain.

I would really appreciate any contributions, since it will no question be an expensive trip. I am very happy that this proposal was made, and that there are people who would share with me. What I wouldn't want, is for anyone to feel deceived by me - in the sense that I am able to afford the trip by myself, since I was saving the money for this very purpose. I wanted to make this clear. If anyone is willing to donate, I am more than willing to accept the donation. [Smile]

Farmgirl, I think it would be best for one person (CT is a good choice, if she doesn't mind) to collect the money. I'm thinking it would be most useful in paying for my travel within the US (i.e. NYC - Chicago - Boston). Whether I take the plane or the train, it will be the most expensive part, other than the actual plane ticket from Poland.

Posted by Starla* (Member # 5835) on :

If I have an apartment or house by August, you can stay with me, if you want, Kama, for your last week. My first job will more than likely be in the Philly area, and I will most certainly get a nearby apartment if I can afford it.

If not, I will be still at home, where there is no room to put you [Frown]

. Plus, it's an hour from philly.

Either way, I'm sure the GreNME himself will make time to come see you.

[ February 27, 2004, 09:40 PM: Message edited by: Starla* ]

Posted by Khavanon (Member # 929) on :

Frisco's not worth your time. You should avoid him. [Taunt]

Posted by Kama (Member # 3022) on :

Hey Bob, here's their e-mail address:
Krakowniv@state.gov
[Wink]

Khav, I know! [Eek!]

Starla, I might take that opportunity if Kira throws me out of Greg's place [Wink]

[ February 28, 2004, 10:20 AM: Message edited by: Kama ]

Posted by Kama (Member # 3022) on :

Tired, bitter, and feeling like some kind of an animal or at least a worse kind of a human being. I spent 2 hours freezing in front of the consulate. Your government should reconsider its policy. [Roll Eyes]

The consul himself was very nice, though, after I finally got there. His wife studied at my university.

Got the visa.

But dudes, if I didn't like y'all that much, I'd just give up. Honestly the most humiliating experience in my life. I was cattle.

going to bed now.

Posted by scottneb (Member # 676) on :

Ah, the wonder of Bureaucracy.

Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :

That's nothing, some students that are studying abroad in Italy have spent MULTIPLE DAYS in line here in Boston to apply for visas. I forget what was the situation, exactly. People were literally out in blankets and lawn chairs in downtown Boston, overnight in the dead of winter.

This is 20 as a daily HIGH, people.

I can't give a link, because the Boston papers have archives they charge to access, but if you go to boston.com, scroll down to the bottom, and look for "Search the Globe", make sure the search is for last 12 months, put in "student visa", and read the first abstract.

Italy is worse than we are [Smile]

-Bok

[ March 04, 2004, 05:11 PM: Message edited by: Bokonon ]

Posted by Kama (Member # 3022) on :

Yeah, but I don't need a visa to visit Italy.

I'm not really complaining about having to stand in line. But for God's sake, couldn't they let us wait inside???

Posted by John L (Member # 6005) on :

If I ever visit your neighborhood, show me to the consulate. I'll straighten them out.

Posted by Kama (Member # 3022) on :

If?

Posted by Kama (Member # 3022) on :

So maybe it's early, but there is nothing more preventing me from doing it, so I've booked the plane tickets.

Arriving Friday, 06.08.2004 at 20.05, JFK

Leaving Saturday, 28.08.2004 at 18.35, Newark

[Big Grin]

Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :

*YIPPEE!*

FG
edit: remember guys -- over it Europe they do those dates backwards -- so her 06.08.2004 is what we would write 8/06/2004

[ March 06, 2004, 11:07 AM: Message edited by: Farmgirl ]

Posted by Kama (Member # 3022) on :

It's not backwards, it's the right way!

Posted by PSI Teleport (Member # 5545) on :

Gee, FG, you mean she's NOT going to be here until the 28th month? [Roll Eyes]

Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :

You know what I mean, PSI!! [Roll Eyes]

FG

edit: how come you all are on-line, but none of you are in Hatrack Chat! Hmm???? I'm so bored at work today.

[ March 06, 2004, 11:25 AM: Message edited by: Farmgirl ]

Posted by eslaine (Member # 5433) on :

[evil]parachat[/evil]

Posted by PSI Teleport (Member # 5545) on :

So she's leaving on the eighth of Duodetrigintember?