Thanks. Ah well, the fees are not bad, I will just get more out at a time to
avoid a lot of fees. I'm looking online at Hostels and hotels. I tried booking
online at the Sleepy Lion and one other popular hostel but I think they are
booked up so I emailed them. Im trying to figure out which hostels/hotels are
close to the festival area. Since it is the entire city, I am assuming any one
in the city will be close to something, and I will have to still travel to reach
the market place, and different concert places regardless of where I stay.

Anyone know if there is a map out , of where the venues and places for the
festival will be, so I can get an idea of where Ill be walking/busing to?
Assuming I will be taking a bus a lot. I cant see me riding a bicycle in 3 inch
platforms lol



--- In AmericansInLeipzig@yahoogroups.com, Althea Morin <althea@...> wrote:
>
> You don't need to pay now to make a hotel reservation - generally making the
> reservation is free, and you can cancel up to a certain number of days
> before you are due to arrive.
>

For me, ING is the best. They are a Dutch bank, but ftmp, only an online bank in
the USA. I rarely  get charged an ATM withdrawl fee from either side while I'm
in europe.

  ING charges a flat +2% of the current days market exchange rate, easy peasy to
calculate from xe.com. If the days rate is 1.496,  ING's is 1.516

They don't charge for atms, and have a line of credit to protect from an
overdraft.

That is, if I accidentally overdraw my account, they treat it as a loan with a
7.25% APR. So if I pay it back the next day it literally costs me 2 cents for an
over draft up to $250US.  No more $140 cascading overdraft charges from
autopays, b/c I overdrew by $3 on vacation.

I particulary like this b/c it creates liquity that saves me a crapload of
money. I can shift money from one account to another using the overdraft line of
credit as a buffer, until other transactions go through. This particulary useful
if you need that $250 to pay off a high interest credit card in full to avoid
finance charges.

Jv


Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

-----Original Message-----
From: "michael a" <redwallsblack@...>
Date: Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:36:03
To: <AmericansInLeipzig@yahoogroups.com>
Subject: Re: [AmInLeip] Questions about exchange rates and using money in
Leipzig

Really? I just spoke to a friend that went to Germany and she said its cheaper
to go to my bank here in the USA first, and that when she used Bank of America's
ATM's over there, she was not charged a fee because they have a branch there.
Maybe in Leipzig its different though.

Ha well I wont drink so thats not a problem and I have too much on my credit
card as it is so I shall leave that at home lol.

I was planning on working a lot of overtime for months and save until I have a
good amount. Its good I dont need to buy a ticket for the plane yet but I am
worried I might be late on getting a hotel. I have not had a chance to look for
one yet. Still researching what I need to do for a new American going overseas
for the 1st time.

I thought it being November I had a lot of time to plan but I guess they book up
quicker then I thought.



--- In AmericansInLeipzig@yahoogroups.com, Althea Morin <althea@...> wrote:
>
> You will always get a better exchange rate at the country you are travelling
> TO.
> For a better rate, go to a real bank, NOT to one of the Travelex (etc)
> kiosks in the airport.
>
> You might want to get a small amount of money before you leave just to have
> something in your pocket for getting a snack at the airport and hopping on a
> train to the city center...
>
> Bank of America charges me $5. per foreign withdrawal. I find it best to
> just go with my ATM card and withdraw the maximum allowed in one
> transaction, to minimize the number of foreign transactions.
>
> Check with your credit cards to find out their fees on foreign transactions
> - some cards are good; others will totally screw you.
>
> Travelers checks are an anachronistic and utterly useless concept. Don't get
> them.
>
> Oh, and remember that the Monday of the festival is a holiday! Banks will
> not be open!
>
> Getting robbed is VERY unlikely; losing money - well, depends on how much
> you're planning on drinking!  ;-)
>
> Althea
>
> On Wed, Nov 25, 2009 at 10:53 AM, michael a <redwallsblack@...> wrote:
>
> >
> >
> > Im switching to Bank of America soon and my friend told me they have a
> > German partner there and she used ATMs with no fees but not sure if they
> > have a ATM in Leipzig or not.
> >
> > Not sure if I should exchange all my cash for the trip before I leave the
> > USA, into Euros, or use travelers checks for some, or the ATM there..worried
> > about losing money or getting robbed and not having any backup.
> >
> > Exchange rate is about 1900 Euros for 3,000 USA right now on the banks
> > website.
> >
> >
> >
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>




------------------------------------

WGT 2010: MAY 21-24, 2010, Leipzig, Germany
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
http://www.americansinleipzig.comYahoo! Groups Links

From an online guide:

"*To Exchange Currency Before You Leave Home*

Many travelers, especially those flying a long distance and landing in a
foreign country very early in the morning or late at night when banks and
currency exchange desks may be closed, prefer to acquire a small amount of
foreign currency before they depart on a trip.

Having the local equivalent of US $100 in your pocket is usually enough to
pay for a cab ride to your destination, a snack, and small incidentals
without having to search for a currency exchange open for business.

In large cities, major banks and travel agencies sometimes feature a
currency exchange desk.

*Where to Find the Best Currency Exchange Rates*
To get the best exchange rate, wait until you arrive at your destination.
While most major airports feature a currency exchange desk, you are likely
to get a better rate directly from an ATM machine affiliated with a major
bank.

ATM cards most likely to work trouble-free overseas are those with a
four-digit PIN number. Since you may be charged a usage fee by both the
local bank and your home institution, it's advisable make one large instead
of several small withdrawals whenever possible — and keep your cash in a
safe place out of pickpockets' range."


I liked what I just read on one of the Fodor's travel forums... to
paraphrase:

"Exchanging your money at home is like bringing oranges to Florida - you
might want to bring one for a snack, but not a whole crate."


Althea


On Wed, Nov 25, 2009 at 11:36 AM, michael a <redwallsblack@...> wrote:

>
>
> Really? I just spoke to a friend that went to Germany and she said its
> cheaper to go to my bank here in the USA first, and that when she used Bank
> of America's ATM's over there, she was not charged a fee because they have a
> branch there. Maybe in Leipzig its different though.
>
> Ha well I wont drink so thats not a problem and I have too much on my
> credit card as it is so I shall leave that at home lol.
>
> I was planning on working a lot of overtime for months and save until I
> have a good amount. Its good I dont need to buy a ticket for the plane yet
> but I am worried I might be late on getting a hotel. I have not had a chance
> to look for one yet. Still researching what I need to do for a new American
> going overseas for the 1st time.
>
> I thought it being November I had a lot of time to plan but I guess they
> book up quicker then I thought.
>
>
> --- In
AmericansInLeipzig@yahoogroups.com<AmericansInLeipzig%40yahoogroups.com>,
> Althea Morin <althea@...> wrote:
> >
> > You will always get a better exchange rate at the country you are
> travelling
> > TO.
> > For a better rate, go to a real bank, NOT to one of the Travelex (etc)
> > kiosks in the airport.
> >
> > You might want to get a small amount of money before you leave just to
> have
> > something in your pocket for getting a snack at the airport and hopping
> on a
> > train to the city center...
> >
> > Bank of America charges me $5. per foreign withdrawal. I find it best to
> > just go with my ATM card and withdraw the maximum allowed in one
> > transaction, to minimize the number of foreign transactions.
> >
> > Check with your credit cards to find out their fees on foreign
> transactions
> > - some cards are good; others will totally screw you.
> >
> > Travelers checks are an anachronistic and utterly useless concept. Don't
> get
> > them.
> >
> > Oh, and remember that the Monday of the festival is a holiday! Banks will
> > not be open!
> >
> > Getting robbed is VERY unlikely; losing money - well, depends on how much
> > you're planning on drinking! ;-)
> >
> > Althea
> >
> > On Wed, Nov 25, 2009 at 10:53 AM, michael a <redwallsblack@...> wrote:
> >
> > >
> > >
> > > Im switching to Bank of America soon and my friend told me they have a
> > > German partner there and she used ATMs with no fees but not sure if
> they
> > > have a ATM in Leipzig or not.
> > >
> > > Not sure if I should exchange all my cash for the trip before I leave
> the
> > > USA, into Euros, or use travelers checks for some, or the ATM
> there..worried
> > > about losing money or getting robbed and not having any backup.
> > >
> > > Exchange rate is about 1900 Euros for 3,000 USA right now on the banks
> > > website.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

You don't need to pay now to make a hotel reservation - generally making the
reservation is free, and you can cancel up to a certain number of days
before you are due to arrive.

Here is the info from the Bank of America website:

"What are the fees for using a Check Card or ATM Card in a foreign
country?<javascript:void(0)>

    -

    Withdrawals, deposits, transfers, payments and balance inquiries made at
    ATMs in foreign countries outside of the ATM Global Alliance will be charged
    a $5.00 fee.

    In addition, an International Transaction Fee will be charged for ATM
    Card and Check Card transactions made for foreign purchases or ATM cash
    withdrawals in currency other than U.S. Dollars, regardless of whether or
    not the transaction occurred at an ATM in a country covered in the ATM
    Global Alliance. The International Transaction Fee will be 3% of the U.S.
    Dollar amount for each converted purchase or 1% of the U.S. Dollar amount
    for each converted ATM cash withdrawal. This International Transaction Fee
    will appear as a separate item on your banking statement for each
    international transaction."

Althea


On Wed, Nov 25, 2009 at 11:36 AM, michael a <redwallsblack@...> wrote:

>
>
> Really? I just spoke to a friend that went to Germany and she said its
> cheaper to go to my bank here in the USA first, and that when she used Bank
> of America's ATM's over there, she was not charged a fee because they have a
> branch there. Maybe in Leipzig its different though.
>
> Ha well I wont drink so thats not a problem and I have too much on my
> credit card as it is so I shall leave that at home lol.
>
> I was planning on working a lot of overtime for months and save until I
> have a good amount. Its good I dont need to buy a ticket for the plane yet
> but I am worried I might be late on getting a hotel. I have not had a chance
> to look for one yet. Still researching what I need to do for a new American
> going overseas for the 1st time.
>
> I thought it being November I had a lot of time to plan but I guess they
> book up quicker then I thought.
>
>
> --- In
AmericansInLeipzig@yahoogroups.com<AmericansInLeipzig%40yahoogroups.com>,
> Althea Morin <althea@...> wrote:
> >
> > You will always get a better exchange rate at the country you are
> travelling
> > TO.
> > For a better rate, go to a real bank, NOT to one of the Travelex (etc)
> > kiosks in the airport.
> >
> > You might want to get a small amount of money before you leave just to
> have
> > something in your pocket for getting a snack at the airport and hopping
> on a
> > train to the city center...
> >
> > Bank of America charges me $5. per foreign withdrawal. I find it best to
> > just go with my ATM card and withdraw the maximum allowed in one
> > transaction, to minimize the number of foreign transactions.
> >
> > Check with your credit cards to find out their fees on foreign
> transactions
> > - some cards are good; others will totally screw you.
> >
> > Travelers checks are an anachronistic and utterly useless concept. Don't
> get
> > them.
> >
> > Oh, and remember that the Monday of the festival is a holiday! Banks will
> > not be open!
> >
> > Getting robbed is VERY unlikely; losing money - well, depends on how much
> > you're planning on drinking! ;-)
> >
> > Althea
> >
> > On Wed, Nov 25, 2009 at 10:53 AM, michael a <redwallsblack@...> wrote:
> >
> > >
> > >
> > > Im switching to Bank of America soon and my friend told me they have a
> > > German partner there and she used ATMs with no fees but not sure if
> they
> > > have a ATM in Leipzig or not.
> > >
> > > Not sure if I should exchange all my cash for the trip before I leave
> the
> > > USA, into Euros, or use travelers checks for some, or the ATM
> there..worried
> > > about losing money or getting robbed and not having any backup.
> > >
> > > Exchange rate is about 1900 Euros for 3,000 USA right now on the banks
> > > website.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Cancellations will open rooms up a few weeks before.

James (S.F.) (Dark Litigator)


In a message dated 11/25/2009 8:37:21 A.M. Pacific Standard Time,
redwallsblack@... writes:

I  thought it being November I had a lot of time to plan but I guess they
book up  quicker then I thought.



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Really? I just spoke to a friend that went to Germany and she said its cheaper
to go to my bank here in the USA first, and that when she used Bank of America's
ATM's over there, she was not charged a fee because they have a branch there.
Maybe in Leipzig its different though.

Ha well I wont drink so thats not a problem and I have too much on my credit
card as it is so I shall leave that at home lol.

I was planning on working a lot of overtime for months and save until I have a
good amount. Its good I dont need to buy a ticket for the plane yet but I am
worried I might be late on getting a hotel. I have not had a chance to look for
one yet. Still researching what I need to do for a new American going overseas
for the 1st time.

I thought it being November I had a lot of time to plan but I guess they book up
quicker then I thought.



--- In AmericansInLeipzig@yahoogroups.com, Althea Morin <althea@...> wrote:
>
> You will always get a better exchange rate at the country you are travelling
> TO.
> For a better rate, go to a real bank, NOT to one of the Travelex (etc)
> kiosks in the airport.
>
> You might want to get a small amount of money before you leave just to have
> something in your pocket for getting a snack at the airport and hopping on a
> train to the city center...
>
> Bank of America charges me $5. per foreign withdrawal. I find it best to
> just go with my ATM card and withdraw the maximum allowed in one
> transaction, to minimize the number of foreign transactions.
>
> Check with your credit cards to find out their fees on foreign transactions
> - some cards are good; others will totally screw you.
>
> Travelers checks are an anachronistic and utterly useless concept. Don't get
> them.
>
> Oh, and remember that the Monday of the festival is a holiday! Banks will
> not be open!
>
> Getting robbed is VERY unlikely; losing money - well, depends on how much
> you're planning on drinking!  ;-)
>
> Althea
>
> On Wed, Nov 25, 2009 at 10:53 AM, michael a <redwallsblack@...> wrote:
>
> >
> >
> > Im switching to Bank of America soon and my friend told me they have a
> > German partner there and she used ATMs with no fees but not sure if they
> > have a ATM in Leipzig or not.
> >
> > Not sure if I should exchange all my cash for the trip before I leave the
> > USA, into Euros, or use travelers checks for some, or the ATM there..worried
> > about losing money or getting robbed and not having any backup.
> >
> > Exchange rate is about 1900 Euros for 3,000 USA right now on the banks
> > website.
> >
> >
> >
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

You will always get a better exchange rate at the country you are travelling
TO.
For a better rate, go to a real bank, NOT to one of the Travelex (etc)
kiosks in the airport.

You might want to get a small amount of money before you leave just to have
something in your pocket for getting a snack at the airport and hopping on a
train to the city center...

Bank of America charges me $5. per foreign withdrawal. I find it best to
just go with my ATM card and withdraw the maximum allowed in one
transaction, to minimize the number of foreign transactions.

Check with your credit cards to find out their fees on foreign transactions
- some cards are good; others will totally screw you.

Travelers checks are an anachronistic and utterly useless concept. Don't get
them.

Oh, and remember that the Monday of the festival is a holiday! Banks will
not be open!

Getting robbed is VERY unlikely; losing money - well, depends on how much
you're planning on drinking!  ;-)

Althea

On Wed, Nov 25, 2009 at 10:53 AM, michael a <redwallsblack@...> wrote:

>
>
> Im switching to Bank of America soon and my friend told me they have a
> German partner there and she used ATMs with no fees but not sure if they
> have a ATM in Leipzig or not.
>
> Not sure if I should exchange all my cash for the trip before I leave the
> USA, into Euros, or use travelers checks for some, or the ATM there..worried
> about losing money or getting robbed and not having any backup.
>
> Exchange rate is about 1900 Euros for 3,000 USA right now on the banks
> website.
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Im switching to Bank of America soon and my friend told me they have a German
partner there and she used ATMs with no fees but not sure if they have a ATM in
Leipzig or not.

Not sure if I should exchange all my cash for the trip before I leave the USA,
into Euros, or use travelers checks for some, or the ATM there..worried about
losing money or getting robbed and not having any backup.

Exchange rate is about 1900 Euros for 3,000 USA right now on the banks website.

Ha it would be funny walking through the airport in my 3 inch platform New Rocks
through the security metal detectors. But if they would charge me more if they
are in my luggage I guess I will do that. I will get funny looks regardless. And
they do zip off easy. I'll have to check the weight restrictions yes. I guess
that depends on each airline.

--- In AmericansInLeipzig@yahoogroups.com, Phobetron <phobetron@...> wrote:
>
> Wear your heaviest pair on the plane, provided they have no spikes or
> chains. It's actually easier that way, especially given they zip on
> and off quickly.
>
> - Charles
>
>
>
> On Nov 24, 2009, at 12:48 PM, "michael a" <redwallsblack@...>
> wrote:
>
> > I hope I can bring my New Rocks, they are 3 inch platforms with
> > Springs but are so comfy. I shall bring my sneakers as well, yes . I
> > have 12 pairs of boots..hard to choose what to bring. I want to pack
> > light, because of the great shopping there, though the exchange rate
> > will limit the amount of cash I have :/
> >
> > --- In AmericansInLeipzig@yahoogroups.com, nightaudtr@ wrote:
> > >
> > > I wear black sneakers (*sehr* bequem!) unless I'm going to something
> > > formal, in which case I bring black boots with me to change into.
> > There's
> > > nothing worse at WGT than painful feet leading to painful knees,
> > thighs, and
> > > hence to toxic attitude. I think UA has an afternoon MUC-IAD
> > flight which you
> > > can take a late morning LEJ-MUC puddlejumper to. Shortest way to
> > fly home
> > > is unconscious from exhaustion.
> > >
> > > James (S.F.)
> > >
> > >
> > > In a message dated 11/23/2009 4:31:34 P.M. Pacific Standard Time,
> > > violentmeans@ writes:
> > >
> > > 1.) Wear comfy shoes, 'cause you'll be on your feet *all* *the*
> > *time*.2.)
> > > Don't fly back early Tuesday morning if you can help it. Not only
> > did I
> > > have to leave the club early, but my friends texted that they were
> > still
> > > dancing while I was boarding my plane back to the States.
> > Suckfest. I won't
> > > make that mistake again!
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

$450. was indeed an awesome fare sale... but DO NOT pay $1200.!!!!  ;-)

Weather at the festival can be VERY variable.... It is often beautifully
nice, but it doesn't hurt to figure that at one point or another it will
probably be sunny and boiling hot; at another it will probably be around 40
degrees and chilly, and and at some other point it will be torrentially
downpouring.
Very annoying for packing, I know, but I always bring sunblock, a warm
jacket and a (small, folding) umbrella - and I've been thankful for all of
them!

A.



On Tue, Nov 24, 2009 at 4:38 PM, michael a <redwallsblack@...> wrote:

>
>
> Wow $450.00 would be a great deal if I could get that. I shall set my hopes
> high. That would leave me with a lot of extra money, which I will prob need.
> I read the currency exchange takes a lot out of my funds. Cannot wait to get
> home and read through all of the information.
>
> I have never really been camping at all, so I would be a little lost on
> what to do, and I think that's still more items to bring and pay for luggage
> on the plane too. I do like my showers..walking around all day gets hot I am
> sure. What is the weather like other there during the festival?
>
> --- In
AmericansInLeipzig@yahoogroups.com<AmericansInLeipzig%40yahoogroups.com>,
> Althea Morin <althea@...> wrote:
> >
> > Generally, the best time to buy tickets is 6 - 8 weeks before your trip.
> > Expect to pay in the vicinity of $600.00 round trip. I've done it for as
> low
> > as $450., never much more than $700.
> >
> > The official forum generally will have people looking to share
> > accommodation. If privacy is not a big deal, the hostels in Leipzig are
> nice
> > and safe - but Good Luck finding one that isn't full up already! I'm
> > thinking of camping this year to save money; that is always the most
> > affordable option, but comes with it's own drawbacks (I'd be borrowing a
> > friend's shower in her hotel room; the campground ones are less than
> ideal!
> > And it can be chilly at night.)
> >
> > I *really* recommend leaving the US on Wednesday at the latest, there are
> > ALWAYS lots of things going on in Leipzig on the Thursday (parties,
> bands,
> > etc), and you really don't want to get off the plane on Friday and have
> to
> > rush out with no time to recuperate from the flight!
> >
> > Althea
> >
> > On Tue, Nov 24, 2009 at 1:32 PM, michael a <redwallsblack@...> wrote:
> >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Thanks for the info.
> > >
> > > Yes I will get my passport soon. I am just trying tofigure out if I
> will
> > > even have enough cash to go, since my car transmission is going out and
> will
> > > need to be replaced soon. Hopefully not though.
> > >
> > > From Pricelining airfair, its about $1200.00 or so for a round trip and
> > > thats with connections, I cant seem to find a straight flight without
> it
> > > being a lot more. I checked all 3 DC area airports too. I work in
> Northern
> > > VA also, so getting to Dulles or BWI ir the other ones isn't a problem.
> > >
> > > I was hoping to maybe find people online that wish to share a hotel
> room. I
> > > would even take the option of sleeping on the floor to make it cheaper.
> Done
> > > it many times. I wasnt sure about Hostels since I have never used one
> > > before, I would be worried about things being stolen, not sure how safe
> they
> > > are. I just know they are cheaper.
> > >
> > > Have you booked a flight or hotel yet? Wondering what price you are
> seeing.
> > >
> > >
> > > Im going to try to make it out of the USA on Thursday if I can so not
> sure
> > > if I can make the meet up dinner. But Ill see. It depends how much I
> save in
> > > order to make sure I can pay bills while away. I don't get paid time
> off
> > > yet, maybe by next year I will at this job though.
> > > Ill have to look again and see what time your meetup is and then see
> when
> > > is best to leave since its such a long flight and all.
> > >
> > > Do you go to any of the Gothic clubs or events in the DC area, since
> you
> > > live in VA?
> > >
> > > --- In
AmericansInLeipzig@yahoogroups.com<AmericansInLeipzig%40yahoogroups.com>
> <AmericansInLeipzig%40yahoogroups.com>,
> > > "Aceldama" <aceldama@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Welcome aboard.
> > > >
> > > > > Hi everyone, just joined. Never been to WGTF before or even out of
> the
> > > > > USA yet, do not have a passport yet.
> > > >
> > > > You should sort the passport issue soon. You'll need that info to
> book
> > > your
> > > > plane tickets usually. Takes about a week or preparation and
> paperwork
> > > then
> > > > send it out - takes most folks two to three weeks to get it back.
> > > >
> > > > > Just looking to get more info on going, what I need to do or bring,
> ect
> > > > > since I have never been out of the USA before, and seeing about
> meeting
> > > > > up with people that are going to make it easier.
> > > >
> > > > There's a lot of info on the web site. The three important things for
> me:
> > > >
> > > > 1) Figure out your accommodations. Hotels fill up fast and while you
> can
> > > > always cancel most reservations without a fee, it can be difficult to
> > > find
> > > > reasonably priced accommodations at the last minute.
> > > >
> > > > 2) Figure out your travel arrangements. I'm in Northern Virginia so I
> go
> > > > out of Dulles (IAD). Depending on where you are in Maryland,
> Baltimore
> > > > (BWI) may be your best bet for inexpensive fares. Some people fly
> into
> > > > Berlin and take a DeutscheBahn (DB) trains to Leipzig. I've
> personally
> > > > found flying all the way to Leipzig is better and less expensive. But
> > > I've
> > > > also flown into Dusseldorf and driven to Leipzig.
> > > >
> > > > 3) Watch for the schedule spreadsheets. People take the announced
> bands
> > > and
> > > > venues and crunch the schedule into spreadsheets so you can determine
> > > what
> > > > venue you want to be at to see what bands. You will find that you
> almost
> > > > always have to let some good shows go in order to see others - it's a
> > > first
> > > > timer mistake to run from venue to venue every day because doing so
> you
> > > miss
> > > > loads of bands and may not even get into the shows you want. It's
> harder
> > > > and harder to plan ahead due to late schedule finalization, but give
> it a
> > > > shot with prior year spreadsheets so you can understand how to
> maximize
> > > your
> > > > Treffen.
> > > >
> > > > The rest of it is pretty normal travel stuff. ATMs work over there
> for
> > > most
> > > > people so you can just withdraw Euros if need be (exchange rate is
> nasty
> > > > just as an FYI). We do a 20 hour day at WGT - out of hotel by noon,
> shows
> > > > by 2p, wrap up shows at 1a at latest, clubs and dancing until 7a,
> > > breakfast
> > > > and bed by 8a.
> > > >
> > > > I strongly recommend joining us at the restaurant or bar where
> AmInLeip
> > > > gathers at the beginning of the weekend (and joining some of us
> dancing
> > > > afterwards) so you have some familiar faces too. Though I typically
> just
> > > > scope out English speakers and make sure to say hi and introduce
> myself
> > > when
> > > > appropriate so I know more people every year. If you know some German
> > > then
> > > > be sure to use it too.
> > > >
> > > > -Aceldama
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Wow $450.00 would be a great deal if I could get that. I shall set my hopes
high. That would leave me with a lot of extra money, which I will prob need. I
read the currency exchange takes a lot out of my funds. Cannot wait to get home
and read through all of the information.

I have never really been camping at all, so I would be a little lost on what to
do, and I think that's still more items to bring and pay for luggage on the
plane too. I do like my showers..walking around all day gets hot I am sure. What
is the weather like other there during the festival?




--- In AmericansInLeipzig@yahoogroups.com, Althea Morin <althea@...> wrote:
>
> Generally, the best time to buy tickets is 6 - 8 weeks before your trip.
> Expect to pay in the vicinity of $600.00 round trip. I've done it for as low
> as $450., never much more than $700.
>
> The official forum generally will have people looking to share
> accommodation. If privacy is not a big deal, the hostels in Leipzig are nice
> and safe - but Good Luck finding one that isn't full up already! I'm
> thinking of camping this year to save money; that is always the most
> affordable option, but comes with it's own drawbacks (I'd be borrowing a
> friend's shower in her hotel room; the campground ones are less than ideal!
> And it can be chilly at night.)
>
> I *really* recommend leaving the US on Wednesday at the latest, there are
> ALWAYS lots of things going on in Leipzig on the Thursday (parties, bands,
> etc), and you really don't want to get off the plane on Friday and have to
> rush out with no time to recuperate from the flight!
>
> Althea
>
> On Tue, Nov 24, 2009 at 1:32 PM, michael a <redwallsblack@...> wrote:
>
> >
> >
> >
> > Thanks for the info.
> >
> > Yes I will get my passport soon. I am just trying tofigure out if I will
> > even have enough cash to go, since my car transmission is going out and will
> > need to be replaced soon. Hopefully not though.
> >
> > From Pricelining airfair, its about $1200.00 or so for a round trip and
> > thats with connections, I cant seem to find a straight flight without it
> > being a lot more. I checked all 3 DC area airports too. I work in Northern
> > VA also, so getting to Dulles or BWI ir the other ones isn't a problem.
> >
> > I was hoping to maybe find people online that wish to share a hotel room. I
> > would even take the option of sleeping on the floor to make it cheaper. Done
> > it many times. I wasnt sure about Hostels since I have never used one
> > before, I would be worried about things being stolen, not sure how safe they
> > are. I just know they are cheaper.
> >
> > Have you booked a flight or hotel yet? Wondering what price you are seeing.
> >
> >
> > Im going to try to make it out of the USA on Thursday if I can so not sure
> > if I can make the meet up dinner. But Ill see. It depends how much I save in
> > order to make sure I can pay bills while away. I don't get paid time off
> > yet, maybe by next year I will at this job though.
> > Ill have to look again and see what time your meetup is and then see when
> > is best to leave since its such a long flight and all.
> >
> > Do you go to any of the Gothic clubs or events in the DC area, since you
> > live in VA?
> >
> > --- In
AmericansInLeipzig@yahoogroups.com<AmericansInLeipzig%40yahoogroups.com>,
> > "Aceldama" <aceldama@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Welcome aboard.
> > >
> > > > Hi everyone, just joined. Never been to WGTF before or even out of the
> > > > USA yet, do not have a passport yet.
> > >
> > > You should sort the passport issue soon. You'll need that info to book
> > your
> > > plane tickets usually. Takes about a week or preparation and paperwork
> > then
> > > send it out - takes most folks two to three weeks to get it back.
> > >
> > > > Just looking to get more info on going, what I need to do or bring, ect
> > > > since I have never been out of the USA before, and seeing about meeting
> > > > up with people that are going to make it easier.
> > >
> > > There's a lot of info on the web site. The three important things for me:
> > >
> > > 1) Figure out your accommodations. Hotels fill up fast and while you can
> > > always cancel most reservations without a fee, it can be difficult to
> > find
> > > reasonably priced accommodations at the last minute.
> > >
> > > 2) Figure out your travel arrangements. I'm in Northern Virginia so I go
> > > out of Dulles (IAD). Depending on where you are in Maryland, Baltimore
> > > (BWI) may be your best bet for inexpensive fares. Some people fly into
> > > Berlin and take a DeutscheBahn (DB) trains to Leipzig. I've personally
> > > found flying all the way to Leipzig is better and less expensive. But
> > I've
> > > also flown into Dusseldorf and driven to Leipzig.
> > >
> > > 3) Watch for the schedule spreadsheets. People take the announced bands
> > and
> > > venues and crunch the schedule into spreadsheets so you can determine
> > what
> > > venue you want to be at to see what bands. You will find that you almost
> > > always have to let some good shows go in order to see others - it's a
> > first
> > > timer mistake to run from venue to venue every day because doing so you
> > miss
> > > loads of bands and may not even get into the shows you want. It's harder
> > > and harder to plan ahead due to late schedule finalization, but give it a
> > > shot with prior year spreadsheets so you can understand how to maximize
> > your
> > > Treffen.
> > >
> > > The rest of it is pretty normal travel stuff. ATMs work over there for
> > most
> > > people so you can just withdraw Euros if need be (exchange rate is nasty
> > > just as an FYI). We do a 20 hour day at WGT - out of hotel by noon, shows
> > > by 2p, wrap up shows at 1a at latest, clubs and dancing until 7a,
> > breakfast
> > > and bed by 8a.
> > >
> > > I strongly recommend joining us at the restaurant or bar where AmInLeip
> > > gathers at the beginning of the weekend (and joining some of us dancing
> > > afterwards) so you have some familiar faces too. Though I typically just
> > > scope out English speakers and make sure to say hi and introduce myself
> > when
> > > appropriate so I know more people every year. If you know some German
> > then
> > > be sure to use it too.
> > >
> > > -Aceldama
> > >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

Wear your heaviest pair on the plane, provided they have no spikes or
chains. It's actually easier that way, especially given they zip on
and off quickly.

- Charles



On Nov 24, 2009, at 12:48 PM, "michael a" <redwallsblack@...>
wrote:

> I hope I can bring my New Rocks, they are 3 inch platforms with
> Springs but are so comfy. I shall bring my sneakers as well, yes . I
> have 12 pairs of boots..hard to choose what to bring. I want to pack
> light, because of the great shopping there, though the exchange rate
> will limit the amount of cash I have :/
>
> --- In AmericansInLeipzig@yahoogroups.com, nightaudtr@... wrote:
> >
> > I wear black sneakers (*sehr* bequem!) unless I'm going to something
> > formal, in which case I bring black boots with me to change into.
> There's
> > nothing worse at WGT than painful feet leading to painful knees,
> thighs, and
> > hence to toxic attitude. I think UA has an afternoon MUC-IAD
> flight which you
> > can take a late morning LEJ-MUC puddlejumper to. Shortest way to
> fly home
> > is unconscious from exhaustion.
> >
> > James (S.F.)
> >
> >
> > In a message dated 11/23/2009 4:31:34 P.M. Pacific Standard Time,
> > violentmeans@... writes:
> >
> > 1.) Wear comfy shoes, 'cause you'll be on your feet *all* *the*
> *time*.2.)
> > Don't fly back early Tuesday morning if you can help it. Not only
> did I
> > have to leave the club early, but my friends texted that they were
> still
> > dancing while I was boarding my plane back to the States.
> Suckfest. I won't
> > make that mistake again!
> >
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

The weight limits on luggage will also limit how many pairs of New Rocks
you can bring.
Remember to keep this in mind because it is not cheap and no one wants a
surprise like that on their way home :)

-Pea.


-----Original Message-----
From: "michael a" <redwallsblack@...>
To: AmericansInLeipzig@yahoogroups.com
Date: Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:48:04 -0000
Subject: Re: [AmInLeip] New member from Maryland- Looking into going to
Wave for 1st t...

> I hope I can bring my New Rocks, they are 3 inch platforms with Springs
> but are so comfy. I shall bring my sneakers as well, yes . I have 12
> pairs of boots..hard to choose what to bring. I want to pack light,
> because of the great shopping there, though the exchange rate will
> limit the amount of cash I have :/

I hope I can bring my New Rocks, they are 3 inch platforms with Springs but are
so comfy. I shall bring my sneakers as well, yes . I have 12 pairs of
boots..hard to choose what to bring. I want to pack light, because of the great
shopping there, though the exchange rate will limit the amount of cash I have :/

--- In AmericansInLeipzig@yahoogroups.com, nightaudtr@... wrote:
>
> I wear black sneakers (*sehr* bequem!) unless I'm going to something
> formal, in which case I bring black boots with me to change into.  There's
> nothing worse at WGT than painful feet leading to painful knees, thighs, and
> hence to toxic attitude.  I think UA has an afternoon MUC-IAD flight which 
you
> can take a late morning LEJ-MUC puddlejumper to.  Shortest way to fly  home
> is unconscious from exhaustion.
>
> James (S.F.)
>
>
> In a message dated 11/23/2009 4:31:34 P.M. Pacific Standard Time,
> violentmeans@... writes:
>
> 1.) Wear  comfy shoes, 'cause you'll be on your feet *all* *the* *time*.2.)
> Don't fly  back early Tuesday morning if you can help it.  Not only did I
> have to  leave the club early, but my friends texted that they were still
> dancing while  I was boarding my plane back to the States.  Suckfest.  I won't
> make  that mistake again!
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

I have always used priceline and Name your Own price for Hotels, but I have
never used them for airfair before.

I always thought booking a flight closer to the date that I want makes it more
expensive, since they know you need it sooner. Not like I can book right now
anyways. Most likely by Jan I will have some more saved that I can book so it is
good. I hope I can find one without a lot of fees if for some reason I need to
cancel. Same with a Hotel. Ive had that problem once. I have not flown anywhere
in a number of years though.

$550 is a great deal vs now. I will take your advice and wait until around then,
yes.


I am at work now, so I will digest all this info when I get home tonight :)

I have not been to Spellbound in a while. The crowd there has been iffy lately,
though I know most of the people that go. Maybe we know each other or have seen
while out lol.

Is your name Joe btw? When I goggled your screen name here, that came up and you
look like someone I used to talk with back when the Ballroom/Nations was open.


--- In AmericansInLeipzig@yahoogroups.com, "Aceldama" <aceldama@...> wrote:
>
> michael a wrote:
>
>
> > From Pricelining airfair, its about $1200.00 or so for a round trip and
> > thats with connections, I cant seem to find a straight flight without
> > it being a lot more. I checked all 3 DC area airports too. I work in
> > Northern VA also, so getting to Dulles or BWI ir the other ones isn't a
> > problem.
>
> I'm not sure why you would use Priceline as they aren't particularly
> reliable.  I'd check at www.Kayak.com which seems to give the best
> comprehensive view.  You'll still see prices around $1168 as the cheapest
> this time of year.
>
> Going via Berlin is slightly cheaper at $935 but it suffers from two
> problems.  (1) It's BMI and they never run on time and regularly miss
> connections.  (2) Your train ticket round trip will probably be $150 or more
> given the exchange rate and that's with advance booking which requires you
> make a specific train.
>
> In 2009 a lot of people bought tickets in January for around $900.  They
> then missed out on airline sales that hit around late February and March to
> boost passengers - my tickets were around $535 when I bought them in late
> March.  I don't know if that will happen this year, but while hotel prices
> continue to only increase, airfare does seem to be a bit more variable.
>
> > I was hoping to maybe find people online that wish to share a hotel
> > room. I would even take the option of sleeping on the floor to make it
> > cheaper. Done it many times. I wasnt sure about Hostels since I have
> > never used one before, I would be worried about things being stolen,
> > not sure how safe they are. I just know they are cheaper.
>
> I've not done hostels but many other people have.  As for room shares - let
> people know you are looking for one so they get a chance to affirm you are
> someone they could handle.
>
> > Have you booked a flight or hotel yet? Wondering what price you are
> > seeing.
>
> Nope.  I have the fail back option of booking with miles so I wait until the
> price hits a range I like.
>
> > Im going to try to make it out of the USA on Thursday if I can so not
> > sure if I can make the meet up dinner. But Ill see. It depends how much
> > I save in order to make sure I can pay bills while away. I don't get
> > paid time off yet, maybe by next year I will at this job though.
> > Ill have to look again and see what time your meetup is and then see
> > when is best to leave since its such a long flight and all.
>
> I would suggest you head out Wednesday afternoon or evening so you arrive in
> Leipzig Thursday.  It's a 6 hour time zone shift from East Coast USA, plus
> the flight time and layovers which means you arrive 14-18 hours of clock
> time later than you left.  But everyone knows you have to align that with
> work and finances, so we all just do the best we can.  If you miss the
> dinner then you will still run into many of us at Moritz Bastei after the
> last shows are done and until dawn drives us to get breakfast.
>
> > Do you go to any of the Gothic clubs or events in the DC area, since
> > you live in VA?
>
> I don't spend a lot of time in NoVA and DC.  I occasionally go to Spellbound
> DC.
>
> -Aceldama
>

michael a wrote:


> From Pricelining airfair, its about $1200.00 or so for a round trip and
> thats with connections, I cant seem to find a straight flight without
> it being a lot more. I checked all 3 DC area airports too. I work in
> Northern VA also, so getting to Dulles or BWI ir the other ones isn't a
> problem.

I'm not sure why you would use Priceline as they aren't particularly
reliable.  I'd check at www.Kayak.com which seems to give the best
comprehensive view.  You'll still see prices around $1168 as the cheapest
this time of year.

Going via Berlin is slightly cheaper at $935 but it suffers from two
problems.  (1) It's BMI and they never run on time and regularly miss
connections.  (2) Your train ticket round trip will probably be $150 or more
given the exchange rate and that's with advance booking which requires you
make a specific train.

In 2009 a lot of people bought tickets in January for around $900.  They
then missed out on airline sales that hit around late February and March to
boost passengers - my tickets were around $535 when I bought them in late
March.  I don't know if that will happen this year, but while hotel prices
continue to only increase, airfare does seem to be a bit more variable.

> I was hoping to maybe find people online that wish to share a hotel
> room. I would even take the option of sleeping on the floor to make it
> cheaper. Done it many times. I wasnt sure about Hostels since I have
> never used one before, I would be worried about things being stolen,
> not sure how safe they are. I just know they are cheaper.

I've not done hostels but many other people have.  As for room shares - let
people know you are looking for one so they get a chance to affirm you are
someone they could handle.

> Have you booked a flight or hotel yet? Wondering what price you are
> seeing.

Nope.  I have the fail back option of booking with miles so I wait until the
price hits a range I like.

> Im going to try to make it out of the USA on Thursday if I can so not
> sure if I can make the meet up dinner. But Ill see. It depends how much
> I save in order to make sure I can pay bills while away. I don't get
> paid time off yet, maybe by next year I will at this job though.
> Ill have to look again and see what time your meetup is and then see
> when is best to leave since its such a long flight and all.

I would suggest you head out Wednesday afternoon or evening so you arrive in
Leipzig Thursday.  It's a 6 hour time zone shift from East Coast USA, plus
the flight time and layovers which means you arrive 14-18 hours of clock
time later than you left.  But everyone knows you have to align that with
work and finances, so we all just do the best we can.  If you miss the
dinner then you will still run into many of us at Moritz Bastei after the
last shows are done and until dawn drives us to get breakfast.

> Do you go to any of the Gothic clubs or events in the DC area, since
> you live in VA?

I don't spend a lot of time in NoVA and DC.  I occasionally go to Spellbound
DC.

-Aceldama

Generally, the best time to buy tickets is 6 - 8 weeks before your trip.
Expect to pay in the vicinity of $600.00 round trip. I've done it for as low
as $450., never much more than $700.

The official forum generally will have people looking to share
accommodation. If privacy is not a big deal, the hostels in Leipzig are nice
and safe - but Good Luck finding one that isn't full up already! I'm
thinking of camping this year to save money; that is always the most
affordable option, but comes with it's own drawbacks (I'd be borrowing a
friend's shower in her hotel room; the campground ones are less than ideal!
And it can be chilly at night.)

I *really* recommend leaving the US on Wednesday at the latest, there are
ALWAYS lots of things going on in Leipzig on the Thursday (parties, bands,
etc), and you really don't want to get off the plane on Friday and have to
rush out with no time to recuperate from the flight!

Althea

On Tue, Nov 24, 2009 at 1:32 PM, michael a <redwallsblack@...> wrote:

>
>
>
> Thanks for the info.
>
> Yes I will get my passport soon. I am just trying tofigure out if I will
> even have enough cash to go, since my car transmission is going out and will
> need to be replaced soon. Hopefully not though.
>
> From Pricelining airfair, its about $1200.00 or so for a round trip and
> thats with connections, I cant seem to find a straight flight without it
> being a lot more. I checked all 3 DC area airports too. I work in Northern
> VA also, so getting to Dulles or BWI ir the other ones isn't a problem.
>
> I was hoping to maybe find people online that wish to share a hotel room. I
> would even take the option of sleeping on the floor to make it cheaper. Done
> it many times. I wasnt sure about Hostels since I have never used one
> before, I would be worried about things being stolen, not sure how safe they
> are. I just know they are cheaper.
>
> Have you booked a flight or hotel yet? Wondering what price you are seeing.
>
>
> Im going to try to make it out of the USA on Thursday if I can so not sure
> if I can make the meet up dinner. But Ill see. It depends how much I save in
> order to make sure I can pay bills while away. I don't get paid time off
> yet, maybe by next year I will at this job though.
> Ill have to look again and see what time your meetup is and then see when
> is best to leave since its such a long flight and all.
>
> Do you go to any of the Gothic clubs or events in the DC area, since you
> live in VA?
>
> --- In
AmericansInLeipzig@yahoogroups.com<AmericansInLeipzig%40yahoogroups.com>,
> "Aceldama" <aceldama@...> wrote:
> >
> > Welcome aboard.
> >
> > > Hi everyone, just joined. Never been to WGTF before or even out of the
> > > USA yet, do not have a passport yet.
> >
> > You should sort the passport issue soon. You'll need that info to book
> your
> > plane tickets usually. Takes about a week or preparation and paperwork
> then
> > send it out - takes most folks two to three weeks to get it back.
> >
> > > Just looking to get more info on going, what I need to do or bring, ect
> > > since I have never been out of the USA before, and seeing about meeting
> > > up with people that are going to make it easier.
> >
> > There's a lot of info on the web site. The three important things for me:
> >
> > 1) Figure out your accommodations. Hotels fill up fast and while you can
> > always cancel most reservations without a fee, it can be difficult to
> find
> > reasonably priced accommodations at the last minute.
> >
> > 2) Figure out your travel arrangements. I'm in Northern Virginia so I go
> > out of Dulles (IAD). Depending on where you are in Maryland, Baltimore
> > (BWI) may be your best bet for inexpensive fares. Some people fly into
> > Berlin and take a DeutscheBahn (DB) trains to Leipzig. I've personally
> > found flying all the way to Leipzig is better and less expensive. But
> I've
> > also flown into Dusseldorf and driven to Leipzig.
> >
> > 3) Watch for the schedule spreadsheets. People take the announced bands
> and
> > venues and crunch the schedule into spreadsheets so you can determine
> what
> > venue you want to be at to see what bands. You will find that you almost
> > always have to let some good shows go in order to see others - it's a
> first
> > timer mistake to run from venue to venue every day because doing so you
> miss
> > loads of bands and may not even get into the shows you want. It's harder
> > and harder to plan ahead due to late schedule finalization, but give it a
> > shot with prior year spreadsheets so you can understand how to maximize
> your
> > Treffen.
> >
> > The rest of it is pretty normal travel stuff. ATMs work over there for
> most
> > people so you can just withdraw Euros if need be (exchange rate is nasty
> > just as an FYI). We do a 20 hour day at WGT - out of hotel by noon, shows
> > by 2p, wrap up shows at 1a at latest, clubs and dancing until 7a,
> breakfast
> > and bed by 8a.
> >
> > I strongly recommend joining us at the restaurant or bar where AmInLeip
> > gathers at the beginning of the weekend (and joining some of us dancing
> > afterwards) so you have some familiar faces too. Though I typically just
> > scope out English speakers and make sure to say hi and introduce myself
> when
> > appropriate so I know more people every year. If you know some German
> then
> > be sure to use it too.
> >
> > -Aceldama
> >
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Great thanks, Ill check out those links :)


--- In AmericansInLeipzig@yahoogroups.com, Sharon Ortiz <kyronfive@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Michael,
>
> Have you had a chance to visit the fabulous Americans in Leipzig FAQ?
>
> http://www.americansinleipzig.com/
>
> It'll answer all sorts of first-timer questions you may have. In regards to
flights, i highly recommend waiting from between 12 and 8 weeks before the WGT
date before pricing out tickets. That's when the flights tend to be cheapest.
This is all detailed in the FAQ. ;)
>
> I also recommend checking out Sadgoth's guide to WGT: http://sadgoth.com/.
>
> Both the AiL FAQ and Sadgoth's guide have great lodging info with reviews.
FWIW Leipzig has a couple of reputable hostels. The Sleepy Lion tends to be the
most popular but it also tends to be completely booked with regulars. I know
others here have stayed at the Central Globetrotter hostel and reviewed it
positively. Like all hostels it's modest but i've heard it's clean, friendly,
etc. I've also never heard of anyone having troubles with theft there.Another
option -- and its the cheapest of all -- is camping. Should you go that route
you'll definitely want to read the above links for tips.
>
> Also, in order to make the Americans in Leipzig dinner you'll need to leave
Wednesday, not Thursday, as it takes around 24 hours (with the time difference)
to get to Leipzig. Just FYI.
>
> Good luck!
> --Sharon
>
>
>

Hi Michael,

Have you had a chance to visit the fabulous Americans in Leipzig FAQ?

http://www.americansinleipzig.com/

It'll answer all sorts of first-timer questions you may have. In regards to
flights, i highly recommend waiting from between 12 and 8 weeks before the WGT
date before pricing out tickets. That's when the flights tend to be cheapest.
This is all detailed in the FAQ. ;)

I also recommend checking out Sadgoth's guide to WGT: http://sadgoth.com/.

Both the AiL FAQ and Sadgoth's guide have great lodging info with reviews. FWIW
Leipzig has a couple of reputable hostels. The Sleepy Lion tends to be the most
popular but it also tends to be completely booked with regulars. I know others
here have stayed at the Central Globetrotter hostel and reviewed it positively.
Like all hostels it's modest but i've heard it's clean, friendly, etc. I've also
never heard of anyone having troubles with theft there.Another option -- and its
the cheapest of all -- is camping. Should you go that route you'll definitely
want to read the above links for tips.

Also, in order to make the Americans in Leipzig dinner you'll need to leave
Wednesday, not Thursday, as it takes around 24 hours (with the time difference)
to get to Leipzig. Just FYI.

Good luck!
--Sharon




________________________________
From: michael a <redwallsblack@...>
To: AmericansInLeipzig@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tue, November 24, 2009 10:32:19 AM
Subject: Re: [AmInLeip] New member from Maryland- Looking into going to Wave for
1st time



Thanks for the info.

Yes I will get my passport soon. I am just trying tofigure out if I will even
have enough cash to go, since my car transmission is going out and will need to
be replaced soon. Hopefully not though.

From Pricelining airfair, its about $1200.00 or so for a round trip and thats
with connections, I cant seem to find a straight flight without it being a lot
more. I checked all 3 DC area airports too. I work in Northern VA also, so
getting to Dulles or BWI ir the other ones isn't a problem.

I was hoping to maybe find people online that wish to share a hotel room. I
would even take the option of sleeping on the floor to make it cheaper. Done it
many times. I wasnt sure about Hostels since I have never used one before, I
would be worried about things being stolen, not sure how safe they are. I just
know they are cheaper.

Have you booked a flight or hotel yet? Wondering what price you are seeing.

Im going to try to make it out of the USA on Thursday if I can so not sure if I
can make the meet up dinner. But Ill see. It depends how much I save in order to
make sure I can pay bills while away. I don't get paid time off yet, maybe by
next year I will at this job though.
Ill have to look again and see what time your meetup is and then see when is
best to leave since its such a long flight and all.

Do you go to any of the Gothic clubs or events in the DC area, since you live in
VA?

--- In AmericansInLeipzig@ yahoogroups. com, "Aceldama" <aceldama@.. .> wrote:
>
> Welcome aboard.
>
> > Hi everyone, just joined. Never been to WGTF before or even out of the
> > USA yet, do not have a passport yet.
>
> You should sort the passport issue soon.  You'll need that info to book your
> plane tickets usually.  Takes about a week or preparation and paperwork then
> send it out - takes most folks two to three weeks to get it back.
>
> > Just looking to get more info on going, what I need to do or bring, ect
> > since I have never been out of the USA before, and seeing about meeting
> > up with people that are going to make it easier.
>
> There's a lot of info on the web site.  The three important things for me:
>
> 1) Figure out your accommodations.  Hotels fill up fast and while you can
> always cancel most reservations without a fee, it can be difficult to find
> reasonably priced accommodations at the last minute.
>
> 2) Figure out your travel arrangements.  I'm in Northern Virginia so I go
> out of Dulles (IAD).  Depending on where you are in Maryland, Baltimore
> (BWI) may be your best bet for inexpensive fares.  Some people fly into
> Berlin and take a DeutscheBahn (DB) trains to Leipzig.  I've personally
> found flying all the way to Leipzig is better and less expensive. But I've
> also flown into Dusseldorf and driven to Leipzig.
>
> 3) Watch for the schedule spreadsheets.  People take the announced bands and
> venues and crunch the schedule into spreadsheets so you can determine what
> venue you want to be at to see what bands.  You will find that you almost
> always have to let some good shows go in order to see others - it's a first
> timer mistake to run from venue to venue every day because doing so you miss
> loads of bands and may not even get into the shows you want.  It's harder
> and harder to plan ahead due to late schedule finalization, but give it a
> shot with prior year spreadsheets so you can understand how to maximize your
> Treffen.
>
> The rest of it is pretty normal travel stuff.  ATMs work over there for most
> people so you can just withdraw Euros if need be (exchange rate is nasty
> just as an FYI).  We do a 20 hour day at WGT - out of hotel by noon, shows
> by 2p, wrap up shows at 1a at latest, clubs and dancing until 7a, breakfast
> and bed by 8a.
>
> I strongly recommend joining us at the restaurant or bar where AmInLeip
> gathers at the beginning of the weekend (and joining some of us dancing
> afterwards) so you have some familiar faces too.  Though I typically just
> scope out English speakers and make sure to say hi and introduce myself when
> appropriate so I know more people every year.  If you know some German then
> be sure to use it too.
>
> -Aceldama
>




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Thanks for the info.

Yes I will get my passport soon. I am just trying tofigure out if I will even
have enough cash to go, since my car transmission is going out and will need to
be replaced soon. Hopefully not though.

From Pricelining airfair, its about $1200.00 or so for a round trip and thats
with connections, I cant seem to find a straight flight without it being a lot
more. I checked all 3 DC area airports too. I work in Northern VA also, so
getting to Dulles or BWI ir the other ones isn't a problem.


I was hoping to maybe find people online that wish to share a hotel room. I
would even take the option of sleeping on the floor to make it cheaper. Done it
many times. I wasnt sure about Hostels since I have never used one before, I
would be worried about things being stolen, not sure how safe they are. I just
know they are cheaper.

Have you booked a flight or hotel yet? Wondering what price you are seeing.

Im going to try to make it out of the USA on Thursday if I can so not sure if I
can make the meet up dinner. But Ill see. It depends how much I save in order to
make sure I can pay bills while away. I don't get paid time off yet, maybe by
next year I will at this job though.
Ill have to look again and see what time your meetup is and then see when is
best to leave since its such a long flight and all.

Do you go to any of the Gothic clubs or events in the DC area, since you live in
VA?




--- In AmericansInLeipzig@yahoogroups.com, "Aceldama" <aceldama@...> wrote:
>
> Welcome aboard.
>
> > Hi everyone, just joined. Never been to WGTF before or even out of the
> > USA yet, do not have a passport yet.
>
> You should sort the passport issue soon.  You'll need that info to book your
> plane tickets usually.  Takes about a week or preparation and paperwork then
> send it out - takes most folks two to three weeks to get it back.
>
> > Just looking to get more info on going, what I need to do or bring, ect
> > since I have never been out of the USA before, and seeing about meeting
> > up with people that are going to make it easier.
>
> There's a lot of info on the web site.  The three important things for me:
>
> 1) Figure out your accommodations.  Hotels fill up fast and while you can
> always cancel most reservations without a fee, it can be difficult to find
> reasonably priced accommodations at the last minute.
>
> 2) Figure out your travel arrangements.  I'm in Northern Virginia so I go
> out of Dulles (IAD).  Depending on where you are in Maryland, Baltimore
> (BWI) may be your best bet for inexpensive fares.  Some people fly into
> Berlin and take a DeutscheBahn (DB) trains to Leipzig.  I've personally
> found flying all the way to Leipzig is better and less expensive. But I've
> also flown into Dusseldorf and driven to Leipzig.
>
> 3) Watch for the schedule spreadsheets.  People take the announced bands and
> venues and crunch the schedule into spreadsheets so you can determine what
> venue you want to be at to see what bands.  You will find that you almost
> always have to let some good shows go in order to see others - it's a first
> timer mistake to run from venue to venue every day because doing so you miss
> loads of bands and may not even get into the shows you want.  It's harder
> and harder to plan ahead due to late schedule finalization, but give it a
> shot with prior year spreadsheets so you can understand how to maximize your
> Treffen.
>
> The rest of it is pretty normal travel stuff.  ATMs work over there for most
> people so you can just withdraw Euros if need be (exchange rate is nasty
> just as an FYI).  We do a 20 hour day at WGT - out of hotel by noon, shows
> by 2p, wrap up shows at 1a at latest, clubs and dancing until 7a, breakfast
> and bed by 8a.
>
> I strongly recommend joining us at the restaurant or bar where AmInLeip
> gathers at the beginning of the weekend (and joining some of us dancing
> afterwards) so you have some familiar faces too.  Though I typically just
> scope out English speakers and make sure to say hi and introduce myself when
> appropriate so I know more people every year.  If you know some German then
> be sure to use it too.
>
> -Aceldama
>

I find any shoes that are well broken-in, containing fresh insoles,
will be at least bearable. It also helps to have thick socks, and high
pain tolerance :P

It's a big help if you can schedule in time to sit down for a few, as
often as possible. I like to trick myself into believing I'm taking it
easy by sitting down for a drink in between the shows I'm not running
to catch.

Don't forget to bring a compact umbrella, especially if you're hoping
to see a popular band at the kohlrabizirkus. You will be in line for
no less than an hour, it will eventually rain, and you will be lucky
if you actually make it in before the show's over.

- Charles



On Nov 23, 2009, at 4:46 PM, nightaudtr@... wrote:

> I wear black sneakers (*sehr* bequem!) unless I'm going to something
> formal, in which case I bring black boots with me to change into.
> There's
> nothing worse at WGT than painful feet leading to painful knees,
> thighs, and
> hence to toxic attitude. I think UA has an afternoon MUC-IAD flight
> which you
> can take a late morning LEJ-MUC puddlejumper to. Shortest way to fly
> home
> is unconscious from exhaustion.
>
> James (S.F.)
>
>
> In a message dated 11/23/2009 4:31:34 P.M. Pacific Standard Time,
> violentmeans@... writes:
>
> 1.) Wear comfy shoes, 'cause you'll be on your feet *all* *the*
> *time*.2.)
> Don't fly back early Tuesday morning if you can help it. Not only
> did I
> have to leave the club early, but my friends texted that they were
> still
> dancing while I was boarding my plane back to the States. Suckfest.
> I won't
> make that mistake again!
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I wear black sneakers (*sehr* bequem!) unless I'm going to something
formal, in which case I bring black boots with me to change into.  There's
nothing worse at WGT than painful feet leading to painful knees, thighs, and
hence to toxic attitude.  I think UA has an afternoon MUC-IAD flight which  you
can take a late morning LEJ-MUC puddlejumper to.  Shortest way to fly  home
is unconscious from exhaustion.

James (S.F.)


In a message dated 11/23/2009 4:31:34 P.M. Pacific Standard Time,
violentmeans@... writes:

1.) Wear  comfy shoes, 'cause you'll be on your feet *all* *the* *time*.2.)
Don't fly  back early Tuesday morning if you can help it.  Not only did I
have to  leave the club early, but my friends texted that they were still
dancing while  I was boarding my plane back to the States.  Suckfest.  I won't
make  that mistake again!



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hallo.
I went for the first time last year, and it was amazing, and a very worth-while
trip.
I second getting there in time for the meet-up dinner, which is usually the
Thursday before everything kicks off, if memory serves.  Other than that, my
$0.02 consists of:
1.) Wear comfy shoes, 'cause you'll be on your feet *all* *the* *time*.2.) Don't
fly back early Tuesday morning if you can help it.  Not only did I have to
leave the club early, but my friends texted that they were still dancing while I
was boarding my plane back to the States.  Suckfest.  I won't make that
mistake again!
Good luck getting your plans in order, it's a great experience!
Cheers,~Lyndsay


--- On Mon, 11/23/09, michael a <redwallsblack@...> wrote:

From: michael a <redwallsblack@...>
Subject: [AmInLeip] New member from Maryland- Looking into going to Wave for 1st
time
To: AmericansInLeipzig@yahoogroups.com
Date: Monday, November 23, 2009, 3:20 PM
















 









       Hi everyone, just joined. Never been to WGTF before or even out of the USA
yet, do not have a passport yet.



Just looking to get more info on going, what I need to do or bring, ect since I
have never been out of the USA before, and seeing about meeting up with people
that are going to make it easier.



:)






























[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Welcome aboard.

> Hi everyone, just joined. Never been to WGTF before or even out of the
> USA yet, do not have a passport yet.

You should sort the passport issue soon.  You'll need that info to book your
plane tickets usually.  Takes about a week or preparation and paperwork then
send it out - takes most folks two to three weeks to get it back.

> Just looking to get more info on going, what I need to do or bring, ect
> since I have never been out of the USA before, and seeing about meeting
> up with people that are going to make it easier.

There's a lot of info on the web site.  The three important things for me:

1) Figure out your accommodations.  Hotels fill up fast and while you can
always cancel most reservations without a fee, it can be difficult to find
reasonably priced accommodations at the last minute.

2) Figure out your travel arrangements.  I'm in Northern Virginia so I go
out of Dulles (IAD).  Depending on where you are in Maryland, Baltimore
(BWI) may be your best bet for inexpensive fares.  Some people fly into
Berlin and take a DeutscheBahn (DB) trains to Leipzig.  I've personally
found flying all the way to Leipzig is better and less expensive. But I've
also flown into Dusseldorf and driven to Leipzig.

3) Watch for the schedule spreadsheets.  People take the announced bands and
venues and crunch the schedule into spreadsheets so you can determine what
venue you want to be at to see what bands.  You will find that you almost
always have to let some good shows go in order to see others - it's a first
timer mistake to run from venue to venue every day because doing so you miss
loads of bands and may not even get into the shows you want.  It's harder
and harder to plan ahead due to late schedule finalization, but give it a
shot with prior year spreadsheets so you can understand how to maximize your
Treffen.

The rest of it is pretty normal travel stuff.  ATMs work over there for most
people so you can just withdraw Euros if need be (exchange rate is nasty
just as an FYI).  We do a 20 hour day at WGT - out of hotel by noon, shows
by 2p, wrap up shows at 1a at latest, clubs and dancing until 7a, breakfast
and bed by 8a.

I strongly recommend joining us at the restaurant or bar where AmInLeip
gathers at the beginning of the weekend (and joining some of us dancing
afterwards) so you have some familiar faces too.  Though I typically just
scope out English speakers and make sure to say hi and introduce myself when
appropriate so I know more people every year.  If you know some German then
be sure to use it too.

-Aceldama

Hi everyone, just joined. Never been to WGTF before or even out of the USA yet,
do not have a passport yet.

Just looking to get more info on going, what I need to do or bring, ect since I
have never been out of the USA before, and seeing about meeting up with people
that are going to make it easier.

:)

For info

I have been working away updating sadgoth.com and have just posted  the photos
from last years Pre Meeting at the Bayerisher Bahnhof (I forgot my Camera so I
asked Harm from South Africa to take a load of pictures, and when he had some
time to send them to me).

You can find them here
http://www.sadgoth.com/WGTPREMEETING.html

Also I have reorganised all of the band photos on my site that I have taken,
listing them now alphabetically rather than by what WGT they played at...you can
find the list here
http://www.sadgoth.com/WGTBANDPHOTOS.html

181 Days
See you in Leipzig
Mark

there wasnt anything on the site yet
i think this is a great jump off point for me to go to this venue

please keep posting and let me know how much tickets are and when they go on
sale


thanks

On Nov 18, 2009, at 11:05 AM, Ian Dutton wrote:

>
>
> Here are the deets from their Facebook (
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=108314844015
>  ) :
>
> > A Non-profit organization founded by a partnership between KAO
> Production, Android Productions & [i] Prod to promote the North
> American Electro-Industrial-Noize scene, Kinetik Productions is
> proud to bring you back after the success of the 2008 & 2009
> editions, the Festival Kinetik on May 12,13,14,15, and 16 2010 in
> Montreal, Canada. Don't miss your chance to be part of this unique
> experience with some of the best acts of the Electro-Industrial
> scene performing during those five days!
> >
> > The wait is over, here's the first line up announcement for the
> Kinetik Festival 3.0 :
> >
>
I love WGT but the lineup at Kinetik this year seems more in line with
the music I like than WGT, although at this point airfare to montreal
will probably be nearly the same.

-j



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I hadn't realized until today that the lineup for Montreal's Kinetik Festival
has been announced. And as usual, it's a week away from the WGT - this year the
weekend preceding WGT - which makes it hard to do both (unless you've got a
generous days-off policy and a budget to match!).

Here are the deets from their Facebook (
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=108314844015 ) :


> A Non-profit organization founded by a partnership between KAO Production,
Android Productions & [i] Prod to promote the North American
Electro-Industrial-Noize scene, Kinetik Productions is proud to bring you back
after the success of the 2008 & 2009 editions, the Festival Kinetik on May
12,13,14,15, and 16 2010 in Montreal, Canada. Don't miss your chance to be part
of this unique experience with some of the best acts of the Electro-Industrial
scene performing during those five days!
>
> The wait is over, here's the first line up announcement for the Kinetik
Festival 3.0 :
>
> - 16 Volt [US]
> - Absolute Body Control [BE]
> - Ascii Disko [ES]
> - Aliceffekt [CA]
> - Alien Vampires [UK]
> - Alter Der Ruine [US]
> - Ambassador 21 [BY]
> - Caustic [US]
> - Cesium 137 [US]
> - Chemlab [US]
> - COMBICHRIST [US]
> - David Carretta [FR]
> - Decoded Feedback [CA]
> - Destroid [DE]
> - Dive [BE]
> - Edgey [US]
> - FabrikC [DE]
> - Faderhead [DE]
> - FGFC 820 [US]
> - Fixmer / McCarthy [UK]
> - Frozen Plasma [DE]
> - Fractured [CA]
> - Gothsicles [US]
> - Hocico [MX]
> - Hypnoskull [DE]
> - Iszoloscope [CA]
> - Ivardensphere [CA]
> - Komor Kommando [CA]
> - Leaether Strip [DK]
> - Left Side Neighbour [CA]
> - Left Spine Down [CA]
> - Lights of Euphoria [DK]
> - Melotron [DE]
> - Memmaker [CA]
> - Nachtmahr [AT]
> - Rotersand [DE]
> - SAM [DE]
> - Synapscape [DE]
> - Terrorfakt [US]
> - T-Faktor [US]
> - Vomito Negro [BE]
>
> More coming soon...
>
> [line up updated on October 12]
>
> important note for people coming to the festival from outside Canada :
>
> For the U.S. travelers coming by plane to Canada, passport will be required.
For the ones arriving by land (car / train), you will need a valid passport to
enter Canada. Be aware that no one without passport will be granted access by
land to Canada.
>
> For the Mexican travelers, since August 2009 visitor visa are now required to
enter Canada as tourist. They are quite easy to get at your local Canadian
embassy, but be sure to do your request in time to get them well ahead of the
festival dates.
>
> Be sure to be well prepared before leaving for Canada, do your passport or
visa demands if they are necessary!


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

On Sat, 31 Oct 2009, Lisa wrote:

>
> Wow, I would *love* to see a film about subcultures produced in the DDR!
Please let is know if you are able to get a copy :)
>

Hi Lisa,

It turns out that the films can actually be bought on DVD, from UMass. See
http://www.defafilmlibrary.com - they're $24.95 each, which is a little
steep, but not very.

The films of interest are:
"Whisper and SHOUT" ("fluestern & SCHREIEN"), about the music scene en
East Germany in the late 1980s, including pop & underground.

"Leipzig in the Fall" ("Leipzig im Herbst" - too bad the pun that exists
in the English version of the title is not possible in German!), a
documentary of the monday Leipzig demonstrations in 1989.

Note that "Whisper & Shout" is available from Netflix, while "Leipzig in
the Fall" is not. I am a netflix subscriber, so it will be my next
selection. Neither film is available from Blockbuster (no surprise there).

Enjoy,
Bob