Freedomain Radio

Was there some talk of moving this up to July? I might be able to make it if it was in July.

I'd kind of like to meet some FDR members, but I feel a bit weird about allocating a few days toward it since I don't know very many members well at all. :/

Er, more specifically, I don't think it would be a waste of my time at all, but I am anxious about being well-received. It would kind of suck if people didn't like me and I was stuck in randomtown, Canada for a few days with little to do.

I totally understand your concern, but come if you can, I think you will be pleasantly shocked at how well everyone gets along.

I feel better now that you've said that, thanks.

Could you mention where the nearest airport is and the length of the total event approximately. I want to book my airline now so I can afford to go. Its hard for a college student in the statist US of A. Also what are the sleeping arangements? Do I have to book a hotel and if so do you have any reccomendations?

The nearest airport is Toronto Pearson, code YYZ, and it usually gets started on Friday afternoon and winds down by Sunday morning.  You will need a passport, so if you don't have one, you'll want to get one as soon as possible.

Sleeping arrangements are handled on your own, in local hotels/motels.  Once we get a date nailed down, feel free to find other people to share a room with...

If there's enough interest, we can see if there's any possibility for group rates, too!

I'm convinced. I'm coming. I just got my passport today and the lady told me that they are doubling the prices soon (I paid $75 for mine +$25 for the library). Not sure if that applies everywhere in the US or everywhere in PA but I'd look into it I guess.

7.5 hour drive for me... same distance it took for Porcfest last year so I suppose that's not bad

edit--what's the best place to discuss sharing rooms or rides or cheapest rooms? would that just be right in this topic or would the event page be a better place? any sugestions on better room prices? Cheapest I found was motel 6

If I were 40 years younger, I'd be coming. But getting to Toronto, which is about as far as Bermuda is from here, is too tough for me, given my September time / budgetary constraints. But maybe I'll send a dozen roses or something.

Just an FYI, I was looking at flights from Southern California to Toronto the other day, and it was around $500. However, you could get to Detroit for $250 and it's a 3.5 hour drive to Mississagua or Buffalo for around $260 and a 1.5 hr drive.

Prices have probably changed now but if you're coming from within the US just keep in mind it's going to be a lot cheaper to fly to a neighboring American city and rent a car and drive.

My plan is to fly into Buffalo and then take a rental into Mississauga.  The border crossing will probably be pretty busy, especially if the BBQ is around Labor Day and you're going back to Buffalo on Monday, but I'd rather deal with customs at the land crossing than customs in the airport.

No matter what way you cross, you will need a passport of some kind!  If you fly in, you need a full passport; if you're only going to drive (or take a boat) then you can get the passport card (which is a lot cheaper) but it isn't any good for "international" air travel.

That's a good idea. I'd be up for sharing a rental car with someone. I'm too young to rent a car myself, but I'd be willing to share the cost if someone older is willing to take me along.

I'd really like to go, I just want to figure out which of the myriad of possible ways to get there I'll use before I confirm that I'm going.

As Stef confirmed on the Sunday show, since he's the opening speaker at Porcfest, the BBQ will be on Labor Day weekend!

I will start to look for group rates--it's only 4 months away --but I need to have an idea of the number of rooms and the duration that will be required (the last place we stayed was very flexible regarding people coming a day early or arriving a day later, but I wouldn't count on getting them this time as they're a college campus).

Who would be interested in group rates, and when would you arrive, when would you leave?

The days with the most activity are 9/3-9/5... I plan to arrive early/midday on 9/2 and leave first thing on 9/7 from Buffalo.

Please see the Group Rates thread for Group Rates!

Since I can't come and it makes me really jealous, I'm going to formally submit a request for a group video call to China.

Thank you