ChinesePod returns for the “U.K. Meetup Part-Deux” - I just don’t know when. I will be in the U.K. from Dec. 16th - January 6th and would love nothing more than to hang out with (see: using ChinesePod’s dosh to buy ya a “cuppa” or “pint”) those who listen.
Ideas? Dates? Place?
I’m open - but expect a long hug, as the holidays really bring out the lovey-dovey in me.
Aric
For me I think the best dates would be either 17th, 27th, 28th, 29th and ideal location somewhere like Leeds, but further south if necessary.
Aric, did you say you were bringing Jenny with you?
I’m thinking that 27, 28 or 29…depending on how much I can take from the budget, perhaps three days straight!
Anyone else?
A
Bazza will have to get over his obsession with Jenny.
Hello!
I’m new to chinesepod but would like to meet everyone. I’m London-based and free anytime (outside of normal biz hours).
My class mate from chinese class is also interested.
See you soon!
Don’t worry Richard, I’m seeing a Therapist.
There are worse obsessions.
Bazza - agreed, and we’re all secretly attached, so no worries.
Did you say London would be too far for a day? I say this only because it seems to be turning into a party (3, maybe 4 people now - woo hoo!), and The Big Smoke seems like it might be central for all.
Thoughts?
I may be able to come if it’s in central London - perhaps China town? or is that too obvious. Aric may want to make the most of being in England and eat our traditional food (curry).
No one said any thing about eating - sorry - that’s my food obsession. Drinking will do.
I wouldn’t like to attempt driving into London at Christmas, so I’d probably go by train. I’ll look up how long it takes.
Ok, journey time is approx. 3h 40m by train. So it’s not too bad.
Wonderful - Chinatown would actually be funny, lets do it.
Okay, now - dates…how about the 29th? Daytime good for all, say, 3pm-ish, or do some need to work? If so, 6p?
I reckon a few hours, as not to eat into anyones holiday time too much.
How many we have so far, 5 in all? I’m sure there’s more…
A
I doubt I’d be able to find anywhere in Chinatown, I’m that familar with London, I’ve only been twice before. Why not just meet at the ‘London Eye’ or something? In fact why not book a ride on it for us all, then we could have our own ‘pod’?
I meant to say ‘I’m not that familar with London’
I think 29th would be ok for me, although afternoon would be better than evening. I’ve checked the train times and my last train home is 8:30pm, but I’d prefer not to get the last one in case I miss it and also I wouldn’t get home until about midnight.
Hello!
I can prob join you in the early evening on on the 29th. I have to work that day but will try to sneak out early!
Is there a plan to meet up in NYC too?????
I can meet too! Also based in London and I might be able to round up another couple of Chinese podders. 29th is fine, any time for me. Just need a time and place.
Hi guys, I am in London and would really have loved to meet up with Aric and the Cpod group, but have a friend visiting then and don’t think I’ll be able to join up with you guys…sorry!!
Hi, I’d like to meet you guys too, I’ll be living in S. London so 29th should be fine for me.
Okay - 29th it is!
I’m thinking 4-6p? Or does it need to be a bit later for those working?
Time and place - all up to you.
A
London meet up? I’m in too!
I’ll have to work that day though, so the later the better, otherwise i’ll find an excuse to sneak out a bit early.
any place is fine for me
S
Nice one - okay, I’ll log on once I land (me, the workaholic) and we’ll suss out details.
Bring whomever you like, it’ll be great fun…and I’ve got to catch a train back to Winchester, so no worries about it being a late one (famous last words).
A
About 4 to 6pm sounds ok, should I booked my train tickets based on that?
So, Bazza, you’re going to spend four hours travelling to London by train, spend one or two hours talking to Aric across a table full of excited poddies, and then another four hours travelling home? And you don’t even get to meet Jenny? Talk about dedication!
Baz - would hold off on the exact time until it’s all sussed.
I’ll be there within the next few days and we’ll sort it all out for good.
Can you stay longer than 6p? Sounds like a lot are coming from work and I know they’d much rather meet you than me - until 7 or so?
A
I ought to be in london on the 29th. If i can make it to chinatown, i’ll come say hi
Yep, pretty much AuntySue hehe. I’ve made more ridiculous trips in the past though, earlier in the year I went to Stonehenge which was about 6 hour drive, stopped there about an hour then set off back again. So 12 hours driving in total hehe.
Aric, I think there’s a train back at 7:30pm.
BTW my train will arrive at Kings Cross, so try not to pick somewhere about 5 miles away.
Aunty Sue,
This is crowded Britain where we made huge long arduous journeys across tiny distances as opposed to Australia where you can make huge long journeys across huge distances in a similar time :).
There is a remote chance I will be able to make it, I am attempting to juggle family stuff at the moment though. It would be good to meet some peeps.
29th is good for me. Can I suggest a venue? Angeles Restaurant at 405 Kilburn High Road is a genuine Sichuan place and, according to my Chinese friend, the best he’s been to in the UK. It’s as quick from King’s X as Chinatown and likely to be easier to accommodate what sounds like a largeish group.
Don’t worry if it doesn’t appeal.
Huasen
Good call Huasen, I had the hotpot at Angeles and it was good, but just make sure that you are ordering off the authentic Chinese menu (which is translated into English that is stamped onto this funky wooden-scroll), not eating from the buffet that caters to non-Chinese.
Somebody else can correct me, as I’ve only lived in London for a few months, but from my look at the tube map, Chinatown is a straight shot from Kings Cross to Leicester Square on Picadilly Line, only 4 stops, whereas Angeles is by Kilburn tube stop on Jubilee line, which would require a transfer and is further, so might be less convenient for Bazza.
I unfortunately can’t make it either way, so really a moot point for me. Have fun all!
I enjoy using the tube, so as long as it’s pretty close to a tube station I’m not too bothered.
(I guess no one liked my London Eye idea. Probably too expensive anyway.)
Correct on all fronts Mike. It does require a change and would probably take 10 mins longer by tube.
There’s a good place called New China Experience in Chinatown too. Your call Bazza.
Hey guys - both Angeles Restaurant and Chinatown are within a block or two of tube stations.
Haven’t been to New China Experience (unless this is same as Chinese Experience on Shaftesbury??), but will def check it out. There are plenty of pubs around Chinatown that could also work for an informal gathering, esp. if people are coming and going at different times. I am still trying to juggle my schedule to try to make it out…
If you guys want to try Sichuan food, a good place we could go is Bar Shu (www.bar-shu.co.uk), just off Shaftesbury in Frith Street.
Otherwise Yauatcha or Ping Pong (www.pingpongdimsum.com)have the best dim sum and a good environment too
‘Ello.
Looks like you all have much better ideas than I, so I’m going to leave it all up to yous - after all, this biz was founded on “your terms”, so I’ll be wherever you all choose, on the 29th, around 4 or 5p.
See you all real soon! Bring friends, etc - will be fun! I do like the idea of wherever we meet to be a pub (at least to start), that way no one feels rushed.
Aric
I can get a train there that arrives at 17:15 and one that sets off back at 19:30. It’s going to cost me £75.80.
Whoa!
Why so much? I’m coming up from the South and it’s around 30 quid.
You know it wouldn’t be a party without you, but if that’s the cheapest you can find - believe me, I won’t blame you for not wanting to spend that.
…of course, I’ll need your address, seeing hows I have a lil somethin’ somethin’ fo ya.
It is about a 200 mile journey and that’s a return ticket, so it’s not too bad really.
I got the bus up and back to Sydney (about 230km each way) for A$30. 10quid round trip. The train is about A$50 for a student, A$80 for an adult. But I’m nowhere near London, so I’ll leave the discussion for more localised people
High prices, low wages, it’s the British way. hehe
Bazza - You could almost get a return flight to Shanghai for that price!
Bazza
Hsinchu(Xinzhu) 新竹 to Tainan 台南 in Taiwan on a highway cruising bus with seats like 1st class on an airplane and your own monitor with about 20 movies but no stewardess distance about 250Km return ticket about $35US.
Mike in Jubei
Seriously - I paid ’round 300£ for my ticket.
Okay…so where’d we decide? Chinatown? Angeles? I still like the idea of starting in a pub/cafe, so those that are meeting up aren’t rushed.
Let’s all decide and then we’ll post a new blog - to make everyone jealous of our cool holiday party.
…also, let’s get a head count. So far, it looks like:
Bazza
Zada (plus 1)
Jan
Bobbie (plus a few)
Andy
Sergio
Mashhood
Chris?
Huasen
Mike
…so, round 15? Surely we can get at least 20.
Who else is in?
A
FRANCE - Why don’t you all hop the chunnel and meet up at the Louvre. Seriously, taking the chunnel train was like the biggest waste of money ‘eva. Overpriced is an understatement. j/k
Arrggh.
I won’t be able to make it. Too much family, too little time. I probably could have swung it if any of the family I am supposed to see actually lived in London but sadly no.
Hope you all have a good time.
Happy to join you guys - but won’t be able to make it before 5 or 6 pm. It’s probably best to start out in a pub, if China Town / Soho is a good location for everyone, then All Bar One (on the corner of Shaftesbury and Charing Cross) - though lacking any character whatsoever - might be a good place to start out, as we might struggle to fit 20 people into fancier places around the area… After the initial round(s) of drinks, some people (myself included) may choose to carry on to a restaurant or a music venue.
Arrgh,
I was looking forward to meeting you chris(mandarin_student)!
Had many interesting ideas to discuss….oh well…next time…
oh, guys i’m not sure if i can definitely make it yet, i’ll probably know closer to the time
OK guys, I’m in. I’m ditching my friend who came all the way from California to London to see me…but he’ll be here all week and how often do you get the chance to meet a Chinesepod hero in reallife?!?! Let’s definitely make the rest of the poddies jealous. Are we getting a shout-out on the Saturday show or what!?!
Mike says “I’m ditching my friend who came all the way from California to London to see me…but he’ll be here all week and how often do you get the chance to meet a Chinesepod hero in reallife?!?!”
Bring him along - the more the merrier! (As long as he doesn’t start a fight with Aric!)
The All Bar One on Shaftesbury Avenue/Charing Cross Road has closed down and become a Mediterranean Kitchen.
There’s a bar called Bar Room Bar right in the middle of Gerrard Street in Chinatown (map link http://www.mapscape.net/map.cf.....amp;id=282). I’ve never been there but it’s as central as you can get and seems to be a decent sort of place. I’ll check it out tomorrow after the gym and see if it’s open during the day.
BTW, can’t seem to be able to drag up other poddies as they’ll be away at Christmas, but I’ll be there with bells on (metaphorically speaking).
Mike - good on ya, but like Bobbie said, feel free to bring him. This isn’t a lecture (as I really don’t speak Chinese) nor can you persuade me to give out Jenny’s # (although, we can have a few too many, dial Ken’s mobile and ask for “Shirley” - he HATES that)…just a fun time.
Hurrah!
I better book my train tickets today or they might not arrive in time with all the xmas post.
I live in London and use the site a lot, would be great to meet up with others that do too.
Somewhere around Chinatown would be the obvious choice I think, not just because of the chinese connection, it is also very central and there are loads of pubs/bars around the area.
I might be able to drag one or two more people along also.
I’m up for chinatown too, though may not make it earlier than 6pm.
Been to Angeles (real authentic feel, down to giving discounts if you’re game enough ask!) and would recommend
Heard Bar Shu is also good.
Yauatcha and Ping Pong also great but pricey but I’ll also do!
So at the end of the day, I’ll go along with everyone else!
Hmmmm…I’m all about starting at a pub ’round 5/6p.
Cheap bars/eateries are always good.
Let’s try to get this all decided by next Monday, then we’ll post it and try to get as many as possible!
A
This sounds great. I wish I could be there with you all.
I expect to see a ton of photos showing up on the community page! Some video would be good too.
Ken Carroll
Vid and pix will be taken - let’s be honest, people are more keen on seeing what Bazza’s like in real life than any of us!
You might not recognise me, I’m much quieter and shyer in real life. My internet self probably more reflects my inner self.
If we decide on China town (good for me as nice and near my station to the sticks) look at this http://www.streetsensation.co.uk/soho/so_intro.htm and some leader-of-men pick a suitable spot. I’m looking forward to a trip to the bookshop (Gwanghua on Little Newport St). Do you all know it? (Expensive, 1£=1RMB approx, but it’s all we’ve got - at least all I know of).
Got my train tickets so I guess I can’t get out of it now hehe.
Have we decided on a location yet?
Bar Room Bar sounds like a good suggestion. It’s always been open when I’ve been passed and it’s spacious.
We can debate London’s Chinese eateries further on the night. And getting a Texan drunk enough to put dinner for 25 at Bar Shu on the company credit card sounds like an interesting challenge.
Don’t worry Ken, I might have Irish blood but I’m only joking ;–))
Put me down as a 50% probable. I might want to re-visit Gwanghua too.
Forgot to check out the opening hours last week, but found out online that Bar Room Bar (BRB) is open from 11:00 - 23:00, so should be fine. Or if you fancy somewhere faux Irish, there’s Waxy O’Connors around the corner (map: http://www.waxyoconnors.co.uk/london/index.asp).
Sounds good - so, to be sure, is starting at BRB cool for everyone?
Bar Room Bar works for me - see you then!
Is this the one?
http://www.london-eating.co.uk/maps/5577.asp
Hi Bazza - I’ve never been to BRB, but I am pretty sure the link you have is not the right one, as this one is in Chinatown. The previous link had a nice map:
http://www.mapscape.net/map.cf.....amp;id=282
If you are coming from King’s Cross, probably best to take Picadilly Line (dark blue) to Leicester Square, 4 stops. Chinatown is just west of the tube station, the map above should make it easy.
Look forward to meeting you all!
That’s not too bad then, just a 7 min journey apparently.
Here is the first picture of the chistmas british tea-party :
http://farm1.static.flickr.com.....ff.jpg?v=0
Here is what Gerrard Street looks like, Bar Room Bar is about half way along.
http://www.streetsensation.co......_south.htm
So see you all at BRB on Friday? What time are you guys going to be there? Will anyone be holding a Chinesepod flag or will I just go for the group of people discussing in fluent Mandarin the refreshing qualities of their Qingdaos?
Sergio,
To identify yourself, I suggest a Lipton tea-bag around the neck.
Guaranteed success !
I estimate my ETA at the BRB to be approximately 5:45pm and I’ll have to leave about 7pm.
Been so busy recently, I completely missed this thread! Don’t know if I can make it yet, but if I can look forward to seeing you there!
For those who don’t know, BRB is splat in the middle Gerrard Street at a T-Junction - pretty much where the arrow indicates here: http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?.....6&om=1
Carl