Mittens 2025 - pre planning

[AGA]

We managed to reboot Mittens this year, after a long Covid-induced hiatus.  Great fun as it was, it was a relatively small group, so I thought maybe we should start planning earlier for 2025 to see if we can get some more interest!

The US - given every third Mittens tends to be there - and Japan were floated as potential destinations.

Speaking for me and @tampie85, this would need to be during the school summer holidays (21/07 - 01/09).  We would also aim to bring our son along with us again, as we did to Mittens 2024.

Does anyone else have any particular interest in any destination, limitations on availability, etc etc?  The more we know about everyone's requirements, the better we can hope to address them all!
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[Privateer Puddin']

Yeah, let's go! 行きましょう!

[AGA]

Yeah, let's go! 行きましょう!

Does that mean you'd only be up for Japan?

[Stupot]

Japan is a very popular destination at the moment. The exchange rate in particular is attracting lots of visitors.

I would of course be in favour of Mittens coming to Japan, since I live here. I might finally be able to show my face at a Mittens Proper (there have been a few small meet-ups dubbed 'Hello Kittens'). My wife and I were talking about going somewhere this summer, so it would be just my luck that you all come to Japan when I'm out of the country.

That said, my summer break is earlier in August than the dates AGA mentioned above and my paid leave situation is not very generous or flexible, so if you were to hold Mittens here, I might end up only being able to join in for a day or two rather than the whole shebang.

Yeah, let's go! 行きましょう!

また遊ぼうよ！

[Snarky]

I'm a tentative yes.

I'd be more interested in going to Japan than the US, especially now, but if there are a bunch of Americans who would rather do a more local Mittens, then sure.

My dates are probably flexible, and if we're doing it in Japan I would want to stay longer than one week (either with a group or on my own).

[Mandle]

I'm also here in Japan, and attended the inaugural Hello Kittens that Stupot mentioned with him and I and cat and co. I may be able to attend a Mittens here, depending on timing and location. I'm close to Tokyo.

[Privateer Puddin']

Yeah, let's go! 行きましょう!

Does that mean you'd only be up for Japan?

Nah, US too. I was just being bilingual! Should have thrown a Yee-haw in there for the US version. I think I'll still be Asia based going off work planning conversations, but who knows.

Yeah, let's go! 行きましょう!

また遊ぼうよ！

来月は東京に行きます。何かしましょう。

[cat]

No Mittens for me. We don't want to go to the US and while I'd love to go Japan again in a few years, not in the context of Mittens.

[Disco]

I would enjoy either of the options discussed. Japan would be a fun adventure and a scratch off the bucket list, but if more people could attend a US meet I'd welcome that as well.

[edmundito]

I'm going to be biased and recommend some locations near me in the US in hopes that I can attend:

1. If you're interested in the country and want to see Amish/Mennonite riders in buggies and historic ride trains, go somewhere near Lancaster, Pennsylvania! However, several of us also live near the PA/NY area.
2. Washington, DC: "So this is how democracy dies, with thunderous applause." - But to be serious, there are museums, monuments, and all kinds of exciting things to see.
3. I'm going to Disney World/Cape Canaveral! - Somewhere near Orlando, FL
4. Colorado in the summer - Great for outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, etc., and it's sort of in the middle of the country, so it's equidistant from anyone coming from either side. Someone suggested this on @Grundislav's stream, and I thought it was a great idea.

[Privateer Puddin']

4. Colorado in the summer - Great for outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, etc., and it's sort of in the middle of the country, so it's equidistant from anyone coming from either side. Someone suggested this on @Grundislav's stream, and I thought it was a great idea.

Plus we can see Blucifer

[AGA]

I've added a poll to see if there's any strong preference for Japan over the US, if everyone who's interested in attending could please vote.