Toronto gathering

[lizzytysh]

Thanks for the info, Dick .

It's hard to not keep checking isn't it, Evelyn? I think I'll just let it go now and focus on other things. I checked the University link briefly [thanks to Anne for providing it]. It was going to take a lot of checking into each individual possibility and then checking further into them, as well. There'd probably be a savings [perhaps, significant ?], but I'd not be terribly happy if I invested a lot of time into it only to find the savings wasn't that much and a cab would be necessary, anyway, and who knows what the unknowns might be. Still, I may do some more checking there, anyway... when I have more time .


~ Lizzy

[evelyn]

I was just checking out of curiosity, in case anyone else is still looking.

I'm happy with HI Express, I think we got a very good deal and there's
not likely anything else less expensive to be found.

I'm focused on getting tickets as soon as they're available.

evelyn

[lizzytysh]

Since I'm trying to accomplish another, major trip, my checking was out of pragmatics rather than curiousity... but, having done some checking without finding more inexpensive, but still relatively convenient accommodations, I've abandoned it to other things now... trying to locate prices for the events themselves and, of course, seat/ticket availabilities.


~ Lizzy

[lizzytysh]

Okay. Just booked my flight to Michigan. $98 one way, non-stop, inclusive of all taxes and fees. Now to figure out and afford the rest. Does anyone know which airlines are the best deal... and which departure city might be cheapest... Toronto or Detroit... for flying to London or Athens? I'm trying to work my way through so many possibilities for arranging this flight, and after I get a ways into checking, I start feeling overwhelmed and abandon it, promising myself to return later. It's happened several times already... fortunately, I have some time to decide, as I don't have the big-chunk flight money right now, anyway.

Anyone discovered anything by accident or design that makes for a more inexpensive, efficient trip?

Thanks for any tips, if anyone has any. At least I know Glass is a given.


~ Lizzy

[jazz4111]

Well Lizzie, Here's my two cents - I'm not sure about flights from Detroit to London - never having taken that route - but on 9/11/2001 I was stuck in Toronto (for the film festival) and along with all the other devastating consequences of that day - had to re-route my trip to London from a United ticket via Newark, NJ (closed for a week) to an Air Canada ticket direct to London from Toronto (5 days later). As a result I found that - there are a lot of Brit-related Canadians - so there are a lot of Toronto/London round trip flights - and they are very economical. Air Canada, British Air, and United are the major carriers I'd check out if I were you - hope that helps.
BTW: Air Canada honored my United/Newark/London ticket - so I didn't have to pay anything extra and the Canadians were really wonderful to all of us stranded there - helpful, resourceful and sympathetic. I was on my way to Hydra (again) at the time.

[margaret]

Lizzy,

You could also check out http://www.canadianaffair.com

They fly between several Canadian and UK cities and can sell one way flights if required.

[lazariuk]

From Toronto the best you can probably do is https://www.flyzoom.com

[lizzytysh]

Thank you so much, Jazz, Margaret, and Jack. I'll be checking into everything all of you have suggested.

The variables aren't really, but SEEM, countless... my thoughts were to stop in London and see Paula and Phil and then go by EasyJet to Athens. My flights directly to/from Athens last year on Delta involved numerous daymares... both Olympic Airlines and Delta, though in the end it was Olympic that pressured Delta into doing right... well, a sympathetic higher-up from Olympic... but I had to reach him through wild dreams and schemes before that happened. The whole affair ended up such that I determined to never fly directly from the U.S. to Athens, again; never to take another chance with Olympic; and never to fly Delta, again. So, I'm open to all other possibilities. I was glad to see none of these names surface in your responses.

I actually suspect it could be more inexpensive for me to fly from Detroit or [now, I'm definitely thinking] Toronto to London; Easy Jet from London to Athens; Easy Jet from Athens back to London; London back to Toronto; bus from Toronto back to Michigan; and a $98 flight back to Florida.

The whole thing is still going to require reams of paper for possible alternatives... like London straight back to Florida. Ey yi yi... at least I've gotten some definite things to check out. I really appreciate it. I'm going to need the time I have to check out all the alternatives.

Thanks!!!


~ Lizzy

[lizzytysh]

Thank you for this invaluable information, everyone.

I watched "The Secret" the other night... even though it's constructed in a format very similar to a slick, motivational-seminar-presentation film, the principles and the many quotes supporting them seemed irrefutable... that being that the universe operates with infinite precision on the Law of Attraction. It's right in there with the power of visualization, the power of positive thinking, and the other positive realities. I took notes and after it was over and I was getting another plate of a really nutritious and wonderful meal, my friend asked, "So are you going to Greece again this year?" I could only reply, "Well, if you'd asked me that a couple hours ago, I'd have said something like, 'I sure want to and, depending on the money, I sure hope so!' Since you've asked me now, I can only say, 'Yes, absolutely, I most certainly sure am!'"

After all this time of stressing about whether or not I'll be able to do this trip, it came to me that I really did need to make my intentions clear and hold that thought and affirmation and act in that direction, with full purpose. Nearly suddenly, the Universe begins to play its part in bringing my desire to fruition. An idea arrives that had somehow lain dormant all this time... and ipso quicko [with a nod to Judith on that fun term], formerly undreamed-of deals present themselves at a level and at a time, when I can actually act upon them.

So, this afternoon and this evening, after [somehow , on Wednesday] thinking to pose an open question for any tips regarding economical travel, I responded to what was given... and through CanadianAffair [thank you, Margaret ], booked my flights to and from London. It was SO economical that, even though this will be a tight month for me [get paid only once a month], I've now secured my trip. Interesting that even in my original question, the word "design" was [in the universe sense] unintentionally used; yet, there it was and now here it is. Return trip from Michigan also booked.

Now, I need to look up EasyJet to get me on to Athens for Hydra. Maybe this time, I'll be able to take the slow ferry over, eh, Dem?

Jazz ~ the tickets were just soooooo reasonable that I didn't even bother with the major carriers... I was already too overwhelmed with what I'd been seeing with them, stateside, and just a couple glances at those out of Toronto.

So, thank you to everyone for your help on this. I'm so glad I asked and I'm so glad you helped !


Love,
Lizzy

[lizzytysh]

Hi Margaret ~

Is EasyJet still the very cheapest way to get from London to Athens? I've just checked and it comes to $347 USD. I recall its being closer to $200 when we traveled two years ago... granted, that was two years ago and times along with gas costs have changed. Still, I'm wondering. I'm traveling mid-week and on one leg of the flight, I've selected the cheapest of the options. On the other, the time of the cheapest is simply a conflict.

I want to book as much as I can, as soon as I can... unless EasyJet is fairly reliable for booking closer to the fly date and if it happens to be cheaper, as well, as you get closer.

Thanks!


~ Lizzy

[margaret]

Unfortunately Easyjet and most other budget airlines actually get more expensive as you get closer to a travel date. Week days are usually cheaper. Let me know by pm what dates you have in mind and I'll see what I can find.

[lizzytysh]

OOOoooo... okay. I sure will, Margaret. Thanks! I'm close but not exact, yet, on my dates.


~ Lizzy

[A.Borissenko]

Well I live within a thirty minute drive from Toronto, but I am a total dork in the fact that I won't be able to make it because of permission.... If I were to somehow get a chance to go, then I doubt they will drive me/come with me... WALK?

Damn... I hope to hear more about this as it gets closer and closer to the actual date of the gathering

[lizzytysh]

Dear Andrei ~

I would SO love to hear someone say they'll talk by phone with your parents ahead of time; and then come, meet your parents, and bring you there and back the same of each night ~ or, depending on your parents' and their willingness, the following day. In which 30-minute direction do you live from Toronto? [I'm already wondering what my friend might/might not be willing to consider ~ with us, it would need to be a matter of bringing you back the same night, which would be some late-night driving.] Might your Dad not even consider doing it? Have you actually asked yet? You could have him read the description of the Glass production and at least maybe come that one night? It's such a shame to live so close, to be loving and learning Leonard Cohen songs, and to miss such a great happening.


~ Lizzy

[lizzytysh]

Here we are, Allan............... !!!

Dick is maintaining a list of who's going. My friend and I will be there on the first night [Friday ~ June 1st] of the performance and Dick and his wife will be there all nights [figures ~ I would, too, if I could]. John Kloberdanz and his wife will be there, too... a number from here will, so you'll be able to put names and faces together.

So, get with Dick if your wife gives it the go-ahead. If your pulse is quickening, imagine what will be happening with hers ! Remember, though, that this is a recording of Leonard's voice... even so, powerful.


~ Lizzy