8617 Do Forumites Meet Up?

Some of us do.

to expand slightly ... I think there was an attempt in the distant past for some of the then active members to have an Xmas get together in the UK. I wasn't around at that time so I don't know what happened (other than the odd cryptic thread that still lingers here) but I believe it ended up not going ahead & there was some animosity as a result.

Anyway, that's ancient history. I've also heard of some members who are relatively local to each other that do socialise, but I'm not aware of that being done on an "open invite" basis by region via the forum itself.

To be honest, it's a slightly daunting prospect to put a lot of virtual personalities physically in a room for an organised get together, purely on the basis of shared membership here. I wonder if that would work ... I don't know (and, as like yourselves I only have a holiday home, timing would be a bit of a stumbling block anyway) but it's an interesting (if slightly scary) thought.

I have been to a number of “get togethers” and met a lot of people who use this forum but mostly those who use a more local forum.

I can honestly say that I have met a lovely bunch of people and the ‘get togethers’ have been great fun.

I think Italy Mag Forum is too big and people live too far from one another to make large meetings successful. I am sure some people do meet but if some live in Manchester and others in Puglia it makes the logistics quite difficult.

The Christmas Drinkies fiasco is best forgotten!

From my own experience what tends to happen is either someone new mentions an area near you or you spot someone in your locality and get together via pm's, usually on the back of offering shared resources/information.

I have got to know two members who have bought property in the same village and although I have only met one of them we all e mail regularly and bring each other up to date on whats happening if one or other of us goes out there.

Although we bought in Italy for the experience of living in a truly Italian community it is comforting to know there is someone to share experiences with and I'm sure - as one of our band is moving out permanently soon- it will be useful for them to have people who pop out frequently and who can bring much missed supplies (no marmite please though - I'm one of the haters!)

It will be lovely to finally all meet up but I'm betting that won't happen until the summer.

I know that other forums organise quite big get together - I think Expats does it quite regularly in the major cities - but the logistics must be rather daunting.

Jackie

We have made many friends through this forum and have met up with several of them when whilst visiting Italy. It is good to meet and exchange thoughts and swap advice on many subjects.

Yes! Via this forum we have actually met and made friends with others who like ourselves live in Lazio.

On our last visit, we met three couples who live in our area. It was good to be shown round other people's towns and we appreciated their hospitality. It's our turn next time!
Annie.

Well, I'm popping out in mezz'oretta with a couple I met via here... no names, no packdrill.... as we may have a few beers....

There's been a get together of about a dozen in the Lunigiana about a year ago. It was a pleasant evening although did not lead to anything much. We have met others in the area through this forum and one particular meeting turned to a friendship. As long as you don't necessarily expect to get along famously with everyone just because you are a member of this forum and have one common interest, it can be pleasant. I suppose it's a bit like answering ads in the personal columns. Sometimes it'll work, sometimes it won't.

[quote=Nielo;80854]I have been to a number of “get togethers” and met a lot of people who use this forum but mostly those who use a more local forum.

I can honestly say that I have met a lovely bunch of people and the ‘get togethers’ have been great fun.

I think Italy Mag Forum is too big and people live too far from one another to make large meetings successful. I am sure some people do meet but if some live in Manchester and others in Puglia it makes the logistics quite difficult.

[B]The Christmas Drinkies fiasco is best forgotten[/B]![/quote]

Nielo,
Now you've got me curious, what I want to know is what happened at the Christmas drinkies??? I want all the gossip in detail !!

[quote=Biagio;80943]Nielo,
Now you've got me curious, what I want to know is what happened at the Christmas drinkies??? I want all the gossip in detail !![/quote]

Sorry as I was specifically excluded from ‘the party that never happened’ I am probably not the best person to ask.

[quote]To be honest, it's a slightly daunting prospect to put a lot of virtual personalities physically in a room for an organised get together, purely on the basis of shared membership here. I wonder if that would work ... I don't know (and, as like yourselves I only have a holiday home, timing would be a bit of a stumbling block anyway) but it's an interesting (if slightly scary) thought.
[/quote]

Should not be scary at all,and there is no reason why it would not be quite successfull bar the logistic problems.

I have seen these type of meets work on both car forums and caravan forums,and know they work on other types of forums too.....

The real problem why this type of meet, that is such a success on other forums of different topics but not that viable on here is....................................:winki:

Gio, now you're arguing with yourself! First you say "there is no reason why it would not work" and then you say its "not that viable on here". So, I think you are agreeing with me then?

[quote=pigro;80954]Gio, now you're arguing with yourself! First you say "there is no reason why it would not work" and then you say its "not that viable on here". So, I think you are agreeing with me then?[/quote]

:bigergrin:, Generally,and i believe that is what you meant there is not a problem with forum members meeting up, bar like i said the distances members here would need to travel. But even that should not stop a fair few meeting up and making the meet a sucess.

Afterall many other forums have done so, which means it should not be daunting or scary, but this forum whilst having a generalised interest in a country [Italy] does not have the type of regular forum users numbers for this type of thing to be sucessfull. If you get my drift...:smile:

drift received & understood ... though on the distance thing, the OP was enquiring about regional meet-up's so maybe not such an issue.

We have met up with lots of people from this forum and have found it to be nothing but pleasant and informative.
Sprat

[quote=pilchard;80986]We have met up with lots of people from this forum and have found it to be nothing but pleasant and informative.
Sprat[/quote]

Hi P & S

I haven't met you yet, but when I do, I know it will ba a pleasure. :laughs:

#1

Hey...shame on you killjoys!!!!!

I met some rather quite wonderful people from this forum yesterday and i`m really quite chuffed that I plucked up the courage to invite them over....

We may all think it`s wonderful to integrate with the Italians (and I am totally in agreement with that because it soooo totally is), but when you`re living out here full time, it`s really nice to know there are some fab English folk you can call up from time to time and have a natter and a giggle with.... and even get some advice from sometimes....

So I would like to say a big `thank you` to those people who are happy and willing to get together from time to time :o) - especially those who came over to Casa Mia yesterday.

LF

We were drawn your way by the aromas of wonderful cooking!
P & S

Dear All,

Many thanks for the helpful replies. By the sound of it I might have inadvertently opened some old wounds ("The Christmas Drinkies" !), if so -sorry.

Good to hear there have been several succesfull meetings between forumites and friendships forged.

BW

Mona

The best thing about this forum is actually meeting the people on it!

Its been a fantastic resource too finding out all sorts of info and advice!

Lat July I made friends with a member here and her partner. They bought property from the same Estate Agents and had the same qualms about her that I had!!! They live about 20 minutes car drive from me.

They have been a Godsend in helping me finish the house as I don't have a car and speak little Italian.

I also have met up with a couple of other members here who were passing through London and that was cool.

I have too some Forum e-pals.