This is My First Time Ever At Fanime, My First Time Ever in California too. This being the Truth, I've run into some issues. A friend of mine Thought that San Jose was closer to LA then It really is, and I'm Flying into LAX on the 20th. If Necessity dictates, I'll take the Train to San Jose, but that means that I'll likely get to the Con later then what I wanted to, And Likely...I'll not have a Hotel room to stay in.
So reality brings forth issues that I need help with. A more prideful man would have his own issues with bringing these up, but I've proven myself shameless on multiple occasions, so I think I'll list my Problems here and See what the People of Fanime Have to say. Any help you can offer is appreciated, and I hate to be a bother. Gas money Can and Will be offered to anyone who can help.
I am Flying into LAX, as previously stated, on the 20th.
Fanime Starts on the 23rd.
If there's anyone who is going that way, from further south, or from The City of Angels itself, A ride would be Greatly appreciated, as I'm ordering my Tickets into the con Tomorrow over the internet.
Someone who has a room and wants help paying for it, As with the Car and Gas issue, If there's an inch of floor for me to Fit on, I'm more then used to Rough conditions, and I'd be happy to throw some money your way in order to cover the "Rental" of said Floorspace.
I'm desperate. This is, as stated, my first time at Fanime, and From what I've been told and seen, it looks 200x as amazing as Nekocon was.
I'm a Southern Gentleman, Born in Virginia, Flying from North Carolina. I promise my best behavior, If only someone can help me with my Dilemma
for those who get bored by Long pleas for help:
tl;dr: North Carolina Boy needs a Ride from LA at minimum, A spot of floor at most. Money can and will be offered.
Thanks for reading!
You may want to try contacting some of the people in this thread that are coming from SoCal
http://forums.fanime.com/index.php/topic,9556.0.html
Also, there's a thread hotel forum about finding roommates. There are still a few people that have spaces open. You should try contacting some people there.
http://forums.fanime.com/index.php/topic,8275.0.html
I just wanted to point out some things.
Quote from: EclipseDarkmaster on May 12, 2008, 01:51:31 AM
A friend of mine Thought that San Jose was closer to LA then It really is, and I'm Flying into LAX on the 20th. If Necessity dictates, I'll take the Train to San Jose, but that means that I'll likely get to the Con later then what I wanted to, And Likely...I'll not have a Hotel room to stay in.
... Your friend is an idiot. Seriously. Why the hell would you choose to fly into LAX... to... get to San Jose... instead of... flying... to... San... Jose... itself?
The second part is curious though. Why will you not likely have a hotel to stay in if you show up at the con later? You realize the hotel has been basically sold out for months now right? The chances of you getting a room is pretty low(at the two main hotels atleast) regardless of when you show up, since you don't already have a reservation.
Maybe you'll get lucky, but I don't know, you're better off flying from LAX. You can get a plane ticket for about... 60-80 if you order it now through Jet Blue or Southwest. Jet Blue only goes to Oakland and you'd have to find a way from there. Southwest goes to SJ but is usually a little more expensive.
Considering, if you're pitching in for gas, you're paying probably 40$ anyways... it's more likely better to fly.
Quote from: PyronIkari on May 12, 2008, 12:41:03 PM
I just wanted to point out some things.
Quote from: EclipseDarkmaster on May 12, 2008, 01:51:31 AM
A friend of mine Thought that San Jose was closer to LA then It really is, and I'm Flying into LAX on the 20th. If Necessity dictates, I'll take the Train to San Jose, but that means that I'll likely get to the Con later then what I wanted to, And Likely...I'll not have a Hotel room to stay in.
... Your friend is an idiot. Seriously. Why the hell would you choose to fly into LAX... to... get to San Jose... instead of... flying... to... San... Jose... itself?
The second part is curious though. Why will you not likely have a hotel to stay in if you show up at the con later? You realize the hotel has been basically sold out for months now right? The chances of you getting a room is pretty low(at the two main hotels atleast) regardless of when you show up, since you don't already have a reservation.
Maybe you'll get lucky, but I don't know, you're better off flying from LAX. You can get a plane ticket for about... 60-80 if you order it now through Jet Blue or Southwest. Jet Blue only goes to Oakland and you'd have to find a way from there. Southwest goes to SJ but is usually a little more expensive.
Considering, if you're pitching in for gas, you're paying probably 40$ anyways... it's more likely better to fly.
Good job for shooting his chances of coming to Fanime lol.
Personally I would cancel my plane ticket and get a new one straight to San Jose.
Quote from: IamTetsuo on May 12, 2008, 12:54:23 PM
Personally I would cancel my plane ticket and get a new one straight to San Jose.
I agree. It would save you time and money, regardless if you get a plane ticket to San Jose now.
If the ticket was purchased online, it may be that he can't cancel it.
However, United has a bunch of flights currently available from LAX to SJC for less than $100, so that might be an option.
Quote from: Moonblossom on May 12, 2008, 01:02:50 PM
If the ticket was purchased online, it may be that he can't cancel it.
However, United has a bunch of flights currently available from LAX to SJC for less than $100, so that might be an option.
You, My good Sir/Madam, Are the Winner. Cheaptickets For the win.
There was also the matter of Flying in BEFORE the con, meaning that I'm coming like...3 days previous, And the only people I know are in LA.
Quote from: phoenixphire24 on May 12, 2008, 09:15:07 AM
Thank you for your help, I'll go there now >,>
Quote from: PyronIkari on May 12, 2008, 12:41:03 PM
Because I wouldn't have money to offer someone and Although I've DONE staying up for several days with a minimum of sleep. I don't want to Try it here
I just wanted to point out some things.
Quote from: EclipseDarkmaster on May 12, 2008, 01:51:31 AM
A friend of mine Thought that San Jose was closer to LA then It really is, and I'm Flying into LAX on the 20th. If Necessity dictates, I'll take the Train to San Jose, but that means that I'll likely get to the Con later then what I wanted to, And Likely...I'll not have a Hotel room to stay in.
... Your friend is an idiot. Seriously. Why the hell would you choose to fly into LAX... to... get to San Jose... instead of... flying... to... San... Jose... itself?
The second part is curious though. Why will you not likely have a hotel to stay in if you show up at the con later? You realize the hotel has been basically sold out for months now right? The chances of you getting a room is pretty low(at the two main hotels atleast) regardless of when you show up, since you don't already have a reservation.
Maybe you'll get lucky, but I don't know, you're better off flying from LAX. You can get a plane ticket for about... 60-80 if you order it now through Jet Blue or Southwest. Jet Blue only goes to Oakland and you'd have to find a way from there. Southwest goes to SJ but is usually a little more expensive.
Considering, if you're pitching in for gas, you're paying probably 40$ anyways... it's more likely better to fly.
You may want to try contacting some of the people in this thread that are coming from SoCal
http://forums.fanime.com/index.php/topic,9556.0.html
Also, there's a thread hotel forum about finding roommates. There are still a few people that have spaces open. You should try contacting some people there.
http://forums.fanime.com/index.php/topic,8275.0.html
Quote from: EclipseDarkmaster on May 12, 2008, 01:13:15 PM
Quote from: Moonblossom on May 12, 2008, 01:02:50 PM
If the ticket was purchased online, it may be that he can't cancel it.
However, United has a bunch of flights currently available from LAX to SJC for less than $100, so that might be an option.
You, My good Sir/Madam, Are the Winner. Cheaptickets For the win.
There was also the matter of Flying in BEFORE the con, meaning that I'm coming like...3 days previous, And the only people I know are in LA.
Stay with your friends in LA until Con. Then fly up from LAX to SJC.
Quote from: LadyKaren on May 12, 2008, 02:13:33 PM
Quote from: EclipseDarkmaster on May 12, 2008, 01:13:15 PM
Quote from: Moonblossom on May 12, 2008, 01:02:50 PM
If the ticket was purchased online, it may be that he can't cancel it.
However, United has a bunch of flights currently available from LAX to SJC for less than $100, so that might be an option.
You, My good Sir/Madam, Are the Winner. Cheaptickets For the win.
There was also the matter of Flying in BEFORE the con, meaning that I'm coming like...3 days previous, And the only people I know are in LA.
Stay with your friends in LA until Con. Then fly up from LAX to SJC.
I'm far too poor for that
Quote from: EclipseDarkmaster on May 12, 2008, 02:29:06 PM
Quote from: LadyKaren on May 12, 2008, 02:13:33 PM
Quote from: EclipseDarkmaster on May 12, 2008, 01:13:15 PM
Quote from: Moonblossom on May 12, 2008, 01:02:50 PM
If the ticket was purchased online, it may be that he can't cancel it.
However, United has a bunch of flights currently available from LAX to SJC for less than $100, so that might be an option.
You, My good Sir/Madam, Are the Winner. Cheaptickets For the win.
There was also the matter of Flying in BEFORE the con, meaning that I'm coming like...3 days previous, And the only people I know are in LA.
Stay with your friends in LA until Con. Then fly up from LAX to SJC.
I'm far too poor for that
... Then maybe you shouldn't be going to the con, and chalk it up to your friend being a retard for thinking LA is anywhere near San Jose.
I don't see how anyone over the age of 14 could not know that SJ is a good 400 miles from LA.
Listen, I have Non-refundable Airplane tickets and Someone I HAVE to meet. I'm not NOT going to this con. And as to the over 14 thing, Could the FACT THAT I'M FROM THE EAST COAST, have NEVER been to CA and Trusted someone who's a Friend be the Cause of me not knowing? Maybe?
I don't know about you, but in NC highschools, they don't teach the exact Milage from one city that's over 2000 miles away from here to another :|
pyron, that 14-year old crap is ridiculous, especially for someone who's never been to california in their life. chill out.
and sorry tc, i dunno what to say except double check where you're flying to next time. :(
Or what you could do regarding your trip from LA to San Jose would be buying Amtrak tickets via there site:
http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Amtrak/HomePage (http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Amtrak/HomePage)
Round trip tickets would be around 50-60 dollars from LA to San Jose and back.
It's not that expensive, but the downside to that is Amtrak is very slow and would take you approximately 9 hours... If you're up for it.
You're probably going to be riding the train at times and the bus at others... Depends on what you pick.
The address for the station in San Jose is:
65 Cahill Street
San Jose, CA 95110
It's approximately a .7 mile walk to the con....
Quote from: cappeh on May 12, 2008, 04:50:29 PM
pyron, that 14-year old crap is ridiculous, especially for someone who's never been to california in their life. chill out.
and sorry tc, i dunno what to say except double check where you're flying to next time. :(
Well, I've been told that I should probably say there too. In Cali I mean. The Economy around where I live sucks so hard that it's a black hole
Or you can check out www.megabus.com Buses leave twice a day, starting from LA Union Station, dropping you off at the location Rei-Rei stated earlier. It may be cheaper depending on how early you book, and a much less shorter trip. Last time I was on the bus the driver only took 5 hours *_*
well by all means dont be too tough on the kid.
and I probably be more concern on getting a place to stay first
as if you did manage to get there and have no place to stay kid what will you do?
cause most of the hotels near the con that offers fair price with the con are like sold out
and the price for a room is like expensive
so look for roomates as well
(: There are still people looking for roomies on the general roomies thread, by the way... but you've seen it already, I presume.
:0 Good luck getting here.
I might be able to help you to get to the con. I'm leaving on the 22nd around 10 a.m. I don't know where in L.A. you're staying at, but if you can have someone give you a ride, or take the bus and be able to make it to the Valley around that time, I'll be more than willing to take you along.
As for your room situation, I really can't help you with that. I'm sure there are people still looking for roomates, so you may want to start looking for a place to stay right away.
BTW, why are you flying in three days before the con even starts? A day before I can understand, but three... ???
Quote from: Mr Anime on May 12, 2008, 05:33:32 PM
I might be able to help you to get to the con. I'm leaving on the 22nd around 10 a.m. I don't know where in L.A. you're staying at, but if you can have someone give you a ride, or take the bus and be able to make it to the Valley around that time, I'll be more than willing to take you along.
As for your room situation, I really can't help you with that. I'm sure there are people still looking for roomates, so you may want to start looking for a place to stay right away.
BTW, why are you flying in three days before the con even starts? A day before I can understand, but three... ???
I'm gonna be in Santa Monica, and I should be able to get to LA by then :D
And as to why I'm Flying in early.
I've been told by my mom to consider staying, instead of going back home. The economy around here sucks, and work hasn't called me in in forever. So I'm scouting out possible jobs and the like.
You people seriously don't read do you?
I said "your friend". Not you.
Secondly... it's a BAD DECISION ON YOUR PART, to just trust your friend without ACCURATELY PLANNING A TRIP ACROSS THE COUNTRY.
When I flew to Chicago for Acen the years I went... I looked up exactly where I was going, where I was flying to, where I'd be traveling to, when, how, and how much it would cost. I went to Japan, and I looked up exactly where I would be staying, where every place I wanted to go was, how far, and how much train fare would be for those places. I looked up how far the airport was, and how I would be getting from the place to the airport, etc. etc. etc.
I didn't just assume things like "LOLOLOL I'm going to Japan. I will visit Kyoto, and Tokyo, and Hokkaido, because they are all in Japans!"
You planned your trip extremely poorly, and your friend screwed you over. You're pretty much SOL. The people you have to blame are yourself, and your friend for giving you bad info(and yourself again for so easilly trusting him). And now you're looking for a way to bail yourself out. All of which will cost a decent amount of money. Just to point out...
Santa Monica to San Jose is roughly 400 miles. Your average car will need to fill up once for this trip. Gas prices are extremely high right now. Let's be generous and say 4$ a gallon. Let's be generous again and say they drive a good MPG car with 32. Add into affect that 32 is only in ideal conditions... 29
400/29= 14+ gallons of gas. Your average car hasan 64$ for gas. x2 for both trips... 128$. + extra gas needed for local streets so roughly 140$.
Split between 3 people 46.66. So for gas alone you're paying about 50$. And that's IF they decide to split it evenly, especially since you're wasting a hella lot of their time to pick you up, and you're taking up room+luggage in a hybrid. God forbid if they drive a normal car, or an SUV.
Now you still have the problem of finding a place to sleep. I'm now wondering how much money you have, because budget wise, you don't sound like you should be making this trip because of lots of bad decisions on your part.
Funny thing is, I know people that *could* take you, but god knows they wouldn't. Trusting a random stranger who makes bad decisions isn't something we tend to do. My suggestion is, borrow money from someone if you *HAVE* to make this trip(which I doubt) or cut your losses and realize you screwed up and try to do it next year.
It still urks me that... someone living in LA county doesn't know that San Jose isn't close to it.
Ahh, a little harsh there with the 14-yo bit.
But your friend seriously didn't do a very good job helping you at all. Though, you both should've checked in with where you were going if you planned on going on this trip, especially if it's across the country. LA is extremely far from San Jose, and from what I know, there is indeed an airport WITHIN San Jose you could've planned to land in. While I do sympathize with the fact that you've never been to California and lived in the East Coast most of your life, that's quite a grand mistake that you and your friend made. Gas to drive up from there is pretty expensive, so you probably would do better off taking a plane if anything. If you can't manage to afford that, you've budgeted your trip poorly-- how are you going to pay for the rest of the expenses?
tl;dr plan better next time. This time, take a plane and try to manage things the best you can.
Apparently, you can take Amtrak (http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Amtrak%2FRoutes_Page&_searchType=destinationTime&xwdf_cmsorigin=sessionWorkflow%2FproductWorkflow%5B%40product%3D%27Rail%27%5D%2FtravelSelection%2FjourneySelection%5B1%5D%2FdepartLocation%2Fsearch&wdf_cmsorigin=los+angeles+ca&xwdf_cmsdestination=sessionWorkflow%2FproductWorkflow%5B%40product%3D%27Rail%27%5D%2FtravelSelection%2FjourneySelection%5B1%5D%2FarriveLocation%2Fsearch&wdf_cmsdestination=san+jose+ca&_handler%3Damtrak.presentation.handler.request.rail.AmtrakCMSRailRoutesRequestHandler%2F_xpath%3DsessionWorkflow%2FproductWorkflow%5B%40product%3D%27Rail%27%5D.x=0&_handler%3Damtrak.presentation.handler.request.rail.AmtrakCMSRailRoutesRequestHandler%2F_xpath%3DsessionWorkflow%2FproductWorkflow%5B%40product%3D%27Rail%27%5D.y=0) From Union station in Los Angeles to San Jose (The 14 Coast Starlight).
So according to Amtrak, Pyron's calculations on gas. You'd be spending roughly around 40-60 dollars on the trip up there alone....
Plus what I"ve seen around the Roommates thread, it would cost about 40-70 dollars....
Bad planning. I say you shouldn't go unless you and your friend have at least another 100 dollars each or so just for the room and trip up to San Jose.
We would be able to take you, but we're in North Cal. =\
OP, if you have a budget plan typed out or anything, maybe you could post it here and we can help you out better?
Quote from: cappeh on May 12, 2008, 10:19:30 PM
OP, if you have a budget plan typed out or anything, maybe you could post it here and we can help you out better?
Actually, with no help from those Detractors, I have managed to secure both a Room and A ride, Thanks for your concern though :)
As to those that insulted me and my friend. Thanks for your Criticisms, While Brutal, they were also Blunt and Truthful. Which is something I appreciate
Quote
I'm gonna be in Santa Monica, and I should be able to get to LA by then :D
And as to why I'm Flying in early.
I've been told by my mom to consider staying, instead of going back home. The economy around here sucks, and work hasn't called me in in forever. So I'm scouting out possible jobs and the like.
Technically, Santa Monica is part of L.A. ;D Send me a PM and maybe we can work something out. Perhaps I can even help you get up to the Valley using public transportation.
Sorry to hear things aren't going well for you back home. Maybe things will get better for you if do end up staying. Work might be easier to find in L.A. or where ever it is you are planning on staying. Honestly, you should have planned things better. I don't know why your friend would miss lead you this way, but then again, he/she probably isn't that good of a friend if caused you this much trouble. But hey, that's how things are.
QuoteSanta Monica to San Jose is roughly 400 miles. Your average car will need to fill up once for this trip. Gas prices are extremely high right now. Let's be generous and say 4$ a gallon. Let's be generous again and say they drive a good MPG car with 32. Add into affect that 32 is only in ideal conditions... 29
400/29= 14+ gallons of gas. Your average car hasan 64$ for gas. x2 for both trips... 128$. + extra gas needed for local streets so roughly 140$.
Knowing that I'll only be spending only about $20-$30 more than someone who drives a car that get descent mileage makes me feel a lot better. I currently drive a '05 Nissan Frontier with a V6 that gets about 22 MPG on the freeway. Though on average I get any where from 14-18 MPG. But that's probably because I sit around a parking lot with the engine running. Oh wait, those are the freeways in L.A. ::)
I hate hate hate suggesting things like this, but if someone could aid you financially (parents, close friends) and lend you some money temporarily, that'd be better. As you aren't financially prepared, yourself, going across the country and being in a situation like not having enough money to go home, that'd be terrible. If you do manage to find someone willing to help you with a ride up, it'd be even worse if they screw you over. With a scheduled flight ordered in advance, it might cost just around $50 or so. Only plan to use that money to get you where you need to be, and for emergencies. Then pay them back.
If you ever plan for a trip like this again, find someone you can trust and actually knows what they're talking about. Use common sense. Be prepared. And don't ask for advice like this from that friend, ever again. =|