Ok, I''ll kick off from centre field. I vote for Croatia for all the reasons I posted during the discussions at http://www.myfourthirds.com/document.php?id=6372. Its relatively easy to get to. Its got a good chance of having reasonable weather. Its steeped in interesting history, its people and landscapes. Bojan's photography of the place makes it seem like a must do place to see. There are obviously lots of interesting photo ops. Its not too expensive to stay there. Its accessible.

I would prefer to go towards the end of summer and including September. I'm also open to going pre-summer but we need to bear in mind that this will require time for organising.

A couple of people asked me about Ireland but I have concerns about that which can be read at the above link.

I've been doing a little more detailed planning around my family trip to Europe this summer and given my experience with travelling to Croatia, I've found that tourism tends to die down in the last week of August (as does the heat). The plan is to be in Croatia (Cres) during the third and fourth week of August, to be followed by a possible 5-day stint in Dubrovnik. Apparently Dubrovnik has been nick-named the "Pearl of the Adriatic" so it might just be a beautiful enough area for photography. ;-)

My preference? Dubrovnik during the last week of August or the first week of September. How are we ever going to nail this down? :-)

Mario

Hello fellow MFT members Yes, I would definitely like to meet up, see my comments in the thread mentioned by Eugene. In the meantime I have checked the schedule at work, and 5th - 18th September is not possible for me - so for me it would have to be before or after that for me to be able to attend. Dubrovnic seems a wonderful place, as you are saying, and they seem to have rebuilt it completely according to the original after the war, so this would be a definite must-do if we are in that area.

I'll mail Bojan for a weather report.. Maybe end of September is a good time too, as Croatia is on the Mediterranean, which can be warm until late in the year (one year I spent October and part of November in the area of Genova, Italy, and during October there were still people bathing in the sea).

Yvonne

Croatia sounds great, I am not sure yet as a trip to the far East is also scheduled (although not confirmed) for the latter half of the year.

This sounds great, but I'm in Australia.

If anyone else in Australia would be interested in such an event, mail me - entity(at)danny.oz.au - and I'll see what kind of interest there is.

This sounds a pretty good idea to me, though could be prblematical for me, having two partially wrecked legs though I don't use/need a wheelchair. However, I wonder if anyone has thought of the idea of using the International Youth Hostelling organisation for accomodation? 100s of sites world-wide, [I've used the one at Leibplein, in Amsterdam, and found it excellent. The international website is located at [http://www.hihostels.com/openHome.sma and contrary to what many people think, it is useds a lot by adults. One would have to make bookings well in advance, but with a group of people, makes a lot of sense. Maybe this is a whacky idea, but it's worth people even being aware of, for other forays abroard. As for places I would prefer, Ireland, Hooland, Croatia, Malta and Crete appeal to me.

Great to see such interest already and this is not yet up a day! :-) So far it looks like Croatia has a firm vote but please if anyone else has other suggestions do please submit them. In terms of the time, I think the last week in August should be fine weather wise and tourist wise. I spent some time in Greece many many years ago in early October and it was chilly in the evening. While I don't want to melt, a bit of warmth is nice too. With such an international gathering its going to be challenging trying to organise it, so I think some form of comprimise is going to be inevitable if its going to work. It would be cool if we could get a time when most of those interested could get there. I also asked Bojan to join in this discussion as he has so much to contribute.

There had been lots of waffle on dpreview, around a meet, but no one went for it. So I picked when, and where, and got a few complaints of non-availability, but loads of lurkers appeared, as well as the original posters?

Eugene, you started this, so I suggest you hit a date, and tell us where in Croatia you want? I've never been there, so that's cool. I may not be able to attend, as Pennie and I have a baby due early March! Depends on how Gonzo settles into travelling, I guess?

Tim

Wouldn’t it be enough to agree on where (city) and when (dates) and leave it up to those who will take part to find accommodation by their own? I haven’t been to Croatia, but in other East European countries most travellers seems to just find private accommodation on the spot/on arrival (cheaper than hotels).

As for the “programme” – depending on how many take part I would find it natural that people split up in smaller groups depending on what they want to do/what kind of pictures they want to shoot (do different things in daytime and meet the whole group in the evenings. Not even that needs to be booked and planned in advance. All people have mobile telephones nowadays, don’t they?).

But of course, if somebody wants to organize something (for example getting permission to photograph at a special site or place, travelling to a place outside the city the groups stays in, arrange for meetings with locals etc) that could be nice, but not necessary.

It’s not very likely that I will be able to join, but if I can I don’t have any strong preferences about where to go. Croatia is fine, so would any other European country be.

never been in croatia before. i'd love to participate but i'm not sure yet if i'll be in a position to go, depending on several reasons...

Good suggestions so far. Lets let it roll for a bit then refine it.

Yes Caroline, I like the idea of just agreeing a place and time and whoever turns up can go from there. Much better. Less hassle!

Croatia would be nice, never been there. As to when I think the end of August or early September would be the best time for us. Have'n't discussed it with my partner yet, but I think she'll like the idea.

Sounds good to me - anywhere that's not too far away and not too expensive! My wife's colleague has a house in Croatia so she'll get some details of places to stay, things to do, etc. The date should be decided fairly quickly so that everyone can book up their holidays at work.

Hi Everyone

I have contacted Bojan, but he is not really too keen on a meeting (nothing personal, mind you), but will in due course give us tips for excursions and places to visit if necessary.

I have taken the liberty of contacting a member of www.oly-e.de, who lives in Istria (Croatia, more or less across the border from Trieste, Italy). He immediately wrote back to me with great enthusiasm, telling me of all the marvels, lovely sights and places of historic interest there are in his area alone. His name is Drago Klaic, who, it turns out, is a registered member of MFT, too, has, however, not found the time to participate too much recently as he has been busy with his baby son the last three months :-)).

He is offering us his infrastructure for the meeting (he runs an internet café - www.cybermac.hr - , there is also a beamer available). He is well connected with people in tourism and offers to help us organise accommodation and trips.

Here is a translation of his e-mail to me of this evening:

You cannot beat Croatia when it comes to prices, especially in comparison to the countries of the EU. Surely both Ireland and Holland are more expensive. Istria is a well-kept secret so far, but this has started to change already and I am sure the area will become one of the top tourism and holiday places of Europe soon. I am not saying this out of patriotism, but there is a immense wealth of places to visit and things to do, I hardly know where to start. September to mid of October the weather in this area is stable, in 2004 it was possible to bathe until late in October.

As myfourthirds.com is an English language site and there may be participants from overseas, I would suggest duration of a full week, for people to take full advantage of their time here. If the meeting takes place in the second half of September prices will be even lower, and everyone will be able to afford it. Whether it is hotel or home stay, there is good value for money, and also home stay on a high level at reasonable prices.

It is easy to get to Istria by plane. There are 5 different ways:

Airport Trieste is served by Ryanair all year round (I have booked a return flight from London for a friend not long ago for EURO 50.--).

The airport Trieste is approx. 100 km or 1 h by car from Porec Istria

The airport of Venice is served by several budget airlines from all over Europe. From Venice Airport it takes 5 minutes to the harbour (approx. EURO 30 per ride), from where there is a connection by catamaran for approx. EURO 65 to Porec. Alternatively there is a bus from the airport to the harbour, which costs EURO 3 and takes approx. 40 minutes. The crossing from Venice to Porec takes approx. 2,5 h, of which 30 minutes through the Laguna of Venice, which is a brilliant first photo shooting opportunity.

I know the manager of Venezialines personally and am sure a special rate could be arranged for a day trip to Venice for the entire group. The normal rate is, if I am not mistaken, approx. EURO 65.--. Have a look at: www.venezialines.com. By road from Venice to Porec it is approx. 250 km.

The airport of Ljubljana (capital of Slovenia) is approx. 150 km away (approx. 2 h drive from Porec). Ljubljana is served by most European airlines.

The airport of Rijeka is approx. 120 km from Porec and is connected to several German cities by plane, I seem to remember Dusseldorf, Cologne/Bonn, Hanover, Stuttgart, Munich. The airport is approx. 1,5 h from Porec.

And last but not least, the airport of Zagreb is 250 km from Porec, or approx. 2.5 h drive. Zagreb is served by most European airlines, also by budget carriers like Germanwings (e. g. Cologne - Zagreb approx. 40 Euro).

Roads to the listed airports are in excellent condition, 90 % motorway.

Regarding accommodation: there are excellent and comfortable B&Bs for EURO 30.- per person and night. Depending on the number of nights and guests a little haggling may well bring good results, especially in the low season.

I have a good friend who is managing director of the biggest Croatian tour operator and an Olympus fan (I bought my 5050 off him). He may help organising transfer from / to the airport(s) and day trips.

I was thinking the following could be a programme for 8 days (just an idea, to make your mouth water..):

1st day: Boat trip Porec-Rovinj-Brijuni (7.00 h to 19 h). 2 h stop-over in each city.

2nd day: Event or workshop at the hotel or b&b.

3rd day: Day trip to Venice

4th day: Another workshop or individual excursions / sightseeing

5th day: Day trip to the Plitivzer lakes

6th day Visit to the interior of the area, the artificial towns of Groznjan, Motovun and Oprtalj. Then visit to a wine grower and of a typical guest house with lunch or dinner.

7th day: Visit to the Adeslberg cave (one of the most beautiful stalactite cave) and to the Lipiz stud farm. Here you will find the famous Lippizaner horses on this 300 year old stud farm, with a show (Spanish school).

8th day: breakfast and departure.

This is one example of how this meeting could be arranged with trips to Italy and Slovenia, which would make it even more worthwhile, especially for people from farther away.

I could also organise a sightseeing flight for flight shots.. there are endless opportunities.

Porec is Unesco world heritage with one of the oldest basilica in the world (4th century), fabulous photo motive. Rovinj is - next to Dubrovnik and Venice - probably one of the most beautiful little towns on the Adria. Opatija on the bay of Kvarn, mundaine health resort with lots of old and lovely buildings dating back to the K&K monarchy; this is where the German and Austrian emperors stayed when on holiday.

The island of Briuni, just off the coast of Pula was the favourite destination of the German and Austrian aristocracy and very impressive. Pula, capital of Istria has lots of historic sights, among others the world's biggest colosseum, built in the 2nd century. The Plitvizter lakes area is another Unesco world heritage and have become famous through the Karl May (Winnetou) movies.

Here are some links, if you are interested in the mentioned locations.

What do you think? This sounds mouth-watering all right, at least to me. I have not yet checked flight rates from Switzerland.

Have a nice evening!

Yvonne

Whoever finds mistakes is allowed to keep them.. I am sorry for a couple of dropped words and other "oooopses". And for some reason there are no carriage returns after each link at the end of the text.. well, you can't win every time ;-)..

Have a good one!

Yvonne

one more thing... I won't be able to participate between 5th and 18th September, so I would be grateful if we could find a date either before or (preferably) after that. Maybe the last week of September (26th Sept - 1st Oct), what do you think?

Yvonne

Yvonne, Your time and trouble is appreciated (I am sure I speak for many of us). I would like to attend if I am able.

Les

the correct link is www.istra.hr

OK then, we are definitely moving towards Croatia. The issue now is when. I propose that we look at the end of August. From the posts above, this would mean that we get to include both Mario and Yvonne and this would look after time constraints expressed by both. Then we can get down to deciding how long and the intinerary. Perhap a new poll would be in order for this aspect of it.

Well I hope it´s not a problem when I answer you in german because my english is really bad :(

Zu aller erst für Kroatien brauchst du als Deutsche oder EU Bürgerin nur einen 90 Tage gültigen Personlaausweis.

Uns sonst gar nichts,

Weder Visa noch Flugticket oder Einladung. Ich bin heute von Yvonne angeschrieben worden und habe spontan daruf geantwortet, weil mir die Idee sehr gut gefällt. Würde auch selber gerne daran Teilnehmen. Für mich ist das Datum zweit rangig wenn das Treffen in Istrien statt finden würde. Kann mir da immer zwei-drei Tage freinehmen außer ihr wollt nicht gerade in der Hochsaison kommen. Was den ablauf des Treffens anbegeht so war dies von mir nur mal laut gedacht, ich schließe mich gerne der Mehrheit an und bin mit Rat und Tat behilflich falls erwünscht. Als Gegenleistung zeigt ihr mir wie ich auch so tollte Fotos aus meiner E1 kitzlen kann wie ihr :)

Da ich meine grammatikalischen Englischkenntnise den leuten hier nicht zumuten möchte wäre ich dankbar wenn jemand meine Beiträge vielleicht übersetzt wenn sie von interesse sind für die restlichen nicht deutschsprachigen Mitglieder. Ich verstehe besser englisch als ich es schreiben kann leider :(

Gruß aus Istrien

Citizens of EU need a valid identification card, nothing else.

The ideas for trips were just that, ideas. I will join the majority in whatever plans there are and help with the organisiting - in payment you show me how to convince my E-1 to take pictures as lovely as yours :-). I would love to participate in the meeting. The date is not a problem for me as long as it is not in the high season.

Greetings from Istria Drago

Croatia/Istria looks great and I would love to go there but end-of-august timing will probably mean I can't come. :-( I would like to make a short trip somewhere around april/may, and combining it with the MFT meet would be ideal of course. Maybe that timeframe is an option too? I don't think 8 months preparation time is essential, and spring is a great time to travel and take pictures.

Great suggestions keep comiing in and I'm heartened that so many are interested in meeting up, pending availability. Maybe there will be two meetings. 1, pre or early summer and the other, end of august/september. Why not?! My intention is to set up a new poll in a couple of days for those intending to go to Croatia as this is a location favoured by many for end august/september. The next poll will focus on this to work out a time. Comments?

I am from Croatia and I can help in organization. I am living in Omisalj, island of Krk. 20 min from Rijeka, 2h from Zagreb.

Thank you Goran! I'm sure we will talk when things get clearer :-)

I have mixed feelings about this. I like the idea of meeting up, but I've tried photography as a group activity, and enjoyed the group much more than the photography. Photography is a not a social activity for me (not that anything else is, since I'm by nature a miserable sod). But Croatia is tempting - I've never been, even though it is close by, and i have friends both from there and who've been there who tell me how wonderful it is. I also once saw a TV program about the Croatian islands in the Adriatic - quite breathtaking. I would say that for a dedicated photographic trip, 5 days are enough. But there is also a scheduling problem - the landscape fans amongst us will want to get up early and stay out late, whilst the street / architecture people will be more inclined to other hours. Maybe there could be sub-groups, although this would require some logistic flexibility.... I don't know - put me down as an interested onlooker for now.

Unless anyone has objections I am going to post a new poll about times to meet later tonight. Hopefully the bugs attacking my computer over the weekend have been defeated and I will get to do this later. Thanks to all who have taken part.

Colleagues:

The dollar / euro excahange rate is quite favorable to you all on the other side of the pond.

Why not convene in New Mexico? September is the best time. The summer rains and the music toruists have gone. The chamisa is in bloom.

Look forwar to seeing you all..

joe