Talk:Programme/Wikimania Takes Lake Como

WTLC dates

Hi Iopensa: The page states that "it is a four-days soft programme ... Transport from Como to Esino Lario will be organized by boat and bus on Thursday 23 June 2016". Based on this, is it advisable to book flights so as to land in Italy on the 19th (a day prior to the 4 WTLC days)? Too early? Also, on the four WTLC days, will the crowd be departing from Esino Lario daily? Or do we need to stay at a different venue to participate in this event? Thanks! Reh man 11:11, 19 March 2016 (UTC)[reply]

How is Iolanda supposed to know what is advisable for you? For instance, the first bullet is "participants will manage directly their reservation": hotels on lake Como can be very expensive in this period (or you maybe you don't want to stay in Milan); if you don't want to spend on accommodation, you'll know that this is not advisable for you.

As for the transports, the page seems very clear to me. The only arranged transfer is "An organized travel by boat and bus to Esino Lario on time for the pre-conference". Nemo 07:55, 21 March 2016 (UTC)[reply]

Wow, okay... Either I was unclear, or you misunderstood my post... I'm just trying to figure out what is the ideal day to book the inward flight. My question on where participants will stay is because the bid page states participants will stay in Como, not Milan. So it would help to know what is the starting point(s) on each of the four days, including the starting/ending time (if already decided). I have addressed to Iolanda directly because she created this page. Thanks anyway. Reh man 13:50, 21 March 2016 (UTC)[reply]

The page says «designed for early arrivals and for people who want to take advantage of the event to visit and discover Lake Como». This is not part of Wikimania proper. It's your decision whether you want to do some tourism and arrive earlier. Nemo 13:56, 21 March 2016 (UTC)[reply]

I know. I repeat, I'm just trying to figure out the ideal day to book the inward flight. Please, lets keep this simple. Reh man 14:31, 21 March 2016 (UTC)[reply]

Hostel accommodation

Hi. You can find some info on hostel details in Milan and Como on this talkpage. Hope it helps. Reh man 22:34, 4 April 2016 (UTC)[reply]

The Last Supper

Does the program already include the opportunity to see The Last Supper at Maria delle Grazie? My understanding is that reservations usually have to be made some time in advance (which is to say, long before now), unless you want to try your luck with a cancellation in the morning. A lot of people besides myself are hoping to see this if nothing else, so I'd like to know beforehand. Daniel Case (talk) 18:48, 9 June 2016 (UTC)[reply]

Hi Daniel, to visit The Last Supper it is necessary a reservation well in advance. Unfortunately the first date available is July 13. --Yi yi 23:31, 13 June 2016 (UTC)[reply]

Unless, I've read, you go to delle Grazie first thing in the morning and snag a cancellation. Which, I presume, is what we're going to have to do. Daniel Case (talk) 02:41, 14 June 2016 (UTC)[reply]

Scratch that. I've been told via email after several inquiries that this is just impossible as the museum no longer offers cancellations.

So, I will be at some point going on GoFundMe or whatever to get money for another trip to Milan where I can both go up to Ticino and see The Last Supper. Does anyone else want to go in on this?

Honestly, couldn't this have been anticipated in planning this program? Daniel Case (talk) 20:16, 14 June 2016 (UTC)[reply]

Canton of Ticino

Are visits to Ticino included in this programme? Or is it as part of another event? Reh man 00:15, 11 June 2016 (UTC)[reply]

FYI, for those of you who were also waiting for an answer. Reh man 05:59, 14 June 2016 (UTC)[reply]

Hi Rehman, unfortunately for now we don't have excursions in Switzerland. --Yi yi 17:06, 14 June 2016 (UTC)[reply]

"For now"? So does this mean we might, eventually? (And if we don't, can I still get some of the good Swiss chocolate my wife has bid me to bring back for her in Milan, Como, or even EL? Daniel Case (talk) 20:11, 14 June 2016 (UTC)[reply]

Don't warry for chocolate. Also Italian chocolate is good (ICAM is our supporter and in the programme you can find a chocolate corner on Sunday evening ;-) If you want Swiss chocolate without going in Switzerland you can ask Ilario: he lives in Lugano and he always bring us Swiss chocolate. Sorry but hardly we can organize a trip in Ticino. --Yi yi 20:58, 14 June 2016 (UTC)[reply]

Also, I see we will be in Como for most of a day, without any apparent activities planned between when we get there and when we catch the ferry to Varenna. Maybe we could take a bus up to Chiasso or something ... Daniel Case (talk) 04:12, 17 June 2016 (UTC)[reply]

Yes, that would be nice. Reh man 12:02, 17 June 2016 (UTC)[reply]

Something we can do in Chiasso

This was an idea I had long ago that I had sort of abandoned, but now that I find we're going to be in Como for most of Thursday it might be doable if a few people want to do it.

We could take a short hike to the southernmost point in Switzerland (See here for the map of your choice).

It's not that far away, and it looks to me like we could get there and back well within the available time.

First, I assume we would be stashing our luggage somewhere near the ferry terminal.

Once that's out of the way, San Giovanni station, on the main line coming down from Zurich towards Milan and southern Italy (basically the border stop for Italy), is about 1 km across Como from Lago Nord ... a short walk. According to this page, trains come through about every 15 minutes; the trip to Chiasso (Switzerland's border station) takes about 5 minutes.

Once off and through customs (shouldn't be too rigorous), this is the local bus schedule in Chiasso, which seems to suggest service is fairly frequent (as long as you know what the local school schedule is). I suppose you could walk all the way up there from the station, but by taking it to Pedrinate Paese you'd save time and (more importantly) vertical. Judging from what I saw on Street View (which follows the trail system in the woods here), the trails are what you'd expect Swiss trails to be—easy to follow, wider than the footpaths I am used to here in the U.S. (well, the ones that were created as footpaths, that is), well-marked and -signed with fingerboards, some of which indicate "il punto estremo sud del Svizzera".

It'll be easy to know when we're there ... the trail curves along the border fence (yes, there is one, left over from the '20s when the Italians built it to prevent smuggling) and the southernmost point is well-marked.

And then we can get back to the station, get chocolate and put money into our (ssssh!) bank accounts, then take the train back to Como.

Unless I'm missing something, this seems like it could work. Anybody else like to do a little boundary chasing? Daniel Case (talk) 06:54, 18 June 2016 (UTC)[reply]

I like this. I'm getting ready to board my flight. Will reply again if time permits. Maybe we can meet at Ostello? Cheers, Reh man 16:27, 18 June 2016 (UTC)[reply]

Yes, I'm flying out tomorrow and I will probably be at the hotel by midmorning Monday Milan time. See you there. Daniel Case (talk) 04:16, 19 June 2016 (UTC)[reply]

If someone would join, we can organize a visit in Lugano next Monday afternoon. You can find my contacts in the contact page and in the press contact page of Wikimedia CH. Tuesday I will move to Esino Lario, so only Monday is possible to meet you for a visit in Switzerland. Attention that to visit Switzerland you must have a permission valid for Schengen area. --Ilario (talk) 10:08, 19 June 2016 (UTC)[reply]

Sounds like a nice plan Ilario, but unfortunately I have to check-in MXP by 19:00 for departure, unless the visit to Switzerland is very early Monday? @Daniel Case, I'm in room 231F at Ostello, if you're trying to find me. I'm also on WhatsApp (see number in edit mode). Cheers, Reh man 16:38, 19 June 2016 (UTC)[reply]

I'm leaving early Monday, so I couldn't do it then. Daniel Case (talk) 17:06, 19 June 2016 (UTC)[reply]

Start/end locations and times

Could someone please share the starting and ending locations and timings for this event? Since I will be arriving early (on the 19th), I am interested in joining the WTLC crowd whenever possible. Knowing the start/end locations (Ostello Bello Grande?) and timings would be very helpful for planning, since the event is only next week. Kind regards, Reh man 06:04, 14 June 2016 (UTC)[reply]

Crespi d'Adda

I notice Wednesday is still open for events. I was wondering if (since going to Switzerland now seems to be off the table) we might be able to get just outside the city and see Crespi d'Adda (I like to see at least one World Heritage Site in association with Wikimania, and if a Last Supper cancellation doesn't come through, well, it's only 35 km outside the city and doesn't require paying admission, much less making reservations. Daniel Case (talk) 06:41, 14 June 2016 (UTC)[reply]

Hi Daniel, and everybody. Who wants to visit Crespi d'Adda in addition to Daniel? Because the organization for just one person is not possible (but now I'm asking for a guide). However, if there is no other interested persons, it is not complicated to reach Crespi d'Adda. From Milan you can take the subway (green line: you can take it in Milano Centrale and go to the last stop, Gessate). From the subway station of Gessate you can take a bus for Trezzo sull'Adda and your stop is via Biffi/1º Maggio (20 minutes). Then, follow this map on foot (about 20 minutes): [1].

However, I hope we can organize a trip in Crespi d'Adda, because it's a beautiful place (and my last name is Crespi, so I love it), though the factory and the Crespi's villa are not visitable in the interior. --Yi yi 21:17, 14 June 2016 (UTC)[reply]

Molto grazie ... I am glad to hear that you want to go, too. Yes, it is my understanding too that the interiors of the buildings are closed ... no problem; it is the village one goes to see. Daniel Case (talk) 04:01, 16 June 2016 (UTC)[reply]

This is also a lovely bike ride from Milan alongside the Martesana canal, I went through it recently (see detailed data). Nemo 06:41, 16 June 2016 (UTC)[reply]

@Daniel, sorry, but I'm in Esino during all the week of Wikimania. But I visited Crespi d'Adda a lot of times and it's beautiful, like a dip in 1900. --Yi yi 08:28, 16 June 2016 (UTC)[reply]

Free entrance in museums of Province of Lecco

I report you that Wikimaniacs with badge have free entrance in some museums in Province of Lecco: Excursions#Free entrance in museums of Province of Lecco.

Details for Wikimania Takes Lake Como

Hi all, Rberchie, Daniel Case, Rehman, Flixtey, Matthias Süßen, Krish Dulal, Laxmi Rose, Bladyniec, Рөстәм Нурыев, Margott, Liridon.
I'm writing here to give you some details about Wikimania Takes Lake Como. First of all, we had some problem because the person who initially was working on the organization of this event is not available now. But don't warry, I'm glad to communicate that we have 3 organized tours (you can see details in the table in the page. Unfortunately we can't go to Crespi d'Adda (but if you want, you can go there on your own with public transport. For any information, you can ask me).
Please, I need to know how many people want to partecipate to the events in the table, in particular for June 21, 22 and 23. For the first day, I can came with you in the morning (I'm not a tourist guide, and I'm not so good in speaking English, but I will do my best :-)
I'll add etails in the programme (link to Wikipedia pages, link to OSM) as soon as possible. --Yi yi 15:53, 18 June 2016 (UTC)[reply]

I'm coming early, so I'm in for all 4 days. No preference yet on the places to visit. I like anything that has to do with science/astronomy/renewable energy. :-) Reh man 16:29, 18 June 2016 (UTC)[reply]
I'm sorry Yiyi. I would dearly like to participate, but I can't make it. I'll arrive on wednesday at 4 or 5 pm and on thursday there are so many things to do. Thank you very much for all your efforts. --Matthias Süßen (talk) 10:31, 19 June 2016 (UTC)[reply]

@Rehman, ok for tomorrow in Milan? At 10:00 at subway station Sant'Ambrogio (green line). For astronomy, in Milan there is a planetary near subway station Palestro (map). maybe you can visit it on June 22, in the morning, befor the visit to the Science Museum (Museo della Scienza e della Tecnologia Leonardo da Vinci). --Yi yi 17:43, 19 June 2016 (UTC)[reply]

Good morning Yiyi. Thanks. You mean the starting point for today (20th) is the Sant'Ambrogio subway station? Any advise on how to get there from Ostello? Or, any crowd departing from here? I know there are two other Wikimedians currently here at Ostello, Oren and someone else. Cheers, Reh man 06:04, 20 June 2016 (UTC)[reply]

Hi Rehman. Well, I can came to Ostello Bello Grande in 30 minutes (now I'm in train), then we can go together in Sant'Ambrogio. See you at Ostrllo later. --Yi yi 07:24, 20 June 2016 (UTC)[reply]

That's great Yiyi! We're at the lobby waiting. I'm wearing a Wikia tshirt. :) Reh man 07:40, 20 June 2016 (UTC)[reply]

Just so everyone knows, I'm here in Milan now, too. Right now, I am sitting in the lobby downstairs waiting for them to get my room ready. I've been here since about 10 a.m. ... they very nicely let me have breakfast, after which I went out to take photos of the neighborhood around the Centrale and change money. When my room is ready I will probably go up to it and try to sleep off my flight.

If you guys get in at some later point and want to get me involved in what you're doing, ask the desk to contact me. In any event, my goal is to be part of tomorrow's events, so I will definitely be up for it ... Just let me know here; I'll try to give you my room number when we get in touch finally. Daniel Case (talk) 11:58, 20 June 2016 (UTC)[reply]

Hi Daniel and all. Just to remember you that tomorrow (21 June) there is a guided tour in the center of Milan. The guide will waiting for you near of the fountain in fron of Castello Sforzesco. From Ostello Bello Grande you can reach the Castle using undergroud green line (from Milano Centrale). The stop is Cadorna or Lanza (same distance). Tomorrow I'll be in Esino, so I cannot came with you :-( --Yi yi 21:01, 20 June 2016 (UTC)[reply]

Your photos on Commons

Dear all, if you take photos during your excursions in Milan and Como, you can upload them on Wikimedia Commons and place them in Category:Wikimania 2016 - Wikimania Takes Lake Como. Thanks and have nice days! --Yi yi 21:18, 20 June 2016 (UTC)[reply]

Science Museum visit

Hi people! I'm writing about the visit at Science Museum (Museo della Scienza e della Tecnologia Leonardo Da Vinci) for tomorrow (June 22). Visit starts at 14.30; your entrance in the Museum is in Via San Vittore, 21 (map). To arrive there you can take subway green line ad your stop is Sant'Ambrogio, which is 300 meters far (Rehman knows that zone). Remember: the guided visit in the Museum is free! --Yi yi 16:09, 21 June 2016 (UTC)[reply]

Train to Como

@Yiyi: OK, now that we're at this point, how will this be handled? Will someone be meeting us here tomorrow, or is up to us to get to the train station, and then on board, ourselves? How much can we expect to pay? Who will be meeting us in Como, and how will we recognize them?

It would be nice to know this before tomorrow morning ... Daniel Case (talk) 20:26, 22 June 2016 (UTC)[reply]

So, it's just me and Daniel at Ostello at the moment. We will be making our way to Cadorna now, just to be on the safe side. If anyone else needs to join the last group to Esino, please make your way to Cadorna asap. We should be leaving there at 09:00. In the mean time, would appreciate if someone could reply to Daniel's comments? Costs? I note that there will be someone holding the Wikimania sign at Cadorna. Cheers, Reh man 06:03, 23 June 2016 (UTC)[reply]