[03:27:45] Boarding. Flight appears to be on time. Landing Athens around 10 local time [04:23:06] How's the weather like there? It's rainy in Istanbul atm [05:01:23] The temperature is nice, 22-25°C in the afternoon, but there's risk of rain today around 16:00 and on Sunday. [05:12:53] Anyone interested in visiting the Acropolis this afternoon, despite the risk of rain? LMK in case [05:42:32] For sure! Getting in around 10am by plane but am up for afternoon culture (re @Sannita: Anyone interested in visiting the Acropolis this afternoon, despite the risk of rain? LMK in case) [05:50:24] if anyone knows which sim card to buy (at airport) for max data, please share. arriving 3 pm, wouldnt mind to have company on my way to hotel [06:45:45] When registering for the hackathon, you'll get a 5-day public transport ticket (located inside the name badge). Very convenient. See you later :) [06:47:13] Small correction: the 5-days public transport ticket is only available to people who got their travel booked by WMF (scholars & staff) [06:47:20] Sweet. Then I wouldn't need to get another ticket. [06:51:27] If only the U was an I. : https://tools-static.wmflabs.org/bridgebot/60b44e57/file_48137.jpg [06:56:26] Can your phone do eSIM? (re @millodarka: if anyone knows which sim card to buy (at airport) for max data, please share. arriving 3 pm, wouldnt mind to have company on m...) [06:57:42] Landed in Athens. The non EU passport control line is massive and long [06:58:05] that's a surprisingly fitting tail number :D there seems to be a G-WIKI registered too but it's a small GA plane that doesn't seem to be in very active use [06:59:26] Double checking: does this include travel back from the city to the ATH airport? (re @Auregann: Small correction: the 5-days public transport ticket is only available to people who got their travel booked by WMF (scholars & ...) [07:02:42] The popular folks like Airalo are showing prices like 4-5 euros per gigabyte of data which isn’t terrible (re @millodarka: if anyone knows which sim card to buy (at airport) for max data, please share. arriving 3 pm, wouldnt mind to have company on m...) [07:10:57] The 5-days public transport tickets do not include airport trip (that is more expensive). The trip from/to the airport for staff & scholars can be arranged in different ways (standard is to get reimbursed later - if people need other options, they can come to us at the registration/entrance desk and we'll find a way to accommodate them) (re @amire80: Double checking: does this in [07:10:57] clude travel back from the city to the ATH airport?) [07:12:22] FYI, Acropolis is free of charge today (but you still need to take a ticket at the entrance). There are WC and water at the top (after the Parthenon). (re @Sannita: Anyone interested in visiting the Acropolis this afternoon, despite the risk of rain? LMK in case) [07:16:46] Almost at the front - so about a 25 minute queue (re @fuzheado: Landed in Athens. The non EU passport control line is massive and long) [07:17:50] tip for people adding talks to their calendars, especially (Central/Western) Europeans: Greece is in Eastern European Summer Time (UTC+3), not Central European Summer Time (UTC+2)! [07:25:02] no :( I also saw advices not to buy sim on airport, but my first flight is late I lost connection, and I'm arriving in Athens 8pm (🙁), so no other option will be available (re @fuzheado: Can your phone do eSIM?) [07:25:41] Seems very expensive at airport (re @millodarka: no :( I also saw advices not to buy sim on airport, but my first flight is late I lost connection, and I'm arriving in Athens 8...) [07:25:47] https://tools-static.wmflabs.org/bridgebot/13a422b9/file_48139.jpg [07:25:51] I am at their booth [07:25:55] Thanks! (re @Auregann: The 5-days public transport tickets do not include airport trip (that is more expensive). The trip from/to the airport for staff...) [07:28:43] yes, it should be 10ish euros in the city (re @fuzheado: I am at their booth) [07:32:22] @siebrand let me know if you are around - I am near the city of Athens Infopoint [07:32:52] Will do. Just touched down. No idea how long it takes to go close to transport. (re @fuzheado: @siebrand let me know if you are around - I am near the city of Athens Infopoint) [07:33:13] I think for you, it is very fast (re @siebrand: Will do. Just touched down. No idea how long it takes to go close to transport.) [07:39:14] just boarding my flight there, see you in a couple of hours [07:43:02] do sim cards have to be registered to a person when buying them, or could someone buy one for you? [07:50:59] I believe they do need a passport while eSIM do not (re @Nikki: do sim cards have to be registered to a person when buying them, or could someone buy one for you?) [07:54:41] https://prepaid-data-sim-card.fandom.com/wiki/Greece [07:55:55] >You can also try asking the distributor to sell the SIM card without showing your ID, but this is illegal according the law. [07:55:55] [07:55:57] Heh [07:57:22] Anyone else looking for a ride from airport to hotel? [08:05:10] Sitting on a plane in Zurich, and they've announced that there was a radar failure (!!!) at the Athens airport. Those of us getting in this afternoon/evening may be somewhat delayed. (But only "somewhat," I hope!) [08:06:21] Oh goody… :/ [08:08:13] doesn’t seem to be a Notam for it yet [08:08:50] Oh no! (re @NicoleLBee: Sitting on a plane in Zurich, and they've announced that there was a radar failure (!!!) at the Athens airport. Those of us get...) [08:11:34] meanwhile I'm on the ground in Copenhagen due to local ATC staffing shortages. Let's hope the radar issues won't cause any further delays [08:13:19] It is what it is. You can’t do too much about it, so try not to get too stressed :) [08:13:27] Getting there safely is the important thing [08:14:14] indeed [08:14:58] But probably isn’t EU261 eligible for delays either 😅😂 [08:16:27] But good reminder… if your flight is delayed, and you’re stuck in the airport, the airline is liable for food and drink at around 2 hours or so… [08:16:28] [08:16:30] They might provide vouchers, but keep your receipts if not! [08:20:47] we're taxiing now, I'm taking this as a good sign! [08:21:20] Depending on the airport they just want you off the stand to use it for another aircraft 😂 [08:21:46] no, we were already sitting off the gate due to the ATC delays I mentioned [08:22:05] and we're moving towards the runways even [08:22:23] I’m on the list for this in the afternoon, having literally just landed. (re @Sannita: Anyone interested in visiting the Acropolis this afternoon, despite the risk of rain? LMK in case) [08:22:58] My flight's also in motion. The delay was only about 30 minutes, so nothing too tragic. Whew! (re @wmtelegram_bot: we're taxiing now, I'm taking this as a good sign!) [08:24:12] I'm hanging out in the hotel lobby if some people want to get lunch in a bit [08:24:44] Thanks for the updates, have safe flights :) [08:25:36] Here are a couple pictures of the Technopolis venue - main gate, Main Workshop room, Main Hacking Space, and Innovathens : https://tools-static.wmflabs.org/bridgebot/6c20fc29/file_48142.jpg [08:25:36] https://tools-static.wmflabs.org/bridgebot/cf920dc8/file_48143.jpg [08:25:37] https://tools-static.wmflabs.org/bridgebot/22ec0c13/file_48144.jpg [08:25:39] https://tools-static.wmflabs.org/bridgebot/670e09d7/file_48145.jpg [08:25:40] https://tools-static.wmflabs.org/bridgebot/85bc2008/file_48146.jpg [08:25:42] https://tools-static.wmflabs.org/bridgebot/025ad87f/file_48147.jpg [08:28:16] Andrew and I are in an Uber [08:42:10] I'll land at 1.30 PM, so let's hope it's not raining by the time we go :) (re @kemayo: I’m on the list for this in the afternoon, having literally just landed.) [08:58:19] Are you still at the lobby? I just checked into my room. (re @wmtelegram_bot: I'm hanging out in the hotel lobby if some people want to get lunch in a bit) [09:02:14] @robertsky: yep! [09:02:37] OK. Heading down now. [09:04:04] So, which building is for the registration? We are here but can't figure out where to go (re @deb_t: Here are a couple pictures of the Technopolis venue - main gate, Main Workshop room, Main Hacking Space, and Innovathens) [09:04:34] Today registration is open at the hotel, tomorrow it will be open at the venue, IIRC (re @t0grul: So, which building is for the registration? We are here but can't figure out where to go) [09:05:09] Thanks for letting me know [09:14:31] For those interested: we (Maarten, Andrew, Robert, Kunal), are off for lunch from the hotel at 12:30. 10 minute walk. See you there if you want to join. [09:23:23] Today, registration is available for people who are staying in Lighthouse Brown hotel, in the hotel lobby. The venue is not accessible yet. [09:23:24] Registration will be open for everyone at the venue (Technopolis, Machineworks buidling) on Friday starting at 8:30. https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Hackathon_2023/Venue [09:25:29] Leaving a little later: 12;40 from Lighthouse Brown (re @siebrand: For those interested: we (Maarten, Andrew, Robert, Kunal), are off for lunch from the hotel at 12:30. 10 minute walk. See you th...) [09:42:23] https://tools-static.wmflabs.org/bridgebot/e5b8d3c1/file_48149.jpg [09:42:26] https://tools-static.wmflabs.org/bridgebot/a98b8917/file_48150.jpg [09:53:30] Have a great hackathon!😍🥰🥳🤩 [10:11:30] https://tools-static.wmflabs.org/bridgebot/c383da0d/file_48151.jpg [10:28:12] https://tools-static.wmflabs.org/bridgebot/42767e85/file_48153.jpg [10:34:07] Good to see we’re all still very photogenic 😂 [10:41:19] 😂 [10:41:51] I have landed 🤩. Looking forward to connect and meeting all of you 💫 [10:42:14] I just got to the hotel and am checked in. [10:49:57] Same here! 🥳 (re @dpriskorn: I have landed 🤩. Looking forward to connect and meeting all of you 💫) [10:56:17] My flight just landed in Athens. [10:57:05] I'm at belt 8 waiting for luggage. [11:01:51] I'm waiting to deplane. [11:13:36] I'm waiting for you and @NicoleLBee at belt 8 by the phones. I got a red bag 😀 (re @EdwardBetts: I'm waiting to deplane.) [11:14:43] I'm in the non-EU passport queue. I see someone with a Wikimedia backpack in the EU queue. [11:14:55] Oh no, I should have kept a closer eye on the chat! I'm at the trains. 😩 (re @dpriskorn: I'm waiting for you and @NicoleLBee at belt 8 by the phones. I got a red bag 😀) [11:16:48] Finally landed! We arrived late, though [11:17:30] I see a Wikipedia hat in the EU queue. [11:18:35] I'm moving towards the trains. Now [11:19:30] Btw today all museums are free in Athens - international museum day [11:19:50] Was thinking of hitting the acropolis museum before 5 [11:21:28] I'm missing all the cool gear and stickers 😅 (re @EdwardBetts: I see a Wikipedia hat in the EU queue.) [11:23:11] I'm waiting in the train octagon building for others to arrive and join 😀 [11:25:15] Long way from passport control to baggage claim [11:30:50] Just landed! Looks like I'm not the only one, let's meet somewhere? [11:31:15] Trains octagon! I'm waiting 😀 (re @wmtelegram_bot: Just landed! Looks like I'm not the only one, let's meet somewhere?) [11:32:20] Taking the M3 now. Or just 3. [11:33:11] We're on the same train, then. Not that there's much hope of finding anyone in this crowd. (re @tonythomas01: Taking the M3 now. Or just 3.) [11:33:23] I have no clue where that is (yet, still on the plane itself), but I'll try to find you [11:33:57] Yup. Took sometime to figure it out. But hopefully we run into each other (or maybe we have already 🫠) [11:35:24] I have a Wikimedian of the Year hoodie and Wikipedia socks, so hopefully hard to miss [11:38:41] I take it the signs to "To Trains" apply to the metro as well as the suburban? [11:39:46] btw the museums are free today [11:40:09] @lcawte: yes [11:40:59] Just start checking everyone's socks to see if they're taavi... [11:44:11] Yes. Two sides of the same platform apparently (re @lcawte: I take it the signs to "To Trains" apply to the metro as well as the suburban?) [12:03:01] On the train with @EdwardBetts now 😀 [12:03:50] The one sat in the Airport station currently? [12:04:37] Got my bag! I'll try to find the train station [12:08:09] Is anyone still here or did everyone get on a train already? [12:12:06] Train [12:14:21] The one that just left or the one before it? [12:28:35] Fyi acropolis museum is open until 8pm today and free [12:31:10] Just seem this - recently left Pallini Station. I don't see any wikipedia socks my end though. (re @wmtelegram_bot: The one that just left or the one before it?) [12:37:45] A lot of the berlin team just landed [12:37:47] I'm trailing behind everyone, it seems. On my way to the airport now, landing in Athens at 2315. Will be a long day, but looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow! [12:38:24] If anyone wants to join us. We are using Metro [12:48:39] @tarrow and I are just leaving Heathrow. Due 1930 Athens local time [12:57:31] Just got my bag, anyone at the airport? [13:00:45] A few of us from Berlin are getting on the metro now [13:02:46] So if you’re here in the next minutes we could take the metro together [13:02:59] I still need to buy tickets [13:05:00] We are on the train platform (re @blancadesal: I still need to buy tickets) [13:05:54] I'm arriving at ATH around 22:10 EEST. (re @tehreedy: @tarrow and I are just leaving Heathrow. Due 1930 Athens local time) [13:09:08] Still there? (re @Ladsgroup: We are on the train platform) [13:09:18] Yup [13:15:09] This was a bit of tricky for me. For metro from train, it’s the Athens, Airport ticket - costs 9 EUR. Someone around graciously helped me 🙏 (re @blancadesal: I still need to buy tickets) [13:28:23] Any recent arrivals fancy a quick trip down to the Acropolis before dinner? [13:29:33] Yes, there is me and another two people for sure (re @NicoleLBee: Any recent arrivals fancy a quick trip down to the Acropolis before dinner?) [13:29:45] Heading for the lobby, meet you there? [13:30:37] Me too! [13:31:24] I did acropolis a few days ago. Acropolis is outdoors and a bit of a hike up, be ready. Also chance of rain for the next few hours, maybe bring umbrella :) [13:31:31] I'm joining, will be down in 10 [13:40:03] I’ll arrive at about 9pm, will public transit be available at that time? [13:44:29] We're waiting for you :) (re @dhinus: I'm joining, will be down in 10) [13:44:44] In the lift [13:45:20] There’s a sign saying the last metro from the airport is at 10:30pm (i think) (re @WhitePhosphorus: I’ll arrive at about 9pm, will public transit be available at that time?) [13:47:16] We just landed too, trying to head to the centre now :) [13:51:12] Having done it myself earlier today, I’ll warn you to watch out because the acropolis is pretty slippery. All that very-well-worn marble paving... [13:53:04] My (limited) experience of Athens so far is that there is a lot of marble around and it's all very slippery. (re @kemayo: Having done it myself earlier today, I’ll warn you to watch out because the acropolis is pretty slippery. All that very-well-wor...) [13:54:44] Airport bus is 24h the last metro is 23h34 (re @WhitePhosphorus: I’ll arrive at about 9pm, will public transit be available at that time?) [13:55:12] https://tools-static.wmflabs.org/bridgebot/77079d78/file_48173.jpg [13:58:30] Welcome dinner reminder for WMHack2023 scholars and staff! [13:58:30] [13:58:31] According to schedule, there is a welcome dinner at Brown Lighthouse 1st floor, between 18:30-21:00, open to those staying at the Brown Lighthouse (scholars and Wikimedia Foundation staff). [14:04:24] Thanks for the warning, thankfully I brought spikes! (re @kemayo: Having done it myself earlier today, I’ll warn you to watch out because the acropolis is pretty slippery. All that very-well-wor...) [14:38:39] Anyone fancy an early dinner somewhere in the center ? We will likely be heading to Couleur Locale [14:43:15] Do the acropolis museum instead - indoors, lots of great views of Parthenon and better storytelling (re @Barrio1234: I did acropolis a few days ago. Acropolis is outdoors and a bit of a hike up, be ready. Also chance of rain for the next few hou...) [14:44:20] We have just landed, waiting at the baggage claim [14:48:40] Ehr… [14:48:40] [14:48:42] *🔌 Please charge your devices before coming to the venue [14:48:43] *Our venue is a historical and cultural place, and we are the first Wikimedia hackathon they are hosting! We did our best to upgrade the electricity infrastructure, but some issues remain. In particular, the workshop rooms will have a very limited amount of power plugs, and not everyone will be able to have their devices (laptop, phone, etc.) constantly on charge. [14:48:45] We kindly ask you to *charge your devices every night before coming to the venue*. [14:49:59] *🔌 Please charge your devices each night before coming to the venue* - Our venue is a historical and cultural place, and we are the first Wikimedia hackathon they are hosting! We did our best to upgrade the electricity infrastructure, but some issues remain. In particular, the workshop rooms will have a very limited amount of power plugs, and not everyone will be able to have [14:50:00] their devices (laptop, phone, etc.) constantly on charge. Thanks for your understanding. [14:50:10] This is kind of a surprise and a potential major challenge at and event where participants have 2-3 electrical devices with them. [14:51:05] https://tools-static.wmflabs.org/bridgebot/474994a8/electrician_electric_wire.mp4 [14:51:37] We know, and this is why we are working our best to prepare the space and we are informing people in advance, so we can make the best out of the situation. If everyone agrees on charging their devices only when necessary, there should not be any major issues. (re @siebrand: This is kind of a surprise and a potential major challenge at and event where participants have 2-3 electri [14:51:37] cal devices with them...) [14:52:21] But good call beforehand 🙏 [14:55:46] Uhmmm. My plane is suspicioys. I have nobody in 2 meters around my seat 🤨 [14:58:13] Heading there now, so feel free to join us if you’d like :) (re @Máté: Anyone fancy an early dinner somewhere in the center ? We will likely be heading to Couleur Locale) [15:11:04] That’s social distancing, Máté (re @wmtelegram_bot: Uhmmm. My plane is suspicioys. I have nobody in 2 meters around my seat 🤨) [15:16:53] We are going to be a bit late (maybe 10min), can we still join? (re @DimitriosRingas: Welcome dinner reminder for WMHack2023 scholars and staff! [15:16:54] [15:16:55] According to schedule, there is a welcome dinner at Brown Lighthouse...) [15:18:30] I'll join you, the coworking place I'm at is just a couple minutes away. (re @Máté: Heading there now, so feel free to join us if you’d like :)) [15:19:06] Grand :) https://couleurlocaleathens.com has a menu if you would like to check (re @gtisza: I'll join you, the coworking place I'm at is just a couple minutes away.) [15:19:18] The entrance is a bit tucked away [15:27:19] Dinner is at the hotel 18:30-20:00, right? [15:34:06] I want to join, but have no idea how to come inside 😅 (re @Máté: The entrance is a bit tucked away) [15:36:20] Dinner at the hotel is from 18:30 to 21:00 (re @siebrand: Dinner is at the hotel 18:30-20:00, right?) [15:36:27] You need to get into the alley and there is a gallery (re @putnik: I want to join, but have no idea how to come inside 😅) [15:36:42] I’ll help you I go outside [15:37:05] Stop! (re @Máté: I’ll help you I go outside) [15:44:12] Aw, I thought I was going to be one of the last to arrive. Our plane (@alchimistawp and I are on the same flight) was scheduled to arrive at 21:05, but it's slightly late. You take the crown, for sure :) (re @jhsoby: I'm trailing behind everyone, it seems. On my way to the airport now, landing in Athens at 2315. Will be a long day, but looking...) [16:10:08] I’ll have a couple of charged battery packs with me [16:26:43] Is there a political rally going on tonight or something? I've gone for a stroll and run into a lot of public order police/road closures and lots of flags of some kind. [16:28:41] No EU immigration was very quick. Bags coming out already too [16:29:52] Yes. Elections this weekend apparently (re @lcawte: Is there a political rally going on tonight or something? I've gone for a stroll and run into a lot of public order police/road ...) [16:30:36] Ah, that would probably explain it. [16:37:27] Anyone wants to share a taxi in the next 30-60 minutes from the airport to the hotel? [16:38:11] Tom and I are currently waiting for @OutdoorAcorn at the airport who is due in in about half an hour… [16:51:12] If you have room for one more, I'm interested 😁 (coming with a regular backpack and a medium bag) [16:53:45] Yes, Sunday is general Election Day. [16:53:46] Especially on Friday you can expect several public events from political parties around the city. It is the last day they are allowed to hold pre-election events. (re @siebrand: Yes. Elections this weekend apparently) [16:57:04] Having now managed to check Wikipedia, there's a couple of big SYRIZA events between the (staff/scholar) Hotel and Parliament. [16:57:21] Where are you now? (re @zeljkof: If you have room for one more, I'm interested 😁 (coming with a regular backpack and a medium bag)) [17:00:29] Me and @dpriskorn are at the acropolis museum [17:01:52] Hi everyone!! [17:01:52] Just letting you know that registration desk at the hotel is now closed; you can register tomorrow morning at Technopolis venue! [17:01:54] Looking forward to meeting you! [17:05:34] Hey everyone. Just a quick note before the events tomorrow: You can report any safety issues privately to @wmfhackathonsafety (this is a shared account used by members of the event safety team). :) [17:15:43] We would go for a walk through the city central in 30min if anybody wants to join [17:19:37] I'd join but I'm *somewhere* in the middle of the city 😅 (re @kristbaum: We would go for a walk through the city central in 30min if anybody wants to join) [17:22:48] Omonoia [17:24:50] I'm somewhere between Monistarki and Theseio on foot right now. [17:27:14] I'd be up for it if it's still going to happen. (re @kristbaum: We would go for a walk through the city central in 30min if anybody wants to join) [17:27:38] It's still on 👍👍👍 [17:27:51] Me too [17:27:53]