[02:22:07] I’m sorry Tiago, we gave the hotel instructions not to collect credit cards from scholars. We will ask them to reverse the hold on your card immediately - I’ll follow up with you and the others via email (re @TiagoLubiana: By the way, a physical, personal debit/credit card with at least 300 Euro of limit is necessary for scholarship recipients too, ...) [02:25:03] @Magioladitis you should be able to use a credit card (I did last time I was here), just confirm with the driver before getting in. Alternatively, you can now order a yellow taxi through the uber app and pay via credit card that way. those taxis will pick you up on the departures level (one story up from arrivals where the normal taxis are). Taxi from IST to the hotel [02:25:03] should be a [02:25:04] bout US$60, that includes the metered fare and toll road charges (re @Magioladitis: So you don't think they are going to accept credit card?) [02:27:19] Yes there will be Covid tests @lucaswerkmeister! (re @lucaswerkmeister: will there be some COVID tests at the venue, like there were at Wikimania last year?) [03:26:57] I had the "which Renaissance hotel" conversation with my taxi driver. I thought giving him the address would settle it, but apparently not. I said "Not Bosphorus" and that got the point across successfully. [03:28:49] Arrived at the airport and waiting for the first batch of shuttles. It's early morning so it feels a bit chilly. I wish I had a hot drink or something. [03:35:27] Thanks Erin! [03:35:28] I was hoping that was the case (knowing we have the same issue for some staff events) but obviously didn’t want to make a statement that wasn’t true and cause confusion and work for yourselves :) (re @Erin: I’m sorry Tiago, we gave the hotel instructions not to collect credit cards from scholars. We will ask them to reverse the hold ...) [04:19:47] great, thank you! (re @Erin: Yes there will be Covid tests @lucaswerkmeister!) [04:31:56] Hello Timo - it's been generally been taking people about an hour to get to the shuttle stop (through customs, baggage claim), so the shuttle you're probably referring to won't leave the airport until closer to 8:30pm. WMF staff/scholars who miss dinner can expense the charges. Otherwise, go straight to the restaurant upon arrival and we'll do our best to accommodate [04:31:57] you (even if [04:31:57] its a few minutes before 9). (re @Krinkle24: Which shuttle group is the last one to receive dinner at the Hotel? [04:31:58] (For example, I'm guessing Shuttle 14 will wait ~30min for ...) [04:35:28] Any recommendations on where to get a SIM card close to the hotel? my phone does not have eSim 🥲 [04:52:07] Just checked in at my home airport and waiting for my flight. My ticket includes baggage, by the way (re @nerim4n: interesting) [04:53:47] Airline IT is so great. [04:56:46] Same here, checked in without a problem (re @nerim4n: Just checked in at my home airport and waiting for my flight. My ticket includes baggage, by the way) [05:05:05] Anyone flying into SAW around 1500? [05:05:06] I know @urbanecm is 1535, and @lcawte is on the same flight as me [05:52:11] And what country are you from? If anywhere from Europe, afaik, you can use your SIM card just like at home. (re @nacaru: Any recommendations on where to get a SIM card close to the hotel? my phone does not have eSim 🥲) [05:52:53] This is false as Turkey isn't EU, mine doesn't at least (re @Tohaomg: And what country are you from? If anywhere from Europe, afaik, you can use your SIM card just like at home.) [05:56:16] It is EU and every country that signed an association agreement with it. Turkey included. I come from another signatory of association agreement with EU, and I just use my current SIM card in the same way as I do at home. [05:56:16] So, I would reccomend to consult your mobile carrier, maybe you do not need a local SIM card (re @sjoerddebruin: This is false as Turkey isn't EU, mine doesn't at least) [06:07:10] cscott used to be in airline business? IIRC (re @tehreedy: Airline IT is so great.) [06:08:37] I wonder how that applies to prepaid tourist SIMs from EU. (re @Tohaomg: It works with EU and every country that signed an association agreement with it. Turkey included. I come from another signatory ...) [06:09:01] According to my mobile operator, Turkey isn't included in the European free roaming. [06:09:03] I guess it's up to the operator: any operator can sign an agreement to have free roaming in any country if they want. (re @Tohaomg: It works with EU and every country that signed an association agreement with it. Turkey included. I come from another signatory ...) [06:09:54] Just like some still have UK included [06:10:44] Indeed. These rules do not apply to UK anymore, but most operators still have the agreements in place and provide free roaming. [06:30:59] Hello, I have arrived at Istanbul Airport. [06:31:00] I have been standing next to sign G55 for a few minutes, but I can’t see the driver. [06:31:01] Does anyone have the driver’s phone number? [06:31:03] Thank you. [06:31:50] My experience is that there is usually a organisation volunteer at site [06:32:21] shuttle 3 I guess (re @Wasp_Outis: Hello, I have arrived at Istanbul Airport. [06:32:21] I have been standing next to sign G55 for a few minutes, but I can’t see the driver. [06:32:22] ...) [06:33:12] Cannot see anyone from wiki here (re @sjoerddebruin: My experience is that there is usually a organisation volunteer at site) [06:33:36] Where can I find that (re @jeremy_b: shuttle 3 I guess) [06:55:19] they said look for "Wikimedia Hackathon" sign (re @Wasp_Outis: Where can I find that) [06:58:37] I'm there [06:58:37] Thay said driver will be here in minutes, thank you❤️ (re @nerim4n: they said look for "Wikimedia Hackathon" sign) [07:41:35] Lots of public transport is shut today in Istanbul [07:41:50] May Day for you [07:42:21] Trams not running in Sultanahmet [07:43:25] fingers crossed Marmaray still running from Kazlıçeşme [07:49:31] Are there any restaurants close to the hotel? Or could we order something at the hotel after 9pm? (re @deb_t: Hello Timo - it's been generally been taking people about an hour to get to the shuttle stop (through customs, baggage claim), s...) [07:57:32] what's the recommended app for navigating public transport? [08:01:01] citymapper, mooovit have been recommended. Google maps is also ok (re @Daniel: what's the recommended app for navigating public transport?) [08:06:01] Our flight was late, will it impact the shuttle service? [08:06:15] สวัสดี [08:08:14] How late? The shuttle will be a little while after the arrivals of the block, to allow for baggage and the border etc (re @KaurWWC: Our flight was late, will it impact the shuttle service?) [08:09:07] Yes, there is room service after 9pm at the hotel and there are several restaurants nearby to get food. Plus a couple grocery stores within walking distance. (re @Daniel: Are there any restaurants close to the hotel? Or could we order something at the hotel after 9pm?) [08:09:45] If it's a bit late, it still should be ok, as we have several shuttles one after the other. How late is your flight going to be? (re @KaurWWC: Our flight was late, will it impact the shuttle service?) [08:12:37] trying moovit, thanks (re @jeremy_b: citymapper, mooovit have been recommended. Google maps is also ok) [08:16:11] We are heading out now. The time was 10.30 (re @tehreedy: How late? The shuttle will be a little while after the arrivals of the block, to allow for baggage and the border etc) [08:16:31] What timezone? :) [08:16:40] Or what flight number? [08:17:06] Tk717 [08:18:14] Looks like it's over 90 minutes to get from the airport to the hotel by public transport... I'm considering a taxi... had anyone tried that? how much is it? how long does it take? [08:18:35] You can always try to see if there is a shuttle seat free [08:19:49] yea, we'll try that. but i want to know what the plan B is. [08:20:18] I have a seat on the shuttle, but Ricarda doesn't, so we have to hope. [08:23:59] You landed on time? : https://tools-static.wmflabs.org/bridgebot/bac55639/file_70249.jpg [08:24:37] I took a taxi and it was the most expensive one i have taken in my life jajaja do not recomend it for just one person (re @Daniel: Looks like it's over 90 minutes to get from the airport to the hotel by public transport... I'm considering a taxi... had anyone...) [08:25:16] I’d be surprised if they’re full… [08:25:46] was it slower for protest traffic? (re @Soylacarli: I took a taxi and it was the most expensive one i have taken in my life jajaja do not recomend it for just one person) [08:26:33] I took it yesterday so I had no problem with any protest [08:26:45] I guess Potsdam to Plattsburgh was more expensive :-P (3 hours) (re @Soylacarli: I took a taxi and it was the most expensive one i have taken in my life jajaja do not recomend it for just one person) [08:29:11] I had a 5 hour 200+ mile taxi… thankfully I wasn’t paying [08:35:31] If shuttle doesn't work out. We can get taxi together (re @Daniel: I have a seat on the shuttle, but Ricarda doesn't, so we have to hope.) [09:59:37] I just landed! Hopefully I'll make the next shuttle-- anyone else at the airport at this time? [10:03:36] Yeap i just touched down [10:04:53] My paperwork says shuttle 7 and it's picking up 5 flights from around this time [10:07:28] Hopefully I can get my bag/get through customs quickly 🙏 [10:07:28] Definitely don't want to be caught out in the rain [10:28:07] I've checked in at the hotel. I'm very happy with my room. : https://tools-static.wmflabs.org/bridgebot/522519d6/file_70252.jpg [10:31:00] Is hackathon shuttle gone? [10:31:12] Tk713 [10:32:10] I am at the meeting point [10:32:15] My phone connected to the Wikimedia WiFi as soon as I walked into the hotel, which was nice. But both it and the hotel WiFi seem to be blocking Discord, which is less ideal. I’ve got friends I need to stay in touch with on there. I can work around it with a proxy, so it’s not a big deal, but uncensored internet access would be better. [10:36:23] there should be another shuttle soon! was your flight delayed? (re @nokibsarkar: Is hackathon shuttle gone?) [10:37:06] the wifi name and password are the same as last year, so most people might be automatically connected. We'll ask about Discord being blocked. (re @EdwardBetts: My phone connected to the Wikimedia WiFi as soon as I walked into the hotel, which was nice. But both it and the hotel WiFi seem...) [10:37:51] Thanks! (re @deb_t: the wifi name and password are the same as last year, so most people might be automatically connected. We'll ask about Discord b...) [10:39:24] and...just found out that Discord is actually blocked in Turkey 🙁 Maybe use a VPN to contact people there? (re @EdwardBetts: Thanks!) [10:40:16] pedestrian steps at top of driveway, adjacent to car barricades are slippery. [10:43:01] Interesting. Discord was working via the WiFi in my previous hotel, Radisson Blu Istanbul Sultanahmet. And it works with my Istanbul eSIM. (re @deb_t: and...just found out that Discord is actually blocked in Turkey 🙁 Maybe use a VPN to contact people on that platform?) [10:43:44] oh really?! so odd! (re @EdwardBetts: Interesting. Discord was working via the WiFi in my previous hotel, Radisson Blu Istanbul Sultanahmet. And it works with my Ista...) [10:45:03] Thanks for checking. [10:45:39] Actually the immigration process took longer than expected (re @deb_t: there should be another shuttle soon! was your flight delayed?) [10:48:39] Ahh - ok, we're checking the DNS settings, give us a bit to get it checked out and fixed with the new wifi network, Discord should be up soon 🤞 (re @EdwardBetts: Thanks for checking.) [10:49:18] Amazing, thanks! (re @deb_t: Ahh - ok, we're checking the DNS settings, give us a bit to get it checked out and fixed with the new wifi network, Discord shou...) [10:50:21] Benefits of being in a hackathon event: (re @deb_t: Ahh - ok, we're checking the DNS settings, give us a bit to get it checked out and fixed with the new wifi network, Discord shou...) [10:51:22] I'm still waiting for my bag :/ (re @nokibsarkar: I am at the meeting point) [10:53:29] Side note: really craving a simit right now 😆 [10:55:12] We are sitting on the bench right outside of gate 14. [10:55:29] Bag acquired! [10:58:46] shuttle should be there soon (re @nokibsarkar: We are sitting on the bench right outside of gate 14.) [11:10:24] For those that have been signed up for the shuttle to get from the IST airport to the Hackathon venue - please get through customs and get your luggage quickly, so you don't miss your shuttle and have to get the next one (which might be full already). Thank you! [11:13:46] People who had a long flight: I would recommend yoga or something similar for the stiffness you might have. Even my rudimentary and short attempt at it alone following a youtube lesson seems to help. [11:15:17] and...some folks might need to wait up to 45 minutes for other people in their group to arrive for the shuttle. thanks for your patience! (re @deb_t: For those that have been signed up for the shuttle to get from the IST airport to the Hackathon venue - please get through custo...) [11:19:47] just landed [11:23:55] Me too (re @nerim4n: just landed) [11:23:55] Discord is banned in Turkey (re @EdwardBetts: Interesting. Discord was working via the WiFi in my previous hotel, Radisson Blu Istanbul Sultanahmet. And it works with my Ista...) [11:25:36] i wonder why that's considered worse than telegram? signal? (re @nerim4n: Discord is banned in Turkey) [11:26:53] Very happy with my swag : https://tools-static.wmflabs.org/bridgebot/d4791f7d/file_70254.jpg [11:27:14] https://www.reuters.com/technology/turkey-blocks-instant-messaging-platform-discord-2024-10-09/ (re @jeremy_b: i wonder why that's considered worse than telegram? signal?) [11:27:52] Maybe more people would complain if Telegram or Signal were blocked. (re @jeremy_b: i wonder why that's considered worse than telegram? signal?) [11:38:23] If anyone is going from the hotel to see the Hagia Sophia / Sultanameht, note that the Sirkeci station is closed today. Miss this and you will end up in Asia :) [11:38:24] There are some other stations closed too, but is unclear to me which ones [11:39:02] I did end up in Asia a few days ago (re @TiagoLubiana: If anyone is going from the hotel to see the Hagia Sophia / Sultanameht, note that the Sirkeci station is closed today. Miss thi...) [11:40:40] Oh, I assumed it was the whole line. (re @TiagoLubiana: If anyone is going from the hotel to see the Hagia Sophia / Sultanameht, note that the Sirkeci station is closed today. Miss thi...) [11:42:26] This cat is wondering why the station is closed : https://tools-static.wmflabs.org/bridgebot/d438b4ca/file_70255.jpg [11:45:36] Not worse per se. [11:45:37] Discord has data, lots of it, they could share but don't (yet). [11:45:39] Signal basically has no data worth sharing with governments. [11:45:40] I suspect the court valued the immediately short-term disruption of coordinated chat on Discord, not considering that a block moves some people toward E2EE platforms like Signal in the long-term. (re @jeremy_b: i wonder why that's considered worse than telegram? signal?) [11:49:56] The stations of the T1 line (Bağcılar-Kabataş) tram line after Topkapı are currently closed. If you want to visit the historical area, you need to get off at the station before Topkapı. (re @TiagoLubiana: If anyone is going from the hotel to see the Hagia Sophia / Sultanameht, note that the Sirkeci station is closed today. Miss thi...) [12:23:37] My IST immigration officer didnt say a word. Just pointed to the camera then stamped. Works for me! (re @tehreedy: No questions asked at SAW immigration) [12:24:02] Indeed! [12:24:25] (I am happy to get a non EU stamp in my passport. Sometimes it feels like the EU is the only area that still stamps. Lol) [12:29:30] Too late to join? Just got through customs (re @tehreedy: Do you want us to wait for you to share a taxi? :)) [12:29:44] Nope! We are outside McDonalds [12:29:51] And are waiting for @urbanecm [12:30:06] Perfect [12:32:29] Though we’re just going to find something to drink [12:35:00] Do you need to collect a bag? [12:35:11] Got my bag! At McDonalds [12:35:53] Two queens for a single. That’s pretty nice. Enjoy! (re @EdwardBetts: I've checked in at the hotel. I'm very happy with my room.) [12:36:02] Walking back there (re @KevinPayravi: Got my bag! At McDonalds) [12:36:29] does McDonald's own much real estate here? (they own (or not too long ago did) a ton in Moscow. like big buildings not just restaurant properties.) [12:37:29] If you are arriving now at IST airport, you can find the shuttle group at door 14 indoors (not outdoors, because it's cold!) [12:44:17] is that upstairs or downstairs ? I'm at something 14 but maybe not the right one ^^ (re @LorenzoLosa: If you are arriving now at IST airport, you can find the shuttle group at door 14 indoors (not outdoors, because it's cold!)) [12:44:47] Downstairs [12:44:52] Same! That's my favorite kind of immigration experience. Historically, I've gotten more hassle trying to reënter my home country 🇺🇸 than entering others. (re @goodvibes6177: My IST immigration officer didnt say a word. Just pointed to the camera then stamped. Works for me!) [12:45:31] Middle floor, actually (re @lucaswerkmeister: is that upstairs or downstairs ? I'm at something 14 but maybe not the right one ^^) [12:47:08] Those who are at the hotel currently, is there a place people are congregating? [12:48:38] Just to be precise - here [12:48:58] https://tools-static.wmflabs.org/bridgebot/f735b9ca/file_70259.jpg [12:49:32] ok, found exit 14 (am outside) (re @LorenzoLosa: Middle floor, actually) [12:49:50] Ok, we are inside [12:51:30] we found the hackathon sign outside and will wait for you there [12:51:46] (and hope the shuttle has free spots 😅) [12:52:30] How many people are you? [12:53:28] 5 🙈 [12:53:52] (all WMDE, so not part of the shuttle contingent iiuc) [12:54:45] We are waiting for shuttle downstairs (R) (re @lucaswerkmeister: we found the hackathon sign outside and will wait for you there) [13:08:32] Uber from SAW… the driver didn’t want to seemingly pay the airport toll/tax.. so we had to walk off the property. Not a big deal but amusing [13:36:53] If anyone feels like going for a walk around the event hotel's neighborhood and wants to join me, I was planning to leave in a few minutes from the hall [14:01:07] Shuttle 10 is underway with 11 people. ETA 17:40 [14:15:09] They still ask for a credit card by the way. When I told them that organizers said that we didn't need one, he said, "Okay, but we have to put a lock to safe in the room." (re @Erin: I’m sorry Tiago, we gave the hotel instructions not to collect credit cards from scholars. We will ask them to reverse the hold ...) [14:15:40] Are you still at reception? [14:16:10] I am in my room [14:16:43] After saying this, there was no other problem. (re @nerim4n: They still ask for a credit card by the way. When I told them that organizers said that we didn't need one, he said, "Okay, then...) [14:17:31] I do that in Bristol, meet the taxi at the edge of the airport. Saves me £9. (re @tehreedy: Uber from SAW… the driver didn’t want to seemingly pay the airport toll/tax.. so we had to walk off the property. Not a big deal...) [14:32:25] Fine by choice. Not so much when the app is telling you the pickup is much closer to the airport… [14:32:31] ;) [14:32:46] are there some restrictions on the hotel network? i seem to be unable to open discord, while it works just fine on mobile data [14:33:25] Are you on the Wikimedia network? [14:33:29] yes [14:34:43] It's banned in Turkey so unless the Wikimedia network VPNs back to the States, I doubt there's much that can be done. [14:35:23] ahh, that explains it. i was confused by the partially loading screen, but i guess that's just how the ban is implemented (re @lcawte: It's banned in Turkey so unless the Wikimedia network VPNs back to the States, I doubt there's much that can be done.) [14:37:36] I believe WMF's document suggested using VPNs for security reasons during travel, but banned sites like this could be added as another reason. [14:49:48] Hello! We’re 4 WMDE folks. Does anyone know if there are any available spots in the shuttle? [14:50:30] We’re headed in that direction now [14:53:53] Do we have to wear t-shirts for dinner or is just a badge enough? [14:55:21] I seem to be the first person to have shown up for shuttle 12… so I can’t really say how many slots we’ll be left with. [14:55:27] Just the badge should be enough (re @nerim4n: Do we have to wear t-shirts for dinner or is just a badge enough?) [14:57:22] I think they might lock the refrigerator (mini bar) if no credit card put on file (re @nerim4n: They still ask for a credit card by the way. When I told them that organizers said that we didn't need one, he said, "Okay, then...) [14:57:46] yeah I meant mini bar [14:59:43] My water bottle and box of granola bars made it thru the xray machine without a hassle. So despite the sign, may not be syrictly enforcing "no outside food" rule at hotel (re @jeremy_b: they had a sign about no outside food or drink at x-ray. which was more shocking. I asked a bit about it at front desk and they ...) [15:03:04] I don't think that applies to snacks (re @goodvibes6177: My water bottle and box of granola bars made it thru the xray machine without a hassle. So despite the sign, may not be strictly...) [15:08:36] Now I've seen the sign I really think they mean dishes [15:09:45] FYI to everyone attending tonight’s dinner, you will need to provide your real name (family name) to the hotel staff in order to get checked in. These are the names they have on the list for tonight’s dinner only!! [15:17:04] I love nudist dinners! (re @tehreedy: Just the badge should be enough) [15:19:25] In addition, for WMF scholarship recipients who haven’t checked into the hotel yet: the front desk staff may ask you for a personal credit card but you can decline to provide one. If you decline, they will lock your minibar [15:24:19] What a great buffet 😍 : https://tools-static.wmflabs.org/bridgebot/88731bb6/file_70266.jpg [15:24:19] https://tools-static.wmflabs.org/bridgebot/aca7d0e3/file_70267.jpg [15:24:21] https://tools-static.wmflabs.org/bridgebot/9472f1ef/file_70268.jpg [15:52:50] https://tools-static.wmflabs.org/bridgebot/d9efc631/dletter.mp4 [16:02:42] Is Istanbul kart used by only one person or multiple person [16:03:16] We got the 130 tl card topped up with 100 tl, is that enough? : https://tools-static.wmflabs.org/bridgebot/d0f8ea58/file_70270.jpg [16:06:36] I saw someone online said 5 but to be safer keep it to 3 ppl (re @Angel_804: Is Istanbul kart used by only one person or multiple person) [16:07:21] should be about enough to get to hotel depending on route. but not much more than that. (re @Angel_804: We got the 130 tl card topped up with 100 tl, is that enough?) [16:08:06] you can't get multiple refunds but I think we tourists aren't eligible for refunds anyway (re @jeremy_b: I saw someone online said 5 but to be safer keep it to 3 ppl) [16:10:08] Hi, there are a group of wikimedians waiting for the shuttle in the parking. We where told to whait here, so here we remain, don't forget us! We are on B09 [16:12:55] I think a shuttle left about 15 mins ago [16:15:40] https://tools-static.wmflabs.org/bridgebot/443fc4ed/file_70271.jpg [16:15:40] https://tools-static.wmflabs.org/bridgebot/a5921653/file_70272.jpg [16:15:42] https://tools-static.wmflabs.org/bridgebot/19a067a2/file_70273.jpg [16:16:21] These desserts are amazing! Well done to however booked this hotel! [16:16:27] We're still here waiting [16:16:52] Still on B09 (re @alchimistawp: Hi, there are a group of wikimedians waiting for the shuttle in the parking. We where told to whait here, so here we remain, don...) [16:18:18] We got on shuttles at 18:50, which I think was shuttle 12 [16:21:06] We just now boarded a new shuttle. I think they forgot about us or neglected to tell us how long we would have to wait [16:23:51] Taking off Madrid right now! [16:35:25] @IsmaelOlea @tuukkahastrup maybe working at the minimalist ontology / mappings at some point tomorrow? Did you both make it to the hackathon? [16:51:26] I'm at door 14. Not sure I see what I'm supposed to look for. [16:53:44] https://tools-static.wmflabs.org/bridgebot/f9593850/file_70274.jpg [16:59:22]