MSA NEWSLETTER, no. 6
December 2009
2010 MSA Congress in Salamanca – May 26-29
We recently returned from Salamanca where we had the opportunity to work on the details for the 2010 Congress. The past nine months has been a transitional administrative period for the Corsus Internacionales at the University of Salamanca (official host of the Congress) as it has gone through several iterations of leadership. We look forward to meeting and working with Professor Luis Santos Rio the Center’s new Director. The University is also in the process of selecting a new Rector, which is always an interesting time for European institutions. We continue to work with our good friend and colleague Professor Alberto Buitrago who represented the University of Salamanca in Cagliari last May.
Hotels
In the organization of every Congress there are vicissitudes and no MSA Congress would be complete without some lodging problems. That tradition was established long ago when we selected Lisbon at the home for the 1st MSA Congress in 1998, the summer of the Lisbon Worlds Fair. The problem in Salamanca is not as grandiose as a World Fair or the thousands of boat lovers who descended upon Genoa during the 2006 Congress. This time it is a convention of ophthalmologists who have managed to book most of the 4 and 5 star hotels in Salamanca. Alas, those of you who enjoy luxury will have to look hard for a hotel room; there is the possibility the ophthalmologists will release some unreserved rooms around March. For those looking for less elegant and less expensive rooms you are in luck, as rooms can be found in 2 and 3 star hotels. We advise you NOT to procrastinate in making your hotel reservations. While it was out intention NOT to return to the hotel business, under the circumstances the MSA has booked 28 rooms at the Salamanca Ibis Hotel (a 15-20 minute walk to the University).
Rooms & Prices:
We have booked all of the 18 remaining rooms with two beds and 10 rooms with one bed. All rooms are the same price double or single. There is also a different price for the rooms Tuesday through Thursday and a higher price on Friday and Saturday nights.
Tuesday – Thursday $85.00 double or single
Friday – Sunday $110 double or single
Procedures & Conditions for Booking Rooms at the Ibis
If you have additional questions about booking rooms please contact Ben Taggie - Btaggie@umassd.edu
Post-Congress Tour
We regret to inform you that there will not be a post-congress tour this year. The primary problem relates to the scheduling of MSA staff time. We assure you that this problem will not exist following the 2011 Congress. We are already working on the itinerary for that post-congress tour which will focus on Albania.
Travel Opportunities
Being aware that most academics enjoy travel and adventure, we bring to your attention an excellent opportunity to travel at a very modest price. Working with Sixth Star Entertainment, Rick, Louise and I have enjoyed traveling on such cruise lines as Celebrity Cruises and The Yachts of Seabourn as Destination Speakers. In return for presenting a series of destination talks related to the cruise itinerary and paying a modest administrative fee, Destination Speakers receive a cruise for themselves and a guest. If interested in serving as a Destination Speaker please contact Miranda Cook at Sixth Star Entertainment by e-mail or phone. Please identify yourself as a member of the Mediterranean Studies Association.
Contact: Miranda Cook - Manager of Entertainment Programs
Sixth Star Entertainment & Marketing
954.462.6760 ext 225
miranda@sixthstar.com
www.sixthstar.com
Benjamin F. Taggie, Executive Director
MSA