REGIONAL ADVANCED SCHOOL ON PHYSICAL AND MATHEMATICAL TOOLS FOR THE STUDY OF MARINE PROCESSES OF COASTAL AREAS. Cienfuegos, May 26 – June 6, 2008
INFORMATION
1. CEAC Address and Location
Apartado Postal 5, Código Postal 59350. Ciudad Nuclear, Cienfuegos, Cuba. CEAC Tel. -965146, -955167, -965015. Fax 53-43-965146. E-mail: [email protected] Centro de Estudios Ambientales de Cienfuegos
H. Pasacaballos Hotel Pasacaballos (3*), where all participants will be hosted Situated on the opposite side of the Castillo de Jagua (ferry is usually needed for crossing the channel)
Cienfuegos City, Cultural Heritage of Humanity:
Cienfuegos, perhaps the most beautiful city in Cuba, was founded in 1819 -with the name of Fernandina of Jagua- by Frenchman Don Luis De Clouet. Its historical and urban architecture, with museums, art galleries and theaters is the venue of many cultural, scientific, sport and commercial events, and centre of the Cuban culture, plentiful of musicians, poets, dancers, actors and playwrighters. Its urban layout confers it a unique characteristic that differentiates it from the rest of Cuban cities.
The bay of Jagua in whose margins the city of Cienfuegos is located, has a length (north-south) of 22 km and an approximate width (east-west) of 13 km. Its deep waters allow the entry of large vessels, being one of the most important ports in the country.
2. ABOUT THE CLIMATE
The months of May and June are part of the beginning of the summer, characterized by high temperatures and frequent rains in the afternoons. Although the Course will be carried out in air conditioned rooms at CEAC premises, the use of fresh and light clothing is recommended.
The Course includes a practical activity onboard the research vessel “ANTEA”: the use of appropriate clothes for marine field work is recommended, as well as sunglass and hat
3. VISA
The Visa will be issued through flying visas. This mechanism consists of sending a copy (.pdf) to each participant, which should be printed and presented to the pertinent authorities when departing for Cuba. The original one will be handed to you upon arrival at the airport José Martí (Havana) through the immigration officers. The copy will be kept with the passport, and must be given back at the emigration desk, when leaving Cuba.
Please note that ALL EXPENSES about transfers, hotels and meals are paid by CEAC (at NO COST for participants)
4. TRANSFER AIRPORT - HAVANA
Every participant will be picked-up at the arrival at Havana airport José Martí. For rationalising the transfer, please communicate in advance to Tania FARIÑAS, [email protected], information about your flight, date and expected time of your arrival. In case of need, please contact Alain Muñoz by phone (cell. 52631123). A driver will take participants to the hotel MONTEHAVANA Street 70 between 5th ave and 5thB, Playa. One single room will be reserved for you (breakfast included), if not otherwise specified.
It is strongly suggested to arrive at Havana on Saturday 24, afternoon.
5. TRANSFER HAVANA – CIENFUEGOS
A collective transfer is organised on Sunday 25 Morning, 11:00, to transport everybody from the Hotel Montehavana to the Hotel Pasacaballos, Cienfuegos (a 300 km trip).
A welcome cocktail will be offered by CEAC at 17:00 p.m.
Regular transfer to/from CEAC - Pasacaballos (morning/afternoon, including ferry) is organised.
6. LATE ARRIVAL
In case of late arrival, two options are suggested for reaching the CEAC in Cienfuegos: a) BUS Take a taxi from the airport to Havana “Terminal de omnibus nacionales” Take a bus to Cienfuegos (regular service, 5 buses a day) Cost: 17 CUC. Arrival at the “terminal de omnibus” de Cienfuegos Take a taxi to the Hotel Pasacaballos (~ 18 km, cost about 5 CUC)
b) TAXI Take a taxi directly from the airport to Cienfuegos / Hotel Pasacaballos (~300 km, cost about 120 CUC)
7. INTERNET AND EMAIL CONNECTIONS
The e- mail connection is provided in the CEAC “Salas de computation” from 8:00 to 18:00. Participants are strongly suggested to adopt a self-limiting use, in order to assure the correct functioning of the CEAC facilities (reduced capacity of the Cuban provider for data treatment : no more than 1 Mb each time.
To offer the fastest email service in our server, a personal address will be created for each participant, using a) first initial of the name, b) point, c) first family name, followed by the domain of the CEAC Example: User: Sánchez Llúll, Minerva Account: [email protected]
This account will start on May 19 and you can configure your present email account to forward your messages to this temporary local account. You will receive your “Cuban” password when arrived at CEAC.
For any needs, please contact Minerva Sánchez Llúll, [email protected]
8. TELEPHONE Efficient cellular connections are usually functioning everywhere in Cuba (Cubacel network). In the CEAC, phone calls to other countries are also possible through the secretariat, during the working hours (payment).
9. OTHER INFORMATIONS OF INTEREST
The usual currency used in Cuba is the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC, by foreigners) and the Cuban Peso (CUP, by locals). Change Offices are present in every city, changing different currencies (tax of 10%) and US Dollars (tax 20%). Major credit cards are generally accepted. Nevertheless we recommend you to bring some cash, since some credit cards (American Express, for example) are not accepted.
For rules, conversion rates and tariff regulations for import/export, please see http://www.aduana.co.cu/
In case of problems you may call 053+52631153, Carlos Alonso Hernández (CEAC Director), or 053+52631123 Alain Muñoz Caravaca (Course Coordinator).