Dear fellows,

I want to point out that the announcment for the Euroforth-99 has been
finally made. It was rather late because there were concerns if to make
the conference in St.Petersburg or elsewhere. After much thought and
deliberation the organizers have decided to make it in St.Petersburg
this year anyway. Now when it is announced and the decision has been
made it is a moot point to discuss alternative locations. People have
been informed and people started to make arrangements, make air
reservations. At least from the US you have to secure an air
ticket to St.Petersburg at least 2 months in advance if you want
certain flight/date/airline. We simply can't go back and forth on
location issue anymore. Now, if some people disagree they have a choice
of not attending. The possible poor attendance of the conference will
show the conference organizers that they made a poor choice, perhaps,
and they, perhaps, will improve in organizing future conferences.

In regards to the money I agree it is very inconvinuent both to send a $100
deposit and to pay cash on arrival. The conference organizers really need to
make arrangements to accept credit cards or at least checks. Another year
I paid $25 in fees and spend a day to transfer $100 deposit to Germany.
I don't want to do this anymore. But in the worst case anyone need only
to carry cash from the airport to the conference and pay the fees on
arrvial, therefore one need only to carry cash in St.Petersburg for a few
hours. Also please note, that there are ATM machines across town (few)
which allow to get money in rubles from bank accounts and credit card
accounts around the world. There is also American Express office which can
cash checks. Then, perhaps conference organizers will agree to accept
the equivalent of dollar amount in rubles per exchange rate established
on the first day of the conference.

On a general note, the situation in Russia seems to be better than
worth for the coming Fall. The prices for hotels, etc. are at their
lowest for the last several years, and the political situation is
temporarily stable. Next year is an election year in Russia, and things
may get really worth, therefore I see it as an opportunity to visit
Russia before things could become really bad.

Just 2c worth...

Michael

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