Welcome to Lisbon

Dear EABS members,


It is our pleasure to welcome you all to Lisbon this August.
We are doing everything we can to make sure that your stay will be unforgetable.

This blog is meant to share with you the latest news regarding the conference, some practical advice about the city and many other things.

Our job at the conference it to welcome you to Lisboa and to the Faculdade de Letras, provide you with information about the city and help you during the conference days at the faculty.
All details regarding registration, banquet, transfers, guided tours, etc., are the responsability of EABS.

Visit us often or subscrive the news feed to find out the newest details!
If you have questions, please email us at: lisboneabs2008@yahoo.com

Hope to see you in Lisboa,


Ana & Isabel

Thursday, July 31, 2008

Info for the "Arabian Trade" Session

The Arabian Trade Interdisciplinary discussion session offers interested audience the opportunity to read the discussion papers before the session, and take part in the discussion. Papers can be obtained by sending an email to evdsteen@liverpool.ac.uk. We shall send you the papers as .pdf and word files.

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Walking to/from the hotels and the faculty

Dear All,


Because it is hot and traffic may be problematic, i would suggest you to use the underground system to get to the university, instead of walking.
From most hotels the station is Campo Pequeno (yellow line direction "Odivelas") and your stop is "Cidade Universitária."
After arriving to Cidade Universitária, you need to walk down the street on your right until you reach the end of the building on your left. Then, turn left and the Faculty of Letters is the building facing you from the other side of the green.
10 underground trips can be bought inside the station for €7,30. To that you have to add €.50 to by a card called "7 Colinas" in which you will deposit the trips bought.

Ana

Sunday Tour

Dear Participants,

It is our most delight pleasure to introduce you to Lisboa this coming Sunday.
However, we would like to remember you that we will be walking for most of the tour and that the temperatures in Lisboa, though quite nice, are higher than in most other European cities.
Therefore, we would advise you to:
- bring very confortable shoes
- maybe wear a hat
- carry sun lotion (high level of protection)
- €4,20 in change to get the travel ticket
- nice camera
- leave the documents and most credit cards in the hotel (bring a copy of the passport with you)
- carry a bottle of water (there will be plenty of opportunities to get a new and fresher one later)
- do not bring with you too much cash, since we will easily be spoted as a group of tourists!

pleae make sure that you are on the Vip Grand Hotel lobby a few minutes before 9a.m. because we really want to leave at 9 a.m., otherwise it will be impossible to fulfill our program.

hope you have a nice flight,


Ana

PowerPoint Presentations

Dear Speakers,


We have been trying your PWP presentations' and have come to realise that no one has preset and automatic change of slides.
Please keep in mind that by doing this you will be "attached" to the computed and not have much freedom for walking.
To all of you that have a remote for presentations (through USB plug) I would tell you to bring them with you if you do not want to have to continuously hit the keyboard.

Once again, our technical details are the following: windows XP machines (no Mac's), with Office 2003 installed (please remember that PWP created in word 2007 won't load... please convert them before sending them to me).

Every room is also equiped with sound system, video, DVD and a beamer.

Any questions should be sent to us by email.


Ana

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Hotel Vip Grand Lisboa Map

Dear All,



Here is a map of the "headquarters" hotel for the conference. Please note that for all staying at the Vip hotel's the most convenient underground station is "Campo Pequeno."


Important Information

Dear All,

I have just arrived in Lisboa. That is the reason for such a long silence over the weekend.

Right now, the guided tour has no more available spots. I am sorry for that, but unless I manage to get someone else to lead another group, it will be impossible to accept any further registration.

I know that time is getting short, so I need your cooperation.
I continue waiting for your AV requests. Only 10 sessions have now scheduled to use equipment and that does not sound right. Please email me your presentations to the conference's email (lisboneabs2008@yahoo.com).

I will be posting in the next hours a map of the faculty and of the hotels with the underground stations.
For those of you arriving earlier than Saturday, I recommend using the underground station called "Campo Pequeno."

Also, in Campo Pequeno, there is a new mall with plenty of eateries and nice shops, just 10 minutes walking from the hotels.

From the airport, as I have mentioned earlier, the easiest way is to catch a taxi. I recommend using those taxis that leave from the departure's hall, instead of those from the arrival's hall.

Public transportation in Lisboa is quite good. I recommend getting a week ticket, or at least a daily one for the first contact with the city.

I am planning to be at the Hotel Vip Grande Lisboa on Saturday afternoon between 4 and 6 pm. If you experience any problem, please see if I am there. There will be a welcoming desk set for the EABS, just in the middle of the hotel's lobby.

I wish you all a pleasant journey,


Ana

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Hotels

Dear All,


I am aware that some of you may be experimenting some problems with your hotel reservations. I have already spoke with Lisboa and I was told that all reservations that were charged are complete. Nevertheless, please let me know if I can be of assistance.

You can also contact Mr. Luis Cruz at lcruz.pnacoes@abreu.pt.
Please keep in mind that the agencies in Portugal do not work on weekends.

See you in Lisboa,

Ana

Thursday, July 24, 2008

No more room reservations

Dear All,


We have attempted to maintain open as long as possible the room reservations through Agência Abreu. However, due to proximity of the conference, the hotels are no longer accepting reservations through the agency. I would recommend to those of you who still do not have a room, to contact directly the hotels.

Ana

Monday, July 21, 2008

Surviving in Portuguese

Yes, I know... Portuguese is not the easiest language in the world, although it is one of the most spoken.

Now, you need to start practicing before arriving in Lisboa!
Here are some tips to survive in Lisboa:

Hello!----Olá!!----ohláh
Good Morning----Bom Dia!----bomh di-a
Good Afternoon----Boa Tarde!----bou-a tar-deh
Good Evening/Night----Boa Noite!----bou-a noie-teh
Goodbye!---- Adeus----a-deush
Thank you----Obrigado----ohbrigahdu
The check, please----A conta, por favor----a countah pur favoure
A coffee, please----Um café, por favor----unh kafeh pure favoure
Underground----Metro----Meh-tru
Faculty----Faculdade----Fah-cule-dadeh
University----Universidade----Univer-sidahdeh
Bus----Autocarro----Auh- toh-ca-rruh
Where is...?----Onde é....?----Oundeh eeh…?


Have fun,


Ana

Friday, July 18, 2008

AV Requests

Dear Speakers,


Until now, I have only received 6 requests for using AV. I am afraid many more of you will be using AV and, as it was mentioned before, we need to test and install your presentations in our computers.

The information I have available right now (it may change upon my arrival to Lisboa), is that we have desktop pc's in every room, but that they are quite slow. Also, they are not Mac friendly, and it appears that we do not have available beamers. I suggest bringing your own.

Therefore, in order to make sure that all sessions will happen according to the previewed schedule, I am requesting your help.

Please make sure that your presentations are send to this email: lisboneabs2008@yahoo.com

As soon as I try them on our machines I will send you an "O.K." email.
Meanwhile, I guarantee that your data will be treated with strict confidentiality.

I will keep posting on this issue as soon as I have more information.

Thanks,


Ana

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Please Vote in the next 48h


Dear All,



The Patriarchate of Lisboa is kindly offering a free tour of São Vicente de Fora, one of the most important churches of the city, and also the Pantheon of the Braganza dinasty.

SãoVicente is located in one of the most beautiful places of the city with a marvelous view over the Tagur River.

The Patriarchate offers to show us not only the Church, but also the Museum where you have a complete description of the relationship between Portugal and the Roman Catholic Church. Besides, you will be able to see what was left from the Iberian Union period.


Because time is flying and we need to decide whether to accept their generous offer and when to do it, I need you to vote.


The offer is for a guided tour in English either on Tuesday or Wednesday, morning or afternoon.


Please go to the side poll and make your choice.



Ana

Sunday, July 13, 2008

July 13, 2008 - New York Times

As you can see, Lisboa has suddenly become one of the trendiest spots for this summer. just check today's article (don't miss the slideshow) in the New York Time.

http://travel.nytimes.com/2008/07/13/travel/13Lisbon.html


Enjoy the Sunday,


Ana

Friday, July 11, 2008

LISBOA: Culture and Cultures

Dear EABS members, dear future Lisboa lovers,


Is now public what we want to offer you during your welcome day in Lisboa. History, monuments, city and river views. So feel the city life in a walk that i and all the staff hope you enjoy.

The city of the nineteen century at São Pedro de Alcântara and Chiado side by side with a lisbon district called Bairro Alto that remounts to the sixteen century (nowadays is famous for the pubs and nightlife). There is other great part of Lisboa: Belém. Very important at the time of the Discoveries, rather balenced co-habitation of history and contemporary such as Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Cultural Centre in the same huge square (Império Square). Is also a fantastic place to enjoy the river and take a close look at Tagus. Lisboa wouldn’t be the same and have her unique personality without her inseparable river. You will have the chance of meetting them together in this eternal union.

If we have enough time we will get out of the tram #15 in Terreiro do Paço also know as Praça do Comércio and walk across Augusta Street to take contact with Baixa (downtown) wich is a disctric buildt after the terrible earthquake of november 1 of the year 1755.

There are plenty reasons to join the group on this tour through the heart of our magnificient city!

See you on August 3 and have a pleasant trip!


André

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Guided Visit's Itinerary and Schedule













- 9 am - gathering in the lobby of Hotel Vip Grand Lisboa and departure by underground;
- From Restauradores do Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, using the Glória elevator;
- Walking down Rua da Misericórdia, making a stop at "Brasileira" the famous coffee shop;
- Continuing down by Rua do Alecrim until Cais do Sodré;
- Getting into the tram #15 from Cais do Sodré until Belém;
- Visiting Jerónimos monastery, the clausters and the church (if there is no service going on);
- Torre de Belém and the Monument of the Discoveries;
- we suggest having lunch at the cafeteria of the Cultural Centre of Belém: it has an amazing view over the Tagus River;
- Sample some of the best pastries of the world: Pastéis de Belém with some Portuguese coffee, of course!
- return to the hotel (if time permits, we will walk from Terreiro do Paço to Restauradores, crossing Baixa, and then take the underground).


Hope you will enjoy,


Ana & André

DVD formats

Dear All,


Please make sure that your DVD's are zone 2 and good to be played in Pal format TV's.

Also, keep in mind that the voltage in Lisboa is 220.

Transportation

Lisboa is one of those cities where you can reach most places by using public transportation.

In town, we suggest that you use the underground. Close to the Vip Hotels, the station is Campo Pequeno. For hotels NH Campo Grande and Villa Rica, use the station of Entrecampos.The station at the University, is obviously called: Cidade Universitária.
For prices and schedules, please see the links on the left.

From/To the airport we suggest using a taxi. If you are not traveling alone, contact the Lisbon Tourism Office and buy a "Taxi Voucher."

Later to visit Lisboa use buses, trams, elevators and underground.
All of this are secure and clean and the prices quite good.
Just be aware of pickpockets when using the trams #28 and #15.

Keep your ID's and money in the hotel safes.


Ana

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Last Minute Discount by Carris

Dear Members,


Carris, Lisboa's bus company, is offering to all of you a generous discount of 25% off when buying a ticket for a tour of Lisboa on their panoramic bus. The ticket comprises multiple entries during one day and instead of the regular €14 per person, EABS members will only be charged €10,5.
To buy these tickets you have to present your badge at Carris' kiosk at Praça do Comércio.
This offer is only valid during the conference week.

hope you will enjoy,


Ana

Guided Visit of Lisboa on Sunday, August 3

Dear All,


The team in Lisbon is considering guiding you through our city on Sunday, August 3.
We will pick you up from the Grand Vip Hotel at 9am and take you on a walking tour of Lisboa.
There will be no costs, except from your own travel tickets (€4,20 for a 24h all transportation ticket), drinks and meals.
And because it is Sunday morning, museums are free.
You need to make sure that you are wearing comfy shoes, using sun protector and a hat and have a bottle of water.

Later I will post a more detailed itinerary. Meanwhile, because it is only two of us guiding you, we are limiting the group to 20 people. However, if needed be, we try to lead a second group.
If you are interested in this initiative, please send us an email with name and in which hotel you will be staying to lisboneabs2008@yahoo.com.
We will confirm ASAP your enrolment.

Get ready for Lisboa,

Ana

Saturday, July 5, 2008

From the New York Times, May 8, 2008

Introduction to Lisbon
http://www.nytimes.com/frommers/travel/guides/europe/portugal/lisbon/frm_lisbon_0054010001.html');


In its golden age, Lisbon gained a reputation as the eighth wonder of the world. Travelers returning from the city boasted that its riches rivaled those of Venice. As one of the greatest maritime centers in history, the Portuguese capital imported exotic wares from the far-flung corners of its empire. Treasures from Asia -- including porcelain, luxurious silks, rubies, pearls, and other rare gems -- arrived at Indian seaports on Chinese junks and eventually found their way to Lisbon. The abundance and variety of spices from the East, such as turmeric, ginger, pepper, cumin, and betel, rivaled even Keats's vision of "silken Samarkand." In its golden age, Lisbon gained a reputation as the eighth wonder of the world. Travelers returning from the city boasted that its riches rivaled those of Venice. As one of the greatest maritime centers in history, the Portuguese capital imported exotic wares from the far-flung corners of its empire.
Treasures from Asia -- including porcelain, luxurious silks, rubies, pearls, and other rare gems -- arrived at Indian seaports on Chinese junks and eventually found their way to Lisbon. The abundance and variety of spices from the East, such as turmeric, ginger, pepper, cumin, and betel, rivaled even Keats's vision of "silken Samarkand."
From the Americas came red dyewood (brazilwood), coffee, gold, diamonds, and other gemstones. The extensive contact signaled a new era in world trade, and Lisbon sat at the center of a great maritime empire, a hub of commerce for Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Today, after a decades-long slumber, there is excitement again in this luminous city. Construction went on around the clock as Lisbon prepared for EXPO '98, which marked the 500th anniversary of Vasco da Gama's journey to India. Lisbon welcomed the world to its doorstep, and the visitors found a brighter, fresher city, as they continue to do today.
The most dramatic change of all was the opening of the Vasco da Gama Bridge spanning the Tagus. Ponte Vasco da Gama speeds access to other areas of Portugal, including Alentejo province, with links to Spain. An entire new suburb being created along the east bank of the Tagus has brought Lisbon a new railway hub, Gare de Oriente. Brash postmodern office buildings and restored medieval facades are just some of the changes that have altered the skyline. Still in place is the Lisbon of old, with its great art and architecture -- which is what probably brought you here in the first place.
Lisbon Today -- No longer the provincial town it was in the 1970s, Lisbon today has blossomed into a cosmopolitan city often beset with construction pains. Many of its old structures are simply falling apart and must be either restored or replaced. Some of the formerly clogged streets of the Baixa have been turned into cobblestone pedestrian malls.
Lisbon is growing and evolving, and the city is considerably more sophisticated than it once was, no doubt due in part to Portugal's joining the European Union (E.U.). The smallest capital of Europe is no longer a backwater at the far corner of Iberia. Some 1.6 million people now live in Lisbon, and many of its citizens, having drifted in from the far corners of the world, don't even speak Portuguese. Lisbon presides over a country with one of the fastest-growing economies in Europe, much of it fueled by investments that have poured in since Portugal joined the E.U. Textiles, shoes, clothing, china, and earthenware are among its leading industries.
Sections along Avenida da Liberdade, the main street of Lisbon, at times evoke thoughts of Paris. As in Paris, sidewalk portrait painters will sketch your likeness, and artisans will offer you jewelry claiming that it's gold (when you both know it isn't). Handcrafts, from embroidery to leatherwork, are peddled right on the streets as they are in New York.
Consider an off-season visit, especially in the spring or fall, when the city enjoys glorious weather. The city isn't overrun with visitors then, and you can wander about and take in its attractions without being trampled or broiled during the hot, humid weather of July and August.

Friday, July 4, 2008

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Introduction

Dear All,


Many of you already know me from last year in Vienna, so I will move on and introduce the other members of the team in Lisboa, who have been working in this project since day 1:

- Prof. José Ramos is the Chair of Ancient History at the Faculty of Letters;
- Prof. António Ramos dos Santos is an Associate Professor and our expert in Mesopotamian History;
- Isabel Costeira is a graduate student in the program of Master in Religion;
- André Dores is a museum expert, historian and our cultural counselour.

All of us look forward to meet you in Lisboa and are working hard to make the EABS 2008 meeting in Lisboa a memorable event.

We will regularly post here information concerning the city, the conference venue, and maybe even about some extra activities... who knows what may happen in Lisboa, right?

Hope to meet you in Lisboa,

Ana