principles of fluorescence techniques

The Principles of Fluorescence Techniques course in Madrid will be held at:
Fundación Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III
Calle Melchor Fernandez Almagro, 3
E-28029 Madrid, Spain
Phone: +34 91 453 12 00
Fax: +34 91 453 12 65

For a map and detailed instructions, please go to
http://www.cnic.es/index1.php?inc=14&secc=contacto.
(If you look for the CNIC in Google maps, make sure to use the following in search:
"c/ Melchor Fernandez Almagro 4, Madrid" – note the 4 instead of 3)

You may also download a file containing pictures of the campus and local area.

by plane

Madrid's international airport "Barajas" is located only 10 km from CNIC, where the workshop will be held. It features flight connections to nearly every place on Earth.

From the airport you may take a taxi, the fare to CNIC is around 30 - 40 euros. Please take only the certified white taxis. You may be accosted by "private" taxis that usually charge far more.

The adventurous guests may try to use the metro to get to CNIC. You will have to take the line 8 and change to line 9 at "Colombia" station in the direction of "Herrera Oria", exit "Barrio del Pilar." Besides the usual fare of 1,00 euro for one ride or 0,74 euros, if bought as a ten-rides ticket (MetroBus, 10 tickets for 7,40 euros), you will need to purchase a special airport supplement of 1,00 euro.

by train

One of Madrid's main railway stations, Chamartín, is located only 1 km from CNIC. From there you may walk or take a taxi (less than 5 euros).

by car

Reaching Madrid from any direction follow the signs to the inner beltway M30. Then take Exit onto Calle 30/M-30 toward A-42/A-6/A Coruña/A-5/A-4/Avenida Ilustración.

currency

The official currency in Spain is still the euro (€). Foreign euros and other currencies can be converted to Spanish euros at banks, which are usually open from Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 14:00. Most hotels also exchange currencies and traveller's checks. You may find it easier to use your credit and/or European EC card (most merchants require ID) for payments or cash withdrawals.

weather

In September the temperature in Madrid ranges from 15 to 26 °C (59 – 79 °F), the average precipitation is 28 mm.

electricity

Electric power in Spain is supplied at 220V - 50Hz AC. The power outlets are predominantly standard European (it is a good idea to bring an adapter).

habits and peculiarities

The time-table in Spain is different from the rest of the civilized world. Accordingly lunch and dinner time are shifted to later hours. Lunch is usually between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. and dinner is usually served after 10:00 p.m. Most restaurants do not open before that time. The famous "siesta" after lunch is also observed by the majority of small stores and shops, which means they are closed from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.

emergency calls

(Dialed Free of Charge)
Police, fire, or medical emergency: 112

sightseeing in madrid and surroundings

Due to the immense number of possibilities we can only provide a few links:
For those who want to know it all: Madrid
For lovers of superb art, especially Spanish grands like Velazquez, Goya, Zurbaran: The Prado
For lovers of modern art with Picasso's "Guernica" as its centerpiece: Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
For connoisseurs of art from 14th to 21st centuries, featuring one of the finest private collections in the world: Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza
For those who'd like to follow the steps of Ernest Hemingway in Madrid, kindly provided by Michael Palin (ex-Monty Python): Palin's Travels

pick pocketing

Although Madrid is one of the safest cities in Europe, it is also a crowded touristic place, and this attracts pickpockets. Many of them are minors who work in pairs; while one provides distraction (i.e. by begging, selling gum or tissue), the other one will extract your wallet. They are also highly proficient in robbing at ATM machines while you are trying to withdraw your money. Pickpocket crimes mainly occur in the center of Madrid, especially in the area of Puerta del Sol, Preciados street, Mayor street, and also at Starbuck cafes and other various shops.

To avoid an unpleasant experience, follow this advice:

• Please behave sensibly (avoid exhibiting valuables and keep purses and bags close).
• Avoid ATM machines in the center of Madrid (use ATMs at CNIC and around the hotel).
• Keep your eyes peeled; pickpockets recognize (and avoid) alert people.

tours

There is an excellent possibility to explore Madrid by hop-on, hop-off double-decker buses called Madrid Vision. The 1-day ticket (currently €17,00) allows you to follow two routes: Historical Madrid and Modern Madrid. (Audio guides are available in English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish.) Each tour lasts approximately 75 minutes and can be started from any bus stop. The tickets can be purchased on the buses, in hotels, at travel agencies, and at the Madrid Vision information center at Felipe IV Street in front of the Prado Museum.

For those participants who are less interested in Spanish history or museums, we suggest the Tapas Experience starting at 4:00 p.m. organized by Sandeman's Neweuropetours.

For more information and queries, send an e-mail to the local coordinator.

Accommodation fees are not included in the course fees. However, we do have a group reservation at the following hotel, which is conveniently located near CNIC where the course will be held. Fortunately, we were able to extend the deadline for the reservation until August 31 for participants of the course. Still, since Madrid is a popular tourist destination, we urge you to reserve your room as soon as possible to avoid inconveniences. After that date we can neither guarantee the rates nor the availability of the rooms.

Hotel Foxá 32

The hotel suites are elegant and spacious, air-conditioned, and Wi-Fi equipped. It is very conveniently located close to CNIC (a 15-min. walk or a 3-stop bus ride), the metro, the Chamartin railway station, the Plaza de Castilla with the famous KIO Towers, and the Cuatro Torres (Four Towers) Business Area.

Suites Foxá 32:
Calle Agustín de Foxá, 32
28036 - Madrid
Tel: (0034) 91 733 10 60
Fax: (0034) 91 314 71 16

Rates (breakfast included)

• Junior suite for individual use: €80,00 per night
• Junior suite for double use: €85,00 per night (€42,50 per person per night)

How to Reserve

Send an email to the following people:

Contact: Mr. Eduardo Garcia, Group Manager
Email: grupos@hotelesfoxa.com
Please place the local coordinator's email address in the "CC" line of your email:
Mrs. Anna Hellriegel: madrid-coordinator@fluorescence-foundation.org

Include the following information in the email:

1. Reference: Fluorescence Foundation Workshop Sept 2009
2. Name of guest: Mr./Ms. First name and Last name
3. Check in: xx/9/09
4. Check out: xx/9/09
5. Type of room: single/double
6. Credit card: enter number and expiration date or "provided by phone" (you will need to call Mr. Garcia with the credit card information)

Cancellations are free of charge until 24 hours before check-in. The credit card will be charged upon check-out.

Further questions or comments should be directed to the local course coordinator.