Evan: I've been discussing some of you the same questions with a group of colleagues who have been awarded travel fellowships to attend the meeting. I'll try to answer your questions below.. On 21-Jun-07, at 10:48 AM, Evan Leibovitch wrote:
1) Will the per diem to be given out be in cash or by cheque? This is relevant since I am Canadian and don't normally possess much US currency. I suppose I will need to have some in advance of my travel, at least for the taxi. Please advise on whether I will be getting cash that will be usable immediately for expenses or if I need to bring any significant amounts of US cash with me.
If i'm not mistaken, Nick mentioned that the per diems were going to be given to us either Sat or Sunday (at the NA meeting). The amount given to each of us would depend on the dates that were ok'd by icann. Practically, this means that you should try to bring enough cash for 1-2 days. Though not needed, keep receipts for items and/or services purchased - such as taxi Taxi seems to be 20-25 USD to get from the airport to the hotel we are all at.
2) I note that the distance between the hotels is more than just a few blocks. How late will the shuttle be running?
The distance is "walkable", but it is not close. There will be at least 2 shuttles a day - one in the morning, and one in the afternoon/ evening to bring the ALAC folk as well as the fellowship recipients from the Miramar to the Carribe Hilton.
3) Regarding Internet access -- while the mail from Nick said:
Access to internet from your room is not included in your room costs under ICANN's arrangement with the hotel and is not reimburseable after the event as the network at the meeting is free and available 24 hours per day. The hotel website at http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/sjumr-courtyard-san-juan- miramar/ indicates that Internet is free. If it isn't, having 24/7 access at the Hilton is great for people staying there, but not at all useful for those at the Courtyard. Please clarify the situation.
The Miramar's website seems to indicate that wireless internet access is free. This would be great, and better than the Carribe - where internet access will only be free in the ICANN conference area. A colleague from Moldova is arriving to our hotel today, and she'll let us know about the internet and what's available around our hotel. I'm arriving tomorrow (13:30 San Juan time) and will send a post to let you and others departing sat know what to expect /find. regards Robert