Updates to Travel Information for San Juan
Dear NA San Juan Attendees: Please be advised of the updates to https://st.icann.org/naralo/ index.cgi?travel_information, reproduced below: Travel Information This page will provide up-to-date information about things travel related for the San Juan meeting. North American At-Large Hotel Information The Courtyard Miramar is the hotel for the North American and LAC Regional Attendees. ICANN will pay the room and tax only. You will be asked for a credit card when you check in for incidentals, and to cover any meals you may order. Breakfast is not included in the room charge. Note that hotel room and tax for ALS participants cover the nights of 23 - 29 June only unless you have made arrangements to the contrary with ICANN staff in advance. You are welcome to stay before and after, but the costs of doing so will be paid by you when you check out of the hotel. 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. TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION There are no airport transfers being offered. Participants can expect that a taxi ride will cost approximately US$20. A free shuttle service between the Courtyard Miramar and the Caribe Hilton will be available in the morning and evening. REGISTRATION FOR THE MEETING Note that all ALS representatives attending the San Juan meeting have been pre-registered. You can pick up your badge from the registration desk upon arrival. TIMEZONE INFORMATION San Juan, Puerto Rico is UTC -4 hours. -- Regards, Nick Ashton-Hart Director, At-Large ICANN PO Box 32160 London N4 2XY United Kingdom Main Tel: +44 (20) 8800-1011] USA Tel: +1 (202) 657-5460 Fax: +44 (20) 7681-3135 mobile: +44 (7774) 932798 email: nick.ashton-hart@icann.org Win IM: ashtonhart@hotmail.com / AIM/iSight: nashtonhart@mac.com / Skype: nashtonhart Online Bio: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashtonhart
TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION
There are no airport transfers being offered. Participants can expect that a taxi ride will cost approximately US$20. A free shuttle service between the Courtyard Miramar and the Caribe Hilton will be available in the morning and evening.
Since most of us are arriving in SJ during a reasonably small time window, I'm wondering is anyone here is interested in sharing a cab. FWIW, I'll be arriving Saturday at 1:10 on USAir 1297 from Charlotte. - Evan
Hello, I have some questions regarding my travel to the San Juan meeting, and I'm not sure which questions are for "travel staff" and which are foir "regular staff". I am Cc'ing the NA-discuss list because some of these issues may be of interest to other participants as well. This is my first ICANN meeting so I'm not familiar with protocols, etc. 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. 2) I note that the distance between the hotels is more than just a few blocks. How late will the shuttle be running? 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.
Evan Leibovitch Executive Director, CLUE
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
Evan: You should bring enough cash to pay for the taxi from the airport which is around $25. Some taxis here do accept credit cards but you have to ask before hand. The way it works is that you go to the taxi booth which is close to the luggage area. You tell them where you are going and they will give you a voucher stating how much you should be charged. The rates to different hotels are fixed. If you arrive at night, they usually charge an extra fee for each piece of luggage. You pay the taxi driver directly. Let me know if you have any other questions. By the way, walking from the hotel in Miramar to el Caribe Hilton is not far (around 15 minutes or less). However, temperatures here are very tropical - 80 to 90 F - and sometimes is very humid too even though there a sea breeze blowing almost all the time. Regards. Eduardo Diaz ISOCPR -----Original Message----- From: na-discuss-bounces@atlarge-lists.icann.org [mailto:na-discuss-bounces@atlarge-lists.icann.org] On Behalf Of Robert Guerra Sent: Thursday, June 21, 2007 12:07 PM To: Evan Leibovitch Cc: At-Large Travel Staff; NA Discuss Subject: Re: [NA-Discuss] Updates to Travel Information for San Juan 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 _______________________________________________ NA-Discuss mailing list NA-Discuss@atlarge-lists.icann.org http://atlarge-lists.icann.org/mailman/listinfo/na-discuss_atlarge-lists.ica nn.org --- Draft MoU with ICANN: http://www.icannwiki.org/NA_RALO_MOU Draft Operating Principles: http://www.icannwiki.org/NA_RALO_OP Draft Code of Conduct: http://www.icannwiki.org/NARALO_Code_of_Conduct
The way it works is that you go to the taxi booth which is close to the luggage area. You tell them where you are going and they will give you a voucher stating how much you should be charged. The rates to different hotels are fixed. If you arrive at night, they usually charge an extra fee for each piece of luggage.
Thanks Eduardo nicely done. The booth is bright orange, you can't miss it. What was that restaurant we went to? Bebos? Might be nice to do a dinner there at some point with NA RALO if nothing is already planned.
Let do the Bebos. Good quality, cheap prices and local scene. Eduardo ISOCPR -----Original Message----- From: Jacob Malthouse [mailto:jacob.malthouse@icann.org] Sent: Thursday, June 21, 2007 1:07 PM To: ediaz@prtc.net Cc: NA Discuss Subject: Re: [NA-Discuss] Updates to Travel Information for San Juan
The way it works is that you go to the taxi booth which is close to the luggage area. You tell them where you are going and they will give you a voucher stating how much you should be charged. The rates to different hotels are fixed. If you arrive at night, they usually charge an extra fee for each piece of luggage.
Thanks Eduardo nicely done. The booth is bright orange, you can't miss it. What was that restaurant we went to? Bebos? Might be nice to do a dinner there at some point with NA RALO if nothing is already planned.
It can be done any day or nigth. However, that Saturday night all Puerto Rico celebrates "La Noche de San Juan". You suppose to get into the beach at 12 midnight and make a wish. There is an organized event for all ICANN attendees to participate in this at the Caribe Hilton beach. So bring your swimsuits. Eduardo ISOCPR -----Original Message----- From: Evan Leibovitch [mailto:evan@telly.org] Sent: Thursday, June 21, 2007 1:32 PM To: ediaz@prtc.net Cc: 'Jacob Malthouse'; 'NA Discuss' Subject: Re: [NA-Discuss] Updates to Travel Information for San Juan Eduardo Diaz wrote:
Let do the Bebos. Good quality, cheap prices and local scene.
Is this possibly for Saturday night? That would be a good informal meeting (and orientation) for those of use who can make it there in midday. - Evan
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.
Regardless of what ICANN promises, I would have at least US$100 in hand when you arrive. The per-diem process is brand new, the cash advance is a last minute add-on, so I wouldn't count on actually getting any cash until sometime Monday. Regards, John Levine, johnl@iecc.com, Primary Perpetrator of "The Internet for Dummies", Information Superhighwayman wanna-be, http://www.johnlevine.com, ex-Mayor "More Wiener schnitzel, please", said Tom, revealingly.
Regardless of what ICANN promises, I would have at least US$100 in hand when you arrive. The per-diem process is brand new, the cash advance is a last minute add-on, so I wouldn't count on actually getting any cash until sometime Monday.
It's not a last minute add on. I've been working on this for the fellows in partnership with our finance team, who has been excellent, for at least three months. It is the first time we've done it so your support, as well as recommendations in the future for improvement, would be welcome! And it definitely is always good to travel with some cash in hand just in case. Looking forward to seeing you all in San Juan. best, Jacob.
On 21 Jun 2007, at 16:48, Evan Leibovitch wrote:
Hello,
I have some questions regarding my travel to the San Juan meeting, and I'm not sure which questions are for "travel staff" and which are foir "regular staff". I am Cc'ing the NA-discuss list because some of these issues may be of interest to other participants as well. This is my first ICANN meeting so I'm not familiar with protocols, etc.
sure
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.
As previously posted, PDs will be distributed on Sunday morning.
2) I note that the distance between the hotels is more than just a few blocks. How late will the shuttle be running?
Not sure yet.
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.
Evan Leibovitch Executive Director, CLUE
If the hotel provides it for free then it is free; if not it can be paid from PDs... We do not have more information than what is posted
All: I just called the hotel and they said that Internet access in complementary in all rooms as well as in the business area. So there you have, you can be connected all the time - for free. Eduardo ISOCPR -----Original Message----- From: na-discuss-bounces@atlarge-lists.icann.org [mailto:na-discuss-bounces@atlarge-lists.icann.org] On Behalf Of At-Large Travel Staff Sent: Thursday, June 21, 2007 12:09 PM To: Evan Leibovitch Cc: 'NA Discuss' Subject: Re: [NA-Discuss] Updates to Travel Information for San Juan On 21 Jun 2007, at 16:48, Evan Leibovitch wrote:
Hello,
I have some questions regarding my travel to the San Juan meeting, and I'm not sure which questions are for "travel staff" and which are foir "regular staff". I am Cc'ing the NA-discuss list because some of these issues may be of interest to other participants as well. This is my first ICANN meeting so I'm not familiar with protocols, etc.
sure
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.
As previously posted, PDs will be distributed on Sunday morning.
2) I note that the distance between the hotels is more than just a few blocks. How late will the shuttle be running?
Not sure yet.
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.
Evan Leibovitch Executive Director, CLUE
If the hotel provides it for free then it is free; if not it can be paid from PDs... We do not have more information than what is posted _______________________________________________ NA-Discuss mailing list NA-Discuss@atlarge-lists.icann.org http://atlarge-lists.icann.org/mailman/listinfo/na-discuss_atlarge-lists.ica nn.org --- Draft MoU with ICANN: http://www.icannwiki.org/NA_RALO_MOU Draft Operating Principles: http://www.icannwiki.org/NA_RALO_OP Draft Code of Conduct: http://www.icannwiki.org/NARALO_Code_of_Conduct
participants (7)
-
At-Large Travel Staff -
Eduardo Diaz -
Evan Leibovitch -
Jacob Malthouse -
John L -
Nick Ashton-Hart -
Robert Guerra