The Organizing
Committee of the X International Congress on Paracoccidioidomycosis
(7-10 August 2008) is pleased to welcome you to Medellín, the capital
of the Department of Antioquia, Colombia, called the city of the
eternal spring. Located in a valley (Valle de Aburrá) at 1560 meters
above sea level amidst high mountains, the city is crossed north
to south by the River Medellín. Industries, universities, colleges,
libraries, hospitals, cultural centres, department stores and restaurants
are interspersed in the Valley. The city inhabitants are cordial
and hospitable and take pride in sharing the beauty of their surroundings
with the visitors. Climate is tropical (23-25º C) but the nights
are cooler and pleasant.
The opening day of the our meeting coincides with a colourful
celebration, a parade of farmers carrying fresh-cut flowers arranged
in special baskets on their backs (desfile de silleteros). The
colour and beauty of the flower arrangements and the bearers plus
the music accompanying the parade make this a memorable event.
During the dates of our congress, the Colombian Orchid Society
will also be celebrating its International Congress. As a participant
of the X International Congress on Paracoccidioidomycosis you
will receive a discount to attend the corresponding exhibit taking
place in the remodelled Botanical Garden. We have also arranged
a special evening tour to the Botero collection in the Museum
of Antioquia where many of the sculptures of this important artist
are displayed. For those that wish to go out at night, the younger
participants of the Organizing Committee will take you to places
where you can relax and enjoy a festive atmosphere. After all,
this is a centennial celebration!
A fundamental
purpose of this research colloquium is to engender collaborative
relationships among researchers, clinicians, scientists, and young
mycologists to further advance in the field of paracoccidioidomycosis
and related endemic mycoses.
Do plan to attend the X International Meeting on Paracoccidioidomycosis
where there will be science, collaboration and friendship.