Invitation

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.