Technical Committee Meeting

Getting to the venue

Arriving by air:
Taxis can drive you to Meteopole in about 15 minutes. It will cost you around 25 €, or take the airport shuttle to Toulouse city center and get off at "Allée Jean-Jaurès" bus stop. Then, take the subway line A in direction of "Basso Cambo", and get off at Basso Cambo station. Then take the bus Line N° 8 (time schedules), in direction "Lycée Polyvalent", and get off at stop "METEO-FRANCE". A subway+bus ticket will cost you around 1,40 €. Map of Line A.

Arriving by rail:
Matabiau railway station is in the city centre.Toulouse Matabiau Station 64, boulevard Pierre Sémard 31000 Toulouse. SNCF Information : +33 (0)8 36 35 35 35.
Take the subway line A in direction of "Basso Cambo", and get off at Basso Cambo station. Then take the bus Line N° 8 (time schedules), in direction "Lycée Polyvalent", and get off at stop "METEO-FRANCE". A subway+bus ticket will cost you around 1,40 €. The trip takes about 30 minutes. Map of Line A.

Arriving by road:
From the motorway "Paris-Bordeaux", follow "Foix-Tarbes" direction; you are on the ring. Take Exit 27 "La Cépière". Follow "Cugnaux", then "Les Pradettes" and "Météo-CERFACS".
From the motorway "Montpellier-Carcassonne", follow "Aéroport de Blagnac" (airport sign). On the ring take Exit 27 "La Cépière/Cugnaux" and then follow the signs Meteopole.

 

Timetables for public transport from Downtown Toulouse to Meteo-France (Subject to change)

http://www.tisseo.fr/se-deplacer/horaires

Metro A (subway) from any stop downtown to Basso Cambo

Then

Bus number 8 from Basso Cambo to Meteo (sometimes called Meteorologie)

Timetable for Metro
http://www.tisseo.fr/sites/default/files/ligneMETRO.html
http://www.tisseo.fr/sites/default/files/Tisseo_hivMETROweb.pdf

Timetable for Number 8
http://www.tisseo.fr/sites/default/files/ligne8.html
http://www.tisseo.fr/sites/default/files/Tisseo_hiv08web.pdf

Linkes to be updated later because these timetables will change end of June

• VISA
  Visa Information for France
  Every foreign national wishing to come to France must have ready for presentation at the border documentary evidence of the purpose of the visit, means of support for the duration of the stay and accommodation arrangements. In some cases, a visa is required. It must be requested from the French consulate before departure.
  According to your nationality, the length and the purpose of your trip to France, you may be requested to obtain a visa before traveling.
  Do you need a Schengen visa to travel to France?
  To find out whether or not you require a Schengen visa to travel to France, please consult the following link:
  http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/france_159/entering-france_2045/getting-visa_2046/index.html
  Contact details of the French embassy and/or consulate in your country:
  http://www.mfe.org/annuaires/repdipet.asp
  Invitation letters for processing of your visa will be issued upon receipt of your confirmation of your participation in the Symposium.
• TIME ZONE
  GMT/UTC +1 (Central European Time)
• WEATHER IN TOULOUSE
  http://france.meteofrance.com/france/meteo?PREVISIONS_PORTLET.path=previsionsregion/REG09
• HEALTH AND SAFETY
  Pharmacies can be identified by a Green Cross.
  Emergencies:
  SAMU (ambulance) - Tel: 15 (free)     Police Emergency (from a cell phone) -Tel: 112
  Fire Department - Tel: 18 (free)     European emergency call: 112
  Police - Tel: 17 (free)
• LOSS OR THEFT
      Visa, Eurocard MasterCard Tel: 33 (0)8 36 69 08 80 (24/24) Contact details can be found at the cash dispenser at your bank or from the multilingual inter-bank voice server by dialling 33 (0)892 705 705
      Diners Club: Tel: 33 (0)810 314 159 (24h/24)
      Checks: Tel: 33 (0)8 92 68 32 08 (24/24)
      Carte France Télécom: Tel ("Green number") : 0 800 10 20 40 (free)
• CURRENCY AND BANKS
  Visa and MasterCard (Access or Eurocard) are widely accepted; AmEx cards are useful at more upmarket establishments. In general, all three cards can be used in shops, supermarkets, for train travel, car rentals, autoroute tolls and cash advances. Remember you'll need to know your PIN number (le code) to use a credit card in many hotels, shops and restaurants.
  The cheapest and most convenient way to change money in France is via ATMs; they accept all the major international credit and bank cards. You get the best exchange rate by using a credit card for purchases and a debit card for cash. Travellers cheques are safe and almost universally accepted. Post offices that exchange travellers cheques give a good rate. Major train stations and fancy hotels also have exchange facilities which usually operate in the evening, at the weekend and during holidays, but the rates are generally poor.
  Euro notes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500. It is often difficult to get change for a €500.00 note. One euro is divided into 100 cents or centimes. Coins of 1, 2 and 5 centimes are copper-coloured; coins of 10, 20 and 50 centimes are gold-coloured; 1 and 2 euro coins are gold-and-silver coloured.
  Exchange rate given by the Universal Currency Converter is now about 1 USD – 0.762 EURO.
• POST OFFICE
  Letter boxes are yellow. Stamps can be bought in post offices, open Monday to Friday and Saturday morning, as well as in tobacconists.
• ELECTRICITY
  The electrical voltage in France is 220 volts. France uses the standard European grounded and non-grounded socket, the most common in the world.
• TAX-FREE
  If you live outside of the EU you can claim taxes back if you have purchase more than 175 € of value. Customs telephone information: + 33 (0)820 024 444.
• TIPPING
  Leaving a pourboire (tip) is done at your discretion - restaurants and accommodations add a 10-15% service charge to every bill, making a tip unnecessary, but most people leave a few coins if the service is satisfactory.
• TOBACCO
  Smoking is forbidden in public areas as well as in restaurants and bars

 

NOAA has put together an entire Informational Packet for this meeting.

Additional information can be found below:

Directions and Transportation to the Crowne Plaza Hotel:

From Reagan National (DCA)

• Distance: 14 MI / 22.53 KM North East to Hotel
• Taxi Charge (one way): $40.00 (USD)
• Time by taxi: 30 minutes, depends
• Time by train: 30 minutes
• Go towards George Washington Memorial Pkwy. Take the exit I-395 N toward Washington. Exit onto 14th St toward Downtown.Turn right at Arkansas Ave. Turn left at 13th St NW. Turn left at Georgia Ave. Turn right at Sligo Ave. Turn right on Georgia Ave.

From Dulles International (IAD)

• Distance: 25 MI / 40.23 KM North East to Hotel
• Taxi Charge (one way): $50.00 (USD)
• Time by taxi: 45 minutes, depends
• Take the exit onto VA-267 E. Take the exit toward I-495 N. Keep left at the fork to continue toward I-495 N and merge onto I-495 N. Take exit 30B to merge onto Colesville Rd/US-29 S toward Sliver Spring. Turn right onto Georga Ave.

From Balt/Wash Int'l (BWI)

• Distance: 27 MI / 43.45 KM South West to Hotel
• Taxi Charge (one way): $65.00 (USD)
• Take the exit onto I-95 S. Take exit 27 to merge onto I-495 W toward Silver Spring. Take exit 30 to merge onto Colesville Rd/US-29 S toward Silver Spring. Turn right at Georgia Ave.

Via Train

• Station Name: Silver Spring Metro-Red Line
• Distance: 0.2 MI / 0.32 KM North to Hotel
• Complimentary Train Station Shuttle
• Taxi Fee From Train Station: $8.00 (USD)
• Go northeast on Colesville Road toward 2nd Avenue. Turn left on Georgia Avenue. Hotel will be on the right.

Parking at the NOAA facility (For Monday, Thursday and Friday)

• 1315 East-West Highway Silver Spring, MD 20910-3282 is the closest public parking, in fact this parking is part of the NOAA campus.

Additional Parking Garages:

•   Bonifant-Dixon (Garage 5/55) - 1101 Bonifant St
•   Cameron-Second (Garage 7) - 8530 Cameron St
•   Fenton Street Village (Garage 4) - 8110 Fenton St
•   Kennett Street Garage (Garage 9) - 8040 Kennett St
•   NOAA Building Garage (Garage 58) - 1315 East West Hwy
•   Spring Cameron Garage (Garage 2) - 8700 Cameron St
•   Spring-Colesville (Garage 21) - 1000 Spring St
•   Town Square Garage (Garage 61) - 801 Ellsworth Dr
•   Wayne Avenue Garage (Garage 60) - 921 Wayne Ave

or check:

http://www.silverspringdowntown.com/transportation/parking/parking-garages

 

From Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport to Taichung

By Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) 

1. Take a taxi to the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) Taoyuan Station (about 20 mins, USD10 )
2. Take THSR from Taoyuan Station to Taichung Station (about 40 mins, USD20 )
3. Hire a taxi at Taichung Station to the hotel (about 20 mins,USD10 )

For more information, please click on the links below:

• Tourist Service Center (Taiyuan International Airport)  
  < http://admin.taiwan.net.tw/tsc/en_p1.htm >
• Taiwan High Speed Rail < http://www.thsrc.com.tw/en/?lc=en >

 

From hotel to the Venue

By Taxi : Take our shuttle buses at the specific time period, or take a taxi in front of the hotel. It may take about 20 mins to the venue.

From Taichung to Taipei

By Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) 

1. Take a taxi to the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) Taichung Station (about 20 mins, USD10 )
2. Take the THSR from Taichung Station to Taipei Station (about 60 mins, USD24 )
3. Hire a taxi at Taipei HSR Station to the hotel.

• Taiwan High Speed Rail < http://www.thsrc.com.tw/en/?lc=en >

From Taipei to the Airport

By Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) 

1. Take a taxi to the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) Taipei Station.
2. Take the THSR from Taipei Station to Taoyuan Station (about 25 mins, USD12 )
3. Hire a taxi at Taoyuan HSR Station to the international airport.

• Taiwan High Speed Rail < http://www.thsrc.com.tw/en/?lc=en >

 

Local Information:

• Visitor Visa
  Please check your national travel agencies regarding visa requirements for entering Taiwan or check here. Note that United States Passport holders do not require Visas for this meeting (see http://travel.state.gov/ for details).
  Please refer to the following page for details.
  http://www.boca.gov.tw/lp.asp?ctNode=534&CtUnit=77&BaseDSD=7&mp=2
  If you require an invitation letter, please send your complete contact information to gbuehler at opengeospatial dot org.

• Weather in Taichung
  Average temperatures in June 23~32°C (73~90℉).
  http://www.cwb.gov.tw/eng/index.htm

• Time Zone
  The local time zone in Taiwan is UTC/GMT +8 hours.

• Currency and Foreign Exchange
  The Local currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (NTD), which has five denominations in paper money and five in coins. Major currencies, such as the US dollar and EURO, can be exchanged at the international airport, banks, and hotels. Banks are open from 9:00 to 15:00 on Monday to Friday.
  http://eng.taiwan.net.tw/m1.aspx?sNo=0002065

• Credits Cards
  International credit cards such as American Express, VISA, MASTERCARD, and JCB will be widely accepted at stores and hotels.

• Electricity
  Electricity provided in Taiwan is 100 volts, AC/60 Hz.
  Taiwan uses Type A plug/socket with 2 parallel flat prongs - "American" type, or Type B plug/socket with 2 parallel flat prongs - "American" type with an earth connector.

•  Tipping
  Tips are not required in Taiwan, even at hotels or restaurants.

• Drinking Water
  Don’t drink the tap water directly. Tap water in Taiwan should be boiled first. Or you can get drinking water in the venue or hotel’s water dispensers.
  Bottled mineral waters can be easily obtained from supermarkets and convenience stores.

 

Travel

Taichung

Located in central Taiwan, Taichung has long attracted top chefs who are masters at preparing northern and southern Taiwanese cuisine and delicacies developed over the past century. Food is available day and night, 24 hours a day, from food stalls and five-star restaurants alike, offering everything from local fare to exotic foreign dishes. There is definitely always something to fill one's cravings in Taichung, a city that has developed its own unique dining culture.

• Transportation: Taxi is the quickest way in Taichung.
• Click here for more information about Taichung City.

Taipei

Nestled in the center of the Taipei Basin, Taipei City is surrounded by mountains to the north, east and south, and by the Danshui River to the west. As a result, it is endowed with unique natural scenery, with lush forests and winding rivers, and a variety of fascinating terrains, including volcanic mountains, foothills, terrace tablelands, coastal plains and river wetlands.

In addition to beautiful sceneries, Taipei is also a city for individuals who enjoy indulging themselves in shopping, exotic meals, and feasts of arts and culture.

Visit TaipeiTravel Net to find out about places to go in Taipei City! 

• Transportation: Take MRT or Taxi.

 The Sebel Surry Hills will organise transfers daily for the delegates to/from the University – a 5-10 minute drive from the hotel
 
Monday:
06:45am - depart hotel to The University of Sydney
19:30 - depart University and return to The Sebel Surry Hills Sydney
Tuesday
06:45am - depart hotel to The University of Sydney
19:30 - depart University and return to The Sebel Surry Hills Sydney
 
Wednesday
06:45am - depart hotel to The University of Sydney
19:30 - depart University and return to The Sebel Surry Hills Sydney
Thursday
06:45am - depart hotel to The University of Sydney
17:30 - depart University and return to The Sebel Surry Hills Sydney
 
Friday
06:45am - depart hotel to The University of Sydney
19:30 - depart University and return to The Sebel Surry Hills Sydney

 

Flights to and from Sydney

• Delegates visiting Sydney from overseas
• Visa for Australia
  Most overseas visitors need a valid visa before they can travel to Australia. Travellers should arrange their visa well ahead of time (at least four to six weeks before leaving their home country) to ensure entry into Australia is seamless. Travel agents or airlines can arrange visas.  See website
  
• Incoming passenger cards
  Most visitors need to complete and present a passenger card when they enter or leave Australia. On the way in, the airline crew give visitors this card to complete before they land.
  
  
• Luggage at Sydney Airport
  At Sydney Airport, visitors can pick up a free luggage trolley after they pass through immigration, before retrieving their luggage to move through Customs.
  
  
• Australian quarantine inspectionsAustralia’s distance from the rest of the world protects it from a number of diseases. To keep things this way, our quarantine process is extremely strict. Almost all bags are X-rayed, many are searched, and trained dogs sniff luggage.
  Visitors may not bring any food, flowers or other prohibited items (visitors will be given a list) into Australia.
  
  
• Visiting Sydney from other Australian regions
  If visitors are coming to Sydney from anywhere else in Australia, the process is simple. There are five domestic airlines flying to Sydney: Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Blue, Aeropelican and Rex.
  The Sydney domestic and international terminals are separate buildings, next to each other. There are no formalities when visitors arrive, other than to collect their luggage and head off to enjoy the city.

Getting to Sydney from the airport

 

Sydney is only eight kilometres, or five miles, from both the International and Domestic Airports. Getting into the city is therefore quick, and easy.

 

• Taxi
  Each terminal has its own sheltered taxi rank. Supervisors are on hand to ensure a smooth flow of taxis, and only authorised taxis have access to the rank. Your journey into the city should cost between AU$25-30, and will take about 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.
  
  
• Public Bus
  Sydney Buses has a timetables service between Bondi Junction and Burwood which includes the T1 International and T3 Domestic Terminals in the route. Clearly marked bus stops are located on the arrivals level of each of these terminals.
  
• Train
  There is a railway link from Sydney’s International and Domestic airports direct to Central Station. Trains from Central go to almost every other precinct of Sydney. The single adult fare from Sydney International Airport is around AU$15, and takes about 10-15 minutes.
  
• Shuttle-buses
  Various shuttle-buses operate from the airports to the city centre and will drop visitors off at their hotels. Some hotels also provide complimentary shuttle services for their guests.

 

 

Money Matters – Australian money for travellers

 

Sydney is an easy city to visit, with a straightforward and buoyant currency. Aside from cash, credit cards, banking cards and travellers’ cheques are accepted almost everywhere. Prices are on par with most major international cities, and a lot cheaper than many, especially those in Europe.

 

• Currency – what money is used in Australia?
  The Australian dollar is made up of 100 Australian cents.



• Banks
  Banks in Sydney are generally open from Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm. On Fridays, a number of banks stay open until 7pm, and some open on Saturday mornings.
  
•  Credit Cards
  All major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) are widely accepted in Australia.
  
•  Travellers’ Cheques
  Travellers’ cheques are widely accepted in Australia, and may be changed at a bank.
  
  
• Automatic Teller Machines
  Automatic teller machines (ATMs) are available throughout the city, and accept most common cards. Look for your type of card on the posters, stickers or signs next to the ATMs.

 

Sydney snapshot – visiting as a business tourist

• Languages in Sydney
  English is Australia’s official language, but Sydney is one of the world’s most multicultural cities and more than 1.2 million of our residents speak a different language at hoe, so you’re sure to find someone who speaks your ‘lingo’ (that’s Australian for language).
  
  
• Sydney’s population
  Sydney is home to about 4.2 million people, and another 6.7 million people live in the rest of New South Wales (NSW).
   
• Sydney climate and seasons
  Sydney enjoys four distinct seasons:
  • Summer from December to February
  • Autumn from March to May
  • Winter from June to August
  • Spring from September to November
  Sydney’s sub-tropical climate is temperate all year, and average temperatures range from 16 degrees Celsius (61 Fahrenheit) in winter to 26 degrees Celsius (79 Fahrenheit) in summer.
  
  
• Sydney time zones
  Sydney is one of the first cities to wake up each day: we’re 10-11 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)
  • October to March: Sydney runs on GMT plus 11 hours. Sunrise is between 5:30am and 6am and the sun sets between 7:30pm and 8pm
  • March to October: Sydney is on GMT plus 10 hours. Sunrise is around 7am while the sun sets between 5pm and 5:30pm
• Visas
  Most overseas visitors need a valid visa before they can travel to Australia. Travellers should arrange their visa well ahead of time (at least four to six weeks before leaving their home country) to ensure entry into Australia is seamless. Travel agents or airlines can arrange visas.  Some visitors (depending upon your citizenship) can apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) @ http://www.eta.immi.gov.au/index.html
• Electricity in Sydney
• In Sydney and throughout Australia, the electrical supply is 240 volts, 50 Hz. International adaptors are readily available at chemists (drug stores) and electrical supply stores. Most hotels provide 110-volt outlets for shavers.
  
  
• Taxes in Sydney
  A Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10% is included in the price of all goods and services sold in Australia. It is automatically charges, so you do not need to add this to your bill.
  
  If your leave Australia within 30 days of buying goods in Australia, you may be exempt from paying GST. You can take advantage of the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) to claim back the GST you have paid, and also claim back any Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) you paid. TRS only applies to goods that you can carry as hand luggage, and other conditions do apply.
  
  
• TippingSydney does not operate on a tipping culture. You may tip to show your appreciation for good service, but it is not a requirement anywhere. As a guide, a tip of 10% in restaurants and taxis would be an indication that you were very happy with the service your received.
  
   
• Sydney’s dress code
  Sydney-siders are friendly, casual and relaxed, and their dress code reflects this attitude. But we’re a stylish population, and if you’re out on the town at night, you’ll fit in if you dress up! A number of Sydney restaurants do require you to dress appropriately (for example, no ‘thongs’ or flip-flops, shorts or singlets). For business, it is normal for suits to be worn by both men and women.
   
• Vaccinations
  Australia is a ‘clean, green’ nation, and free of many common diseases. Therefore, you do not need any specific vaccinations to enter Australia. However, if you are travelling from a yellow fever infected country, you will need to present a yellow fever certificate.

http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/ESRIN_SITE/GGG8UIPZ0GC_0.html

Getting to Google

By car

Follow these directions to arrive at the visitor parking area of 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway via the Charleston Road entrance.

From San Francisco Airport and Points North

• Merge onto US-101 SOUTH
• Take the RENGSTORFF AVE/AMPHITHEATRE PKWY exit
• Turn right on AMPHITHEATRE PKWY and drive over highway
• Turn right onto CHARLESTON ROAD Drive past Landings Drive
• Turn left into driveway at the "Google" sign at ALTA AVENUE

From San Jose Airport and Points South

• Merge onto US-101 NORTH
• Take the AMPHITHEATRE PKWY exit
• Turn right onto CHARLESTON ROAD Drive past Landings Drive
• Turn left into driveway at the "Google" sign at ALTA AVENUE

By public transportation

While the mass transportation options to and from the airports are regrettably limited in this part of the Bay, the TakeTransit Trip Planner can help you find your way.

Arriving at the Googleplex

Our campus is fairly large, so make sure your host has informed you which building your event is being held in.

Upon arriving at the Google campus, please tell an attendant which event you are arriving for and who your host is, and they will direct you to the appropriate building and parking area. As a general rule, any aboveground parking that is not otherwise reserved is fair game for visitors.25 points of interest on the Google campus

25 points of interest on the Google campus 

http://valleywag.gawker.com/234103/25-things-to-see-at-the-googleplex-before-you-die

WiFi coverage map

http://wifi.google.com/city/mv/apmap.html

 

 

The AirLiner – Express Bus Service to Frankfurt Airport (the preferred way to travel from the Frankfurt/Main Airport to Darmstadt)

• Short travel time: from Darmstadt to Frankfurt Airport in just 25 minutes.
• Daily connections: more than 30 runs a day to Terminal 1 and 2. 

There will be very limited parking at the Fraunhofer Institute.  See a document with parking information and a map of parking close to the facilities in German.

Airport

The closest international airport is Logan International Airport (BOS)

Parking

Parking in Cambridge and Boston can be expensive and hard to find (Marriott Parking is $22 per day for self-park).  Whenever possible, park your car at the hotel, and use public transportation to get to the MIT campus. If you must drive to the campus, on- and off-street parking is available for a fee, but most public parking is not very close to the center of the MIT campus

Public Transportation (the MBTA, known as "the T")

The closest subway station to campus is Kendall Square on the Red Line, you may also want to consider going to Central Square (also on the Red Line) or taking the #1 or CT1 bus across the Charles River from Back Bay, depending on where you are coming from and your destination on campus.

Public transportation fares and schedules may be found at the MBTA website. If you are coming to MIT for an extended visit, you may want to consider buying a stored value CharlieCard or an unlimited use weekly or monthly pass.

 

Metro information from ATH (Athens International Airport) to the nearest station to the Marriott Hotel is the SINGROU-FIX (red line from SYNTAGMA) can be found on the Airport Information page. Due to construction, it may be necessary to take the Bus to the Syntagma Station.