March 15, 2001

Dear IFRS Member:

This is an update of a brief discussion that took place on my suggestion at the Workshop in Leiden about holding a future meeting in Greece. Mike Mosseson suggested and I agreed that this information and related comments be relayed to the membership. The feasibility of holding a meeting in Greece was explored during my subsequent visit to Athens and Crete. Many professional groups of international attendees (~100 or more) hold meetings in various rather attractive locations including: Halki (near Salonika), islands such as Santorini, Korfu, Crete, Rhodes, and numerous sites in or around Athens. This is a frequent occurrence there and most facilities are especially geared to attract and carry out such events successfully. For information purposes, I visited one, a sea shore facility about 30 minutes from Athens called "ASTIR". There are ample grounds for running, walking, water sports, tennis, and other amenities. It is a quiet setting on a mini-peninsula with pleasant landscapes and vistas. There are many facilities of this kind around Athens and in the islands named above, in addition to major hotels in the respective cities of interest (e.g. Athens, Rhodes, Salonika, Heraclion etc.). A major advantage near Athens is the ability to reach a variety of well known ancient sites of interest within minutes or hours. Transportation around Athens is by taxi, bus, or a modern subway- just completed as a major extension of the old one. With regard to year 2004, the Summer Olympics will take place late August to early September in the Athens area, so holding the Workshop there before or after this period appears prudent to avoid the crowds in public places. Other professional groups that meet there are able to raise the necessary funds from commercial sponsors, according to colleagues and friends who participate. Notwithstanding that the Society may be holding all or some of its future Workshops as part of the Fibrinolysis meetings, should a Workshop in Greece be considered my recommendation is a site near Athens. Admittedly, other sites such as Santorini, Rhodes etc. are uniquely attractive, with their own historic sites and vistas. These are within an hour's or so flight from Athens. Should the Society be in favor, I will gladly pursue this matter further.

Dennis Galanakis

Webmaster's note: Feedback on this interesting idea from the membership would be appreciated. Send feedback to kevin.siebenlist@marquette.edu

President's feedback (3/16/01): If the society membership expresses substantial interest in this idea, I would then encourage Dennis to pursue it in greater depth. In particular, we would need detailed information on the local (i.e., in Greece) fund raising potential for such a meeting. And who would be in charge of making local meeting arrangements?