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Social Programs The 2008 IEEE International Symposium on Antennas and Propagation and the 2008 USNC/URSI (U.S. National Committee of the International Union of Radio Science) National Radio Science meeting will be held jointly, on July 5-12, 2008 at the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel in San Diego, California. Our conference site is conveniently located next to Seaport Village and within easy walking distance of San Diego restaurants, shopping and attractions. Please visit our local information kiosk in the registration area at the conference. We will provide you with maps, directions, transportation options and descriptions of nearby venues, as well as assistance in choosing a restaurant for evening dining. Informal guided walking tours will be available after 4:00 p.m. There are also organized social events and companion tours each day of the week (Monday through Friday): Monday San Diego Sights City Tour And Harbor Excursion More detailed information about the organized social events and companion tours is listed below in chronological order. Organized Social Events and Companion Tours:
SAN DIEGO SIGHTS CITY TOUR AND HARBOR EXCURSION See the favorite sights of “America’s Finest City” in one day! First, we’ll journey to downtown and the historic “Gaslamp Quarter,” where guests will learn more about San Diego’s early years and take in the 19th century Victorian architecture. Then it’s a hop, skip and jump to Balboa Park, a 1,200 acre city park which houses over a dozen museums, several botanical gardens and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. Next, we’ve arranged for a narrated 1-hour cruise to see the city from the beautiful San Diego Harbor. View the San Diego skyline, the Bay Bridge, the U.S. Navy fleet, Coronado Island and so much more! Afterward, we will step back in time (with a little shopping on the side) to explore the history and excitement of early California in Old Town! Choose from the many authentic Mexican restaurants in Old Town for lunch on your own. Stroll through the tree-lined plazas surrounded by preserved and restored haciendas and adobes harking back to the late 18th century. Shoppers can delight in the colorful boutiques and quaint shops in Bazaar del Mundo and along the streets. This activity-packed tour is a fascinating and fun way to see some of the best that San Diego has to offer! TENTATIVE ITINERARY:
WELCOME RECEPTION – MANCHESTER HYATT POOLSIDE PATIO
Join us for a delicious Mexican Fiesta Buffet at poolside, overlooking San Diego Harbor and the sparkling city skyline. Enjoy a casual evening of outdoor dining, mariachi music, and conversation with friends and new acquaintances. Toast the evening with a sangria, margarita or beverage of your choice.
WORLD-FAMOUS SAN DIEGO ZOO TOUR
There aren't many places as fascinating as the World Famous San Diego Zoo! The world’s rarest collection of animals, birds and reptiles are here among 5,000 species of exotic plants in beautiful Balboa Park. We’ve made special arrangements today for a VIP “Behind the Scenes” tour. A private motorcoach waits to take you on a 3 mile guided bus tour, with stops for an inside look at two enclosures that are generally closed to the public. Learn more about the zoo’s endangered species, the animals’ special feeding and handling requirements and perhaps enjoy hands-on experience with some unusual friends! This is a great opportunity for a fascinating and unique look at the Zoo. Guests can enjoy some free time after the special tour for lunch on their own, shopping and visiting their favorite animals. TENTATIVE ITINERARY:
STEPHEN BIRCH AQUARIUM AND SHOPPING IN THE VILLAGE OF LA JOLLA
Our adventure begins with a narrated tour en route to La Jolla, known as the “Jewel of the Pacific” by those who frequent the beautiful and upscale neighborhood along the coast. Our first stop will be at the world-renowned Stephen Birch Aquarium-Museum. This fun and educational aquarium boasts more than 3,000 fish, interactive displays and one of the most breathtaking ocean views in all of San Diego. “Ask-Me” Docents will accompany guests for an hour, answer questions and point out items of interest along their journey through the aquarium. Next it’s on to the village of La Jolla, famous for its rich culture, great shopping and outstanding ocean views along the rocky cliffs overlooking the Pacific. Our knowledgeable escort will explain the sights and history of this unique area as we cruise along Prospect Avenue and the Coastline. Then it’s free time for lunch on your own and exploring the wonderful boutiques and galleries. TENTATIVE ITINERARY:
AWARDS BANQUET AT THE MANCHESTER HYATT
Share in the recognition of your colleagues as they receive awards for their valued contributions to the society. Celebrate the evening with a gourmet dinner, conversation and musical entertainment.
TEMECULA VALLEY WINE COUNTRY TOUR
Just north of San Diego lies one of Southern California’s best-kept secrets, the Temecula Valley Wine Country! Award-winning wines are made possible in this arid country because of a unique microclimate caused by cool ocean breezes flowing through a gap in the coastal mountains. We will travel through these rolling vine-covered hills on our journey to Thornton Winery for a special tour and wine tasting at their champagne bar. Next, we’re off to Mt. Palomar Winery for lunch on your own and free time for shopping in the winery’s gift shop. Following this will be an exclusive guided tour and tasting. Mt. Palomar is famous for handcrafted wines from classic and unique varietals (as well as sherry!). With so much to see, we will enjoy a unique and exciting afternoon in Southern California Wine Country! TENTATIVE ITINERARY:
CLASSIC CORONADO WALKING TOUR AND SHOPPING Coronado Island is one of the most beautiful and historic neighborhoods in the San Diego area. Famous for its small-town atmosphere and quaint setting along the San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean, this little Mediterranean-style village is also well-known for its boutiques brimming with designer clothing, jewelry, art and antiques. An informative walking tour of the island town includes local cultural and natural history, the historic Hotel del Coronado, walks along the shore and main street, and some shopping tips. Afterwards, we can round out the afternoon with lunch on our own, shopping along Orange Avenue or the Ferry Landing, and relaxing by the ocean or bay. TENTATIVE ITINERARY:
SAN DIEGO PADRES BASEBALL GAME
Join us for a night at the ballpark to see the San Diego Padres take on the Atlanta Braves. San Diego’s new Petco Park is located a few blocks from the Manchester Hyatt and we can meet in the lobby at 6:00 p.m. to walk over together as a group. Tickets purchased by April 31, 2008 will be together in a reserved section. The earlier we reserve tickets, the more likely we will be able to sit all together as a group. However, we should be able to accommodate scattered smaller groups even closer to the game day. So, please do not hesitate to sign up if you want to see a game!
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