We have scheduled two pre-trip meetings:
- Saturday, February 21 - 10 a.m. till 12 noon - BCC Library, Pemberton - Teleconference Center
- Saturday, March 14 - 10 a.m. till 12 noon - BCC Library, Pemberton - Room 201.
At the first meeting on February 21 we will discuss the highlights of the trip, based on the itinerary. Having been to Spain on three previous occasions, I will provide you with special insights into our itinerary. I will conduct an optional session from 12 to 1 for any newcomers who have not been on a trip with me before -- this will deal with the specifics of packing light, safety, comfort and health hints, and a question and answer period for new travelers. Seasoned travelers are welcome to stay for that session, but it is not required. I will also collect money for currency exchange at this meeting (see below).
At the second meeting, March 14, we will have the specifics on our hotels and air transportation, and will distribute airline tickets. Since the meeting is scheduled only 5 days before departure, all last minute details will be discussed.
For those who have not been to the Pemberton campus, the Library is the one closest to Pemberton-Browns Mills Road, and is easily identifiable by the white silo-like rotunda tower. The Teleconference Center is just inside the front lobby to the left. Room 201 is on the second floor (for the second meeting).
CURRENCY RUN
You are encouraged to bring a token amount of Spanish currency with you for your first day in Spain. We generally recommend between $50 and $100. You can make arrangements with your local bank to get this currency. However, First Union Bank at Broad and Sansome in Philadelphia has a walk-in Foreign Currency counter open daily during regular banking hours. It has been my custom, as a service to our tour participants, to collect money and then do a "currency run" to Philadelphia. I do this only once: collecting money at the February 21 meeting and returning your foreign money at the March 14 meeting. Checks should be made out to me personally: Joseph M. Laufer -- and only in multiples of $50.00 -- not to exceed $200.00. You will get the best rate on the date I go to the bank. I will say more about the exchange rate at our February 21 meeting, including information about credit cards and traveler's checks.
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS