8th Biennial IQSA Meeting:

** Q U A N T U M  S T R U C T U R E S '06 **

July 9-14, 2006
Malta

Location

The Maltese Archipelago

Four main islands comprise the Maltese Archipelago - Malta, Gozo and Comino are inhabited; Fifla is not. Cominotto and the two islets collectively known as St Paul's Islands are also uninhabited. The Maltese Islands cover an area of 316 square kilometers (Malta 246, Gozo 67, Comino 2.7). The population of the Islands was 381,464 at the end of September 2000.

The Archipelago presents one of the most charming destinations in the Mediterranean, and offers a unique holiday experience. Blessed with year-round sunshine and set in crystal clear waters, the Islands are a fascinating setting for a vacation. Numerous cultural, artistic and natural treasures are there for you to discover and the beauty is that they are all within easy reach, wherever you choose to stay on the Islands.

Whether you're seeking action or relaxation, tranquility or excitement, you can find it in Malta. For lovers of music, theater and the arts, Malta boasts an abundant calendar of cultural events. For the sportive visitor, the islands offer golf, tennis, horse-riding, adventure sports and unlimited possibilities for water sports - from sailing to windsurfing and some of the best scuba diving in the Mediterranean.

Malta is a feast for the senses: delicious local cuisine and wines, bustling open-air markets, traditional fireworks extravaganzas, crafts such as delicate lace and multicoloured glassware, the thrills of the casino... more.

The Maltese Archipelago lies virtually at the centre of the Mediterranean, with Malta 93 kms south of Sicily and 288 kms north of Africa. Gibraltar is 1,826 kms to the West and Tel Aviv is 1,940 kms to the East.

Malta is the largest island in the archipelago. The longest distance on the island, from the south-east to the north-west is some 27kms; its widest point, east to west, is 14.5kms. Malta has neither rivers nor mountains, but is characterised by a series of low, flat-topped hills with terraced fields on their slopes. Malta's coastline is well indented with harbours, bays, creeks, several sandy beaches and rocky coves.

Malta is the more urban and cosmopolitan of the islands. It has every amenity from modern residential and commercial areas to a vibrant nightlife and numerous leisure options. While the Grand Harbour area and a most of the central-eastern region are built up, the countryside to the North is rugged and sparsely populated.

For more information about Malta you can visit the Malta Tourism Autority's destination website http://www.visitmalta.com/

VISA

It is advisable that you check about visa and entry requirements before making your travel arrangements.

For a list of countries that do NOT require a visa to enter Malta, you can access the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website at http://www.mfa.gov.mt/ or contact an official Malta diplomatic representative near you.

Climate

Malta's climate is strongly influenced by the sea and is typical of the Mediterranean. The Islands have a very sunny climate with a daily average of five to six hours sunshine in mid-winter to more than 12 hours in summer.

Winters are mild, with the occasional short chilly period brought about by the north and north-easterly winds from central Europe.

Summers are hot, dry and very sunny. Day-time temperatures in summer are often mitigated by cooling sea breezes, but in spring and autumn a very hot wind from Africa occasionally brings unseasonally high temperatures and humidity. This is known as the Sirocco, or, in Maltese, the Xlokk - this wind affects Greece and Italy as well; in Malta the air is generally drier because of the short sea track from the African coast.

Annual rainfall is low, averaging 578mm a year, and the length of the dry season in summer is longer than in neighbouring Italy. Sea bathing is quite possible well in to the `winter' months, and the peak beach season can last until mid- to late October.

Average temperature for July is: Max. 31.1 °C (88 °F), Min. 21.1 °C (70 °F).
The temperature of the Sea is 24 °C (75.2 °F).

Travel

TAXIS:

The best way to either the Plaza Hotel or Hotel is by Taxi. Taxi service is available 24 hours a day from Malta International Airport to any destination in Malta. Taxi services from the Malta International Airport to all localities in Malta are based on a fixed tariff.

Taxis in Malta are identifiable by their all-white livery. All taxis are fitted with metres and should charge government-controlled prices. However, you should agree the fare before starting the journey. Taxis available at the airport operate a different system. If you opt to take a taxi from Malta International Airport, pay the fare at the taxi ticket booth in the arrivals lounge. You will receive a ticket showing the destination and fare paid. You hand the ticket to the driver at the end of your journey. If you decide to go to a different destination from that paid for, drivers are obliged to use the meter. Any complaints should be addressed to the Public Transport Authority, Tel: (00356) 21438475.

Taxi rates from Malta International Airport are: Plaza Hotel, St. Julians (Lm8), Hotel, Valletta (Lm6). All taxi rates are inclusive of (1) up to four persons and up to four normal sized luggage, (2) all week any time including Sunday and public holidays.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT:

Regular public transport service by bus is available from Malta International Airport to the main Bus Terminus in Valletta. The bus stage is situated right outside the Check in Hall. One can consult a time table at the Malta International Airport website or directly here.

One needs to take another bus in order to go to the Plaza Hotel (Bus No.67) while Hotel is in Valletta so one needs to walk to the Hotel from the main Bus Terminus.

Currency, Credit Cards & Banks

The Maltese Lira(Lm), often referred to as the Maltese pound, is divided into 100 cents. Exchange controls have been removed but any person entering or leaving Malta carrying cash or other monetary instruments, the value of which is equal to or in excess of LM5000 or equivalent will be obliged to fill in the appropriate declaration form available from Customs.

Banks & Currency Exchange

Banks are normally open between 08.30 a.m. and 12.30 p.m. from Monday to Friday, and up to 11.30 a.m. on Saturday. Some banks work longer hours. Summer and winter opening hours may differ.

Exchange Bureaux at Malta International Airport are open 24 hours a day. International bankcards are accepted and foreign currency is easily exchanged. Banks, Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and exchange bureaux can be found all over the Islands.

Many hotels and larger shops and restaurants accept foreign currency. Exchange rates offered by hotels, restaurants and shops may not be as competitive as those available at banks.

The exchange rate at the Central Bank of Malta as of 17 January 2006 is:

1 Lm = 2.3 EUR (2.8 USD)

One can check the exchange rate on the Central Bank of Malta website at page.

Credit Cards

Most hotels and restaurants, as well as many shops, accept