APS Annual Meeting in Quebec City

Putting Faces to Names

The annual meeting is the perfect place to finally meet the people who belong to the names in all of those papers that we read. In short, it's the place for networking. As graduate students, it is important that we get out there and meet our colleagues. This year, as in years past, there are many networking opportunities.

Last night, I attended committee meetings, where I met several people for the first time and saw a few old friends. Today, I had the pleasure of eating lunch with APS Foundation donors and Student Travel Award recipients. It was a great chance to mingle with "senior" APS members who are dedicated to supporting student travel and with student members who worked hard to be here.

Quebec City is a great location for discussing work or catching up with friends. The weather is nice, the atmosphere is friendly, and the food is delicious. (I highly recommend the "sugar pie" - a French-Canadian specialty.)

Angela

Local Activities

Greetings! We've had an opportunity to explore some of the areas of Quebec within walking distance of the Hilton. There is quite a bit to see and do in the area surrounding the meeting site. Within a few blocks of the Hilton is the "walled city" with its many shops, restaurants, sidewalk troubadours, art galleries, waterfront, and sites of historial interest. This area appears to be alive throughout the day and into the early morning hours. One particularly good (and very old) restaurant is Le Charles Baillairgé which housed in the Clarendon Hotel. They have perhaps the most extensive list of French wines outside of France.

A more Bohemian (but perfectly safe) neighborhood is west of the meeting site. If you are staying at the Hilton, proceed out the front door and walk to your left a few yards. Turn right (east) on Boulevard Rene-Levesque and proceed up the (very long) hill. Once atop the hill you will enter an area of spas,restaurants, shops, and clubs. There is an interesting market in this neighborhood where one can purchase all sorts of local cheeses, meats, patries, and seafood at very reasonable prices. I visited a very good "reggae" club in this neighborhood and also found blues and jazz clubs.

Quebec is very much a French-speaking city but most citizens appear to be bilingual. Although I speak very little French I found the citizens to be very helpful, warm, and welcoming. Quebec is a great and very educational venue for the APS/CPS/MSA Annual Meeting.

Bienvenue au Quebec!

Bonjour,

While putting the finishing touches on my slides and figuring out what to pack for summertime in Canada, I'm brushing up on my French. Many people in Quebec speak English, but here are a few sayings you may find useful if you wish to "speak the language":

"Ou est la salle de bains?" (Where is the bathroom?)
"Je voudrais une biere." (I would like a beer.)
"Je ne parle pas la francais." (I don't speak French.)

I am looking forward to the many student activities at the annual meeting. This year, we are mixing business with pleasure at our committee meeting/social. Over 200 students signed up for the event, so it should be a good time. Also, the students are hosting a special session about careers in science. This promises to be a GREAT session. Don't miss it!

Be sure to check out the Art in APS exhibit. This year's artists have really outdone themselves. I haven't seen it yet, but one of the art pieces requires a projector and speakers. I'm intrigued.

For those of you who are unable to attend the meeting, we will try to post regularly to give you a feel for what you are missing!

Au revoir,
Angela Records

Welcome to Quebec

Welcome to Quebec!

It has been about a year since our last "blogfest"  and quite a bit has changed in the field of plant pathology since "Austin".  High fuel prices and increased restrictions on immigration have had profound effects on disease management strategies both in the US and abroad. Attend the poster and oral presentation sessions to learn how APS membership is dealing with a rapidly-changing disease management world.

Good restaurants, museums, and other cultural opportunities abound in Quebec.  Be certain to absorb some of the local culture during your visit.  If you happen to be a lover of seafood cuisine be certain to order "Dore" (a white fish) if you find it on a menu!

Gary Grove

Donate Now for Second Annual Silent Auction

Donations are starting to arrive - send your fabulous cultural items in support of the APS Office of International Programs Silent Auction, to be held during the Welcome Reception at the APS/CPS/MSA Joint Meeting on Sunday, July 30. Funds will be raised for the Connecting Knowledge with a Growing World workshop series. Please send your donation forms to APS Headquarters by July 7, donations can be mailed or brought to the meeting.

Get Your Running Shoes Ready!

Join your friends and make a positive difference in the world! The APS Office of International Programs 5K Fun Run/2.5K Walk for International Outreach and Collaboration, coordinated by the Club de course a pied de l'Universite Laval, will take place Sunday, July 30, 7:00 A.M., during the APS/CPS/MSA Joint Meeting. Register for the Fun Run when you register for the meeting. Prefer to sleep in? Sign up for  the "donation only" registration.