Miscellaneous

	Weather. Even in June, Erice (751 m above sea level) is much cooler than expected in Sicily. The lecture hall, with standard air conditioning, could be "rather cool". Warm pullovers, a raincoat and a scarf are strongly suggested. Due to the season someone might suffer of high pollen spring allergy. High heel shoes are not convenient for walking along the Erice stony streets: sturdy shoes are recommended for excursions.
	Social events. A short description is visible on the day-by-day programme. No extra charge or formal dress will be ever be required.
	Religious festivities cannot be scheduled to fit free time.
	Excursions. Two half day breaks are scheduled during the school (see day-by-day programme). Excursions to archaeological sites near Erice and (as an alternative) trips to nearby beaches will be organized by the local organizers. Suitable strong shoes are suggested for excursions. It is advisable to protect your feet against cuts when swimming. Additional excursions may be planned for the accompanying members, but they might have to be charged. Unfortunately, owing to the distance and busy traffic no course excursion will be arranged to the most renown touristic sites in Sicily (Agrigento, Piazza Armerina, Taormina,Volcan Etna, or Palermo). Assistance will be given to individual plans. Information can be obtained by the addresses through the gem "Italian Tourist Office". A general Sicilian touristic overview is in Sicily Tourism Department
	Entertainment. Singing international folk and popular songs, collected in an informal booklet, has traditionally been the quasi-unique entertainment for several participants after dinner. Locally, only guitars and a piano - if you are lucky - and free marsala wine may help the singing. The suggestion for a collection of world renown songs came in 1977 from Charles Taylor, Cardiff. The 26th edition of the booklet, titled “Let Us Become Citizens of the World”, is now available; you are gladly allowed to bring it back home only if you foresee to make "good" use of (i.e. sing with) it there and – more importantly – during future international meetings…….. Additional contributions of widely known texts will be welcome.
	A word of caution! Erice is a very safe place by common Sicilian standards. Maybe half a dozen participants over the years have had their wallets or purses stolen in cities such as Rome, Naples and Palermo and in trains. One 1991 participant saw her big suitcase "swallowed" while waiting for the metro in Paris; a small briefcase - containing lecture notes, etc. - being carried on a little trolley in the departure hall of Rome Fiumicino airport underwent a similar destiny. Just be cautious. In addition please, refuse drinks offered by unknown persons.