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<P>Dear colleagues,</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P>We are pleased to provide information below on the upcoming XIV International Open Space on Open Space in Moscow, August 4-6!</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P>Below is both the announcement of the 14th International OSonOS and also the practical information for those coming to Moscow.</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P>This information will also be put on the new online home of Open Space Institute-Russia in the next two weeks at www.openspaceworld.ru </P>
<P><BR></P>
<P>A note on payment options, we are finalizing details on this account. A second payment option will be by bank transfer.</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P>What would a conference announcement be without a banner or two?</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P>Bilingual banners at </P>
<P>http://www.yans.ru/bansys/openspw2006_1.swf</P>
<P>http://www.yans.ru/bansys/openspw2006.swf</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P>Looking forward to seeing you here and we are more than happy to answer your questions!</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P>Raffi Aftandelian</P>
<P>Galina Tsarkova</P>
<P>Mikhail Pronin</P>
<P>The OSonOS 2006 team</P>
<P><BR></P>
<HR noshade size=2 style="{color : #000000}">
<P class=RVPS1><SPAN class=RVTS2>The National Guild of Professional Consultants, </SPAN></P>
<P class=RVPS1><SPAN class=RVTS2>Intertraining, and Open Space Institute-Russia</SPAN></P>
<P><BR></P>
<P class=RVPS1>invite you to participate in</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P class=RVPS1><SPAN class=RVTS2>the 14th Annual International Open Space on Open Space</SPAN></P>
<P class=RVPS1><SPAN class=RVTS2>Moscow, Russia</SPAN></P>
<P><BR></P>
<P>Join facilitators, organizational development consultants, human resources managers, trainers, and leaders in business, government, and the community August 4-6,2006 in Moscow, Russia for the ongoing global conversation on Open Space Technology (OST) and its application in helping organizations work with the rapid change characteristic of our times.</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P>As a large group facilitation tool, Open Space Technology is now over a generation old with an impressive track record in helping communities, business, and government make economical, fast, sustainable, and meaningful change to meet the challenges of this century.</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P>This conference will bring together OST facilitators and admirers of OST from Sweden, Canada, United States, Australia, Germany, Nepal, the Transcaucasus, Central Asia, Ukraine and Russia and other countries for three full days devoted to the ongoing exploration of this tool’s application and the practice of Open Space in life. </P>
<P><BR></P>
<P class=RVPS1><SPAN class=RVTS2>This conference is for you if you are passionate about:</SPAN></P>
<P class=RVPS1>Bringing more joy, meaning, and productivity to the workplace</P>
<P class=RVPS1>Helping government, business, and community organizations together meet the challenges of today</P>
<P class=RVPS1>Building a collaborative workplace</P>
<P class=RVPS1>Being easily inspired to achieve your best</P>
<P class=RVPS1>Revolutionizing how we learn at work, home, and in communities</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P><BR></P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS2>Note</SPAN>: learning is enhanced with prior experience of OST. If you are not yet familiar with this method, we invite you to begin your learning <SPAN class=RVTS4>here</SPAN>.</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS2><BR></SPAN></P>
<P>- OST: What has it been? What is it now? </P>
<P>- Where is it leading us next? </P>
<P>- What have we learned? And what is now possible with OST?</P>
<P>- How do (and can) organizations operate in conscious open space daily?</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P>These are just some of the questions that come to mind as we consider all of the Issues and Opportunities for Opening Space in organizations and communities. Please join us with your own specific questions, issues and ideas – and benefit from the wisdom of all participants in the conference.</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS2>Through involvement in this event participants will: </SPAN></P>
<P> </P>
<P>Self-organize, using Open Space Technology (OST) for maximum learning and creativity </P>
<P>Recognize the inherent expertise and ability of the group to find the best solutions without the need for ‘expert’ intervention</P>
<P>Share our own expertise, discover new tools and techniques</P>
<P>Explore sources of chaos, confusion and conflict and possibilities for transcending these influences</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P><BR></P>
<P>Open Space Technology (OST) is the name given to a meeting without a predetermined agenda. Originated in the late eighties by Harrison Owen of Maryland, U.S.A., this meeting method is now used around the world as a highly effective process for facilitating change in both organizational and community settings. OST is a proven tool for facilitating highly participatory meetings using a whole systems approach, catalysizing breakthrough learning, and for community dialogue. OST creates the conditions so that the maximum potential of the individual and the organization can be realized.</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS2>Conference location: </SPAN>The Moscow House for Community Organizations (Moskovskii Dom Obshchestvennyx Organizatsii), 40 Mosfilmovskaya St., Moscow</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS2>Conference schedule</SPAN></P>
<P>August 3rd – Informal gathering </P>
<P>August 4th – 10:00 to 6pm (registration opens at 9:00)</P>
<P>August 5th – 10:00 to 6pm,</P>
<P>August 6th – 10:00 to 6pm closing</P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS2><BR></SPAN></P>
<P><BR></P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS2>Investment: $300 US or 240 euros. </SPAN></P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS2><BR></SPAN></P>
<P>Registration includes conference participation, coffee breaks and lunch, and the Book of Proceedings on a CD. Accommodation information provided upon request – participants responsible for their own transportation and accommodation.</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P>Working languages of this conference are English and Russian. Translation will be provided.</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS2>Contact: </SPAN>Raffi Aftandelian </P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS2><BR></SPAN></P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS2><BR></SPAN></P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS2>Email: </SPAN><SPAN class=RVTS4>raffi@bk.ru</SPAN><SPAN class=RVTS2>, </SPAN></P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS2>Phone: </SPAN>+7 926 377 7915</P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS2>Fax: </SPAN>+7 (495) 964-3850</P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS2><BR></SPAN></P>
<DIV><TABLE width=637 border=1 style='{border-width : 0px}' cellpadding=4 bordercolor="#000000" cellspacing=-1 style='{border-collapse: collapse;}'>
<TR valign=top>
<TD width=152 height=29 valign=top style='{border-width : 1px; border-color : #000000; border-style: solid; border-right: none; }'>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS2>Name</SPAN>:</P>
</TD>
<TD colspan=3 width=470 height=29 valign=top style='{border-width : 1px; border-color : #000000; border-style: solid; border-left: none; }'><BR>
</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign=top>
<TD width=152 height=29 valign=top style='{border-width : 1px; border-color : #000000; border-style: solid; border-right: none; }'>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS2>Title Dept</SPAN>:</P>
</TD>
<TD colspan=3 width=470 height=29 valign=top style='{border-width : 1px; border-color : #000000; border-style: solid; border-left: none; }'><BR>
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<TD width=152 height=29 valign=top style='{border-width : 1px; border-color : #000000; border-style: solid; border-right: none; }'>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS2>Company/Organization</SPAN>:</P>
</TD>
<TD colspan=3 width=470 height=29 valign=top style='{border-width : 1px; border-color : #000000; border-style: solid; border-left: none; }'><BR>
</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign=top>
<TD width=152 height=29 valign=top style='{border-width : 1px; border-color : #000000; border-style: solid; border-right: none; }'>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS2>Street / P.O. Box</SPAN>:</P>
</TD>
<TD colspan=3 width=470 height=29 valign=top style='{border-width : 1px; border-color : #000000; border-style: solid; border-left: none; }'><BR>
</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign=top>
<TD width=152 height=29 valign=top style='{border-width : 1px; border-color : #000000; border-style: solid; border-right: none; }'>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS2>City</SPAN>:</P>
</TD>
<TD width=152 height=29 valign=top style='{border-width : 1px; border-color : #000000; border-style: solid; border-right: none; border-left: none; }'><BR>
</TD>
<TD width=118 height=29 valign=top style='{border-width : 1px; border-color : #000000; border-style: solid; border-right: none; border-left: none; }'>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS2>Province/State</SPAN>:</P>
</TD>
<TD width=184 height=29 valign=top style='{border-width : 1px; border-color : #000000; border-style: solid; border-left: none; }'><BR>
</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign=top>
<TD width=152 height=29 valign=top style='{border-width : 1px; border-color : #000000; border-style: solid; border-right: none; }'>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS2>Country</SPAN>:</P>
</TD>
<TD width=152 height=29 valign=top style='{border-width : 1px; border-color : #000000; border-style: solid; border-right: none; border-left: none; }'><BR>
</TD>
<TD width=118 height=29 valign=top style='{border-width : 1px; border-color : #000000; border-style: solid; border-right: none; border-left: none; }'>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS2>Postal Code/Zip</SPAN>:</P>
</TD>
<TD width=184 height=29 valign=top style='{border-width : 1px; border-color : #000000; border-style: solid; border-left: none; }'><BR>
</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign=top>
<TD width=152 height=29 valign=top style='{border-width : 1px; border-color : #000000; border-style: solid; border-right: none; }'>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS2>Phone</SPAN>:</P>
</TD>
<TD width=152 height=29 valign=top style='{border-width : 1px; border-color : #000000; border-style: solid; border-right: none; border-left: none; }'><BR>
</TD>
<TD width=118 height=29 valign=top style='{border-width : 1px; border-color : #000000; border-style: solid; border-right: none; border-left: none; }'>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS2>Fax</SPAN>:</P>
</TD>
<TD width=184 height=29 valign=top style='{border-width : 1px; border-color : #000000; border-style: solid; border-left: none; }'><BR>
</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign=top>
<TD width=152 height=29 valign=top style='{border-width : 1px; border-color : #000000; border-style: solid; border-right: none; }'>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS2>Email address</SPAN>:</P>
</TD>
<TD colspan=3 width=470 height=29 valign=top style='{border-width : 1px; border-color : #000000; border-style: solid; border-left: none; }'><BR>
</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign=top>
<TD colspan=4 width=629 height=29 valign=top style='{border-width : 1px; border-color : #000000; border-style: solid; }'>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS2>Special needs (food, etc.)</SPAN>:</P>
</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign=top>
<TD colspan=4 width=629 height=29 valign=top style='{border-width : 1px; border-color : #000000; border-style: solid; }'>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS2>May we include your contact information for distribution for in the conference proceedings for participants?</SPAN> ____yes ____no</P>
</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign=top>
<TD colspan=4 width=629 height=29 valign=top style='{border-width : 1px; border-color : #000000; border-style: solid; }'><BR>
</TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
</DIV>
<P>While we cannot guarantee that we cannot meet special requests regarding meals, every possible effort will be made to assist.</P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS2><BR></SPAN></P>
<P>The following resources are available to plan your visit to bustling Moscow!</P>
<P> </P>
<P>Travel Information can be provided upon request.</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS2>Conference registration payment</SPAN></P>
<P>By bank transfer to National Guild of Professional Consultants (more information forthcoming)</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P>or by Moneygram</P>
<P>Uralsib Bank. Sokolniki Branch. Rusakovskaya ulitsa 28, str. 1B. Moscow 107014</P>
<P>Payable to Raffi Aftandelian</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P><BR></P>
<P>In the event of cancellation, full refund prior to June 30, 2006. As of July 1, 2006, a $50 US cancellation fee will be deducted from the refund to cover costs of processing.</P>
<HR noshade size=2 style="{color : #000000}">
<P class=RVPS1><SPAN class=RVTS2>Information</SPAN></P>
<P><BR></P>
<P>Congratulations – we are delighted in your interest in attending OSonOS XIV in Moscow, Russia!</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P>In order to facilitate your travel planning we are providing the information below:</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS2>Getting here</SPAN></P>
<P>Moscow is served by three main international airports, Sheremetevo-2, Domodedovo, and Vnukovo. </P>
<P><BR></P>
<P>Flights from many Western European destinations take 3-4 hours. A flight from New York takes about 10 hours. Flights from the US’s west coast take about 12 hours. Flights from the Far East take about 9-10 hours. Flights from Australia may require 24 or more hours of travel as there are no direct flights.</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P>While all airports are served by public transit, taxis are the simplest option for reaching the center of Moscow and cost $35-40. </P>
<P><BR></P>
<P>On average it takes about one hour-one hour and a half from the airport to the center of Moscow.</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P>Moscow has rail links with Europe and Asia. She has nine train stations, all with metro stations right by.</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS2>Public transit to the city center</SPAN></P>
<P><BR></P>
<P>From Sheremetevo-2 airport- take a shuttle bus (<SPAN class=RVTS3>marshrutka</SPAN>) to Rechnoi Vokzal metro station (green line) or Planernaya metro station (purple line). These shuttle buses (white GAZel vans) run on average about every 15 minutes. The ride takes about 25 minutes. The ride costs about $2 US (approx. 1.5 euros). Luggage fee of 10 rubles (30 cents).</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P>From Vnukovo Airport- take a white shuttle van to Yugo-zapadnaya metro station (red line). The ride costs about $2 US (approx. 1.5 euros). Luggage fee of 10 rubles (30 cents).</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P>From Domodedovo Airport- take the commuter train that runs once an hour ($4) to Paveletskaya metro (green line). Trip time: 40 minutes.</P>
<P>Single rides on the metro, often described as underground palaces, cost around 0.50 US. You can also purchase cards for multiple rides in the metro.</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS2>Accommodation</SPAN></P>
<P>Moscow is not yet a destination known for affordable accommodation that is easily available. A limited number of free or low cost ($20/night) homestays offered by local OST facilitators and friends and admirers of Open Space shall be available. Should you need such accommodation, do let us know! That said, below is a list of hotels and other housing options. It is best in the summertime, of course, to book well in advance.</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P>Many of these hotels can be books through an online hotel booking service. Links for such services are below.</P>
<P> </P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS2>Close (up to 15 minutes by car to OSonOS site)</SPAN></P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS4>Radisson SAS Slavyanskaya</SPAN>- near Kievskaya metro. This four star hotel is the closest to the OSonOS site.<SPAN class=RVTS3> </SPAN>phone: +7 (495) 941-8020, fax: +7 (495) 941-8000. </P>
<P><BR></P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS4>Belgrade Hotel</SPAN><SPAN class=RVTS2>- </SPAN>singles from $120/night. near Smolenskaya metro<SPAN class=RVTS3>. </SPAN>Tel.:+7 495 248-1643, 248-1676. Fax: 248-2814.<SPAN class=RVTS3> </SPAN>
<BR><SPAN class=RVTS2> </SPAN></P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS2>25-30 minutes by car</SPAN></P>
<P>Metropol Hotel- singles from $260/night. Five star hotel. Teatralny proezd, #1/4. Tel.: +7 (495) 927-6000, fax: +7 (495) 927-6010. email: <SPAN class=RVTS4>moscow@interconti.com</SPAN></P>
<P><BR></P>
<P>Marriott Grand Hotel- singles from $416/night. Less if one has a corporate account. Tverskaya, #26. Tel.: +7 (495) 937-0000, fax: +7 (495) 937-0001. Near Tverskaya metro.</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS4>East-West Hotel</SPAN>- singles $150/night. Tverskoy Boulevard, 14, bld 4. Tel.: (+7 495 290-0404, 232-2857.</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS4>Ukraina Hotel</SPAN><SPAN class=RVTS2>- </SPAN>$105/night.<SPAN class=RVTS2> </SPAN>Kutuzovski prospekt, #2/1.Tel.: +7 (495) 933-5656, 243-3030/3246/2596. fax: +7 (495) 933-6978, 243-3092. email: <SPAN class=RVTS4>reserv@ukraina-hotel.ru</SPAN> </P>
<P><BR></P>
<P>Minsk Hotel- $30/night. Good location but very basic conditions.</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS4>Godzilla’s Hostel</SPAN> - $25/night in dormitory room, Moscow center. </P>
<P><BR></P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS4>Sweet Moscow Hostel</SPAN>- $25/night. Dormitory accommodation. Centrally located at Mayakovskaya metro. </P>
<P><BR></P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS2>40 minutes by car</SPAN></P>
<P>Hotel Zarya- $50/night. Gostinichnaya St. 4/9. +7 495 788-7277 </P>
<P><BR></P>
<P>Izmailovo Hotel- singles $65/night. A reliable Soviet-era hotel. Close to Izamailovo Park.</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P>Cosmos Hotel- singles from $100/night. Prospect Mira, 150 (metro VDNKh - orange line, north). Tel: +7 495 234 10 00 Fax: 215 88 80.</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P>Vostok Hotel- singles $60/night. Building 3, 9a Gostinichnaya street
<BR><BR></P>
<P>Salyut Hotel- $54/night. : 158 Leninskiy Prospekt. Tel: +7 495 234-9372
<BR>Fax: +7 495 234-9363</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS4>Altay Hotel</SPAN>- singles $30/night. Botanicheskaya Ulitsa, #41
<BR>Phone: +7 (495) 482-2797 (reservations); +7 (495) 482-5703 (information).</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS4>Irbis Hotel</SPAN>- singles $60/night. Gostinichnaya St. 1/12, Email: rent@maximahotels.ru </P>
<P><BR></P>
<P>Hotel Sherstone- 8 Gostinichnyi Proezd. $25/night. Hostel-type accommodations.</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P>J.K. Guest House- hostel near VDNKh metro station. Borisa Galushkina St. 9/2, 2nd floor, +7 (495) 286-2111.</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS2>50 minutes by car</SPAN></P>
<P><BR></P>
<P>G&R Asia Hostel- $30/night. Very basic accommodations. </P>
<P> </P>
<P>Travellers Guest House –$36/night for single. $18/night in dormitory room.<SPAN class=RVTS3> </SPAN>Bolshaya Pereyaslavskaya 50 (10th Floor), Moscow. Near Prospekt Mira metro station. Tel: +7 (495)631-4059<SPAN class=RVTS3>.</SPAN> Basic accommodations.</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS4>Pallada Hotel</SPAN>- $60/night. Ostrovityanova St. , #14. Tel: +7 (495) 336-0545 / fax +7 (495) 336-9602 / e-mail <SPAN class=RVTS4>pallada@cityline.ru</SPAN> </P>
<P><BR></P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS2>Online hotel and apartment booking services</SPAN></P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS4>Way to Russia</SPAN>- includes very frank and informative reviews of many hotels.</P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS4>Moscow Hotels</SPAN></P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS4>All hotels of Russia</SPAN>
<BR><SPAN class=RVTS4>All Russia Hotels</SPAN></P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS4>AccomLine</SPAN></P>
<P><BR></P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS2>Getting around town</SPAN></P>
<P>Lonely Planet’s Russia guide once wrote that if the rest of the Soviet Union operated as efficiently as the Moscow metro, communism would economical means of getting have defeated capitalism. Indeed, the Moscow metro is very fast, reliable, about, if not always comfortable during rush hour. You can familiarize yourself with the map of the Moscow metro <SPAN class=RVTS4>here</SPAN>.</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P>Moscow is served by an extensive bus, tram, and trolleybus system. Rides cost 15 rubles (50 cents).</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P>Alternatively, you can always order a taxi. Trips within the city center (the Garden Ring) should not typically cost more than $10 US (8 euros).</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS2>Taxi</SPAN></P>
<P>You can order a taxi for airport pick-up at approximately $35-40 US (28-32 euros) through an English-speaking taxi service at: </P>
<P><BR></P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS4>Alex Transfers</SPAN> </P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS4>Hotel Mos.RU</SPAN></P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS4>Way to Russia</SPAN></P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS4>Taxi Blues</SPAN></P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS4>Taxi 232</SPAN></P>
<P><BR></P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS2>Getting to Open Space on Open Space Conference Site</SPAN></P>
<P><BR></P>
<P>The 14th Annual International Open Space on Open Space will take place at the Moscow House of Community Organizations (Moskovskii Dom Obshchestvennyx Organizatsii). Located in the heart of Moscow’s Embassy Row, this is a municipal organization whose mission is to strengthen government-NGO links. </P>
<P><BR></P>
<P>The OSonOS site is located approximately 10 minutes by car from the western edge of downtown, Kievskaya metro station.</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P>You can reach the conference location by public transit.</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P>From Kievskaya metro station (exit to Bolshaya Dorogomilovskaya St.) take the trolleybus #17 or 34 to the 13 Mosfilmovskaya 13 stop. Then walk along Mosfilmovskaya St. until number 40. The flags of Russia and Moscow. The ride by bus from the metro station will take 20 minutes. </P>
<P><BR></P>
<P>It is 10 minutes by car from Kievskaya metro station.</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P>From most centrally-located hotels, it will take approximately 30-40 minutes by car and about hour by public transit to get to the Moscow House of Community Organizations. </P>
<P><BR></P>
<P>Taxis from within the center to the OSonOS will cost approximately $15-20 US (12 to 16 euros)</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS2>Visas</SPAN></P>
<P>Most international participants need a Russian tourist visa to come to Russia. </P>
<P><BR></P>
<P>Note<SPAN class=RVTS3>: Please budget a month to get your visa. It is best not to leave this to the last minute</SPAN></P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS3>.</SPAN></P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS2>How do you get a tourist visa?</SPAN></P>
<P>Note: A visa support service can help you save time in completing a process that for first-time applicants may seem a little cumbersome.</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS2>First</SPAN>, you need an invitation to apply for a Russian tourist visa. Below are a list of online travel/visa support agencies where one can apply for an invitation. </P>
<P><BR></P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS2>Second</SPAN>, once you have your invitation (Russian visa support), you need to prepare the following documents to apply for your Russian visa</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P>• Your Passport
<BR>(Should be valid at least 3 months after your Russian visa will expire and contain at least one clear page - for the visa)
<BR><BR>
<BR>• Passport-size Photograph
<BR>(Should be recent and good quality)
<BR><BR>
<BR>• Consulate Application Form
<BR>(Available either at the <SPAN class=RVTS4>Russian consulate</SPAN> where you will apply or through a travel agency if you choose full visa processing services)
<BR>US citizens applying for visas <SPAN class=RVTS4>complete a different form</SPAN>.</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS2>Third</SPAN>, you will have to submit all your documents, including your invitation, to the Russian consulate. You can either do it by yourself, or through a local travel agency. </P>
<P><BR></P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS2>Fourth, </SPAN>during your flight you will be given a migration card to complete. </P>
<P><BR></P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS2>And finally (hurrah!), </SPAN>once in Russia, register your visa (within 72 hours). If you are staying in a hotel, the hotel will usuallly register your visa. You will leave your passport and migration card at the desk for registration. Sometimes there is a charge of $15-20 for this service. </P>
<P><BR></P>
<P>If you will not be staying in a hotel and should not know where to register your visa, the OSonOS organizers will provide you information so that you can register your visa in a timely manner. This will cost $30-50. </P>
<P><BR></P>
<P>Russian law requires all foreigners to register with the authorities within 72 hours of arrival (holidays excluded). </P>
<P><BR></P>
<P>This full service visa support usually costs $150-$200. This includes the cost of the invitation, consular fees, delivery, and the fee of the agency.</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS2>Visa links</SPAN></P>
<P>Find <SPAN class=RVTS4>the Russian consulate</SPAN> in your country</P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS4>Go to Russia</SPAN>- full visa support</P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS4>Visa House</SPAN> – full visa support</P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS4>Way to Russia</SPAN> - full visa support for UK citizens only</P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS4>Direct Visa</SPAN> - full visa support for UK citizens only</P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS4>City Realty Russia</SPAN> – full visa support for US citizens</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P><BR></P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS2>Note: </SPAN>We are including these links just for your information. Inclusion of links to services does not mean that we can recommend them. </P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS2><BR></SPAN></P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS2>Connectivity</SPAN></P>
<P>Most of Moscow operates on the GSM mobile phone standard. Main operators are MTS, Beeline, Megafon. You can buy a cell number for the duration of your stay here at one of the many mobile phone vendors and at other locations in the city. Local calls cost on average 0.15 cents/minute.</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P>International calling cards are available at kiosks throughout the city. SOne can make calls throughout the world at very low rates (as low as 2 cents/minute to Europe and North America).</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P>Moscow is served by many Internet cafés and more and more restaurants and cafes are offering wifi. This <SPAN class=RVTS4>resource</SPAN> lists but a few locations.</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS2>Additional information</SPAN></P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS4>Expat.ru forum</SPAN> – You can find answers to many specific questions here if you cannot find them elsewhere. Posting requires registration. </P>
<P><BR></P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS4>Uncle Pasha</SPAN>- an informative, if opinionated resource, for economical travel in Moscow and Russia.</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS2>Access Queen</SPAN></P>
<P>If you are in a position to assist others financially or otherwise to participate in this conference in we can suggest:</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P>Booking extra hotel space and offering a bed to another.</P>
<P>Donate to the Access Queen Fund to sponsor attendance for those currently without the means to attend – Lisa Heft [lisaheft@openingspace.net]</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P>Should you find yourself in the delightful position of having extra funds to donate to a scholarship, the Access Queen (Lisa Heft) would be delighted to hear from you! Lisa Heft [lisaheft@openingspace.net] or <SPAN class=RVTS4>info@openspaceworld.ru</SPAN></P>
<P><BR></P>
<P>If you are in a position to look for assistance we can suggest:</P>
<P>Contact Lisa Heft (Access Queen) for ideas on assistance to travel to OSonOS 14. Lisa Heft [lisaheft@openingspace.net] or <SPAN class=RVTS4>info@openspaceworld.ru</SPAN></P>
<P><BR></P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS2>Money</SPAN></P>
<P><BR></P>
<P>Russia’s currency is the Russian Ruble. The 33 rubles buy one euro; and currently about 27 rubles to a dollar. </P>
<P><BR></P>
<P>Budget $30-50/day for incidentals if you do not intend to make major purchases.</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P>Even though prices are informally often quoted in dollars or euros, in almost all places you will be expected to pay in rubles. </P>
<P><BR></P>
<P>There are currency exchange places throughout the city. You change some money upon arrival at the airport (typically not the best rate if offered there).</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P>While there are ATM’s throughout the city, you would be best advised to bring your cash with you. Sometimes foreign ATM cards do not work here. Travellers cheques are not easily honored in stores.</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P><SPAN class=RVTS2>Language</SPAN></P>
<P>Your participation in the OSonOS and stay in Russia will be even more rewarding if you can take the time to learn a few simple Russian words and to read the Cyrillic alphabet. One can learn the alphabet within 3 hours! There are many online resources to facilitate your learning of basic Russian in time for the OSonOS!</P>
<P><BR></P>
<P><BR></P>
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