EOSINOPHILS 2009
6th BIENNIAL INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM

of the International Eosinophil Society

Bruges, Belgium

July  7 - 11, 2009

Abstract Submission Deadline
MAY 15, 2009

Important Links

Bruges Weather

Vacation Sites

ABOUT SYMPOSIUM                                          

Bruges (Dutch: Brugge)

The capital and largest city of the Province of West Flanders in the Flemish region of Belgium. It is located in the northwest of the country. The historic city centre is a prominent World heritage site of UNESCO. It is egg-shaped and about 430 hectares in size.

Along with a few other canal-based northern cities, it is sometimes referred to as "The Venice of the North". Bruges has a significant economic importance thanks to its port, and is also home to the College of Europe. (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

Bruges was founded in 865 as a coastal stronghold against the Vikings, by the first Count of Flanders. When the wool industry in Flanders developed as of the 10^th century, it was the leading Flemish cloth town, together with Ghent/Gand. Bruges was a very prosperous trade center in medieval times, favoring the development of its splendid architecture which is still very present today.

Bruges is encircled by water, and by remnants of fort walls built at the end of the 13^th century. The city can only be entered by a series of ancient “portals”, and many of the roads are still paved. The larger diameter of the oval is barely over 3 km, meaning that the city can easily be discovered by foot.

Although a small country, Belgium is reputed world wide for its chocolate and its multitude of traditionally brewed beers, and Bruges offers many opportunities to sample both. Other specialties include tapestries and Belgian lace, mussels, French-fries, and meet stews marinated in beer. Attractions within Bruges itself include the beautifully conserved and enchanting Begijnhof, founded in 1245, boat-tours on the canals, and horse-drawn carriages. Medieval Flemish paintings by celebrated artists such as Jan van Eyck, Jan Provoost, Hans Memling, and Hieronymus Bosch can be admired in several museums, as well as tapestries woven in Bruges and Brussels in the 16th century.

Bruges is less than 20 km from the Belgian coast, which offers various means of entertainment… for nature lovers: the Zwin nature reserve and its fabulous dunes; for shoppers, Knokke-le-Zoute is the “chic” seaside resort.

Bruges is approximately 100 km from Brussels, the capital of Belgium, which is home to Belgium’s major airport (Brussels international airport).

Directions from Brussels International Airport to Bruges Crowne Plaza Hotel by car :

When leaving Brussels airport, take the « RING » (the motorway that encircles Brussels), also indicated « RO » ; following the direction « Gand/Gent-Ostende » and « Anvers/Antwerpen ». Stay on the « Ring » until you see directions towards Ostende (highway E40) ; exit the Ring towards the E40.
Continue for approximately 80 kilometers ; then take EXIT 8 towards Brugge.
Follow the direction « Sint-Michiels », and then towards « Station, Maldegem and St. Kruis ». After passing the railway-station, continue driving straight ahead and stay on the « ring » which encircles Brugge. You will drive over a bridge, pass the “Katelijnepoort” and “Gentpoort”. Enter the city centre of Brugge by the “Kruispoort”, driving along the Langestraat and the Hoogstraat you will reach the Crowne Plaza Hotel.
 

Directions from Brussels International Airport to Bruges Crowne Plaza Hotel by train:

There is a train station at the lower level of Brussels airport.
To go to Bruges, you must purchase a ticket towards Bruges (approximately 15 Euros one way) ; you will first have to take a train towards Brussels North (Nord) Station, and from there take another train towards Bruges.
There are 2 trains that leave Brussels airport towards Brussels North Station every hour ; the ride takes about 15 minutes. The ride from Brussels North Station to Bruges takes about one hour ; trains that will take you there have the following final destinations : Ostende or Knokke.
In both cases, you must get off the train at Bruges (before reaching the final destination).
Bruges train station is at the periphery of the historical city (see map of Bruges below) ; you will therefore have to enter Bruges either with a taxi, or a bus. There are several bus lines (0-2-3-4-13-14) which will take you from the railway station to Market Place (Markt), which is only 150 meters from the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

T H E    C R O W N E    P L A Z A    H O T E L

This centrally located hotel is on the Burg, Bruge’s second central square, which is flanked by a beautiful group of buildings, including the Gothic City Hall and the Holy BloodBasiliek.

The hotel was built between 1987 and 1991, and during its construction, important historical remains were discovered. A substantial part of these archeological findings have been integrated in the hotel (foundations and mobile artefacts), and are open to the public.

The congress room is located on the ground floor, and can welcome 250 participants. The hotel has 96 rooms, most of which contain one double bed ; several rooms have 2 double beds. The rooms are comfortably equipped to meet modern standards (see section on Accomodation).

Design: Sanjiv Sur