Dear All:

This year IPES is taking us to the most beautiful Ohrid, the grand ancient lake in Republic Of Macedonia. This antique town is famous for its unique heritage and that is why it is under the protection of the UNESCO. It is located in the South of Europe, close to Greece (just a few kilometers away), and not far away from Italy, Turkey as well as the Central Europe. During the IPES conference you will be able to enjoy the charming atmosphere of this beautiful place, full of fascinating churches and monasteries with spectacular frescos rarely seen anywhere in the world. Ohrid is a place where you have a feeling that the time stopped many centuries ago because of its Byzantine architecture. You will be able to visit many galleries as this spot attracted artists, painters and poets of the world who came here to find inspiration for their work. Above all, you will be impressed by warmth and kindness of Macedonian people and their joyous spirit expressed through singing and dancing embodied in their folk music. I am sure that by the end of your stay you will have your own favorite Macedonian song and will be able to dance Macedonian "oro" as you will be engrossed in the spirit of your host.

All of us from all continents of the world will be staying in a five star hotel, namely, "INEX GORICA" with private beach, secluded but at the heart of the old town. This is the hotel where NATO and the European Parliament meet. It is a piece of art.

You will enjoy wonderful Mediterranean cuisine with lots of vegetables (Famous for Paprika and Tomatoes), light meat and unique deserts. Some of their specialties such as "BUREK" taken with yogurt (meat pie) and "GRAFCE NA TAFCE" (white beans prepared in a specific way and cooked for many hours) might become your favourite meal when you return home. Macedonia has the most wonderful wines and it has been famous for world class wine makers.

Ohrid is well known for its old and special craftsmanship such as pearl-making as well as most decorative pieces of silver making ('filigree') that is most stunning. One of the pearl necklaces made in Ohrid was given as a gift to Queen Elizabeth for her royal collection as well.

Ohrid is also the place where the old meets the new. The youth of Macedonia are well traveled, educated and they speak many foreign languages, mostly, English. You will be at home as they will understand and communicate fluently with you. Although, they follow modern trends, the youth of Macedonia are very proud of their age-old heritage that you can experience once you visit one of their ethnic restaurants ( KAFANA) where as foreigner you will become part of the local crowd, dancing and singing with them.

As you plan to go to Ohrid, please visit the web site www.ipes.info for early registration. I am sure that you would have a wonderful experience and bring back very fond memories of this world in your heart which you will cherish for ever just like it happened to me when my family took me many years ago to Ohrid to know my heritage and learn about my spiritual tradition.

If you have a question, please contact me at Anamijovic@yahoo.com. Thank you.

See you in Ohrid.

Sincerely

Ana Das, MD, FASN
Director, IPES