Location and Accommodation:

OPAALS 2010 will be held in the beautiful city of Aracaju, Brazil. Aracaju is the capital of Sergipe located on the coast, in the north-eastern part of Brazil.

The state of Sergipe shows a folkloric diversity inherited from the Indian, European and African civilizations. This blend of cultures constitutes the base of the social development in the area, originating typical dances and popular parties called "Folguedos". Among those events, one can cite the religious and cultural celebrations expressed as a public dramatic dance show, typical music based on improvisation verses and local rhythm, historical acts to represent political situations, wars and conquers.

Sergipe is also known for the typical handcraft that is an important part of its culture. The main product is the handmade lace and embroidery from the state which are renowned for their details
and beauty, particularly from the type of Irish Crochet designed for famous brands. An exclusive kind of embroidery called "redendê" applied on cloth is popular for its colours, design and finishing. Ceramic pieces are also handcrafted in the area, in a rudimentary form portraying the rural life.

The cultural diversity also influences the gastronomy, usually associated to the sea, rivers and estuaries present in the whole state. A typical habit found in the coast and mangrove areas is the cultivation and appreciation of crabs, as well as soft crabs served as snacks or in its shells with shrimp, oyster or clam. The abundance of seafood is enhanced by species of freshwater fishes and the common use of coconut. Coconut is an important product from the state, not only used as an ingredient in dishes and desserts but also for its water as refreshing and nutritious drink. Native fruits such as mangaba, caju, umbu, manjelã and pitomba are present in the state composing a range of flavours and colours. Another characteristic ingredient is the "Carne de sol" (sun dried beef) served along with "pirão de leite" (a mixture of yucca flour and milk or other kinds of broth). Yucca and corn are also popular base ingredients for cakes, sweets, and salty dishes.

Founded as a Portuguese colony in 1592, Aracaju was a planned city and established as state capital in 1855. Nowadays, the placid and safe city of Aracaju was considered the Brazilian capital with the best quality of life. Aracaju offers numerous tourist attractions, specially regional, historical and natural sceneries, such as beaches, rivers and mangroves. The city presents a good urban infra-structure as well as great gastronomy including seafood and typical dishes.

The tropical geography from Aracaju is considerably rich. The weather presents high temperatures and humidity throughout the whole year and March is one of the rainiest months. Sergipe has an extensive coastline, with warm shallow waters and flat firm sand, perfect for walking. Atalaia is the beach nearest to the centre of Aracaju and among the most famous. The best bars, restaurants, social, sports and leisure centres and hotels are found in Atalaia.s area. Mosqueiro is a village situated in the south of Aracaju and it is known for the paradisiacal natural scenery with the ocean, islands, clear water river and preserved mangrove.

OPAALS 2010 will be held in the conference centre of Radisson hotel (information in english), located at Rua Dr. Bezerra de Menezes, 40 (at Atalaia Beach and 14 km from the airport). The hotel offers two international restaurants and high speed internet connection. The hotel is new and provides high quality suites equipped with LCD cable TVs, minibars, hair dryers, laundry and free Internet access. The hotel also includes an area with a swimming pool, jacuzzi, solarium and fitness centre.