See Paraguay - and South America!
…at the Mennonite World Conference Assembly July 2009
World Conference Assemblies are truly a "world family reunion!" Held every six years, they are a time for worship, fellowship, discussion and renewal. Assembly 15 is scheduled for July 14 - 19, 2009 in Asuncion, Paraguay. The Assembly consists of several parts:
- Assembly Gathered: Worship services with music and songs from around the world, prayer, Bible study, community meals, recreational activities - and the renewal and creation of friendships
- Global Youth Summit
- Global Church Village
And… Assembly Scattered - the opportunity to meet local people and to view magnificent natural wonders of the South American continent!
|
Exciting Tour Options!
Enjoy a customized tour of Paraguay - including a visit to the Gran Chaco, home to many of the Paraguayan Mennonite colonies. Take a trip to the breathtaking Iguassu Falls or to other fascinating South American countries, such as Argentina, Brazil or Bolivia. Consider gathering a group to tour these remarkable sites and let MTS TRAVEL handle all of your transportation and accommodation details.
Plan Your Travel Budget.
MTS TRAVEL recommends budgeting approximately $2,500 to $3,000 for the basic plan, including airfare from Miami to the conference and six nights accommodation. Make sure you also budget for exciting sightseeing excursions! We estimate that a three-night tour to Gran Chaco will add $600 to $800 to your trip or a two-night visit to Iguassu Falls adds an additional $800 to $1,000. If you take advantage of the two side trips, budget approximately $3,200 to $3,900 for a 13 day, 11 night plan. (Price estimates based per person on double occupancy.)
Put Assembly 15 on your calendar! Even though 2009 sounds a long way off, groups are already beginning to form. To obtain the best schedules and prices for your preferred tour destinations, reserve your travel now. Contact MTS TRAVEL for more information and to lock in your dates and itineraries.
|
|
Reserve Now Pay Later
Reserve air space now pay later, Click Here for information
MWC Tours
Escorted tours are still available.
Contact Trinda Lim for additional information.
trindal@mtstravel.com or 800 418 2929 ext 81305
For further information contact:
Phone: 800-874-9330
Email: mwcinfo@mtstravel.com
Go to Mennonite World Conference web site.
General Information
Health and Safety
Paraguay is a pleasant, easy-going country. Nevertheless, there are always some risks in traveling anywhere. You are advised to consult with your doctor concerning the advisability of a trip to Paraguay and to carry with you written
information regarding your blood type, allergies, medical conditions, medications you are currently taking, and any other information advised by your doctor. Inquire also about any required or recommended immunizations or prophylaxis.
Mennonite World Conference will assist, to the best of its ability, in obtaining medical help if required during the assembly in Asunción. A medical team will be on site during assembly sessions and on call at all times. MWC cannot guarantee that such help will be adequate for your needs. Your signature is required to indicate acceptance of any and all health risks you may face while you travel or attend the assembly. See the section entitled "Liability Waiver" in the Registration Form.
Visit the CDC site http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel for health information for travelers to Paraguay.
Insurance
Be sure you have adequate insurance
for health and accident risks. MWC does not accept responsibility for personal insurance coverage. Travel insurance can be obtained from travel agents or your current health insurer.
Languages
Paraguay has two official languages - Spanish (español, also known as castellano) and Guarani, one of several indigenous languages. Spanish will be the "platform language" for Assembly Gathered. Simultaneous interpretation will be provided into English, Guarani, French, German, Portuguese, Enlhet
and Nivacle. Spanish will be the predominant language for Assembly Scattered visits. Your hosts will do
their best to provide interpreters.
Accommodations
Assembly Gathered offers a wide range of options - from basic dormitories, to camps, and 1 to 4 star hotels. There may be limited space in private homes in Asunción, available on a first come first served basis. Assembly Scattered lodging will depend on the hosts, but may include a variety of hotel and guest house options and possibly private homes.
Climate
July is mid winter in Paraguay. No one will predict the weather since it could range from pleasantly warm to cold, from cloudy to sunny, from windy to calm. Rain is highly unlikely. "Cold" would be about 5 degrees Celsius (40 degrees F). Many facilities have limited or no indoor heating. The CFA will be heated. So dress like an onion - wear layers (undershirt, shirt, sweater, jacket) so that you can peel off or add on as needed during the course of the day.
Meals
Paraguay offers a wide range of delicious foods: beef and dairy products
(given the vast areas of grassland),
rice and beans, fruits and vegetables, and the omnipresent, very nutritious, donut-shaped "chipa." Breakfast is not served at the assembly venue, but is usually included in the cost of lodging. Asunción water is safe to drink; bottled water is generally available for purchase.
Travel
Since July is "high season" in the global North, persons from this area should make travel plans as soon as possible. MWC encourages registrants to seriously consider joining one of the tour groups listed on the insert. Most tour leaders have experience traveling
in Latin America and the Caribbean
and will help participants process their encounters with the various cultures.
All tours include Assembly Gathered and some may include visits with local church communities. Use the Registration and Travel Form to register for Assembly Gathered and related activities.
If you are not joining a tour group, use the Registration and Travel Form to sign up for Assembly Gathered, Assembly Scattered and a sightseeing tour organized by MWC's Coordinating Travel Agencies - MTS Travel in Ephrata, PA, USA and Canada Viajes
in Asunción.
Passport and Visa
You must have a passport valid six months beyond the end of your trip. Your travel agent or tour group representative can help you determine the countries where you need a visa. Some countries may require a visa even for a mere transit.
Visit http://www.travisa.com/travelvisa.htm for information on visa and passport requirements.
Finances
Credit cards are accepted in many hotels, shops and restaurants. Debit card machines are available in banks and major shopping areas. Traveler's checks are discouraged within Paraguay due to high fees charged to cash them. This factor may oblige you to carry more cash than usual; if so, use secure handling methods like a money pouch.
Communications
There will be an internet café at Assembly Gathered. A phone will be available for urgent matters. Postal service is available, but sometimes difficult to access.
CST 2013363-40
|
