Welcome from the Local Arrangements Committee

Fellow microscopists and microanalysts, it is with great pleasure that the 2008 Local Arrangements Committee welcomes you to New Mexico and more specifically, Albuquerque, a city that has just celebrated its 300th anniversary and has been called the Jewel of the Southwest. We hope that the excellent scientific program organized for M&M 2008 does not prevent you from exploring and enjoying Albuquerque's many historic sites, museums, and restaurants.

The site of M&M 2008 is the Albuquerque Convention. From this downtown location there are many interesting places only a short taxi ride away. Historic Old Town is only a short distance from the convention center. Enjoy interesting architecture unique to the Albuquerque region, and explore five museums including the Natural History Museum with its huge collection of dinosaur fossils, the Albuquerque Museum detailing the history of Albuquerque, and fascinating specialty museums including the Atomic Museum, the Rattlesnake Museum, and the Turquoise Museum. Shop for Native American jewelry offered al fresco by artisans along the Plaza, and be sure to visit one of the many restaurants in Old Town specializing in New Mexican cuisine. In contrast to Old Town, Albuquerque and its surrounding areas boast many high-tech companies and labs, including Sandia National Laboratories, Intel, Los Alamos National Laboratories, and Eclipse Aviation, as well as the University of New Mexico.

August weather in Albuquerque is mostly warm and dry. Summer monsoons may produce short-lived, late afternoon thunderstorms. Normal daytime highs reach the low 90's while the humidity has a hard time reaching 20%. Dry conditions make it imperative that visitors drink lots of water to stay hydrated. Albuquerque is at an elevation of 5000 feet, which may cause some to experience altitude sickness. Proper hydration can alleviate some of these symptoms. Outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling and running abound in Albuquerque, no doubt encouraged by the beautiful weather and surroundings. In fact, Albuquerque was recently voted the 3rd fittest city in the US.

Historic Route 66 goes directly through Albuquerque on what is now called Central Avenue, where historic neon signs still illuminate the path. Route 66, with a large number of shops and restaurants, is an easy 2-block walk from the convention center. Route 66 still guides visitors from the volcanoes on the far west side, over the famous Rio Grande, past the Rio Grande Botanical Garden and Aquarium, through historic Old Town, past the downtown business district and continues eastward past the University of New Mexico and the trendy Nob Hill area where you will find many of the city's best dining, unique shops and boutiques.

After the meeting, there are many historic places to visit. One of the better known ancient ruins is Chaco Canyon, located a short 4 hours from Albuquerque in the northwest corner of the state. Just an hour west of Albuquerque is Acoma Pueblo, the oldest continuously occupied city in the US. Acoma sits atop a 376-foot-tall mesa overlooking the desert. Take a walking tour through the pueblo, the plaza and 17th-century mission church. The historic city and state capital of Santa Fe is located 65 miles north of Albuquerque where you can dine at fine restaurants and enjoy the beautiful architecture and the unique shopping opportunities. The “City Different” abounds in boutiques and galleries, many of them are concentrated along Canyon Road. A short drive past Santa Fe brings you to Los Alamos, home of the Los Alamos National Laboratory and nearby Bandolier National Monument which is home to some of the nation's most visited ancestral Pueblo sites. Trails to ancient cliff dwellings and petroglyphs radiate from the visitors center.

East of Albuquerque are the 10,000 foot Sandia Mountains. One of the highlights of your visit should be a trip to the top of the mountain on the Sandia Peak Tram. This tram features one of the longest unsupported spans in the world and as you travel from the base of the mountain to the top you will view 6 of the 7 life zones. At the top, the views at sunset are breathtaking and well worth the 20 minute Tram ride. Should time permit make reservations at the restaurant at the top of the mountain for a truly unforgettable experience.

Our Sunday Opening reception will be held at the Rio Grande Zoo. You will be entertained by a Mariachi band while you enjoy New Mexican food. After dinner enjoy the Zoo exhibits or just sit around the common area surrounded by massive Cottonwood trees and catch up with friends and enjoy the beautiful view of the Sandia Mountains.

We hope you will take this opportunity to attend M&M 2008. We know you will enjoy M&M 2008 and will take home fond memories of your visit to Albuquerque.

Joe Michael and Paul Hlava, M&M 2008 LAC Co-Chairs

2008 Local Arrangements Committee