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Dear Registrant for IAMSE/GRIPE Meeting in San Juan,

As you plan to be in Puerto Rico in July to attend the IAMSE/GRIPE Meeting July 15-18,   include a tour of Ponce and experience the island!

A tour of Ponce is planned for Tuesday, July 18^th, Noon-9PM after the meeting adjourns.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO GO, Please RSVP to the GRIPE Central Office, Deborah-shinn@ouhsc.edu  by Monday, May 15^th   with the number of people in your party. 

Maximum number is 24 at $40 per person. 

Send Fee: GRIPE, OUHSC/Pathology, P.O. Box 26901, Oklahoma City, OK 73190

Tuesday, July 18^th,   Noon – 9 PM; A tour to Ponce Departing from Caribe Hilton

12:00 Noon    Depart from San Juan Caribe Hilton to Ponce

1:30 PM        Arrive LaGuancha, Ponce’s boardwalk and beach area, for late lunch (on your own)

3:00 PM        Depart LaGuancha to Tibes Indian Ceremonial Center ($2 entrance fee)

The site of the oldest cemetery yet to be uncovered in the Antilles.  The ruins were exposed due to a tropical storm (Eloise) in 1975, and since then 5acres of land have been excavated.  Burial grounds, at least 180 skeletons, seven ball courts, two ceremonial plazas, charms, tools, and pottery have been uncovered, of both the Tainos and Igneris Indian cultures.  Indian objects are on display in a small museum. 

5:00 PM        Depart Tibes to El Vigia Cross and Castillo Serralles ($8.50 castle)

                   Vigia Hill – Gaze to the south from this 300-foot hill to see the city of Ponce.  At the peak of the hill is a massive concrete cross, 100 feet tall and 70 feet wide.  The “Virgin’s Cross” (Cruz del Vigia) was built in 1984 to replace a less sturdy wooden structure.  The cross memorializes the Spanish garrison assigned to live on the hill and watch for smugglers’ ships trying to unload contraband on Puerto Rico’s southern shore. 

                   Castillo Serralles – This impressive manor is located high on Vigia Hill overlooking the city of Ponce.  The family that owned the Don Q rum distillery built the house in the 1930s.  The Spanish Revival-style home features Moorish and Andalusian accents.  The terraced gardens and courtyard are key features of the property.

7:30 PM          Depart Castillo Serralles for San Juan

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