Well, I suppose it's good to know that the war in Iraq isn't stopping everyone from going about their business.
BUCHAREST (Reuters) - The Transylvanian Society of Dracula said on Friday it would hold its world Dracula congress in May in Romania's Carpathian Mountains despite the war in Iraq.
Over 20 international and Romanian scholars will discuss the concept of fear at the medieval town of Sighisoara, birthplace of the Romanian prince Vlad Tepes the Impaler, whose extreme cruelty was the inspiration for the fictional vampire Count Dracula.
"The Count fears no war. We are holding the congress and we are expecting many distinguished scholars from around the world to attend," said society president Nicolae Paduraru.
Academics from as far as Japan and the United States will speak on such issues as "Religious Fear," "Early vampire stories in England" and "Fear of the Supernatural" from May 15 to 18, he said.
The medieval prince famous for impaling his Turkish enemies, nicknamed Dracula, has little to do with the bloodthirsty 19th century vampire of Bram Stoker's gothic novel, but the story is located in Romania's northern Transylvania region.
The society, which gives tourists historical tours of the Balkan country, will offer all congress participants "After-life Insurance" -- certificates for guidance through purgatory.
Seminars covering proper impaling techniques will be also be featured during the congress.