Having gone to Ecuador 7 times already, why another trip. What is the alure, the pull that brings me back to Ecuador each year. Putting these images together offers a sense of what that beckoning is. Each trip is unique, not only because of the locations we visit, but also a result of the people on the trip. On this trip, I was fortunate to have my Uncle, my fathers brother, go along. Not an orchidist, he managed well with the group of Orchidholics.
So on with the trip....
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| When Harry Zelenko informed me that there would be an Orchid Show in Quito, after a 7 year hiatus, that began the process. | In 1994, Dolores Cuddeback and I put together the first trip, which included the Quito Show and the Amazon. we had 13 people with us, mostly from our home society - SEPOS. | So attending this show was compelling. And the show was better than expected. The displays and quality of flowers was excellent. | |
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| One of my favorite, and one that received top honors, was this Maxillaria. I was priveledged to be heading the judging team that selected it. | And this Huntleya burtii, brought from Panama by Andrew Madura, was exceptional. Almost better than the Orchids was meeting with the orchidists who we've come to befriend over he years. | This tub of Dracula's was a unique way of exhibiting them, and an integral part of the Quito Societies outstanding exhibit (see the first images above). | |
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| The diversity of peoples at the show from around the world offers a rich emersion in global interactions. | But of course, we were also there during CARNAVAL - a time of fun and play. When the entire country shuts down, so our flight plans were changed 3 times. | The spirit of Ecuador is always congenial. So Carnaval just adds more playfullness. |