International Flora Expo in Taipei

11/10/2010

Ian's parents, Tony & Fen Lee

Ian's parents invited us to go with them to the International Flora Expo in Taipei on Wednesday. We rode the MRT train to the station near the expo site, and the Lees met us there. We stood in line for entrance a good while. There were a lot of people, including several school groups; the students were dressed alike, usually in bright-colored sweats.

School children

This wall is covered with plantings, and we have seen many like it all over Taipei in preparation for this expo.

The other picture is of the entrance to the expo hall where you wait in a LONG line for your turn to go in.

Once inside the expo building we found a magic place full of flowers. I wish Ilona could at least see the pictures. It made me think of the way the Rose Parade is supposed to be--everything made of some kind of plant material. There was a picture-taking opportunity just inside the doors, and most people were taking advantage of it. The walls were covered with designs made of petals and leaves.

Floral wall

As we walked through the exhibit hall, booth after booth was filled with floral displays of every kind. I just couldn't stop taking pictures. One of the prettiest was full of purple flowers and clear glass tubes of water.

Gardens were often set up in stylized ways like Japanese gardens. One had trees made of roots. We got to see a few bonzai (but not as many as I would have like; they were at another venue). I would like to try my hand at that.

Root tree

I saw a method of planting that would be useful, something called EcoBoxes. I could never have imagined the numbers, kinds, and colors of orchids displayed. Mr. Lee said he was an orchid grower at home.

Orchid showers

Tiny slipper orchids


Prize-winning lilies

Colors

Pressed flower picture

Fan quiltLunch

Everyone wanted to eat lunch at the same time, it seemed. We finally got some lunch boxes and sat down, but at different tables. Afterwards we walked over some more of the exhibition grounds. My feet were killing me! When we got back to Mark's house, I discovered that they
were very swollen and I had a rash above my ankles.

Garrett and Mr. Lee on bridge

Traditional house

Aboriginal dancers in traditional costumes

Arena

Mr. Lee gave a party at a Japanese restaurant and invited us, Mark, Ian, Vicky, and Ethan, their daughter Sabrina and her husband Randy (they had also been students at WT). We had a very delicious dinner. and took some pictures.

Mark, M. and Mrs. Lee, Sabrina, her husband, Vicky, Ethan--Ian took the picture