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Marilyn H. S. Light |
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MarilyninOttawa About this time last year, we discussed orchids in horticultural exhibitions when I provided some details on the next WOC planned for Dijon, France. This was going to be an unique experience where orchids formed the core of what was a big garden show. I have recently returned from the Dijon event and here is my story. After we completed our Early Bird registration, we had to select an hotel. Dijon is not a large city (pop. about 250,000) but my husband and I wanted to be conveniently located to the show and to sightseeing. There were a couple of hotels located across from the Palais des Congrès where the show would be staged. Organizers stated that there would be a shuttle provided between major hotels and the show but which hotels would these be? I asked but was only told about the city bus service. Dijon has an airport but we would be flying into Charles de Gaulle Airport (Paris) and hoped to take the TGV (high speed train) from Paris to Dijon. We selected an inexpensive hotel opposite the train station. This photo is taken from our hotel window. This location was just over one mile (2 km) from the show but close to historic city center. As it turned out, 2-star Hotel Campanile was an excellent choice. You can see their buffet at the website. Yummmm... Rooms were small but comfortable and very quiet. There were tea/coffee-making facilities and some delicious cookies provided daily. The restaurant was excellent. Before we left Canada, we checked local weather (it had been unseasonably cold and snowing days before we arrived), and the train schedules. This is where we learned that a train strike was pending, apparently beginning the night we arrived! We told several fellow travelers to be prepared! We arrived in Paris before noon and completed our trip to Dijon before the strike (8 pm March 9 to 8 am March 11) but many others were not so fortunate. What we did not know was that the same strike would affect city bus service the next day. March 9 - Cool, overcast - Upon arrival, we checked into our hotel, had a local drink, kir (white wine and blackcurrant liquer), then set off for the WOC to get registered. We walked over to Place D'Arcy where there was a tourist information center, picked up city maps, etc, and purchased a 10-trip city bus ticket. The bus delivered us to the WOC in less than 10 minutes where had our conference kits shortly afterward, chatted with a few acquaintances, checked out the room locations then returned for an early (for Europe) supper and a good sleep. March 10 - No buses! Cool, overcast - We walked over for the afternoon opening and reception. Along the way, we noted where the Gastronomic evening event (March 12) would be held in the Cellier de Clairvaux. This ancient structure was undergoing foundation renovation so it was chgallenging to see exactly how one could enter. The address given was 27 Boulevard de la Trémouille but this seemed to be the entrance to apartments next door! Our observations were later to prove useful. We first visited the show that had only just recently been judged. Staff were still exchanging paper documents for ribbons and medal designations. The space was huge and filled with large and small displays of orchids, greenery, and on a second level, sales booths. We took the opportunity to photograph displays as there would little time later on. The most effective displays were simple and well lit. One of the most effective was a topiary-style polar bear in a polar landscape and edged with white Phalaenopsis. Mosaiculture, Montreal, Canada. Some exhibits were rich in variety of species and hybrids whereas others displayed many examples of the same kind of orchid. The overall impression was brightly lit places within a less bright, humid surround. The sound of cascading water dominated the scene that first day. Many of the winners have been listed at the Orchids Australia website whose website was judged Best Society/Organization website. Hurrah Colin et al. Grand Champion Display - Vacherot & Lecoufle (France) Grand Champion and Gold Medal - Calanthe seiboldii 'Wossen' AM/RHS - Franz Glanz The Reserve Champion was Paphiopedilum hirsutissimum var. esquirolei - KJ Orchids (no picture) Vanda Motes Buttercup won a Bronze Medal Vanilla africana was part of an effective display of the genus Vanilla. There were many interesting species such as Ascocentrum christensonianum Asctm. christensonianum closeup Reed-stem epis at Dijon Reed-stem Epidendrums Next was the opening reception. There was wine, lots of fine Burgundy wine, cheese, hors d'oeuvres, tasty Bayonne ham, and great company. We received two souvenir wine goblets and tasted the evening away. March 11 - Cloudy, milder - First official WOC day with plenary speakers, a more 'official' opening (sparkling Kir Royale and hors d'oeuvres) over the noon hour at the City Hall (buses provided there and back) and more lectures in the pm. Our first wine tasting experience was of Maconnais and La Cote Chalonnais wines. This was also our only night off so we joined two colleagues for a tasty dinner. March 12 - Damp, cloudy - Visitors were flocking to the show. It was almost impossible to move between the exhibits. We attended lectures all day. I won a silent auction item which was three bottles of wine. The second wine tasting featured La Cote de Beaune. The evening activity was a gastronomic feast held in the Cellier de Clairvaux. Learn more about Burgundy specialities at: button There was no organized transport so I walked the half mile. Part way along, I met a South African delegate and we endeavored to locate the entrance to the Cellier. After several false starts, we gained entry and were greeted in a vaulted hall. We were served cold cuts, escargots (snails) in puff pastry, deboned frog legs in a tomato-based sauce, a generous slice (or two) of roast Charolais beef, a selection of tasty French cheeses button, a fabulous black currant dessert, and wine. After two ably led wine tastings, I was becoming more familiar with the appellations. My husband was thoroughly enjoying it too! March 13 - Sunny, mild - Dijon is jam-packed with visitor cars and the show is packed as well. The Orchid Specialist Group held a general meeting which was attended by some 100 members and observers. Our last wine tasting featured La Cote de Nuits. We received medallions for ticketed activities such as the Medieval Soiree. Here you see the fabulous tiled roofs that we were to visit later in the week. picture The reverse side named the event. picture This same style of medallion was used to designate prize winners, etc. A Medieval Concert was held that evening in a hall with fabulous acoustics. picture The exceptional instrumental and choir group was led by a very enthusiastic conductor and we were treated to a heady evening of traditional music and song. picture I photographed some of the instruments including: 'sousbasse' and 'contrebasse' flutes. picture There were some horn flutes (gemshorns) in a case together with a curious curved 'cromorne' instrument. picture March 14 - Sunny, mild - We visited the show one last time. At the Closing, we learned that the 20th WOC will be held in Singapore. The closing banquet at Chateau du Clos de Vougeot. picture This fabulous site was ideal for the evening event. The food and wine were great and the company very pleasant. picture March 15 - Sunny, very mild. Sightseeing all day. We toured the old city center where we saw evidence of early Roman life, 14th century buildings, and many churches. The facades are beautifully preserved and carefully conserved for future generations. Here are the carefully preserved Roman bricks that had been used to construct part of this 14th century wall. We saw the House of 3 Gables (Maison aux trois pignons) located on rue de la Liberté. It was built in 1450 and has been restored three times, most recently in 1972. There are many historic homes (called 'hotels) that have been restored and preserved including the Hotel Aubriot on rue des Forges. Only recently, the 13th century facade was discovered beneath a thick layer of mortar and stucco. In the Hotel Chambellan, built by Dijon mayor Henri Chambellan at the end of the 1400's, we discovered an elegant spiral staircase. The roof of the Hotel de Vogue is decorated in 14th century-style enamelled tiles, a technique that originated in Belgium. This building was built at the beginning of the 17th century. http://www.orchidtrek.com/WOCdijon/Hotel_Vogue_roof.jpg Within the courtyard of the Maison Milsand, we discovered a trove of delights. This statue was one of several. Next to it was an explanatory exhibit on the colorful tiles! March 16 - Partly cloudy. We say goodbye to Dijon, a clean, friendly and most welcoming city and depart for Paris. March 17 - Sunny, mild - The weather was perfect for a visit to the Paris Botanical Garden where we saw a Neem Tree (Melia azedarach)! I must admit that I did not know that I was photographing this notable tree. How convenient! The garden is undergoing major restoration but still it was a very pleasant and restful place admidst the hustle and bustle of Paris. I can just imagine what it must be like when plants are in full fragrant bloom. Our reality check came on March 18 when we left mild weather to return to Canadian snow (now fast melting in spring sunshine). I am looking forward to the next WOC which will be in Miami Beach. Orchid shows are spectacular events. Lets all plan to attend one soon. Any questions? Comments Colin? Anyone? Clare, it was great to meet you in Dijon. Perhaps we can all get together in Miami Beach in 3 years time colinham_(Australia) Jade_in_GR TonyinWestOz MarilyninOttawa ClareinLA MarilyninOttawa colinham_(Australia) MarilyninOttawa |
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Prechat Handout The 18th World Orchid Conference, Dijon, France Marilyn HS Light About this time last year, we discussed orchids in horticultural exhibitions when I provided some details on the next WOC planned for Dijon, France. This was going to be an unique experience where orchids formed the core of what was a big garden show. I have recently returned from the Dijon event and here is my story. After we completed our Early Bird registration, we had to select an hotel. Dijon is not a large city (pop. about 250,000) but my husband and I wanted to be conveniently located to the show and to sightseeing. There were a couple of hotels located across from the Palais des Congrès where the show would be staged. Organizers stated that there would be a shuttle provided between major hotels and the show but which hotels would these be? I asked but was only told about the city bus service. Dijon has an airport but we would be flying into Charles de Gaulle Airport (Paris) and hoped to take the TGV (high speed train) from Paris to Dijon. We selected an inexpensive hotel opposite the train station. This was just over one mile (2 km) from the show but close to historic city center. As it turned out, 2-star Hotel Campanile was an excellent choice. Rooms were small but comfortable and very quiet. There were tea/coffee-making facilities and some delicious cookies provided daily. The restaurant was excellent. Before we left Canada, we checked local weather (it had been unseasonably cold and snowing days before we arrived), and the train schedules at http://www.tgv.com/EN/index.htm This is where we learned that a train strike was pending, apparently beginning the night we arrived! We told several fellow travellers to be prepared! We arrived in Paris before noon and completed our trip to Dijon before the strike (8 pm March 9 to 8 am March 11) but many others were not so fortunate. What we did not know was that the same strike would affect city bus service the next day. March 9 - Cool, overcast - Upon arrival, we checked into our hotel, had a local drink, kir (white wine and black currant liqueur), then set off for the WOC to get registered. http://www.woc2005.org/english/index_Nav.htm We walked over to Place D’Arcy where there was a tourist information center, picked up city maps, etc, and purchased a 10-trip city bus ticket. The bus delivered us to the WOC in less than 10 minutes where had our conference kits shortly afterward, chatted with a few acquaintances , checked out the room locations then returned for an early (for Europe) supper and a good sleep. March 10 - No buses! Cool, overcast - We walked over for the afternoon opening and reception. Along the way, we noted where the Gastronomic evening event (March 12) would be held in the Cellier de Clairvaux. This ancient structure was undergoing foundation renovation so it was challenging to see exactly how one could enter. The address given was 27 Boulevard de la Trémouille but this seemed to be the entrance to apartments next door! Our observations were later to prove useful. We first visited the show that had only just recently been judged. Staff were still exchanging paper documents for ribbons and medal designations. The space was huge and filled with large and small displays of orchids, greenery, and on a second level, sales booths. We took the opportunity to photograph displays as there would little time later on. The most effective displays were simple and well lit. Some exhibits were rich in variety of species and hybrids whereas others displayed many examples of the same kind of orchid. The overall impression was brightly lit places within a less bright, humid surround. The sound of cascading water dominated the scene that first day. Many of the winners have been listed at http://www.orchidsaustralia.com/woc2005_gold.html Orchids Australia website was judged Best Society/Organization website. Grand Champion Display - Vacherot & Lecoufle (France) Grand Champion and Gold Medal - Calanthe seiboldii ‘Wossen’ AM/RHS - Franz Glanz Reserve Champion - Paphiopedilum hirsutissimum var. esquirolei - KJ Orchids Next was the opening reception. There was wine, lots of fine Burgundy wine, cheese, hors d’oeuvres, tasty Bayonne ham, and great company. We received two souvenir wine goblets and tasted the evening away. March 11 - Cloudy, milder - First official WOC day with plenary speakers, a more ‘official’ opening (sparkling Kir Royale and hors d’oeuvres) over the noon hour at the City Hall (buses provided there and back) and more lectures in the PM. Our first wine tasting experience was of Maconnais and La Cote Chalonnais wines. This was also our only night off so we joined two colleagues for a tasty dinner. March 12 - Damp, cloudy - Visitors were flocking to the show.
It was almost impossible to move between the exhibits. We attended
lectures all day. I won a silent auction item which was three
bottles of wine. The second wine tasting featured La Cote de
Beaune. The evening activity was a gastronomic feast held in
the Cellier de Clairvaux. Learn more about Burgundy specialities
at: http://www.terroir-france.com/wine/bourgogne_food.htm March 13 - Sunny, mild - Dijon is jam-packed with visitor cars and the show is packed as well. The Orchid Specialist Group held a general meeting which was attended by some 100 members and observers. Our last wine tasting featured La Cote de Nuits. A Medieval Concert was held that evening in a hall with fabulous acoustics. The exceptional instrumental and choir group was led by a very enthusiastic conductor and we were treated to a heady evening of traditional music and song. March 14 - Sunny, mild - We visited the show one last time. At the Closing, we learned that the 20th WOC will be held in Singapore. Banquet at Chateau du Clos de Vougeot topped off the evening. The food and wine were great and the company very pleasant. March 15 - Sunny, very mild. Sightseeing all day. We toured the old city center where we saw evidence of early Roman life, 14th century buildings, and many churches. The facades are beautifully preserved and carefully conserved for future generations. March 16 - Partly cloudy. We say goodbye to Dijon, a clean, friendly and most welcoming city and depart for Paris. March 17 - Sunny, mild - The weather was perfect for a visit to the Paris Botanical Garden where we saw a Neem Tree (Melia azedarach)! The garden is undergoing major restoration but still it was a very pleasant and restful place amidst the hustle and bustle of Paris. I can just imagine what it must be like when plants are in full fragrant bloom. Our reality check came on March 18 when we left mild weather to return to Canadian snow. I am looking forward to the next WOC which will be in Miami Beach. |
