Viateur wrote : Message: 8 Date: Mon, 21 Mar 2005 10:11:25 -0500 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>As a reminder, the 10th WOC was held in Durban, South Africa, in 1981, >with 1126 participants from 32 countries. Of course, that did not >disqualify South Africa from possibly hosting another WOC, 30 years >later. >If commercial interests would have prevailed, I presume that Taiwan >would have had a chance. Viateur, I am in sympathy with you for the Taiwanese. I am sure that they would have put on a wonderful Show. As for the 10th WOC I was on the organising committee. My portfolio was the judging. At the time of the 10th WOC South Africa was just starting to break free from (but was still under Apartheid) and a lot of good folk would not attend on principle - hence the small number of people. Of those members of the organising committee who are still alive today, only two of us still grow orchids (Carmen Coll and myself). The others have either died or no longer grow orchids for some reason or the other. As a member of the organising committee I went on promotional tours including to Taiwan and was amazed at the kind hospitality that greeted my wife and me. But I think Taiwan faces the same political prejuidice as we did back in 1981 i.e. overshadowed by mainland China. Not withstanding the above, I think that Singapore will put on a very good Show and I wish them every success and all who attend a most enjoyable Conference and Show. Keep well and kind regards Mike _______________________________________________ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
