We have had a wonderful day here in Paris so a massive thank you to the organisers of the European Orchid Show.

After a hectic morning setting up our display from 8 until 12 (only possible because the student team are so professional and experienced at building a Gold Medal standard display in double quick time) we headed off by Metro to explore Paris – Notre Dame, the Rive Gauche and the Eiffel Tower – I am sure that Gustave Eiffel would be delighted that 130 years after it was finished we are still going to look at his creation.

We were delighted that Hettie from The Eden Project joined us this morning to help out too.

After a brief rest at the Hotel we were back at the Paris Event Centre for preview and spent a really enjoyable evening meeting and getting to know the Congress registrants and fellow exhibitors. I am really proud of my team who are doing a great job of communicating and making new friends.

It is a real treat to be able to share our orchids with a new public and especially our Grand Champion (shown below)

If you want to know more about Odontoglossum cristatum (Oncidium cristatum) do visit our recent post. We will give you full details of all the awards we have won in posts tomorrow.

The evening finished with a relaxed meal at our favourite restaurant, L’Orange Bleue, and back to the hotel for a deserved rest. These students have put in an extraordinary and very professional effort over two very long and challenging days and really deserve todays success.