Ten More Photos from Okinawa's Orchid Show 2013

In the order they were taken, here are ten more photos from the Orchid Show.

These were just processed today and I want to post them quick for all to see.

They had some big snowstorm back on the east coast of the USA.

It's been a few days since I've heard from anyone back there.

So, I'm guessing they are still shoveling snow.

Or, maybe they are waiting for the electricity to come back on.

When everybody is back online they can look at these flowers.

It might make them think about coming to Okinawa for next year's Orchid Show.

Almost anything beats shoveling snow in February.

We have plenty of places over here for families to stay.

Look at some of the things you can see at the Okinawa International Orchid Show.

And, start making plans, right now, for 2014 !

Visit my homepage for today's Feature Photo

2013 Okinawa International Orchid (蘭) Show (Photos)

The Okinawa International Orchid (蘭) Show started today.

Jennifer Lyn Solomon was there and, I was, too.

She just got declared a supermodel, by me, because she posed and signed a model release.

If you like flowers, you'll love this place.

Trying to remember what order these photos were shot in can get confusing.

It would be nice to give a tour, in the sequence you would see things as you walk through.

But, using two cameras and switching back and forth, I get carried away.

 There must be several thousand types of orchids in this event.

They come from around the globe, too.

 And, people give their flowers names. 

Pink Delight, Jailhouse Rock, Chantilly Green, Spring Melody and Temptation were there.

Also, I found a Snow Boy, Blockbuster "The Giant", SakuraYama and Maxima.

Favorite Person, Melody Fair and Giant Pearl were in there, somewhere, too.

Some of the orchids are huge, like trees.

Others, are so small, they grow in pots the size of coffee cups.

Taking photos indoors is alright but, I'd rather be outside.

Those pink, yellow, purple, white and green colors really pop, in natural light.

When busloads of tourists start coming through, outside is the place to be.

They call the place Tropical Dreamland and now, I know why.

How many people get to see sights like this in February ?  

Dream on !

Back inside the circular greenhouses I found plenty more.

Some flowers had French and Chinese names, too.  I forgot to write them down.

There were orchids named Spring Dance, Dream Paradise and Gola Boy.

Inside, I kept going around and around shooting all the orchids (蘭) I could find.

After I ran across Jailhouse Rock the third time, I figured out, I was lost.

 So, I went back outside and got directions from an American couple, I met.

Shoot, I should have wrote their names down.  They were real nice folks.

She said her dad loves orchids.  And, showed me a picture of him driving his John Deere tractor.

So, I promised I'd post ten photos tonight. I got carried away and threw in a few extra.

Now, I'm no flower expert but, if I had to pick the winner at this show, it would be this one.

Whoever Kaori Yohena is, her orchid gets my vote.

The Okinawa International Orchid Show goes until Monday FEB 11, 2013.

There's plenty of time to hop on a plane and visit so, come on over !

Today's Feature Photo

Photo Essay: See Cherry Blossoms (桜) in Winter

Japan's Blossoms Open First on Okinawa

The cherry trees on the island of Okinawa begin blooming in January each year. 

The pink blossoms brighten up the hillsides through the month of February.

The flowers hang like bells from the branches, unlike those of northern regions in Japan, which

 open facing the sky. Okinawa'a cherry trees come from Taiwan.

Scientists may agree, or not, local legend says, the coldest day of winter activates the flower buds.

Having witnessed decades of Sakura (桜), or Cherry Blossom Seasons, I believe legendary reasoning. 

 Though it is winter, once the hills come alive with the flowers, the weather gets warmer.

 

Cherry Blossom Festivals Begin

Flower lovers, from around the globe, and especially Japan, stay tuned to the Sakura Forecast.

Planning travel can be tricky. 

Mother Nature orchestrates the viewing of such delicate things as flowers.

The first Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival) usually occurs on Mt.Yaedake in northern

 Okinawa.  Normally, it is held around mid-January and lasts for two weeks.

The next festival is held on Nago Mountain, over the course of a weekend, late January.

 Both events are popular with families and, there are no entrance fees. 

Food, beverage and game booths, as well as, live entertainment are available. 

Sturdy walking shoes, jackets, cameras and an umbrella are recommended. 

Visitors come by the thousands.

These, first two, festivals are on mountains and can give the legs a good workout.

 It is best to go at a leisurely pace and enjoy the scenery. 

The routes are lighted, with paper lanterns. 

 Often, it is worth the wait, to stay until after the crowds thin out, at night. 

You can catch some dramatic photos and avoid sitting in traffic jams when leaving.

UNESCO Nakijin-jo (gusuku) Castle

Late January, through early February, the Nakijin-gusuku Sakura Matsuri takes place. 

In recent years, the castle has been lighted, at night, during Cherry Blossom Season.

 A sight to see during daylight, it turns into a magical dreamland when the lights shine on the

 blossoms, trees, and stone walls of the fortress during darkness. 

It is imperative, to check the links provided for dates and closing times, as they may vary from

 year to year.

 The terrain at Nakijin would be less foot and stroller-friendly than previously mentioned festivals.

 A flashlight might be handy for those wandering off the stone stairs, or pathways, to take photos.

More Sakura Matsuri

Moving farther south on Okinawa, there are more festivals as the season progresses.

 The Town of Yaese, Naha City, and Kumejima Island, all have Cherry Blossom Festivals.

 

Can't Get Away During Winter?

 

The Japan Meteorological Agency has something for you. 

They post cherry blossom opening dates and, in full bloom dates, for all of Japan.

 Sakura Season (Cherry Blossom Season) lasts from March through May, 

as the blossoms spread from the southern tip of mainland Japan, to the northernmost regions.

 Don't miss out on one of the beauties of Japan: The Sakura Matsuri.

See more photos from Cherry Blossom Season in Festivals