I returned today from my fabulous trip to New Zealand and Australia. When I was in Auckland, I was able to attend the Ellerslie Flower Show. It is billed as the largest flower show in the Southern Hemisphere. I did see some great work and some just ordinary.....but, could tell that someone has certainly studied design in that part of the world.
While there, I visited with many florists and encouraged each of them to join Flower chat.....so, we will see if any of them carry through.
The vegetation in both countries is incredible. I had to cut lots of roadsidia and make bouquets along the way because it was so beautiful and my hands just wouldn't leave it alone.
My overall opinion of the shops I saw was pretty much like the U. S. shops....some are really good and some are horrible.
The one thing that really amazed me was the price of products in both countries. We should not complain about our prices after seeing what they live with each day. Example: An item we retail for $10.00 was usually about $30.00. This seemed to be true in every area of finance. It does include tax though. They also have government health care which I am sure I helped pay for with my purchases. It was really interesting to hear the different guides tell how they felt about their health care....I heard both sides of the issue.
I was able to visit almost very major town in New Zealand. Then, went to Melbourne and Sydney. Sailing into Sydney Harbour is such a gorgeous sight. While there, I did get to attend a Symphony at the Opera House. Then spent a few days at the Great Barier Reef....what an amazing sight to behold.....then on to the rain forrest where I saw all the flowers and greens we pay high prices for. It truly was the trip of a lifetime....but, really glad to be back home.
Carol Bice
While there, I visited with many florists and encouraged each of them to join Flower chat.....so, we will see if any of them carry through.
The vegetation in both countries is incredible. I had to cut lots of roadsidia and make bouquets along the way because it was so beautiful and my hands just wouldn't leave it alone.
My overall opinion of the shops I saw was pretty much like the U. S. shops....some are really good and some are horrible.
The one thing that really amazed me was the price of products in both countries. We should not complain about our prices after seeing what they live with each day. Example: An item we retail for $10.00 was usually about $30.00. This seemed to be true in every area of finance. It does include tax though. They also have government health care which I am sure I helped pay for with my purchases. It was really interesting to hear the different guides tell how they felt about their health care....I heard both sides of the issue.
I was able to visit almost very major town in New Zealand. Then, went to Melbourne and Sydney. Sailing into Sydney Harbour is such a gorgeous sight. While there, I did get to attend a Symphony at the Opera House. Then spent a few days at the Great Barier Reef....what an amazing sight to behold.....then on to the rain forrest where I saw all the flowers and greens we pay high prices for. It truly was the trip of a lifetime....but, really glad to be back home.
Carol Bice
