Naturalist-at-Large
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Tue, 21 Jul 2009 17:07:26 +0100
> From: Deni Bown
> Subject: Re: [Aroid-l] Nancy Aroid Conference
> To: Discussion of aroids
> Message-ID:
>
> <68994a630907210907r582f1438t3048669139c8d1ab@mail.gmail.c
> om> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="windows-1252"
>
> I would like to endorse Peter's comments on the Xth
> International Aroid Conference in France. Our hosts were
> so friendly and efficient, which made it such a relaxed,
> enjoyable few days, as well as such an extremely
> interesting event.
>
> Since the last conference, in Malaysia in 2004, there have
> been many new developments in the family, including
> numerous new species and some new genera. The conference
> achieved exactly what any conference aims to achieve - an
> overview of the recent and on-going work, a pointer for
> future work and concerns, and an opportunity to make
> personal contact with others who are actively involved.
> And it was a truly international gathering, with
> scientists and horticulturists from many different
> countries - France, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Denmark,
> Switzerland, Netherlands, UK, USA, Malaysia, Vietnam,
> Phillippines, India, China, Russia, Czech Republic, Brazil
> , Mexico, Turkey, Canada. Not bad eh!
>
> And those of us who hadn't been to Nancy before discovered
> a beautiful city with what must be Europe's finest plaza.
> There, in the palatial town hall, we were invited to a
> banquet by the Mayor - a champagne reception then a superb
> four-course dinner and wines in exemplary French style.
>
> I should also mention the field trip to the glorious
> Vosges mountains, first to the Lac de Retournemer where we
> saw *Calla palustris *and ex-aroid *Acorus calamus *in the
> wild, then to a splendid lunch in an alpine inn with yet
> more excellent French wine and local cuisine, followed by
> a visit to Haut Chitelet Alpine Botanical Garden.
>
> Congratulations to the organisers who hopefully have
> recovered from all the hard work and are now basking in
> the satisfaction of a job well done! I said it at the
> time but I'll say it again - sincere thanks to everyone
> who contributed their time, energy and expertise. It was
> an inspiring and memorable experience. I can't wait for
> the next!
>
> Deni Bown
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