MIAMI AGAIN

It is that time again for a visit to Miami.  And even if  it just for four days, the short break would still be enjoyable.  The targeted holiday was the time before this,  in Trinidad visiting family.  This is just extra, and the kind of extras which I usually delight in.  The more leisure time ... the better.

                                       
                                         This certainly appears to be some homage to the artist
                                          Lichtenstein, situated on the grounds of the convention
                                          Center.

                                         This is certainly a Vriesa, but which one I am not sure.
                                          These are the larger varieties of the Bromeliad family,
                                          and very spectacular they are indeed.

                                         This is nicknamed the Cuban Pettticoat Palm, and  its
                                         classical name is Copernicia macraglossa. Both these
                                         plants are on view at thr recently remodellede South
                                         Beach Botanical Garden.

                                          Above, two photos from the Fruit and Spice Park.

                                          Above and below, two views from Fairchild Tropical
                                          Garden.

Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
UNAM BOTANICAL GARDEN




Having visited Mexico recently, I realised that the University Department of Botany's gardens is just the place to spend a relaxing and informative tour. It is possible to book pre-arranged tours in groups, although I simply did it on my own.

http://www.unam.mx

An Agave stands supreme while people attend to social activities.

Also encouraging at UNAM, was this virgin bit of land illustrating
the natural layout of the area.

A revealing cross-section of the succulent garden

Th stylistic Agave vilmoriana showing all its octopus tentacles.

It was very nice to view so many different species of Yucca. I grow
a few, but non reaching these great sizes.  In the UK, it is much too
cold to grow these outdoors, and there is also the abscence of sunlight.

I love the silky feel of these Agave salmiana. Mine are still on the
very small size, but hopefully I will have something to be proud of
in a very few years. At least, I hope so.

This ucculent is absolute gem. May I introduce you to the Fouquieria purpusi. Rarely seen outside of the habitat areas of Mexico, except in specialist shops; I do adore this plant.

PICTURES FROM TRINIDAD

MALAGA : December 2011

THE RISE AND FALL OF THE EURO






As someone who welcomed the EURO, I view with alarm the stories and the prediction of its end. Since the recession, most countries have had their difficulties, but the eurozone seem to be the group which remains forever in the spotlight.

Will the euro survive? I hope so. I definitely enjoy using one currency as I move around Europe. And I will certainly not welcome the idea going back to the days when each country had their own individual currency. I hope whatever the economic problems are at present, somehow the zone would be able to come up with the correct financial strategy to resolve their difficulties.

Let us hope that my optimism is not misplaced. And as we move into 2012, we shall hear less bickering among member countries. Considering the rapid expansion of the EU, nobody expected a rose garden. But long term, and unselfish committment, is definitely needed at the moment.

Images of Miami

At least once a year I go to Miami. It is one of favourite cities in the US, primarily because I do have a few friends there, and I enjoy the luscious tropical climate. This was my first time in September, and when you consider UK is just about moving to a cool autumn; I made the best of my week's visit.

High on my list were the famous botanical gardens ...Fairchild BG and The Kampong. I also added this time the Montgomery Botanical Centre. Visits like these demonstrate my profound interest in trees and plants and horticulture.        
But I also enjoyed the recent architectural changes to city which has been very conspicuous in the last few years.

In the South Beach, I came across The Clay Hotel where I used to stay many years ago. Around that time they also housed a cheap hostel for poor university students like me.

HELP PLEASE

Whatever way you look at the tragedy in Japan, you are bound to be overwhelmed with grief. This is a time for giving. And each one of us should make a contribution.

As someone who visited Japan two years ago, I remember the society with kindness, and a great sense of order. Therefore, it is sad to see, and absorb the horrifying images of the last week.

http://www.redcross.org.uk/japantsunami/?approachcode=68836_yahoojapan