Specialists from around the world met and discussed orchid culture, hybridization and other orchid issues as well as admired their beauty. The conference attracted orchidists with a lecture program to suit both professional and amateur growers.

The people of Rio are called 'Cariocas', an easy going people who take time to enjoy life and Samba! Rio is synonymous with Carnival - a week-long extravaganza of parades, costumes and dancing.

Soccer, or futebol is the national pastime and the Brazilians are quite passionate about this sport.

Feijoada is the national dish: black beans with a variety of cuts of pork and beef served over rice. Churrascarias are the Brazilian Bar-B-Que restaurants offering an unending selection of meats served on a sizzling skewer and carved to perfection at your table.

A vast country, Brazil is the largest in South America. The diversity of its regions provides interesting contrasts in lifestyle, cultures, climate and topography. Modern Brazil was founded in the 1500's by the Portuguese. The Dutch and French were also important settlers of Brazil. Brazil is a leading producer of agricultural products (coffee, bananas, sugarcane, cotton and is rich in mineral wealth including iron, quartz, precious and semi-precious stones.