I recall from my genetics class back in the 1950s that Canadian
breeders would use Costa Rica during the Canadian winter so they could
halve the time required to develop a new hybrid. Maybe someone was
working on iris?
I googled and found there is a very popular hotel there called Iris.
Maybe the Italian sisters who own it planted some iris to match the
name. Here is what Fodor says about the hotel:
This arty hotel, on the hill above the road to Playa Langosta, is like
a trip around the world. The four funky cabinas are painted in primary
colors and decorated with distinct ethnic themes by the creative
Italian sisters who own the hotel. Aerobics, stretching, kickboxing,
dance, art, and yoga sessions are taught on-site, and a massage
therapist is on hand in case it all gets too strenuous.
Diane Whitehead
