Azaleas or Rhododendrons?

Here in Hong Kong we have just completed a marathon sunless, colourless monsoon that lasted more than a month.

Humidity you cannot imagine,

Practically zero visibility,

Fog and mist,

Clouds and Rain,

Damp

Mould

and I suspect piles of wet washing that simply won't dry.

And amidst all of this, the inexplicable wonder of rhododendrons that burst into flower,

without any sunlight.

Nature takes its course.

A comforting thought.

Solid.   Dependable.   

Come rain or shine, the rhododendrons will bloom.

The sun is out!

Swimming pools, water features, fountains and dams are still empty

but everyone was out and about, enjoying the glorious weather.

 The only good thing about the horrible monsoon weather is the outrageous pleasure we get out of blue sky when it's over!

Pics taken from the ferry on the way back from Zhuhai, China.

Thank you, St Patrick, for the best weather of the year!