Seeing a project like this is inspiring. My wife and I are looking forward to getting back to the land so we can look at setting up a hive.
I had no idea you could open the hives without a full suit. All the books and videos I have explored always talked about it. I guess if the bees trusted you and you kept your calm, like you said, they would have no reason to sting.
I am curious if there is a particular reason you used yellow for the hive?
Thankyou! I got into it with only self-taught knowledge through youtube & google and it's going well so far. This channel on youtube showed me you did not require a suit, though I did still use a net hat and wear pants/hoodie for the bottom board changing. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3mjpM6Av4bxbxps_Gh5YPw
I did not choose this particular colour it came that way, though bees do prefer light colours. I think it's because darker colours remind them of bears!