Final – Reflections of Class 41 International Seminar

Class 41 (with the exception of the five fellows that extended their trips in Europe) caught a Saturday morning flight out of Prague, with a connecting flight in Paris that delivered us to L.A.  Although happy to be safely home, we will spend countless moments reflecting back on this amazing trip we shared in Moscow, Kyiv, Krakow, Brno and Prague.  From our first day in Moscow, braving freezing temperatures as we toured Red Square to our final day in Prague, breathlessly keeping up with our enthusiastic tour guide, the collective memories of Class 41’s adventure abroad have already began to be shared with family and friends.  The trip has had a profound impact on our leadership journey.

Our final synthesis during our last evening in Prague provided a time for reflection, celebration, and much due thank you’s.  We greatly appreciate the effort, foresight and guidance of Dr. Michael Thomas in putting together and sharing in our tour of Eastern/Central Europe.   In addition, many thanks to Dr. Lester Young and Dr. Annie King for joining in our experience and providing encouragement and valued input throughout.  As Class 41 reflected back on the comparisons and contrasts of the cultural, political, and economical situations we learned of in the four countries, in addition to the trials and joys of spending 15 days together, we were able to pull out a range of leadership, “followership,” and life lessons.  

Some of the key themes and observations include the importance of tolerance and understanding the significance of perspective; the responsibility of both leaders and followers in cultivating relationships that fully embrace opportunity; the importance of resiliency and optimism in moving beyond fear; and, that life is always about learning.  People are people the world around.  Our individual experiences make us who we are, but our collective humanity unites us.  Recognizing the value, capacity and worth of others through the gathering of information, through stepping out of our own communities, through global awareness will prepare each of us to be ready for the situations when our leadership abilities are called upon. 

Our sincere gratitude is extended to the California Agriculture Leadership Foundation, the Board, and each and every donor that made this trip and our time thus far in CALP possible.  We are grateful to our family, friends, employers, and co-workers for picking up the slack while we were gone.  As we head into our final four months of the program, we will continue to build upon lessons from prior seminars. We found those lessons to be particularly important context for understanding and appreciating everything we experienced in Europe.  As we reflect on this trip, the leadership, followership and life lessons will continue to take root and help us grow as leaders who make a difference.  

Day 13: The Finale in Prague

The final day in Prague started with a visit to the US Embassy. We met with Mike Henney the Agriculture Attaché, his staff, as well as commercial and economic advisors. We were briefed on the current economic and political situations occurring in the Czech Republic and Poland. We were able to explore in more depth land ownership issues, international investment, and the effects of EU policies on Central Europe.

We had a walking tour of the Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral on the other side of the river in the Mala Strana area of Prague. The cathedral was a conglomeration of 6 centuries of construction and architecture. Several fellows chose to walk across the St. Charles Bridge to return to Old Town Prague to our hotel. The St. Charles Bridge is the oldest bridge in Prague with pedestrian access only and an open air market on each side. Following that we had free time to experience downtown Prague before our final synthesis.

Final synthesis was a celebration and sharing of our experiences and personal reflections on this leadership journey. Many of us reviewed our previous perceptions of Eastern and Central Europe and realized that quite a few of them changed dramatically.  Several leadership qualities were discussed ranging from ethics, goals and the discernment of perceptions in these countries.  

Submitted by,

Matt Toste, Christine Ivory, Dan Rodrigues

Czeching out the Czech Republic

This morning we started with a tour of old downtown Brno. Brno is the capital of Moravia in the southern part of the Czech Republic and central Europe.

Our sightseeing included a walking tour of churches, government buildings, and plazas.

Church in Brno

It also included a brief visit to a farmers' market. In this market farmers were selling local potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, parsnips, fresh eggs, and mushrooms, among other locally grown produce.

Farmers' market in old downtown Brno

We then departed for Prague (spelled and pronounced Praha). During the three hour bus ride, the landscape changed from rolling hills reminiscent of central Washington to a more wooded hilly terrain.

As we arrived into Prague, we first encountered a typical metropolis with business parks, including companies like Dell, Oracle, HP, IBM, Caterpillar, etc. Suddenly as we got closer to the center (downtown) of the city we were in awe of the vast panorama of the majesty of Prague.

Downtown Prague

In the afternoon, our tour guide Dorina, a native of Prague, led the group on a walking tour of the historic downtown. The sites we visited are the Powder Gate, the Astronomical Clock, Wenceslas Square, and the Old Town Square. We ended the tour in the Jewish Quarter where we visited a historic Synagogue which is still used by the Jewish community today. The president of Lebanon is on a state visit to the Czech Republic and as we were standing before the Astronomical Clock, his impressive motorcade passed in front of us.

 

The beautiful Prague Cathedral

Submitted by:
Cesar Hernandez
Vernon Peterson
Jorge Suarez

Day 11: On to Czech Republic

Hops Plantations

This morning we said goodbye to Krakow and boarded the bus for a four-hour drive through southern Poland and Moravia, the southern region of Czech Republic. We noticed the infrastructure becoming more modern, and the architecture and layout of towns becoming more familiar to our Western eyes as we crossed the border. We passed by several power plants (coal) and farmland cultivated and ready for spring planting. The Czechs are known for their expertise in brewing beer, and the trellises of hops were a familiar sight to some of us and not so familiar to others.

We ascended into rolling hills as we approached the city of Roznov Pod Radhostem, where we stopped for our first Czech meal before visiting the Wallachian Open Air Museum. Czech meals always have one thing in common – dumplings. Made from flour or potatoes, dumplings are a staple accompaniment to every meal. After our lunch of venison, dumplings and gravy, a local guide led us through the “Little Wooden Town”, which preserves the buildings and furniture of local life from as far back as the 13^th Century. 

For lunch venison, dumplings and gravy

A local craftsman demonstrated some of the traditional skills still used to create whetstones, knives, wooden toys, and items hewn from horn.

We boarded the bus for a second time and made our way to Brno, the capital of the Moravia region. Here we were fortunate to share dinner with guests that included American embassy staff Michael Henney, Agriculture Attaché for Central Europe and the Baltics; Jana Mikulasova, Agricultural Specialist; and Jolanta Figurska, Senior Marketing Specialist. We were also joined by California wine importer Chris Kohlwes and Czech financial consultant Jan Ecer.

Michael Henney shares his experiences with members of Class 41
Photo by Steve Knudsen

Our guests graciously answered our questions about agricultural markets, barriers to trade, immigration, land ownership, how each of the countries we have visited have responded differently to opportunities presented by the EU, and the challenges that come with these opportunities.

Matthew Fisher, Juan Guzman, Stephanie Tillman  

Day 10: Final day in Poland

Day started with Dr. Piotr Tomczyk, Dean of Fuels and Energy faculty at AGH University of science and technology. Vice Rektor (President) George Lis gave us an overview of the university and it's various faculties. AGH has over 35,000 students and has its roots cemented in the mining and metallurgy industries in Poland.  Dr. Tomczyk, highly regarded in Europe for his understanding and expertise on energy related matters, explained what AGH's focus and objectives are with regards to fuel and energy.  Though Poland has over 200 years worth of coal reserves, the University is working with global companies towards developing cleaner burning fuels in accordance with the European Union Road Map 2050. 

After a short break the class re-grouped and boarded the bus.  We traveled about an hour out of Krakow to the former concentration camps known as Auschwitz and Birkenau.  We all expected to feel deep emotions, and that they may overcome us, but even then we were not prepared for what we would see or feel.  After meeting up with our tour guide, we reluctantly walked out into the heavy falling snow.  As we approached the front gate, we paused for a few minutes to observe the cynicism of the words over the main gate, "Arbeit macht frei", which means "work makes (one) free".  

The tour led us through various buildings that housed the former prisoners. From their first arrival to daily life as a prisoner, each room told a story about life in the concentration camp.  The incredible volume of personal artifacts initially discovered at the camp, some of which are on display, depict the mass extermination that took place there.  Each pair of shoes, glasses, toothbrush, or lock of hair represents an individual life.  There were also various images showing how the Nazi's used fear and intimidation to control the prisoners.  After the housing facilities we walked in to the first gas chamber.  Walking through these doors and seeing the scratching on the walls of those who were murdered here made those previously mentioned emotions unravel. 

Our synthesis following the day was honest and raw.  The group was deeply impacted for both the good and bad of what we've seen in Poland.  There was a general theme of tolerance and the need to cultivate healthy relationships amongst people.  Several examples of hatred in the distant and recent past and some even occurring now were discussed in light of what we just saw today.  We observed how the Polish people embrace tolerance and are a great example of mutual respect regardless of their differences.  In summation, a few of our Foundation staff left us with the following quotes:  "Don't be ignorant; be lifelong learners."  "Stand up for what is right even in the small things."  

By:  Joey Mendonca, Todd Snider, Matt Fisher

Day 9: A Journey From Small Farms to Deep Underground

After indulging in the history and culture of Krakow yesterday, we began today with a visit to the Agriculture Advisory Center (CDR), where Class 41 was treated to a series of speakers teaching us about various agencies who support farmers in the state of Malopolska, where Krakow is located. The Center's mission is to raise agricultural income for farmers, enhance the market competitiveness of agricultural holdings, support sustainable development of rural areas and to produce professional agricultural advisors, agricultural school teachers and provide training in best practices, changing regulation and production techniques. Class 41 Fellows heard from the state Director of Agriculture, Environmental Production and Planning. We also heard from the President of the Small Agriculture Chamber, and the Director of a seed research station. These speakers talked about the structure of local government, the transition from a centralized government system under communism to a decentralized government system responsible to Poland and the EU. They discussed types of farming systems in the state, challenges facing agriculture and measures they are taking to develop local agricultural production.

Some of the interesting facts we learned include: 90% of farms in this area are small farms of less than 5 hectares; There is a limit on individual land ownership of 300 hectares per family, which is the maximum allowed for subsidies under the EU; Food produced locally is also consumed locally and most farmers have other sources of income; Organic farming is the dominant farming system and this is a source of pride. However, the number of farms has shrunk by 25% over the last 8 years. This farmland has been taken out of production, but the land is not sold. It is kept as a potential investment.

Among the many speakers this morning, we heard from a dynamic young couple who own a company that recycles waste from the production of juices.  Left over pulp is taken to their factory where it is dried thoroughly.  The resulting powders are rich in pectin and nutrients.  This dried pulp is used in teas, animal feed, cooking and medicines.  They are also drying cherry pits for use in therapeutic pillows.  This couple represents innovation and entrepreneurship - a new model for Polish agriculture.  At the same time, they expressed frustrations we can all relate to.  It took a full two years  to receive the necessary permits to go into business after they secured funding and a factory.

In the evening we hiked 400 feet down into an unforgettable World Heritage Site. For nearly 700 years, the Wieliczka salt mine has driven the economy of Southern Poland. Underground, there are carvings from solid blocks of salt made by miners to commemorate their hard work, resilience and to mark important secular and religious occasions. There are cathedral sized rooms in the salt mine with carved statues and wall carvings. It was simply beautiful.

Elisabeth Silva, Stuart Mast and Ali Elhassan
Photos by Steve Knudsen

International Seminar Day 8 - Exploring Krakow

Our first full day in Krakow started off with a walking tour of this beautiful city.

The tour started out at the Main Market Square. This square is huge, measuring out 200 meters by 200 meters, which is larger than the Red Square in Moscow. With 25% of the Krakow population being university students this square is famous for night life, concerts and other events that can draw crowds up to 200,000 people.

We learned about the university system that has always been publicly funded and has educated some of the world\'s greatest leaders like Pope John Paul II and Copernicus.

World War II was a very tough time for many in Poland, especially the highly educated. The Nazi's looked at the people of Poland as simple workers, so the highly educated (professors, priests, doctors, etc.) were sent to camps in an effort to suppress the working class and to demonstrate to the population the educated were not needed. After the war these schools bounced back and once again they are turning out some of the world's best doctors, lawyers, artists, etc.

As with all of our stops so far, religion plays a huge role here in Krakow. We visited many amazing churches including St. Florian's, the Wawel Cathedral and St. Mary's Basilica. Since day 8 was Sunday, many fellows attended mass with the local residents at one of these historical treasures.

Our journey then took us up Wawel Hill where we walked through the Royal Castle. Here we saw some of the most famous tapestries and some truly unbelievable artifacts, in addition to learning about Krakow's legendary dragon.

We ended our afternoon at Schindler's factory which contrasted our morning walk as tourist enjoying the views to now getting a true look at the tragedies that took place from 1939 to 1945, the Nazi occupation. This period of time for Poland is an extreme example of leadership gone awry. Yet in the face of this holocaust, a man that started out with a plan to exploit the Jews for his gain ended up using his profits to save over 1,100 people.

Despite the eventual victory of the Allies over Nazi Germany, Poland did not gain it's independence, but instead fell under the control of Stalin\'s Communist Russia. The leadership of Lech Walesa united the country to form the first non-communist party, which eventually lead to his presidency and Poland's independence.

The extremes of leadership that this county has endured not only tested and proved the resilience of its people, but also demonstrates the impact that one person can have on the lives of millions of people. This day showed the class yet another example that leadership should never be taken lightly.

By Rick Burnes, David Shabazian and Steven Knudsen

Photos by Steven Knudsen

Day 7 – Traveling West

We began our seventh day of the international trip aboard a train crossing Ukraine into the country of Poland.  All of the fellows shared close quarters for nearly 18 hours.  The experience of this trip has been life changing and with great lessons in patience.  

As the countryside passed by, the class could view the beautiful landscape and people from our cabins.  We were all struck by the obvious contrast between the Ukrainian and Polish countryside. There appears to be an obvious prosperity gap occurring between the two countries. This may be due to different government leaderships in emerging democracies. We are excited to explore this theory in our upcoming sessions in Poland.

 

We arrived in the town of Krakow in late afternoon and were promptly whisked away to our hotel; where a well deserved shower and change of clothes were in order.  The class had a wonderful dinner that consisted of a traditional Polish mushroom soup and grilled chicken.  Along with sharing stories of our trip, the class celebrated Liz Silvas' birthday.  Happy birthday Liz!!

Submitted by:

Dan Rodrigues   Matt Toste   Matt Lohse

Day 6 – Historical, Social and Political Issues of Ukraine

Our day started with a visit to an orphanage. We were hosted by director Elena and deputy director Victoria. They provided us with a tour of their facility. This facility is very clean, the girls are very well taken care of, and they participate in state, national, and international arts and sports competitions. The state provides for operating expenses and the basic needs of the girls but the orphanage also depends on the support of non profit organizations. Our class donated art supplies as well as 450 lbs of fresh fruit to the orphanage. The females in our group received a handmade pin cushion from the girls working on their needle point.

We then took the bus to the Chernobyl Museum. We were given a one hour tour by Andrew, our guide. Documentation of the devastation was overwhelming and the photos and the videos in the museum left us with a long lasting impression of the catastrophe.

In the afternoon we visited the Pecherska Lavra, which is a Ukrainian Orthodox historical and sacred holy center. There are several churches dating from the 10th century that were occupied and several destroyed by the Germans during WWII and then recently rebuilt.  In addition, there is an extensive underground cave system that was used by monks over a thousand years ago. There are over one hundred monks resting in glass coffins whose bodies have not decomposed. The Ukrainian Orthodox church believes this is a miracle and holds this site as sacred. During our tour, many pilgrims were paying homage to these saints.

After walking these historic sites, Father Nikolaj, director of public relations of the church, was gracious to spend an hour explaining the church and how it survived so many years under persecution and its present relevance to Ukrainian life.

In preparation for our 18 hour train ride from Kiev to Krakow, Poland, We stopped at MepaMarket, a local supermarket, to purchase provisions. As we clogged the aisles, the local shoppers became frustrated with our grocery store etiquette. We were surprised to see the cashiers seated at their registers leisurely scanning each item.

Off to the train station we went. After traveling over many crumbling roads, we were amazed to see a vast rail terminal. Our train car, while cramped, was moderately comfortable.

We leave Kiev with the hope that the coming generations will find the courage to make the crucial decisions that will help their country reach its true potential.

Submitted by:
Christine Ivory
Vernon Petersen
Jorge Suarez

International Trip Day 5 - The Transition of Ukraine and Class 41

In the year 2000, former President Bill Clinton gave a speech in Ukraine inspiring the people of this country to realize their tremendous potential. Twelve years later we find ourselves at the US Embassy in the city of Kyiv hearing both American and Ukrainian diplomats still discussing this unrealized potential. The definition of potential is: "having the capacity to develop into something in the future". This applies not only to Ukraine, but to us as leaders. Our second day in Kyiv highlighted the many challenges faced by the people of Ukraine while in transition from the Soviet dominated past into a uniquely Ukrainian future. An array of speakers at the Embassy discussed topics including: agriculture, politics, economics, and business, as well as national demographics. This included a question and answer session with the U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, John Teft. The agenda organized by Ag Attaché Randall Hager was impressive. The U.S. Foreign Service staff was not only informative, but was also incredibly hospitable.





From there, we visited the Kyiv National Economic University where we met with students and faculty. It was a great opportunity to hear the thoughts and concerns of Ukraine\'s young people and their vision for the future of their country. It was inspiring to see the hope in their eyes and the pride in their country. To many of us, it was a shock to see the stark differences between University facilities in Kiyv and California. In spite of the lack of modern facilities, the caliber of students and their academic endeavors were extremely impressive and humbling.

We ended our day with a reception at our hotel with a number of guests including Ukrainian and American industry professionals and staff from the US Embassy. The reception provided us with a venue to continue dialogue, develop relationships, and create opportunities for future collaboration. As much as we learned about Ukraine this day, it has only aroused greater curiosity about the future of a twenty one year old country with 1200 year old roots.

Joey Mendonca     Cesar Hernandez    Stephanie Tillman

Day 4 - A view into Ukraine

Frozen Runway

A snowy morning in Moscow was the backdrop for Class 41’s departure from Russia.  Many of us were sad to be leaving after our two day visit to what we learned is an amazing country; home to a people who have endured much suffering, yet survived with their religion, culture, and pride much intact.  It is a complex culture; a result perhaps of the Nation’s East meets West location, among other influences.

We were disappointed to have to leave our travel guide Olga at the airport, not being able to take her along on the rest of our journey.  Her knowledge of Russia and her evident pride in her country packed our two days with a whirlwind of information and appreciation.

After nearly an hour aboard the plane on the runway waiting for de-icing, we were off for our short flight to Kiev.  We arrived to the welcome of Dietrich Treis, our guide for the time in Kiev.  During a short bus tour on the way to the hotel, he provided a brief overview of Ukraine and its capitol city.  Dietrich is a wealth of knowledge of the Ukrainian Ag industry being a market entry and farm evaluation consultant, as well as part time tour guide. 

Ukranian National Bank

The afternoon was spent on a walking tour of downtown Kiev, facilitated by another Olga.  With much enthusiasm she marched us up and down the hills of Kiev, sharing the history of Kiev and pointing out some of the more loved and not so loved architecture found in the downtown area. 

Pechers'kyi district

The day was finished off with two presentations on the Ukrainian Ag industry from the perspectives of Dietrich and guest Carsten Heftrig, Sales and Marketing Manager for John Deere Ukraine.  The country, similar to Russia, has found itself in a transitional period, although this transition seems to be never ending.  In terms of agriculture production capability they are on par with the rest of the modernized world, yet the country currently lacks the infrastructure and internal government support to make them a world or even regional supplier. 

We look forward to our visit to the Embassy tomorrow to gain further insight into the constraints and opportunities facing the Ukrainian Ag sector. 

Please check the Class 41 Facebook page for more photographs of our international trip.

http://www.facebook.com/groups/CALFClass41/

Respectfully submitted with gratitude,

Juan Guzman, Todd Snider, and Bre Owens

Day 3 - Exploring business, politics, economics,and culture in Moscow

Our day started with an 8am briefing on the Moscow metro by our guide, Olga to prepare us for the ride into downtown Moscow.  Having traveled by Metro in Washington DC on our national trip, most of us were not too concerned about being able to navigate the Moscow metro.  Were we ever wrong!  The first problem was that all the signs in the metro stations were in Cyrillic.  If  we had not been with Olga, it would have been very difficult to distinguish which way we were supposed to be going, to say nothing about where to get off.  The great thing about the Moscow metro is that the trains arrive every 2 minutes.  If you are not able to find a spot, you can be assured that another will arrive shortly.  Another difficult thing about taking the metro at 8am (rush hour) is that you are attempting to share space on a system that moves more than 8 million people a day.  Literally...  We had to push our way on as though we were playing a football game. You would continue to be pushed from behind until either you couldn't push any more or the person behind you couldn't push.  

Pack 'em in!

Needless to say you didn't need to worry about holding onto anything.  To say we were shoulder to shoulder, snug with the person next to us would be an understatement.  Each metro station is unique. We changed trains once and stopped at a few other stations in order to enjoy the incredible artistry of the station designers and visionaries. 

One of the many beautiful Metro stations in Moscow

Our first official business of the day was at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow.  We met with Scott Reynolds, the Minister - Counselor for Agricultural Affairs; Deeana Ayala, the Ag Trade Office Director - USDA Foreign Ag Service; George Knoll from the Economic Section; and Eric Lundberg of the Political Section.  The first hour of conversation focused on Russia and it's role in global agriculture as an importer, producer, and exporter.  Some interesting facts we learned include;  the United States represents 5% of all Russian agricultural imports, which totals $1.3 billion per year and there is plenty of room for expansion. Russia has the most arable land of any country in the world (but that accounts for only 7% of it's total land mass).  By comparison, the United States boasts 18% arable land, although the total amount is less.  Almonds and Pistachios account for the largest imported products from the United States.  The US Embassy in Moscow puts out over 100 Global Agriculture Information Network (GAIN) reports each year. GAIN reports are available on line, providing timely information on the agricultural economy, products and issues in foreign countries.  Our second hour at the Embassy focused on primarily on a Q&A session with the political and economic diplomats.  We learned how Russia's economy under Putin has grown at a rate of 5-6% per year, which accounts for much of his political support.  Russia is the number one oil producing country in the world, and most of this growth is attributed to the price of oil and natural gas.

Class 4l then enjoyed lunch at a traditional Russian restaurant with Sean Michael Thomas, television journalist for Russia Today.  Sean discussed with us life as an American working for the Kremlin.  Sean worked for KSEE 24 in Fresno before accepting his current position at Russia Today.  Sean had many great stories to share.  One of the benefits of working for the Kremlin is that he is able to travel to countries, such as Syria, where he would not be able to go as an American journalist.  He was a generous and entertaining speaker.

Lunch with Sean Michael Thomas

We came back to the hotel for a brief shopping experience at a local market before meeting with our next speaker, Joseph Heilner.  Joseph, an American, is the Chief Marketing Officer working for Rosinter Restaurants, one of Russia's largest restaurant companies.  He spoke to us about how day to day business in Russia works and the culture clash that occurs for an American doing business in Russia with a Russian staff.  The old Russian way of fist pounding, yelling, and head chopping of employees is still very prevalent in the Russian business culture.  It was a great example of how leadership styles in one culture differ from another.  Effective leaders adapt to their business and cultural environment.
This was an important and informative day.  The Q&A feedback was quite fruitful and engaging.  We will miss Russia, but we look forward to further expanding our horizons in Ukraine.  


By:  Elizabeth Silva, Stuart Mast, and Matt Fisher

International Seminar Day Two - Tour of Historical Sites in Moscow and Ballet

22 years ago Russia was a destination that U.S. citizens would not have considered visiting. Today, Class 41 embarked on a journey and case study that took us deep into the former communist nation,  it's government, religion and people. It became evident, early on, that this was going to be a history lesson in extremes. Weather, power, religion and government all play major factors in the leadership lessons we were introduced to in our first adventure.

Getting to know Eastern Europe started with a breakfast buffet that set the tone for our international seminar in Russia. While some foods looked similar, they definitely have their own unique Russian flavor. This theme played out throughout the day in many of our experiences. Moscow looks like a European city in many ways, but the history of it's development and the people who live here are as exotic as it's winter is to a Californian.

At 8 a.m. Moscow time, 12 hours ahead of California, the class loaded the bus to sunshine, but nearly  minus 10 degree fahrenheit weather. This was a welcome wake-up for the jet lagged fellows who traveled from California the previous day.

With snow and ice all-around the bus and headed for the center of town. We began the day with orientation that introduced the class to some of Moscow's historical sites. Starting with Red Square and the Kremlin, the class learned about the evolution of the governments infrastructure and how revolution and war impacted it's growth. All were impressed by the massive buildings and well fortified walls in addition to the government built housing that was provided free of charge for many years in the early to mid 1900's.

Next the fellows made an in-depth visit to the more than 5 significant Russian Orthodox churches that were constructed on the grounds of Red Square and the Kremlin. The most recognizable, St. Basil Cathedral, stands at the end of the square to the east of the Kremlin. The cathedral holds extravagant architectural detail and a significant collection of artifacts as do the other churches within the area. Preserved throughout the persecution of religion during the communists government's rule, the Russian followers remained devout. Today the citizens and Russian Orthodoxy are alive and ever growing, evident in the resurrection of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior on its original grounds. Important to the development of the nation, religion, made strong contributions in both it's presence and it's absence within society and policy.

In addition to visiting many historical sites the class also experienced  "Swan Lake" at the Stanislavsky Musical theater. Tchaikovsky's most famous ballet proved to be a significant leadership lesson from the aspect of exposing the class to the  preservation of arts and the strong desire of the Russian citizens to be the very best in every aspect of life.

In today's journey the class received a significant amount of information about the history, culture and people of Russia that will require much reflection. The lessons learned today will begin a foundation that will shape our entire International Seminar. In the days ahead, we look forward to referencing the materials and leadership lessons learned on our first experiences in Moscow.

Ali Elhassan
David Shabazian
Steven Knudsen
Photos by: Steven Knudsen

Class 41’s International journey got off the ground on Saturday 2/18 at 4:20pm as scheduled. Everyone made it on the flight safe and sound other than four of our fellows we met up with in Paris. After 10 hours in the air we arrived in Paris and met up with our remaining four comrades. After three more hours the group safely arrived in Moscow. Everything worked out well other than for our fellow Liz whose bags never made it out of LAX. We then all boarded the bus that took us to our hotel, which was built for the 1980 Olympics and it is very nice.

Today’s journey taught us another good lesson on team work, communication, and flexibility. We are looking forward to a good night’s sleep so that we can fully take in this wonderful experience. And we are all happy we packed our warm cloths because as you can see from the picture we are going to be facing some tough elements.

Submitted by,

Matt Lohse

Rick Burnes

Dan Rodrigues

Pond Road to Eastern Europe

Growing up on Pond Road east of Delano and McFarland was special.  Going through this program has continued to fuel my fire for things beyond my world in which I grew up in.  I'm honored to be a member of such a great Program and looking forward to expanding my views and understanding of the complex issues our world is facing on this visit to Russia, Ukraine, Poland, and Czech Republic.  Just as the previous 15 months have changed my life, I have no doubt that this trip will continue to fortify me as an individual and challenge me to do more for our common man.  Thank you to all who support CALF.  You have given us this opportunity to become better humans and influence others.

Matt Fisher
Crop Management Company - Fisher Farms

Preparedness meeting Opportunity

I've known about the California Ag Leadership Program for many years, and had hoped for the chance to participate in this amazing learning opportunity. It is my time and I am immersing myself in the experience without reservation. Good things happen when preparedness meets opportunity!

Joey Mendonca
J.G. Boswell Company

READY FOR AN ADVENTURE!

I cannot express how excited and happy I am to be travelling again. I am energized and looking forward to this amazing trip that Dr. Thomas and crew have put together.  We will be learning so much about international trade, governmental affairs, world history and exploring different cultures.  I confess - I am also looking forward to exploring new foods!  I am a bit intimidated by the weather, but invested in some foot warmers, boots and a down coat.  It is a great honor to be chosen as an Ag Leadership Fellow.  I want to thank the Foundation and our donors for this fantastic opportunity!
Liz Silva

International Trip Thoughts

I am looking forward to an adventure. To see the signs of progress and struggle; future opportunity and important history in Russia, Ukraine, Poland and Czech Republic. To share them with my fellows who have complimentary perspectives will be amazing.

Matt Toste

Packing and Planning

Packing for our international trip has been an adventure and challenge for me.  As a stay at home Viticulturist, my scope of international travel has been Las Vegas and Disneyland. I have researched and planned of the four counties of destinations since June of 2010. I am both excited and cautious of the things that I will see and experience. CALP has forced me to realize that that world is beyond my current boundaries of understanding. I look forward on sharing my thoughts and experiences with all of you.  

Dan Rodrigues
California AgQuest

Todd Snider was here.

As a member of Class 41 I feel grateful for this opportunity. With that being said, I'm really only focusing on packing my patience (care of Dr. crabb) and a really warm down jacket. I am not worried about what trip will throw at us, but I am exited to see how we all absorb it. I will admit that I am a little worried about making sure my work is complete before we board, and for my wife while she takes care of the baby solo while I'm away.

This should be a great adventure, and a meaningful learning experience! Thanks to all the gracious alumni and donors who make this possible. Just hope we don't get frostbite!

Todd Snider
Personal Ag Management Insurance Services

Stuart's Blog

Only a test
Growing up in the 1950's and 60's the Soviet Union was very much a threat. I remember during the Cuban Missile Crisis our mothers in the school parking lot discussing weather or not we would be back in school tomorrow or if Atomic bombs would be dropping in from Russia.
When I was in 4-H, a man came to one of our meetings with a fascinating slide presentation of his trip to Russia. What I remember are the photos of things his guide would allow him to take. Such as the drab apartment complexes and the lack of cars on the streets.
Now I am on the verge or seeing first hand this part of the world and the opportunity to get to know some of it's citizens and to form a new vision of the area.
Stu Mast

The Adventure Continues!

   What a Fascinating time to be headed to Russia. With historic precedent setting elections eminent, we will witness up-close, real life leadership not only from the titled but from the everyday people.
   Add to that the rich culture of Moscow, both present and ancient, religious and secular. The heavy tragedy of Auschwitz, who knows what awaits at the orphanage, the TRAIN, the Snow.............
    But the constant is appreciating the whole ride through the lens of the other 18 fellow's observations; who each bring their own fresh perspective. Over the top.
    My seat-belt's fastened, the safety bar is clicked tight and all loose objects are secure. Bring it on.

                                                                                                              Your Farmer, Uncle Vern
                                                                                                               

Remember

If “Plan A” doesn't work remember that the alphabet has 25 more letters!!!

Juan Guzman 

Marketing Manager

Natural Delights Medjool Dates

Anticipation

One of the best parts of a trip is its anticipation. If I were my 6-year old, I would be jumping up and down in one place, unable to stop talking - and I'm so excited, this is what I feel like doing. But I'm not six. So, I'm anticipating, preparing, focusing, worrying (let's be honest), and energizing for this unique opportunity. I want to make it as rich an experience as I can, and I know my classmates will help me do that. Class 41 and CALF - Spasiba! Dyahkooyoo! Dziekuje! Dekuji!

But if we learn to think of it as anticipation, as learning, as growing, if we think of the time we spend waiting for the big things of life as an opportunity instead of a passing of time, what wonderful horizons open out! - Anna Neagle

Stephanie Tillman

NewFields Agricultural and Environmental Resources

Steve's Blog

Steven Knudsen
Sonoma County Farm Bureau

I am very excited to attend this "once in a lifetime" international seminar with Class 41. I am thrilled to explore my Russian heritage and to learn more about the post-communist Soviet Bloc. Dr. Thomas and the CALF staff have done an amazing job scheduling the seminar! I can't wait to see what they have yet to come! I also want to thank the alumni and sponsors of the California Agriculture Leadership program. Our class has grown a tremendous amount over the last two years and it's because of your donations and support that we are able to attend this seminar as a class. Thank you all, I can't wait to give back to the program what it has given me!

Bre's test blog...

Thanks Steve and Dr. Crabb!

I'm looking forward to an amazing trip with an amazing group!! Can't wait to see Christine's calendars, Steph's ballet, and Dr. T's night train.  Looking forward to learning lots more on the history, cultures and current issues of four unique countries.  Not looking forward to the sadness of some of the places we will be visiting, but most definitely to the overall positive impact that it will have on me.

Bre Owens
Range Specialist
VESTRA Resources

Welcome bloggers and subscribe

Welcome bloggers to the California Agriculture Leadership Class 41 International Travel Blog. Members of Class 41, alumni, friends and family should subscribe to this blog to stay up-to-date on the day-to-day events and activities of the class while on the international trip. Daily summaries will be posted by the presiding fellows of each day when the class reaches a destination where an internet connection is available. Please contact steven@sonomafb.org if you are having trouble with following the blog. Thank you and enjoy!