Washington

Here we find ourselves in the very capable care of Hope Pjesky, Eisenhower fellow, rancher from Oklahoma.  This is one super efficient, really well connected lady!! 

From the Australian Embassy to the Senate to the House of Representatives we were made extremely welcome and had some really frank and open discussions covering many aspects of the Farm Bill, TPP and the American political model.

Viva la France

Yay – Paris!!!

With the possible exception of the weather (drizzling –very unhelpful for photos) Paris was the delight I had always envisioned.  After a session of meetings at the NZ Embassy we headed out to take in the sights.  Sacre Ceour was breath taking, NotreDame, awe inspiring and the Eifel Tower bigger than I expected.  Sipping a glass of Reisling on the Champs Elysees in fantastic company had been on many hit lists so we ticked that off as well.  Coffee and croissants for breakfast – I could get used to this!!

We left all too soon – on a train bound for Genevre.  It seem that we have become inured to the privileges being thrown in our path – not an eyelid was batted as we were swept into the WTO headquarters for a day of high level meetings with multi national trade negotiaters and ambassadors.

Here I was entirely in my element.  Along with NSW Scholar, Mark Swift, we were allowed free rein on all the burning questions surrounding CAP reform, Doha round, FTAs, and even some good natured Tasman trade issues (apples, anyone?)  They two of us could have stayed on for a week but were dragged out like reluctant pups!!

Winery tours, farm visits, breweries, cheese makers, rugby, long dinners – more food or wine anyone – life as a Nuffield Scholar is SUCH a hardship!!!

We are all leaving France with heavy hearts (and expanded waistlines).  We have been swept away with the joie de vie, the social grace and easy company of our hosts. 

Turkey

People talk about ‘bucket lists’ – things they feel they must do before they die.  One of my few regrets was that I had never made it to Turkey when I was in Europe previously.  Now I can tick that box!

Our time in Istanbul was designed to be a mid-tour break but once on the move it is actually quite difficult to just stop.  In typical form for this group we tackled a walking tour through the city, a day on the Gallipolli peninsula, a lot of walking and many expensive trips to the Grand Bazaar!  With the exception of a couple of Turkish baths this was NOT a relaxing holiday.

The highlight for us all was the time we spent at Anzac Cove.  Our Turkish guide was fantastic – well briefed on both sides of the conflict and fluent in English.  Many tears were shed as we absorbed the enormity of what our forefathers endured.  That so many men perished attacking and defending a tiny sliver of land was sobering in itself – that they spent 9 months wrestling across mere metres wrenched at my soul.  Three nations were born in this theatre of destruction – for me, Anzac Day will never be the same.

Photos from the Ukraine

Apologies to all readers - I simply am too far behind to write up all my thoughts on the time we spent in the Ukraine.  It is a fascinating country - at the same time progressive yet trapped in the systems and habits of their former Soviet rulers.  I have had it explained to me that if you wish to do business here, be prepared to live in-country for 1 year, lose money for 2 more andd finally go home in the 4th year empty handed!!!

Missing Brenda...

It was with huge regret that we waved 'Goodbye" to Brenda, Canadian Nuffield Scholar.  She had battled through increasing ill health and decided to head for home from Qatar.  We all miss her warmth and friendship.

Mawashi

Up early the next morning, we were at the Mawashi slaughter plant by 6am.  Australia still has a significant live sheep export opportunity in the Middle East although they face rising opposition.

  Mawashi both imports live animals and chilled lamb from Australia.  Although not operating as efficiently as we were used to seeing at home, the yards and plant bore witness to a huge effort from Meat and Livestock Australia to ensure correct animal welfare and hygiene standards.

We walked through to the morning livestock auction where we were greeted with great delight by the traders – I’m still not sure if I am the new owner of two camels and a goat (probably helps that I am already married!) 

Turning the desert green

The Hassad investment decisions are aimed at vertically intergrated agriculture and its ability to provide both food and trading opportunities.  There were very few countries not on Hassads list (interestingly, NZ has a reputation of being ‘difficult’ due to the tensions around foreign investment in land).  Australia, South America and the Sudan were high on the shopping list.

A trip out to the Hassard Fodder Farm was an eye opener – here we saw the desert turn green – 12 centre pivots watering Rhodes grass and Lucerne.  All this feed was baled into small squares for a market that revolves around everyone having 2 sheep and a goat – the nomadic ways of the Bedouin are not far from the surface here.