Here's the beef!

Saw octopi, eel, salmon, trout, lobster, crabs, shrimp, flounder, tuna and schools of seafood I couldn't identify today eat the Rungis food market. The meat market products were only slightly more familiar! Will say the fruit and flower halls were my favorite tours.

Almost a third of the way done...

While it feels as though we've been on the road for weeks instead of days, we are almost one- third of the way through this trip. So far it has exceeded my expectations--though I tried not to have many. The past two days have been true leadership programming, very early days, information overload, but the class is handling it wonderfully. Everyone is beyond tired from the past two days, yet they are still kind to each other and not short tempered at all. This is truly an amazing group of individuals that have come together to make this class.

Yesterday we were the guests of a WLI alum, Matthew Johnston, who is the CEO of HM Clause which is part of a French company. When Matthew found out we were coming to France, he asked to be a part of the agenda--and what a part he was! The hospitality he and his team showed us was beyond amazing! From the tours, to the food, to the conversations on how the seed industry fits into feeding the world--it was an extraordinary day. As one class member said to me on the way back--"the WLI nation is everywhere!"

The picture is of Matthew, Mark Stowers (also in Class II) and the group.

We left Paris this morning after a 4 am departure and a visit to the largest market in France. I know folks will post pictures of all that we saw-- fish, meat, cheese, flowers, fruits and vegetables. It was well worth the early morning.

We are now in the lovely twin of Reims. It's nice to be out of the city and to see the countryside.

12 days to go!

Cathedral at Reims

Jack and Jamie demonstrate the structural engineering of the cathedral. One of them is a flying buttress. Not sure which one.

Cauliflower and broccoli research facility

Learning why the researchers use blow flies instead of bees as pollinators at the H.M. Clause research facility.

Première journée dans les livres!

We had a GREAT day one (first full day) of Leadership Programming and we're almost adjusted to the time change and cant wait for day two!

We found ourselves, in Angers, France where we spent the day touring the research facilities of HM Clause lead by Class two leaders CEO Mathew Johnston and Head of Global Research Dr. Mark Stowers. Each reflected fondly on his leadership experience and encouraged us to embrace the challenges ahead locally and around the world!

Gotta go....Day two starts in 8 hours and it's only 8pm local time and we can't wait!

Tour of vilmorin Seed Plant

Orchids

As we walked the streets of Paris we came to a flower market.  I do not think I have ever seen that many orchids on one plant.  It was breath taking, like so many things here.