Embassy, Univ, Laundry and Jose

K-Staters in South Africa Blog - Monday, May 24, 2010

On our first hotel, the name on the hotel registration was David Kriegler. Yes, Kriegler. I have found this name has advantages in some situations when I need to get the kids’ attention. I could quietly address them, and they mutter, “Ah, Grieger is saying something again.” But if I say, “Listen up people! Herr Kriegler is speaking!” It seems to give me a bit more credibility.

Went to the US Embassy today. Cool place. Tight security. Dr. Ron had to leave his two knives on the bus, we didn’t think these machete-size blades would pass through the metal detector. Good visit though. Our host there was an American from Washington DC. He gave us his educational background and said wanted to do policy work internationally and try to improve conditions for US trade, etc. He didn’t have an Ag background, but in getting a MS degree at Cornell one prof there told him if he wanted to change things abroad that make an impact, he needed to start with agriculture. So that’s what he did and now he works as an attache’ in South Africa for USDA. (A couple girls in our group thought he was a good looking dude and noticed he didn’t have a ring on. These girls pick up on these details). We gave him a EAT BEEF K-State license plate to promote our product and our state. I think we made a good impression so maybe he’ll get notice back to USDA to support K-State with some big federal grants. Or maybe the moon will blow up. You never know.

In the PM we visited the Univ. of Pretoria and with 3 animal scientist faculty. The kids asked good questions of these folks; I think we are doing a very good job at the Q&A. Usually we have to cut it off to keep moving. We did visit their animal facilities, which are in the center of Pretoria. Surrounded by urbanization, they have pastures, a dairy, a beef feedlot and a goat/sheep farm here. They have struggled to keep this land for teaching/research and not have it swallowed up by the city government. They’ve lost some acres, but still have a good chunk. It reminded me of our own concerns at home in keeping our ASI farms at K-State from getting paved over by developers. Hard to stop ‘progress’, I guess.

Used the laundry services at the hotel this night. It’s not cheap. I asked the lady at the desk if it was too late to turn in laundry that day. She said it was too late, so in my tired stupor I replied, “That’s OK, I have one more day of clean underwear.” She said, “Too much information, sir.” (Yep, no matter where you are, folks don’t really want to know your underwear situation. I’m learning lots on this trip).

In the Getting To Know Your Students Update: Our man this day is Jose Valles, our lone bilingual speaker, well along with our guide. Jose can befriend anybody. There was a foosball table in the hotel lobby and I notice Jose is playing one of the hotel porters. Next time I look over he’s playing the hotel manager who’s dressed in a full suit. Beat both of them. A bit later he’s talking soccer with some guys at the hotel bar, naming names and moves and whatever. In the World Cup, Mexico will play South African in the first match. So he’s got opinions. Anyway, he should go into politics.

Later Gator,

DrG