The midpoint of IS/TS began with an early morning. After three slammed days of culture, industry, and education in Bogota the seminar moved to Cali. An early flight meant another 5:00 AM departure. Smooth air travel was met by smooth ground transport from Cali to the mountains for a tour of a nature preserve, a classic regional meal, and more ground transport to Agrosavia Research Center near Palmira then off to the hotel for a proper meal and rest.
Photos
A quick stop and hike at Reserva Natural Nirvana allowed fellows a chance to stretch their legs and hike a picturesque trail.
The preserve is located near Cauca, CO and situated on approximately 150 hectares. It is a private, family owned preserve showcasing local history, flora and fauna
Fellows were treated to a Colombian lunch of sancocho, a flavorful broth with potatoes, alongside fried plantains and rice.
Tim Hashman and Stephanie Nelson share a laugh at lunch. Amid the hectic schedule of the LEAD experience it is important to remember that developing peer relationships is part of the mission.
Fellows who made the extra effort on a steep, muddy trail were rewarded with picturesque views of the valley below Reserva Natural Nirvana.
Agrosavia Research center is dedicated to researching production of tropical fruits important to Colombian trade and economics. Agrosavio is funded primarily by the Colombian Ministry of Agriculture. In addition to research they are charged to preserve many of the varieties of tropical fruits common in the region.
LEAD fellow Tee Bush Ph.D, is a horticulture instructor at Northeast Community College. Here she is pictured discussing with Logan Sheet one of the hundreds of varieties preserved at Agrosavio’s germplasm bank.
Research and staff at Agrosavio were immensely gracious with their time and knowledge of the species they study and preserve. Pictured fellows: Hannah Swink, Tim Hashman, Rachel Prosser.
Cole Lewandowski examines a jackfruit. Jackfruit is the largest fruit in the world and commonly available in the United States.
The Agrosavio staff work diligently to open a jackfruit to share with fellows the sweet “meat” held inside the thorny shell.
Rachel Prosser samples a lime following a “miracle fruit” berry. Miracle fruit are unique to this region. Their sweet juices temporarily mute sour and salty flavor receptors making any subsequent food consumed taste sweet.
Steve Landon talks with Agrosavio researchers about the experience and share with them his thoughts on why their research is so important to global consumers like him.
Dr. Terry Hejny takes time to thank the team at Agrosavio. International relationship building is an important part of the LEAD Director role.
A breathtaking mountain vista greets the LEAD team along the highway drive from the Cali lowlands to the hotel above Calimita where tomorrow they will tour a hydroelectric facility.