Dear everyone,
A bit more news after a very hectic and exciting (in fact overwhelming) few days.
On the 2nd we flew S East from Moscow to the region of Bashkortostan – just over the Ural mountains. We stayed in a holiday house near Baemark.
The people have been treating us to great celebrations; from a civic reception (with the Deputy Prime Minister for the region), a meeting with many officials and big feasts with many toasts (of vodka) to our new friendship and the success of the project. See the pictures.
One feast occurred in a paddock (see picture). They had local people playing music, reciting poetry and dancing for us as we ate. The food was great. Including lots of horse meat and the drink of the region which is Kumis (or Coomis). It is mare’s milk when the mare has been eating feather grass – very special.
Our party has grown to about 15 people so we now need a mini bus. We have a new interpreter – much better looking than the last one (see picture). We’ve travelled lots and seen lots of farms – all struggling since the collapse of the economy post the Soviet System.
The food has been great – I’ve put on 3 to 4 kg.
This area has a dairy industry but they are really keen to develop their beef industry using Australian genetics and technology. We believe it is going to be really successful. However, we have to get the planning right. If the first shipment have major problems (eg deaths of cattle or injuries to people) it will be a disaster.
We have been looking at lots of old sheep and cattle sheds to work out the best shelter for the cattle over winter. It gets down to -35oC here at times.
We have also been trying to work out potential stocking rates and any other issues critical to the success. It’s been non stop.
The people here have been fantastic. Emotions really build up at times. So last night when we said farewell some very sincere words were said.
Today we left at 4am and flew to Moscow to be put up in the Holiday Inn again.
Well that’s about it for a brief catch-up
I hope you are all well
Love ………Brian
Pictures
Loverly waiters
Rural Soultions SA team with the Deputy Prine Minister of Bashkortostan.
25 comments:
when will you go online?
im here because of few cents for you. just dropping by.
i think you add more info about it.
thats amazing story.
when will you go online?
not bad.
not bad.
help me.
im your favorite reader here!
sure, why not!
thats amazing story.
help me.
its good to know about it? where did you get that information?
help me.
sure, why not!
very clever.
very nice! hahahahaha
its good to know about it? where did you get that information?
sure, why not!
its good to know about it? where did you get that information?
WOW! seems the best word I can come with to describe your adventures. I note lots of water is being drunk or is it vodka? Buy som duty free on the way back. (Not water.)
Note there are 20 comments on the blog to do with farm equipment. Puzzling.
Cheers to you all,
Kathy
I agree with mum - bring back some vodka - not water! ha ha
Still sounds incredible. Nice pictures! Good to hear ur having fun in amonst all that work :)
4am flight, way too early for me!
love nic xo
Sounds amazing- Sorry about the confusion re 2 Kathy's. Have a safe trip home Regards
Kathy Singh
Hey all.
Dad (Al), I am so glad you are coming home soon. Cant wait to hear stories and see your photos dad. Is one of the pics you shotting vodka? That made me laugh! Lots of love, Chelsea
Smokey and Kathy
Not sure how if this gets to you but to let you know we are thinking of you and can't wait to hear the new adventures for 09!
Albert
Post a Comment