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Day 7: Issues around International Business and Borders

Yesterday was yet another unique day- very special and memorable (capped off by a fabulous meal only exceeded by incredible guests who joined us). We started the day with a trek to rural Almaty to visit a joint KZ-US business venture. We met the Kazakhs and American who run a popcorn business here in Central Asia. What was supposed to be a 30-45 minute tour turned into Popcornology 101...2.5 hours later. We saw, heard, felt, held and even tasted the multiple dimensions of popcorn... and how this process is soooo different from raising corn. Quite a science to be exact:-)  From the testing of seed, to developing hybrids, to partnering with farmers, to the delivery process, to drying, sorting (to eliminate rocks, small kernals and dense objects), to packing and transporting the final product, we came to understand the complexities of international business (particularly in this era of sanctions on the country to the north). What a fabulous morning (and afternoon).  

We later met with some people to discuss the challenges of moving across borders. This issue was extremely captivating and moving. 



                                                                village garages
                                                            popcorn warehouse
                                                    Nick, Pierre and Ava in the warehouse
                                                                testing seed and hybrids
                                                           more discussion of seed testing
                                                                            Silo talk
                                                             Rebecca emerging from silo
                                                                Edith  emerging from silo
                                                                        inside the silo
                                                                    ceiling of silo
                                                            a definite first for us: inside a silo
                                                             shipping issues across borders
                                                                computer care of kernals
                                                                    the sorted kernals
                                                    sorting high from poor quality popcorn
                                                        our fresh popcorn...mmmm
                                                       bagged caramel/peanut butter popcorn
                                                a rush to grab bagged caramel/peanut butter popcorn
                                                            the GOLDEN seed 
                                                                        more seed
                                                                        the importance of seed
                                                            hybrids (organic and regular)
                                                                    controlling moisture 

                                                                   Popcornologists

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