AgLeadership Class XII Prepares for South America

By Mike Danna
Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation Public Relations Director

Any journey of exploration must always begin with a plan.

And a suitcase that weighs 50 pounds or less.

I trust you’re all making final preparations for our departure to Chile and Argentina Jan. 23. It’s going to be a great trip and I’m looking forward to traveling with each of you.

By now you’ve seen the email correspondence from Dr. Soileau outlining our travel schedule. Right now the weather across Chile is expected to be great during our first week. Highs in mid-70s and lows in the mid-50s. No rain is forecast for Santiago or Curico next week.

When Gene Adolph and I spoke the class a few months back we pointed out a few things I want to review with you before we leave. When Class XIII traveled to Chile and Argentina, the hotels were usually comparable to a two-to-three star U.S. hotel. However, amenities in the rooms were limited. As a reminder, unless things have changed since 2005, South American hotel rooms don’t have traditional wash cloths. Don’t ask me why, but they don’t. I experienced the same thing during my visit to Turkey last fall. You might want to bring a few cheap Walmart ones with you.

Also, when packing, don’t overestimate the clothes you’ll need. I’ve found there’s nothing more frustrating than realizing at the end of a trip that you packed a third more clothes than you actually wore. We’re all friends and if we see each other in the same jeans and shirts more than once it’s no big deal. Remember, we’re going to be touching the luggage every day, so the lighter you pack, the better.

Shoes are another story. We’ll need dress shoes, or their equivalent for the U.S. embassy visit. It’s likely the only time we’ll need them. However, in the past I’ve seen class members pull off a pair of work boots with a coat and tie. Remember to wear your heaviest pair of shoes on the plane. And speaking of the plane, you might want to wear a long-sleeved shirt or a light jacket. Since this is an international flight, you’ll be provided a blanket. Ear plugs and a sleeping mask couldn’t hurt either.

And speaking of the flight, it’s imperative that you get some sleep on the plane. We’ve got a full day ahead of us the morning we land. Also, you might want to throw a few snacks in your carry on. They’re good for the plane and for the long bus rides. Neil Melancon’s favorites are Tobasco-infused Slim Jims, japaleno pork skins and garlic-flavored spicy pickled quail’s eggs.

Finally a word about powering your laptops, cell phones and other electronics. I’ve purchased an iGO adapter. I got it from Office Depot for $20. It handled everything we threw at it in Turkey and didn’t burn up or throw the breaker to the entire hotel. You can charge iPhones via USB and it can handle most laptops without a converter.

If possible, get some rest over the weekend. It’s going to be a busy next 12 days. What with being interviewed for “This Week in Louisiana Agriculture,” taking in the sights and sounds of South America and enjoying the three hours bus rides, we want you to look and feel your best.

Until next time…