Our last day was excellent. We started at SEMIA, the innovation incubator associated with the University of Strasbourg and heard about the process they use to successfully help turn ideas into viable profitable companies. Then, we visited with the founders of one of their companies in incubation, a company that creates simulations for endoscopic surgeries. We followed that with lunch in Strasbourg and several of us did some souvenir shopping. In the afternoon, we toured the Kronenbourg brewery (Kronenbourg is the largest brewer in France). We tasted their different types, and then headed back to the Chateau. We had a nice little farewell happy hour at the chateau, followed by an amazing farewell feast at the Jardin du Portales, a little restaurant nearby. We ate maltoschen (a German pasta dish not unlike ravioli), guinea hen with potatoes, and an amazing chocolate dessert. We wound up the evening with a small gathering at the chateau, but most of us got to bed at a decent hour. We depart in about two hours for Strasbourg Airport and head back home.
Sandy and I thought the trip was both educational and fun and hope that everyone enjoyed their experience. The students still have a major paper due that should summarize and integrate what they've learned, so we'll soon get a better sense of whether the trip changed their understanding of business, people, and culture.
Well, this is the last post. Thanks for reading! Below is one final photo from the Kronenbourg tour.
-Mike