South Pacific eflyer December 2014 Exchanges are open to all ambassadors and represent some of the many places where you can experience new cultures and grow your global circle of friends. If you are interested in any of the following exchanges, please contact the exchange director or club directly.
FFI Exchange number: 12197 Dates: April 7th 25th 2015 Nara- April 7 14 Yamagata- April 18 25 Cost: Please contact Charmaine for more details. : Charmaine Roney Email: charoney@gmail.com Phone: 07 3354 4465 April 2015 Brisbane, Australia to Nara and Yamagata, Japan We will be met at the Kansai Airport by members of Nara FF Club on April 7 th at 7pm and taken to our hosts and spend seven nights in Nara. On 14th April we will set off for our 4 free days, spending 2 nights in Kyoto, (where a member of Nara FF will volunteer to show ambassadors around if necessary) The next 2 nights can be spent wherever members wish to go, I suggest Hiroshima or Kurashiki. We will activate our 14 day rail pass from April 14 th until April 27 th. We will be in Japan in spring so will be able to see cherry blossoms. Kyoto is famous for its gardens and temples and beautiful souvenirs. Hiroshima is known for its Atomic bomb museum, and the famous red tori gates of Miyajima which can be accessed by tram or ferry using JR rail passes. Kurashiki is a beautiful historic town. I suggest all accommodation be conveniently located near JR train stations. After the four days travelling (either with the group or independently) we will go by Bullet train to Yamagata and spend next seven nights with our hosts. We will spend one of those nights in Sendai with members of Sendai FF so we can see better cherry blossoms. We depart Yamagata on 25 th and make our own way home. The rail pass will be valid until 27 th April and will take you to Narita (Tokyo) Airport and Kansai Airport or whatever destination you choose to depart from. Ambassadors are asked to book their own flight to arrive at Osaka (Kansai) by 7 pm April 7 th. 14 day rail passes will also need to be booked (on line or through a travel agent) and 4 nights accommodation will need to be booked and paid for. Yamagata club is very small and can only host 12-14 ambassadors. There are a few places left May 2015 Wellington & Kapiti Coast to Nor Peru, Peru and Brasilia & Belem, Brazil FFI Exchange number: 12127 Dates: May 2015 Cost: Approx $6,500 Return from Wellington (includes FFI and Host Club Fees) John Durnford 04-970 0858 durnford@paradise.net.nz We invite you on this three phase journey to South America. Our first exchange is to Nor Peru club in the city of Trujillo, 550 km north of Lima. It is located next to the Pacific coast at the mouth of the Moche Valley on the edge of the desert plain. The third largest city in Peru, it has a colourful colonial central area with many historic buildings and monuments around its impressive main square. Not far away are the notable archaeological ruins of the adobe city of Chan Chan (World Heritage Site) and the adobe brick temples of the Sun and the Moon. We fly on to our second hosting at Brasilia, the capital of Brazil. This planned modernist city in the country s south east interior was founded only 54 years ago and features many innovative and imaginative official buildings and structures. Our visit will include two tours, one in the city and one to the interesting sites outside Brasilia, and there will be the opportunity to add other tours around this amazing area. Next we fly north to Belem, a historic tropical city port 100 km upriver from the Atlantic on the huge Para River which is part of the greater Amazon River system. The region has been home to indigenous tribes and was controlled by Portuguese conquerors. The original area became known as the spice capital of Brazil. Away from the present modern metropolis, there is the old city district with its blend of Colonial architecture and historic charm. We will be touring this interesting city and visiting a beach on nearby Masqueiro Island. There is also the optional extra of including a two night stay on fascinating Marajo Island after the exchange. This exciting trip provides the opportunity for ambassadors to add their own personal excursions before and after the exchanges. There are many fabulous possibilities, including Mach Picchu in Peru and the Iguacu Falls and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.
August 2015 Napier to Greater Des Moines, Lincoln and Northern Colorado, USA FFI Exchange number: 12192 Dates: August 2015 Cost: $4,500-5,000NZ (includes FFI and Host Club Fees) Ray McQuade (Napier) 06-8354818 mcquade.r.k@xtra.co.nz If a visit to America is on your plans, then how joining our three phase exchange?! Our first exchange is to Greater Des Moines, Iowa s capital city and home of the 275ft gold leafed capitol dome made famous around the country during the first nation-wide Presidential Election Caucuses held every four years. While Des Moines is a major centre for financial services, publishing, and insurance, it is also pre-eminent in agribusiness, innovation, research and development. We may visit incomparable museums such as a Victorian style Governor's Mansion; Salisbury House and Gardens; Living History Farms; Gold Star Museum (defence/military). We move to our second hosting at Lincoln, Nebraska in the centre of USA. This will be an interesting visit starting from the welcome and farewell dinners which generally include Nebraska beef and home grown tomatoes. Day outings to nearby towns are popular activities. Or we can board the Magic Friendship Bus for a 3- or 4-day trip to see (a) Ashfall Fossil Beds, (b) the sand hill crane migration on the Platte River, (c) Nebraska's amazing sand hills, home to cowboys, and (d) the Great Platte River Road where an Oregon Trail experience takes you across America on a wagon train. Then it s on to our third exchange at Northern Colorado, an area of natural beauty with year round recreational activities. An exchange with FF of N. Colorado usually includes a visit to the mountains (Big Thompson Canyon, Rocky Mt. Nat'l Park & Poudre Canyon) in addition to special activities in each of our three cities which comprise N. Colorado. The community of Loveland is well known for art, especially bronze sculpture and artists' studios/galleries, and the public art located throughout the city. Other popular exchange activities include a tour of one of our microbreweries, visit to local museums, and various outdoor activities such as bird-watching, and hiking. All good things come to an end, but what a blast we will have had. FFA Domestic Exchange: Maiden's Inn Holiday Park The first ever Australian Friendship Force Caravan /Cabin Muster. Situated on the banks of the Beautiful River Murray A different and exciting venture which we trust will lead on to other ideas going into the future of Friendship Force in Australia Exchange number: AusD106 Dates: August 6-13 ( 7 nights) Cost: Domestic Exchange Fees $50USD Caravan sites app $33 to $47AUD less 10% Cabins various prices per size Brian Smith (Mount Barker and Districts) msm22466@bigpond.net.au 08 83887018 Marilyn Berry (Northern Districts) nevberry@bigpond.com 07 54727618 Bill Marshman (Central Districts) wmarshman1@gmail.com 0416081631 Keith Cropley (Southern Districts) kandhcropley@bigpond.com 0435408318 Echuca/Moama is renowned as an events destination and one particular event in that week is The Country Music Festival, which attracts Artist and Visitors from all over Australia. The National Holden Motor Museum, A Paddle Steamer Cruise and Lunch at Morrison Winery and wine tasting are two of the many activities on offer. Nowhere else can you experience such timeless, natural beauty and peace as when you are gliding through the World -Heritage listed Barmah Wetlands aboard MV Kingfisher. The Great Aussie Beer Can Shed and Farm Museum. (A BBQ farewell get-together is planned at this interesting location) The Shamrock Hotel - Echuca -they have the biggest parma selection you find anywhere in Australia. Or just sit back and relax with fellow Friendship Force Members. Will reserve 25 Caravan sites, pets and non-pets and 10 various cabins (no pets in cabins). Need to book own sites. $50 deposit.
September 2015 Nelson to Kempsey & Albany, Australia FFI Exchange number: 12220 Dates: September 2015 Cost: Approx $2,500-3,000NZ (includes FFI and Host Club Fees) Lynda Day (Nelson) 027-4414849 or 03-5288518 day48@vodafone.co.nz This is a chance to enjoy two contrasting exchange across the ditch with our Aussie mates. Our first exchange is in the mid coast area of New South Wales at Kempsey on the Macleay River. Although situated about 15kms inland., we will still enjoy the beautiful beaches and waterways of the Tasman Sea. Not far away are the mountains with the natural native flora and fauna, especially the native animals such as kangaroos, koalas, and so on. Highlights of our visit will be Indigenous displays and of course the famous Aussie barbie. We then move across this great continent to our second hosting at FF Albany on the dramatic and spectacular south coast. This city based on the beautiful King George Sound and Princess Royal Harbour is steeped in whaling and maritime history and was the stepping off point for thousands of soldiers on their way to and was the stepping off point for thousands of soldiers on their way to WW2. We will visit Brig Amity, Patrick Taylor Cottage, the Residency Museum and Old Jail, the Whaleworld Museum, Princess Royal fortress, and other places of special interest. And there are so many places to walk, cycle, swim, boat, or drive through this stunningly spectacular area. So make the decision now for this wonderful exchange. Wanganui & Manawatu to Kauai, USA, Edmonton & Area, Canada, and New Hampshire Seacoast, USA Our journey starts in the Hawaiian island of Kauai where our hosts will have activities planned so we can share cultural experiences and visit scenic spots such as the Waimea canyon, called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. We expect the climate to be warm and mild at this time; do not be surprised if visits to the various beautiful beaches are a feature. We then plan a 4 night down-time interlude starting in Vancouver. On arrival we will all do a city sight-seeing tour. You will have a choice of how you spend your leisure time: Take the Rocky Mountaineer Train (Silver Service with breakfasts and dinners) and accommodation at Kamloops and Jasper where we could use our National Parks Pass. FFI Exchange number: 12223 Dates: 6th September to 10th October 2015 Cost: Approx $9800 (includes FFI and Host Club Fees). Please pay deposit of $453 to Feilding Travel United by 7th November to ensure seats on Rocky Mountaineer are available. Contact Denise for payment options. Denise Gordon (Wanganui) 06-3476559 dinnyg@clear.net.nz or Elaine & Graham Wilton (Manawatu) 06-3579748 e.g.wilton@i9nspire.net.nz Edmonton is the capital of Alberta and is situated on the Nth Saskatchewan River in an area which includes multitudes of lakes and diverse natural areas, farms, market gardens and vast oil and gas reserves. The locals like to highlight their history through visits to Edmonton City Hall, Chinatown and the downtown area, the Alberta Legislature Building, the Royal Alberta Museum, Fort Edmonton Heritage Park, the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village or other attractions as time permits include visits to the world famous West Edmonton Mall and the largest open-air farmer s market in Western Canada at St Albert. Another 3 day interlude is planned. From Edmonton we fly to Toronto where we take a 2 day Niagara Falls tour. From Buffalo we take the train to Boston, then bus to Portsmouth to meet our Seacoast, New Hampshire hosts. We are visiting during the autumn when the leaves create a beautiful display in this historical area which was established in 1623. During this exchange we may make a boat tour of the Portsmouth Harbour and learn some of its history, or perhaps go further to the Isle of Shoals. We may tour Strawberry Banke which is a colonial community. Other activities might include a tour of Maine, lighthouses, a walk along the ocean, tour of the Shakers Community, tour of the State Capitol in Concord, tour of Boston, visit to the University of New Hampshire. On our homeward leg we fly to Las Vegas and spend 3 nights at Harrah's Casino Hotel, basking in the warmth
Taupo to Tamworth & Tweed Valley, Australia If it your wish to take part in a cheaper but fantastic exchange in 2015, this visit to the Australian East Coast is a must. Our first exchange is to Tamworth which sits roughly halfway between Sydney & Brisbane and which gives an opportunity to visit both these major cities and make the tour between. Think Tamworth, think the Country Music Capital of Australia and the Festival during January each year. But there is much more to Tamworth which is an important commercial centre serving their agricultural and tourist industries which have a large impact on the finances of the city. FFI Exchange number: 12222 Dates: September 2015 $480US FFI & Host Fees. More details on application to ED Helen Bygate (Taupo) 07-3770769 nelen@xtra.co.nz Surrounding the city is rich agricultural country with the primary producers farm dairy cattle, sheep, poultry and beef cattle. Crops such as wheat, soy beans, cotton, fruit and vegetables are also produced in abundance. Although there is a strong agricultural base in Tamworth, there is also a vast array of historical features in our area and a broad range of artistic cultures to be enjoyed including music, dance, and theatre. The Lookout is popular for its many hiking tracks, while others enjoy strolling through any of the beautifully maintained parks and gardens. Nothing could be more in tune with our "easy-going" lifestyle than experiencing nature first hand in these lovely spots. We continue our journey to Tweed Valley on the NSA / Queensland border. This area offers the greatest variety of Australian landscapes including magnificent rainforests, oceans, and mountains which we will explore during our visit. And we will meet the local fauna kangaroos, koala, echidnas, platypus, and all those animals special to this part of the world. Not far up the road are the cities of Brisbane and Gold Coast with an abundance of sightseeing, attractions, and of course shopping. Then spend a few days of R&R before returning to home Hamilton & Waikato to Murray Bridge and Mount Gambier, Australia This is an opportunity to visit our Aussie mates in a particularly enjoyable part of the country. FFI Exchange number: 12338 Dates: September 2015 Cost: Approx. $1200NZ (includes FFI and Host Club Fees) Keith Burt (Hamilton & Waikato) 07-8546265 keburt@xtra.co.nz Our first exchange is to Murray Bridge FF on the Murray River east of Adelaide. This is predominately a farming area but there with many interesting places to see. Such as a visit to the famous wine area of the Barossa Valley, or to the historic German village of Hahndorf, or just mosey through the fascinating villages of the Adelaide Hills, and a visit to Victor Harbour where we might see the whales is a must. Or we might visit the Monarta Zoo where we drive among the wild animals, or check out the birdlife at Coorong and Lakes, or visit the Aboriginal displays. We now move south along the spectacular Great Ocean Road to our second hosting at Mt Gambier FF Club which is situated roughly half way between Melbourne and Adelaide. Mount Gambier is known as Blue Lake City, a name synonymous with the lake which mysteriously changes in colour from grey to turquoise blue in November and back again in March. It is the site of Australia's largest pine plantation and the centre of a thriving wool, prime lamb, dairy, beef, cattle, lobster and limestone. So much to do. A Welcome Function, Mayoral Reception, Rose Planting in F.F.Garden, Full Day Coach Tour, Wineries Visit, Fossil Cave Tour, Wildlife Park, Galleries and Museums, Timber Mill Tours, Coastal Tour, Sink Hole Tour, Limestone Quarry Tour, and Farewell Dinner. The Welcome sign is always out at Mount Gambier Friendship Force!
October/ November 2015 Southern Sydney to Cali, Colombia and Xalapa, Mexico + Mayan Civilization Tour Cali is located near the west coast of Colombia. The club was established in 1985. Santiago de Cali has been a sugar and coffee growing region since 1536. Cali National Park has a mountain village where local Indians descend to shop, dressed in national costume. FFI Exchange number: 12237 Dates: October/November 2015 Cost: TBD, please contact Pam for further details. Xalapa or Jalapa is located on the east coast of Mexico. It was named as 'birthplace and home of the flower'. The 500,000 people include writers, artists and musicians. Buildings are of Baroque and Neoclassical architecture. It's wealth comes from coffee, tropical fruits and tobacco. In addition, we will take a fascinating journey exploring history, culture and nature through the splendours surrounding the Mayan civilizations. Pam McGrath mcgrath.ffss@gmail.com
Special Announcement! FRIENDSHIP FORCE OF SYDNEY IS CELEBRATING THEIR 25th ANNIVERSARY on Saturday 6th June 2015 Join us for a fun filled weekend during Vivid Sydney a unique festival of light and sound Pennant Hills Golf Club Cnr Copeland & Burns Roads, Pennant Hills NSW 2120 RSVP by Friday 8th May Val Hobart +61 2 9449 4931 or valhobart@hotmail.com or Lesley Nelson on +61 2 9634 4066 or lgnacn@hotmail.com Cost: $58.00 per person Dress: Smart casual with a silver theme Limited home hosting available
Date Exch# Exchange Name 2015 January - July South Pacific Exchanges (as of October 2014) January 12044 Global Water, Wine and Country Music Exchange to Newcastle and Tamworth, Australia February 12422 Aussie Leadership Seminar March 12068 Nagasaki, Japan to Sydney and Gold Coast, Australia March 12060 Saskatoon, Canada to Gold Coast, Australia, Auckland - Howick, Napier, and Southland, New Zealand March 12067 Hiroshima, Japan to Adelaide, Australia March 12339 Sacramento, USA to Mount Gambier and Blue Mountains, Australia March 12071 Bristol, UK to Perth, Albany and Hobart, Australia March 12052 New Mexico, USA to New Plymouth and Christchurch, New Zealand March 12065 Guadeloupe to Melbourne and Murray Bridge, Australia April 12272 Sydney, Australia to Hsinchu and Kaohsiung, Taiwan April 12075 Albany, Australia to Auckland-North Shore, Manawatu and Kapiti Coast, New Zealand April 12081 Montreal, Canada to Taupo and Nelson, New Zealand April 12197 Brisbane, Australia to Nara and Yamagata, Japan April 12298 Central Coast, Australia to Noumea, New Caledonia and New Plymouth and Christchurch, New Zealand April 12076 Salisbury and Northern Districts, Australia to Norderstedt, Germany April 12085 Pau, France to Adelaide and Southern Sydney, Australia April 12055 North Moreton, Australia to Gisborne, South Taranaki and Marlborough, New Zealand April 12317 Tottori, Japan to Hamilton and Waikato, New Zealand April 12219 Auckland-North Shore and Gisborne, New Zealand to Austin, East Central Florida and Baton Rouge, USA April 12106 Melbourne, Australia to Nicosia, Cyprus and Sibiu, Romania May 12107 Newcastle, Australia to Gifu and Yamaguchi, Japan May 12126 Marlborough, New Zealand to Campinas and Recife, Brazil May 12104 Blue Mountains, Australia to Seoul, South Korea and Sapporo, Japan May 12144 Western North Carolina, USA to Perth, Murray Bridge and Queanbeyan-Canberra, Australia May 12105 Bundaberg, Australia to Brandon & Area, Canada; Greater Detroit, USA; Comitan, Mexico May 12127 Wellington and Kapiti Coast, New Zealand to Nor Peru, Peru; Brasilia and Belem, Brazil May 12147 Perth, Australia to Greater Manchester and Leicestershire, UK June 12146 Kempsey, Australia to Penticton-Okangan and Ottawa, Canada and New Hampshire Seacoast, USA June 12154 Xalapa, Mexico to Central Coast and Sunshine Coast, Australia June 12156 Christchurch, New Zealand to Sacramento, USA and Leuven, Belgium and Szekesfehervar, Hungary June 12425 Taipei, Taiwan to Whangarei and Tauranga Western Bay of Plenty, New Zealand July 12301 Napa-Sonoma, USA to Brisbane, Bundaberg and Gold Coast, Australia
Date 2015 August - November South Pacific Exchanges (as of October 2014) Exch# Exchange Name August 12184 Casterton, Australia to Greater Omaha, USA August 12195 Vietnam to Sunshine Coast, Australia August 12192 Napier, New Zealand to Greater Des Moines, Lincoln and Northern Colorado, USA September 12198 Gold Coast, Australia to Mispah, South Africa September 12221 South Taranaki, New Zealand to Bordeaux, France and Kiel, Germany September 12223 Wanganui & Manawatu, New Zealand to Edmonton and Area, Canada; New Hampshire Seacoast and Kauai, USA September 12338 Hamilton and Waikato, New Zealand to Murray Bridge and Mount Gambier, Australia September 12199 Hobart, Australia to Western Bay of Plenty and Horowhenua, New Zealand September 12220 Nelson, New Zealand to Kempsey and Albany Australia September 12222 Taupo, New Zealand to Tamworth and Tweed Valley, Australia September 12224 Whangarei, New Zealand to Fort Worth, USA, Greater Manchester, UK and Hamburg, Germany September 12196 Adelaide, Australia to Toronto, Canada, Chicago and Denver, USA October 12231 Kansas, USA to Cairns (stopover), North Moreton, Central Coast and Melbourne, Australia October 12377 Creative Arts and Crafts of NZ (with FF Nelson, FF Wellington, and FF South Taranaki) October 12237 Southern Sydney, Australia to Xalapa, Mexico and Cali, Colombia October 12239 Tamworth, Australia to Canadian Cap.Region, Canada and Connecticut & National Cap. Area, USA October 12249 Fukuoka, Japan to Sydney and Bundaberg, Australia October 12236 Mount Gambier, Australia to Vietnam October 12238 Sunshine Coast, Australia to Karsiyaka Bay, Turkey and Bandung, Indonesia October 12244 Biarritz, France to Brisbane and Blue Mountains, Australia and Wellington, New Zealand October 12255 New Plymouth, New Zealand to Perth and Salisbury & Northern Districts, Australia October 12379 Perth, Australia to Jakarta, Indonesia November 12280 Kapiti Coast, New Zealand to Hobart and Newcastle, Australia November 12129 Moscow, Russia to Sydney, Australia and Auckland - North Shore, New Zealand November 12271 Murray Bridge, Australia to Wanganui and Wairarapa, New Zealand November 12277 Santiago, Chile to Malang, Indonesia and Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand and Cairns, Australia
Submissions are due to the eflyer contact by the 20th of each month. Australian eflyer Jim Haxton hacco40@hotmail.com New Zealand eflyer Colin Ridge colinjanet@clear.net.nz OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION FFI Matthew Nidek, mnidek@thefriendshipforce.org Sign up to receive FFI news and notices! (Click HERE) Easy online currency conversion! $$$(Click HERE)$$$