South Pacific eflyer December 2015 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.
March/ April 2016 Salisbury and Northern Districts, Australia to Florida Suncoast and Greater Orlando, USA FFI Exchange number: 12540 Dates: March 1 to 18th 2016 Cost: $605USD. Includes FFI and host fees. Please contact the ED for further details regarding transportation costs. Contact: Carmen Walker-Galpin galpc@adam.com.au The exchange in Tampa begins on March 1st. There will be plenty of time to spend with our hosts through out the week, as they put on welcome and farewell dinners as well as lunches. They will take us to visit some of the local attractions such as the Dali Museum Collection, the City of St Petersburg, Chihuly Glass Museum, tour historic Vinoy Hotel and enjoy the birds and marine life at the waterfront and parks, we may even take in the Spring Training Baseball games such a variety of choices! We have chosen on finishing this Exchange, to have 8th March to 11th March as independent travel. Some people wish to visit Disneyworld as a separate part of our trip. The beginning of the Greater Orlando FF Exchange will commence on 11th March. Arriving at FF Greater Orlando, after meeting our Hosts and being welcomed we move into the Exchange for many events. The Blue Springs State Park seeing manatees (possibly a first for many Ambassadors) and have an Eco boat ride really looking forward to this! There is a visit to the Kennedy Space Centre (Ambassadors pay as Hosts can pre order tickets in advance). We shall have a Winter Park Boat Tour and visit the largest collection of Tiffany glass at the Morse Museum. March is a great time to visit the Gatorland and bird sanctuary. A Free Day shopping ( yippee) and there is an Art Festival in Maitland, many fabulous museums, and the Loch Haven Park with the Orlando Science Centre (which includes a cinedome as well as hands on activities). NextGen Discover the Outback (Adelaide and Cairns) Have you ever thought of doing something totally different? Have you seen pictures of the Australian Outback? Do you have adventure in your soul? A quest for spirituality? Are you interested in knowing something about the first people of Australia? How would you feel, being able to soak up the mystery of Uluru and Kata Tjuta? Would you like to experience the splendour of the southern night skies? From your bed in the desert? Your opportunity has arrived! All of this and more FFI Exchange number: 12753 Dates: March 30 April 11, 2016 Cost: $1,780USD. (see description for breakdown) Contact: Bobbie Mulholland (Adelaide) rrsquared@optusnet.com.au Begin with: 2 full days in graceful Adelaide, including a wine experience and time to investigate on your own. Finish with: 2 full days in Cairns, Tropical Paradise, including snorkelling on the amazing, World Heritage, Great Barrier Reef. AND If all this is not enough, there is an opportunity to extend with 3 days discovering the amazing harbour city - Sydney - hosted by FF friends there. Unforgettable! You gotta do it! Price includes FF fees, host fees, 3 night s hosting in Adelaide, 3 night s hosting in Cairns, 8 Day Outback Discovery Trip (including camping equipment and cabin accommodation- all meals, national park entrances, guided activities and two night s hotel in Alice Springs) Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling Boat trip, Day trip to Kuranda by train, including Tjapukai Aboriginal Culture Park and Sky Rail Ride. Price does NOT include the flight between Alice Springs and Cairns, which will cost approximately $302 USD. More info HERE
Sunshine Coast, Australia to Huntsville, Greater Atlanta and Central North Carolina, USA Enjoy some good old southern hospitality on this exchange!! HUNTSVILLE ALABAMA, a day at the US Space and Rocket Centre Museum, Historic Railroad Depot, Burritt Museum with its early settler homes and farmsteads, tour of the Jack Daniels Distillery, birthplace and home of Helen Keller, the Wheeler Wildlife Refuge, Cathedral Caverns, Civil War battlefields, antebellum plantations, nature trails and activities on the lakes and rivers. FFI Exchange number: 12559 Dates: April 2016 Cost: $2280AUD. Includes FFI and host fees. 3 nights in a hotel and US domestic transfers. Contact: Merilyn Berry marberry@bigpond.com GREATER ATLANTA: Spectacular flowering plants and trees. The North Georgia Mountains, historical centres, civil wars sites, museums, zoo, aquarium and educational centre.- 2 day break to explore Atlanta City. CENTRAL NORTH CAROLINA: The Moravian settlement of Old Salem, the Revolutionary War sites of the Battle of Guilford Courthouse. Blue Ridge Parkway, Hanging Rock State Park or Pilot Mountain. And NASCAR was born here. Optional Pre and Post Exchange options including Bus tours and/or a Mississippi cruise. Whangarei to Mount Barker and Mount Gambier, Australia There is always a welcome mat out from our Aussie neighbours. And this is a chance to join us visit the two Mounts in the mid south. Our first exchange is to Australia s first FF club at Mount Barker situated in the Mount Lofty Adelaide Hills area south east of Adelaide. This area of numerous small towns is rural with the growing of fruit and vegetables, with pastures for sheep and cattle and the small scale production of cheese, olive oil and chocolates. And of course the renowned wine area of Barossa Valley. FFI Exchange number: 12642 Dates: April 2016 Cost: : On application to ED Contacts: Ava Thomas (Whangarei) 09-4373240 thomas.ka@slingshot.co.nz You can also expect to see the wildlife, scenery, antiques, historic townscapes and gardens which all form part of the natural beauty of the district. For our second exchange, we travel south halfway to Melbourne to the FF club of Mount Gambier - 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. The area has Australia s largest pine plantation and the centre of a thriving wool, prime lamb, dairy, beef, cattle, lobster and limestone area. There is so much to see and do. The rugged coastlines, mysterious caves, wildlife parks, quarry tours, timber mills tours and a winery visit. Add to this that planning of a rose in the F.F.Garden and probably a Full Day Coach Tour visiting a Fossil Cave, a sink hole, and many Galleries and Museums.
April/ May 2016 Napier to Hobart, Australia and Noumea, New Caledonia FFI Exchange number: 12573 Dates: April 2016 Cost: On application to ED (FFI fees $280USD). Contact: Ray McQuade (Napier) 06-8354818 mcquade.r.k91@gmail.com We invite you to join us on this unusual exchange of two island. Island number one is Tasmania where we will be hosted by the Friendship Force of Hobart. This city is the capital of Tasmania, has a population of about 500,000 and is situated on the beautiful Derwent River, scene of many a close Sydney to Hobart yacht race finish. Tasmania was settled in 1803 as a penal colony for convicts, and we may get the opportunity to learn about this early beginning. Among their mountainous terrain, we will visit their national and wildlife parks, and their lakes and rivers which are so good for fishing and generating electricity. And of course have a traditional Aussie barbie and cocktail party! Island number two is New Caledonia where we will be hosted by the Friendship Force of Noumea. The first European settlement was by the British in 1851, but the French asserted control in 1854 by establishing a settlement at Noumea, originally called Portde-France. The area first served as a penal colony, and later became a centre for nickel and gold mining, and even today there are signs of these first industries. The city maintains much of New Caledonia s mix of French and old Melanesian culture, and this uniqueness makes this a very interesting place to visit. NEWCASTLE TO NIAGARA AND NORTH BAY, CANADA, AND DAYTON, USA FFI Exchange number: 12584 Dates: May 24 June 23, 2016 Cost: On application to ED (FFI fees $420USD) Contact: Glenda Masterson (Newcastle) 02 49585518 or mob. 0412917452 gfmasterson@bigpond.com You would be made very welcome if you joined us on this exciting exchange to Canada and the US. During the first phase of this exchange we will be hosted by the very active Niagara Club, visiting their wonderful region, which is surrounded by water on three sides; Lake Ontario to the north, Lake Erie to the south, and the Niagara River to the east. Of course we will also be visiting their famous Niagara Falls, which can be experienced in a number of exciting and adventurous ways. Next we will travel by coach to North Bay, which is known as "The Gateway of the North". In the 18th century, North Bay was a portage site for the early voyageurs who canoed from the east in order to trap and trade in the western part of the continent. This area is blessed with beautiful forests, spring-fed water, and clean air, creating a wonderful environment for the pursuit of cultural and out -door experiences. Following these two exchanges, we then have a nine day free time period before the commencement of our final exchange in Dayton Ohio. This is the perfect opportunity to visit the French inspired cities of Montreal and Quebec City, or take a break in New York, or you may simply wish to take the opportunity to catch up with old friends you have in Canada or the US. Ambassadors will regroup in Dayton for the last phase of the exchange. Dayton Ohio is centrally located in the mid-west of USA and is well known for its beautiful farm-lands as well as the birthplace of aviation where the Wright Brothers grew up and conducted their experiments and tests. We are thrilled about attending the world famous Air Show while we are there, as part of our itinerary! Exciting and interesting itineraries are currently being developed by all three hosting clubs, and we are assured of having a great experience. Come join us!
June/ July 2016 Wanganui & Otago to Metropole Ruhr, Germany & Cornwall, UK If visiting UK and Europe in 2016 is in your travel plans, then here is an exchange just for you. Our first exchange is with Friendship Force Gelsenkirchen or Metropole Ruhr set in the heart of the Ruhr District. Once the city of fires, Gelsenkirchen is now the city that kindles progressive ideas with people that are warm hearted and open minded. The area is noted for mineral oil, electricity, coal, gas, and heating and water supply industries such as Emscher-Lippe. There is also the fascination with the former seats of nobility Berge Castle, Horst Castle and Water castle Luettinghof, and the Musik Theater which gives the city an alternative culture scene. A sightseeing trip may well include a tour through Gelsenkirchen and a one day tour to Cologne and the River Rhine. FFI Exchange number: 12622 Dates: Mid June Mid July 2016 Cost: : Still being worked out, but between $7,500 and $10,000 depending on the between hostings, cruise, or stopovers (includes FFI and Host Club fees US$280). Contacts: Garth Barlow (Wanganui) 06-3456514 gnbarlow@xtra.co.nz or Anne Dougherty (Otago) 03-4493239 adeeclyde@gmail.com or Rona Potiki (Otago) 03-4546355 grandmarona@vodafone.co.nz We are planning a 7 day river cruise or stay in Paris or London, or Paris and Loire Valley between hostings. Our second hosting is with Friendship Force Cornwall club based at the Cathedral City of Truro, which is on that long narrow peninsula at the westerly tip of UK. This isolated region has its own Celtic culture and language (no longer spoken). The climate is very mild with a high rainfall, producing lush vegetation, which favours the famous sub-tropical gardens of the area and is now the setting for the spectacular biomes of the Eden Project, the largest conservatories in the world. Tourism is the main industry, with the unspoiled spectacular cliffs being the major attraction. The slate and thatched cottages in the charming villages and quaint fishing harbours add to the beauty of the county. There is much to see and do in Cornwall, from historic houses to wild unspoilt countryside which has been the inspiration to many artists, authors and craftsmen through the centuries and is the setting for the books of Daphne du Maurier and Winston Graham. We welcome you to join us on this interesting exchange. Tauranga-Western Bay Of Plenty to Tamworth and Brisbane, Australia If it your wish to take part in a cheaper but fantastic exchange in 2015 and get away from the NZ winter, this visit to the Australian East Coast is a must. FFI Exchange number: 12642 Dates: July 2016 Cost: : Approx $2,000NZD (includes FFI and Host Club fees) Contacts: Brian Grimwood (Tauranga-WBOP) 07 549 5416 h elenkk@xtra.co.nz Our first exchange is to Tamworth, and when you think Tamworth, you think the Country Music Capital of Australia and the Festival during January each year. But there is much more to Tamworth as it is surrounding by rich agricultural country with the primary producer s farm dairy cattle, sheep, poultry and beef cattle. And 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 move north to sub-tropical climes of Brisbane, capital of Queensland. They usually have a bus trip, either to the north or south coast or to a garden festival in an inland town, depending on the time of the year, and hosts will arrange day trips. There is the opportunity to visit nearby theme parks such as Australia Zoo, Australian Outback Experience, and so on, but this is an extra cost to the Ambassadors over and above the normal exchange fee for these. Let s go visit our Aussie mates.
August 2016 Thames Coromandel to Metro Vancouver, then join Global Exchange: Prairies to the Rockies, Canada FFI Exchange number: 12598 Dates: 10 30 August, 2016 Cost: Approx $4,900 covers air fare to Vancouver, flight to Edmonton, all Global Exchange costs, local costs and FFI and Host Club Fees. Does not include return air fare to NZ approx. $1300. Contact: Roger & Iris Collinson (Thames /Coromandel) 07-8687126 collinsonri@windowslive.com This is a great opportunity to visit our friends in Canada! We fly to Vancouver on 10 th August for our first hosting with Friendship Force of Metro Vancouver. Their area covers Vancouver and the beautiful Fraser River valley, which starts in the mountains with spectacular canyons, lakes, and waterfalls, and runs through fertile plains where crops and horses feature before reaching the sea. Vancouver is a multicultural city with many festivals, cultural centres and restaurants. We will have the opportunity to learn the First Nation people's ceremonies, history and legends and visit Fort Langley, the 'birthplace of British Columbia' and other national historic sights. Now for the bonus when we join the Global Exchange involves a one-week Home Stay in Edmonton followed by a week in the Rockies (Jasper and Banff). This is much more than a regular home stay week. It includes a guided week in the mountains involves an air conditioned Coach with a licensed guide, usually two meals a day, a Boat cruise on Maligne Lake, a Rafting adventure (not white water so quite safe) on the Athabasca River, a gondola ride in Banff, a dinner in Chateau at Lake Louise, canoeing, a day at a ranch in the foothills to have a wagon or horseback ride, a swim in the Banff Hot Springs, 6 nights' accommodation in hotels, plus many other activities. The week in Edmonton is during the Fringe Festival which is a wonderful experience and always a highlight in there exchanges. Please note that you must have a reasonable level of fitness for this exchange. After this wonderful adventure, we depart for other places in Canada or USA, or return back to NZ. New Plymouth to Oklahoma, Milwaukee and Chicago, USA You are welcome to join us on this exchange to USA. September 1st: Our first hosting is the with Friendship Force Oklahoma in the state of the same name. This state is mainly agricultural with large cattle and oil industries, but the major cities have wonderful cultural groups with activities scheduled year-round. We may visit such places of interest as their Cowboy Hall of Fame which boasts one of the largest collections of Western art in the United States, and the town of Guthrie which, as the first capitol of Oklahoma, offers a glimpse of Western life in the late 1880's. There is also Oklahoma City with its newly renovated areas of restaurants and galleries, the State capitol, horse racing, the zoo and aquarium. There may be opportunities for horseback riding or hayrides, rodeos and visits with members of our large American Indian community as well. FFI Exchange number: 12674 Dates: August 29, 2016 Cost: : Approx. $6,000NZD (includes FFI and Host Club fees, and domestic transportation) Contacts: Anne Walker (New Plymouth) 06-7553986 rodandanne@hotmail.com September 6th, 1day Bus trip to St Louis 3days then a further 1day bus trip to Milwaukee. September 10th Then on to nearby Friendship Force Greater Milwaukee on the shores of Lake Michigan and Wisconsin s largest metropolitan area with some 1.7 million people. This is an exciting centre of commerce, industry, education and shipping with a culturally vibrant community which is home to a major symphony, acclaimed theatre troupes, a world-class ballet company, a critically acclaimed zoo, an outstanding Milwaukee museum, IMAX and the worldrenowned Santiago Calatrava Art Museum. September 15th We move north to Chicago, that town that Billy Sunday could not shut down according to Frank Sinatra. This is the second largest finance, retail, cultural and educational centre in USA, with a stunning lakefront on Michigan, world class museums, towering skyscrapers, beautiful botanic gardens and vibrant cultural life including theatre, classical music, jazz and blues. We can shop in the not-to-be-missed Magnificent Mile, and visit the newly renovated Buckingham Fountain, Modern Wing of Art Institute, and specially unique neighbourhoods such as Oak Park. We will enjoy the sandy lake beaches and the huge variety of shopping, Museums, and maybe cruise Lake Michigan. This area has a reputation for friendliness and hospitality which we can enjoy.
September/ October 2016 Melbourne, Australia to New Mexico, Denver and Fort Worth, USA We begin 14th September in Santa Fe with its art galleries, mud brick buildings etc. Train to Albuquerque and our first exchange with the New Mexico club. FFI Exchange number: 12660 Dates: 14th September 2016-11th October 2016 5 days private optional tour from Albuquerque to Denver, including Monument Valley (you will recognize this valley from films and TV from the last 80yrs) and Mesa Verde, Ancestral Pueblo Cliff dwellings. Cost approx. $US1,200 includes transport, tour guide, park entrance fees, tour of Monument Valley & Mesa Verde, four nights accommodation with breakfast. We arrive in Denver for our second exchange on the 27th September, with the promise of a great display of autumn leaves. Cost: Approx. $975USD (includes FFI Fee, Host Fee, Santa Fe hotel & train to Albuquerque, Flight Denver to Fort Worth). We fly to Fort Worth on the 4th October to commence our third exchange and our Texas experience. Contact: Jan Felstead exchanges@melbournefriendshipforce.org. au Hamilton & Waikato to Sao Paulo and Maringa, Brazil We have been allocated a wonderful exchange to Brazil in South America. FFI Exchange number: 12528 Dates: October 2016 Cost: Approx $6-7,000NZD covers FFI and host fees, an d domestic transportation. Contact: Heather Adlam (Hamilton & Waikato) 07-8554158 hadlam@inspire.net.nz Our first hosting is at FF of Sao Paulo, located in the south east of Brazil midway between the sea and mountains. It is the major cultural centre of Latin America, with influence from many cultures: African, Indigenous, Japanese, Italian, Jewish, Portuguese, etc. besides the wide variety of parks, monuments, theaters and tourist attractions. The Brazilian people are a group that embraces happiness, caring, human warmth and receptiveness. We will probably visit their wonderful sights such as the Government s Palace, Sacre Museum (the most important in Brazil), a private Football Stadium, attend a Concert at Sala São Paulo (the most modern Concert Hall in South America); and go out of the city to the country side or beaches. We move inland to the Friendship Force club of Maringa which is located 410 kilometres from the famous Iguassu Falls, and 410 kilometres from Curitiba (the capital of our state). We are a small club with only 14 members, but have friends who help us once in a while with hosting. Maringá city is a middle sized town of about 250,000 inhabitants situated in the South of Brazil. Our main industries are Tourism, education, industry and agriculture, and our exchange will revolve round these. We will arrange a visit to the Cooperative (coffee, cotton, orange juice, silk etc.), to the University of Maringá, and of course tour the city and show you all the sights.
Australia s*first* Themed *Exchange*! Calling*all*Quilters*!* Come%and%join%an%enthusiastic%group%of%quilters%on%the%first%Australian%themed* exchange.% Natural%beauty,%early%Spring%and%perhaps%late%snow% %these%all%lend%inspiration% to%a%week%of%creativity%and%a%chance%to%explore%the%quilter%within%whilst%being% home%hosted%by%members%of%the%blue%mountains%%friendship%force%club.%%the% program%will%include%a%selection%of%workshops%by%well%known%published%blue% Mountains%tutors,%bus%trips%to%fabric%shops%you%may%have%read%about%as%well%as% free%time%to%enjoy%our%unique%world%heritage%environment.% While%the%quilters%are%busy%a%separate%program%is%being%arranged%for%partners.% Exchange*No.%%AUSD115% Dates:%11L18%September%2016% Home*Hospitality*provided%by%The%Friendship%Force%of%the%Blue%Mountains% Initial*Expressions*of*Interest%to%be%sent%to%Colleen%McCombie,%President%of%FFBM% colleen.mccombie@gmail.com.%application%forms%will%be%sent%later% %please%do%not%send% any%money%yet% Exchange*Director%% %Faye%Post% %denilrock@bigpond.com% Cost:%%Quilter%$180%pp% %made%up%of%$100%(host%club%fee)%plus%$80%to%cover%tutors%and% bus%trips.% Partner%L%$100%pp%(host%club%fee)% Plus%USD$70%pp%Lthe%new%standard%USD%$10%per%night%for%everyone%for%FFI%program% fee%which%will%be%collected%by%blue%mountains%ff%for%one%bulk%transfer%to%atlanta.% Limited%spaces%available% Some%experience%in%patchwork%and%quilting%is%required%
Extend Your Hand For Peace and Friendship Global Exchange (with FF of Northern Illinois) to < Sochi, Russia And Izmir, Turkey > April 21 - May 7, 2016 (Includes two nights stopover in Istanbul) A study in comparison and contrast: Two cultures, both modern, both ancient, both in resort towns, one on the Black Sea, one the Mediterranean Sea. These host-clubs are friendly, warm-hearted, and eager to make friends around the world while showing us their ancient roots and modern lives. Price: $1450. Including FFI & host fees, 2 Nights in Istanbul Hotel (incl. breakfast), plus all admissions, etc., in Sochi & Izmir, including an overnight excursion to Ephesus while we are in Izmir. NOT INCLUDED: ALL airport transfers and plane fares (during the Exchange): Sochi- Istanbul and Istanbul-Izmir round trips (all flights can be booked with the flight from your home to Istanbul on one ticket; booking assistance by EDs). You may want to consider booking a hotel for in-transit stopover in Istanbul on April 20, depending on the length of your layover in Istanbul. Estimated Plane from Chicago, including all stops mentioned above: $1500±. For more information: Dave and Pat Meyer, phone 708-369-5685, or email them at davidcmeyer@sbcglobal.net.
Friendship Force International NEW CRUISE OPPORTUNITIES Two new opportunities to Cuba and Dominican Republic with Fathom : Fathom is a new kind of cruise that combines your love of travel with your desire to make a difference! Impact travel with Fathom provides the opportunity to build community with likeminded travelers, become immersed in another culture, and work alongside its people to create enduring social impact. Every Fathom journey is based on the sincere belief that the person-toperson connection is among the strongest catalysts for transformation. The 704 passenger Adonia ship will become your home for 7 days, where you ll create life long friendships. Travel with Grand Circle Travel to Europe and Panama! Friendship Force International has reserved the whole M/S Discovery ship for the Panama voyage! Take advantage of these great opportunities. 1
Friendship Force International PANAMA: FRIENDSHIP FORCE HAS RESERVED THE WHOLE SHIP Panama Canal Cruise July 23 to August 4, 2016 Starting Price $2,795 With its spectacular rain forests, legendary canal, and lively urban centers, Panama offers a unique blend of treasures both natural and cosmopolitan. Your 12-day journey through this unforgettable country will bring its fascinating contrasts, vibrant cultures, and historic significance to life. Visit a family owned Panaderia (bakery). Take part in a traditional pottery workshop. Have the opportunity to have a home-hosted lunch. Workshop on the Expansion of the Panama Canal & the History of the Chagres River. 24 cabins available Click here for itinerary and price information If you have any questions please contact Laura Romero at laura@thefriendshipforce.org or call 404-965-4353. Grand Circle Travel Cruises: To make your deposit or reservation directly with Grand Circle Travel please call their Group Sales line at 1-800-597-2452 option #2. If you are not able to call this number call 617-350-7500. Please remember when reserving you will need to have the Tour Name, Departure date and Group code: G6-25992 Fathom: To make your deposit or reservation directly with Fathom, please call 1-855-9FATHOM or 206-626-8300. When calling please let them know your group ID: Dominican Republic: TNH-D636 Cuba: TN7-D639 4
Friendship Force International EUROPEAN CRUISES WITH GRAND CIRCLE Old World Prague & the Blue Danube May 23 to June 3, 2016 Starting Price $3,495 This Danube River Cruise Tour follows in the footsteps of the Habsburgs, showcasing the historic European river port cities of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire among central Europe s most riveting destinations. Among this trip s unique included features are a tour of Austria s renowned Melk Abbey, charming Durnstein, dramatic Bratislava, Slovakia a destination often missed by travelers and included tours of such scenic capitals as Prague, Vienna, and Budapest. You ll also enjoy free time to explore these unforgettable locales on your own. Visit a local school that is supported by the GC Foundation. Join a family in their home for coffee and cake. Click here for itinerary and price information Wintertime on the Seine December 7 to 14, 2016 Starting Price $1,495 Enjoy a presentation about France s love of fromage (cheese). Visit a home of a local family in Vernon. Take a French language lesson. Enjoy a discussion on Monet & His Work. Delight in the warmth of the season in France, beginning and ending in Paris, which is truly the City of Lights at this time of year. Tour iconic cities made even more enchanting with the addition of dazzling holiday décor. From art and history to food and wine enjoy all that France has to offer and more during the holiday season. Click here for itinerary and price information 3
Friendship Force International CARIBBEAN CRUISES WITH FATHOM Dominican Republic April 24 to May 1, 2016 Starting price $1,156 Make the most out of your sail days by attending on-board activities including a Story Capture Workshop, a session on Empowering the Next Wave of Travelers, and a guided reflection entitled Envisioning and Understanding Your Future Impact Story. Participate in On Ground Impact Activities where you will work alongside established impact partners and local residents on projects as varied as: Reforestation efforts Bringing clean drinking water to local communities Improving English skills to help create new employment opportunities Participating with women s co-ops in efforts to improve the economic well-being of Dominican families. Click here for Flyer Save 10% of your trip if you sign up for both voyages Viva Cuba May 1 to 8, 2016 Starting price $2,220 the fabric of Cuban society. Attend on-board discussions where you will learn about Cuba and how to make the most of your visit. Participate in a variety of cultural exchange activities that will allow you to spend time doing meaningful work with local Cuban communities. You ll have the opportunity to interact, one on one, with the artists, musicians, smallbusiness owners, students, health workers and others who make up Visits include: Walking tour of Old Havana Visit Cienfuegos/Trinidad Visit Santiago De Cuba Click here for Flyer Save 10% of your trip if you sign up for both voyages 2
Special Global Themed Exchange Opportunities! Asia Awaits!! Explore China (April 2 to 14, 2016) Explore Myanmar (February 13-25, 2016) Opportunities in your own backyard!! Australia- Discover the Outback to Adelaide, Alice Springs, & Cairns (March 28 to April 11, 2016) New Zealand Adventure New Zealand to Kapiti Coast, Napier, & Wanganui (March 12 to 23, 2016) - A Nation Divided - America s Civil War (September 20 October 10, 2016) You are invited to participate in a very special exchange opportunity... Highlights: This war has been called The War Between the States, The War of Northern Aggression, The War of the Rebellion, and The War Against Yankee Aggression. This historical and cultural experience will provide Union and Confederate perspectives from local historians and will provide ambassadors with a wealth of information pertaining to events that took place in America s history from 1859-1865 including John Brown s raid at Harpers Ferry and opinions over the expansion of slavery as new states were formed. We will tour many wellknown battlefield campaigns in the North and the South and learn of military strategies based on information known at that time. We will visit the pre-civil War home and final resting place of Robert E. Lee, learn about the division of one of the original 13 colonies because of the Civil War that resulted in the formation of a new state, tour several state capital buildings, experience delicious cuisine and see many other interesting sites along the 19-day journey, ending the exchange with a tour of Lincoln s cottage and Ford s Theater in Washington DC where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. Some program days are very intense so it is very important that ambassadors are capable of walking for several hours. Details: This 19-day exchange is hosted by five Friendship Force Clubs. Transportation is included from arrival in Harrisburg, PA to departure in Washington, DC (Dulles- IAD or Regan International Airport). All overnight accommodations are included at FF home hosts and 3 nights at hotels. Most meals are also included. There will be many opportunities for friendship at open-club events and time to experience local flavors and interesting sites within local communities and along the journey from place to place. The cost of the exchange is $2,075. To apply for the exchange, please fill out the online application. You will notice the application requests 2 references, preferably the last Exchange Director(s) you traveled with or your club president. Your reference should be able to attest to your representation as a FF ambassador and also to your mobility. Your references may be contacted by the Exchange Committee. Please send the following link to your references and ask them to fill out this online form: Ambassador Recommendation for Civil War Exchange # 12759. With consideration of foreign airfare, selected ambassadors will be notified quickly and a deposit of $1,000 will be requested in January 2016. If you have a need to cancel, funds will be returned to you (less the $25 administration fee) if your request is made before final deposit and if we are able to fill your vacancy with another ambassador. After final deposit - Due 6/1/ 16 funds will be nonrefundable. Therefore it is wise to purchase trip insurance should something unforeseen arise after your commitment to this exchange. - and many, many more in our World Of Friends Catalog
South Pacific Outbounds 2016 Date Exch# Exchange Name February 12531 Sydney, Australia to Southland, Tauranga Western Bay of Plenty and Napier, NZ March 12854 Wellington, New Zealand to Tokyo and Aichi, Japan April 12555 Albany and Bundaberg, Australia to Kaohsiung, Taiwan and Koriyama, Japan April 12550 Whangarei, New Zealand to Mount Barker and Mount Gambier, Australia April 12573 Napier, New Zealand to Hobart, Australia and Noumea, New Caledonia April 12556 Kempsey, Australia to Guzelbahce, Turkey and Azrou, Morocco April 12583 Northern Illinois, USA to Sochi, Russia and Greater Izmir, Turkey May 12586 Tamworth and Hobart, Australia to Seoul, Korea and Fukuoka, Japan May 12938 Mount Barker, Australia to Flanders, Belgium May 12598 Nelson and Horowhenua, New Zealand to Malang, Indonesia and Yamaguchi, Japan May 12557 North Moreton, Australia to Osaka and Sapporo, Japan May 12584 Newcastle, Australia to North Bay and Niagara, Canada and Dayton, USA June 12608 Murray Bridge, Australia to Victoria & Vancouver Island, Canada and Columbia Cascade, USA June 12636 Southern Sydney, Australia to Brussels-Pajot, Belgium and Oxfordshire, UK June 12621 Noumea, New Caledonia to Kyoto-Fukuchiyama and Saitama, Japan June 12622 Wanganui and Otago, New Zealand to Cornwall, UK and Metropole Ruhr, Germany July 12641 Marlborough, New Zealand to Tweed Valley and Bundaberg, Australia July 12585 Perth, Australia to Seattle-Tacoma and Flathead Valley, USA and Medicine Hat, Canada July 12640 Christchurch, New Zealand to Sunshine Coast and Cairns, Australia July 12642 Southland and Tauranga Western Bay of Plenty, NZ to Tamworth and Brisbane, Australia August 12654 Manawatu, New Zealand to North Moreton and Queanbeyan-Canberra, Australia August 12650 Mount Gambier, Australia to Cape of Good Hope, South Africa August 12674 New Plymouth, New Zealand to Oklahoma, Chicago and Milwaukee, USA August 12675 Thames Coromandel, New Zealand to Edmonton and Area and Metro Vancouver, Canada September 12673 Auckland-N Shore & Howick, NZ to Bordeaux, France, Solothurn, Switzerland & Causeway Coast, UK September 12701 Kapiti Coast, New Zealand to Raleigh and Connecticut, USA and Quebec Region, Canada September 12661 Tweed Valley, Australia to Hay River and Lethbridge, Canada September 12659 Adelaide, Australia to Somerset, UK September 12529 Sydney, Australia to Belem, Piracicaba and Curitiba, Brazil September 12528 Hamilton and Waikato, New Zealand to Maringa and Sao Paulo, Brazil September 12690 Brisbane, Australia to Vogtland, Germany and Greater Manchester, UK October 12702 Taupo, New Zealand to Cankaya, Turkey and Tbilisi, Georgia October 12715 Gold Coast, Australia to Bandung, Indonesia and Taichung, Taiwan You can now download a complete list of all 2016 FFI Exchange Programs!! CLICK HERE
Submissions are due to the eflyer contact by the 20th of each month. Australian eflyer Contact: Jim Haxton hacco40@hotmail.com New Zealand eflyer Contact: Colin Ridge colinjanet@clear.net.nz OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION FFI Contact: Matthew Nidek, mnidek@thefriendshipforce.org Sign up to receive FFI news and notices! (Click HERE) Easy online currency conversion! $$$(Click HERE)$$$