Oh My Gosh - is it only 25 days away?

October 1, 2012 - oh my gosh is it only 25 days until we go to New Zealand? We have been at this planning game for so long now. Or should I more correctly say - Zosia has been doing a fantastic job of planning this trip for the Friendship Force for what seems like six months now, with me as her helper when she asks me. Not that I would sluff off what she asks me to do, but I didn't aggressively show initiative to take on tasks. I guess that stems from my old way of traveling - get the airplane tickets, rental car, a hotel, and pack the bags and away we go - we'll figure out the rest when we get there.

Zosia has taken on a far greater responsibility of getting group rates for the airlines, which led to finding a  travel agent to secure a few hotels for everyone, to planning the itinery in country. And doing the job of Exchange Director for the trip for Friendship Force; communicating with our hosts, funneling logistic information, side trip arranging, and everything.

Some of you all may not know about the Friendship Force (which I will affectionately refer to as FF from now on). FF was created 30 some years ago and introduced by President Jimmy Carter as a way to spread worldwide friendship and understanding. It started with a 747 plane full of people from Atlanta, Georgia, USA and fly to Manchester, England to stay in people's homes, understand other cultures and foster international Friendship. As the plan was heading East, the plane full of Britisher were heading West to stay with people in Atlanta. Though it turned out to be a major success, it would be a hard act to follow.

So the new Friendship Force was created with smaller clubs, and less lofty goals. Now we find FF clubs in 30 countries, and hundreds of US cities. The clubs sponsor inbound trips for people to come visit, and outward bound trips to go stay with the receiving club members. There seems no better way to see another place than to stay with a host, eat their food, see their daily activities, and party around with them as they show off their home city. And what fun to have people you do not know come stay with you for a week as you find ways with your fellow club members to entertain them and to show off your city and the world you live in.

Granted, it is not for everyone - many people want things just the way they want them and are disappointed when their expectations are not met. FF is not the kind of club that would satisfy those. But for the adventurous ones, one that are more adaptable, and surprise is seen as good and not a disappointment, this club may be for you.

More on the Club and its workings later. But today is all praise for Zosia for her hard work and attention to detail to make this trip a success. We had our last coordination meeting with the people going to New Zealand Saturday and everything is looking groovy. I think I will go and read the New Zealand newspapers to see what is keep the NZers awake at night. That is my way to endear myself to the host. Know the issues, successes, and news they see each day.  Joseph