One of the many advantages of being a member of Rotary International is the worldwide extended family you immediately have access to. Club Friendship Exchange is an opportunity to meet other Rotarians when travelling internationally, accept their hospitality in enthusiastically showing off their country and the Rotary projects they are involved in.
Rotary Centurion was fortunate enough in September 2015 to host three members of the Redding East Rotary club in California, USA. Thanks to Marilyn for organizing this opportunity.
Deb, Cyndy, and Ken arrived on 19th September and were originally hosted by our President Felicity Jones. A jam packed itinerary saw our guests visiting the Cullinan Diamond Mine, Apartheid Museum, Wits Origins Centre, Sterkfontein Caves, Maropeng, Cradle of Humankind, Lesedi Cultural Centre, Hartebeespoort Dam, De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Centre, and the Elephant Sanctuary. They also spent a day with Marilyn visiting different friends of hers in the township of Olievenhoutbosch where they were treated to an impromptu musical performance at one home and a nice cooked lunch at another.
There was also an opportunity to meet our South African Rotarians in their home environment and get to know them more socially. Thanks to Felicity & Leon, Kim & Glen, Dave & Sarah, Dennis & Patty, and Sibylle & Eric, for opening up their homes and cooking traditional South African meals.
Rotary Centurion was also very proud to show off some of our projects were are active with and talk to our visiting Rotarians about their efforts in the USA. Wonderful experience overall and another great reason for joining Rotary if you haven’t done so already.