14 very excited Ambassadors left at the end of May for our club's first international journey (alias exchange). First a short stopover in LA where we toured, recovered from jetlag and rubbed shoulders with the stars (or at least the stars on the footpath outside Grumman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood).

Our first journey was with the Friendship Force of Kansas in Wichita. The week's activities included the Sedgwick County Zoo, Big Dog Motorcycle Mfg, a trip to Hutchinson's Cosmosphere and Salt Mine. We were also treated to a bus trip to Abilene and the Flint Hills to visit the Eisenhower Museum and the Z Bar Ranch and had dinner in Hays House, the oldest restaurant on that side of the Mississippi. In addition many outings were enjoyed with our hosts ensuring lasting friendships being made.

We next enjoyed a 3 day R&R in Atlanta Georgia including a trip to the Friendship Force Head Office where we were treated to a sneak preview of the new logo and website.

A short train trip away to our second journey in Birmingham Alabama. Here we were treated to a local BBQ, visiting the Governor's Mansion in Montgomery, the George & Martha Washington Museum, Columbiana, a recreation of an American Village, as well as a pool party at a members home. Most of us managed to include a visit to the Civil Rights Institute which we found very moving. For the quilters in the group (and some non quilters) we even managed to visit a 'Quilt Show' which was amazing and one of the highlights.

Our last journey was to the Friendship Force Club of Northern Illinois. Here we were treated to a tour of the Botanical Gardens, a day in downtown Chicago touring the Chicago Cultural Centre, Millennium Park and the "Bean" (we were lucky enough to hear the Chicago Symphony Orchestra give a concert) and a spectacular view and lunch on the 95th floor of the John Hancock Centre. A fantastic experience for all was touring the Frank Lloyd Wright House and Studio followed by a private tour around the neighbourhood to see other homes he had designed.

Of course all these journeys were accompanied by lots of fabulous food and wonderful new friends made. The experience of our first international journey will be with us for ever.