PAST JOURNEYS
Omaha, Nebraska - May 23-29, 2026- OUTBOUND
Omaha was an OUTBOUND JOURNEY that occured on May 23 through 29, 2026. Ten Memphis members participated. Points of interest were the Lewis and Clark Trail Museum, Union Pacific Railroad Museum, Joselyn Art Museum, Pioneer Courage Park, Durham Western Heritage Museum, and Boy’s Town Tour and Museum.
The Omaha journey ended with an add-on with a trip to Mt. Rushmore and the South Dakota Badlands
Alajuela, Costa Rica - November 1-7, 2019 - OUTBOUND
Alajuela, Costa Rica was an OUTBOUND JOURNEY that occured on November 1 through November 7, 2019. Five FF Memphis members accompanied the Austin, Texas Friendship Force chapter on the journey they initiated.
Costa Rica has a population over 4 million. The country has a very stable tourisim industry. Besides tourism, Costa Rica exports coffee, bananas, beef, sugar, and cocoa.
Costa Rica is dedicated to conserving its natural resources by protecting all animal species, the forrest and jungles. Costa Rica is known by the term Pura Vida. Literaly in English, the phrase means pure life. However, the Costa Ricans use the phrase as hello, goodbye, thank you, you’re welcome, no worries, or life is beautiful.
Bogotá, Colombia - October 9-16, 2018 - OUTBOUND
Bogotá, Colombia was an OUTBOUND JOURNEY that occured on October 9 through October 16, 2018. This journey was organized by the Austin, Texas chapter where Memphis joined. There was an add-on at the end to Cartagena, Colombia. A number of places were visited as shown in the travel summary, followed by a photo gallery.
Day 1 (Wed) Began with a trip to the Ministry of Culture of Colombia. Traveling to this event took us through the Plaza de Bolivar, the main central square in Bogotá. Adjacent to the Ministry of Culture is the Museum Santa Clara. We ended the day trip with much fun at the welcoming party put on by the Bogotá host families.
Day 2 (Thur) Began with a trip outside Bogotá to a rose farm tour in the town of Toancipa. Near the rose farm, a visit was made to the beautiful church of the Basilica Nuestra Señora de Fatima. Next, lunch at the Universidad de la Sabana. From lunch, the city of Zipaquirá was visited. First, to meet the mayor, and visit city hall. Then, winding up at the very famous Salt Cathedral nearby.
Day 3 (Fri) This was a free day with the host families. A primary attraction this day was to visit the Museo de Oro
(Gold Museum), or the museo de Fernando Botero, known for his portrayal of subjects being “fat”.
Day 4 (Sat) This was a day trip outside of Bogotá to the Villa de Leyva, stopping along the way to visit the monument of Símon Bolivar. Lunch was had at a very nice hotel.
Day 5 (Sun) This was another free day with the host family. Some found their way to the crazy “Restuarante de Qudrés Carne de Res”. Halloween must be a big event in Colombia by the antics in this restaurant.
Day 6 (Mon) A farewell party given by the host families. No farewell party would be complete without Woody Pierce and his Elvis impersonation. The Colombian ladies loved it!
Day 7 (Tue) Departed Bogotá for a four day side trip to Cartagena, not part of the Friendship Force travels.
Crystal Bridges - September 27-28, 2018 - Friendly JAUNT
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is an art museum located in Bentonville, Arkansas, which opened to the public on November 11, 2011, and was founded by Alice Walton , the heir of Sam Walton’s Wal-Mart dynasty. This journey was an LOCAL JAUNT that occured on September 27 and 27, 2018.
