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Louisiana: Pick Your Passion
Global / Themed Exchange
April 6 - 18, 2016
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Louisiana: Pick Your Passion was a Global / Themed Exchange from April 6 through 18, 2016. Members of FFBR got to share their passion for Louisiana; her food, her culture, her history, and most importantly our southern hospitality with 27 ambassadors from across the United States, Australia and Canada. Hosting a Global/Themed Exchange was a first for the club, but as usual, members pulled together and created an exciting 12-day exchange that, based on the evaluations submitted, will be remembered by ambassadors for years to come. The exchange began at the Hyatt French Quarter just as the French Quarter Festival was kicking off for three days and nights of non-stop music, food and fun. The highlight for many of the ambassadors was participating in a parade down Bourbon Street, an experience that none of the ambassadors had ever had and will never forget.
After leaving New Orleans, ambassadors were taken to Baton Rouge where they were greeted by their hosts. At the Welcome Party that night, they learned how to dance like a true 'Cajun and were introduced to jambalaya, a true Louisiana delicacy. They also learned how to two-step and participated in a second line. The following day was set aside to introduce our ambassadors to black heritage and culture highlighted with a concert by the Heritage Choir and a “soul food supper.” The exchange began in earnest the next day when ambassadors were taken to 'Cajun Country for two days and given the opportunity to learn about our rice industry, watch our famous Louisiana Tabasco hot sauce being made, visit beautiful Jefferson Island gardens, and even sip a mint julep on the veranda of the mansion. A highlight for many was a swamp tour through Lake Martin to see lots of Louisiana nature including turtles, alligators, birds, and cypress trees. Our Canadian ambassadors were especially moved by a visit to the Evangeline monument commemorating the hardships endured by the Canadians who finally settled in Louisiana.
For the next five days Ambassadors were given the opportunity to experience life on an oil rig, sample some of Louisiana’s best food, visit plantations, and experience Southern hospitality in the homes of their hosts. At Frogmore Plantation Ambassadors got to witness a slave wedding and hear the songs that were common on the plantations. The farewell to the exchange was their introduction to Louisiana crawfish at a traditional boil. Ambassadors left not only knowing how to “pinch the tails and suck the heads” but having a passion for Louisiana …. and Friendship Force Baton Rouge.
Special thanks to the ED for this event. Bob and Gayle Duncan did a wonderful job!
After leaving New Orleans, ambassadors were taken to Baton Rouge where they were greeted by their hosts. At the Welcome Party that night, they learned how to dance like a true 'Cajun and were introduced to jambalaya, a true Louisiana delicacy. They also learned how to two-step and participated in a second line. The following day was set aside to introduce our ambassadors to black heritage and culture highlighted with a concert by the Heritage Choir and a “soul food supper.” The exchange began in earnest the next day when ambassadors were taken to 'Cajun Country for two days and given the opportunity to learn about our rice industry, watch our famous Louisiana Tabasco hot sauce being made, visit beautiful Jefferson Island gardens, and even sip a mint julep on the veranda of the mansion. A highlight for many was a swamp tour through Lake Martin to see lots of Louisiana nature including turtles, alligators, birds, and cypress trees. Our Canadian ambassadors were especially moved by a visit to the Evangeline monument commemorating the hardships endured by the Canadians who finally settled in Louisiana.
For the next five days Ambassadors were given the opportunity to experience life on an oil rig, sample some of Louisiana’s best food, visit plantations, and experience Southern hospitality in the homes of their hosts. At Frogmore Plantation Ambassadors got to witness a slave wedding and hear the songs that were common on the plantations. The farewell to the exchange was their introduction to Louisiana crawfish at a traditional boil. Ambassadors left not only knowing how to “pinch the tails and suck the heads” but having a passion for Louisiana …. and Friendship Force Baton Rouge.
Special thanks to the ED for this event. Bob and Gayle Duncan did a wonderful job!
On Saturday, March 19, hosts met to go over the schedule for the Pick Your Passion Global exchange.