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We organized an international fellowship project in 2000.

Twenty one Rotarians and Anns from seven countries spent the new millennium (January 9 through 13) with us. They were from Argentina, Australia, France, Sweden, Switzerland, UK and Malaysia.

During a whirlwind week, they enjoyed tourist outings, cultural attractions, visits to service projects, shopping expeditions.

Our guests toured the rock temples of Mahabalipuram (a UNESCO heritage attraction), acquainted themselves with Dakshin Chitra (a permanent exhibition-cum-museum on the four states of south India), visited the San Thome church and the Kapaleeswarar temple, shopped for silk, table linen, wooden inlay artifacts and handicrafts.

They drove to Kancheepuram (three hours away from Chennai) and were fascinated by the traditional silk weaving centers there. They watched the renovation of a traditional temple by skilled artisans. In between, of course, they went round some of our service projects, met schoolchildren, and were entertained several times over lunch and dinner, music and dance by our club members.

Rtn. Hans Setz &Ann Karin ( Switzerland)

Said Hans Setz "It wasn't a travel agent waiting for us at the airport, but an ex-Rotary Governor himself, Rtn Ramakrishna Raja and his wife." Hans returned to Chennai three years later just to attend the wedding of the daughter of Rtn. Sriprakash.

 

Rtn. Olof Madebrink & Ann Elizabeth ( Sweden)

 

Liz and Olof Madebrink of Sweden said "Our trip was like a dream from start to finish. We had a wonderful host couple who did everything for us. By everything, we mean EVERYTHING."

Rtn. Haroldo Scarpecio & Ann Gladis with their son
(Argentina)

Rtn. Neveu Yves & Ann Marie (France)

Rtn. Terry Parer & Ann Jennifer (Australia)

Jean-Francois Hamel & Ann Jenny (France)

Rtn. Henri Delekta & Ann Christiane

Rtn. Betty Ashburner (UK)

Rtn. Colin Devlin (Australia)

Rtn. Piere Gojard & Ann Magali (France)

Rtn. Balachandran & Ann Vishalakshi

 What did we get out of the whole enterprise?

We celebrated international fellowship, and understood Rotary better than ever before. Senior members called it "the most exciting event in the history of our club.". We made the most memorable start to the new millennium. Some collaboration with service projects has ensued.

Some lasting friendships were made. Haroldo Scarpecio celebrated his birthday during dinner at the home of Rtn. S R Madhu. He could speak only Spanish, but we arranged a Spanish interpreter. Said Haroldo, "It's like home."