Day 10 - See-ya Temecula and Hello Corona

Today started on a slightly somber note as we said 'see you later' to Temecula (goodbye is too final) and our host families who have all been absolutely wonderful since we arrived on Sunday. But a new adventure was beginning and we were all looking forward to Corona and meeting our new host families.

After meeting our host families at Tom's Farm and settlling into what will be our new homes for the next five nights, we met many Circle City and Corona Club Rotarians at a welcoming party hosted by Lilliana Castro. Big thanks to Lilliana as the Mexican food was just as spectacular as the view was breathtaking!



While we all can't wait to see what Corona has install for us, I'd like to mention a few highlights of our Temecula stay.

The Perris Sky Dive simulation was awesome fun (thanks to Steve and Vicki Wallace) and we all enjoyed the private tour of the Budweiser Clydesdale breeding farm (thanks Reagan Whiteman).

I know us girls really enjoyed the visit to the Temecula Fire Station and the State Fire and Sheriff's air units in Hemet, and the tour of Temecula's beautiful wine region was spectacular (thanks to Kim Kelliher). We all had a great time chatting to the students at McSweeny Junior High and San Diego was definitely a highlight with a private tour of the harbour (thanks Jon and Linda Atwell) and lunch at Hotel Del Coronado.

Everyone enjoyed their vocational days, however on a personal note I had great fun with Judy Zulfiqar of RKR Media at her office and also at two local radio stations and the local TV station KZSWTV.

In the afternoon I spent time with Melanie and Betty from the Community Education team at Eastern Municipal Water District, and it was interesting to note that they have similar water issues to us in WA.

They also have desalination plants here in California, however instead of seawater, they convert salty non-consumable groundwater into potable water which will help reduce future demand for imported water but more importantly, protects the higher quality groundwater nearby by keeping the brackish water from intruding.

I know I can speak for all team members when I say that we had a fantastic time with our host families. The warm welcome and generousity of our families, and in fact all Rotarians involved with our stay, has been overwhelming.

And last but certainly not least a BIG thank you to area coordinator Allan Orr. The organisation of the last six days has been brilliant and we really enjoyed spending time with both Allan and Patsy.