From Romania to Southern Arizona, Rotary friendship took center stage as visiting Rotarians spent several days discovering local history, culture and communities while building friendships with their American counterparts. As part of a Rotary Friendship Exchange with District 5500, a team from our area visited Romania for 10 days last May. The second part is they visit us. The Romanian visitors explored Sonoita, Sierra Vista, Bisbee and Tombstone, experiencing the hospitality and unique character of southern Arizona along the way.
Their visit began with a potluck welcome supper hosted by local Rotarians and their families. The evening offered an opportunity to share food, stories and laughter while welcoming the guests and beginning new international friendships.
The following day, the Romanian Rotarians traveled to Bisbee, where they explored local museums and visited the historic Old Cochise County Courthouse. They also met local county judges before enjoying lunch at the Legion restaurant. The group then traveled to Sonoita, visiting the Fairgrounds and local museum. They visited Rotary Park, learned about the community and preparations for the upcoming fair and asked questions of residents involved in making the event a success. The day concluded with a barbecue dinner at Twisted Union Winery.
The next day brought a trip to Hereford visiting a Rotary service project, then on to Tombstone, where the visitors enjoyed the town’s activities and dressed in period costumes. That evening, the group gathered at Doc’s Watering Hole for dinner and dancing.
The Romanian Rotarians then continued their Arizona journey to Tubac and Tucson. Their visit created lasting memories and new friendships, highlighting Rotary’s ability to connect people and communities across the world.
