FFMV Welcomes
NORDERSTEDT
GERMANY

18 – 25 September 2026

INBOUND

FF NORDERSTEDT

Host Coordinators – Gurin and Joanne

Friendship Force Metro Vancouver fondly reflects on the wonderful week shared with our visiting Ambassadors from Norderstedt, Germany, from September 18 to 25. This reciprocal Journey brought old friends together again and gave everyone the chance to make new ones.

From the White Rock pier to the Sea to Sky Highway, we showed our guests the best of Metro Vancouver and shared stories over home-hosted dinners along the way. Highlights included a welcome picnic and tribute to Orest, our FFMV founder; the Museum of Anthropology and the Aquabus ferries to Granville Island; an outstanding Britannia Mine tour followed by a salmon picnic and cornhole on Bowen Island; and a Greek farewell feast in Langley with speeches, poems and songs.

A heartfelt thank you to our hosts and participants. Your hospitality and enthusiasm made this exchange so meaningful. Together, we keep building friendships that span continents and create memories to treasure.

Missed this one? Stay tuned for upcoming opportunities to join us in fostering global connections through Friendship Force!

Relive the Journey! Explore the unforgettable highlights from our latest adventure with FF NORDERSTEDT, and get inspired by the moments that make Friendship Force unique. View the Journey Highlights and see the world through our shared experiences!

See the Memories!

Take a look back at our week together! Use the arrows on either side to browse the photos, or swipe on your phone.

September 18: Day 1 Arrival Day
We had a picnic at Derek Double Day Arboretum for 7 Ambassadors with early arrivals, which was enjoyed with a walk and a tribute to Orest, our FFMV Founder. We enjoyed meeting our previous hosts for this reciprocal Journey and connecting with our new friends.

September 19: Welcome Luncheon White Rock Day with Home Hosted Dinner
Our Luncheon provided us the opportunity to meet our Ambassadors as a group. The Menu was received with great service and our Welcome to Vancouver cake was allowed. Busy at Stewart Farm with the Harvest Festival added to the venue. Crescent beach had a bonus Canoe race and Art Display for added fun. White Rock Peer walk and views was enjoyed by all. Ambassadors were super happy with home dinners and the opportunity for small group connections.

September 20: Vancouver day
The Museum of Anthropology was appreciated for the History of BC, and our Indigenous peoples, by all of us. Granville Island and the Aquabus ferries were a hit, and Stanley Park, is always well received. Fly Over Canada was great for most, but some had slight motion sickness. We enjoyed the walk through historic Gas Town, and the Spaghetti Factory or Home dinners were a delight. Another chance for a small groups to share and connect. A perfect Vancouver Day!

September 21: Steveston Day
Our Ambassadors really enjoyed the Gulf of Georgia Cannery and the pizza was well received by most. The Hosts were treated to dinner out, at a variety of venues, and our new and old friendships were nurtured.

September 22 Free Day
Ambassadors enjoyed a variety of excursions around the city and enjoyed a relaxing day with their hosts.

September 23: North Shore Britannia Mine + Bowen Island Day
Britannia Mine tour was a highlight with the tour guide being extraordinary! The Drive up the Sea to Sky Highway and Shannon Falls Picnic were noted to have been spectacular for views and nature. The relaxing Ferry ride was appreciated for the seashore mountains and our BC coastline. Our Ambassadors enjoyed a short nature hike followed by a grand picnic, complete with salmon and games of Corn Hole! Another day filled with the fabulous nature of Metro Vancouver and friendships blooming.

September 24: Langley Day
Everyone enjoyed the Caves from When Calls The Heart at the James Town Movie Set. The Bison burgers, Brewery and the Farm in general were super interesting. Everyone enjoyed Fort Langley, the quaint village, the BC history and farm Museum. The Classic Car Display was a highlight for all. The Farewell dinner was a delicious Greek Smorgasbord, and the evening was completed with a Guest Speaker from the RCMP, Speeches, Poems and songs performed!