Outbound: Friendship Force of Filobobos, Altotonga, Mexico, November 2010

Lincoln has been assigned an exchange with Filobobos, Mexico for 2010.  Where’s that, you ask?  Originally the Friendship Force of Altotonga, Filobobos is a new club including the small cities of Altotonga, Perote, Atzalan, and Tlapacoyan.   These appear to be suburbs of Xalapa (Jalapa), the capitol of the state of Veracruz.

Located in the Sierra Madre Mountains, Filobobos is about 200 miles east of Mexico City.  At 6,600 ft. above sea level, the temperature is pleasant year-round.  The area is known for whitewater rafting.

The exchange is planned for the last week of October, 2010.  This should coincide with the Lincoln Public Schools’ holiday in case parents/grandparents would like to take older children/grandchildren, especially those interested in history or speaking Spanish.  A passport will be needed.

Planned activities include a welcome party; visits to the Archeological Museum, State Congress, an old “hacienda,” and a coffee plantation; visits to the Archeological and Ecotourist Zones with rafting possibility; and an optional tour to the Totonic ruins of Tajin.

A 3-4 day pre-exchange tour is planned to include the ancient Aztec city of Teotihuacan, Xochimilco floating gardens, the National Museum of Anthropology and the Folkloric Ballet in Mexico City; the silver city of Taxco; and Puebla.

A post-exchange tour to Oaxaca will include the Zapotec ruins of Monte Alban and Mitla and a night visit to cemeteries to view Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) decorations, foods, and activities.  The Day of the Dead includes All Saints Day and All Souls Day, and is a major fiesta throughout Mexico.

The cost of the exchange will be determined later once tour prices are established.

If you would be interested in additional information as it becomes available, please contact either of the exchange co-directors, Pat King, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or Julie Albrecht, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .