I wrestled with joining WEO for a couple of weeks back in 1997 and finally decided the initiation fee and yearly dues were going to be worth the price.  Within a month of joining, I got an email from YEO/WEO headquarters that they had arranged a special "cultural exchange" trip for 150 members to Havana, Cuba leaving from Miami.  The trip was to be first to sign up first to go.  Being a travel nut, I jumped on the reply and was one of the lucky 150 selected. 

This amazing trip was my first exposure to other members from all over the world and friendships soon developed that have lasted a decade.  YEO and the Cuban government treated us like VIPs.  The highlight was a 2 hour outdoor dinner show put on by the Cubans for us in the church square in Old Havana.  There was a full orchestra and choir, 50 dancers, and 3 of the best singers in the country.  In fact, the next night we were hosted at the world famous Copacabana and it seemed like amateur hour after the other show we saw. 

On the flight back to Miami, I went up to then CEO Brien Biondi and told him that after this trip, he had my loyalty to EO for at least the next ten years!  Since then there have been many other highlights during Universities (the Playboy Mansion for one more example), with the Philly Chapter and in Forum.  Looking back, joining 10 years ago was a GREAT decision!  As I close in on age 50 later this year, I hope the younguns don't try to kick me out!