Los Angeles, California

Melody hails from the great state of South Dakota! Can’t go into high school escapades here, but good to note she was friends with the future Governor of her state amongst other notable South Dakotans. A graduate of Arizona State University, she quickly moved to Hollywood, where she found that her talents were best suited for film production. She worked with some of the greats: Mr. Holland, Johnny Castle, Laverne, Bluto and Horshak before found the first ever Video Tape Library where she pioneered the field of film clips. Becoming involved in Rotary after marrying Paul, she is a proud member of Rotary Club of Hollywood having held almost every board position. Having run out of titles at her club, she will be 5280 District Governor in 2019-20. She loves sun and fun, her little and not so little ones at home Black Jack and Riley, and has dedicated the last 30 years  to Rotary Youth Exchange. That’s a lot of kids.

Los Angeles, California

When Paul puts his mind to something it becomes a reality, just like this Train Tour 21 years ago. Kids and chaperones may come and go – and come back – but Paul never waivers in his dedication to this annual journey. Born and raised in Lalaland, with a high school stint in Martinsville, Indiana, he got time off for good behavior and returned to Long Beach State. He is a CPA by trade – which means he is really good with numbers – but will never cook the books. Because he wasn’t busy enough, he took a full-time teaching job at Fullerton College, where he delights in the annual Professor Halloween costume competition – just kidding – he dreads it. He has gone as a Minion and Harlem Globetrotter. Paul is a loyal Rotarian of LA5 (5th Rotary Club in the world), and a proud host father to 21 exchange students, stepfather to Dr. Nicole (Ph.D.), and Grandpa to Reese and Jack who will be visiting after the Train Tour. Ask Paul about the Rotary dinner/shot glass incident.

Long Beach, Califronia

My Name is Joe Harding. I've been working with Rotary Youth for over 20 years, serving as the District 5280 RYLA Chair. Rotary has taken me all over the world on many humanitarian trips. My family has hosted three exchange students in our home (Japan, Brazil & Ireland) and this will be my 3rd Train Tour. I've run 8 Marathons raising funds for polio eradication. You'll find me up early every day on the tour for the morning run in each city so I look forward to showing you around before everyone wakes up. Its a fun way to explore the city and see everything people free. I do my best to enjoy every moment and strive to live life looking up and not at my tiny phone screen. I'm looking forward to sharing the USA with all of you.

Los Angeles, California

Hello! This is my second Train Tour. I have been in Rotary for 14 years. I have 2 adult children, Elisabeth and Sean. Elisabeth is joining us on the tour this year. I also have 3 amazing (large) dogs. I love to travel, mainly because I love to meet new people with different backgrounds. When I go to work, I work as a Registered Nurse. My favorite game is Spot It and any game Joe brings to the table! I’m looking forward to the 2018 Train Tour!

Los Angeles, California

E - Elisabeth Davis, daughter of Train Tour Chaperone Veteran, Diane Davis
L - Lived in LA my whole life, but only met like 3 famous people total (LOL)
I - In N Out is my favorite food ever of all time
S - Stereotypical California girl & super awesome at acrostic poems
A - A graduate student of University of Southern California aka USC, the greatest university in the world
B - Believer in the 4th of July being the best holiday ever & that country music is the best music ever
E - Embarrassingly obsessed with cute animal videos & romantic comedies
T - Traveled to very few countries & states, but I’m still young so that’s okay... I have plenty of time to see the world
H - Happy to be here & happy to travel to some pretty cool places with y’all

Madrid, Spain

My name is Ramon and I am a photographer who dreams a lot and doesn't sleep. I lived in Los Angeles, Alicante, Toulouse, Boston and Madrid.  I have been in more than 26 countries with my backpack and my camera. I am orillinally from a small village in Alicante in the east coast of Spain and I did my exchange in  Redlands, California in 2011/2012.  I have a big family back at home and every sunday we meet to eat Paella, my fauvorite food in the world!

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