I like the ideas of a shawl or pillows. I would not make a quilt from this as it is a good sized piece and reminiscent of your friend's trip. It is a beautiful yardage that I'd prefer it not be cut into smaller pieces. I sometimes do day trips with a local bus company and this would be a handy "poncho" type wrap for such an outing--easy to use as a coverlet on the coach but also as the light jacket/sweater sort of coat when moving about.