Hi everyone,
Just wanted to say hi and hopefully meet some people in the process. There are four of us are travelling together ...all from Australia. Ed, Andrew, Katie and myself (Semonne). Looks like there are a lots of Aussies travelling so we will have a blast. Not long to go now...cant wait. The best thing about all of this, the big save ($$$$) is over and now we get to spend it all. Drop us a line and say hello.....

Hi Guys,
My friend Brooke and I (Trace) are doing the same tour with you after our Sept 2 was cancelled. We are another 2 Auzzie gals from Central Vic, Brooke is 19 and I'm 21. Cant wait to meet you all! Countdown is definately on!!

Hi Brooke and Trace,
Thanks for the message, not long to go now. We are all between 24 / 25.....oldies I know. I cant wait to meet everyone. Have you guys received your contiki packs/itinery yet?

hey guys, just recieved all packs and info. time to get excited! see you in a few weeks!

ANYONE UP FOR A WHITE HOUSE TOUR?

Hi guys - The White House does have inside tours but it's a pain in the butt to organise but I'm willing to give it a shot. I'm going to send an email to Thomas.Corcoran@dfat.gov.au (from the Australian Embassy in Washington) and tell him that a few of us on Contiki Tour 'TLALA' wish to try and coordinate an inside tour of the White House on Saturday 30th of September (it's closed Sunday). If nine other people do the same ASAP (making sure to include our tour group code) we may have a chance. So if interested please read below:


"Public tours of the White House are available for groups of ten (10) or more people. Australian nationals traveling in groups of ten (10) or more can apply to the Australian Embassy in Washington, D.C.

For tours apply to

Attn: Mr. Thomas Corcoran
Travel Manager and Visits Liaison Officer
Embassy of Australia
1601 Massachusetts Ave., NW
Washington, D.C. 20036
Tel: (+0011 1) 202 797-3186
Fax: (+0015 1) 202 797-3331
E-mail: Thomas.Corcoran@dfat.gov.au.

The application must be submitted no less than one month and no more than six months before the planned visit. The application should clearly state the desired date or range of dates for the tour, which will be self-guided, and each member of the group must provide: full name, date and place of birth, country of origin (nationality/citizenship), passport number and country of issue, and, where applicable, U.S. social security number and U.S. citizenship status. Embassy of Australia staff will evaluate the request and then decide whether or not to forward the application to the White House. Requesters should understand that there is no guarantee that the White House will approve the request as tours are scheduled on a first come, first served basis."

Like I said pain in the butt but what an opportunity! Thanks and can't wait to meet you all.
Steve.