| Subject: Another year gone |
Author:
Nathan
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Date Posted: 03:55:28 10/01/03 Wed
In reply to:
Jax
's message, "Hi everybody!" on 07:09:03 08/28/03 Thu
Hi all
It has been a while since I told you all of my adventures, and they have been a plenty this year. So here's a complete wrap for the year.
After a whirlwind trip home in Febraury, surprising most people, and a quick stop in Japan on the way back. It was back to Contiki land. In March did more training down in Spain, then had my first tour of the year in April. A very small group, only 25, London to Athens, but with the party hard driver to beat all, tried to keep up at the beginning, but had to admit defeat.
After that, as it was a bit quiet at the beginning of the year, damn war and SARS, I had two weeks off, so escaped over to Amsterdam. The Dutch were having their national celebrations on April 30th, Queens Day, and since their Queen's last name is orange, guess what everybody does on this day? Yep, imagine around 15 of us mad Contiki people on holiday all in very bright orange. Great day, even the rain didn't dampen the fun, although it did make my hairspray turn my face luminous orange. Awesome.
Then back to work, did the first Spanish Highlights trip for the year, so go to go to Ibiza, but too early in the season, so none of the big clubs open yet. Damn, so close but yet so far. Then it was a whizzbang 10 day tour, immediately followed by the next shortest tour, 14 days. Actually got a bit sick around here too, not good when your constantly on the go. But I survived. Had my birthday in Lauterbrunnen, treated myself to a helicopter ride thru the Swiss alps, we even landed on the glacier.
After those two tours, got put on charter tours, challenging. University students from USA all studying Law, and doing a study abroad thingey. And with an Italian driver, with a coach with little AC. Mmmm. But did get to escape to Prague in the middle of this charter. As beautiful as I had heard and cheap.
Then for something completely different, a 35 day camping tour, only had 5 over 20, the rest were GAP 18/19 students. Thought it would be tough, but turned out to be the best tour of the year. Awesome kids, had an absolute blast with them all.
Had five days off, so made it to the Edinburgh Finge festival, and saw Caleb's play. Then it was the Spanish wilderness for the rest of the year. That's one regret for the extra training. Spain is great, but I get Spanish and Italian drivers, not Contiki guys, and I don't bump into any other Tour Managers at all, so gets a bit lonely.
I had two Spanish Highlights, back to back, so two times to Ibiza in two weeks. Finally made it to the legendary clubs, and oh my god! Amazing. Manumission capacity 13 000. That's right. Water party where we all get drenched and love it. Dancing to DJ Sammy, Paul Oakenfeld and Tiesto and getting paid. Yeah baby.
The last tour of the year was Rome to Madrid. Great group, most reminded me of my Contiki tour, very fun social group. But a challenge with an Italian driver, me no Italian, him no english. Lots of hand signals.
Now it's all over for the year, back for more next year. But you know me, can't sit still. Have two weeks in London, to sort visas out. Then a big bunch of us are doing a 10 day Ireland tour, including Big G. 7 Contiki guys, poor tour manager. Then back for the Contiki staff party, then SE Asia for 5 weeks. Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. Home, yes you heard it, on Dec 12th. This time you have been warned, so for those in Adelaide, I expect a big welcoming party at the airport. I want banners, screaming girlies, media coverage, the works.
See you all soonish
Nathan McBain
+44 77 3656 1694
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