Hello and Welcome,
I'm not really in Cyprus, but it would not let me pick Australia. So Cyprus it is!

I am still in the research-ready-to-book stage of the trip and I' still in my half-hearted-attempt-at-saving stage too. Disipline is what I need, So with my mother I have put set out a little budget- Gee it is frightening! What?! No spending money now?! I am lacking a bit of foresight... Oh well... Strick budget now!

Along with this Budget I made a Christmas wishlist full of things I need for my trip, I have been looking at d*** Smith for a Small Camcorder - $198.00 for a pocket sized video camera - bargain! It charges in a USB Port! 'It's On the list' as Andrew O'Keefe would say. Also a I put a small Olympus Camera called Tough on the list. Exactly what I need. Both Lightweight and pocket sized.

I have been studying up on what to pack and as far as I can tell - alot in a little case. I don't really want to be carting a heavy anything across anywhere! More to come on my packing list.....

In the last week or so when the deadline is looming to start booking everything, I have given in and booked a tour. Everything seems to overwhelming as a first-time overseas traveller. So i have opted for a Winter 16 day Contiki tour through Europe (European Encounter), with a Few days in London either side to visit my friend Marlee. Picking a tour was hard too! I hastly booked my flights in May and didnt leave very much time 15 days. So I called Cathay Pacific yesterday and free of charge I can have my first flight changed free of charge so instead of flying in on the 7th I am flying in on the 1st or 2nd, with the Contiki starting on Saturday the 5th. I am really excited about this Contiki tour - I am sure I am going to freeze but at least I will be out and experiencing other cultures at the least expensive time.
AND according to my schedule it looks like I will be celebtrating my 22nd in Rome! All in all it costs around $2200. I thought that was pretty decent!

Oh well I better get off here, and research some more.

Cheerio

J