The story begins 7th June 2003 the year
We were bound for the trip of a lifetime - have no fear
We boarded the coach with Contiki in BOLD
And a couple of regulations and rules we were told.

We traveled to Harwich - a ferry to get
And by now our driver, cook and tour manager we'd met
Night one was spent on the boat - checking out who was who
We met our new group and had a drink or two.

Day two - it was Cuxhaven to start with was where we'd be found
As we drove through Germany - Copenhagen was where we were bound.
Into camp and Beck cooked dinner for us
The next morning we went into the city on the coach - not the bus.

Scott drove and Lou told us some stuff she thought we might need to know
Then into the Capital of Denmark to explore we did go
The rest of the day for us - it was free
And tonight we'd have a walkabout tea.

The next day it was Sweden where we'd be
And again at camp we had a fantastic tea
In Stockholm there was so much to do
And 1st it was the Town Hall with it's tower for the fantastic view.

The Royal Palace and the Vasa this afternoon
We agreed we liked Stockholm but the time was gone to soon
The weather improved - as further North we did head
In Oslo - it was a bonfire, a few beers and then bed.

Day Six and we've got a ski jump to see
Homlerkollen was impressive we all did agree
From the ski jump to town we did go
We had a few hours to explore - the Capital of Norway - Oslo.

The Viking or Kontiki museum was the next place we went
Then for a walkabout dinner were sent.

To the town Lillehammer - an ex-winter Olympic host
Then Bobsleighs - a lot thought they liked this the most.
From Bobsleighs to Dombas to see the troll shop
Andalsnes was where for 2 nights we'd stop.

Into town for some to a local bar for a few
And Scott's shirt he wore was really bad too
To get up the next morning for some was a pain
But it is the Trollstigen Road for its hairpin turns it has fame.

The scenery got better 'round every small bend
And the Geiranger Fjord Cruise - no exception - we didn't want it to end.

Our photo with "Hollywood" turned out well, we reckon
And tonight we watched the video "Bend it Like Beckham"
Up early again and Trondheim for day 10
We saw the fortress, and the cathedral from way back when.

After checking into the hostel - we headed to town
A walkabout, bowling and at a pub late some boogied on down
The next day our first stop was at a place they call "Hell"
We took a photo and most were happy to leave we could tell.

From Hell to Mo I Rana - the drive it was long
And these early mornings were starting to be - not different - just wrong
We had dinner and after one or 2 drinks
Then into our quiz teams cause it was time to think.

Day 12 the walk to see the Svartisen Glacier took our breath away
Then it was the Arctic Circle Center - about an hour away
Tonight some went flying and they had a great time
But it was moving too fast - we were gone the next day by nine.

Mo I Rana to Moen - it took us all day
And an early night for most, tonight did pay
Up at six and we were chasing the sun
Of the 8 percent that see the midnight sun - we hoped we'd be one.

We kept driving north until we were in Hammerfest
Dinner then up to Nordkapp - the optional most would like best
The drive was long to Nordkapp - on the coach, not the bus
But we saw the midnight sun, and no one can take that away from us.

We arrived back at camp at around about three
Asleep, then fishing in the Norwegian Sea
Jumping into the freezing cold water was next on the agenda for some
Mad, if you ask me - but they claim they had fun.

We've been as far north as we could possible go
So we headed to Finland, which is south you know
Rovaniemi tonight was where we'd stay
Then to the bar for a drink after a very long day

In Rovaniemi we had to visit a very important guy
Santa's house - some had their photo with him - those who weren't shy
From Rovaniemi to Jyvaskyla tonight for Christmas tea
Then handing out presents from Secret Santa was where we'd be.

The pace was now moving a little too fast
'Cause today we drive to Helsinki - our stop that is last
We've had a great time, but the end is in sight
And Helsinki is where as one group - we'll spend our very last night.

Not to worry, there's still a lot more to see
And today you'll have time to look at and we've still got our final night tea
For those going to Russia - it's an experience you'll never forget
And for us on the "Love Boat" we'll have a great time, you can bet.

But regardless today as we travel to Helsinki - it's sad
But we now need to focus on the fun that we've had
Remember that memories that are good do not fade
And neither will any of the friendships we've made.

You've been a great group, one of the best we've had yet
And you'll see us again one day you can bet
For the mean time, 'tis farewell from Scott, Beck and I
As we'd like to say thank you and also goodbye.


           c. Louise Clarke, 2003