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Blue Mountain, Australia report by Mary Lou Balazs (ED) is that 14 ambassadors, consisting of 3 couples, 7 single ladies, and 1 gentleman, are coming June 15-22nd . They will be arriving to us just after a 1st week in Kansas and a 2nd week in Alabama.

The Blue Mountain club is a little unique in that the "city" they are from is formed by the amalgamation of a number of villages that straddle the main highway link west going over the mountain range from Sydney to Bathurst. They are the only city in the world that is wholly within a world heritage national park. The mountain range goes the whole length of the east coast of Australia (collectively called The Great Dividing Range) but also called the Blue Mountains. Most of their members live in these villages, but some do come from Penrith at the eastern foot of the mountains and Lithgow, at the western foot of the mountains.

Blue Mountain Australia Incoming Exchange Schedule
June 15-22, 2008
Mary Lou Balazs, Exchange Director
847-205-1705, cell 847-903-2108

Day 1:  Sunday, June 15
Group will be arriving approximately 4:10PM at O'Hare.  
Evening free for Ambassadors and Hosts to get acquainted.

Day 2:  Monday, June 16
9:30 - Chicago Botanic Gardens in Highland Park.   Docent tour of gardens.
Lunch at the Garden Café at your own expense.  After lunch, view model Railroad Garden 
and/or Garden gift shop.  Fee for railroad garden is $4/member, $5 adult.

At 2:30, we will drive to the Baha'i Temple, 100 Linden Ave., at  Sheridan Road, Wilmette.  
Docent will conduct tour of Temple and grounds.  Optional stop at Gillson Park, across from Baha'i Temple, 
to view Lake Michigan.

6 PM - Welcome Pot Luck dinner for Ambassadors and Home Hosts only, hosted by Ludwina & Bill Homer.

Day 3:  Tuesday, June 17
Free day with Host Family.  Possible alternate day host or dinner parties.

Day 4:  Wednesday, June 18
9:45 - We will meet inside the Chicago Cultural Center, located on Michigan Ave. between Washington >br>
and Randolph streets at the Randolph St. entrance (77 E. Randolph St.)  A short tour with docent will be conducted.

After tour, our group will walk to Millennium Park to view Cloud Gate (Bean), Crown Fountain, etc. 

At 12:30 we will walk, bus or cab over to the John Hancock Building for buffet lunch at 1PM on the 95th Floor
 Restaurant.  Beverages are extra and must be paid separate for all individuals.  Cost to FFNI members is $25/PP. 
 Payment must be made to Mary Lou Balazs by May 1, 2008.

Afternoon is free to experience Chicago on your own, ie. Navy Pier, Art Institute, Michigan Avenue shops and
 galleries, etc. 

Day 5:  Thursday, June 19
Free day with Host Family.  Possible day host or dinner party.

Day 6:  Friday, June 20
We will tour Frank Lloyd Wright House and Studio in Oak Park.   Time and meeting location to be determined.  
A fee of $8-$10/PP will be required.  After the tour, we will meet for lunch at a local restaurant.  
Cost of lunch is approximately $10-$12 and will be at your own expense.

Day 7:  Saturday, June 21
Morning free for Ambassadors to do laundry, or shopping.

1PM - Farewell lunch at Bertucci's Restaurant, 246 Green Bay Road, Highwood, IL. (847-432-6663).  
All FFNI members are encouraged to attend to bid a fond farewell to our Australian friends.  
Cost to FFNI members is $20 PP.  Payment must be made to Mary Lou Balazs by May 1, 2008.

Day 8:  Sunday, June 22
Guests leave from O'Hare Airport for 11:30 AM departures to various domestic locations. 

Please contact Mary Lou Balazs by May 1, either by email, phone or mail, if you wish to attend 
any of these activities.