Ready for the off.....

Well, what a frantic couple of weeks getting ready to go.  Tying up all the loose ends in work has been challenging but seeing all my friends and having an endless round of 'farewell' parties has been exhausting!  Not that I'm complaining!!!

My work colleagues gave me the MOST amazing send off last Friday ..the office was decked out in banners, balloons & posters - there was beautiful African music playing and everybody was just so kind.  .    Even though this picture looks like there were 12 of us, I assure you there were 13 (which I hope isn't ominous), the delightful Howard Jones decided to hide behind Gunther for this pic - naughty Howard! 

The lunch was lovely but was nothing compared to the wonderful gifts that I was given - a great big, huge thank you to all for them.  A special thank-you to Jude and Caitlin who must have worked for weeks planning and preparing the gifts ...I've still not 'recoved' from feeling so happy - thank you both!!!  There were other gifts too ...a special delivery from The Reception Girlies ...and, I was even sent my very own Africa Cake ....absolutely awesome!!!

The weekend followed in pretty much the same vein ....Partying with Gaynor & Colin on Friday night and then lots of friends around to mine on Saturday for the final party.  Buoyed on by the amazing rugby in the afternoon, we all partied into the wee small hours.  Big thanks to :  Geraint (of course), Natty & Steps, Gaynor & Colin (again), The Bridgend Massive, My Johnnie and the funniest of all, Maggie & Mike ...what a pair of stars!!!  Thanks all, once again!!!

Now onto packing of the essentials ..... does anybody realise how much shampoo and conditioner I will need to last me two months???!!!!!