Now that's what I call the longest goodbye ever. Vol 1.

It's started. With three weeks until I jet off to Mexico I've already begun saying my goodbyes to friends and family that I now won't see until 2011 (sob!). That said, if the alcohol consumption over the last two weekends is anything to go by, my liver may not withstand the punishment and the only place I'll be going is the Priory… urgh, pass me an Alka Seltzer. And some milk thistle.

On the upside, I've got pretty much all my essentials now, as well as some awesome luxuries (courtesy of some very generous friends & relatives!) including an ipod speaker the size of a snooker ball (thanks Anna - best gadget ever) and the first aid must-have for every traveller - Mr Bump band aids (Loz - you're a genius). So, apart from a few odds and ends, I'm good to go.

Ah, if only my powers of recollection were as good as my shopping prowess.

Learning update:

Species learnt: 12

Species left to learn: 55

Days to go: 25

Outlook: Calm before the storm

Now that's what I call the longest goodbye ever. Vol 1.