My 'Round the World' travels!: All partied out!

Carla asked some of my friends to dress up as "People Mary is likely to meet on her travels!!"

The 3 amigos & Linda!

Liz had a few too many shots!

Well, I can safely say that my liver has been completely ruined from farewell dinners,parties, lunches over the last wee while. So, I'd like to say a big thanks to all my family, friends & team-mates, who poured copious shots down my neck, dressed me up in ridiculous outfits, bought me cards/presents/money, covered me/my car in shaving foam, played drinking games/sang songs ('Sunset in Ardglass' with Debbie & Michelle will never be the same again!!) etc... I had a ball & was really humbled, so thanks again. I have now promised my liver that I won't drink any more alcohol until I reach Rio, Brazil...no doubt that promise will be broken after 24 hours rest.

Teaching has now officially finished for me for the next 14 months and my job has been filled, so no more bells telling me when to start/finish my working day. I will miss the children and my lovely friends & colleagues. Luckily for them, a bit of peace & quiet will return to the corridors of St Nicholas' Primary School in September!

Not long left until I finally head off, so am finalising a few things and really starting to get organised. The biggest on my list is to get my mop of hair chemically straightened. I was blessed with the 'afro-gene' & have been the brunt of many a joke in the past. I'm hoping that this 'miracle cure' will prevent me being lassoed and captured in Peru, as I fear I may be mistaken for a fuzzy headed llama!