I'm not going to cry...

I am NOT...

It's really real. This is my last day in the office. My despedida (farewell) is in an hour and twenty minutes - and I am NOT going to cry! They have prepared a feast of Filipino vegetarian delicacies (I am assured that is not an oxymoron?) and I suppose I should think of something to say, hey?

Last night was our farewell from Sagric (the volunteer agency) and marked the last time I think I will see Naomi and Mairin from our intake, plus Neil (Emily's partner) - they are all leaving soon and I won't see them again. Nat and I sang our last "Bed of Roses" and Em and I did Toto's Africa (with a bit of help!) for the last time (we all have our signature songs now - although some of the lyrics they put up are just hilarious and bear only vague phonetic resemblance to the actual words to the song).

I just received my first farewell from a friend at the office - I shall NOT cry! This weekend is marked off for a combination of farewells, partying and packing up the apartment - fun and games! Fortunately it has cooled down a little in the past two days - middle of last week the summer hit with a vengeance - it has been so hot and I was thankful that Mum and Dad left before the worst of it hit. But the last two days have been a bit cooler again, with lots of rain (although apparently there are no typhoons coming, which is always a relief!) So that will make packing up more bearable.

I have my flights booked for Vietnam (next Wednesday) and secured my visa today (a process that goes so much more smoothly when you actually remember to take your passport to the Embassy!) I had a good laugh though - there was a calendar hanging up in the consulate section that said "Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in The Manila - Philippines"...I have never heard it referred to as The Manila before. I am trying to think and I don't think I have ever been to a communist country before (?) so this will be an interesting experience. Plus, I get to see Jacqui and Greg and this new perambulating Spencer, and get a great big Candice Hug (these are an institution) from my dear friend Candice. So am too excited for words.

I will try to focus on that when I feel tears threatening...