I haven't become a resident yet, but after 3 months here, Sri Lanka has definitely started to feel like my second home. I will leave here on Saturday and head to Hong Kong but will be leaving Bentota tomorrow and heading back to Colombo to be near the airport for my early morning flight on Saturday.

I am nursing a rather large hangover today after a small leaving party turned into a rather long night last night, but was a night I don't think I will forget in a hurry! I have been showered with leaving presents today (sarongs, a ring, a Sri Lankan bongo and memento plate to name just a few) and my mission tonight will be finding room for them all in my suitcase!

I've been in a really nice guest house by the river for the last couple of weeks and have had an absolute blast. I've been to a Moonstone gemhouse, on a river boat and held a baby crocodile (I've got photographic proof because it's something I won't be repeating again in a hurry!!) and got dragged into the sea fully clothed by the boys on a day out at Hikkaduwa Beach.

I've also witnessed the monsoon season here over the last couple of weeks, which has done nothing for the possibility of me working on my tan, I'm hoping the weather will be hot in Hong Kong and I can work on it there!

I can't upload my photos today because I'm on a machine without a USB port, remember I am in Sri Lanka and there machines are slightly outdated compared to ours. I will try and upload them in the next few days.

Tomorrow is going to be a rather sad day, saying goodbye to people who've gone from being strangers to fantastic friends. One told me earlier this week ' Dont cry because it's over, smile because it happened.' I've had an absolute blast here and just hope the rest of this trip lives up to the amazing few months I've had here.

I think there will be a bit of John Denver tomorrow on the way to Colombo ' All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go, I hate to wake you up to say goodbye...Cos I'm Leaving on a Jet Plane, Don't know when I'll be back again....!"

All the boys are coming with me to wave me off and I don't think there will be a dry eye in the house!

Sniff, Sniff...be in touch from Hong Kong.

Bye for now.....