Up and packing was I at 8am on our last morning in Bangkok – due to the fact I had gotten carried away with chatting with others the night before and other forms of indulgent procrastination measures, rather than get it done then. I finally had to face the chore head on, as it obviously wasn’t going to do itself, no matter how many chances I gave it. So morning found me throwing out things that were replaceable in New Zealand and squeezing things into places they shouldn’t have been able to fit. Several things got donated to the Imm Fusion Hotel Staff Benevolent Fund along the way – I hope what I left behind was of use to them. Continue reading →

Yesterday morning we went back to the Pratunam market, in case we missed buying everything in sight last time. First, onto the Skytrain, smugly clasping our all day passes, then through the Zen Mall – apparently one of the biggest malls in the world, where we went looking for the ahem, facilities. After admiring the enthusiasm of the flushing toilets (comparable to those on airplanes in their keenness to suck you into the Bangkok sewer system) and the rather splendid marble bowls in said facilities, we wandered back out, looked about us like yer average awestruck goldfish. Then we heard voices and cheering. Down on the ground floor (we were on the 3rd) there were a whole lot of young people dancing. At first we thought it was a flash mob, but it turned out to be more like a class being held by an obviously experienced male choreographer. It was great fun to watch and kept us amused and away from our shopping expedition for all of 10 minutes. A veritable miracle. Then we saw the Croc shop…

Ayla – there is now an entire shop dedicated to Croc shoes. I took photos for you – I knew you’d be pleased. Heh heh…(ebil chuckle) They even sell accessories to attach to your crocs… Continue reading →

We’re back in civilization now – Chiang Mai – and I have to confess that after 7 days of eating vegetarian food only, the first thing I bought was pork on a stick. For those who are mad about both elephants and tofu, however, I highly recommend you go to the park for a week or two and you will get your fill of both. Continue reading →

I had my dragonfuit shake yesterday morning, as promised. Cut up and thrown in with crushed ice, like the apple one I had the other day, it’s definately a great way to start the day. The woman who made it for me is lovely and has taught herself ‘good english for her business’. I told her that my kids call me ‘Dragon’ sometimes (family joke) and thus this was an appropriate drink for me, and she and I discussed how mums have to be part dragon and part angel. Same the world over… Continue reading →