Ok , so this is the first entry of my visit to Thailand blog ( God I hate that word!)

For those who have been following my photo journal on facebook, you will realise that Ive travelled to a fair few places on a very strict budget.

I started on 9th September 2009 in Bangkok after the longest but most amazing plane journey of my life

I've now been here about 5 months and had some great times, some life threatening incidents, some fun and some stupid experiences. Ive met some amazing people along the way and seen some wonderful ( and some not so) fantastic places.. never have I felt threatened ( well, only once.. and I will elaborate on that at some stage)

However, I am at a lull at this moment; a crossroads in my journey, and taking time to reflect and decide where I go, if anywhere, from here.

I am just recovering from my second case of food poisoning, probably caused by eating some salad washed in tap water... yes just one of the many things we take for granted in Europe; clean drinking water..

So while I was recouperating , barely risking to leave to compararitive safety of my simple but pleasant ensuite room, I decided to at least try to describe some of the experiences one may not consider when planning a journey of this type.

Before I continue, let me please take a moment to mention my friend Gary, currently recovering from a serious motor cycle accident.. now he was drunk , for sure.. and outside his own home riding the bike in flip flops with no crash helmet ( as is the norm here) but nevertheless he has broken 4 ribs , a broken collarbone, a serious cut to his head and severe bruising over his body.

He has just been released from hospital, having incurred a 40,000bt bill. About 5000 bt is equal to, 100euros , so work it out yourself. He cant work now for 4 months at least and has a business to run. He has no private insurance !!.. something for us all to consider..

I have none either and am currently 'winging it' too, with no insurance of any kind. When finances permit,I definitely will.