Hello All,

Well since yesterday - I have obviously checked into my hotel room. Its very basic indeed (supposed to be Deluxe Room - would not like to see standard!!) The bed is rock hard and it is very very small - but clean which is the important thing.

After deciding I had bought too many clothes I went straight to the swimming pool to meet up with some of the other girls. The sun was blazing by now and the pool was a welcome relief!!!!!

After a couple of of hours relaxing and a couple of fresh pinapple juices I showered changed, resisted the temptation to fall asleep (advice from Carol G - keep going for as long as you can to beat the jet lag!!). We went to a great cafe bar for beers / thai curry / rice which was lovely. The Koh San road is full of market stalls trying to sell you everything from fake handbags / sunglasses to UK driving Licences and Degree Certificates (looked out for a Keele one - but no joy!!!). To give you an idea - there is a MacDonalds, Burger King, Starbucks and even a Boots here - so it it certainly aimed at tourists!!! as well as some good Thai bars / restaurants / street vendors. By 9.30pm I was shattered so retired to bed as what I thought was a respectable time (36 hours out of bed is enought even for me!!) - must have been asleep for 2 hours when the party really started - talk about loud music - crumbs - after 2hrs of lying on my rock hard bed thinking what on earth was I doing,wishing myself back home, I stuck my ear phones in and woke up at 5am!!!

Today have been to see some of the sights on offer.

First stop was the Grand Palace which was home to the Thai Royal Family until 1946. The effect was overwhelming really fantastic building.

Next stop was the floating market at Damnoen Saduak - where you literally took a boat up to the market stalls - some parts were still very traditional which was great - others were obviously aimed at the tourists selling souvenirs. Purchased a great picture and some postcards.

Next came a Thai lunch - followed by a trip to the River Kwai - the focus of the movie The Bridge on the River Kwai. Went to the War museum and walked along the bridge & railway tracks - the railway was bulit by Allied prisoners of war and Asian labourers in the 1940's - many lost their lives buliding it - it was rebuilt after the war.Very humbling in the Museum.

Last stop was Tiger Palace - which is where rescued tigers are looked after by the monks. It survives entirely on donations to save the tigers and was really informative and interesting. They ask tourists to volunteer there for differing periods of time - that's a thought for my next trip anyway!!

When we arrived back in Bangkok it rained - I mean rained - now I should be used to the rain - but this was heavy, with thunder - the streets were literally flooded - but still the Thai people were trying to sell you a watch or a made to measure suit!!!

After a quick change headed for evening meal - pizza tonight (not very traditional I know!!)

Then here I am in the Ineternet cafe.

Plans for tomorrow include a massage (which I did not get round to yesterday), a trip to one of the temples / Buddas, a trip to Jim Thompson's House (to check out the silk on offer) as well as having a look at Thammasat University - well you can take the girl away from Keele but not Keele away from the girl!!! Plan a Tuk Tuk ride they look fun if not a little terrifying!! (will have to check the small print of my travel insurance - does it cover Tuk Tuk rides!!)

1 day left in Bangkok - which I am glad about - it will be good to get out of the city onto the Island's - for some hopefully fresh air and blue seas!!

Met some lovely people from all over the world - you know me - chat to anyone!! The places people have been - really fantastic to hear about!

No more marriage proposals sadly!! Thanks for all your messages - good to know you are thinking of me!!

Anyway - here's hoping for party free night - I need some sleep!!

Kirst xx