Scared much? Leaving the big smoke impersonating a turtle and no idea what lies ahead after booking the first nights accommodation mere moments before waddling away from our Tottenham home (as opposed to our Bethnal Green, Bexleyheath and Sundridge Park homes...thank you lovely people).

It was emotional as Grover would say. The previous weeks spent saying goodbye to our home, our jobs and our fantastic friends and family. You spoil us with your support and good grace but fear not for you are travelling the long road with us. Thanks for a fab send off...our heads are still sore and hearts very heavy.

Still, Lis managed to only cry twice on the plane from Heathrow (despite being sat next to the worlds largest and most cynical man 'hahaha I can't believe your backpacking in a flooded country'...Lis 'shut up idiot'). Once on the runway leaving 5 years of building a London life and once during some serious turbulence somewhere over India...which Bill slept right through mind you! Still he was just as sad leaving...we'll be back Rene, we promise!

Got to Bangkok and the ultimate dilemma between 'do we travel like proper skint backpackers' or 'stuff it let's get a cab...it's only a tenner'. The former won out after a train trip and very scary but much more fun tuk tuk to our fab hostel.

12 seconds later, beer in hand, we congratulated ourselves on making the first leg without dying or arguing...no mean feat.

One for the Khoa San Road was then necessary. Bill was introduced to the delights of road side cooking followed by some 'jet lag busting' Changs in the local bar with added Thai covers of the Beatles, Cold Play and Oasis...have we really left London? Remenants of the floods only too real and almost run over by a moped...yes, yes we have! Sleep easy, the coming days look positive.

By the way, the iPod is a godsend despite its use being 'cheating' according to Matt! Apart from making it very easy for us to get in touch to remind you all that we're drinking cold beer in the warm sun, it affords Lis hours of entertainment watching Bill try to use it. He will be a pro by the time we are reunited with the iPad in Sydney. Thanks to the Norland crew and Chris and Tony...you are far too kind xxx