Hi

My God, what an amazing place. There are two extremes, the wealthy hotels and shops along the river but most of it is really poor.

I decided to go on a riverboat sightseeing trip yesterday aftrnoon. I met a really nice Dutch couple who were also staying in the hotel. The traffic is a nightmare and the drivers are maniacs! Most people seem to have mopeds and you see whole families riding on them! Dad in the front, toddler sat in between and mum holding the baby behind. I saw one man with a TV set strapped to his bike and another with 6 car tyres balanced on it. The trip was an eye opener. We went along the back canals and it was like a shanty town. The Thai people have so little but seem very proud of their country and royal family. We joined another boat for a fruit tasting session and the alcohol was free although (and I know some of you will find this hard to believe) I didn't have any|!!!! I really had to fight hard to stay awake. Four hours sleep in 48 hours had left me hanging.

At the hotel I booked myself in for a Thai massage. I was put on a low bed and the woman (stength of 10 men) pummelled and pulled me in directions my body had never gone before. The cracks from my joints drowned out my screams. Although it was the most painful thing since chilbirth, I felt wonderful afterwards and was floating on air. It took about an hour and cost the equivalent of 7 pounds.

I went for dinner in the little restaurant and sat by the window admiring the rubbish strewn streets. A minibus full of Thai families pulled up and they all brought their children over to the window to wave to me. It was really sweet. The children seemed in awe of me although there are plenty of Westerners here, so I don't think I'm that much of an oddity although I think they find it strange to see a Western woman travelling alone.

I slept really well (almost 12 hours) and have now had breaksfast so am killing time before the taxi arrives to take me onto the Elephant Centre. It's quite hot and muggy but haven't seen much sunshine. I might have to find a sunbed somewhere if it doesn't improve.

Hope everyone at homeis ok. Update you all again in the week

Sue x