Monday 22nd November

Rob left and didn't wake me. I got up to see Zoe off to work and did a leisurely pack and showered before breakfast. Amie did some more on the blog and transferred some photos and videos to Zoe's laptop before her battery died. We decided to leave at 11:15 to allow plenty of time to travel to the airport. The apartment staff hailed a cab and the driver decided that as there were no hold ups, he didn't need to take the express way, which would incur a toll, and got us to the airport by 12:30. We couldn't find the flight listed and on enquiry, discovered that Bangkok has 2 airports. So a fast taxi ride ensued, getting us to the correct airport by 13:20. We travelled at speeds of over 120kmph along the express way and made it to the other airport in plenty of time.

We sat steadying our nerves with a coke and burger at burger king - the only food outlet in the departure lounge and probably our most expensive meal in Thailand.

I noticed by 2 wires hanging from the wall in the gents toilet, where once I imagine the hand dryer hung, proclaimed out of order.

The flight to Chiang Mai was on time. It had been many years since airlines handed out complimentary drinks and peanuts (thanks largely to health and safety). Why should we all be deprived, just for the small number of people with peanut allergies? Anaphylactic shock at high altitude could be quite entertaining when there's no in flight movie.

We collected our bag and were met and taken to the "Centre of the Universe" by Tick, Philip's right hand man. Although older, greyer and stockier than Mike, there was no mistaking Philip when he's face lit up with a very familiar Blant smile. He leads a very comfortable life here in Chiang Mai and we dined with him at a local Thai restaurant.

Tuesday 23rd November

We walked to the village and caught a small bus/taxi into town. The journey was shared with a local wearing shorts and socks and carrying a golf bag. As we neared our destination, an enormous spider made an appearance close to my head. He climbed down the wall and disappeared under the seat. I can confirm Dave Kent's observation regarding the colour of adrenaline!

We walked the lonely planet temple tour, starting at Wat Phra Singh and finishing at the Chiang Mai women's prison, where we both declined their kind offer of a neck massage. We ate, bought some crisps, beer and lemonade and returned templed out to watch a dvd before bed.

Wednesday 24th November

Just a day to ourselves by the pool, swimming and reading. We dined at the bar and sat drinking with Philip, until another guest (Marcus) arrived and then we drank some more. He is a very well travelled young man, who has just started a job involving ethics and corporate social responsibility at a local tobacco factory. He is here until his wife and 4month old baby arrive and they find somewhere to live. He'd finished the bars bottle of scotch the previous evening and was forced to consume his own.

Thursday 25th November

Swam this morning and then had a taxi to take us to Doi Suthep. It's an elaborate temple at the top of the mountain with more gold than you could shake a stick at, if that's your idea of a good time. We returned via Wat U-Meong, a far less elaborate temple and much more to my taste. It's built in the forest and the monks appear much more relaxed, with philosophical quotes adorned to the trees. The monk who built this tranquil retreat wanted to be close to nature and dug tunnels into the hill to house the Buddhas. A lake with more catfish than we have carp at Hockley angling club, made me anxious to bate a hook again. We ate, at Philip's suggestion, at the 'Ginger Kafe' and eventually made it back after a tortuous taxi ride.

As last night the Four Seasons played from the bar while we packed our bags in readiness to leave tomorrow morning and watched 'A Price Above Rubies'.

As the closing titles faded, I could hear Philip's Thai CD playing. Looking through the curtains, I could see him fast asleep by his computer on his bar stool. He appears very happy with his ex-pat friends in the utopian vision that is the Centre of the Universe. It's a wonderful place but at the end of the day and every day, he is alone. It's his choice, I know but......