Back in Bangkok Ah it's nice to be here again. Hmmmm...not so sure about that, but it has to be said that Bangkok does eventually grow on you. It has an energy and vibe about it that makes it feel like a real city - somewhere between the falseness and sterility of Singapore and the downright dirtiness of KL. Plus, you can't deny this place has character! We arrived after a long long journey from Koh Tao via Chumphon about 6 days ago. Unfortunately (because I can't be in Thailand and not visit at least one hospital!) I was hit by a "tropical disease" (for those of you who are interested, ring my parents - otherwise take my word for it that neither you or I want to go into any more detail!) so after a brief visit to the lovely American Dr Nick, I was resigned to another unwanted and unscheduled stopover here. After a HUGE Saturday night out (when we decided gin was the way forward, and a lot of it...!), and a little bit of seeing more of Bangkok (Chinatown and Silom), I sent Caro on her way up to Chiang Mai, since there's no point in 2 of us being stranded and miserable here! By all accounts, she's having a fab time up there, doing a cooking course and bits of sightseeing and generally enjoying life NOT in "The 'Kok"! So I've been here toute seule for the past 4 days, but it hasn't been all bad. I've seen a bit more of Bangkok still, leaving the confines of the infamous Khao San Road and heading further afield, and meeting up with friends here and there - meeting Patrick for supper was particularly lovely, and also enjoyed a good night out yesterday with Chris (yes, THE Chris!) and the Irish lads we met on Koh Tao, so silver linings have really been in abundance. Bangkok has thrown all sorts of weather at me too, just to keep things interesting, but today it is sunny and hot and I'm in a good frame of mind about it! I've also had the opportunity to spend 2 days in Kanchanaburi, famous for the Bridge on the River Kwai. I visited the Railway Museum and Allied Cemetary as well as cycling out to the Bridge, and it was a very moving experience. Kanchanaburi is also a beautiful place in its own right, nestled between the mountains and the river, and feels very much more than 2 hours from Bangkok. Very much recommended. Having been given the almost-all-clear by Dr Nick, I leave Bangkok tonight, heading up to Nong Khai which is opposite Vientiane on the Thai/Laos border. By all accounts it's a gorgeous place so a few days there will be lovely before heading across the Friendship Bridge into Laos, and flying from Vientiane to Luang Prabang where - all going to plan! - Caro and I will reunite at the beginning of next week. Internet is not the best in Laos, and even worse in Vietnam (where we're headed after Laos) so apologies if it's a while before this gets updated! So heading further afield into slightly more unchartered territory - and very excited about it!