Greetings all.

I don't think we've ever felt so alien in a place before, but loving it just the same. Bangkok is overwhelming. Incredibly hot, sticky, smoggy and busy. We tried to go to several places yesterday and as soon as we got the map out we were approached by "Helpful" locals, who informed us that the place we wanted to see was closed, not there, burnt to the ground or rubbish! However, they could take us to a nice place where we could get a suit made or get nice lady gems?? Little scammers.

We went to a Snake Farm - totally disappointing - yes we know we thought it would be really good fun too ??!!!!. The Snake handling show was cancelled. There was 20 glass cases with terrified snakes hiding somewhere, and the cleaner came in and pressed play on a DVD so we could see a 5 min film of the history of the snake farm. There was not one snake on a bike, or riding a pair of water skis. Not even one in comedy glasses.

Met up with Steve Edwards at Pat pong Market in evening and enjoyed many many cheap beers. Went to a gig - can't remember who was playing but it was great - huge variety of acts from Thailand's equivalent to Celine Dion and Five Star! Ended evening in a bar playing Connect Four with a charming group of lady boys. Connect Four, the board game, not some pervy Thai activity!! Top stuff. (Actually Rik doesn't remember the end of the evening - mainly involved trying to bundle him in and out of a tuk tuk and help him walk in a straight line back to the hotel room - he was very tired bless him!)

Hope all well. More soon

R and A xxx