For someone who wasn't much looking forward to the prospect of spending another day in Bangkok, let alone a week, having felt that it had lost its rather novel charm after the five or so days a few months ago, the buzz I felt as I stepped out of the taxi yesterday at the end of Kho San Road was incredible. This is one of the many things that travelling is all about, for me, and I'm excited to be able to rediscover Bangkok....hopefully this time ...

First and foremost, a big Happy Anniversary to Gill and Graham. I hope you enjoyed all those cakes. Second and postmost, a jolly happy birthday to all those whose birthdays I've missed this month, you know who you are. (Unfortunately, I don't, because I neglected to bring any such dates away with me...but I still love you). Right now though my friends, I am sitting in an internet cafe just off the infamous Koh / Kao / Khao San road, Bangkok, Thailand. I think i...