Smooth as Silk as they say, Park Street to Bangkok in 18 hrs; not bad and that's with an hour's delay. The highlight of the trip (so far) was bumping into David Myers from the Hairy Bikers at Heathrow who was also on his way to Bangkok and I had to compliment him on the Hairy Dieters' lasangne, what a nice fellow.

Smooth as Silk again as we book our hire car and pick up our train tickets for the overnight-er to Chiang Mai. We pass a few hours in Khao San Rd having blissful massages, food and beers. Bangkok is 30 degrees and humid, it's really busy but that's what we love about the Big Mango.

We spoke too soon (Smooth as Silk), having made our way to the train station early to shower and brush up we find the shower facilities are no longer available!!!!!!! Having last bathed on Friday evening (it is now Sunday evening!!!!!) we are feeling decidedly grubby, and the thought of not showering until Monday afternoon fills us with dread. Having no other option we have an all over body wipe down in the loos and actually feel pretty clean. That's backpacking for you.......

Our train The Super Express 9 is indeed super, it's brand new with plush sleeping berths, free WiFi and fab toilets. They have come alone way - you could be forgiven for thinking you are in a first class European train. The Super Express set off on time speeding it's way 750 km north. Our choo choo morphs into the Supper-Express with a bowl of fried rice in the buffet car and a cheeky G&T or two, sneaked as there is no drinking allowed on trains.

We have also noticed that 90 year old grannies have them, toddlers have them..... - it's official we are the only people in Thailand without a smartphone and that may mean there are a few gaps between our posts.