Time for my final blog before flying back to Brum...have really enjoyed my 3 days of luxury and has been a fab way to relax and unwind after 25 days of backpacking, squat toilets, long minibus journeys, fantastic experiences and the opportunity to visit such amazing countries.

So, for those of you either slogging away at work or doing the housework time for you to live vicariously through my stay at The Lebua at State Tower. Think luxury - and then some. Let's start with the accommodation - I mentioned briefly in last blog that I'd had my upgrade upgraded so was staying in a room the size of some small countries. Of course I need a lounge area, and a kitchen and a huge bathroom, and a massive flat screen TV, and 2 double beds and a huge balcony if I'm going to cope with this luxury malarkey. No half measures for me. Then there's the breakfast - 29 types of bread and pastries, a fruit selection better than Tescos has most days, sushi, chinese, thai, english, 7 fruit juices..the list goes on! So much choice and so little time. Want your croissant warmed? Don't even think microwave - think pizza oven with blocks of wood added to keep it going...and then there's the staff - why shoud I pour my tea when staff are waiting on hand to pour it for me? carry my plate?? don't be silly - that's another job for them. On and on it goes...

Then there's the 64th floor al fresco bar with 360 panoramic views of Bangkok - anf the hotel I stayed in last time!! Walking down the steps? escorted by at least 2 staff with torches to light the way. Am sure you're getting the idea!!

Yesterday I had a pamper day which was only partly spoiled by a run in with a bangkok taxi driver. They have a habit of taking the scenic route, not putting on the meter and trying to charge silly prices. So, to get to the market for lunch cost 80 baht but on the way back the driver wanted 160 baht. I know I'm from NI but even I can see through that. So, first taxi breaks down after about 2 mins and I swap taxi - stand off no.1 as he wants paid for taking me 100 metres and I'm not for paying. Eventually 2nd driver agrees to take me and we also agree a price. But then he takes the scenic route and I get a grand tour of bridges, back roads and anywhere but the hotel. When we get back I give him 100 baht but he wants 160 - stand off no.2 starts. He gets irate, rants in Thai and so my celtic charm kicks in: take the 100 we agreed or I'm off. Then the hotel staff get involved, more gesticulating (from him( and I retreat to the hotel. By this time a crowd has gathered and so the conceirge gets involved. Result? I pay 100 baht, the driver gets a sound rebuke from the conceirge and is sent on his way..

Thankfully I had a 21/2 hours spa treatment startingso was able to unwind and forget the taxi driver. As with previous massages, some could be considered torture but it got rid of all the tension so I coped!!

I then had dinner at the al fresco Asian restaurant on the 52nd floor and it was delicious - lots of seafood and a wonderful view as I ate. The chef even came over and and had a chat.

Today I've just relaxed by the pool, slept and enjoyed the most expensive earl grey tea I've ever had. Apparently the Queen drinks it...

So, time to sign off and make my way to the airport for my flights home.

Goodbye Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand....it's been a fantastic trip and hopefully the photos will prove what a great time I had when I get them uploaded.