sa-wat-dii from Thailand (that means hello by the way.....thought i'd get into the lingo!!) How are you all my lovely people? Well, i must say that as i'm half way across the world, i'm having a fantastic time!! I never thought i'd get through the flight, but I watched the chick flicks and slept most of the way. As you know girlies, i'm always hoping to sit next to a fitty on the train from London to Leeds, but it never happens. However, I was very lucky and on the flight I had fit guy sitting next to me who was from England, but living in Sydney. I didn't mind passing a few hours chatting to him!!! It's very humid and about 31 degrees here, but we're all adjusting to the heat quite well and getting a nice colour. Our first stop when we arrived in Bangkok was Ko San Road, which is backpackers central. It's really lively, a bit smelly, full of market sellers and open late into the night. As you know, I love my shops, so I was in heaven!! Everything is really cheap and if you bargin you'll get them even cheaper. I have taken full advantage of this and bought 3 bags which are on route to London by sea as we speak!! I couldn't leave them for less than 4 pounds each!! I also treated myself to a pair of Dolce and Gabbana glasses.... it just had to be done. We haven't just been shopping..... we've visited the Grand Palace which is beautiful and learnt all about the Thai royal family. We've visited many Buddhist temples and seen one of the largest Buddhas in Thailand, which was stunning. The Thai monks really stand out in their orange robes and i've been able to pass on all my knowledge about Buddhism to the girls. I'm sure they really enjoyed that!!!!We've driven round in a tuk tuk which is a 3 wheeled motorised cart (at the time we were a little intoxixcated, so that gave us a good old laugh!!) Talk about being intoxicated, we then decided that we'd go and visit the red light district. It was very deceptive with lots of stalls and was not what we expected at all! Anyway, it was an experience I will never forget and I shall say more when I return home, as I would not like to offend anyone!!!!! You will all be very impressed with me (particulary those of you who I did D of E with). Yesterday, we walked for half an hour in the heat with our full rucksacks. It may not saeem a lot to you fine people, but by the time we got to the train station my face was like a beetroot and I thought i was going to collapse!! By the time I come back from this trip, i'm going to be fit as a fiddle!! At the mo, we're in Ayuthaya which is about 2 hours north of Bangkok. There is not much happening here, but we've visited some amazing temples and there is a real difference beteen here and Bangkok. It's a lot sunnier and cleaner in Ayuthaya, but there seem to be a lot more insects as I now have 7 beautiful bites over my body....I think the insects just find me too sweet!! (Mum, I have been taking my garlic tablets everyday and using insect repellent!!) We saw some beautiful elephants today, which were MASSIVE!!!!! Tomorrow, we're venturing to Kanchanaburi which is to the west of Bangkok and then in a copule of days, we're off to the islands Ko Samui and Ko Pha-Ngan, which is where the full moon party is on. I'm sure there will be lots of stories to tell from that night!!! Hope all is well where you are. Take care, will be in touch soon. Lots of love and hugs Em xx ;-) P.S laa kawn