Sydney was a very pleasant 24 degrees when we left. Bangkok is 35 - predicted to get up to 39 later today and hotter tomorrow. Add in humidity levels of 50% and more and it makes for a very uncomfortable climate. Then there is the noise and the smells and the funny writing. It's all a far cry from friendly, easy going Australia and New Zealand. This is what the rest of our trip is going to be like. But it's fascinating and exciting and full of the unexpected. We...

I'll be honest. I wasn't really expecting to like Australia that much. New Zealand was where I really wanted to visit. Australia was sort of on the way and Frankie was here so it would be silly not to have come. But I thought I probably wouldn't like it that much - too harsh and hot. And Aussies are a bit in your face aren't they? Not to mention the wildlife who's only purpose in life was to try and kill me. And Aussie beer! Well I was wrong. Australia is a wond...