So we arrived at Bangkok and within 20 minutes I had my bearings, had wandered down the street and was ready to leave. I really don't like Bangkok. It is fine for shopping, but the budget wasn't stretching to more than 2 pairs of fishermen's trousers that I had my eye on 4 years ago, so with those bought it was time to start planning an escape route for when our group finished. We went for a lovely dinner that night and for the first time in a while had lots of drinks at a street bar outside the hotel. Then the group said goodbye as everyone was leaving the next day. Felt pretty sad about it because it was a great bunch of people and we had more than one or two giggles along the way but will certainly be keeping in touch with everyone.
The next day James and I went in search of accommodation and found a place called my guest house. It turns out to be the place I stayed in 4 years ago with the girls! The same sign that reads 'no Thai persons to be in the rooms after 9pm' is still on the wall and the sheets haven't been changed since then. You could lift them off the bed horizontally and fold them into one of those pick a number pick a colour games! Not very nice but what do you expect for 5 quid per room?! Like something from the set of Prisoner Cell Block H- Anyway it's only a place to get your head down. Oh and special hello to Andrea and Giuseppe who wandered past me while I was having a coffee on Koh San Road. Could have been Byres Road! Was good to see a familiar face even if it was for a few minutes and completely unexpectedly!!!! Hope you made it to the Island boys and didn't get lumbered with the monsoon James and I endured in the Jungle!

KANCHANABORI
Rather than spend 2 days in the City, James and I decided to go trekking. Or rather he did, I realised I couldn't get to an Island and back in time and tagged along. Had a fantastic time, even though it might've well been organised by a bunch of Primary 1 children! It reminded me that when in Thailand, there is absolutely no point in getting stressed about anything because nothing ever goes to plan. Saw loads of stuff none the less. Elephant trekking, swimming in pools beneath the beautiful 7 waterfalls, (watched a bit of a show put on by a bunch of lady boys visiting one of the waterfalls - lots of singing, dancing, high pitched screaming.....) the national park, cave temple, world war II & Jeath Museum, cemetery for Allied prisoners, riding the Death Railway over the 'Bridge over the river Kwai'. All of it was equally interesting. Had a fantastic room for the night. It was a floating jungle hut on the river. Thatched roof of a fashion, a door you kicked to open, Mozzie nets with massive holes, glass free windows which acts as a door for cats in the middle of the night and an amazing view up the river. It was brilliant and I did get some sleep although it did take me about an hour to check that there was absolutely no possibility of a snake hiding anywhere in the room, my bag or bed....much to James' amusement!
After a farce of a trip back to Bangkok which I won't even begin to get into we arrived at the hostel in time for some street food and bed.
The next day I flew to Singapore and then on to Brisbane. Sat next to a 75 year old Australian man who toured Scotland in the 50's. Had a chat with him and he gave me some contacts for Australia which was really useful.
Landed in Brisbane tired but excited and was met by Bernie. Great to hear another Scottish accent and see a familiar face. Felt right at home instantly. Now the next challenge - job hunting.......yawn.....