Day 132 (otherwise known as Day 1 at home!)

So - my final entry... what is left to say?

Leaving Hua Hin was a little sad, if only because I had got to know so many people and so many places (not to mention the elephants!). The staff at the hospital were lovely and gave me a little gift, and a very flattering report. Amazing, given the numerous occaisions where we struggled to see eye-to-eye! I have to confess I have no intention of ever returning to work there, the NHS simply glows in comparison.

I then had 3 lovely days in Bangkok, where I made the most of my last few days as a real tourist. I saw as much of the city as I could; by tuk-tuk, by taxi, by canal boat, by foot and by skytrain! Despite the penchant in that part of the world for the motorbike, I resisted - three weeks looking at what happens when it all goes wrong had been enough to confirm that I was right to stay away! I must remember that all helmets are equal - the motorcycle helmet, the bike helmet, the workmans hat, and the "air helmet" - they all qualify you to ride at high speed around a busy city whilst eating, talking on your phone and chatting to the four others riding your bike with you!!

I climbed the Bangkok sky tower for fabulous views out over the city, and visited some of the main tourist attractions. The Grand Palace is, I think, the most stunning piece of architecture I have ever seen - truely breathtaking, and I felt the two hours spent there was nowhere near long enough to allow full appreciation of the buildings, the decorations and the temples/buddas within them. I also spent three hours on a canal cruise which was fantastic, not only for the experience of being in a traditional boat, but also for the views offered - the opportunity to see several more temples, including the Temple of the New Dawn which is astoundingly beautiful, a poisonous snake show (I kept well away) and my first taste of a small floating market... everything I had hoped it would be!

After all my tourist attractions, I still had time to enjoy some of the fabulous shops (but no space left in the luggage!) and spend the maximum possible time in the sun.

The flight was slightly delayed, but otherwise all was well and I am very pleased to be home (thank you Mum and Dad for the early pick up at Heathrow!). An incredible five months away, with hundreds of firsts - my first solo operation, my first time eating kangaroo tail (and testicle!), my first swim with dophins, ride on an elephant and hug with a snake, the first British citizen to Nauru in several years, and my first (but hopefully not final) time in lots of fabulous places. I hope I haven't managed to bore you all too much - thank you to those of you who are still reading this, and I can't wait to see/speak to you all in the very near future.

Take care, keep smiling, and all my love

Alex xxxxxx