On arrival at Chiang Rai's old bus station I was under instructios to phone Poo, my trek leader. This was so he could collect me and take me to the hosel he had booked for me. After a war with the pay phone I suceessfully spoke to Poo and in less than 10 minutes a skinny enerjetic little man bounded towards me having disembarked his scooter - of course. What other form of transport was I expecting? He threw me into a tuk tuk and said he would meet me at the hoste...

Bangkok / Chiang Mai An early morning swim, followed by Breakfast, another swim, opening of presents and cards I have carried the entire trip; which may I add made my birthday, defo worth the weight! And then a transfer to the airport for a hassle free flight I arrived in Chiang Mai. I was collected by a strange little man who kept telling me that it was "pissing down" all the time and that I looked "cream crackered". Cheers. The realit...

The journey across the border was another extensive bus ride... we left at 8.30am and arrived in Bangkok around 5. Bit of a rough journey, but the border was straight forward and my visa worked like a charm. On arrival after a good shower we ventured upto the roof-top bar of our 25floor hotel. The view was breathtaking. Then to town for our farewell dinner. After food, consisting of curry, sping rolls and won tons we ventured into the busslingi streets o...

My my my! Bangkok is hot Hot HOT!! I have had a truely fantastic couple of days, despite the stifling heat! I have managed to survive ducking into airconned shops and info centres! And of course, in good old fashioned Frodsham style I have done a wee bit of effective trapsing in the mid-day sun! The stray (slightly rabbid) dogs are certinally ensuring I quicken my step around the streets when my pace slackens! But, the ginger child is doing well- no sunburn so ...

Having had an amazing send off I battled my way through security, finding some porridge, check in, some serious in flight entertainment and meals followed by some more security, a private frisking booth, more security followed by another flight on which I slept like a baby! I was greated at the airport by a thai lady who took me to my private leather seated car for the 40min drive into Bangkok! I am currently sitting in the first hostel of my adventure excited ...