A few final notes on Thailand before I fly to New Delhi tomorrow.

I went to see Jim Thompson's House in Bangkok advertised as "an elegant Thai design classic". Jim Thompson was an American who fell in love with Thailand after the second world war. He pulled together 5 or 6 original Thai buildings to create one Ideal-Home. The buildings are in lush gardens and beautifully furnished and decorated - an oasis of calm in the hustle of Bangkok.

However, I find it ironic that the (admittedly limited) places I've seen have been so dominated by foreigners. Thailand boasts that it has never been defeated militarily, but I might suggest that it has been overrun economically. Perhaps I've just had a skewed impression because I've stuck to the tourist areas. I met a chap in Australia who said that you have to travel north of Bangkok to see more of the original Thailand. On my next round the world tour, I may need to change my route.

Anyhow, it is India tomorrow, so I've started reading my guidebook to get a little prepared. I got as far as the stuff about Indian food and have had to stop so that I can satisfy my curry craving. Why are curries so addictive? I think I'm about to overdose...