Thailand. The land of a thousand smiles. Better said, the land of a thousand thugs... smiling. The view of Asia that has been so carefully crafted everywhere I've been so far has been crushed within a day. Perhaps I am slightly biased and it's just Bangkok that's so terrible, I'll have to see. I am not surprised cab-drivers of any kind try to rip you off. It's in their blood, no matter if it's on sea or on land, so it was no surprise to have to force the tax...

A second chance for this city of millions. Now that Remko has arrived we can visit all the really touristy stuff. Perhaps we'll get a better impression now. We pick up Remko from the airport, mistakenly use the airtrain, emptying my just refilled Octopus card - although it's so worth it, the journey is totally relaxing - and guide him back to our little hole. Having just arrived, Remko starts complaining about the heat, the humidity; we can just laugh at this, to...

We board the nine o'clock ferry to Macau. The departure hall is filled with Cantonese, we are about the only ones not gambling. They're crazy about betting on anything, even if it's dead. Only now do I realise that - at least in Hong Kong - most of the people are not at all interested in football because they like it, but because money is involved. They bet on the end-score, on the minute a goal is made, even if it hits the goalpost on the way to the net. The n...

Help! I've been poisoned! Poisoned by Hong Kong; poisoned by its people; but also literally. Ah, sweet, sweet Asia... A mere three-hour flight from Kota Kinabalu I touch down at Hong Kong International Airport. Michel is already waiting for me. It's good to have a guide. We make our way to the city centre, to the ghetto where we will spend these next few days. Hong Kong can truly be called the New York of Asia. High rise everywhere, giant skyscrapers reaching ...

I say my goodbyes to my newly found group as our ways separate for now. Some go on a river cruise, others down to Semporna, to dive. Maybe we'll meet again. Would be nice. From today - Monday - I have about five days left in Borneo before I meet up with Michel in Hong Kong. Two things are on my todo list: a visit to Brunei, and going off exploring on my own... by motorbike! Yes, I do. Some things just cannot be left out, and once I set my mind to something ther...