Bangkok is the most amazing place. Granted I've only explored a tiny bit of it so far but the city chaos is amazing, I am in the middle of all those images of chaotic asian streets that you see on tv - smoky old buses, tuk tuks all over the place and motorbike taxis that defy the laws of staying alive. Been and visited a few Wats (temples), again absolutely amazing, you have never seen so much ceramic, glass and gold mosaic in your life! The famous huge reclining buddha in itself is a feat of engineering, gold leaf and mother of Pearl. The Royal Palace was heaving and very very grand. The good news is that everything is as cheap as fellow travellers have told me, it cost a 5 baht (7p) for an hours train journey from the airport to Bangkok then 4 B for an hours bus jopurney to near to Kao Sahn Road (prime backpacker area). A private double room is 320B (4 pounds) and chang beer an astounding 60B (70p)...fantastic! Apparantly its Christmas soon. It so doesn't feel like it! But the guesthouse havemade an effort with a tree and some tinsel!! So merry christmas all!