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    South Perth & Kings Park!

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    Burn Off
    Thursday night, Friday morning, there was a distinct smell of burning in the air. In order to prevent bush fires, the Government burn off grassy wastelands around the city, to prevent serious fires. With temperatures rising fast in Western Australia, it is important everything is done to prevent these areas igniting in flames.

    The burn off left an orange glow in the sky over the city, which did look quite eerie at times, but it is a necessary fact of life, so I am told. We kept all the windows and doors shut, which did stop the worst of the smoke getting inside. We are expecting more of these preventative measures as the summer progresses here in Australia. For me, it is just part of the course, getting used to life living in Australia!
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    South Perth & Kings Park
    On Friday morning, Darrell and I walked from our apartment in Victoria Park, down to South Perth and up into king's Park. This was our longest walk yet, consisting of over twenty thousand steps. I am enjoying getting out more and more these days, as my body gets used to the larger distances here in Australia and with a continued determination to keep fit, I will be walking more and more, the longer I stay here.

    It is absolutely beautiful along the foreshore of South Perth, along the water, and it was so relaxing just taking our time, investigating the area and enjoying the stunning views of the city from the esplanade. Sadly, like everywhere in the World, we had to walk through a less desirable area to get to the front. This was a bit of a culture shock for me, since I haven't seen too many rough areas in Perth. However, I am mindful that this is a large city, and we were effectively walking through inner city suburbs. Many of the houses in this particular part of Perth, were colonial in nature and there were some pretty dubious characters walking around, rather like there were in Portsmouth if I am honest, only on a smaller scale.

    Crossing The Swan River to venture into King's Park, the views were amazing. You could see the city in its full glory. There was a bit of a haze in the air after the 'burn off' last night, but that really didn't detract from the beauty of this most isolated city in Australia.

    It has been many years since I set foot in this picturesque Park and as I ascended to the top, small memories flooded back. I can remember doing this all those years ago and experiencing the panoramic views at the top. Unsurprisingly King's Park has changed dramatically, but the views, monuments and history of the place is still very much as it was, unchanged and preserved for everyone to see.

    King's Park is the highest point in Perth, offering a great vantage point in which to take advantage of the city vista. It is also a meeting point for families enjoying a picnic in the sun, as well as containing the attractive botanical gardens. The breeze from the top also offers a welcome break from the scorching heat and a far more bearable location to spend a lazy afternoon.

    Once again sat on a bench, overlooking the city with Darrell, memories of my time in Perth came flooding back, only today I was appreciating it far more than I did back then. I am somewhat older and far more comfortable with the slower pace of life in Western Australia, and that makes all the difference in deciding where my future lies!
    From the park, we took a walk into the city, heading down towards the West Australian Parliament. Immediately I recognised the place, after so many years. In fact, Darrell didn't even know it was Government House, until he looked it up on Google. It is so strange, after all this time, I can remember so much about the period I spent in Australia previously, but that can only be a good thing. There is a lot to like about this place!

    From Parliament, we walked down St George's Terrace and onwards towards the train station, where we had a couple of beers in the sun and a bite to eat at 'The Shoe.' The food was delicious and despite the horror stories about the cost of eating out in Australia, it was actually reasonably priced, akin to British prices. For a couple of beers and two meals, we paid £39.00. It isn't the super saver prices at Wetherspoon, but it certainly isn't as high as I expected.
    COVID Vaccine
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    After a short train ride home to Victoria park, it was time for my COVID vaccination at the Discount Drug Store. I had initially booked an appointment for Thursday, after receiving a text message from the NHS in Britain, to book my booster. I didn't think for one minute Australia would be able to do it for me, and true enough, without my Individual Healthcare Identifier (IHI) I couldn't have it done. That evening, to my absolute surprise however, I managed to open an Australian 'My Gov' account and obtain the required number, within a few minutes. I couldn't believe how quick it was. I popped back online and booked my appointment without delay; still stunned at how quick this process was, compared to home.

    When Darrell returned to the UK a year ago, he was in a similar position, but due to red tape, he couldn't get a vaccine for months. My new IHI number has allowed my British records to be added to my Australian vaccine profile, and I was able to download a certificate straight away. This is how it should work; all the Government needed here was my passport number, and everything else just fell into place.

    When I went into the consultation room at the back of the store, I was asked what jab I wanted. I was a little taken aback, that I could actually choose which vaccine I wanted; unheard of in Britain. I chose Moderna, which I had for my last booster in the UK. She happily let me take a photo of this historic moment, even suggesting a video may be better for the blog, unlike the UK, who said there would be repercussions if I did. This felt a little strange; people actually being nice and accommodating!

    Once jabbed, she revised my paperwork and I was free to go. I think the big difference here, is pharmacists are allowed to update patient information. In the UK, you had to make an appointment with a branch of the NHS to get your international COVID vaccines added to your records, and even then it could take up to three months. Suitably happy that I have done all I can to protect myself and Darrell's Mum, my Mother-in-Law, I left. So far, throughout this lifestyle break, everything is going just as planned, I am just waiting for the first thing to go wrong!
    Practicality First, Fashion Last
    This is the last day in the apartment before we go to stay with Darrell's Mum for a period, before we get a flat of our own. We have enjoyed this time together, but understand we have to knuckle down and get on with the task of finally sorting our life out; It's taken a long time getting here. Sadly after Brexit we are unable to return to Alicante in Spain, which would have been our preferred first choice, but Australia came a very close second. Darrell and I are well aware of the hurdles we need to overcome now, and this short breather in Victoria Park has been just what we needed, before the hard work begins!

    I had another great night's sleep (this is really becoming habitual) and we left early to get some shopping in Victoria Park. I wanted to walk a few thousand steps before getting back and cleaning the flat. Firstly, we went to Kmart to have a look at some hats. Since arriving in Australia I have well and truly burnt the top of my bald head and as Darrell frequently reminds me, it is absolutely necessary to wear a hat at all times; not just any old hat, as I have plenty of them, but one that protects the head, neck and shoulders!

    Thankfully millinery is reasonably priced, as it should be in Australia, and it looks like I'll be buying hat number two (from the video above), when I get to Midland, tomorrow afternoon. We have been looking for other household items as well for when we get our own place and actually to my surprise, this type of stuff is reasonably priced. You can actually buy a microwave for about $40.00 and furniture is even cheaper. The way I look at it, is if you have a decent bed and sofa you'll be fine, anything else will just fall into place!
    While in Coles I took a little video for my dear friend Jules, who works on the chicken counter in Tesco, so I did my best to show him the equivalent here in Australia. It did make me quite sad walking around with my camera, recording things that have meaning for me back in the UK. Sadly, there was no Jules behind the counter and I did feel a bit empty inside. I had some great times in the UK, but all good things have to come to an end at some point, as disappointing as that is.

    Reconnecting with home in Australia has brought a lot of emotions to the surface. It has made me think of the future in a way I haven't before. I am happy to be back after so long, but daunted by what's to come, especially at my age. For now, I'm just enjoying being in the warm, seeing things I haven't seen in years and exploring a city that has a special place in my heart. Tomorrow I will see Mum for the first time in 25 years, and I am grateful we can be with her now, as she battles cancer; It was time to come home, it was time to settle down!
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    Settling into Australian Life!

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    We left Thailand on the Thai Airways 7.20 am flight to Perth on Tuesday. Despite getting to the airport early, having got up at 2.30 am, the queues were already building at the desk. Luckily for us, we had already checked in online, and it was a relatively quick process to get through. All the panicking with cabin allowances, and they didn't even look at our luggage, which was a bit annoying, but it was still a weight lifted, and less to worry about as we went through passport control.

    The flight was much as I remember and expected. Flying from Asia to Perth is always turbulent, and we were strapped in our seats more than not. This is the part of flying I hate, and I must have spent the next several hours grabbing hold of the chair for dear life, not that would have made any difference; if you are gonna crash, nothing is going to save you, that's for sure.

    As ever, Thai Airways was perfect in every way. We were fed well on the flight and nothing was too much trouble for the cabin crew. Thankfully it was only six and a half hours to Western Australia, so I even managed to relax a little and watch a few films, which is unusual for me, since I can't normally concentrate on a plane.   The only strange thing about all the Thai Airways flights we have been on, is they didn't actually serve alcohol at all. I can only assume this was because of the countries licencing laws and I really could have done with a few beers, but hey ho, it wasn't to be.
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    We arrived in Australia dead on time, after leaving an hour late from Thailand. They must have made up the lag during the flight. I felt pretty good, but nervous; Australia have very strict laws about who can and can't enter, and with a small criminal record from my student days in the 1990s, I was scared they would reject my visa to enter Australia. To make things worse, whilst filling in the landing card, the very question of criminal offences was highlighted.

    In the UK, the convictions I had were very minor, very minor indeed, and after six years they became spent or removed from official records anyway. However, in Australian law, there is no such thing as a spent conviction; a conviction stays with you for life. At first, I was in two minds about being honest and declaring them, but at the last minute thought better of it and told the truth, as The Real Truth Blogger should.

    Whilst Darrell went ahead, I gathered all my paperwork, including my enhanced disclosure, which showed the convictions in detail and made my way to the customs boarder, attempting to go through the 'E Gates.' Not likely; I was rejected straight away and sent to talk to a person on a desk. Sweating profusely, I explained my circumstances, and she called over a member of Border Force, who took me to one side. In a private office, I was asked to explain my history.

    I handed everything over, held my hands up and spoke the truth. The guard looked at me over her glasses and gave me a menacing stare. I thought, Christ, my time is up, I'm being deported. How wrong could I have been; Her grimacing look turned into a broad smile, and she thanked me for being so honest. The offences were so minor, it didn't matter in Australia's eyes - I was free to go!

    She did however say, that had I been dishonest, I would have been refused entry and according to her, Border Force Australia had that information on me anyway.... Talk about Big Brother watching; I'm just so glad I told the truth, didn't panic and make a mess of the situation.
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    We were picked up at the airport by Beth, a friend of Darrell's, who drove us to King George Street, where our apartment was situated. Initially we had a bit of difficulty locating the place, but when we did, I was a little taken aback. The style was decidedly 1970s Prisoner Cell Block H, and it looked as creepy as hell. This is an old Australian condominium; It has its own laundrette down below and is relatively basic inside, but the views from the lounge are to die for.

    Despite my initial reservations, it is actually a lovely flat, ideal for quarantine. The furnishings are very comfortable, and I am sleeping like a baby. The area of Victoria Park is delightful, with many restaurants and café's and of course Woolworths; yes good old Woolies.
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    I remember shopping at Woolworths when I was last living in Australia in 1998. It always brings back fantastic memories of working in its British namesake, when I first left school. Of course, they aren't the same shop at all, over here Woolies is a supermarket and Big W is the equivalent to the UK's Woolworths of old.

    As soon as we unpacked our essentials, having no jet lag from the flight, we went for a walk and shopping trip to the supermarket and on the surface it hasn't changed much, but my God, the prices have. I was literally shocked at the cost of consumables in Australia, and you think you have it bad in the UK. Obviously, with the pound tanking in Britain, my savings taking a battering and my pensions becoming worthless, I was more than a little worried. This is not a cheap place to live, but despite this, it really did feel like coming home, and I was happy to be back. The familiarity of this place has remained with me, and little things, places and circumstances continue to pop up every so often, jogging a happy memory from twenty-five years ago; I'm finally home again!
    In the evening, after a long month of travelling, we could finally just sit down and relax, looking at the more salubrious view from the balcony. Perth really is a beautiful, clean and inviting city. I wish I had stuck it out all those years ago and stayed here. If I had, maybe my life would have been very different today. However, there is no point crying over spilt milk, I just have to make the most of it now and be thankful for the friends I have made!
    After a great night's sleep, we spent the day in the city, walking from the apartment on King George Street, along the river and into the centre. The walk is lovely and very picturesque. This is Perth as I remember it, but for the first time, I can actually appreciate it for the jewel it is. Unlike the UK, the water is crystal clear and the sky is always blue; even now in Spring, the temperature is thirty degrees, and I am enjoying sitting in the sun; I have a good feeling about being in Australia this time and I just hope it works out!

    Darrell showed me the new quarter in Perth, Elizabeth Quay, and it was very pleasant walking around admiring the view, for a far as the eye can see.  There were parrots flying around, Australian Darters with their wings out, trying to keep cool, and surprisingly the streets were as empty as they were in 1995.

    There are only two million people living in the whole state of Western Australia and despite the capital city of Perth doubling in size since I was last here, the streets still remain quiet. Back then, I hated it. I wanted the bright lights of London and the south coast of the UK, now I suddenly feel well and truly at home. This city has changed out of all proportion, and it has become a very special place.

    In the city, we visited London Court, as I did twenty odd years ago. This little piece of Britain, similar to Winchester, a pastiche of British life, is a gorgeous place to visit and sit and watch the World go by. I bought a new Australian phone from J B Hifi in the centre, and Darrell went to the 'Driving licence and Vehicle Department' to exchange his Spanish licence for a West Australian one!

    It is interesting to note that the whole process took about forty-five minutes to complete, unlike the three-month wait in the UK. It cost over a hundred dollars to do, but will be well worth it. We can now get a car, which will making getting around Perth a lot easier; oh, and he got to keep his Spanish licence.
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    Today was another successful day, my tan is getting seriously darker by the day! (That isn't the reason for our successful day, just thought I'd mention that one.) We spoke to a solicitor this morning, and they are confident my application to remain in Australia will be fast tracked due to us being together for twenty-seven years. There doesn't seem to be any bar to us stay together in Perth. After a few months I should be able to come and go as I please, but for all intents and purposes, I will be an Australian resident. It has been a long time coming, but I couldn't be happier. We are not out of the woods yet however, with a lot of paperwork to do and a bill for $18000 to pay, but otherwise, we should be home and dry!

    We took a walk to the bank early, where we opened up a new joint bank account with Westpac. To my surprise, they still had records of our last bank account together from the mid 1990s, still on their system, when we lived at Midsummer Circle in Ellenbrook. That was kind of reassuring and quite emotional at the same time. All those years have passed, and we are still together. Account open, we are all legal again; what a journey it has been getting here.

    Finally, a trip to Coles Supermarket, which was so much cheaper than Woolies. It really is shocking how different prices are between supermarkets in Perth. Nevertheless, I still prefer Tesco in Britain, which is markedly cheaper.

    I haven't been so successful getting a COVID booster so far; not having a Medicare Card or IHI (Individual Healthcare Identifier) number is an issue. It is important I get this done as soon as possible in order to protect Darrell's Mum, while she is treated for cancer; we'll just call that one work in progress. For now, we are just looking forward to a quiet night together in front of the TV, watching Kath and Kim and eating home cooked food. You just gotta love Australia, when things go right, at least!
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    So Sad To Leave Bangkok!

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    I think I can speak for both of us when I say how sad we were to leave Pranakorn on Monday. We weren't leaving Bangkok quite yet, so had booked a decidedly expensive hotel at the Airport, for our final night in Thailand. Both of us had thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the luxury Nuovo City Hotel, despite making an initial error with the booking. 

    The Nuovo City Hotel caters predominantly for the Islamic market, not that that was a problem. The only difficulty we had was the ban on alcohol consumption in the hotel, otherwise it was a wonderful place to stay.

    On the plus side, they were a very inclusive venue that looked after both of us perfectly. The facilities were excellent, the breakfast was top-notch and the service impeccable; I can not fault this beautiful hotel at all. As we made our way to the car they had arranged for us, I thanked all the staff on the desk and they in turn wished us well. If you are ever in Thailand, I can highly recommend this place and the local neighbourhood is extremely friendly and warm.

    It took about forty-five minutes to reach the airport, a lot quicker than the two hours it had taken driving in. We were dropped at the door of the stunning Novotel on the airport complex, which was vast. It had every facility you could imagine, including bars, restaurants, shops, food halls and an ice cream parlour. The huge atrium was covered, protecting us from the elements, and the rooms the most luxurious yet. Sadly, we would only be staying for one night, but we certainly made use of the pub and restaurant, where the food was lovely!

    After a nice long bath, my first since leaving London on 16 September, I was able to have some much-needed quiet time, while Darrell went for a swim. These past three weeks have been the longest we have spent together in years, so we have naturally argued a bit during this adventure. To be honest, both Darrell and I have needed the time together, good and bad. It has been a terribly stressful time in any case. Travelling for weeks on end does take its toll, especially after all the upheaval we both went through before our departure.

    Luckily, throughout our time away we have kept in touch with friends back home, phoning them on a regular basis, and they have been nothing but supportive, following our journey from across the World. Many have commented on how well we are looking, and I guess Bangkok has done us both the World of good, which is why we were so sad to leave. Nevertheless, we will always have fond memories of our time in Patpong and Pranakorn and look back, with a cheeky smile, at the exploits we had. Bangkok gave us the time we needed as a couple to get to know one another again; doing what we love most has given us a reason to live and a determination to succeed in our future endeavours.

    Our trip to Bangkok will be an enduring memory after a fractious time in the UK. The twelve days we spent there, allowed us to forget the difficulties we experienced and cement our determination to forge a new life overseas. There will be much I miss about Britain, but those links will always be there; I am British first and foremost, and my home will always be in Europe. Leaving Thailand behind means the start of something new, untested, untried and a chance to fulfil dreams we had long since forgotten. As I look back on our twelve days in Bangkok, I am satisfied, we made the right choice to leave the UK and start building a new future away from the struggles of the past and I look forward to continuing a journey we began in 1995!
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    Farewell to 'So Samsen!'

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    Walking around the streets on a Sunday morning, on our final day in Bangkok, I was philosophical about our future, thinking about what happens next, as we both embark on our new future together in Australia. This is the next leg of our lifestyle break, but it could also be the key to our future. Bangkok has given us a valuable holiday before we knuckle down and rebuild our life together, and it has also given us an insight into life in Asia that we wouldn't otherwise have seen. It is also a period we have thoroughly enjoyed and would love to dip in and out of again periodically.

    The streets were relatively quiet, rather like they are on a Sunday in the UK, and it was relaxing, just strolling around enjoying the colourful scenery, listening to the sounds of this wonderful city and being together as a couple once again, in a place we both love. Only six hours away from Perth, Western Australia, it is nice to know we can come back whenever we want.
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    Of course, if there is one reason to return, it's to visit Aom, Hui and Hong at 'So Samsen,' a restaurant we visited every day whilst staying in Pranakorn. The three ladies who work there have been a valuable lifeline for us, as we left our family behind in the UK. 'So Samsen' really has been the home from home that we both needed after such a terrible few months before we departed the UK.

    Once again, Darrell and I sat in our favourite spot overlooking the street. The cat, fed by the staff at 'So Samsen,' looking plumper than ever, laid down beside us, as she has done every time we have been there, making us feel even more relaxed than ever. Part of the reason for our return to this small restaurant is the cat, who has really played a surrogate role in the interim, while we are without our beloved felines. As she nuzzled around our legs, waiting for the next piece of food to be thrown to her, the heavens once again opened up and the rain came down.

    Unlike the UK, I absolutely love the rain in Thailand, it's warm and welcoming after the heat of the day. The thunder and lightening, which can be animated and severe, just adds to the strange nature of this place. This country isn't like anything I have experienced before, just like the staff at 'So Samsen;' you just wouldn't get this kind of service and one to one contact with people, who were genuinely happy to see us, in Britain or indeed anywhere else.

    As it was our last night in Bangkok, we spent more time than usual sat in the bar after another delicious meal. This was proper home cooked fare, not like the food you get in a comparable Thai establishment in the UK. The different tastes and aromas are wonderfully aromatic and really do leave a lasting impression; so much so, I would return to the Nuovo hotel, just to be able to visit 'So Samsen' again.

    As we left, we gave each of the staff a big hug. Now I know it isn't the correct thing to do, in this COVID era, but it seemed right at the time. These are people who work hard every day, harder than any of us work - cooking, serving and making our holiday more memorable. We have assured them we will return when we are able, and look forward to seeing them all in the future. This little restaurant in the heart of Bangkok made us truly believe in people again, especially after being treated so badly in the past. It would be lovely if more people were as genuine as them, but for now we will settle for the care they showed us, when we needed it most!
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    Bangkok City - Life in the Sky!

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    Street Life in Bangkok
    Yesterday we went for a last visit to the city centre and shopping district of Bangkok. We took the boat from the hotel in Pranakorn, to the end of the line in Sathorn. From here we jumped straight on the BTS Sky Train and travelled to Siam Square and the main shopping district. Up until yesterday we have only really observed the city from afar, so taking the opportunity to really look at the workings of this metropolis, home to 11 million people, gave us a fascinating insight into Bangkok life.

    The most interesting part of Bangkok, for me at least, is life above the streets, connecting one area to another. A whole new world has built up around the BTS monorail industrial style architecture; market traders, vendors, food stalls, in fact everything you find at ground level has moved upwards into the city in the sky. There are more people on the walkways that criss-cross Bangkok, down the middle of every highway, than there are at street level. At first, it does feel rather alien to a visitor like me, but when you realise the importance of this public transport system, it is easy to see why it has grown exponentially!

    Above all, the covered walk ways that connect stations and businesses, create welcome shelter from the severe temperatures that engulf this city every day. It is markedly cooler along the busy above ground thoroughfares, than it is down below, and for that reason it works well. On the downside, it doesn't look particularly pleasing to the eye; huge swathes of concrete rail lines and over passes brutally carving a path through the city. Nevertheless, it is an essential part of Bangkok life, that keeps this city ticking along at an almost manic pace.

    The one thing you notice on all Asian streets, whichever city you are in, across the continent, is the small shrines, dedicated to Buddhism and other Asian religions. These beautiful pieces of art, in their own right, not only look spectacular, but they also serve a purpose. Dedicated followers of faith come daily and leave offerings and garlands of colourful flowers. I don't pretend to know anything about any of the religions here in Thailand, but it is comforting looking in at these people, making a prayer in the middle of a large modern city. Tradition and modernity seem to sit side by side happily; British people could learn a lot from this harmonious relationship between the earthly and spiritual, for no other reason than a respect for one another in a fragmented world. These shrines bring people together in a way nothing else does, and it is an amazing spectacle to be a part of.
    HM The late Queen Elizabeth II
    It was lovely to see the city of Bangkok paying its own tribute to HM The late Queen Elizabeth as well. This is the first acclamation of its kind that I have seen, although I believe some of the larger towers are projecting an image of The Queen onto their buildings also.

    Wherever I have gone in Thailand, I am asked where I come from and as soon as I mention the UK, they offer me their condolences on the death of Her Majesty. It is easy to see why, since Their own Thai King and Royal Family are so respected and revered here. There are portraits of the King everywhere you look, and even shops that specifically sell photo's of members of the Royal Family. This was a bit of a culture shock for me, even with my Monarchist views, but I do find it particularly endearing and similar to the way the King of Cambodia is also loved, respected and looked up to, something I witnessed first hand when I stayed there in 2019.
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    The rain came early yesterday, while we were still in the city. The thunder and lightening was quite intense, but it certainly didn't dampen our spirit. The rain is so warm, that it helps the whole city cool down for a brief period of time and is a spectacle to behold. So much rain falls in such a short space of time, that the deluge causes blocked trains and flooding right across the centre. There are people specifically employed to clean up the water during the downpours, and they manage it pretty well.
    Tuk Tuk
    After the rain and a late lunch in Nandos, (OK I know it isn't Thai, but the rain really was belting it down, and it was the nearest place we could find) we decided to get a Tuk Tuk back to the hotel. I had been wanting to do this for a while, since I arrived, but was always weary, because of the almost predatory, menacing way the Tuk Tuk drivers chase you down the road, trying to persuade you to hire their cab. I am not a person who deals with this type of persistent, rude behaviour very well. Coming from Britain, we just don't see this type of thing, and it is a practice that is far too aggressive for me. However, we both bit the bullet and jumped in one of these rickety, old, dangerous and damn right scary things and got a ride back to our hotel in superfast time.

    The trip back was intense, as the driver weaved in and out of heavy traffic at speed. We were thrown around in the back, trying to hold on for dear life; it was unlike anything I have ever experienced. In truth our driver was giving us the ride of our lives, making sure we were suitably disorientated, rather like being on a fairground ride, but like Darrell, I enjoyed every bit of it. By the time we arrived back at our hotel, through the colourful, noisy streets of Bangkok, our heads were spinning; both of us just couldn't stop laughing.

    This will be a long-lasting, enduring memory of Bangkok and although it cost us far more than we should have paid, it was worth every penny. Paying 300 Thai Baht for the journey, around £7.00 was excessive apparently, but it didn't seem that expensive to me; still we will know better next time!
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    Night Out in Phranakorn
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    In the evening we had another wonderful meal at So Samsen; I chose Hang Gang-Le, which was a spicy pork stew. Our host, Aom, explained that she used to work in Australia and helped set up a Michellin star restaurant in Darrell's home city of Perth. This immediately explains why the food at So Samsen is so good. After a few drinks, we spent a lot of time talking with Aom and the other members of staff that work there. They have all been so friendly and welcoming, we have some wonderful memories to take with us on our journey!
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    The Thai White Spirit was a wonderful way to end the evening with Aom; yes it was punchy and stronger than anything I have tasted before, but it does help with the digestion, apparently. Personally, I just think it's a way of getting drunk quicker, and true to form it had the desired effect.

    At 9pm, with left our favourite restaurant for a walk to sober up a little, but ended up stumbling into a rather lively district full of clubs and bars. I had an awful feeling the night wasn't going to end well, but by now I was so drunk I didn't care!
    The rain was just beginning to fall as we sat down for a drink in a local bar, opposite one of the many massage parlours in Bangkok. These places are literally everywhere, around every corner, as common as hairdressers are in the UK. The bar was busy with lots of young revellers out for a good time. Having been drinking since 6.30 pm, I was feeling a little bit worse for wear myself and was quite happy to just sit, watch, listen to the live music and take in the sights and smells of this area in the backstreets of Bangkok, near Samsen Road.

    Darrell and I don't really drink to excess any more, so on the rare occasions we do, we enjoy ourselves. Walking around the tiny backstreets was a bit frightening on occasion, nearly falling down open drains and the like, but once again it was all part of a journey I will remember fondly, warts and all. I love exploring new places, and there certainly is a lot to see in Phranakorn. I know Darrell and I would dearly love to come back here in time, especially to see Aom and the crew at So Samsen.

    Whatever the future holds, we are leaving here on Monday morning, to travel to our final hotel before we fly to Perth. We have both had a fantastic twelve days in this wonderful city of contrasts and will miss the bonds we have formed. It is important to keep the memories burning bright as we say farewell to Thailand, because this is a country we have both fallen in love with. Darrell and I rarely agree on much, we are very different characters, but if we both like something well enough, chances are, we will be back, and I can't wait for the day we can be here together again enjoying the delights of Thailand in our own special way.
    Farewell to Phranakorn
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    Wat Saket, The Golden Mount & Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan

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    On Friday, we had a relatively quiet day. We didn't want to go out of the surrounding area too far and just decided to take a long walk, along the canal, and see where it took us. I made damn sure I had my large hat with me, since temperatures were expected to reach over 36 degrees and I didn't want to be any more burnt than I was already.

    At the end of our canal walk, we came to the extremely busy Ratchadamnoen Klang Road, which we crossed over to take a look at the decidedly beautiful Wat Ratchanatdaram and the Royal Pavilion. As we began to take a look around, we were once again confronted by another tuk tuk driver wanting to sell us a ride. Of course, he never said that outright, but pretended to want to help us get our bearings. Darrell clocked on soon after, and we bolted in the other direction. There are a lot of scams involving these drivers, and we are well aware of how difficult they can be to get away from, but we did manage, after a long conversation about where we should go, to make our excuses and leave. We may well have not gone with him, but he did at least help us find our way around a bit better.

    The Royal Pavilion was closed off to the public, as are a lot of the Wat's we have visited, but interestingly the Tuk Tuk driver explained, that when this is the case, it is because they can only be used by The King and members of the Royal Family. In effect, they have to be kept in an imminent state of readiness. It is easy to see why these places are preserved perfectly; they are so richly decorated and lovingly maintained, they are pieces of art in their own right. Hoards of tourists walking through, milling around and treading on the embossed surfaces, would soon destroy the elegance and conserved architectural integrity of these buildings.
    Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan
    Wat Saket, The Golden Mount
    From the Royal Pavilion we walked the relatively short distance to The Golden Mount or Wat Saket. This was an unexpected stop for us, since we never really planned to go here at all. It cost 100 Baht (£2.00) each to go in and climb the stairs to the top of the mount, which is pretty reasonable, like all places of historical interest in Bangkok.

    As we ascended the steps we were greeted with various statues of Buddha, tropical gardens, waterfalls and large bronze bells. Apparently if you ring these ornately decorated chimes you will get good luck. As someone who doesn't really understand any religion, let alone Buddhism, there does seem to be an element of luck involved in the process of worship. We are all looking for that small bit of good fortune that will help us in our lives, and religion, whilst not claiming to grant wishes, does give a feeling that whoever is looking down on us, will grant our desires, if we adhere to their way of thinking. I suppose it is a way of controlling the masses and giving them hope to cling on to each time they pay homage to Buddha, or anyone else they care to worship.

    I was content to play along and rang the bells like everyone else, but unlike them, I have no expectations involved in my walk to the top of the mount. This was purely about the view from the top and the framed skyline that would appear as soon as my toes touched that final step. Yes, it was a stunning panorama; a 360 degree view of the city in all its full glory. Of course, Bangkok is far too big for you to see the whole thing, but you do get the gist of just how magnificent it is. As I looked down across the city, I could see the sun shining off the many Wats or temples that cover it. The golden covered structures, illuminated in the sunlight, stand out as beacons for the faithful and look like shining jewels across the urban landscape.

    We must have taken a good hour looking at the view, pointing out areas of interest, places we had seen and landmarks we would like to visit. With the wind blowing through the open windows at the top, it was actually quite pleasant sat there, away from the heat. I must stress once again however, Bangkok is not the most beautiful city I have ever stayed in, but as Wat Saket shows, it does have some stunning places to visit, and they are so well looked after, by a dedicated and disciplined work force.

    Street life in Bangkok is very different, mind you, and as we left the mount and made our way back to the hotel along the canal, I was reminded of just how unsanitary this city can be at times. If the colour of the canal isn't off-putting enough, the rubbish floating on its surface, rats running past your feet and smells that leave little to the imagination, only add to the third worldly feel. That is not to say, this makes it a less attractive place to visit, because I have actually grown to love this city more and more, each day I spend here. However, with only a few days left before we fly to Australia, I hope to make the most of the time I have left and relax just a little more, before our journey continues.
    Trying to keep fit - UNSUCCESSFULLY
    Back at the hotel, I spent a few minutes in the gym, trying to lose a few pounds. When I say a few minutes, I mean just that. I absolutely detest exercise, especially going to a gym, so this moment of madness soon wore off. I was completely shattered after ten minutes anyway and decided it was time we went to So Samsen for an evening meal instead, drinking even more beer than usual because of the humidity that just continues to rise.

    As I sat down to a plate of Knom Jeen Nam-Ngeow, the heavens opened and the rain came tumbling down. The food was once again fantastic, as it always is. Our lovely hostess explained a little about the dish, which is essentially a spicy pork stew. It came with a large plate of accompaniments, including rice noodles, onion and chillies. I could add as much or as little to the dish as I wanted, bit by bit. In the end you eat it rather like a salad and the flavours were divine. This is real authentic Thai food and I just can't fault it in any way. The perfect way to end a fully packed day!
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