The Thoughts of Chairman Riddo...: Last day in Bangkok

I'm writing this as we are waiting for our transfer to the station before our journey to Singapore, time for a reflection on Thailand. We have really enjoyed our stay, the people seem really friendly and are certainly respectful, they seem genuinely please to welcome visitors. We have been struck by how proud of their country the Thai people are, very fond of the Royal family - it has been the Queen's birthday whilst we have been here.

Thailand has had a slightly seedy reputation, especially Bangkok, but from our experience there is definitely nothing to be any more wary of than in any other foreign country. We have always felt safe and really enjoyed the taste of such a different culture.

(At one point during our stay I did think we had unearthed the sordid underbelly of this city when a man asked me if I wanted a "tuk tuk", but fortunately I hadn't mis heard him, he was actually asking if we needed a taxi... Tuk tuks are little scooter powered "rickshaw" -like cabs!)

("Tuk tuk madam?")

This train is a wonderful experience, the cabins are small but very classy, almost Victorian - wood panelled with lots of brass fittings. The dining saloon is about 6 carriages away, which is a bit of a trek, and the "observation carriage" is about 12 away! I reckon when we specifically want to see something we will have to set off about half an hour beforehand just to get there!

("tickets please!")

(Jan about to board)

(The room is small but beautifully formed)

The "Dining experience" was very pleasant, the "suit" made it's debut appearance to tumultuous applause, (not really - although the South African guy on our table did say it was "nice"). Fashion faux pas of the trip so far; because I've been wearing shorts and sandals every day I forgot to pack any socks! So I'm sat in a posh restaurant car, in a nice new suit with no socks...

(All togged up in the new suit, off to dinner - with no socks on!)