Day 57 - more needles and visa issues

My hospital appointment went relatively smoothly. The nurse was amazing, I was (relatively) calm and I didn't even feel the needle go in!! My blood test came back well - everything is back as it should be although my liver is still recovering. Perhaps it is withdrawal from the lack of wine?! Anyway, I have the all clear to fly (again)!!

While all this had been going on, my Thai visa had expired a couple of days ago. Normally this would not be a problem - you just pay a penalty equivalent to £10 per day of overstay at the airport on the way out, but with the current chaos at the airport, the travel insurance people decided to get it done properly. The doctor had to write a report to say that the extension was required for medical reasons and then a lady from the hospital accompanied me to the visa place to get a new stamp in my passport. The immigration office was the dirtiest, most horrible place I have been in Thailand so far. It was also full to bursting of very confused tourists who were affected by the airport closure. It took hours to get through as I had to see a doctor there to check and authorise my medical extension and then seemingly wait in queues purely for the sake of it.

I spoke to Dad on the phone who said that the news in the UK were pretty bad for Bangkok. Fortunately I have not seen any of the fighting. It is serious here but there really is a certain amount of sensationalism in those reports.

I am just waiting for the airport to reopen now so I can fly out. International departures have been grounded at almost all Thai airports now so there is chaos everywhere. Samui airport is closed and there are lots of people stuck there too. I'm glad I got to Bangkok - at least I can get out the hotel here without being drenched in seconds!

Thank you to everyone who has been in touch. I have really been missing everyone and your messages have kept me sane. Keep them coming. A few of you have asked for my Thai number but I have no idea what it is! If you have it, feel free to pass it on. The best way to get me is on skype though - my username is Elly_Haycox. I am online quite a lot at the moment as I have full connection at the hotel, although the connection is not great. You should also find me on msn (Elly_Haycox@hotmail.com). Speak soon!

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