Geo: 12.8, 99.9667Woke up at some stage quite cold. Due to temp outside, the air conditioner had been left on all night but near morning I got quite cold. Bed has two blankets sandwiched between two sheets!! I pulled bed cover onto bed to help keep me warm. Finally back to sleep. Woke up just before 8. Mum and Dad had already been up and swam in sea!! Mel and I beat them to breaky!!We walked along road about 10 – 15 minutes from hotel. Anything goes here. It is often easier to walk on the road. The footpath is littered with signs, bikes, people (including the spruikers for the shops – mostly tailor shops) and food carts. During the day, it was mostly chickens for sale, in the evening lots of fish. These food carts ... read more

Geo: 13.7308, 100.521Had breaky (surprise surprise) – same fare as yesterday and day prior. Packed and off to the Grand Palace. Pa stayed outside as Nana, Mel and I went in. Pa had seen it before. We walked around looking at the amazing buildings with their tiled columns, walls and 'guardians' (mythical creatures). The roofs were also very elaborate. Everything sparkled of gold. We went into see the Sitting Emerald Buddha. People kneeling down in front of him – some just looking, others praying. When sitting, you were not permitted to face your feet towards the Buddha. No shoes and no photos and you must talk in a hushed voice.It was amazing but incredibly hot. We tried to follow the map but very poorly written/drawn. I had worn a sleeveless top so had to 'borrow' a ... read more

Geo: 13.7308, 100.521Got up and went straight down to breaky – no time for a shower. Had leisurely breakfast – scrambled and poached eggs, bacon, toast, french toast, pikelets and fruit with yoghurt. We met up with Tim and Helen – also on our tour group. We met them yesterday. We (including Tim and Helen) all walked to the sky rail station and caught the train then walked from there to dock and caught a ferry for 30 or so minutes. I made Mel wear travel sick wristbands - I believe they helped. She even walked up to the back of the ferry – Tim was there and it was a better view. In the boat we had the tarpaulin pulled up to block out most of the water spray which also cut out the view ... read more

Geo: -38.1, 145.717Let Mel sleep in this morning - she woke at 8.05. We got her to school in time. I went home cleaned, vacuumed and washed floors then went to the canteen to get things up to date. Collected Mel after play and went home. Did last minute packing and tidying. We were ready early - said to Mel we can wait here or at the airport. Mel decided to wait at the airport. Dropped off Avon catalogues then went to surgery to collect mail - letter with THB480 from Dorothy Graeme for me or mum? Drove to the airport. Couldn't believe the smell as you go through the tunnel in Melbourne. Commented to Mel about it. She cracked up laughing - it was her!Easily found Jetport Parking. We changed out of our warm clothes ... read more