Thai Tummy

Has struck since I last wrote (not quite as Delhi Belly or Keiths broken arm) but it hit 7 of us on Tuesday afternoon. So uncomfortable Tueday evening and a day of toast only yesterday. Seems to be ok now.

Oh and another town last night and all of the ladys boys seemed under 25..

Whats been happening since. Monday evening we had a Thai Massage. For those of you of degenerate minds it actually a massage with pygamas on in a group. It was quite nice although it didn't help my sore back get any better - think muscular injuries are a little difficult to solve with a massage.

Tuesday I went to the elephant sanctuary and hospital. Bit sad seeing them in a place like that but I guess if they aren't then there is nowhere left for them. But they are beautiful creatures. Quite large and very gentle. Then after the sanctuary we went to some of the local craft villages - where to be honest they were selling tat.. If it was Blackpool you would have rejected it..

Yesterday was a big driving day. We visited Si Satchanalai and Sukothai - both in the North Central Plains. When Thailand was first formed as a country in about 1200 the first capital was Sukothai so it has a couple of World Heritage sites - old ruins which are impressive. Asd the trip goes on and we become more adventurous the restaurants are getting more earthy - last nights was a corrugated shed. Food was really good and the meal only cost 1 quid!!!

Today we left Sukothai and drove for about 2 hours to reach the River Ping to join our rice boat. Spent 5 hours cruising down the river watching the world go by and seeing the local villages. Excellent. Went to chat (sort of) to local rice farmers planting their crops. Also we had lunch and dinner on the boat - all cooked in front of us on 1 wok - a meal for 19 people with soup and 4 different main courses. Very impressive - why do we need a Neff 5 ring cooker.

Besides the thai tummy I'm really enjoying it - the group dynamics have settled down and they are a good bunch of people - I'll comment more when I have ended the trip - they may sue me for libel. Also try and get a couple of photos on when I get back to Bangkok.

Will be off internet until Monday as we are staying on the raft boats of Saturday and Sunday and have been told that its candles only Really looking forward to it.

Oh and the weather is still lovely .. Hope everyone is well and happy... Say hi to my non internet friends..

Rob