Bangkok

I know I've been lax but since returning from Thailand I really have been very busy (and also productive, so busy is OK).

I have zillions of photos, many more than would be appropriate to post here so I think I may send them to someone who understands Facebook and ask for them to be posted there; any offers?

The architecture of the Grand Palace would match anything from Greece or Egypt, not as old but equally grand. Actually Bangkok reminded me of Athens in many ways, just not quite as chaotic :(

Lovely people, of course; they always are in these places.

the photo of the guy with the motor scooter needs explanation - I was in a taxi with a driver who spoke no England whatsoever and who was hopelessly lost (what's with cities which don't insist on 'The Knowledge'?) . We 'scooting along' when a scooter pulled alongside. Then we hit a red light and both taxi and scooter hit the brakes. Unfortunately the van behind the scooter didn't and the scooter went one way and the rider went the other way. It was all settled very amicably with the van driver picking up the scooter - that's him holding it up, and the rider smiling benignly while holding his helmet to hand and, no doubt, thinking beautiful thoughts.

The river is the main artery of the city and its pretty well stocked with fish - the ones shown are fighting for a piece of bread I threw them.

MacDonald's has encroached into the ancient architecture but, at least, it hasn't replaced it. there's a wonderful MacDonald's in Rome near the Spanish Steps with gorgeous frescoes on the walls.