TMax

My last trip I only had a small carry on bag and put it at my feet (business class so plenty of foot room), going over on Thai Airways wasn't a problem but coming home the hostess picked it up and put in the overhead, such a small bag I would rather keep it near my feet especially if I were to fly economy.

I had a feeling from the start that this would just get swept under the carpet and nothing would come of it.

Some years back I booked a trip to Autthaya through a small travel agent in Soi Thaniya (just around the Surawong corner) and cost 1800 baht, the tour was done through the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Itinerary was hotel pick-up by minivan at 8am, Bang Pa In and then Autthaya, the return was bus to a pier and river boat with buffet lunch back to Bangkok. Turned into a really nice day trip (even though it was a stinking hot day) and the boat ride back was nice and relaxing which got back to Bangkok around 6pm. Would have been much nicer with a private tour but I didn't mind going with a small group and all in all a very good day out.

Have no idea really but was looking once before in case I moved over there and my search brought up Pacific Cross, can't say what they're like or even if they're any good but they mention pre existing and the fact they cover people over 60. Could be worth a read at least. Pacific Cross health insurance

Trains are packed so hope they are putting more on for this period, I suppose doing this is easier than stopping all the burning.

Much the same as the last 40 years when I wasn't on shift working, in bed asleep (hopefully).

I've been a member of 2 airline rewards, Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways, my only problem ever with Singapore Airlines is they deleted my account for some reason and all the miles earned were gone for good (they did admit they made a mistake and offered a new account but wouldn't put the miles back so screw that). I haven't bothered with the Thai frequent flyer since the covid crap started but I may try to get it going again some day as my travel has recommenced, may look at it for the planned trip late next year.

Christmas lunch with family in Perth then home for more rest and some very nice Margaret River red wine, celebrating getting about 80% feeling (proper feeling) back in my hand, my 3 pre Christmas epidural injections are doing some good at least but in 2025 it will be major surgery.

It's been a long time since I was there. My first choice would be up in mountains in Baguio, it's not the prettiest city around but I like the climate there (never too hot and I have never needed air con when up there even in the wet season), it's a 5 hour bus ride to Manila on Victory Liners first class or deluxe bus service (even the overnight sleeper royal class). They also have a private hospital up there just in case medical is required, not in the same class as those in Bangkok or St Luke's medical in Manila but good enough for immediate needs. Cebu in my view is little more than a mini Manila and is congested traffic wise so a no for me. Can't say much about Davao as I've never been there but friends are split 50/50 on it, some say it's good because they feel safe there other say it's boring.

Well the trek to Suvarnabhumi was long thanks to a traffic jam on the freeway but I made it ok, booked a car through the hotel for 800 baht. Although the airport is packed to the rafters (I've never seen it this busy before) it didn't take long to get through to the lounge, flying business class the check in, security and immigration was all fast tracked and less than 15 minutes all up. Surprised to see a long line of people outside the entrance and was wondering what the hell was happening and then it hit, they are all the smokers getting a last one in. Now to hope and plan for a more relaxed and enjoyable trip next year, not a lot to report on this trip but will check my notes (memory) and see if I can put something up but I will say it was good to get back to Bangkok after such a long wait.

After staying at Ibis Styles I find it quite reasonable, the plus side is the food which is good, location, pool and gym however I think next trip (late next year ish hopefully) I think I will return to the Tarntawan or Raya (most likely Tarntawan) I hope to be fixed up and better prepared too. I have enjoyed the Ibis but I suppose the only downside would be room size and lack of cupboard or wardrobe but I didn't mind too much and worked my way around that.

Toll is up to 6 now, the other young Australian girl has died. Holly Bowles has died with her family by her side at Bangkok Hospital after a suspected poisoning incident in Laos. Holly is the sixth person killed in the suspected mass methanol spiking after her best friend Bianca Jones passed away in hospital yesterday.

It was a pleasure to meet and chat with you @reader, it's been a relaxing trip so far and something that was needed before the medical procedures back home, this thing slowed me down more than I had hoped. It's just a pity I haven't been able to visit more massage places this trip but very much hoping to be back late next year with less restrictions.

Taken over by IHG (Intercontinental Hotels Group) and will be rebranded as The Voco Bangkok Surawong, I'm not too sure if the plans have changed but they were originally looking at reopening some time in 2025.

Ventured into Arena yesterday just after opening. Being an early bird there was only about 5 boys to choose from but the choice was made easy for me as I was greeted with a smile and a wave by one of the boys upon entering and as he was more my type and not as big or buffed as the others I went with him. 90 minute aroma oil massage wasn't too bad (750 baht and in the standard room), I've had a lot worse but let's face it not many actually go to Arena for the massage and in the end we both had a happy ending so tipped 1500 baht. I did easily manage to have him not do the sensitve area that had caused discomfort after a previous massage, on leaving the number of boys had grown to a nearly packed house full and of all different types as well. Not a lot happened during the day after that but some relaxing by the pool for a while. Evening was also quiet and started with a couple of beers and a delicious stir fried chicken and cashew at Happy Beer Garden before enjoying a good walk around the neighbourhood.