You haven’t lived until you have speeded through the streets of Bangkok late at night, with an Aussie and a Swede, in a tuk-tuk, which is pulling wheelies at every junction?

If so I can now say I have lived.

Bangkok at night is interesting. Bloody hot for starters (33°C). We hit the markets. The fake tat they sell didn’t match up to what was available in the silk market in Beijing.

Even at midnight the place was thronged. We were told that pick-pockets are not a problem as the local mafia crack down on them in a very physical way. They want westerners to be able to spend their money in safety. Beyond the stalls the place was lined with bars offering a variety of massage, “ping-pong” and other shows. We declined. It seemed odd for it to be happening in such close proximity to the markets where westerners with families were shopping. Worse was the significant number of middle aged (and older) men wandering around holding hands with young Thai women.

The only thing I bought in the neighbourhood was a black leather belt (un-branded) for my suit trousers. Once again I have left the country without one. One of the Aussies went mental buying up t-shirts and polo shirts. He averaged AUS$4 a pop for what he bought. Some people seem to thrive on the thrill of haggling. I didn’t have the energy. It may be the heat.

My turn to present comes tomorrow. I haven’t done my slides yet, and here it is 01:40 in the morning. Why am I posting to you people instead?