Arrived in the sweltering heat of the Thai capital this morning after an overnight flight changing planes at Munbai. Nearly missed the connection as the flight was an 90 minutes late leaving London, purely because it couldn't get a take off slot.

Was rather alarmed to hear that Bangkok's Thai name is Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Yuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Phiman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit. Scary, Imagine having to put that you letter headings.

Checked into the Hotel and then made for the Royal Palace. The best way to go is apparently by boat so I caught an orange flanged shuttle up the river. It was a little choppy and the staff were a bit free and easy on the safety matters, but it got me there and avoided the horrendous traffic. The Palace was spectacular. Amazing buildings and spectacular statues. I did wonder why so many tourists were going around the place in their pyjamas! Then I realised the rather garish trousers were on loan from the temple authorities, and bare legs are a no no in the temple. I suppose making them so outlandish means they will never get stolen.