11:57 AM Bangkok

Okay - three/four days to cover.

The 21st we woke up in Hong Kong. Went out for a bite. We went to a noodle shop, but I wasn't up for noodles. This was a real Chinese place so all we could do was sort of point at the pictures and guess. I thought I was ordering just toast but what I got was a bit different.

I got what at frist looked like French toast. But the outside was crispier fried maybe like the love child of tempura and croque monsieur. And then, cutting in, the thing was filled with a thin layer that was the love child of peanut butter and bean paste. It was yummy.

Then off to the tailor (Graly Shirtmakers) to select fabric and have a fitting. These guys make the best damn shirts. I think my favorite will be the pink/brown houndstoothy storta woven cotton that I had made with a mandarin collar and a placket hiding the buttons.

We had to scramble to pack and get to the airport to cath our flight to Thailand. Let me just say - Thai Airlines is a really great outfit. Their economy was better that United buisiness class (excepting the reclining chairs, of course but it was only a three hour flight). The staff is so phenomenally kind and generous.

Uponn arrival we bussed to the D'Ma Pavillion - our regular Bangkok kicks. Our room faces a wall but it is a four star hotel for 40 bucks a night breakfast included so no complaints. The rooftop pool is gorgeous and sauna! Oh, yes a sauna. I didn't go in it yet this time, but just knowing it is there!

The second day we met up with Martin and Albert in Silom Village where we dined on fried crab, salt fish and morning glory accompnied by a delicious light, tart white wine. Fully buzzed, we decided to go for Thai massage. OH! MY! GOD! If you ever needed an excuse to come to Thailand - come for the massage.

I did not cathc the name of the joint but it was a "clinic" - they take you into curtained compartments (Tom and I always open the curtain between us so we are in one large compartment) and give you cotton pajamas to wear for the massage. This place scented the air with tea tree and something vaguely like a raw nut scent.

The very best part of Thai massage is the right leg. That is where they start (after washing your feet). The right leg, from ankle to hip, for so long that you can't imagine how there will be time left for the rest of you. The inside of your leg, the outside of your leg, your ankle, your knee, your hip joint, all the while the only noise is the sibilant hiss as they slide in increments along the cotton of your pajamas. I sak for my massage to be "strong" and they elbow every meridian. I spend much of the time reminding myself to breathe through the discomfort and not to tense up.

The worst part of Thai massage is the left leg. The realization that you are going to endure more delicious agony. And that it is going to last a long time.

They do the whole you, at all time keeping resting parts covered wiht blankets - warm. Warmed up. They roll you up and flex you out. At the end you feel like a noodle. Lovely.

Yesterday, unfortunately, I felt a bit liverish and had an uneventful day. Took a nap and met the boys for dinner. Tom went to the night market and bought two dollar cd's. He claims he was overcharged, but the girl was cute. That happens. :)

Today, Toma nd I started out okay but we just had an argument that ended with me heading here alone. So, I don't know where he is. We might not see each other today. Tomorrow we head to Cambodia.

I am well and truly excited about Cambodia. I like things about Bangkok, but I don't like Bangkok. When we come back through Thailand, after Cambodia, we are going to Pattya - a beach resort town - I have to see somewhere in Thailand outside Bangkok because I don't feel it fair to judge the whole country on one city. Certainly can't jusge the US based solely on New York, you know.