Chilli in Bangkok and chilly in Frankfurt too

Twenty-eight muggy hours in Bangkok viewing temples, swimming in a rooftop pool and storing up vitamins D and C is now being followed by bone-numbing cold and all that fearful food (I was right to be afraid - this morning I have seen foot-long, python-thick 'wursts' of every description being cooked in huge outdoor braziers and hungrily consumed} I couldn't decide which was the least worst wurst so had a cup of coffee instead.



Our flight from Bangkok was overbooked and we were offered 600 Euro and other benefits to relinguish our seats but the thought of disappointing Mads made acceptance impossible. Mere and Maddles were at the airport for our 5.30 a.m. arrival - Maddles in her Sam-Sam outsuit - and we have had a wonderful morning but are beginning to wilt a little now. Never mind! Mere is promising gluwein later on and the famous Christmas markets at night. And there is bok choy in the house! And Aussie wine! And a veritable mountain of jars of vegemite.

So I've learnt a lot in a couple of days. I can distinguish between a Buddha subduing the seas and one subduing the relatives. Also one subduing mara which I take to mean the world in general. Buddhas are very good at subduing.

we are getting about 8 hours of daylight and it's now clear why I have this fair skin. It's perfect for absorbing the few skerricks of vitamin D available. Only thing is I'm not sure I'm tall enough to compete with the locals for my share.

Festive in Frankfurt

Tomorrow,Right Foot and I head off to Germany to spend Christmas with Mere, Matt and Mads. We have already had Christmas with Hil, Rob, the Unborn (aka Bisleri Fruitelle) and Rob's mum so this will be our second dip.

I've heard so much about the wonderful Christmas markets in Germany and at last get to see them. Mere says they are a bit cheesey but I'm up for a bit of kaese, kein problem. I've been making a late run on learning a bit of Deutsch. For some reason the phrase 'Wan es fruhstuck' (When is breakfast) has stuck in my brain. I'm not sure why it has such importance: I've had the same breakfast (vegemite toast and tea) for fifty years and don't expect that will change because of 5 weeks in Germany. I notice that they have not one but two words that mean dog's breakfast and another one for donkey's breakfast (I think I'd prefer that - there may be some vegetable matter involved). I'm a bit worried about the German food, all blood sausage and chocolate tortes. Hwmm. I wonder how you say bok choy in German? And tofu? And 'Lose the salt for Pete's sake!!'