Yesterday we moved from Chiang Mai to Southern Thailand. This involved getting up at 6.30 and leaving the hotel at 8.30. The Centara Hotel in Chiang Mai had an aura of faded opulence. The hall carpet outside our room was rucked and our bedroom carpet had a four inch slash in it. At breakfast the milk jug had a three quarter inch chip on the rim.

Our flight was delayed by half an hour but gratefully the rep organising the transfer was there when we arrived. We were bundled into the back of a Toyota and driven three and a half hours to get to our present hotel. We expected a rural ride through pastoral scenes but the first hour and a half was spent in the suburbs of Bangkok. After that we did see some some paddy fields, some cows grazing and the salt pans which line the coast to the north of here. Somewhat reminiscent of southern Brittany.

We stopped to go the toilet half way and as we did we encountered a severe rain shower, I waited a while for the rain to abate but saw Rosemarie and the guide running back to the car so felt , in the interests of masculine dignity that I had better make a run for it. We all need up soaking wet and shivering as the air conditioning in the car didn't help matters at all.

The Thais are clearly quite an industrious nation, all along the road were countless small stalls selling a variety of goods, from car bumpers to oranges, salt, wheel trims and all manner of foodstuffs.

I am very concerned however, that in their drive to separate the tourist from their money they are encouraging multi national conglomerates to become a part of their society.We saw Tesco's , Burger King KFC, McDonalds and all the usual suspects. When we try to experience Thailand do we want to have the best steak in town at Duke's or go to a 24 hour KFC? Chiang Mai reminded me somewhat of Fuengirola 20 years ago, but without the Red Barrel. Spanish bars , German beer houses, Italian restaurants, who could ask for more?

Our arrival at Hua Hin was unexpected the hotel is set in a large garden with palm trees and we can see the Pacific from our room on the ground floor. Two downers, one we told to look out for grass snakes as we walk in the grounds, and two we can't swim in the ocean as there is a problem with jelly fish. However, we did manage to go for a paddle like two small children on their first visit to the sea.