25th March 2018, Bangkok.

At around 8 O’clock this morning, RMS Queen Mary 2 docked at Laem Chabang, Thailand. I have heard a great deal about this country, but I usually favoured travelling west to North America rather than east to the Orient. There are so many “firsts” on this World Voyage. Only from Dubai to Southampton will I be on vaguely familiar ground, having travelled from there to Southampton in 2007. Even so, most ports of call in that last three weeks will be new to me.

Today, I set foot on Thailand soil for, again, the first time. I had booked a nine hour “Bangkok in a Day” excursion, which I did wonder how I would cope with, given the year round hot and humid climate. Thirty seven of us met at 08.45hrs in the Royal Court Theatre. We were soon escorted via the usual immigration procedures, to our air conditioned coach. Already, outside, it was very warm. I brought a large bottle of chilled water to last me the day.

The journey to Bangkok mostly by motorway was around two and a half hours. Apart from a few minor hills near the beginning of the journey, the scenery was unremarkable. During the day, we visited the Emerald Buddha Temple, the Grand Palace, and the Golden Buddha as well as the inevitable call at a jewellery store where a complimentary soft drink might entice one to do spectacular business. Lunch took the form of a buffet at a leading five star hotel. The hotel was fabulous, but the catering did not thrill likewise, and to allow time for the jewellery store visit, we were allowed a mere forty minutes for lunch. The tour guide worked very hard and conscientiously and was very caring. Two small children were brought by their parents on what for everybody was a long and hard day out. Our guide was brilliant with this young family. It was hot, and very slightly overcast. The city pollution did not seem bad, but it was a Sunday. Perhaps the place wasn’t as busy as it might be, but the temples and Palace was. We arrived back well after 7pm after a day which I enjoyed much more than I was expecting to.

I joined my table companions for dinner in the Britannia Restaurant at just after 8.30. For once, I wasn’t the last to arrive; I usually am. We discussed our various days; while I enthused about my brief glimpse of Bangkok, the rest exchanged their shopping and beach experiences. I joined the two ladies and Martin in the theatre for an entertaining magic and comedy show. This was a slick, fluent and confident performance which raised more than a few laughs and eyebrows! The days are passing at an alarming rate; today was number 75, as well as being Palm Sunday.

Many thanks for reading; pictures to follow.

All the best, David.