RAIN LIKE YOU WON'T BELIEVE !

Friday night rush hour is not the best time for the heavens to open. I had taken about six steps outside my office building and then it began. The heavens literally opened. It's the kind of rain that would have made headline news in the UK, but here in Bangkok it's just part of normal life. The roads are suddenly filled with enterprising Thais selling umbrellas. I couldn't resist and was very rpoud to have bargained the price down from an initial 120 baht (for tourists who don't know better) to 90 baht (more the price a local would expect to pay). Torrential is an understatement for the amount of rain that fell, and I don't think there is a word in English to describe the amount of water that fell, and continued to fall for at least one hour. Roads become raging torrents and crossing the road almost required diving gear. When the rains arrive at this time of night most people opt to either take a taxi, or to wait. Being the crazy guy I am, Tanya and I opted for a tuk-tuk. They are three-wheeled motorcycle-type vehicles used as taxis around Thailand. They are open to the elements, but it was a case of wanting to get home rather then hang around, so we took one. I don't think I have ever been so wet fully dressed - but it was fun, or sanuk as they say in Thai. It's Saturday afternoon now and I have just had my first work-related freebie. The hotel where Tanya works is opening a new spa operation next week and I sampled a manicure and arm scrub. I've never had anything like that before, and my otherwise embarassing finger nails now shine like mother of pearl. Don't laugh - please ! Well, that's another for now ... hopefully another update on Monday.