Just a quick one...

I've got nine minutes left until my money runs out on this computer but thought I'd try and post a quick update anyway.

I flew into Bangkok last night after two weeks of absolute bliss in Koh Phangan and let me tell you, it was hard to leave! Phil and I have parted ways as she's off to her yoga retreat on the other side of the island and I'm jetting to New York City on Wednesday so I'm feeling a bit lost and lonely at the moment. This is only the second day we've spent apart in the last three months so I suppose it's understandable! Luckily we'll meet in London again in just a fortnight.

I was really worried about coming back to Bangkok as a lot of people have been telling me that the anti-government demonstrations have got both more widespread and more violent in the last couple of weeks. A few of the big shopping complexes are closed and the hotel advised me to try and avoid a couple of central areas of the city, but apart from that everything seems to be okay. It's raining today so I've taken myself off to the massive MBK centre for a bit of retail therapy. Tomorrow I'm doing a Thai vegetarian cooking class near Khaosan Rd which should be fun...and an excuse for yet another themed dinner party when I return.

Thanks to those who sent me birthday texts, emails and Facebook messages. Thanks to Phil I had a magical day involving multiple special presents, a surprise bungalow makeover with tinsel and balloons, yet more cocktails and to top it off, a surprise birthday cake that later ended up painted all over our faces! I have some great pictures of the day so will post them if I get a chance. If my birthday is anything to go by, being 25 might not be such a bad thing after all!

Until next time,

E xxx