Martin was a bit tired this morning as he had found a website, probably illicit which was showing England's Six Nations match so stayed up late to watch.

We took a boat down the river for a 30 min trip which was a good way of travelling the distance but the outlook wasn't very inspiring - unfortunately Wat Arun is being renovated so is covered in scaffolding. We walked to Lumpini Park passing Patphong the red light district. We sat by the lake watching the fish, terrapins and quite large monitor lizards. We opted out of the long, hot walk back so took the Skytrain to the pier.

We then visited the Grand Palace and the temple of the emerald buddha. The place was teeming with noisy tour groups of Chinese and the palace security guards were blowing whistles trying to keep the crowds moving. Again we were in awe of the fabulous buildings.

I don't think I've visited a country before which holds it's royal family in such high esteem and which has royal insult laws. Everyone has calendars of the King and Queen and they are seen as the Father and Mother of the nation. The locals have said to us that the royal couple visit people around the country and try to help them. However, both King and Queen are suffering healthwise. With the country currently being under martial rule and doubt about succession to the throne there are interesting times ahead.

We got back today to some lovely pictures and news of Jess, Kath and Ryan in the campervan and sea kayaking amongst baby seals.