Thursday, 22nd. October, '98.

Pavilion Holiday Villa Hotel,
London.

This is just a few doors down from the Blakemore Hotel where I stayed last time. Even more of a suprise - a Malaysian restaurant, and I feel at home immediately. Room #209 has a balcony overlooking a park area in amongst all these beautiful Victorian buildings - and if I remember correctly - I'm not far from that wonderful shopping centre with the Internet cafe.

Yes - Whiteley's - so not only did I catch up with email, I had a rather enjoyable wander around. Shops and stores I remember. And throughout the centre - sounds of harp music. Kevin Lee is the harpist, and as we spend time chatting I'm delighted to discover he knows and has even met the Celtic Harpist I met in Hobart many years ago.

Friday, 23rd. October, '98.

Returning from the Seattle Coffee Co. ^{(Update: Now Starbucks Coffee Company)} in Queensway, I find Eric has rung. He's meeting a group of people and they are all heading off for a few drinks in an hour or so - would I like to join them ? I take the detailed directions, am told it's around twenty minutes away by train, and they'll be there around and hour or so.

In the meantime I'll make a few more phone calls and catch up with a few others here in London. Lychee tells me of his university application and his graphics arts course. Mike ^{(Update: MP3)} may be down this way Sunday, I hear Alan's impressions of Japan, and eventually locate David, Paula and a Grainger or two.

Off to Queensway, there are delays and the train is so packed, I try very hard not to think of every disaster movie I've ever seen. Liverpool Street station had me wandering around to find the correct exit, and by the time I arrived at the Bishop's Grape Wine Bar there was no Eric !

'Frog', as the owner is known to one and all proudly showed me the amounts raised for chaity through the 'Frog Club'. I met local icon Cliff, discussed the 'perils of the internet' and enjoyed the hour or so regardless. Heading back the trains were still delayed, still as packed, stuffy and silent.

Getting off at Lancaster Gate I called back into Royal Court Apartments to say hello. Tina had left, and Rachid is now the duty manager. From here it's only a short walk around the back to the White Hart, and yes, Linda is still there behind the bar ! She remembers me, too, and as we chat I recognise Geo, as well ! Phil the manager was also there, so after a few drinks with Geo, his friends from New Zealand and Brixton, swapping adresses with Linda and promising to send another postcard to Phil, I saunter back to the hotel. A mild evening and rather stuffy indoors, so rather late I ring Eric to leave a message I'm sorry I missed him.

No problem ! It must have been by minutes, and although the 'group' had decreased somewhat, they were now heading someplace else by taxi - did I want to join them ? Hop in a taxi, I was told - twenty minutes max. If I'm not there in thirty minutes I'm lost, I say, and off I go.

Well my interpretation of a Scots accent leaves me making more phone calls thirty minutes later to say I AM lost in West Hamstead, yet the taxi driver offers to try Aldred instead of Alfred/Albert/Albred Road this time - and there I am ! The 77 wine bar, with Steve, Eric, Marta and her friends from Spain, Portugal and Austria. A very enjoyable evening. Pleasant company, a few drinks, a lot of laughs, and well worth the effort.

Saturday. 24th. October, '98.

A beautiful pink sunrise, still and calm with very little traffic. Low clouds bring rain, then from the park opposite a cold wind blows leaves off the trees onto my balcony and in the open window. Today would be perfect for spending in bed so I have a very late breakfast of nasi lemak, coffee and more coffee. Sit by the window in the dining room looking out the window, daydreaming.

Venturing outdoors later, there's a rainbow, sunlight, plenty of people around and I find myself happily windowshopping at Whiteley's again. Late shopping til 10pm ! There is a wait for a terminal at the Internet Exchange, so I tell a fella from Uraguay about the other centre up the road, and we walk off together to Queensway where there is no waiting.

Watch TV and CNN features another icon - Dame Edna Average - with a special all about Melbourne, "Culture Capital Of The World" which makes me a little homesick.

Sunday, 25th. October, '98.

Another bright, clear day. Breakfast is busy, as it's the day to change all the clocks forward from summer time.

Breakfast with Lynda, who's here for a 'Feng Shui' seminar in the hotel.

Off shopping ! Marks & Spencer and a few other places for shoes, socks and lingerie. To fit in everything I'll post winter clothes back home to myself as I won't be needing them again this trip, and once I arrive back home it will be heading towards summer anyway.

Spend the evening downstairs in the lounge addressing postcards, chatting with all and sundry. I've called back to the Blakemore Hotel and caught up and said hello. Nice !

Monday, 26th. October, '98.

Phew ! A V.Expensive trip to the local postoffice up the road, and I swear my suitcase is heavier than when I started, and my £££ funds are sure lighter ! I've also booked the Heathrow Express, so regretfully say my goodbyes and 'Selamat Tinggal' to everyone and catch a taxi to the station.

What a neat way to travel to the airport ! Taking 15 minutes, these modern, streamlined trains make train travel less of a hassle. Not only are the carriages and interiors smart-looking, so are the friendly staff on the platforms, and I LOVE that colour. Pity it's such a short trip.

Next stop - Bangkok.

How far is it ? - 5924 miles (9534 km)