From arrival I'm glad I'm here. The Dusit Thani hotel is one I had first visited during a six-hour stop-over Christmas '95, when very few hotels had internet access or facilities. I was impressed at the time, and with my connections with Siam.net had booked it in a round-about way through the internet as well.

Taken to my room I'm delighted with the space. Large bathroom, dressing room, the fittings, furnishings, no longer feeling somewhat cramped. How nice to be able to have a cold drink from the mini-bar too. Room 505 is a large corner room, with wide balcony. Natural silk wallcovering and all edgings are ivory painted split bamboo. Drapes that have been ironed, no less, with sharp pleats. Mirrors beside a wide bed which feels as hard as my own.

As there was no voucher waiting at the desk, and it appeared I was a 'no show' from yesterday, I've been asked to return with some confirmation. As it's in my e-mail, I head off to the business centre and log on to print it out. Such a slow connection, yet there are three terminals on the network now, and even a scanner. Returning with the letter I head back to my room, do some washing and sleep until evening.

Not feeling like a meal, I head up to the Tiara rooftop bar where the views are spectacular. No crowds, too early for even the other hotel guests. The Champagne bar is the same, so I end up having a sandwich while reading newspapers in the Lobby Lounge.

Wednesday, 28th. October, '98.

Crazy dreams of orange flowers, a left-hand-drive Austin, kangaroos and snow. Woke forgetting this watch had not been adjusted from GMT, and thought it was ten AM instead of nine.

What a breakfast ! The best, bar none. The Pavilion, downstairs, can seat 150 and the variety of food set out in a circular arrangement means no-one could possibly leave feeling not catered for. Cereals, cold cuts, curries, Chinese dishes, juices, porridge, Japanese dishes, any style eggs, pastries, waffles, ham and garlic potatoes.

So starting with fresh pineapple in lime juice and melon balls, I also have Bee Hoon, dim sums, and that sweet, red Chinese pork. And waffles ! Cooked while I watch, then drenched in maple syrup. I think (rather nastily) of Canadians heading for another cold and freezing winter.

Service was impeccable. Unobtrusive team work, no-one returning to the kitchen empty handed. Nice to see also, managers and supervisors alike whisking away used plates or filling milk jugs.

Now for the pay-off of this solo holiday - a pampering body scrub and aromatherapy massage at the Spa and Fitness Club. Purely self-indulgent and totally relaxing. Tea tree and lavender oils, soothing music, Tamjai's expert hands, nurturing and most welcome.

Went to the Library Lounge for my welcoming drink. Such a nice room that's as exotic as my drink. Mirrored ceiling between teak beams, carved screenwork, brass and glass tables, chandeliers. Brocade wing-back chairs and carvers grouped by silk cushions in pink, blue, jade, green and violet. Wide views over the waterfall and gardens below.