I’m back in Bangkok for the weekend, recharging my batteries after a long week in Manila and before a long week as I begin my cross-India journey.

The timing for my trip to Bangkok is pretty unfortunate. I’m missing the big celebration of Loy Krathong next weekend, which is supposed to be really beautiful. People light candles and send them down the Chaya Praya river, each one send with a wish and a prayer for the future. All the river boats are decorated in lights, and thousands of floating lanterns are launched across the countryside.

I’ve seen the floating lanterns before (in small numbers) and they’re really extraordinary to watch. I would love to have been here for the festival, but alas, it was not to be.

Still, I enjoy Bangkok. We went out for dinner last night at Ruen Mallika, my favourite Thai restaurant anywhere in the world (and in my mind, the best Thai food in Bangkok). They specialize in royal Thai cuisine – traditionally reserved for royalty because of the complexity of the preparation and the cost of the ingredients. Today, it’s available to schmucks like me as well — at a price, of course.

Otherwise, yesterday was a lazy day. We’re next door to a shopping mall, so I spent time browsing the English-language bookshop and bought myself a few books. I spent the afternoon lazing around the pool and trying to get a little sun.

Today, I’m off for 18 holes of virtual golf – they’ve got a virtual golf centre downtown where you can play all of the most famous courses in the world, in air conditioned comfort, without any of the hassle of walking between holes or searching in the woods for your ball. I think I’ll try to play the St Andrews Old Course, if only to say I have. Tiger Woods, eat your heart out.

After a round of golf, I’ve got a massage booked for the afternoon. I’ve spent the morning curled up in bed with the Sunday paper and a good cup of coffee. So a nice, relaxing Sunday.