Hi everyone

Just a quickie to let you know that we've arrived safe and well in Bangkok after 14 hours flying (12 hours from London to Singapore, then 2 hours from Singapore to Bangkok). I wasn't looking forward to such a long flight with Ben, but he wasn't really a problem at all! Although must admit I wouldn't choose to repeat the experience again too soon!

Singapore airlines treat families with children similar to their first class passengers (we got to board the flight early with the executives and received our meals before the other passengers) - so different from the Uk where you are treated with disdain for daring to take your children into confined spaces such as buses, trains etc!

Everything went ok - no delays and we were met by Jo Doyle (Jo is living and working in Bangkok) as well as Chris and Tara (the Channel 4 crew who'll be fliming us for the next 6 weeks). So we didn't experience too much culture shock with arriving in Bangkok. I was so glad to see some friendly faces at the airport becuase the night before we flew I started to get the jitters wondering why on earth we were attempting to travel the world with 2 kids in tow!

Anyway... what we've seen of Bangkok so far (very little in fact as we've only been to Khao San Road) we love! Bangkok is a real mix of old (beautiful temples, buddhists) and the new (tall sky scraper type buildings) but the best thing is they absolutely adore children - everywhere we go people smile at us and coo at the kids.

We've managed to stay awake today to get over the jet lag, taking it easy, just pottering round and taking in the surroundings - tonight I ate some Noodles from the street traders (15 baht) about 25p for a good wholesome meal! Mind you, I was the only one to risk it...Paul said he'd try them tomorrow if I wasn't ill as a result. You can also buy fresh fruit - massive melons, papaya, pineapples and munch them as you walk along the streets.The weather is ok, not too hot - I was expecting it to be like a sauna. It's 25c but quite bearable!

We're off to buy our train tickets for Chaing Mai, so I'd better sign off

Anyway just wanted to let you know we're all ok!

Love and best wishes Jill, Paul, Leala and Benxxxxxxxxxxxxx