There is a fragrance here, a distinctive aroma of zooming tuk tuks and hustle and bustle that is uniquely south-east Asia.

And the heat is uniquely south-east Asian too. As soon as I step out of Suvarnabhumi Airport, the heat rains down on me like an eternal hot breath. I'm really happy I'm here in Bangkok! Mostly I'm happy to be on flat land again, and in one piece - I'm surprised that I made it through the flight okay.

Having half a bottle of merlot helps, as well ...