I'm currently waiting at Bankok International for my connecting flight to Saigon. Here's what's happened so far.....

22nd August. Arrived at Heathrow, terminal 3, with two things to do. 1. Find Tris. 2. Get some dollars.

1. Easy. I found Tris in the internet cafe (of course). He has shaved. This is unusual.
2. Hard. I tried to pay for my money with my (Lloyds TSB) debit card, but it was declined. Twice. Frustrated, I tried their helpful 74-option automated phone helpline, only to be cut-off while queued waiting for an operator. Twice. Now a bit panicked, starting to sweat under my (empty) money belt, I realised I was screwed. Step in my non-bearded friend (who happily banks with HSBC), who reluctantly but dutifully coughed up my share...

I hate Lloyds TSB.

I'm then whisked off back to the internet cafe to reimburse him via my online account (which works!).

Tip number 1. Get your money before you travel....

The flight to Bankok was entertaining. For at least eight of the ten and a half hours of night flight a delightful child was wooing us with his own personal rendition of "How to cry at 110 decibels every three minutes so as to wake everybody up", which is one of my personal favourites. A sleepy but inspired moment several hours in had me calling for the stewardess to ask for a set of earplugs, and she dutifully delivered me several new sets of headphones. A sleepy, awkward, and somewhat loud conversation / gesture later, I had what I wanted. However, 110 decibels is remarkably loud, and Thai Air earplugs are just not that highly rated.

I managed a few hours sleep spread over one and a half seats and a dozen neck-cricking positions, most of which carried a severe risk of DVT, and arrived moderately composed.

Oh, and tip number 2. Don't (Tris) leave the UK without spare passport photos. He spent an amusing few minutes arguing with a grotesque Thai woman about some fairly unfavourable exchange rates, but in the end the man needed Bhat.

Finally, Bankok International is very western. The first thing I see when landing and pulling into Gate E2? An advert for HSBC. In english. "The world's local bank".

I think I'm going to switch accounts when I get back....