Hi Dogster, I'm signing in now. I have never been to Thailand, but I'm getting comfy and going to start reading now.

where were the indian porters when you needed them??

OMG: This is howlingly funny! Dog you have done it again! Teach you to ignore those sheets of paper slipped under hotel doors at night!

citywalks, I think all hotels are required to have periodic evacuation drills. I know I've run into it a number of times in bangkok (and elsewhere around the world), but I've always gotten advance notice.

City: I think it's fair to say that this is unlikely to happen to anybody but the Dogster. As our mentor Kathie says, it's normal practice. I'm very glad it is. I don't think my odd little experience should be added to the list of things to worry about.

The Dog seems to attract these oddities - but then, as he spends seven or eight months a year traveling, by the law of average, it's inevitable that 'stuff happens'. Quite why it happens to HIM is a matter of considerable mystery.

By the way - I send my words to my newest bestest friend, the General Manager of A Certain Hotel in Bangkok, this morning with these words:

'I should thank you. For the wine, your calm composure AND the story. I'd imagine you'll read it with a kind of horrified fascination.'

He did.

The Dogster. Kicking ass and taking names.

Lol Mang: this is true. I'm sure you've heard the famous saying:

'Don't Screw with the Dogster'.

There's only one rather rude exception to that rule.

And hopefully that exception doesn't carry a pink umbrella.

Nice one Dogster - did you walk back up?? I hate staying really tall buildings.

Are you still in Bkk now or on the way home yet?

Yup, still here Mary - for the twelve hours, at least. Then I fly Thai overnight to Melbourne, which, I assume, will be the misery of confusion, wine and sleeping pills it always is.

Gawd, I wish those business class seats went FLAT, not that 'not quite flat' that Thai seems to think is fine. Still, it's a LOT cheaper.

Lol trav: I forgot to say, the exceptions are few and far between these days. And no, despite many attempts to co-opt him, Dogster is not prone to the pink umbrella.

Well "not quite flat" is better than the lot out of Perth - they are still the old armchair type that don't do a great deal at all but the still charge full business for them.

Have a safe and almost decent flight, enjoy the wine at least. There will be mass confusion in Melbourne with the hysteria building about the flu. Fortunately I believe dogs should be immune.

Exceptions are probably too few and far between for most of us these days, lol. Safe travels home my friend.

Can't wait to here the rest of the tale!

Well, we're all waiting for the dog to get home, rest up and write for us.

Take it easy, dogster, and let us know when you're ready to tell us all about it.

It'll be worth the wait you to be sure.

Where's that Gpanda fella with the threats of fines and penalties when you need him? lol

Please do not disturb the bear. It has been nice and peaceful lately.

i think he is scheduled to be out of jail in the next couple of weeks...yes rob it has been quiet, but too quiet really

The Dogster is almost always timely. Therefore, no late penalty is applicable. The fine should attach to the Hotel housekeeping staff, but the Karma Kalvary will no doubt take care of that. What would it have been worth to be present when the unspeakable Dogster and the well-spoken Japanese woman deduced the source of their turmoil?

... did you Kavalry, Panda?

Dogster, how are you adjusting to being back in Melbourne?