Bangkok

We were staying in Silavadee in Samui. Sila would mean stone and a rough translation of Vadee in this case would mean flora and fauna, or the surroundings. We left Samui today and I carried most of the stones with me - in my heart. It was one of the most gorgeous places i have seen. We were taken for a roller coster buggy ride when we checked in. The entire property is set on a cliff with facilities on various levels. We were taken to our rooms,  barely surviving the near death experience of a buggy going downhill, - while backing up. We decided to walk henceforth. 
As soon as the doors were opened we realised the room is still far away. This was just the main door and in front of us stretched the sea, blue blue sea at a level way below us. The Infiniti pool hung on the edge of this cliff. There was a view from the room, from the other room, from all sides of the Infiniti pool and from the bed. A view we left behind with heavy stone ridden hearts. 
I was subconciously humming "one night in Bangkok" all the way in the flight. Wrong. All wrong. Where a few years ago existed seedy seamy streets, with gay bars, porn DVD shops, night clubs, sex shows and the works, now existed hi tech flyovers, few over many more. Of course, we were told, all of that still exists and the economy and the king ( whose pictures adorn the entrance of every shop, and I want to know if they also adorn the seedier side shop entrances) earns his keep thru them. 
We went to the 64th Flr of a hotel To the rightly named sirocco and sky bar. I was enthralled with the food, the view and even more by the women on the table next to us. I was told by my very knowledgeable husband that they were the famous " lady boys". The same ones we see on the road in India clapping their hands outside car windows. Only here I would be damned if you could make out. The reason I suspected was one " woman" had a face which unfortunately resembled a horse. And a little later my suspicions were vindicated. They were solemnly soliciting at the bar. I hope they were unceremoniously thrown out later.