I’m back in Bangkok. It’s amazing how being away from a place even for just a short time and then coming back affects the way you see things. I definitely think I needed the break, as Bangkok suddenly seems slightly less chaotic and hectic as when I left it. I’d been stuck in the heart of the city for too long, never escaping to the beaches and getting the chance to chill out, relax, and unwind. I now see that this is a must, something I need to do every couple of months if I’m to stay sane in this insane city.

And now for tonights main story…last Saturday night I proposed to MyTGF in the middle of hearing grammy-winner Carmen Bradford sing Sinatra’s “It had to be you” at the Sheraton Jazz room here in Bangkok. A pair of big, brown watery eyes and trembling lips replied with a resounding “yes”, and the special moment was then toasted with champagne cocktails and a song dedication just for us by Ms Bradford and the house band. The next evening I had to go and ask her mum’s permission (in front of all the siblings as well!) which was more nerve-wracking than popping the question. Mum was surprised but consented, then we bunkered down to haggle over the dowry which I have to pay.

A prize will be awarded to the first reader who can spot
what’s been photoshopped in this pic

So what happens when an unstoppable force (Mum’s insistence on the dowry price) meets an immovable object (the money in my wallet)? Well let’s just say that things got a bit tense for a while as the numbers and terms flowed back and forth across the table, but I think we’ve come to an agreement and we’re now rushing about madly setting plans for a mid-December wedding.

Regular readers and friends who’ll be in Bangkok in December are more than welcome to come along and celebrate a traditional Buddhist wedding ceremony and the equally traditional evening booze-up with us – simply drop me a line and let me know in advance.

Stay tuned for more nervous ramblings as the big day draws near…