Sore arms!

Well folks, as the title suggests, more injections have been had! Yesterday I got my Hep B booster and my Japanese B Encephilitis booster which brings my vaccinations all up to date - no more needles required, hooray! Found a great travel clinic in Ashford, Kent http://www.bmcmedical.co.uk/ that do all the travel shots and occupational stuff.

Malaia meds are a different bag altogether! I've done a little research and the cheaper ones seem to have lots of 'mild' side effects which will certainly put a dampener on the trip. Lariam seems to be particularly nasty with psychotic episodes & suicidal tendancies listed as a too frequent side effect for my liking - it also appears that the Mozzies in Thailand have become resistant to it. So that really only leaves Doxycycline which happens to be an anti-biotic as well as an anti-malarial which could be an advantage, or Malarone which is the 'Rolls Royce' of anti-malarials. It is a lot more expensive but from my research appears to be well tolerated by every body who takes it. Anyway, no need to decide right now as these should all be available in Boots in Bangkok. They are also not really needed for Southern Thailand so I can grab them on my way up north as I'll need to head through BKK on route.

Had an interesting conversation with one of my travel companions yesterday who has assured me that I will definitely get ill at some point - great! I had anticipated that a touch of rear end looseness was a real probability and possibly some sickness although any of you that know me will know that, that's quite usual when i'm subjected to copious amounts of alchohol. But she went on to explain about fungal infections on nutbags, mushrooms growing in earholes and various other complaints that arise as a result of the tropical climate.

Found what looks to be a good backpacking/gap insurance policy that covers me for 240 sporting activities. Well covered for medical & repatriation should it be required - let's hope not. Even has personal possessions, money & the like covered. See http://www.acetravellerinsurance.com/ if you're looking for something to cover extended stays abroad.

International driving permit has been applied for and I've started to put together three files of copies of all my documents etc. One for my pack, one for my travelling companions pack and one to leave here with someone who could hopefully get me out of a jam if required!