And again, a "Bear's eye view" as we taxi out from Bangkok International, with two Thai jets (one in the old livery, one in the new) visible as we taxi down to the runway.

And, once in the air (after our 45 minute delay, but, given the circumstances, perhaps this is understandable) the Thai Business Class meal service starts once again (Roast Duck and Noodles, with a side salad and some uniquely Thai fruit-shaped deserts) is a welcome meal at this point in our trip!

Willard tries out the In-Filght Entertainment (IFE, in the "lingo") in this new seat. It's a great step forward from the portable DVD solution on the oldest Thai jets, but, having seen the "Big Screen" on Malaysian, Willard can't help but notice that it's a lot less, well, big... Doesn't make it a bad system though, naturally, as it's personality that counts, not size, isn't it?

And so. we're back at Chiang Mai. After the ministrations of YET another ANGEL on the Thai customer service desk, we've got a confirmed flight today from Bangkok back to Chiang Mai (again), and we are listed for standby on the 16:00 flight from Chaing Mai TO Bangkok (for the second time). By the time we get to the check-in desk, we've cleared the standby list and are clutching outward and return boarding passes in our hot sticky (and furry) hands like they are the winning tickets for the EuroMillions lottery draw! Just enough time to sit down at an unoccupied internet PC in the lounge to update Willard's faithful public on Flyertalk!

And imagine the surprise when we step onto the SAME plane, with the SAME cabin crew, to sit in the SAME seat that we just vacated less than 45 minutes ago. It's Deja Vu, all over again! The crew all do double takes, recognising us from the last flight (and, let's face it, we make a pretty recognisable pair!) At least this time Willard knows the score, and can recline and relax during this flight!