Our return to Australia inches closer. Tuesday morning we fly out of Bangkok. Ann is growing increasingly sadder as the time nears because this is her natural home and her family live here. But I will support her through the grief that I know she is already manifesting.

A few days ago before we left Phetchabun, Ann's mother tied a white woollen length of string around each of our wrists to symbolise our union. It was very sweet and she wept throughout. It was terribly difficult for Ann to say goodbye to her daughter JJ, knowing that she is unlikely to return anytime soon.

This morning we did a little souvenir shopping at the Chatuchak Markets. Thai arts and crafts offer a pretty creative range of inexpensive options.