Today I left Bangkok. My feelings about it are complicated, and I'm still not really ready to write about it. I need time and distance to come to terms with my experience.

And, I haven't been a very good writer. By tending to focus on the day to day tribulations of living in a developing country, I presented a one-sided view of the Kingdom. But obviously I love Bangkok; I did spend two years there. With time and distance I can give a more fair account of my experience.

So today I start my last big adventure for a while. I actually want to go home, but this is a good opportunity to see some of China, which has fascinated me for some time.

But it also sort of frightens me, due to its extreme Communist legacy, huge cultural divide, and communication problems.

My goal for this last chapter of Terry's Trek is to try to present the big picture, rather than focusing on the difficulties of independent travel in a developing country.

Next stop, China.