All sorts of stuff gets ferried around Hanoi on mopeds. The riders balance must be superb

On Wednesday we travelled to Seoul via HongKong. We had a 3 hour layover, but because the group was on Cathay (for a change), we couldn't use the business lounge. It's no problem, as you can see it wasn't too busy!

And here's our plane that will take us from HK to Seoul Incheon a lovely 777-300 (my favourite)

We've stayed in some nice hotels on this trip. This missive is being tapped out in the foyer of the JW Marriott - all very nice indeed!

The hotel has a running motif with these animal heads. They're called something like "Dreams of Africa" and they're all over the place.

This one is positioned near the lifts on my floor. I don't really see the point, but then again, I'm only a lowly techie.

Take cabbage, garlic, chilli, vinegar and fish "stuff", and ferment... Hey presto you have kimchi, the staple in Korea.

I've grown to like it over the years and it's said to be decidedly healthy. My Korean colleagues claim it is the reason why SARS never became an issue here. Hmmm

We had our seminar yesterday (Thursday) and I offered to stay on a day to make some customer vists or training. After I booked the tickets, my Korean guys confessed to a cock-up and told me that Friday 3rd was a public holiday. Two weeks ago they said that we could half a day of training, so I didn't change anything. Yesterday a spokesman sought me out and somewhat sheepishly told me that they'd cancelled the affair. Consequently, I have a day in Korea - no problem, I've had chance to catch up on e-mails and get involved ina couple of teleconferences.

At 1:00, the cleaner wanted to sort out my room, so I went out and found a small cafe that sells my favourite Korean dish Sang-gi-tang.

A whole chicken (poussin) stuffed with rice, ginseng, plums and other stuff served in a hearty soup. Here it is, just arrived, still boiling and ready to go. Oh joy!

Burp..

Oh yes, that was AMAZING! See what an excellent job I've done in dismantling the chicken. It's a pretty neat feat using Korean chopsticks that are metal, long and flattened. It's a bit like eating with deformed knitting needles, but, as you can see, I managed.

Now for a little nap....