Bangkok delivered exactly what I needed: a perfectly timed pause button before re-entering the world of school runs and negotiating screen time like a UN peacekeeper.

In just over 18 hours, I managed a manicure and pedicure, indulged in fabulous food, and wrapped it all up with a foot massage so good it almost justified the week of travel chaos.

This was self-care in its most efficient form: jetlagged luxury with just enough time to forget how many flights it took to get here.

Now, I’m back at the airport waiting for the final leg home. Well, second-last, technically—SYD to CBR is still waiting for me tomorrow, but let’s not get bogged down in footnotes.

I'll post a final wrap-up in a couple of days once the dust (and the jetlag) settles.

This has been fun.