Heather Fell, Olympic modern pentathlete silver medalist, writes about her life 'on and off' the track.

TAIWAN is a fair distance east, meaning two flights are needed to reach the Southern city of Kaohsiung.

A change over in Hong Kong was suggested by the agency and this got me thinking — how about extending this from a few hours to a few days on my return trip? After studying the world map I decided to take this idea a little further; the route looked to brush over Thailand and one phone call later and I had a flight via Bangkok with a two and a half week stopover.

I hear summer continues at home, so I hope I won't make you too envious when I mention that I am currently on a stunning Thai Island in the Gulf. I am sitting just a stones throw from the beach as I write, and ironically the internet here on this relatively undeveloped island is far stronger than that of ours in Merrivale. This has got me thinking, what business could I set up and run from here; well it's always nice to dream.

Planning has not been high on my agenda. I arrived in Bangkok and let my adventures begin. The little bit of research I managed did warn me about the current rainy season, I think the authors of these articles have never lived on Dartmoor. In nearly two weeks I have witnessed a handful of short warm showers, although I do hope I haven't jinxed the remainder of my stay. Not only am I here in the 'off season' I have also missed the infamous full moon party this month. There is no need to feel sorry for me as it is blissfully quiet and more importantly ridiculously good value.