vinapu

Day 13.
 For today’s trip Christian PFC , famous blogger  https://christianpfc.blogspot.com/ 
who happened to be in Siem Reap at this time is joining S and me for the trip. Destination of Koh Ker and on our way back -Bang Melea.
 As before,   we departed at 8 on the dot and it’s  about  2 hrs. drive to Koh Ker. Admission 15 $.
Temple is very unusual for Angkor temples as it’s pyramid shaped and would not be out of place in Chitzen Itza or other Mayan sites. Of course we climbed it as first step, wise move as more tourists arrived.







 
After surveying pyramid and main temple underneath we surveyed about 10 smaller temples  in the surrounding forest , all accessible by the vehicle. Then returned to main temple area for a lunch  and on our way back checked another 2 or 3, last of them close to the exit Prasat Pram turned out to be second best to main temple only.
 



Then to Bang Melea. Last time I was there my time was spoiled by 2 busloads of Chinese tourist who behaved below any standards, screaming and climbing ruins even where prohibited. This time , in the afternoon , just before closing time it was much more serene and most tourists at that time  seemed to be locals.
 It used to be 5$ admission but now Bang Melea is included in Angkor ticket. Do not even try to arrive without one as guards were quite adamant to require one and even if they let you go , there’s another ticket check at main complex . Unfortunately that was our Christian’s fate but he patiently waited for s and me having driver as companion.
 Bang Melea is perhaps most atmospheric from all Angkor temples, specially if not crowded with it labyrinthine construction and deep shade from trees growing on the stones .
 




 
Back in Siem Reap I secured our driver for trip to the airport tomorrow and  three of us went for pizza to Pub street.
 
Today is my last day in Cambodia and I was proud of my budgeting. After putting aside some money for the maid in hotel and for driver for the fare tomorrow  I was left with 1$ and 1000 riels .
For said dollar I bought my last Hanuman Black and 1000 riels took home as memento.
 
As for entrainment, again  some whispers on balcony  while emptying that hanuman and another one I had in the refrigerator already.
Nosy person should ask what about S ?  Shouldn’t you give him at least that 1000 riels?  Relax , all was fixed in advance as he preferred to be  compensated in baht and in Bangkok.
 
Day 14
 
After breakfast we parted ways , S went to see his folks with plan to come to Bangkok in the evening and I at 9 jumped into car and went in style to the airport. In 45 minutes I was there, this time admitted to the departure area. Since Keithambrose already placed pictures above no need for repeat but I need to mention I notices that all signs in departure are were in English and Chinese, nothing in Khmer in their own country !
 

material value  was that it was likely cheaper than taking my own tuk-tuk , but when all that waiting and driving to pick up and distribute people is accounted for  probably it would be better to fork extra 5-10$ and doing  it by private tour. Movie played in the van was excellent though.
Visiting in neither place is nothing pleasant, I still did not brave myself to repeat visit to Tuol Sleng after my first one in 2001 but next time I will go. when I was there then they still had that infamous map of Cambodia made of skulls, hence removed due to intranational outcry and rightly so. Still it's a must if one wants to understand Cambodia history. It needs to be appreciated that they are not trying to hide anything but when you see somebody like 70-75 on the road you wonder where they were in say 1977, toiling under the sun or killing or both.
Hotel jumping to collect people  is inevitable part of most tours everywhere also I always ask it there's place I can go and board the bus / van. Sometimes we may have luck like me on Phuket later on, all participants were from only 3 hotels , all in very close proximity at Patong so it took perhaps lass than 10 mins to have everybody on the board.

Day 12
 Today  we repeated yesterday’s morning routine, breakfast was quite pleasant affair as I noticed few other patrons including few young girls were following S when he was picking his food and drinks and I swear  I was object of their jealousy having landed such handsome guy in jeans showing quite a nice bulge.  Doubt anybody was thinking ‘ oh that’s is guy with his grandson” . I did not mind S sending some smiles toward those girls fully knowing who winner is, let them have it.
Today’s destination is Sambor Prey Kuk, temple complex predating Angkor with most temples made not of stone but of bricks  from 7th century on,  located near Khompong Thom , half way to Phnom Penh. It took us 3 hours to get there.
 Entry is 10$ , they suggested hiring guide for the same amount and I agreed . She even dragged with her another girl- guide in training. Having guide there is good idea as objects are dispersed in the forest , trails  are well marked but still  on you own one may miss this or that.
 







 
 
It took us about 3 hours to visit every corner, I tipped that trainee 5$ then we went to local restaurant for a meal , 16.50 $ for three, not  a bad deal .
 Again long trip home , fortunately today Saturday  traffic was quite light and it was driver suggestion we go there on Saturday as he was afraid Sunday traffic will be heavier.
At home S suggested artistic part – dinner with Apsara traditional dance show on Pub Street so we went there. I like when my travel companions have own ideas not only asking “what we are doing now ? ”. At the table beside us young farang couple was sitting and I noticed both of them were paying an attention to S presence . Bit later when we had chance meeting on the street they even said  " Hi " to him ignoring me entirely. You can't imagine how my fragile ego was hurt at that moment
I meantime S got message from his bar friend , Siem Reap native,  who came  to see his folks at home and when he show me his picture it turned out I also know him from 2 long time offs, one threesome included. So we went to see him , he was dining with another boy and somebody suggested ‘lets go check Barcode “.
I offered to finance that escapade but at the door we were sent away- today bar closed for some private function. Other two boys said they are going to bed and that was idea S and I borrowed from them so we parted ways every couple marching to different bed. I had another senior moment – why I did not suggest  “ lets go all to our room”. Knowing that friend there was chance idea would be approved. Oh well. S and me still managed to had some fun including feasting on some pistachios and fruit while sitting naked on balcony right above hotel’s pool closed at that hour.

Day 11
 We raised to the sound of alarm clock at 6.45, prepared goods for today’s sightseeing and made sure to be first when they started serving breakfast in hotel at 7.30 because as suspected, my driver pulled in at 8 am on the dot.
Plan for today was ambitious with 7 temples and first we set off was the farthest from the list- Banteai Srei. Not only because I consider smart thing to start sightseeing from  most distant place just in case something happens and even more important, Banteai Srei  is only temple where you can buy Angkor ticket apart from official ticket selling office on outskirts of Siem Reap.
 There are 3 kinds of tickets available – 1 day for 37 $, 3 days within 10 days for 62$ and 7 days within 30 days for 72 $. Payment in dollars only , that was only place where they are  not accepting  riels. I opted for 3 days ticket because after tomorrow I’m planning Bang Melea temple and recent change was to remove separate ticket there and include it in Angkor ticket. Good news for some and not so good as we learn for others.
Another bonus of Banteai Srei ticket office was that there we no lineups.
 That temple is one of smallest Angkor temples but definitely most richly decorated and also one of most popular so it pays to be there early which we could appreciate when leaving and hordes in vans and tour buses start arriving.



 
 
Next one is along with Ta Som my favorite -Banteai Samre. It’s quite a distance from main complex and  one of least crowded. When I was there in 2001  there was no infrastructure there at all but now there are restaurants , toilets, souvenir stands and even guys playing Khmer music for donation. Often overlooked there is former ceremonial alley leading to the temple – on your left when you approach temple complex .


 
Third one was of course Ta Som, at end of complex there gate enveloped by the tree , one of those iconic Angkor places. Again , in 2001 that tree was not trimmed yet, whet we see now is later job.
If you are there make sure to go to the very end and then turn back to appreciate the sight. I stress it because I saw people missing it ‘ lets return , it’s only that small gate there” .
 
 Then Easten Mebon as I missed her in 2022 and lunch in some restaurant picked by driver which was not a good idea to leave that to him. He led us to typical crowded and overpriced tourist locale geared toward bus tours. Not that is busted my wallet but there are plenty of places I’d chose instead.
 
After lunch we did three biggies ; Ta Prohm famous for giant trees eating into ruins but also I suspect holding them together.


Then Bayon with hundreds of stone faces with mysterious smile


 
and to crown of today’s selection Angkor Wat itself , biggest and most magnificent of them all.


 
S, my guy as I expected was ideal tour companion, interested in sightseeing with none of those ‘ are we done already ? ” . Quite opposite after climbing highest level of Angkor and subsequent wandering through all level below I was ready to skip first floor galleries only to hear ‘ what ?, lets go”. It was really uplifting to see guy so interested in his country heritage.
 
After such busy and intensive day we returned to the room quite tired. After it got dark we picked up ourselves to go for dinner and then,  I swear it was not me, S suggested we go to 168 massage for massage. So we did .
 
 My boy was quite good and good looking too. Later and in the room I senses bit of jealousy ,S asking what we did to each other with the boy and visibly not believing my answers. Massage was 10$ for 1 hr, I tipped my guy 20$, S tipped his only 6$ but he was adamant it was nothing that just massage even if I did not really care having good idea how those stores are operating.
 
Then he had another idea – to check Barcode bar so we went there but it was bit too early with only few patrons and working boys. We had drink and returned home . No need for me to stay and watch he show when I have in my room guy  better looking that their selection, not to mention of tested quality.
 

I can imagine , I just don't have the money

That's certainly  the impression  airport personnel  give!

I just came back to The UK, through the 'new' terminal 8 at JFK. This amalgamated BA and American, and other airlines. Perhaps doubling the number of pax. As expected no provision had been made for this increase. And the security line was horrendous. The Fast track, to which I was entitled, had one security person, and a couple of hundred pax. To improve things, TSA approved went through, at the side, and joined the queue in front of us! In 15 mins, I moved 10 feet. Eventually, some of us were directed to to the cattle class line, which had 3 security people. We then all crammed into the lanes for the x-ray machines, only half of which were working! They had the old style, where you had to reach for a box to put your gear in. Absolute chaos, with the usual disinterested  staff. Excellent way to spend an hour at the new flagship terminal!  Contrast this with the new American terminal  at LaGuardia, which is spacious and very nice.
 
To be fair, at Heathrow,  we landed early, BA, and  then the airbridge did not work!  Eventually  steps were brought. However, despite the crowds, it was 6.45am, straight through   passport control, using the machines!

It's not that monkeys are more like humans as it is humans are more like monkeys.
They preceded us in evolutionary progression. What else could possibly explain Marjorie Taylor Green.

Another of my favourite places! There's also a monkey temple near Ubud where the audacity of the inhabitants is remarkable; audacity and strength. I once saw a tug-of-war between an angry monkey and and even angrier Japanese tourist. The prize? A camera. The tourist won but the monkey escaped with a torn strap.
Is this an Asian monkey "thing"? I remember being in Kenya long ago and monkeys used to roam  the grounds of the bungalow-style hotel. However, they were relatively tame and would beg for food like dogs, although one did manage to get in to my room once. The Thai/Balinese ones seem particularly aggressive. And confident. Different species?

impression of my recent ( and a first at the same time ) visit there was that inconvenience was compensated by overcharging.

most of us tourists anywhere are never part of local market. I'm always amazed how few farangs in comparison with sidewalks of Silom  I see in Silom market in soi 10 and it only steps from Silom itself.

I can imagine , I just don't have the money

here my answers:
1. since I stay in the area rarely I need transport to hotel and legend that boys are reluctant to walk is gross exaggeration  .
For going back I almost never give money understanding and if they ask, explaining that they got enough already.
When one boy protested he doesn't have 'small money' i pulled wad of  few red notes and offered to change brown bill. Shockingly he did not take an offer, ever more shockingly since then we met at last 5 times and he never asked for tax money.
2.I almost never tip mamasan , exceptions are if they were helping to translate, rarely necessary or I know mamasan for long time( like Lucy at Banana or Screwboys mamasan ) and I'm in spending mood or I asked mamasan to bring boy who is not working today, in short once every two trips.
3. that may happen but even if I dint not like boy much I would consider that money well spent
4. 127.38% agreed, for me main advantage of long time is to wake up in the morning next to warm body with dick firmly attached.  It's why I hate when they deprive me that small life pleasure by asking to go home earlier

most of us tourists anywhere are never part of local market. I'm always amazed how few farangs in comparison with sidewalks of Silom  I see in Silom market in soi 10 and it only steps from Silom itself.

Find them,  yes, but they are perfectly capable of taking care of themselves, there were no shrinking violets there

From Richard Barrow Train Guide

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is excited to announce its special tourist train trips for May and June 2024. Passengers will get to experience the KIHA 183 train, under the concepts of “Exploring with the Breeze” in May and “Clear Sky, Open Forest, Diverse Flora” in June. The trips will cover a variety of routes, catering to different interests such as spirituality, nature, and shopping, eating, and relaxing. Trips will be offered on both a day-trip and overnight basis, every Saturday and Sunday for two full months.
Tickets go on sale on April 22, 2024, at 8:30 AM. There are only 202 seats available per trip, so book early! The price includes train fare, air-conditioned bus fare, entrance fees to various attractions, all meals and drinks, and accident insurance. Tickets can be booked at all railway stations nationwide and online through the SRT’s D-Ticket system. For more information, please call the Customer Service Center at 1690, 24 hours a day.
Here is a breakdown of the trips:
May: Exploring with the Breeze
Trip 1 and 2: Day trips to Saraburi Province (May 4-5)
Visit Wat Tham Phra Phosat, Sangsuk Market, Phra Phutthabat Noi, and Manasikarn Price: 1,499 baht per person Trip 3: Overnight trip to Chonburi Province (May 11-12)
Enjoy the beach, participate in the Night Run On The Beach (Doraemon Run) Price: 3,999 baht per person Trip 4 and 5: Day trips to Chachoengsao Province (May 18-19)
Take a boat tour on the Bang Pakong River, visit Wat Wirachot Thammaram, and see the Glass Ubosot Price: 1,499 baht per person Trip 6: Overnight trip to Phetchaburi Province (May 25-26)
Visit Mrigadayavan Palace, Phra Phraya Si Phra Kiree Shrine, and enjoy beach activities Price: 3,999 baht per person June: Clear Sky, Open Forest, Diverse Flora
Trip 7 and 8: Day trips to Lopburi Province (June 1-2)
Plant rubber trees, build homes for hornbill birds, experience the “Lao Wieng” community, and visit the Singburi Contemporary Museum Price: 1,499 baht per person Trip 9: Overnight trip to Chachoengsao and Nakhon Nayok Provinces (June 8-9)
Swim in Nang Rong Waterfall, take a rubber boat ride at Khun Dan Prakan Chon Dam, see the beautiful butterfly garden, and visit Wong Rattana Manee Maha Nakhon Racha Naga Cave Price: 3,999 baht per person Trip 10 and 11: Day trips to Prachinburi Province (June 15-16)
Visit Wat Kaew Phitchaya, the Prachinburi National Museum, Khao E-Toh Forest Park, release fish, plant casuarina trees, and shop for local products Price: 1,499 baht per person Trip 12: Overnight trip to Prachuap Khiri Khan Province (June 22-23)
Swim at Suan Son Pradipat Beach, visit Rajabhakti Park, Wat Huay Mongkol, Khao Tao Reservoir, and the first Royal Irrigation Project of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej Visit the Cicada Market and Hua Hin town Price: 3,999 baht per person Trip 13 and 14: Day trips to Ayutthaya Province (June 29-30)
Visit the “Baan Pa” Self-Sufficiency Learning Center, take a boat tour on the Chao Phraya River, see Wat Yai Chai Mongkol, and check in at the Japanese Village Price: 1,499 baht per person If you have any questions about these trips, feel free to join our Asian Train Guide Facebook Group.

From CNBC
Bank of America is bearish on a slew of Asian currencies and neutral at best on others, as the investment bank says it is the start of a “chaotic era.”
“We are not bullish on any currency in Asia,” Bank of America said in a recent report, with many currencies impacted by a delayed Federal Reserve easing cycle and sustained strength in the U.S. dollar
The investment bank singled out the Chinese yuan, South Korean won, Taiwan dollar, Thai baht and Vietnamese dong under its bearish category.
Among their “neutral” list of currencies are the Hong Kong dollar, the Indonesian rupiah, the India rupee, the Malaysian ringgit, the Philippine peso and the Singapore dollar.
Continues at
https://www.cnbc.com/2024/04/24/bank-of-america-not-bullish-on-asian-currencies-cites-chaotic-era.html

I don't know why you guys are talking Airlines.  The topic is FIGHTS !!

By contrast, Champaign Urbana,  5 flights a day, absolutely  charming! Perhaps size matters (pun intended)!

It's immigration  that bugs me as a UK guy. The US is quite behind in using electronic monitoring,  such as we have in the UK. I recently discovered the MPC App, which did speed up my 2 recent entries, but it could be a lot better. I considered  Global Entry, but the procedure,  including an interview in the USA,  is inconvenient.  I have also found that officials still like to throw their weight around, on minor matters, 'stand in line', etc. As you say it all detracts from the experience  of travel. 

Short answer: I have no idea. All I can do is report what I've learned as the situation evolves.
However, the old data base does seem to be working as it did in the past when I last checked it this morning.
Hope to do report on the ground in about three weeks or so.
 
 

Yes, it wasn't a typical morning starting with work panic then returning to bed only to oversleep.
The universe conspired to sabotage my second round! 😜

S'Sense massage parlor never disappoints. A friendly and good massage parlor business. Messaging and appointment systems work well.
My humble advice, you can try Mr. Bank. He is one of the hottest and most experienced staff and is very good at massage.

Ho, ho!

Jason, don't you understand some people are shy😃