vinapu

I don't mind to have stacks of US currency in any denomination in every empty space of my house but still firmly believe newly issued Tonga money , just as an example, look more modern and are better secured than those valuable American retros

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 !

Argentinian 1000 peso ( about 1 $ at current rates ) also has 3-D , certainly it helps with prevention but as original post attests doesn't scare much of potential counterfeiters. UV glow helps in bank setting but not in ordinary place where money is exchanged, how me as shopper will get that UV illumination. it always was to some degree, I'd not be so alarmed as part of it may be deliberate panic in order to force or at least gently pull population toward cashless payments, both cost saving for banks and enabling greater control over how and where we spend our money, growing and scary trend

no need , I guess we got what did you mean.

you telling us at times it good not to be an American, do you?

You are on something. One of reasons US currency is so often counterfeited is not only fact that currency is so powerful and portable i.e. easily exchanged almost everywhere but also what it seems to me bit irrational attachment of American public to looks of their physical money which is basically 19th century design still in use more than 100 year later with only few modifications like all those hi-tech laser printers and copiers were never invented. I'd venture that it's harder to counterfeit new 20 baht note than 100 newest bill. I get it that familiarity of design gives some comfort along he fact the currency looks extremely stable if one can buy chewing gum paying with say 1934 issuer dollar bill but crooks are immune to sentiments of even 300 odd million nation. In May 2022 I was exchanging some money in Kuala Lumpur and in front of me was guy trying to exchange 100 $ into ringgit only to have 4 ( in words FOUR ) bills rejected for some tears or numbers written on them. I'm fairly sure his belief in USD universal acceptance was shattered . I know the feeling - in 2006 in Ukrainian village of Chotym famous for enormous castle I wanted to buy some folk art craft. I run out of hrivnyas (Ukrainian currency to this day ) so offered new shiny 20$ bill. To my shock it was declined by the seller. Our guide explained that he was not sure if note was real or fake. When I told this to my mom I remember her comment " if they don't want dollar there it's end of the world I know"

fact that country is considered hostile by government , media or even wide public doesn't mean is dangerous to travel to. Very little danger awaits American travelling to Iran , Cuba or North Korea as long as they behave and stay away from political and religious matter as all guests everywhere should. Flying bombs, excessive criminal activity and shark infested waters are what makes places dangerous to travel to , not fact that they have spat with our government.

one and half more days in Cambodia and we return here

not sure it's only young adults. At end of 2023 I was on the trip with friend whose absolutely first thing after entering hotel room, restaurant and any other place with free wi-fi was to check what's new on his media. I was amazed but at the same time happy - no lineup to the washroom.

stop complaining , they will be paying you your pension

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.

rightly so, one was even unusually meaty for banana with something like low cut grass at one end. GM at work I wondered?

feeding each other ? what da ya mean ? we are not boyfriends, just roommates

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 think I forgot to mention in my report that Blue Chili bar moved to street 130

remember that 78.43% of statistics are made on the spot

I agree , it has feeling of AI generated work which likely it is. Nothing new there , few valid points are being made as certainly life of gay person in Thailand beyond soi 2 and 4 is not a picnic but to be honest- where it is?

rightly so when subject of STD is considered. I ask almost all guys I off whether they like girls or boys better. Usual answer is either girls or both or doesn't matter, perhaps only third would be "boy, I'm gay"

you are telling us people no longer pee in the sea?

that's good. I think there are more pressing issues in Thailand

shocking news and I never hoped I will see that day. Only wonder what took them that long but I guess appearances still count

oh, stop it, tell me something I don't know, lol

comments of my driver were to the same tune , perhaps even harsher as he knows me from before so felt free to went his opinions out. By end of this year we may have similar situation with Phnom Penh new airport due to open soon, also miles from the city. At least then on will be busy as it can be argued with more success that Pochentong ( current airport) is filling up it's capacity fast.

fully comparable, Royal Crown seems to be bit more classy and have bigger rooms but I liked King's Rock better because bathroom arrangements.