spoon

Well, we are back in Banteay Meanchey Province at Cam’s home celebrating Independence Day with the family.  We returned yesterday and went so some festival with the entire family.  They had all sorts of food stalls, games for children, music, KunKhmer…just a little bit of everything.  I noticed one other caucasian gentleman.  At one point we made eye contact in passing but didn’t interact or speak to each other, so I am not sure where he is from.  He was with a Cambodian woman and small child.  From my observation, I would say they are married and the little boy may be his stepson.  One other comment…I would guesstimate around 1000 people attending the festival, possibly more, and the other caucasian along with myself were the only two people in the entire crowd who were wearing socks and some form of ‘regular’ shoes.  lol.  Like I said, Cam says I notice the strangest things sometimes.  For the music and the Kun Khmer, someone had gone to a great deal of trouble to set up chairs in rows and after the rows they also had round tables with five chairs at each.  It was interesting to observe people gathering up a number of chairs to save for people and simply stacking them.  One person would arrive early, I suppose, and save the seats.  Even more interesting was when they stacked the chairs to save them, that left a wide area of open space so people from the tables would simply move up to the front and fill in the void where chairs had been.  As a result, when people arrived wanting to use the stacked chairs, there was no space.  It really was just mass chaos.  Then you had all sorts of vendors walking through the crowd selling things…packages of tissue, bags of peanuts, cans of soda…the usual stuff at such events.  What was different here is some of the people tried to navigate through the crowd and chairs with carts on wheels or bicycles.  I came to the conclusion that some people simply have no common sense…either that or they simply don’t care.  To be honest, it was rather annoying with them trying maneuver the crowds when they were on wheels.  Naturally, in addition to all sorts of food there was plenty of beer.  Surprisingly, Cam only had two beers all evening without me making any comments at all.  I had already decided to keep my mouth shut and be careful of my facial expressions as it was definitely a party atmosphere.  However, the lush sister was still a lush.
It was well after midnight by the time we returned to his parent’s house.  Fortunately, everyone was ready for bed.  We were inside with the women and children as before, and the men were on hammocks in the lower level.  Today the men are clearing way what remains of the old chicken coop and preparing that area for a load of dirt that should be delivered sometime this week to serve as a base for the temporary housing.  The children are all busy playing with each other and whatever objects they can find that look like toys.  I am sure if the dirt had been delivered already they would be playing in it, as they all enjoyed the piles of sand and gravel during construction of the fence.  He and his brother had estimated the cost of the fence to be around $900 USD.  It ended up coming in around $1200 because they had not planned on making the steel frames for the wire fence material and then attaching that to the brick/concrete walls/posts.  So, they went a little over their planned budget, but I think that happens most of the time with construction.  That is why I am sure there will be cost overruns with the new house and will eventually be asked to contribute something.  All in all, though, there estimate was pretty close.  The women are all preparing lots of food…but then again, we have 12 adults and 14 children that need to eat…plus you never know who might drop by unexpectedly around here.  I am sure there will be plenty of beer to go around. Not even going to attempt to fight that battle. lol. At least the cases I have seen all say Cambodia Lite. Perhaps a reduced alcohol level?!? No idea how long the rest of the family will be staying with his parents, but we will head to Siem Reap tomorrow after breakfast.  We really need to search for an apartment now that we have made the decision to settle in Siem Reap.
A couple more comments about Battambang, it seems more people prefer Riel over USD there, and not as many places will accept credit/debit card payments.  Those that do seem to add on an additional 3-10% for using the card.  That is actually pretty common in the US these days.  Most businesses are passing on the cost of accepting credit card payments. I suspect most of the hotels or places of lodging will accept credit card payment, and a lot of the restaurants that cater to tourists and foreigners will accept them as well, but many of the small shops will not.  Also, they probably will not be able to make change for anything larger than a $20 bill in USD in the small, local shops.  You may need to go visit a local bank if you happen to have $50 bills from an ATM machine and exchange them for smaller denominations or Riel.  Fortunately, with a bank account here I am able to pay using a QR code directly from the bank account if I don’t have small bills or any cash at all.

Day 19
 BOI declined breakfast option, I messaged reader I will be at Foodland at 9 and he showed up  there for our last talk this trip. Returned to the room, picked up my luggage , paid 80 baht for beer we drank last night,  collected my 1000 baht deposit and walked to Sala Daeng station.
Train to the airport  was surprisingly very empty for no particular reason , it looked as first  or last train  not middle of the day one . Airport was breeze, including automated gates and soon I was on my way to Taipei luxuriating  in whole 3 seats  for myself
( yes floridarob , it was row 63 ).   
Connection was reasonable 2 hours and on my long flight home I got widow seat in the last row of 777 and seat beside me was unoccupied so I could utilize that last sleepless night  to catch sleep aboard. I had 2 books to read prepared  but managed to finish only half of thinner one.
Arriving in late evening is good to  fight jet lag if any as one can go to bed at ‘normal’ time . At home in my mail box among other stuff  I found a note that tomorrow morning there’s funeral mass for a neighbour who died in meantime.
 

Next day
 
For church one needs to dress up so I did. Upon returning , as I have habit I emptied my pockets, what is in the right  pocket – usually keys and transit card goes to  right side of desk and what is in the left pocket wallet and money ( all my long life I carry money lose , not in the wallet ) goes to the left side of desk. While doing that I realized what I’m holding – yes, wallet I lost  hours before  my departure.
 How it happened? I recall  checking pockets of my trousers hanging on the hanger and nothing was there. Mystery , mother of all mysteries. Likely  deep pockets are to be blamed and one of them burdened with wallet in was hanging below line of my patting. I was not in panic then but time was limited and I wanted to deal with cancellations first, hence slacking on patting
Great relief , cards were cancelled but  there were documents – driving licence and insurance cards   I was spared  inconvenience of asking for replacement of and most important – laminated small last picture of my parents together.
 Best part was  to realize that after all , no I did not left my wallet on the counter in the pharmacy.

So it seems we will be going back to Cam’s parents to have a family get-together before we head to Siem Reap.  I am not exactly sure if this will only be overnight, or for a few days.  Since they are not good about planning in general, nor do they seem to share information with me…it will just be another go with the flow moment.
Speaking of his parents, I thought it was time to provide an update on the new house.  Yesterday afternoon, Cam had a rather lengthy conversation (over an hour) with his brother and father.  They were discussing some pretty specific details about the project.  After he had finished the call, I decided to insert myself into the discussion by asking some specific questions.  For example, I was curious if they planned to put pipes in the concrete slab for electrical and indoor plumbing. Affirmative.  Will the house be elevated like the current house (on stilts)?  The slab will be about a foot higher than ground level…that is all.  Will they do concrete posts, brick walls like the fence, and then do concrete stucco over the brick or build frames and pour concrete walls?  Same as the fence…concrete footers and posts, brick walls, then stucco over the brick.  Stucco will be tinted some color, but he hasn’t decided on color yet.  Tiles on roof…again unsure of color.  Do they plan to install any type of air conditioning.  Planning for it in the bedroom if possible, but will depend upon the cost at that time and the availability of funds.  They will just open windows and use fans in main living area.  Probably not of interest to most of you, but I get curious about the plans, and also have questions since my father was a stone mason and helped to build houses.  I would be his helper some summers, so picked up some general knowledge about building.  I asked if they have a concrete mixer truck deliver for the slab and he said ‘no’, they do it all mixing by hand from bags with sand and gravel.  It is cheaper that way.  Mixer truck is too expensive.  Even though the actual start date is December 8, they are doing some preliminary work in preparation.  During Cam’s absence, the family has been dismantling the old chicken coop and cleaning up the surrounding area.  Cam has ordered a load of dirt to be delivered and the family will work on distributing and leveling the dirt creating a pad or landing spot for the temporary housing.  They won’t actually begin to disassemble and reassemble the current house in the temporary location until that magic date of December 8.
I know many here have expressed concerns about the cost of building the house and where the money is coming from…namely…am I the foreign donor or ATM?!?  lol.  I have asked Cam before about the financial picture.  While he has never avoided my questions, his answers have always been general and not very detailed.  I was pretty pointed this time in my questions.  He and his brother have estimated the total cost, with family providing all of the labor, to be $15,000 USD.  Cam previously told me that he had saved $7000 USD and his mother was safeguarding that money.  That always made me a little nervous, since I had never met his family and only knew what little information he shared.  Not all family members are trustworthy.  In this case, mother was a safe choice and I have seen the bank account.  They do, in fact have $7000 USD.  Cam has also been buying and saving gold during his time working in Thailand and Cambodia.  Gold is usually a good, safe investment, so I thought this was very smart on his part.  He has accumulated enough gold over the last couple of years that if sold on today’s market would net him approximately $8000 USD.  He said his cost to buy the gold was probably around $6500 over time, so that would be a nice profit he made of $1500.  Not bad by my estimation.  He said he watches the gold market every single day and will sell off the gold when he can get the best possible price or maximum return on his investment.  Smart guy.  That gives him the estimated amount he and his brother think will be needed to purchase the materials needed to build the new house.  I am sure that incidental things may come up they hadn’t considered or planned for, so I still may be asked for some assistance in the future, but he seems to have this all figured out without any contribution from me at the present time.  They are actually very determined to do this on their own as a family.

Day 18 , last full
Breakfast at Zing is very good value, for 200 baht we have selection of Asian and western offerings, fruits ,yoghurt, eggs made to the order, soup and dim sum style buns and other goodies . Tea is Dilmah, not some cheap stuff from dollar store.   
I checked out at 10.30 and at 11 am bus started rolling toward Swampy. In reverse of yesterday situation, rain started as soon as  we pulled from the bay. What a luck again.
It looks that rain was sticking to the sea as  highway was mostly dry and in 1 hr 50 minutes we were back in civilisation. Since I had room already checking in was not my concern but what I noticed , cleaning lady was too smart.
Upon seeing nobody slept last night she did not replenish tea and water even if yesterday I left her double tip. Not that I missed either but rules are rules, whether I used bottle or not , there was always two new bottles  placed. So cruelly I decided not to leave tip tomorrow morning ( in hotels I tip maids daily , as it goes ) .
At 2.30 meeting with reader at Foodland, we spent good 2 hours talking.
BT from Goodboys  is messaging me daily with his ‘I miss you, when I can see you  “ messages  so I sent him message  from Foodland  that I will be in my room from 5 pm the latest but that was not read until after 6 and he did not show up until 8.
I like him and when he is here he is not a time waster but I could  use more of his company , specially after all that ‘ I miss you “ waxing. After about 1 hr he went to work ,  but not before requesting “ I want to sleep with you tonight “ , unfortunately I had other plans for my last night.
 Waiting for BT I asked BOI  from Jupiter about LT tonight , he agreed immediately and commented “ why I must be always on your last night?”   ( always means in Aug he was my last guy indeed )  but , always diplomat I responded “ crown is always placed  last “ . He liked it a lot, not that I exaggerated. Our 1st meeting few trips ago was  so, so but after that each subsequent is better and better – I’m not giving that easy on guys I kind of like. 
 I told him I will pick him up from the bar after show  and went there at 10.30  entering exactly when walkabout started. Similarly like 2 days ago I tipped 3 guys (not the same three ) and two returned smile during next walk.
 After show BOI suggested we go to 7/11 to buy something to eat likely sensing that at end of trip I may be low on cash , I had about 1000 still left    but 7/11 it was and stuff we bought was quite tasty.
 Not sure it’s good idea to have such a hunk on my last night as before long trip I could use some sleep but damage  was done. I had only a hope that sleepless nigh means better sleep on the flight and was happy to learn I was not wrong.
We really hit it on, I think he appreciated repeat business and I cherished his personality , patience and first and foremost  massive body , as close to what I like as possible.
I mentioned crown and it was indeed proper crowning of very rewarding trip.

Day 17   
 In the morning   breakfast at Foodland together , again very modest choice by the boy. I don’t mind spending  this or that on the meals but I want  them to clear what they ordered and , if choosing something  more expensive  - to seek my approval.
 I know few boys which I like  quite a lot but don’t approve  their  restaurant habits  and in their case I usually tell them that I have only that much for our meals so watch what you order please. Definitely not a case with my guy from last night and I liked it that way.
Before  I set off for this trip  I was thinking about going to Pattaya to sample new G’Bangkok location there but knowing that in  second  week I will be travelling almost every 2nd day ( Sun, Wed , Fri, Sun ) I resolved to decide at the last minute.
( For uninitiated : G’Bangkok is name of restaurant owned by Guido and his cat. Pattaya location is extension of original, still opened location in Silom , soi 4)
 I had another reason to go , namely to see  clingy guy I offed from ToyBoys  on my last trip in July I was very happy with on both nights.
 Warned bkkmfj about my uncertain  plans , decide to keep my room in Raya for mt last 3 nights ,   booked room at Zing, half way between Pattaya and Jomtien for today , knowing that id I resign , loss will be modest (25$) and even booked 12 pm  ticket for bus from Swampy to Jomtien.
After returning  from Foodland I decided to go , packed whatever I needed for such short trip, sent message to bkkmfj that I’m coming  and went to the airport . In 2 hrs I was at Jomtien bus station , 20 minutes of that time was taken to combat traffic in the city itself. It was bit concerning as very heavy clouds were gathering over city.
I bought ticket for return tomorrow right away , took songtaew to the hotel and miracle of miracles , very second I entered lobby , heavens opened  but I was on dry side. It was pouring  extensively for  about 2 hours. It stopped just in time  Bkkmfj was supposed to show up.
I find him in good spirits so next our we spent in the lobby and them in my room exchanging news old and new and then we set off for longish walk  down to the Guido’s new place.
 My impression were reported and illustrated here on page 3 :
The opening of Guidos - Page 4 - Gay Pattaya - Gay Guides Forum
Guido seemed to be very happy to see us , place was quite busy  for Monday evening , actually for every evening , we liked food and ambiance so I’m glad I made an effort to see old forum friend and sample Guido’s new offerings.
Filled with excellent food we took another long walk along beach where we parted ways, Bkkmfj went home and I continued toward  Jomtien Complex. It was not very busy , I did not spot familiar faces nor any guys who I would be interested in so I hopped aboard songtaew  and went to Pattaya proper.
Boyztown  not very busy, few freelance masseurs , at least two of them of ‘ of interest” grade.  My guy from ToyBoys was eating outside and jumped immediately to welcome me and invite inside  but I promised I will be back as I wanted to see show at XBoys first.
I noticed that old , corner location of BoyzBoyZBoyz is opened  but nobody inside and only then I realized that they moved to former Music Bar location under Le Café Royale hotel. Being limited with time , I left surveying new premises to the next trip . X boys at 10 pm, was quite packed.
Show started almost immediately . Quality of boys very variable  but in hour of need I’d grade few boys as offable. Definitely everybody was friendly and not shy . I was happy to see veteran A  is still there, he recognized me as well planting kiss on me at the same time I performed vinapu tuck on him.
Lots of flesh to be seen, cocks galore, definitely most progressive bar of them all.  B Boys  did their number as always but there were only 4 of them and only one  I recognized from previous crew, fortunately , one most handsome. ( yes bkkmfj, THAT one ) .
At 11 pm I went to Toy Boys again,  about 8 boys in the stage trying to bring an attention to themselves in very friendly manner  but I had already my assignement. Bought him a drink , he agreed to long time , “ just like before”  he said and soon we were on our way to Zing. Since ‘like before ‘ was mentioned my expectancies were very high, indeed just like before  but it did not meant to be .
It did not take long before complain “ I want to sleep “ was logged countered with my ‘really? But my mood was already damped. Only  closer to the morning  he become more active  but even that not to a degree  I was familiar with when we were together in July. Classic case of entitlement , “  he offed me already and now I can try to get with as little as possible”.
When at 6 he announced he must to leave, it was silent  “ thanks God” from me. Big disappointment and he must to realize it as during day and next day he sent me few very revealing clips , meaning likely as consolation prize but for me it was too late. I did not even bother to respond. What a change in 2 months sighted I getting ready for the breakfast. Waste of money and opportunity of good night sleep

Day 16
 Quick packing ,  tuk tuk to bus stop in front of train station ( 4000 ) , bus arrived quite soon (1500) and in 50 minutes I was in the new , shiny . Enough time for some breakfast ( USD are gone but credit card worked) and check -in.
 They are introducing  automatic gates but for now available to certain nationalities only . I did not quality but there was no line to traditional immigration. No trace in passport that I was in Cambodia this time, no stamps and visa was just on piece of paper.  
Flight  departed on time at 11 am and was not full  so my assigned aisle seat easily become window one, not that it made much of difference due to poor visibility but place where Chao Praya joins the sea looked impressive from above.
This time I used automatic gates, no issues , through in 1 minute. New SIM as previous one expired and soon I was on my way to Raya where again I got the same room I had  before. Nice to be home I thought on my way to Foodland to treat myself with chicken with cashews and French onion soup (200 total).
I did some walking  and around 7 pm I returned to Foodland for a meetup with our former contributor Reader who arrived in Bangkok few days ago. We had plenty to talk about and conversation was occasionally interrupted by sightings of bar boys going to work.
After  we split I returned to the hotel to catch up with computer stuff and at 10 pm I marched ( floridarob , did you hear that ?)    to my currently most favorite venue Jupiter. I was first customer tonight , warmly welcomed by Pooppy , the singer so promptly rewarded him with red not for good start. Soon bar started filling up. 
My Boy Of Interest came to  welcome me  so I offered him a drink. He diplomatically did not press me for an off tonight but surely I found a message to this effect on my phone later on.
 I tipped three guys during walkabout , just for good looks . two of them returned smile during next walk , one did not and that was one I like look of the most out of those 3 rewarded. After show  I went to Goodboys as I had some designs on BT . Unfortunately fortunately he was sitting with some couple, did not even notice me  until later but  another guy spotted me and came to ask for drink.
He  was absent for some time owing to sad family circumstances ( his sister died  I learned later from mamasan). Instead of drink I gave him 500 tip. He wanted me to off him and even mamasan intervened saying he did not have an off since retuning week ago.
I sensed desperation when tip he quoted for Long Time was well, well below norm so I came to my senses and  approved an idea. I told him he will get  my normal tip, I would feel bad if I took advantage of such situation.
I have soft spot for him as when he was in Jupiter few years ago he was first ever Jupiter boy who actually smiled at me on his own will . in a small sense , historical person. Of course as soon as we sealed the deal BT came and said he will go with client now but will be back in 30 minutes because ‘ I know him “ he said . Too late.
 We went to Foodland where he ordered water and cheapest Thai dish they have on the menu and there home where I must say  I was greatly rewarded by his affection.
Almost real boyfriend experience, shocking considering age difference  but it was great encounter. What I’m saying ?  GREAT ENCOUNTER I should shout. It was easy to keep my tip promise.

Day 15
  Hotel doesn’t offer breakfast so we went to Chet Café m quite classy and bit pricey place near Wat Ounalom where , as in Battambang my guy ordered way more than he  was able to eat. That is becoming bit  unnerving but I said nothing.
 In fact I secured his presence tonight for repeat. He may be wasting some food but takes his exercises very seriously and has body of steel  and a lot of it, all muscle so definitely for me worth of trouble.  Returned to hotel to pack as I’m trying another,   Xone    located in the same high rise. Funny entry -through convenience store whose cash counter doubles as hotel’s reception.   Another room with  a view of both rivers.
After day of travel yesterday  , today I’m taking it easy wandering aimlessly here and there.
At 5 pm my guy suggested  a meal in certain Japanese restaurant and since recently I start liking that food better and better  I was happy to approve.  Than after some time  he texted asking in he can invite his friend , known to me. I did not mind dining with 2 hunks instead of one so approved.
They were bit late , I already ordered something to keep myself busy.  I must say it was great idea, food was excellent and so was the bill, 70 $ princely sum for Cambodia , even for 3 of us but it was worth . And no food wasted as portions ordered were quite small , whatever we finished we just ordered more and more.
I was glad so invited them for some ice cream and then we parted ways. I went to hotel and since rain started ,  simply fell asleep waking only around 10 pm.
Time for Space Bar. Since it was my last night and I become slowly low on money, tonight I watched carefully  what and for how much I’m ordering. As always fun and no pressure from boys to tip or buy drinks. There was new guy I  liked quite a lot. Reason to return   next trip ! Hope he will still be there,
 Great accounting job , when I was leaving bar, all I had left was 10000 for remork tonight and tomorrow morning and a bus to the airport and in hotel there was money for agreed tip for my guy. Nothing left for any frills.
 Today  fun time was shorter as I have flight to catch at 11 am. I sensed some complacency, perhaps having two night in row is not good for morale I was wondering. I was not as happy as the night before but not as happy doesn’t mean unhappy.   But I need to review my hiring practices was my thought.   

Day 13  - part 2 , rest of the day
 Since I mentioned I need bus ticket to Phnom Penh for tomorrow  my driver offered to take me to some carrier office. Not sure that was good idea,  they had only van on offer for 23 $ . Considering that in January I paid 20$ for 1st class VIP bus with single window seat it seemed overpriced  but I gave up as all I wanted at this point was  to shower and get a nap. Van it is
Agreed price for all day tour was 30$ and this is what I paid but again it was a little bit over market. Famous ‘gay premium “ charged often by gay businesses thought I, I wont be haggling over 5-7 $  as he needs that money more than me .
I slept till 7. I went to burger place  on roundabout at river end of 7 Makara street , owner is American and he knows thing or two about burgers. 10$ with Ganzberg  beer and tip.
At 9.30 I went to Barcode, place was packed  but no sight of that handsome guy I tipped yesterday. Patrons of mixed variety but  quite a few male/ male couples.
Handsome local guy was absent  but pack of young farangs seating in front of me  included super hunk, as a bonus not exactly overdressed so I got a very pleasant vantage point.
After a while who shows – T , may last night guy with his friend. They tried to invite themselves for a drink  but I offered one just to T , buying drink for somebody I don’t even know just because he has friend seemed excessive. T was very diplomatic , did not mention  room visit yet but at one point suggested we move to  a GOD so we went there.
One of  patrons, C, well known to me from previous bar visits and encounter we had few years ago had birthday so I treated him with drink and slipped him 20 $ as a gift, if only because I like his personality. My pleasure I said to him when he was saying his “ thank you, that’s really for me” .
T did not waste time in meantime , secured another round of checking stamps  and even cheekily suggested C comes with us  to help with stamp sorting. Balm to my ears , specially that first reaction was positive. C said ‘ we did it already threesome with T  twice “ but I kind of know how he works  - first creating  hope , then some excuse so I knew it’s just a stage. Another great night with Jomtien Complex trained T. What’s wrong with me with those twinks in my bed this trip I wondered.    
 

Day 14
 In the morning tip distribution , breakfast together and then my guy went home and I packed what I have and soon  tuk-tuk which was supposed to take me to bus station arrived. It turned out I could walk as station was just 2 blocks away.
 Van was not comfortable at all, we were pretty cramped , it took 6 hours for us to reach Phnom Penh and terminal on the city was quite far from the center  where my hotel was . It was easy to get tuktuk at reasonable price  but driver seemed unfamiliar with where we are going  and it was mee who were steering him through the streets to get where I wanted.
That is an advantage of apps  - driver will get a map directing him where to go.
Anyways , after travelling those 300 km for most of the day  I finally get to my hotel Mekon and when I entered my room it was just WOW! View at confluence of both rivers from 18th floor , balcony , working safe – my first since I left Sun and Moon week ago. It’s located in new high rise,   short walk from jetty where river cruise start  which means short walk to Night Market and Wat Phnom.
 After some rest  I felt urge to eat something continental  and soon , walking toward  Royal Place I spotted Italian restaurant, Spaghetti Bolognese it was and Hanuman Black of course. Filled with food I walked to Space Bar where  , in contrast with last weekend, almost all tables were occupied with revellers.  As always fun , oiled with few rounds of drinks.
No need to stress myself with offing options as I arranged with guy whom I met in Battambang to visit me tonight. Bit drunk ,I took remork to hotel around  1 am , driver who took me there surprised me with recalling that last year he took me to my then hotel OK Boutique.
My companion showed bit later , when I signalled I’m home already.  Great ,  no rush,  fun tonight .

Day 13, part 1 -ruins
 Breakfast  was quite simple  but for price I paid for the room and breakfast I did not expect anything else . Still was edible and filling enough to keep me running.
 My driver shover up on time  and off we went  right away. First to the place where they sell tickets. One day ticket is 37 $. That the one I bought. Three day ticket is 62 $ and can be used within 7 days. It looks that 7 day ticket was discontinued but don’t take my word for it   and confirm if you are interested  as it was not of my interest this time.
 That my treat – ruins. I was already everywhere  and in most places more than once or even twice  but complex is so vast it never gets boring for me.  First one – Pre Rup. It will always have a special place  in my head and heart as that was first temple I visited during my first trip there  back in 2001. I was surprised how few tourists were there – low season galore. Another reason is that most  visitors are herded into biggies – Angkor Wat, Bayon , Preah Khan , Banteai Srei and “Indiana Jones” Ta Prohm, leaving others to those with more time or like me , really interested in every stone.
 Next one – Eastern Mebon, also few visitors.
Ta Som  , the next one  was long my most favorite as smaller , uncrowded version of Ta Prohm  but tree which was encompassing back gate  is now removed. No more damage but charm is mostly gone.
Next  was unique Neak Pean in the middle of artificial a lake , accessible by long walk over bridge. Here is was quite crowded and surprisingly mostly with locals.
Next stop was one of biggies -Preah Khan with her structure reminding Greco-Roman construction – unique thing in Angkor complex. As one of most popular it was   quite well patronized so to speak.
My favorite part to explore  is walk along the walls of Angkor Thom, city in the middle of which Bayon stands . I did not have time to do whole thing  but at least did ¼ , from Northern to Western gate.
Usually  walk is easy  but this time with all the rains most of walk was overgrown which made walking bit harder and , yes, one needs to be aware about possibility of snake encounter with grass providing a lot of hiding options.
No panic , I never saw one but  in the past I was warned about such exciting possibility on more than one occasion, specially in rainy season.
To add to excitement for first part of walk guy with machete was following me but no , he did not chop of  my head for all I know.
My driver was supposed to wait for me at Western gate  but he decided to meet me on my way and indeed at ¾ of length we met. I guess I’m much better walker.
 Last temple  was Ta Keo, one from later period and almost free of elaborate carvings other temples have aplenty.  Nice chat there with young Chinese travelling alone and he confirmed my observation that more and more his compatriots are travelling now independently.
Since I felt templed-out for today we returned to the city
 

Western gate seen from the walls

Pre Rup

At long last I slept 8 hours and woke up at 11. Just as I was about to leave for breakfast, a thunderstorm broke out. I waited for almost an hour, using the time to write up another report.
The rain - the deluge - stopped, and I walked to Pancake Palace. Its street offered the quintessential bkk experience: wading ankle deep in water. It wasn't worth it. It's not a palace, and the food is just ok. Tomorrow - foodland.
I went to check out Senso. 4 unappealing guys, but more important - price policy: 3400 total for one hour. Comparing to Sun (600 + tip), this means 2800 for masseur upfront irrespective of quality / satisfaction. I politely white-lied about coming back another time, and departed.
On my way back I tried to scout Gass location, but failed. I went through Soi Silom 2/1, but saw no sign. No access from Crowne's side. What m I missing? Do signs come alive only at night?
Back at the hotel I was back to the apps. I had opened them only 24 hours after arriving, and they were the reason I went to sleep late.
On Romeo I was messaged by a 37 y/o sports teacher; this being Thailand he looked 10 years younger. His English is very good, his chat signaled a nice person, into mature, handsome with athletic body. Made to order for me.
I invited him to dinner, but he was about to eat with friends, so we later met in my room. Long BF experience (without pay): conversation, sex, cuddling pillow talk. My FAVORITE.

Could it be he was ordering for you to eat as well? I know some boys are doing that and have to say to him only order for yourself when i order. This was the case with one of my regular before, because he thought i would eat as well so he took around half, expecting me to finish the other half.

The Math: 2.5 Bottles of Soju is a Massive Amount of Alcohol
People often view soju as a "light" drink because it is lower in alcohol than whiskey, but they forget to look at the total volume consumed.
• The Soju Intake: A standard bottle of Jinro Chamisul Fresh is 360ml at 16% ABV. Drinking 2.5 bottles means your friend consumed 900ml of liquid at 16% ABV.
• The Whiskey Equivalent: That total volume is equal to roughly 11 to 12 standard shots of 40% whiskey.
• The Cocktail Comparison: Most standard bars put 1 to 1.5 shots of whiskey in a single cocktail. Therefore, your friend drank the equivalent of 8 to 12 whiskey cocktails over the course of the night. If they don't usually drink that many cocktails in one sitting, they simply went way past their actual limit.

Asked gemini to do the math. No wonder cam passed out

Day 12
 Nice chat with older gentleman with English accent in the café during breakfast.
Lazy morning as my van is supposed to pick me up at noon. It  turned out that first van took me just to bus station where I was directed to another one. All very well organized .
 I don’t like those vans but bus was in less convenient times . In 3 ¼ hrs. we were in the city center of Siem Reap . Van dumped me just past bridge on highway 6 from where I could easily walk to my hotel. After sitting in the van  it was actually very nice to have such a walk.   
  My hotel Domi was advertised on Agoda as built in 2025 but that seemed  quite an exaggeration. No complains though , for less than 30$ a night I got big room with breakfast. In the room no safe and no fridge but big desk  was a nice feature. Definitely for that price I can stay there again.
 Being in such worldly city I felt an urge to sample some western food and since somebody mentioned Greek restaurant close to Old Market here I went to search for it. Not that it required any effort , it was right there on the main street across the market.
 It was surprisingly busy, I got only free table left. Souvlaki with French fries and salad plus Cambodia beer and modest tip set me back at 18.50 $ Quite princely sum for Cambodia dining  but I’m on main street of very touristy city so no wonder.
 Happy that my food cravings were satisfied I went to exchange some money and returned to hotel where I booked my tuk tuk driver for tomorrow’s temple sightseeing through Grindr. Actually there at least three drivers advertising their vehicles on the site. No idea why I picked up most expensive of them at 30$ per day but it is nice to support gay business in low season I guess.
In the evening bar hopping. Barcode first. It was quite full , watched the show over 6.50 $ beer . Not sure what was more funny – show or watching patrons reaction to various antics by performers. But fun it was. 
I was keeping an eye for possible night companions  but there were not too many . There was some stunner by the door but clearly he was not interested but for esthetics on departure I slipped him 20000 and went to GOD.
Not too many people inside  but there were few farangs and few guys who could be looking for company. One  I recognized immediately and so did him – I bought him a drink in July for old time sake as we met closer during my covid time trip there. He was sitting with somebody though  so I ordered my gin and tonic and wait what happens .
 Soon familiar face showed up and seeing me alone , sat beside. It was T.  He noticed likely spark in my eye as I recalled him from Jomtien Complex  as well as from Grindr. He confirmed both , I  bought him a drink and over that drink he asked obvious question: ‘ do you collect stamps ?” , ‘yes’ , “ can I see it” , sure.
 One more drink and I was ready to go. We took remork  for 4000   and soon were in my room trying to find where that collection was. I did not expect much from Jomtien Complex twink but he was very enthusiastic, ahem , collector so we had pleasant time indeed. That we need whole night went without saying  and actually it was me in the morning who suggested he is free to go. Honestly , when he left I started to suspect that I know who my companion next night will be.   

Could it be he was ordering for you to eat as well? I know some boys are doing that and have to say to him only order for yourself when i order. This was the case with one of my regular before, because he thought i would eat as well so he took around half, expecting me to finish the other half.

I wouldnt count my own drink as part of the cost as thats considered ticket for the show. 3500 is a bit steep but cosider the hour you get to spend with the guy, in bar (groping and kissing) and back in hotel ( can be as short as 30min or as long as 2-3 hours)
Bar fun with guy will be the price of his drink 500, and off fee wouldve been part of his tip if you didnt off him.
Massage are restricted to the paid time, usually 1 hour, and even then sometimes it can still end earlier.
Another personal consideration of mine, easiness to get a long time deal. Not so easy to get it from massage guy, they work all day and would prefer to sleep at night. Much better deal as well for overnight.

Could it be he was ordering for you to eat as well? I know some boys are doing that and have to say to him only order for yourself when i order. This was the case with one of my regular before, because he thought i would eat as well so he took around half, expecting me to finish the other half.

I will miss out of this since i cant stand the smell of cigs lol

I wouldnt count my own drink as part of the cost as thats considered ticket for the show. 3500 is a bit steep but cosider the hour you get to spend with the guy, in bar (groping and kissing) and back in hotel ( can be as short as 30min or as long as 2-3 hours)
Bar fun with guy will be the price of his drink 500, and off fee wouldve been part of his tip if you didnt off him.
Massage are restricted to the paid time, usually 1 hour, and even then sometimes it can still end earlier.
Another personal consideration of mine, easiness to get a long time deal. Not so easy to get it from massage guy, they work all day and would prefer to sleep at night. Much better deal as well for overnight.

most likely although it was discussed before we ordered anything and I disclaimed I don't eat seafood , two out of 4 dishes were seafood.
One thing is sure , I did not go bankrupt as it was not expensive place , aimed at locals , not tourists but still some food was wasted which I don't like , specially in poor countries where chances are many people go to bed hungry.

Could it be he was ordering for you to eat as well? I know some boys are doing that and have to say to him only order for yourself when i order. This was the case with one of my regular before, because he thought i would eat as well so he took around half, expecting me to finish the other half.

The Math: 2.5 Bottles of Soju is a Massive Amount of Alcohol
People often view soju as a "light" drink because it is lower in alcohol than whiskey, but they forget to look at the total volume consumed.
• The Soju Intake: A standard bottle of Jinro Chamisul Fresh is 360ml at 16% ABV. Drinking 2.5 bottles means your friend consumed 900ml of liquid at 16% ABV.
• The Whiskey Equivalent: That total volume is equal to roughly 11 to 12 standard shots of 40% whiskey.
• The Cocktail Comparison: Most standard bars put 1 to 1.5 shots of whiskey in a single cocktail. Therefore, your friend drank the equivalent of 8 to 12 whiskey cocktails over the course of the night. If they don't usually drink that many cocktails in one sitting, they simply went way past their actual limit.

Asked gemini to do the math. No wonder cam passed out

Could it be he was ordering for you to eat as well? I know some boys are doing that and have to say to him only order for yourself when i order. This was the case with one of my regular before, because he thought i would eat as well so he took around half, expecting me to finish the other half.