jimmie50

I guess I will need to consider the Southern Hemisphere version once in Cambodia...if it is even available there.

Yes. I have gotten one every year ever since they have been available. Working with moderate to severe special education students in a school setting put staff at high risk for all sorts of germs. I have had every kind of vaccine and shot available, and those that are annual are always on my to do list, like the flu shot. Even though I am now retired, I make it a point to keep up with all of that. I imagine the flu shot I received last fall has waned in potency, but probably helped this not become a severe case.

Today is the last day of medication from the hospital and I am pretty much back to 100%. Feeling fine now, so we will try again next week for our journey north to Chiang Mai. To be honest, I wasn’t sure how much the medication was going to help as I was concerned about the dosage. I had this problem when I was living in Taiwan with my ex and needed to see a doctor. They are not quite sure how to prescribe the appropriate dosage for someone my size, so it usually ends up falling short. I was not overly optimistic that it would be any different here, but it seems to have worked so I am pleasantly surprised. Cam had to provide daily updates to his mother and youngest sister. It seems everyone was keeping tabs on how I was progressing. I found this somewhat amusing, because I never even bothered to tell my own sister back in Denver that I was sick or had gone to see a doctor at the hospital. We just continued our daily, brief texts as usual and I never mentioned it at all. We had a discussion last night about my time in Cambodia while the new house is under construction. Cam is worried about me being in Battambang so much of the time by myself, as he will need to be at the construction project every day. He does have a valid point and I ultimately agreed with him. His brother is a builder and has other projects. He won’t be able to devote 100% of his time to the new house. His father will be there, but is older and may not be able to do some of the heavier work. His mother and youngest sister will be there as well, but I am not sure how much help either of them will be. Brother and brother-in-law’s not only have jobs but families that will require some attention. While they plan to hire local labor to help with the actual work, Cam is going to need to be on site every day during construction to supervise and be the point person to deal with any questions or problems that arise. Battambang is also an hour drive by motorbike one way to his home town. That is two hours out of his day just for travel when he needs to be focused on construction. He is worried that I will be angry and miserable most of the time because he will not be able to focus his attention on me or us. After the serious discussion, we arrived with a compromise solution that we are both happy with and solves the problem. I will return to Denver in early December just before the new construction begins and spend the holidays with my family. He and his brother estimate the project will take two months…but I think it will be more like three so am allowing for that in my schedule. Construction will begin on December 8. You may be curious as to why this specific date…I know I was. It is all based upon the fortune teller his mother consulted. That was determined to be the luckiest day to begin the build. According to Cam’s schedule, construction should be completed in early February, but I will schedule my return to Cambodia for early March. If the house does finish in early February, I can always change my return to an earlier date. We will still look for an apartment in September with a one-year lease or rental agreement and keep the apartment during the construction period even though I will be in Denver. Cam may need a break from family and can escape to Battambang to hang out with friends as needed.

I tread very softly when it comes to this as I know it can be a very sensitive issue. We do talk about families, and I know both grandmothers are still alive, but both grandfathers have passed away. I do not know the circumstances, nor do I ask. It doesn't matter the how, when or why...just to know they have passed. I did ask one time if his parents ever talked about their experiences as children growing up during that period of time and he basically said 'no' and offered no additional information. Thus, I dropped the subject. What they have shared with their children may well be that deep, dark family secret that nobody talks about. I have a great uncle (maternal grandmother's brother) who, whenever he came to town the drapes and blinds closed tight, we were instructed not to open them until told otherwise, not to answer the door, and not to go outside to play without permission and adult supervision. To this day, nobody in the family my age or younger has a clue what that was all about. My grandmother's generation took that secret to their graves. Whatever he chooses to share is entirely up to him and there will be no 'search for the truth' on my part. It is history...hopefully we learn from it and move forward.

I mentioned the urban areas specifically for that reason. His family was already living in the rural areas and not part of that mass exodus from the cities. From that standpoint, I assume it was somewhat of a better situation for them...if there was such a thing as 'better situation' to be had. I have watched a couple of French videos on Youtube within the last couple of weeks that include interviews with Francois Bizot and found them very interesting. I usually try to watch things like that during the time Cam goes to the gym since I do not want to get him riled up. After two or three evenings of that...I am very careful what I say and when I watch something that is historical about Cambodia.

Too late. I already made that mistake a few weeks ago and had to sit through a host of Youtube videos pointing out the difference between the two...and which came first. I don't bring that up anymore!!!

Thanks, this is an excellent solution. It wasn't about needing the money, but more about finding something to do with my time. I have downloaded an app on my phone and am trying to learn some simple, basic Khmer phrases. Cam is also helping me learn some words and phrases. However, it takes a long time to teach this old dog new tricks...it is a work in progress. lol.

Well, we didn’t make it to Chiang Mai just yet. Had to make a change in plans due to illness. It seems I came down with a touch of the flu, although I have no idea where I would have picked up that bug. I suppose it could have been anywhere. Started with chills and a high fever on Sunday and I spent most of that day and Monday in bed. Cam has been absolutely incredible. As I have mentioned in other posts, he is very attentive and was even more so with me being sick. He was very worried and concerned. Went to the pharmacy to get some medicine and explained to them my symptoms, age, and other medications I take on a daily basis. He got some type of thing that you put on your forehead and it is supposed to help with fever. He boiled water with lemon and ginger, then dipped towels in the water to give me a sponge bath and wrapped the towels around different parts of my body. He prepared some rice porridge trying to get me to eat something. Basically, he didn’t want to leave my side. He kept track of when I should take the next dose of medicine…even if it was the middle of the night. He even called his mother to ask her what he should do to help me. She was actually concerned that I had somehow contracted dengue fever. She suggested to him that I should see a doctor and be tested for that. As a result, when I started to feel a little better Tuesday, he contacted a friend of his in Bangkok who has led tour groups before and has had to take foreigners to see a doctor for medical emergencies in the city. His friend told him to take me to Bangkok Christian Hospital, so off we went around 11am. I was very impressed with both the facilities, the level of care I received, and the overall efficiency. Cam had never been there before, so upon our arrival we were not sure if we should go to emergency or in the main entrance. The security guard immediately recognized we were not sure where to go, so he helped direct us inside the main entrance and to the registration desk. Within a matter of minutes I was registered as a patient and send to the second floor medical department. Again, within just a few minutes the nursing staff had me weigh in, took my temperature, blood pressure and oxygen levels and asked what symptoms I was experiencing…in English, I might add. I would estimate from the time we arrived until the time I actually saw a doctor was no more than 15 minutes! The doctor was very thorough with reasonably good English. Cam was with me the entire time. He mentioned to the doctor their concern about dengue fever. Doctor ordered blood work to check for a number of things, including dengue and Covid. He explained the lab would send him the test results within an hour…that we should wait after leaving the lab and he would review the results with us and determine if any medications were needed to be prescribed. He also reviewed a list of my current medications and made notes for reference. Because of heart medication I take, there are some medications I am not supposed to have that will have a bad reaction. It was a relief to me that he wrote this information down. Long story short…turns out I have a mild case of influenza. Doctor said it was currently going around and I could have picked it up anywhere. Prescribed several different medicines to control fever, body aches, and congestion. Said take the medicine for five days, and if not better by then I should return. Total cost for this hospital visit, including all of the lab work and medications was 5000 Baht, or approximately $150 USD. Just to see the doctor in US would have cost me more than $150!!! Not only was the level of care and service provided far and above what I would receive in the US, but how little it cost was amazing. Since I am over 65 and on Medicare in the US, they do not cover any expenses incurred outside of the US. However, I have supplemental medical insurance for just such a reason and can submit the hospital bill for reimbursement when I return to Denver.

Had a few interesting evenings of conversation with Cam about Cambodian history. Not something I brought up or asked any questions about. We had been watching a video on Youtube about Angkor Wat. You know how, after watching a video the website will prompt you about what to watch next based upon your present selection. Several historical videos popped up so we watched one about Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge. I was always told there are three things you should avoid talking about with friends and family: religion, money, and politics. Cam definitely has some very strong opinions about the current state of affairs in Cambodia. I basically just listened to him since I know very little of the history. His father would have been around 10 years old at the time the Khmer Rouge came into power, and his mother even younger than that. Since they grew up in a rural agricultural area, it didn’t have quite the impact on his family that it did those who lived in the urban areas. He would get so wound up that I basically just let him rant and didn’t ask too many questions. He would be talking so fast and in a mix of English and Khmer, and frequently forgot to use any translation app. What I have definitely learned is this: he has no use for the monarchy, does not care for the current regime in power and blames them for most of the problems that exist and will continue to exist as long as they are in control, and has very little good to say about the Vietnamese government in general for basically installing and then continuing to support the current regime in power. I am hoping I can steer him away from Youtube on television tonight, or at least any type of history documentary relating to Cambodia. It is the most animated he has ever been in conversations. Definitely need to order those books about Cambodia recommended by @Tomtravel. Checked and they are available on Amazon.com. Just past the six week mark of this experience, so I did sort of pin him down last night for a serious conversation about our relationship. When I say ‘pin him down’, it wasn’t anything like an ultimatum. It was more about checking in now that we have lived together for six weeks and are getting a feel for what that life will be like together. We are figuring out each other's idiosyncrasies and how to navigate those. Just taking the temperature, so to speak, to see if anything has changed for him. Basically I just told him that I had made my decision on airline reservations and Airbnb condo for the first month, and am prepared to make a permanent move to Cambodia so that we can be together. I just wanted to know if he still wanted to do this or had any concerns before I uproot myself and spend the money for travel arrangements. He said that he had no regrets or concerns other than the fact we won’t be spending as much time together as we have been. He is more worried about me. He will be working during the day, either on the new house once construction gets underway in December, or some type of job. Those are things we have discussed before and are both aware it will be an adjustment. Even though I will be applying for a retirement visa so will be unable to work technically, I have discussed the possibility of giving private English lessons 1:1…not advertising and not a class setting. Also not at a language school. Just perhaps four or five private students during the day mostly by word of mouth. Just have to wait and see about that once I am physically in Cambodia and have a better idea about the lay of the land. Heading to Chiang Mai for a few days this week, so won’t be online for any updates until we return to Bangkok.

Thanks for the recommendations. Will order on Amazon and have them waiting for me on my return to US in July.

Question for those of you who have been to Cambodia before...how widely accepted are credit cards? When shopping at Tops, Big C or Foodland...or when dining out at a nicer restaurant...I usually use my Visa card. Cam has said most places will accept US currency or Riel...but no need to exchange much currency in advance or upon first arriving there. He has no idea about the use of credit cards, though. I am suspicious that 'cash is king', so to speak, and I will find very few places that accept credit cards. I will need to set up international transfer from my US bank to the Cambodian bank once I have opened an account there. That way I can transfer money back and forth without difficulty (hopefully, he says...lol).

I should clarify that my bad experience on the ATR72 turbo prop was not on Bangkok Airways. I have never been on Bangkok Airways before. Nothing against the airline at all. It was a small Taiwanese airline and I was flying from Taipei to Tainan. My ex had booked the flight as we were going to visit his parents. Flying from Don Muang isn't an option since the international flights from San Francisco all come into Suvarnabhumi. That needs to be my transfer point...although on the Singapore Airlines flight I will miss Swampy altogether and go directly to Siem Reap. I like that option better, even though it is a little more expensive. Not enough to dissuade me from booking.

Cam has finished all of the medication and is back to ‘normal’ 100% now. We managed to survive this minor bump in the road without too much drama. We have gotten into a somewhat normal daily routine…wake up, shower together, go get breakfast at the nearby market (must be about 40 food booths under one roof), go window shopping someplace nearby (usually a mall) or grocery shopping, have a light snack and then Cam goes to the gym for two hours while I work on preparing some dinner most nights, chill out watching television together (mostly in Khmer…but very predictable and easy to figure out the plot), shower together again, then some play time before sleep. Actually a very simple routine that we are both happy with. Cam does not miss the bar scene at all and is very happy to be away from that. I even ask if he wants to go for a drink with his Cambodian friends at any of the clubs or to see one of the shows and he says he has no interest in doing that. He certainly gets no arguments from me on that front. Just like an old married couple I guess. lol. I don’t wish to share too much as I don’t want to jinx things, but so far things have been going well. Other than learning to be around each other when he was sick and simply wanted to be left alone…I would say we have done remarkably well. He is very attentive and also what I call very touchy, feely towards me all of the time…even out in public. We have had some good discussions about life together in Cambodia and been making some preliminary plans. I have also had to do some investigation into questions that have come up during our conversations. As of now, it looks like I will return to Denver in late July for approximately five or six weeks to take care of medical appointments and financial matters. Plan to fly from Denver on September 1 to Siem Reap. That was a bit of a challenge. Most airlines will fly as far as Bangkok, then I have to book a separate flight with some regional carrier directly to get from Bangkok to Siem Reap. Could not book direct through United, Cathay Pacific, Starlux, EVA, China Airlines, ANA, etc…or any of the usual airlines I prefer for travel to Asia. Everything put me at Suvarnabhumi and then booking with Bangkok Airways…twin turbo prop plane. No thank you! Been there, done that. Never again. Open to other recommendations from those of you who have visited Cambodia before from Thailand. There must be other options besides Bangkok Airways. Finally was able to book with Singapore Airlines from San Francisco to Singapore, then Singapore direct to Siem Reap via 737. Had to book separately for flight from Denver to SF on United. Done that before, so no big deal. Will apply for a 30-day Ordinary E-Class visa online through the Cambodian eVisa Portal prior to arrival…not a tourist visa. These are different. Once I arrive in Cambodia, I will need to go to the Immigration Department in Siem Reap and convert the E-Class Visa to an ER (retirement) Visa Extension of Stay for 12 months which allows multiple entries and no limit on the number of times it can be renewed. There is also no money required as a deposit for the visa…just a government fee. I only need to provide proof of a minimum monthly income of $1500 USD. I should also be able to open a bank account with the retirement visa, and three different banks have been recommended. One of those is the same bank that Cam uses, so I will probably opt for that one…at least initially. Rented an apartment in Siem Reap for the first month via Airbnb. That will give us time to go looking for an apartment in Battambang. Will either rent a motorbike or may consider buying one. Cam’s parents have a motorbike, but they will not be in Siem Reap or Battambang but his home town. In addition, they will need their motorbike for daily use so not an option for us to have in Siem Reap. Would consider renting a car, but foreigners cannot drive a rental car without Cambodian license. Also cannot drive motorbike over 125cc without Cambodian license. Once we have actually found an apartment in Battambang I will need to get the Cambodian license. Finding an apartment to rent will probably be the biggest challenge, and we might need to use the services of a real estate agent. I will only need my passport and the retirement visa in order to rent. Most places will be similar to the US in asking for some type of deposit. I have already been warned to make sure and get a written contract…not verbal agreement. The landlord is legally required to register us in the Foreigners' Presence Control System (FPCS) upon move-in, which tracks foreign nationals staying in the country. I will also need to get established with a doctor. I cannot order my usual 3-month supply of medications online and have my sister ship them to me from Denver to Cambodia. They are very strict about pharmaceuticals and will most likely be confiscated. FedEx, UPS and DHL are all very reluctant to accept any pharmaceuticals for shipment. Instead, it was recommended to me via online expat community to provide a list of medications, dosage, and reason for medication from my US doctor to a doctor in Cambodia and have them write new prescriptions for me that can be filled on a regular basis there.

Welcome to the forum. It took awhile for my initial post to be approved...cannot remember exactly how long, but I did end up sending a follow-up message to the administrator requesting approval. Site has been sluggish for me as well. Some days it works super fast, and other days I finally just give up waiting on the page to load and close my browser. Been that way ever since the site was hacked and the reboot.

+1

Yes, and he also owns Unicorn on Soi 4. He is from California. Makes frequent trips to Philippines as well. Not sure if he has business ventures there are not. He is quite close to the lady who owns Banana Bar on Soi 4.

We leave the A/C on all the time when we are at the condo, but have adjusted the temp to 25 degrees for now. A bit warm for me, but want to make sure I don't freeze Cam out or cause his cold to linger on. He is much improved and almost 100% today. Going out soon to do some grocery shopping at the supermarket. As for shower...we like to shower together (more my preference than his), so we start out with warm to hot for me, then midway dial that back so it is colder for him. He much prefers cold showers, and is accustomed to that from home as well as his room in Bangkok where he was living. When we would go to visit my ex-boyfriend's parents in Taiwan, they had no hot water, nor a shower. You basically filled up a large wash tub with water, sat on a stool in the middle of the bathroom floor, used a smaller scoop to get yourself wet, then soap up, and use the scoop again to rinse. At least in our apartment in Taipei we had a standup shower and lukewarm water. I enjoyed visiting his parents, and they were always very nice to me, but always hated the bath experience. Felt like I was 10 or 11 years old and back in summer camp.

I experienced this first hand with my Taiwanese boyfriend and his family. Many times during that ten year period my theme song was 'smile and go with the flow'. Often was given some pretty nasty stuff to try when I was sick and they tried to 'heal me' with the Chinese medicines. My ex and his brother both had Master's degrees in engineering, and his sister a Master's in Business...so all very well educated...but when sick would also go to the Chinese medicines first.

First of all, thanks to everyone for your concern about Cam. He is finally filling better, although not 100%, but has gone to the gym this afternoon for a short workout. I cautioned him not to overdo it. After three days of being cooped up in the condo with each other, we were about to go a little crazy. Getting outside and getting a little fresh air will do him some good as well (if you can call Bangkok air fresh). A little sunshine will do him some good as well. It is a struggle between us to find a balance on the A/C. I am accustomed to central heat/air conditioning back in Denver. I am always careful to make sure any place I book when I travel has A/C as one of the minimum requirements. Cam, on the other hand, has never had A/C at home, nor anywhere he has lived in Bangkok. The only place he has A/C on a regular basis was at the bar when he went to work. We had sort of settled on 23 degrees as being comfortable for both of us all the time, but since he got sick I have bumped that up to 25. That works for him and is tolerable for me, so we will probably leave it there. I also appreciate everyone's concern regarding Cam's overall health. While he said he had never been to see a doctor even as a child, I don't know what the standard practice is, if any, in Cambodia regarding childhood vaccinations. No idea if his mother took him to see a doctor or not, and he was too little to remember. Prescriptions are not needed to get some medications in Cambodia or Thailand as they are in the US, so he has always been able to just pick up anything he needed previously for colds. He was fortunate enough not to get Covid. He easily purchased an antibiotic for this cold over the counter along with the other medications recommended by the pharmacist. There are certain things I do know about his overall health. He has always practiced safe sex with me. I know he takes Prep. He has told me that he would never go with any customer who refused to use any protection. He has told me stories of getting dressed and walking out on customers who insisted no condom regardless of the money. I know he and two of his Cambodian friends who also work in bars get tested at Pulse every three months. I have seen him on video chat waiting for his number to be called at the clinic and then he has showed me his test results. I have also shared my test results with him...we are both negative. From this standpoint, I am very comfortable with the situation. As I said to @bkkmfj2648, Cam probably is taking on more of a risk given my age and various ailments versus his health status. Still, at some point it would be a good idea to try to persuade him to get a complete physical. Perhaps after I meet his family and am able to connect with his mother and/or sister, we can all work on him regarding making an appointment.

Thanks @bkkmfj2648 for the A/C information. I do believe that A/C is the most likely culprit for his cold. I can easily take care of the inside filter given the diagram you posted. Unfortunately, the outside unit is not possible for me to get even reach. We do not have a balcony, so it must literally be attached to the exterior wall of the building. Considering we are on the 16th floor, I do not plan to investigate that. Not sure the owner would honor any request to have the filter cleaned or replaced. The condo is a large studio, so only one A/C unit and it is located very near the bed. Will definitely start turning it up at night in addition to cleaning the filter. Cam seems to be feeling a little better this afternoon. Wisely decided against going to the gym today, but we might go for a short walk in the nearby park this evening. He had some rice and veggies for lunch and I am cooking dinner. He slept all morning until time for more medicine. He had actually set the alarm on his phone, so after taking the next dose of meds he ate a little lunch.

On another note, would appreciate hearing from any forum members who have visited Battambang, Cambodia. Interested in your thoughts about the city, especially compared to Siem Reap. Also, if anyone has suggestions for how to find an apartment to rent long term in Cambodia, I would appreciate any information. Since Cam has always lived at home, he has no idea about the rental market or how to go about finding a place. In that regard, we will both be novices. I don't know if there is some central website that posts rentals or if there are real estate agents who can help with such a thing.

Cam went to the pharmacy and purchased some medicine. I wasn’t familiar with what he purchased, so did a google search and determined one was an antibiotic, one was a decongestant, and one a cough suppressant. Basically slept most of the day yesterday and appears he will do the same again today. Probably for the best. Have learned several things from this experience. He told me he has never once gone to see a doctor when sick…even as a child. Suggested we go to the clinic to see a doctor, which is when he told me ‘no doctor’. He also does not make a very good patient. Basically just wants to be left alone. Against my nature, but have complied with that request. Everyone is different when they are sick as to what level of care they want. He just wants to be left alone to sleep. He did eat some dinner last night and breakfast again this morning…mostly rice both times. He has also done something to himself that seems to be similar to cupping that I have seen the Chinese do. Looks terrible and appears to me that it would be something painful to do, but he says he always does this when he gets sick. He is also using some type of menthol lotion or ointment. To be honest, feel somewhat at a loss as to what to do for him, but since he has requested to simply be left alone I am trying my best to honor that request. Thanks to @jason1975 for checking in with me to make sure Cam was okay. It is just a cold and probably needs to run its course. Hopefully the medication will start to kick in soon and we will see some improvements. I do have to say that even though he is a tad bit irritable and dare I say 'bitchy', he has done his best to reassure me he is not mad or upset with me...just wants to be left alone to sleep.

After some discussion, I think we have decided to spend the first month in Siem Reap once I arrive in Cambodia. I will book something for us online via Airbnb. That will give me a chance to do some exploring in Siem Reap, but we will also spend some time in Battambang looking for apartments. Hopefully we won’t have too much difficulty. We decided to settle in Battambang because there are fewer tourists, it is closer to Cam’s family, he is more familiar with the city, and he has several friends who live there so an already established social network. My ‘must have’ list is relatively short…A/C is number one on the list, washer, decent kitchen, furnished, and at least a queen size bed. Cam is easier to please, but would like some type of outdoor space…either a balcony or yard. We are open to any type of housing…condo, apartment, house. I suspect we may end up working with a real estate agent as Cam is not familiar with the particulars regarding rental property. Speaking of A/C, we have been keeping the unit set in the Bangkok condo around 23 or 24. That has been comfortable for both of us in general, but we might need to adjust that during the night when sleeping. Cam started getting a cold yesterday and is really not feeling well today. I can tell he feels miserable and he has been sneezing and blowing his nose a lot. Not sure if his throat is bothering him or not, but no cough so far. He did buy some medicine to take. Been a bit of a learning experience for us both being around each other when one is sick. He gets very quiet, keeps to himself, and really doesn’t want to be bothered. I learned quickly not to ask too many questions, keep conversation to a minimum, and just let him rest quietly.

Had an interesting evening with Cam and his Cambodian friends he meets to play snooker. The more time we spend together the more I am learning about his past experiences. His first time coming to Thailand to work was when he was 16. At that time he came with his father and brother. They were working in construction. They would come and work for a few months and then return home. That seems to be the pattern his parents established and he has followed since coming to Bangkok on his own. The friends we went to meet and the area where they play snooker is far from Silom and in an area of Bangkok I have never been before. This is the area where he lived and worked construction and food service on and off for five years. He would come and work a few months and then return home for a long period of time. So, he knows this area very well, and many people from the area, too. As several forum members have pointed out, while the pay may be more than he would get for a similar job in Cambodia, construction workers and waiters do not make that much money in Thailand, either…especially foreigners from Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar. A Cambodian friend of his from the same hometown was working at Hotmale and persuaded him to go to work at the bar. That is how he ended up in Silom. Cam said initially the money was better for the first few months because he was a new, fresh face, but that didn’t last long. The bar doesn’t get many customers most days now. Given the pattern established over the years of working a few months and then returning home, I honestly believe he would have returned home months ago if not for the issue with the closed borders and no chance of a visa at the present time. If he goes home, he has no idea when he might be able to return again to work if it is needed. He told me before the border problems he would work for two or three months at the most and then return home for at least six months. In addition to working on the farm and helping his brother with the construction business, he has operated his own food cart. I have seen photos and videos of him cooking and selling from the cart. He is definitely a hard worker and not just someone who sits around doing the least amount of work possible just to get by. He takes the initiative to find work or start his own business…like the food cart. Back to his friends, though…although I have never really played pool or snooker and wasn’t even sure what the difference was between the two, they were very nice and friendly. Of course, putting the three of them together in a social setting meant that most of their conversation was in Khmer, but since they are all in food service they had some English skills and tried to include me from time to time. Cam was good about trying to teach me the game. The three of us played two games, then I politely stepped aside for the third game and let them have their fun while I just watched. It was interesting to observe their interactions. The three of them shared two beers and I just had water. One of them also brought some meat skewers they had purchased from a street cart to share. Cam warned me that they were very spicy and I might want to avoid. I will say he is always very attentive and looking out for me. Even though he was with his friends, he was constantly checking on me to make sure I was comfortable and doing okay. We probably spent a total of three hours together. It was nice to actually see a place he talks about going to every so often, to learn more about his history in Thailand, and to explore an area of Bangkok that was his home base when working in the city for five or six years from age 18 until 24.

1. What ended your relationship in Taiwan? My relationship with the Taiwanese ended after I discovered on his various business trips around the US that he was seeing multiple people for fun when we were supposed to be in a monogamous relationship. Not only was I concerned about the cheating aspect, but also the fact he was not safe and put my health at risk. We originally met online, then he came to the US on a work visa with a start-up company in Silicon Valley. That company ended up folding so he lost the work visa and had to return to Taiwan. It was during that period of time where I took a sabbatical from teaching for one year and we lived in Taipei while he attempted to find another job with a US company that would sponsor him for the work visa…possibly a green card. During that year he was hired by IBM and assigned to their office in Fremont, CA…so back to the Bay Area we went. He had to travel with IBM, which is when the cheating was taking place. 2. How is your Khmer language? I had no reason up until this point in time to even consider learning Khmer. Never been to Cambodia or even thought about visiting until I met Cam. Just as he has taught himself to speak conversational Thai, he has picked up a fair amount of English to be able to communicate with customers in the bar. I would say his level is around intermediate versus beginner for me and Khmer. He is trying to teach me some basic words and phrases, and I have downloaded an app to my phone that provides daily lessons. And yes, I rely on several translate programs available…not just Google Translate…as it is not always the most accurate. I have also learned to copy the Khmer version, reverse translate and paste that version to translate into English so I am sure what is being communicated to him as accurate to my thoughts. It is a work in progress for sure. 3. Peter mentioned having a Plan B. I always have several backup plans in the works in case things don’t work out…with most things in life. 4. Is Cam suited for construction work? Cam grew up working on the family farm, which is hard work. He has showed me photos and videos. Certainly not easy work. He has also worked construction, both in Thailand and in Cambodia. His brother is a builder. When his father is not tending to the farm, he helps the oldest son with the construction business. He has experience with laying brick and cement block, tile work, flooring, and some plumbing and electrical. A job with his brother is there for him whenever he wants it. As you said, ALL relationships are difficult and require work on the part of everyone involved. Only time will tell if things are going to work out. Probably not for the faint of heart…but I am ready to give it the old college try. lol. At my age, what do I have to lose. Why not enjoy whatever years I have left.