KeepItReal

Pres Ace Ventura: The democrats did a good job. I will work with the democrats. People will be surprised by how well we can work together. I AM PROMOTING STEPHEN MILLER!
One of these is not like the other.... 🤨

I'm in Pattaya and stopped by a small bar in between the sois where some bar guys stop and drink at times.

I asked Mae if she's seen Arm, a guy from Dream Boys @vinapu you know him, and she had a shocked look on her face and told me he died ln October, not sure if she meant last month or last year...I was surprised too... apparently he overdosed on drugs.....so sad.

Made me think about how many guys over the years that I've known that have died from accidents, killed, Aids, natural causes, etc...

Some I'm really surprised about, such as Arm and others, not so much....

Any really stand out to you?

To try to answer the question, as a minimum 6 but closer to 12 or more over the years have died most often from HIV but accidents and suicides have contributed.

Now, my dear @vinapu I have to correct you...that is not an American style breakfast! For an authentic American experience you need a large mug of over-roasted coffee, semi burned toast and two hash browns added to the plate! 😉

Day 10
 My guy decided to skip the breakfast and in the morning went back to mom and dad.
 Deluxe Villa doesn’t offer breakfast but next door is small, modern café offering American breakfast for 5 $ so I went there. Did not linger too long , while breakfast was tasty , music was too loud and  AC set too low to linger longer.
 At 9.15 my tuk tuk arrived and we  set out for grand tour. First  stop – famous bamboo train  I already described and posted pictures from in this thread on page 7.
My Cambodian Dream - Page 10 - Gay Cambodia - Gay Guides Forum
 Then some ancient wooden residence , more than 100 years old. Must be popular place with locals as owner was busy  guiding tour of what looked like college students. Thing which drew most of my attention was quite impressive collection of Cambodian money   with quite a few rarities ( I know a thing or 5 about those things ) .
Next stop was Banan temple , ancient structure on top of the hill so requiring  bit of climbing. Because today is last day of 3 days long holidays place was crowded with locals , both praying and just sightseeing.
 Then , closer to the city mountain with Killing Cave and Bat Cave. Killing Cave is chilling testimony of Khmer Rouge atrocities. They were keen to save bullets and other killing tools so people condemned to death were just thrown to the cave by natural opening in  ceiling. We are not talking about  XII century but goings only 50 years ago.
 In the cave is memorial – stupa with remains of some of the victims. Mind you , local commander of Khmer Rouge in Battambang was apparently quite humanitarian in comparison to his more devoted colleagues from other regions.
 Bat Cave  on other side of mountain we left for the end  for simple reasons. Spectacle of   millions bats leaving cave at dusk to , presumably , get some fresh air  starts about 5.30.  I was one of thousands gathered there.  No doubt because of holiday , bat in charge decided to speed up a bit and flu-out started  shortly after 5.
I’m not big fan of nature, which normally is at it’s best on the serving table ,  well roasted , but must admit it was fascinating. Fly-out seemed never to end , I was watching it for 15 minutes and it was  squadron of bats after squadron flying and flying .  After 15 minutes I suggested we can go as no doubt later on traffic to unload the crowds of spectator would be  enormous. I was told that it lasts about 1 hour.
 At the hotel when paying him his  fee driver surprised me by asking if I have riels instead of USD. Unfortunately I did not and blamed him directly – why you quoted your price in USD if you wished to be paid in KHR ?
After refreshing in hotel I went to the center to eat some , surprisingly tasty hamburger. Had a walk here and there  but after such busy day I went to hotel and soon collapsed on the bed , sleeping till morning without interruption. Too much perhaps for old man thought I.

Day 9
 At 5.30 am , phone started making noises so I did quick refreshing, prepared some coffee, finished packing that little I carry and walked to train station 10 minutes away.
 Few words about Aurora Delight hotel , not really luxurious but for a price certainly adequate. AC and shower worked , they provided a kettle but not tea , coffee, sugar , water etc. Location was clean and quiet despite it being very central. Safe worked but it was probably few years ago.
 There are two trains leaving in the morning , 6.40 to Battambang and 7.00 to Sihanoukville  so it pays to make sure  one boards proper one. Once inside , I was impressed. Thore were refurbished former Hokkaido Railway carriages and certainly both classes were quite comfortable with 1st class  being very comfortable.
 What I liked the most  was , at least for those seating in the first car, ability to observe  tracks train was rolling on.
All in all very pleasant trip. Was not very packed but considering that is was 2nd day of 3 days holiday it was expected , whoever wanted to go went already and returns will start tomorrow.
 On few provincial stations on the way there were bilingual banners clearly indicating that if one plans to board train at this station should buy a ticket from website or call given number to inform crew train should stop there, wow!
 Mid way train stopped at Pursat , we were clearly informed that stop will last 10 minutes and in front of station were few stands where we could buy some food and drinks. I treated myself with 2 fish cakes  at 1000 riels  a piece  and they were surprisingly tasty. Can of Coca cola   - 2000.
 Interesting 6.5 hrs , we rolled into Battambang station about 10 minutes late greeted by few remorks and taxis but since my hotel was close I just decided to walk there as a mean with acquainting with the area.
 My hotel Deluxe Villa was collection of bungalows with small pool in the middle of courtyard . Room very spacious with full sized refrigerator and bank sized safe which unfortunately did not work.
 You may recall that I was hoping  certain guy from Phom Penh visiting his parents in the area will join me so I sent him message I’m in the city. Answer was fast and clear ”I’m so happy, are you coming here or you want me to come to you “ Opted for 2nd option and he promised to be here at 6 pm
Shower and I set for a walk, City center was about 10 minutes walk, quite pleasant with river bisecting it. Interesting architecture of central market although I saw cleaner places in my travels. Certainly pleasant place but with certain provincial feel, Siem Reap feel more metropolitan in comparison and no wonder   with those hordes of tourists.
Upon returning  to hotel I arranged driver for sightseeing tomorrow – I did not want to keep my guy for the day , let him enjoy his time with parents.  He arrived as agreed at 6.p,m and I must say it created some buzz in the hotel – super  hunk visiting old crippled troll, WTF ? you could see in eyes of receptionist and maintenance guy. Those knowing smiles will be accompanying me  for next 2 days, even if I will maintain celibacy.
I was hoping we hit the sheets , at least for a while but my guy had other idea, he wanted to go out  to eat and drink so off we went.
He found  quite busy restaurant on other side of river, we got the last free table. I ordered  , what else? Chicken with cashew nuts, he took advantage of occasion and ordered 4 dishes  and I don’t think he eat more than half of what they brought. This happens quite often in Thailand and Cambodia and I’m not fun od such waste but kept quiet .  
It was still fun  with lively atmosphere, chatty waiters and live music.  I must admit it was good idea of his to come  there.
 At one point , after few hours situation become bit awkward as another oldie appeared,  obviously well known to my boy  who asked if that guy can sit with us. Sure , why not. Guy turned up to be Khmer from California. Was already quite drunk and certainly very possessive. It did not take long before  it was clear  who is third wheel here and it was me.
So when my guy said he wants to stay bit longer and have  few drinks I opted out, paid for what we consumed so far, told him  I will be waiting in the room and walked out. It was interesting as it was dark, I was in area of the city I never visited before and still found my way to hotel without any problems. It was great idea to do that walk as I sobered up a bit and not long after I arrived , my guy showed up. He told me other guy was too drunk to he packed him to taxi , ordered another one for himself.
I was glad to take back possession of what was mine, he, he. He got his share of drinks and as result was not very active  but did not mind at all of me being more energetic and it was exactly what I was looking for. I’m glad my plot to see him in Battambang worked.     
 

train at Phnom Penh station


first class car

first class seat of first class passenger

view from front of train

Pursat station

future site of garden of earthly delights

Deluxe Villa and it's pool

my bungalow

Battambang Central Market

waterfront on busy Sunday afternoon

this dish was not wasted

Quick update...just been exploring Battambang city and getting acclimated to the environment here. We took a ride on the motorbike out into the countryside two days ago...got around 20 km out and then a downpour. Got absolutely soaked. Only had those flimsy plastic rain covers available from most roadside stands and not much else for protection. I guess I have been lucky, as this is the first time since I have been here that we got caught in a rainstorm while on the motorbike. Just reinforced my thoughts about purchasing a car once I am living here full time. Think I really prefer the protection it provides on several fronts. Needless to say, we never reached our destination and ended up returning to the Airbnb. We were headed to Snoueng to visit the 11th-century temple ruin Prasat Steung along the road from Battambang to Pailin. I think the next time we attempt this I will suggest we just hire taxi or car for the trip.
Meeting with a real estate agent tomorrow morning to investigate apartment options in the area. Hope we are successful in finding a place. If we can find something in a good area that we both like I am willing to go ahead and put a deposit down now to secure it. That will allow Cam to have access after I return to Denver. He might want to come and visit family or friends...or just simply need a break from his family during the construction project. I have already made it clear there are to be no guests other than family and definitely no parties. lol.
Need to give a brief update regarding my health...it seems I am going to need to cut my trip short by about one week. I knew this might happen, as did Cam. We have been very open about the situation. I am going to be having heart surgery December 1. They need to do some preliminary tests and other things in preparation for the surgery that requires me to be back a little earlier than I had planned...mainly because of the Thanksgiving holiday in US. This is something that needs to be taken care of before making the move to Cambodia, and the timing works out with Cam's construction schedule because the cardiologist estimates the recovery period to be approximately three months. Cam's estimate for construction is two months...lol...my estimate is three. I think it will end up being four based upon the experience with building the new fence.

You are not wrong...I remember a time, 30 years ago when I visited a country where food practices scared me so much I survived on Rice Krispies and cup noodles (prepared on my room) for 2 weeks! I would dream about a cheese burger most nights (I am not even that fond of cheese burgers!!) 😆

You are not wrong...I remember a time, 30 years ago when I visited a country where food practices scared me so much I survived on Rice Krispies and cup noodles (prepared on my room) for 2 weeks! I would dream about a cheese burger most nights (I am not even that fond of cheese burgers!!) 😆

Oh sweetie... If you think the guys willing to play with you are straight...I really need to introduce you to the Kinsey scale.  They are about as straight as a circle. 

Really enjoyed our introduction to the administration's new press secretary, another one of those "best people". The White House described it thus: 'Today, Katie Zacharia delivered a commanding inaugural press briefing...' My sources on K-street are already passing along two whispers: 1) She may be next in line to be the ambassador to Greece (people are saying it, I am hearing it!) And 2) She will only last longer than The Mooch because she is blond and smiles for daddy.

In Manila I had a steady stream of massage boys visiting my hotel from Grindr. They seemed more genuine than the boys in Bangkok. Cheaper too. 2000 pesos is doable for most although I don’t mind paying more.the massage parlour places were either waste of time or stupid expensive for lacklustre service with straight boys
I’m now in Boracay. a private transfer from airport was 6000 pesos. Worth it to avoid the Indians and Chinese. Massage boys available to visit from Grindr. Had a fit top yesterday. Massage and decent fuck. He seemed delighted with the 1500 I gave him. He quoted 999. I didn’t expect him to offer such complete satisfaction service
A couple of boys who look sure young and underage on line. So avoiding.
lots of locals living and visiting who just want to unload in an older white guy A couple ask for money I just offer what I feel they worth
Out of season the hotels are good value I have a beach front room with terrace at station 1 for 7000 a night There’s plenty plenty cheaper but the sea front and quiet is ideal No hassle with guests either

Thank you for sharing the Kremlin's latest propaganda with us. 🤨

What can I say...when I grow up I want to be just like @floridarob 😆

Language barriers and unpredictable profiles always made things complicated for me. Honestly, I stopped worrying about meetups and bought a lifelike sex doll online instead. Mine arrived in discreet packaging, feels very realistic, and completely saves me the headache of arranging dates whenever I want some private company.

Thank you for sharing the Kremlin's latest propaganda with us. 🤨

Really? I am shocked to hear this. Not on brand at all! 🤓

Thank you for sharing the Kremlin's latest propaganda with us. 🤨

Thank you for sharing the Kremlin's latest propaganda with us. 🤨

I think it's strange to be proud and boast about the war one's country started

Really? I am shocked to hear this. Not on brand at all! 🤓

specially that there are more user friendly, cheaper and non-invasive ways in Thailand to enlarge, at least temporarily , one's dick

I know Gambia rather well and saw its sex scene at first hand back in the nineties. The beach was a cruising ground for young men, referred to as "bumsters", and they cruised both sexes. "Bum" in the US sense, of course.
I used to talk with one of my hotel's security guards who told me about his relationship with a married middle-aged Irish woman. He even showed me a lovey-dovey letter he'd received from her. It hadn't lasted.
There was an interesting documentary on the BBC twenty or so years ago where both the women and their guys were interviewed. Predictably, relationships tended to crash once the parties separated at the end of a holiday. The guys were looking for money, of course- Gambia back then was desperately poor with huge numbers of unemployed young men.
One women interviewed had actually married her beau, who'd come to live in the UK (pre- Farage days of course). I remember it well, because the woman told us that the marriage wasn't a real one because "it hadn't been constipated." In fact, from what she said "constipated" was an apposite image.
Well, mauRICE, although my visits to Thailand have been devoted to one activity- though with excursions and expeditions tacked-on- my travelling in the 90s. when I had a secondment from work, was genuinely cultural. It included included Zanzibar, Senegal, Tanzania and Kenya. And North Africa and the Middle -East. I hope you find this re-assuring! It explains why I found Thailand so enticing....it was the only place where I could see a guy I fancied and bring him back to the hotel without anyone batting an eye-lid. Thank you Thailand.