a-447

Here are some miscellaneous musings…definitely seeing and experiencing mosquitos.  Never noticed them in Thailand very much, even when venturing outside of Bangkok, but they are everywhere here.  I am assuming this is partially due to the weather and all of the recent rains and flooding.  Have gotten several bites and tried to buy some calamine lotion at the pharmacy.  Nothing available, but the pharmacist offered an alternative gel so I bought it.  Hopefully it will at least help to reduce the itchiness.  Either he is accustomed to it or they don’t bother Cam, but this very fair-skinned Caucasian has definitely become their favorite target.  We also purchased some spray.
Discovered Angkor Supermarket.  They have three locations.  There is one not too far from where we are staying.  Very similar to Foodland or Tops in Bangkok but massive. Three stories. Since our accommodation does have a kitchen, we purchased a few items to cook instead of always eating out while in Siem Reap.  Their meat selection is quite extensive and looks very nice.  They even sell pre-packaged kits for cooking that include all of the veggies, meat and spices required.  Very convenient.  We purchased some minced pork which I cook with Napa or Chinese cabbage (in California we always called it Napa, but here it is labeled as Chinese) and onion.  Also purchased a beef stir fry kit and a black chicken.  Cam will deal with the chicken.  To be honest, I had never seen a black chicken before.
Went to the market area this morning.  Mostly tourist type stalls, and even saw a handful of tourists milling around.  Many locals on the inside where they sell fresh meats, vegetables and fruits, as well as a few food stalls preparing meals.  Anything and everything imaginable for sell in this area.  Many things I was not familiar with.  Again, people were very friendly but no sense of high pressure sales tactics.
While out exploring last night and looking for a place to have dinner, we ended up at Khmer Taste.  I believe this was mentioned recently in a post by @Department_Of_Agriculture . He mentioned it was recommended to him by folks that said it was very authentic and good.  We were not necessarily looking for this specific restaurant but just walked by and decided to try it.  There are a number of restaurants on the same street.  Most were very quiet, but this particular place and the one directly across the street were very busy…I would estimate at least 50% of capacity.  That might not sound like very many people, but when there are only one or two customers in the surrounding places that adds up to a lot.  Anyway, I tried the Fish Amok.  My first time.  It was actually quite good.  Cam had stir fried frogs.  I couldn’t muster up enough courage to try his dish.  It just did not look appealing at all.  Two main dishes, Fried Spring Rolls for an appetizer, one bottle of water (me) and a bottle of Angkor beer for Cam…all for $10.25!  Cam said the food was very authentic and excellent.  He would definitely go back and would recommend it to others.  It is very close to Pub Street area.

It's the same in Japan - souvenirs for family, neighbours, friends, work colleagues, etc.
But the Japanese have a particularly clever way around wasting time overseas looking for gifts.
There are companies in Tokyo which stock souvenirs from various overseas tourist destinations, allowing travellers to secretly buy their gifts once they get home.
They even stock original wrapping paper from famous stores like Les Galeries Lafayette in Paris!
Your friends will never know! 🤣🤣🤣

It's the same in Japan - souvenirs for family, neighbours, friends, work colleagues, etc.
But the Japanese have a particularly clever way around wasting time overseas looking for gifts.
There are companies in Tokyo which stock souvenirs from various overseas tourist destinations, allowing travellers to secretly buy their gifts once they get home.
They even stock original wrapping paper from famous stores like Les Galeries Lafayette in Paris!
Your friends will never know! 🤣🤣🤣

I'm turned off by effeminate guys, poor hygiene, obesity (I want a swimmer's body), mooks and silicone, unfriendly or arrogant attitude and small cocks. (Sorry, but I'm a size queen!)
I'm obviously turned on by the opposite - especially if they are Asian. And I'm rarely disappointed, especially in Thailand where the big Isaan cocks hang out.

This is a very good question and indeed the basis of my recommendation earlier. I just assumed @jimmie50 was acknowledged as “son in law” already which maybe I should have stated
lol coming from an Asian background we are always calculating cash gifts especially for Chinese weddings, where the bride and groom expect red packet money to help them offset the cost of inviting you as a guest. It’s a complex calculation process based on how much the wedding would cost per head added to what the happy couple actually expects based on your relationship with them. And only straight couples bother with this irritating hoopla. Eventually I gave up and just started declining wedding invitations. There are entire online “guides” on how much to gift at weddings, to parents at Chinese New Year, to relatives and so on.
Regarding jimmie50’s situation my thought process was that he occupies the position of “spouse” or “son in law” and this is the first official festivity with them. There may be an expectation that being more senior than Cam and better financed, he contributes more. If Cam is contributing 8000, a 2000 baht increase to 10,000 seems sufficient to give face to all parties but without digging too big a hole. Jimmie and Cam do seem to have an excellent relationship where this like other gnarly issues can be discussed out. It may that Cam volunteers Jimmie contributes less say 5000 baht but I think it’s always appreciated to match or offer more. It really depends if he wants to set the tone he is part of the family or not yet.

It's a very one-sided love affair!
Certainly no personal attacks on him from me.
I know these things happen from time to time in internet forums, but it's better to confine your criticism to comments you disagree with, rather than the poster. Attempts at point scoring are meaningless, especially between total strangers.
Be the adult in the room.
It makes the board a happier, more enjoyable place!

Having multiple personalities adds interest, because you never know what personality is going to turn up. So I enjoy Olddaddy's posts.
Members using multiple handles is different matter.
God forbid!

Well, the subject of money finally came up today, but in a totally unexpected way. Cam and I were eating lunch and the subject turned to the approaching national holiday October 10-12, Pchum Ben. I am not sure if it is to honor, remember, or perhaps both...the ancestors. Cam was explaining it is a time for family to return home and enjoy time together. It involves 4:30am trips to the temple to make merit and offer prayers and at least one large family feast or meal together. During the discussion, he explained that to show honor and respect to parents you should provide them with a gift or an envelope containing money at the feast on the last day of the holiday. Naturally, we also discussed if we would be going. Just as a point of my being curious...I asked him if there was a set amount of money they tried to give his parents. He explained that each family is different, and it really boils down to what each family member is able to afford financially. Cam said he and his siblings (and their spouses) always pooled their money to give to their parents. They don't give a separate amount to his mother and something also to his father. It is collectively. I asked what he has contributed in the past. Rather than tell me in Riel, he said he tries to give 7000-8000 Baht which would roughly be a little over $200 USD. Pursuing this conversation, I did not anticipate what would happen next. In a simple matter of fact manner he asked me what I planned to contribute. Took me a little bit by surprise. Guess I truly am a member of the family. lol. Certainly do not mind contributing in this instance, but no idea what would be an appropriate amount from me. If anyone has thoughts or suggestions, send them my way. October 12 is still a couple of weeks away.

First impressions of Cambodia…people are very friendly.  Similar to what I found in Thailand.  Country seems to be more rural and less developed.  Cam’s family was very warm and caring.  People we met in his hometown were very welcoming.  Definitely has that small town vibe where everyone knows everyone as well as everyone’s business.  Life is much more slow paced and relaxed.  I don’t get the impression that people worry about much or take life too seriously.  In Siem Reap now, it might be considered a big city but it has that overall small town feeling as well.  People here are more laid back.  For example, there is no high pressure tactics from remork or tuktuk drivers.  They are very leisurely relaxing or even napping in their vehicles if there are no customers interested in their services.  Same for the market areas.  When walking through, I did not feel any pressure from shop keepers to enter or buy something.  Very similar attitude with most shops and restaurants we have walked past.  Very different from the feeling I had in Bangkok where I felt constantly bombarded to buy something, eat here, or ride somewhere.  Traffic is bad for sure, but I attribute that to not enough infrastructure.  Too many two lane roads that do not have the capacity to handle the number of vehicles.  I will say that I felt much safer as a pedestrian in Bangkok than I do here in Siem Reap.  It seems regardless of the type of vehicle you are driving, you have no consideration whatsoever for people on foot.  This seems like a contradiction to me from how warm and friendly the people are.  Put them in control of some type of vehicle and that friendliness disappears.  lol.  In the city, we have seen a few foreigners, but I wouldn’t say there were many walking around the city…at least in areas we have seen so far.  Most seem to be Australian based upon accent…older or retirees.  Saw a couple of smaller tour buses with perhaps 20 persons on board with a guide.  I have not seen any public transit system here to speak of…not sure if it exists or not.
Interesting experience at the Visa Service this morning.  Went to one of the two highly recommended places on the Facebook Cambodian Expat Group.  I had done my research online in advance of this trip and so had all of the various documents the government website stated would be required: Official letter of retirement; Official statement of retirement monthly income; Health Certificate; Criminal background check; Residence in Cambodia (using Cam’s address for this); copy of Visa; passport with at least six months before expiration date, passport photo.  We walked into the office and I pulled out my binder with all of the various documents.  The only thing they wanted was the passport, the passport photo, and the current visa.  They said nothing else was needed except payment.  I knew the price would be $290 in USD from the immigration website plus whatever fee the agency would charge.  She assured me nothing else was needed in the way of documentation and it should be back within 10 days.  She will call Cam when they receive it back from Phnom Penh.  No problems and no worries according to her.  We will probably be in Battambang by then, so that will mean another ride to Siem Reap on the motorbike.  Fun, fun, fun.

Nobody responded. But it's ok.
Here my takeaways from a trip to Sousse in September. I spent about 6 days there.
You can find what you like, but you need to be focused and patient.
Corniche of Sousse - I was there twice and I walked back and forth - nobody is looking of approaching you even if you are alone. I saw families with small kids and parents walking together and mostly groups of guys and women hanging together. They all just ignore you. I didn't see single guys or girls looking for meetings or even attention. Waste of time.
Antistress hammam. Waste of time. When I came they paired me with a masseur who took me to very private and quiet room. I was excited at first. When I took of my clothes he almost screamed at me to put boxers on. (What? Boxers?) I told him he can cover me with towels but he called for receptionist and I just left. Too much hassle. It didn't promise any fun.
Tej El Hahra Spa. Looks modern, but kinda busy. I had to wait for so long to get both hammam and massage. They let you in, take your money and you end up waiting and waiting. It killed my mood. They have men who work there (and not bad looking) but it feels rushed and they were not interested to play.
Royal Jinene Spa. Things are more interesting here. They have ladies and guy (who acts like receptionist and manager). If you choose a guy he is very nice in massage - very sensual, completely naked and they have enough privacy to feel comfortable. He also offered happy ending.

Le Monaco Spa and Thalasso. They also have women and one young guy working. I visited twice. The lady in hammam is so sweet and you can be naked there with her (she is not beautiful but it was surprising for Tunisia that you can be nude with lady). The young guy is good looking and first time he groped me a lot but still kept me covered because they are afraid of management. During second visit he was more brave and let me suck him and cummed quickly. He kinda looked liked a bottom guy but acted more like a hungry top guy haha.
Other Spas in city are usually with women only and if it's says VIP they will offer happy endings, but I was not interested since ladies are not good looking with too much make up on them.
I rented Hotel (all inclusive) and AirBnB (very close to each other).
On hotel's beach I wore swim thongs every day so all eyes were on me. Guys smiled to me all the time. I had quick sex with 2 staff members. One with a very young guy from kitchen (we connected on Grindr) and he quickly came to hotel 's restroom where we had long kissing session with me sucking him till he cummed. Very juicy encounter. Second guy was from housekeeping and again he looked like a bottom guy but when he got undressed with me he took the lead and basically wanted to fuck me. We had a nice cuddling session with BJ and he cummed on my butt. It was sweet.
Airbnb. Used just a few times to meet two guys from Grindr. One of them was very dominant - he was slim with big cock. The other was a worked from another hotel and he was nice but not very energetic. Probably tired after work.
Facebook: you can find some guys in Facebook from groups like Gay Sousse or Gay Monastir. Also you can add just any guys from those cities and some of them will start asking you questions and eventually can switch to possible sex encounters. But it takes time.

Hope it was helpful. My next trip is to Morocco in a few months.

It's a very one-sided love affair!
Certainly no personal attacks on him from me.
I know these things happen from time to time in internet forums, but it's better to confine your criticism to comments you disagree with, rather than the poster. Attempts at point scoring are meaningless, especially between total strangers.
Be the adult in the room.
It makes the board a happier, more enjoyable place!

I know.
My comment wasn't.

I can only speak for my own experience with Chinese tourists.
But during my trips to China I have found them to be very friendly, helpful and polite.
When I had trouble trying to use the local app to buy a bottle of water and had to eventually give up, a lovely local bought a bottle for me!

Having multiple personalities adds interest, because you never know what personality is going to turn up. So I enjoy Olddaddy's posts.
Members using multiple handles is different matter.
God forbid!

It's a very one-sided love affair!
Certainly no personal attacks on him from me.
I know these things happen from time to time in internet forums, but it's better to confine your criticism to comments you disagree with, rather than the poster. Attempts at point scoring are meaningless, especially between total strangers.
Be the adult in the room.
It makes the board a happier, more enjoyable place!

So true!
The unhappy lives of some members are clearly evident in their posts. They just can't help themselves.
They also tend to be boring know-alls in an attempt to be the go-to guy on all things Thai. No names, no pack drill.
I don't like to use the'ignore' function because, as you pointed out, their posts are often quoted by others so it doesn't always work.
Also, trolls can sometimes offer useful information.
Personal attacks by total strangers on an anonymous board in cyberspace are meaningless to me, which is why I don't reply.
It's a case of read and move on without further comment.

I wish all would just take the easy way out and tap ignore. One thing about Thailand I love is you learn to prioritize inner peace. Let go of the people and things in your life that don’t belong. There are 2 members who own the distinction of getting my ignore. The board shows me that they have replied, but I don’t see it. It’s like watching TV with mute on. But the annoying thing is I still see their babble if someone quotes them. Or worse a couple people have sent screenshots with “did you see what that idiot said”. I know intentions are good but there’s a reason I like the ignore button. 😆
Babies cry out for attention. They’re either hungry or need a diaper change. Many of the trolls probably also need a diaper change too… but the big thing they want is your attention. They don’t get much attention in the real world so they seek it out in places like this by trying to rile people up. You can participate and give them what they want. Or you can just ignore and let them think they won.
The board was super helpful before my trip and when I first got here in finding some fun. But I think I’m good now. The training wheels are off. 😉
None of us are getting paid to be here. You’re under no obligation to waste your time with Internet trolls. I’m finding my best interactions are happening with a couple members here on the board and in direct messages… so I think I’m going to keep things there. For those of you who don’t use this site often shoot me a direct message and I’ll send you my Line. 👍
Enjoy your travels and please take my advice and get rid of the negativity in your life. This site makes it easier than the real world does. One tap is all it takes.

It's a very one-sided love affair!
Certainly no personal attacks on him from me.
I know these things happen from time to time in internet forums, but it's better to confine your criticism to comments you disagree with, rather than the poster. Attempts at point scoring are meaningless, especially between total strangers.
Be the adult in the room.
It makes the board a happier, more enjoyable place!

not quite, I'm neither nice nor English is my first language so lacking verbal sophistry if I want to say something I usually do it without walking in circles.
Keep talking as much as you inclined to, it keeps forum humming

A friend of mine developed a sub dural haematoma a week after falling and banging his head. Not uncommon. Had operation and fine. Sensible to have a scan. They are cheaper here!

I can only speak for my own experience with Chinese tourists.
But during my trips to China I have found them to be very friendly, helpful and polite.
When I had trouble trying to use the local app to buy a bottle of water and had to eventually give up, a lovely local bought a bottle for me!

I can only speak for my own experience with Chinese tourists.
But during my trips to China I have found them to be very friendly, helpful and polite.
When I had trouble trying to use the local app to buy a bottle of water and had to eventually give up, a lovely local bought a bottle for me!

I can only speak for my own experience with Chinese tourists.
But during my trips to China I have found them to be very friendly, helpful and polite.
When I had trouble trying to use the local app to buy a bottle of water and had to eventually give up, a lovely local bought a bottle for me!

That looks like a typical Japanese fried rice. It has a smokey flavour.
Aaron, be careful with knocks to the head. I'm sure you are monitoring the situation.

Haha that would actually be kind of hot. Oil wrestling match. Three-way. Totally down.
So the trip almost came to a grinding halt yesterday afternoon. Local guy wanted to ice skate for the first time after I told him I play hockey. They have a nice arena here. All is going great until he took a spill and brought me down with him and I hit my head. I was a little freaked out when I saw the reaction of the ice rink attendant when he watched. A little bit of a headache, but I think I’m OK. It’s been a little over 24 hours. No signs of something serious.
Low-key day today with the Bangkok guy. Walked around old town and Nimann. Checked out some temples. Came back to my place had fun. Then he picked out an incredible place for dinner. Probably the best one of the trip. Khao So I. It’s on the northeast side of the city. I had the fried rice because I didn’t think I’d like khao soi. He was ordering it so I could try it, but knowing that I am not a fan of curry or coconut I really didn’t think there was a chance I would like it. I actually did. But the fried rice with pork was absolutely phenomenal. Normally fried rice is fried rice. I don’t know what they do, but it was incredible. Might even go back again tomorrow.
Got home and spent some time during the sunset at the pool. I’m still a little woozy and sore from yesterday. He was tired as it was a pretty big ordeal to get from his place to the airport in Bangkok yesterday. So he just went back to his hotel. It’s 7 here so there’s a passing thought of getting together with the local guy tonight, but I think it’s better if I just rest. 😆