a-447

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.

It's the same in Japan. And there's a going rate for the amount of money in the wedding envelope, depending on your 'status'. The money is used not only to help pay for the very expensive wedding, but the happy couple also have to provide a gift for each attendee. The value of the gift depends on the amount the guest put in the envelope. Normally, little if any of the wedding money remains. There are also 2 gift giving seasons - oseibo in winter and ochugen in summer. Both coincide with the winter and summer bonus paid to all workers. The amount paid depends on how well the business has done. Strangely, politicians give themselves huge bonuses! Some of this money is turn used to buy gifts. The gift giving seasons are to thank those who have helped you in some way. Doctors and teachers do very well! Department stores set aside huge areas filled with gifts of differing value, from alcohol, laundry detergent, household appliances and Rolex watches and other designer goods. Store vouchers are also popular. People receive gifts, but also hand them out, often using the vouchers they've just received. These customs means money keeps circulating in the society. I'm not all that familiar with Cambodian culture, but I have a feeling there are probably other celebrations during the year which require a donation.

Living in a new, totally different culture can be a very frustrating yet exhilarating experience. It enriches your life, as you gain the benefit of enjoying two cultures instead of just one.

Unfortunately, my regular guys have all been straight so that hasn't been an option for me.

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.

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've never handed over the exit fee at any airport in Japan and didn't even know about it. It's not a visa fee but it is fee administered by the government.

The $6 fee may have been included in the plane ticket, perhaps depending on the airline. This is how Japan collects it's 3000 yen exit fee.

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 know.

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.

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!