daydreamer

Not completely out of the equation. lol. I ask plenty of questions about many things. Cam will confirm this, and probably state it becomes rather annoying at times. 😂 I don't ask questions about the family history of his parents, don't make statements that could be misconstrued or interpreted as judgmental of the culture, history or politics, and am careful about making comparisons to other countries and their cultures vs. Khmer. Even though Cam has gone to Thailand on numerous occasions for work over the years, I have learned he has some very strong opinions about how Thailand has stolen most of what they call 'Thai culture' from Cambodia. I prefer to maintain neutrality and remain silent...simply listening to him vent. It is a case of picking your battles.

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.

I think it is really great from your comments that Cam sounds almost as invested as you in your explorations/observations. You guys must really be learning a lot about each other, and about his country, as you travel together.
Good to read about. Thank you, especially for your self effacing style!

you were drinking and I was climbing on the same day, all rice paddies submerged after rains

Some more updates have been revealed:
1.) Gus, the owner of the popular Sunee bar with the dance troupe has put up his other bar, GUS Bar up for sale.
This news saddened me, as it is truly a fun bar, and for those who seek it, lite playful fun behind the "pillows" can be had.

Source = https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19nFrfEofk/
Of note, the 2 "pillow" bars in Supertown in the Jomtien Complex are now both up for sale, with the M Bar being the other one.

2.) The big unnamed new bar that is being reconstructed (formerly the 4-T bar) across the soi from the CockA2 bar and My Favorite Diner (MFD) previously announced to open on 21 November,


appears to have revealed their new name = I124Q


Source = https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19r6bR2kgv/
Maybe this bar's theme will be geared to people with an IQ of 124 = superior intelligence category ?
That is all for today.

Always remember that a steep climb upward means a steep climb down. And I find sometimes that coming down can be more treacherous and harder, particularly if you don’t have sticks or other things to stabilize you. Just my experience from hiking over the years.

The Bamboo Train was interesting and fun.  As someone previously pointed out on the forum, there are two locations.  One is closer to town and only about 3km.  The other is a good bit farther away from the city and the entire ride is around 12km.  The longer one is what we decided to do.  Both are just $5 USD per person.  Getting to the longer train was quite the challenge, though, so be prepared for a rough ride.  Due to the recent rains and flooding, part of the road has washed away.  I would say for a good stretch of 2km one side of the road is completely washed away and you are down to one lane traffic.  Good luck trying to figure out who has the right of way given their expert driving skills here.  lol. We were on the motorbike, so it wasn’t too bad, but it really was a nightmare with cars and trucks trying to figure it all out.  There was some sort of make shift barricade using bamboo poles, string and plastic flags, but that was only visual.  So far it looks like there have been no attempts at repair.  The interesting thing to me about the train is when a car going one direction met another car traveling the opposite direction and how they solved that problem.  I expected the passengers to simply exchange cars and continue on their journey.  Silly me.  They literally pick up one car, remove it from the track, slide the other car past, then return the first car to the tracks and both continue on their way.
Not realizing what I was getting myself into, when we arrived at the bat cave we decided to walk to the top.  Had I know exactly what was involved in that walk, I would have either opted for a ride on the back of a motorbike or in the back of a pick up truck.  The walk was too much for me.  Cam was good about stopping periodically so that I could rest and guzzle some water, but it was quite a steep climb.  The view from the top was great looking out over all of Battambang Province.  It was also interesting to see the very distinct rice paddies across the valley.  The statues at the entrance to the killing cave representing the different types of torture that was inflicted upon the Cambodian people by the Khmer Rouge was both interesting and depressing, as was going inside the cave.  It was fascinating to watch the bats exit the cave once we were back down at ground level.  It truly looked like a flowing river in the sky…millions upon millions of bats playing follow the leader.  I am curious if they take turns leading, or just which bat determines what time they leave the cave and where they go?!?  LOL.  Seriously…quite the natural phenomenon.  The day we visited the magic time was 5:10pm.  We were told it could be anywhere from 5-5:30pm as it is not exactly the same time every day…just within that range.  I am also curious to know if they return in the same manner…as one large mass.  I was not curious enough to be sitting out there in the early morning hours of the day to find out.

General comments in no particular order or significance…
There seem to be more schools and more students attending schools in Battambang province than I noticed in Siem Reap.  There also seem to be more schools of various levels in Battambang.  Most of what I saw in Siem Reap were Primary (elementary) schools.  In Battambang I have seen several high schools as well as a vocational school and several ‘universities or colleges’.  I am curious to know if there is a greater emphasis placed on Education here in Battambang versus Siem Reap.
Battambang seems to be more industrial to me than Siem Reap.
Battambang does seem larger than Siem Reap in both population and area.  Some online sites and travel guides refer to Siem Reap as the second largest city and Battambang as third; others have them reversed.  I am leaning more towards Battambang being the larger of the two, therefore coming in as number 2.
Battambang waterfront along the river in front of the old French colonial buildings is quite nice, but that seems to be where the beautification stops.  I find Battambang overall to be a very dirty city.  Even those areas they have tried to improve with plants are overgrown and not well maintained.  Siem Reap does a far better job in this area and from my perception is a much cleaner city.
Traffic is not as bad in Battambang, although at certain times of the day in certain areas it can be a nightmare.  Drivers are much worse in Battambang than in Siem Reap.  Not only do drivers not realize why vehicles of any type have mirrors, they also do not know what turn signals or headlights are for.  Regardless if there is oncoming traffic, cars/trucks will pass anyway to get around slower moving vehicles and expect the oncoming traffic to yield to their lunacy.  I have no idea if there is any such thing as insurance in Cambodia…according to Cam, there isn’t or at least not required.  I will say that the craziest drivers in both Battambang and Siem Reap seem to have a license tag on the vehicle indicating they are from Phnom Penh.  Given that fact, I cannot begin to imagine what traffic must be like there.  I know…as Cam has pointed out to me on numerous occasions…I notice some weird shit.  lol.
Condition of city streets in Battambang is horrendous, especially in the older areas of town.
While we have seen a few foreigners, I don’t believe these are tourists but rather expats who live here now at least part time.  Certainly not what Siem Reap has, which is understandable because of Angkor Wat.  I can probably count the number using both hands.  I am definitely in the minority here.
I have only seen one large bus during the entire time we have been here and cruising around on the motorbike…very different from all of the tour buses in Siem Reap.  We have seen a couple of smaller buses, but they are not occupied by foreigners, so not sure if they are local, from elsewhere in Cambodia, or nearby Asian countries.  Riders are definitely Asian.
As I previously mentioned, WIFI in Battambang seems to be less reliable.  Using my laptop has been challenging at times.  I often resort to using my cellphone and connecting via Metfone vs. service at the Airbnb.  Unsure of the provider, but would definitely choose someone else if it were up to me.  When I am able to connect, it is slow as molasses.
In Siem Reap I noticed a significant number of hotel/resort properties that looked quite nice and fairly new but they were either closed and gated with no access or appeared to be deserted.  You don’t see huge resorts like that in Battambang, but still see a fair number of large abandoned commercial buildings, some of which were never completed but are closed off and some even overrun with vegetation.
Overall, Battambang is an interesting place and we have met some really nice people here; however, I think we are leaning towards living in Siem Reap at this time.  We have come to the conclusion that the only strong reason for choosing Battambang is the closer proximity to his family…one hour versus two hours from Siem Reap.  Unless something drastic happens over the next few days to change our minds, I think we will be heading back to Siem Reap and look at housing options there.

When it is just the two of us at home, it isn't an every night occurrence. He can go days or even all week without a single alcoholic beverage. However, put the family together...whether in small numbers or the entire group...and the cases of beer magically appear. I don't know what the environment was like when Cam was growing up, but I do know two things for sure...his mother doesn't drink, period (never has) and even if everyone else in the family is sitting around drinking, his father does not drink now. He might have one can and nurse it all evening. No idea what his drinking habits were prior to this. As an outside observer sitting back and watching the family dynamics when they all get together, I think Cam's youngest sister is the primary instigator of the drinking. She is the one temporarily separated from her husband and she stays with her grandmother. The husband has custody of the children. Probably a lot of emotional garbage to unpack there, but she definitely encourages everyone else to have another one and is non-stop herself. I am sure working in a Bangkok bar and his buddies from there has influenced Cam quite a lot as well.

I consider the off-topic discussions that occur within threads as just us having a little chat while waiting for the OP to update his thread.
We always seem to end up back on track.

Rumors of Zak's death or imminent demise seem to happen on these boards more often than rumors of bar closures. Zak is still very much alive and drops in to visit Home Bar for a while every few days.
Yes, Det has had a new Farang partner for a number of years now. His relationship with Zak transitioned into a business partnership quite a while ago, but they still look out and care for each other.

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.
 

There is no shortage of ancient ruins in Silom either, many of them clustered on Soi 4.
To say nothing about the number of them in Pattaya...
You'll find more ancient ruins in the Jomtien Complex than in Angkor on the weekend.

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

keep in mind they made it there already and you , presumably much younger, only have a chance, being lotto winner and player are not the same things

YES!! I discovered that this place has the tastiest pad kaprao I've eaten Thailand. Will definitely need to pop in on my next trip.

I forget who mentioned this place, might've been @BjornAgain I think, but the food is VERY good... Dick's, Sophia's or anywhere nearby that I've tried doesn't even come close .....

I haven't gone thru the bar to get there, I guess you can, but they are really on the same street as Agate...... a little

See, this group does help, lol

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.

This is such a shame. I haven't been on here in a few weeks, so didn't know he'd left the board. I thoroughly enjoyed his well written posts, and given I'm a relative newbie to Thailand myself, I quickly found them a wealth of info from the same perspective. I sincerely hope he'll reconsider and rejoin.

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.   

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/-jCyDc3IMyE
Passed away October 30, 2026 from a chronic illness. Actually never heard his music until this last year.

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.

In Rio or Sao Paulo, it's customary that we take to go boxes of food at restaurants and give it to homeless on the streets, but make sure to bring utensils, some are picky 🤷‍♂️

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