Third floor - trip to SE Asia in Jan/Feb 2026

[vinapu]

1 hour ago, Tomtravel said:

But this forum is luckily not about rational decisions!😀

agreed but in case bus vs. flight what rational decision will be?  For somebody  planning to spend week or two at destination , bus will be  better option since 3 hrs versus 10 days is nothing. For other , who will be there only 2-3 days every hour may count so calculation changes

[vinapu]

Phnom Penh – boy centric stay and meeting old friend by miraculous chance

 When comes to typical tourist stuff I thought I already saw  everything in PP  but was proven wrong .

For me main destination there is Space Hair bar and this time I decide to stay close , just one block away on parallel street  (130).

From bus station I took remork, overpaid 10000 (2.5 $)  but it was premeditated  - I wanted to be in my room as soon as possible after spending good half of day on the road. Grab wouldn’t be more than 6000 to I wasted whole dollar, ouch!

Room was nice , particularly view from window i.e. wall of another building 1 m away , enough for daylight to seep in though. Went to eat something, my favorite restaurant was closed , replaced with some Filipino eatery so went to tried and trusted Dolce Vita for  my daily load of chicken with cashew nuts. From there took remork to street 222 to check location of new boy bar AsiaCam. I did not have intention to go inside today  but I wanted to see where it is as one of my friend found the gem there recently.

In the evening  short walk to Space Bar where I was recognized by few of their boys including one

I’m interested in since last trip, lets call him SBG which translates to Space Bar Gem. There are three others I was hoping the will be there but upon asking I learned   two of them  landed another jobs and one went home for short time vacation.

I also noticed few new faces, specially one of them  looked quite bulgy and after buying him a drink, soon I learned that my impression was VERY accurate. I always have good time there , oiled by drinks here and there. Boys are not pushy and even if you buy them a drink they may  still go away for a while to attend to other customers. Luckily SBG was keeping me company  for most of the time , on other side I was flanked by either bulgy guy or very well built veteran there SBV.

Due to bar policy boys are notoriously impossible to be invited to the room but I managed it in the past either before bar opens or after is closed so my hope was I will repeat the feast with SBG. Even is it was well after sunset , sun shone on me as both SBG and SBV asked for my contacts which I took as good sign. Too bad bulgy guy was not as fore sighting but he is new there and needs to learn his steps first I guess. After spending about 50 $ on drinks and this was all I had on me tonight I went home empty handed  but with feeling that misfortune won’t last long.

Not having anybody in the room resulted in good night sleep till 9.20, that doesn’t happen too often for me , specially on vacation but my reward was waiting in my phone. Message from SBG that if I want we may have breakfast together at 12 noon in some place in Bassac Lane. 12 is close to my lunch time  but such chance can’t be wasted so I decided to fast till noon,. Busied myself with forum updates , doing some laundry and walking toward  Royal Palace where I got remork to that place.

 I arrived first , it looked very modern and not exactly cheap    but we are in Cambodia where even expensive is quite affordable. SBG arrived on time and shared news with me – he invited SBV to join us. I both liked an idea and did not like. Liked because SBV is nobody to sneeze at built wise and will grace any bed at any time , on another hand this derailed my designs on SBG. Third wheel is third wheel. But I was hungry, so were boys, each of them came there after morning exercises. Nice gesture from SBV  was to make sure SBG seats beside me – obviously he realizes who is my primary goal.

After meal they suggest we go to the Aeon mall. Official idea was to show me some unusual coffee shop  inside bookstore. I’m not mall guy but never been to one in Cambodia and decided to play along and see what happens. I was given tour  of few expensive stores where they tried some garments but I was playing stupid and if their hope was I tell them ‘ok I will buy it for you “ , I made sure dream was shattered . It’s not difficult to play stupid.

  But we had a coffee in that shop, again SBG sitting beside me and SBV across the table so when we went to another store and they seemed interest in some sun glasses I generously offered to buy them those. We are talking 5 $ a piece.   All in , even with 3^rd wheel I like whole experience and had feeling that , even if they plot something it was done way ensuring I have good time too.

Before we parted ways SBG said he need to go to work early evening but me and SBV can take sunset cruise on Mekong. Oho , though I , we are going somewhere, not necessarily in direction I want as first choice but still in the right direction.

So at 5  we met at Night Market by the river where cruises launch, it was 5 $ for me and 5000 riels for my guy (1.25$) but my price included drink . I bought him his beers aboard. It was actually pleasant cruise and sunset was nice. City from the river always looks different than from street level and we are talking whole hell of river as Phnom Penh in in confluence of Tonle Sap river and mighty Mekong.

 On disembarking SBV asked me where’s my hotel and I knew what that question means so suggested he walks me there, we were mere 3-4 blocks away. At front I asked if he wants to see my room , proposal met with enthusiastic smile and rest was yahoooo !!! Honestly I suspect he was quite into me and who I am to question his judgement. What a hunk !

Although sometimes it’s good if those guys stay quiet as at one point he told me he is jealous that last night in the bar I gave higher tip for sitting with me to SBG than him. We are talking 5 $ more , WTF ? Ok, so added that ‘shortage” to his well deserved tip for today but I did not like fact that he complained and also fact that SBG told him although when asked he couldn’t have probably a chance to avoid answer. That soured my mood just an inch as I don’t like such antics.

 On another hand he suggested that tomorrow afternoon they both (both again? ) want me to take me to Morgan Tower Sky Bar, place I never heard about, reputedly highest located bar in whole city.  I decided to play along and agreed, after all  their ideas worked for me today, no?

 After guy left I decided to check AsiaCam bar tonight and see if hunk my friend spotted month ago will be there. There were two young farangs customers inside and perhaps 5 boys, all twinks, no sight of hunk. I ordered beer for myself and one for one of the boys, one who greeted me first  but knew from the start it will be just a drink and go. Boys not my  type, that’s all . at least two of boys I recognized from Grindr. At one point I thought I may change my mind as one more guy appeared and he was blood pressure rising  but before I decided on any motions he left so I’m not even sure he was guy from bar of just somebody visiting his bar friends., Anyways worth of sin.

  Guy sitting with me was kind of hoping for closer connection but I invented some lie about boyfriend waiting for me in hotel , paid my dues and went , you guessed it , to Space Bar. As suitable for drinks dispenser I was s greeted with kind of applause.  I noticed new face , asked him if he is new and he confirmed it’s his 1st day. After second drink he admitted that he lied and straightforwardly told me that he is MB and suggested we exchange WhatsApp. Nice to deal with trained professionals . , It did not take long before he showed me his six pack and it was piece of art made from stainless steel  even if his stature  was more twunk than hunk.

One may wonder where are my two boys. SBV decided he has enough of me today probably and was sitting with other clients, SBG was also circulating between tables ( bar was quite busy tonight) and at one moment mentioned that tonight he is one who must work till bar closes  and see you tomorrow so I took it as forget about tonight. That placed six pack MB at front of the line , specially that he send me a message ;”tonight?”. I did not  need clarification what he means so my answer was equally long ‘ yes’. The same way I informed him where my hotel is and he told me ‘ you go first, wait me hotel lobby “.

 It was 1.30 when I left , walking slowly  and just in front of hotel I felt pat on the back – it was him.

In the room I asked about whole night, agreed immediately. While SBV earlier was like Rambo , SixPack was more like Prince Charming and that worked well for both of us. I wanted Prince Charming at the moment and he got 20$ more than he wanted for being one. I particularly like guys who sense what I like without any instructions and he was that rare specimen.

 What a fun filled day  !

Tomorrow is my last day in Phnom Penh or at least that is what I thought but what do we know?

[vinapu]

few impressions from sunset cruise

[floridarob]

2 hours ago, vinapu said:

Tomorrow is my last day in Phnom Penh or at least that is what I thought but what do we know?

Another cliffhanger, I hope it's better than the rest stop break 😆

Woops, Good Night 😘

[vinapu]

6 hours ago, floridarob said:

Another cliffhanger, I hope it's better than the rest stop break 😆

 

as you will learn in due course it was actually cliffhanger for me as well, fortunately cliffhanger in a good sense

[mauRICE]

1 hour ago, vinapu said:

as you will learn in due course it was actually cliffhanger for me as well, fortunately cliffhanger in a good sense

You mean Bobby Ewing didn't die in that hit 'n' run and it was all a dream? We already know that story. 🙄

[ichigo]

19 minutes ago, vinapu said:

as you will learn in due course it was actually cliffhanger for me as well, fortunately cliffhanger in a good sense

As in you were hanging off an actual cliff?

[Keithambrose]

9 hours ago, vinapu said:

Phnom Penh – boy centric stay and meeting old friend by miraculous chance

 When comes to typical tourist stuff I thought I already saw  everything in PP  but was proven wrong .

For me main destination there is Space Hair bar and this time I decide to stay close , just one block away on parallel street  (130).

From bus station I took remork, overpaid 10000 (2.5 $)  but it was premeditated  - I wanted to be in my room as soon as possible after spending good half of day on the road. Grab wouldn’t be more than 6000 to I wasted whole dollar, ouch!

Room was nice , particularly view from window i.e. wall of another building 1 m away , enough for daylight to seep in though. Went to eat something, my favorite restaurant was closed , replaced with some Filipino eatery so went to tried and trusted Dolce Vita for  my daily load of chicken with cashew nuts. From there took remork to street 222 to check location of new boy bar AsiaCam. I did not have intention to go inside today  but I wanted to see where it is as one of my friend found the gem there recently.

In the evening  short walk to Space Bar where I was recognized by few of their boys including one

I’m interested in since last trip, lets call him SBG which translates to Space Bar Gem. There are three others I was hoping the will be there but upon asking I learned   two of them  landed another jobs and one went home for short time vacation.

I also noticed few new faces, specially one of them  looked quite bulgy and after buying him a drink, soon I learned that my impression was VERY accurate. I always have good time there , oiled by drinks here and there. Boys are not pushy and even if you buy them a drink they may  still go away for a while to attend to other customers. Luckily SBG was keeping me company  for most of the time , on other side I was flanked by either bulgy guy or very well built veteran there SBV.

Due to bar policy boys are notoriously impossible to be invited to the room but I managed it in the past either before bar opens or after is closed so my hope was I will repeat the feast with SBG. Even is it was well after sunset , sun shone on me as both SBG and SBV asked for my contacts which I took as good sign. Too bad bulgy guy was not as fore sighting but he is new there and needs to learn his steps first I guess. After spending about 50 $ on drinks and this was all I had on me tonight I went home empty handed  but with feeling that misfortune won’t last long.

Not having anybody in the room resulted in good night sleep till 9.20, that doesn’t happen too often for me , specially on vacation but my reward was waiting in my phone. Message from SBG that if I want we may have breakfast together at 12 noon in some place in Bassac Lane. 12 is close to my lunch time  but such chance can’t be wasted so I decided to fast till noon,. Busied myself with forum updates , doing some laundry and walking toward  Royal Palace where I got remork to that place.

 I arrived first , it looked very modern and not exactly cheap    but we are in Cambodia where even expensive is quite affordable. SBG arrived on time and shared news with me – he invited SBV to join us. I both liked an idea and did not like. Liked because SBV is nobody to sneeze at built wise and will grace any bed at any time , on another hand this derailed my designs on SBG. Third wheel is third wheel. But I was hungry, so were boys, each of them came there after morning exercises. Nice gesture from SBV  was to make sure SBG seats beside me – obviously he realizes who is my primary goal.

After meal they suggest we go to the Aeon mall. Official idea was to show me some unusual coffee shop  inside bookstore. I’m not mall guy but never been to one in Cambodia and decided to play along and see what happens. I was given tour  of few expensive stores where they tried some garments but I was playing stupid and if their hope was I tell them ‘ok I will buy it for you “ , I made sure dream was shattered . It’s not difficult to play stupid.

  But we had a coffee in that shop, again SBG sitting beside me and SBV across the table so when we went to another store and they seemed interest in some sun glasses I generously offered to buy them those. We are talking 5 $ a piece.   All in , even with 3^rd wheel I like whole experience and had feeling that , even if they plot something it was done way ensuring I have good time too.

Before we parted ways SBG said he need to go to work early evening but me and SBV can take sunset cruise on Mekong. Oho , though I , we are going somewhere, not necessarily in direction I want as first choice but still in the right direction.

So at 5  we met at Night Market by the river where cruises launch, it was 5 $ for me and 5000 riels for my guy (1.25$) but my price included drink . I bought him his beers aboard. It was actually pleasant cruise and sunset was nice. City from the river always looks different than from street level and we are talking whole hell of river as Phnom Penh in in confluence of Tonle Sap river and mighty Mekong.

 On disembarking SBV asked me where’s my hotel and I knew what that question means so suggested he walks me there, we were mere 3-4 blocks away. At front I asked if he wants to see my room , proposal met with enthusiastic smile and rest was yahoooo !!! Honestly I suspect he was quite into me and who I am to question his judgement. What a hunk !

Although sometimes it’s good if those guys stay quiet as at one point he told me he is jealous that last night in the bar I gave higher tip for sitting with me to SBG than him. We are talking 5 $ more , WTF ? Ok, so added that ‘shortage” to his well deserved tip for today but I did not like fact that he complained and also fact that SBG told him although when asked he couldn’t have probably a chance to avoid answer. That soured my mood just an inch as I don’t like such antics.

 On another hand he suggested that tomorrow afternoon they both (both again? ) want me to take me to Morgan Tower Sky Bar, place I never heard about, reputedly highest located bar in whole city.  I decided to play along and agreed, after all  their ideas worked for me today, no?

 After guy left I decided to check AsiaCam bar tonight and see if hunk my friend spotted month ago will be there. There were two young farangs customers inside and perhaps 5 boys, all twinks, no sight of hunk. I ordered beer for myself and one for one of the boys, one who greeted me first  but knew from the start it will be just a drink and go. Boys not my  type, that’s all . at least two of boys I recognized from Grindr. At one point I thought I may change my mind as one more guy appeared and he was blood pressure rising  but before I decided on any motions he left so I’m not even sure he was guy from bar of just somebody visiting his bar friends., Anyways worth of sin.

  Guy sitting with me was kind of hoping for closer connection but I invented some lie about boyfriend waiting for me in hotel , paid my dues and went , you guessed it , to Space Bar. As suitable for drinks dispenser I was s greeted with kind of applause.  I noticed new face , asked him if he is new and he confirmed it’s his 1st day. After second drink he admitted that he lied and straightforwardly told me that he is MB and suggested we exchange WhatsApp. Nice to deal with trained professionals . , It did not take long before he showed me his six pack and it was piece of art made from stainless steel  even if his stature  was more twunk than hunk.

One may wonder where are my two boys. SBV decided he has enough of me today probably and was sitting with other clients, SBG was also circulating between tables ( bar was quite busy tonight) and at one moment mentioned that tonight he is one who must work till bar closes  and see you tomorrow so I took it as forget about tonight. That placed six pack MB at front of the line , specially that he send me a message ;”tonight?”. I did not  need clarification what he means so my answer was equally long ‘ yes’. The same way I informed him where my hotel is and he told me ‘ you go first, wait me hotel lobby “.

 It was 1.30 when I left , walking slowly  and just in front of hotel I felt pat on the back – it was him.

In the room I asked about whole night, agreed immediately. While SBV earlier was like Rambo , SixPack was more like Prince Charming and that worked well for both of us. I wanted Prince Charming at the moment and he got 20$ more than he wanted for being one. I particularly like guys who sense what I like without any instructions and he was that rare specimen.

 What a fun filled day  !

Tomorrow is my last day in Phnom Penh or at least that is what I thought but what do we know?

 

"we are talking whole hell of river as Phnom Penh in in confluence of Tonle Sap river and mighty Mekong."

 

Not as mighty as it was, due to several dams upstream. This is causing serious issues with water levels in Tonle Sap. Less water, fewer fish, etc.

 

 

[vinapu]

14 hours ago, mauRICE said:

You mean Bobby Ewing didn't die in that hit 'n' run and it was all a dream? We already know that story. 🙄

if you think I know who Bobby Ewing is you clearly overestimating me BIG TIME

[vinapu]

cliffhanger extended by one day, too busy today to write next installment. Sorry

[vinapu]

 

Phnom Penh , last day or what naïve would think.

 In the morning I invited Six Pack   for a breakfast as he was not in rush to leave but mentioned he would eat something. Then we parted ways, I returned to hotel ( City Lodge on street 130 ) , backed what I had and took everything to my new digs – Vacation Boutique on the 136^th Street , half way between Space Bar and Old Market. Move was premeditated , I wanted to check another  hotel , if only for future reference.

 Since room was not ready that early I left my bag  and   went to explore city part north of Wat Phnom Temple. In meantime SBG  lifted my spirits by saying he has day off today and suggested he will come to my hotel at 5 p.m.  but before I managed to have any hope he would stay , next sentence was ‘ so we can go and eat something together”. Since this was my  last hope to hope we get closer to each other , ahem,  I  okeyed an idea.

After all that walking I felt bit hungry and 5 pm was  few hours away so I went to restaurant by Techo Pagoda  to eat something light. They have mushroom soup on the menu , my favorite of them all. Whet I got  was something  very remotely related to mushroom soup , if at all,  but whatever it was it was   , it was delicious so I did not say a word.

  Made sure I greet my dear guest  on time I walked back to hotel but by time he showed up it was 6pm already. Being late that much never went well with me, but  honestly I felt desperate  so did not make any fuss, ordered remork on Grab and we went to the same place we had lunch yesterday – I like their duck with rice. Not exactly cheap place, dinner for two 23$ , well above Phnom Penh average  but still very cheap by world’s or even Bangkok standards.

Over dinner he repeated yesterday’s suggestion we will go to Morgan Tower Sky bar and when I agreed right away he said “ I already told SBV we go there. Third wheel again, sigh , but since it was very well built third wheel , if only for esthetics I played along.

He joined us in the lobby where one can easily forget is in Phnom Penh. Very upscale place and immediately I start worried if 80$ I had on me will suffice.  It was already  dark and view was impressive with all that city lights. There’s also glass floor, the same like on Mahanakhon  although building is not that high. Admission is free for bar visitors . We had two pizzas and couple drinks each . I was not shy to announce my financial  limit before first order. Boys made sure  I spent almost everything . But also made sure I had good time and it was actually quite pleasant foray.

 I wanted to go to Space bar for last round of drinks with boys there, they wanted to go to Blue Chili bar so I told them  I will join them later. Took more money from hotel and walked  to the bar had round of drinks with few guys there, including one who was missing last 2 nights and at one point I got panicky message from SBG “ where you are?” Oho, I thought they are concerned who will be paying for drinks.

 But promise is promise so I kissed my goodbyes and walked to Blu Chili few blocks away on street 130. My boys clearly had good time already, all three as I saw Six Pack with them as well. SBV was drinking with some  young farang but it needs to be said as soon as I showed up , he made his excuses and joined me at the table. SBG had even better time  and it looked  he is well known there  as was circulating from table to table.

  So my hopes were thinning by the minute. That coupled with noise , level of which was clearly aimed at scaring away bad spirits and old farangs , as well as  show which by boys enjoyed a lot but I did not – to much ladyboys screeching  ,  made me leaving   SBV some  money to pay for their drinks they consumed so far  and gently fading out of sight. Where ? to hotel. Why ? to pick up some money and go where I felt I belong much more i.e. Space Bar.

It was nice to be home , welcomed enthusiastically , particularly by that bulgy guy who impressed me before. He proved to be  quite progressive although instructed me that while boss tolerates customer hand straying to bulge outside, placing it inside boxers is  great no, no . Fun continued  well into night , oiled by drinks here and there and it was only about 3 a.m when I decided to call it night and marched (floridarob did you hear that?) to hotel. Alone but happy , happy. On my way I checked my phone first time since leaving Blue Chili. There were few  phone calls from SBG, obviously unanswered – I really did not feel phone buzzing and finally message “ where you are ?’ left half an hour ago.

 That was my last chance and I was determined not to waste it so answer was  “ in the room, waiting for you “ . Answer was immediate and  dream come true “ what room number ?, I'm coming now “

Now turned out to be 40 minutes but finally I got that call “I’m here”. Door were closed , guy at reception felled asleep but gentle nudge and 2 $ made him rising up and opening door with smile .

 It was worth to go through all these antics, third wheels , diners and bars 200 m up. Another sleepless night but every minute was bliss. Since I had plane to catch at noon I set alarm for 8 to pack up and take shower and  to steal picture of my semi-god sleeping naked ( no, since it’s stolen you will not get to see it , my grandma always said “stolen will not make you rich” ).

 I give him generous , well deserved , tip and I liked way he accepted it – pocketed without even really looking at it , never mind counting.

 Remork to airport bus stop in front of railway station and after short wait bus arrived. Fare is 1500 , cash only , no change provided but I was aware of it and came prepared.

 On the bus I got the message through my high school class group we have on WhatsApp from friend I saw last in 1983 or 1984 that she is on ethe bus from Siem Reap and will arrive in Phnom Penh  in about 1 hr. Too bad as I’m about to fly out. That was whole hell of bad timing but what  we can do ?

 It took about 50 mins to reach impressive new airport , very spacious. There’s quite a walk from bus stop to terminal. Checking in was fast. I spent my last riels on some coffee , sandwich and bar of soap as riels outside of Cambodia are just colored piece of paper. At the gate some stranger said ‘hallo , you don’t recognize me?” , Fuck, no ! “We met last night in Blue Chili, I was talking to my friend SBV when you arrived “  Wow , what a chance  !

 Time to leave Cambodia and wasted chance to see my classmate last seen 42 years ago

 

 

[vinapu]

Iconic Old Market in Phnom Penh

 

modern architecture

Railway station

view from Sky Bar at Morgan Tower

and view straight down from bar

 

 

[vinapu]

airport bus

schedule of bus at terminal

new airport

 

 

[floridarob]

23 hours ago, vinapu said:

and marched (floridarob did you hear that?) to hotel.

Two call-outs in one day… you and @Latbear4blk

I’m flattered. I didn’t realize anyone actually paid attention to what I say 🥺

Apparently I’ve taken on a parental role here 👨‍👧

One I remind that marching is for when you’re on a mission or in the military, not just out for a wander @BjornAgain see how I brought you into it 😉 … and the other not to be such an exhibitionist 😁

[vinapu]

Phnom Penh – reunion after 42 years

 While I was taking to me new friend about going in Blue Chili last night we noticed something unusual. Bridge connecting gate with our  about - to -start-  boarding aircraft was pulled back. Minutes later notice on screens said delayed. And crews appeared to start working on aircraft engine.

  An hour later we were asked to pick up meal voucher from the counter. Nice gesture from airline, we were also told to check back  at 3 p.m.( our scheduled departure was at 12.30 p.m.). Meal was tasty, we were given option of 3 venues to go. At 3pm.  All we got is ‘we don’t know  now what the next step will be”

Some people start panicking as they have flight out of Bangkok in the evening or tomorrow morning. Other’s , including my new friend were proactive and booked Emirates flight from Siem Reap for next day to catch their flights out of Bangkok day after. I had luxury of ‘see what happens “  as I was planning to go to Pattaya straight from Swampy so worst which could happen was to forfeit bus ticket  and prepaid night in hotel. At 6 pm. there was decision – we are walking to the bus , will be given accommodation in Icon Budget hotel and we will fly out at some time tomorrow. Hurrah!!!

 While walking to the bus I contacted my school mate that I have extra night in Phnom Penh, asked  where her hotel is and instructed her to wait for word from me in 2-3 hrs.   Accommodation was very well organized , by time both buses arrived  they had our rooms assigned so all we need to do was to pick up keys and get settled. Quick shower and sprucing up, remork by Grab and  at 8.30 p,

I entered lobby of my friend hotel where elderly lady was seating obviously waiting for somebody and it was me.

Goes without saying that 42 years changed both of us beyond recognition and we agreed that had we met by chance on the street , likely we wouldn’t recognize each other. But old friendship  never dies   and we had plenty to talk since all that time we were in touch by letter and later, out class  group on WhatsApp.

 No , we did not went to classy restaurant or something, like in old good days we bought beer in store and drink it while sitting  on river bank on Sisowath Quay. Unfortunately what  could be whole night was reduced to few hours as both of us  were flying out tomorrow morning , she to Hanoi and me, hopefully to Bangkok. So what seemed bad turned super memorable to me  !

Not much sleep as at 4. 28 I got phone call that bus will depart at 5.30 and that early breakfast will be served. Indeed it was, by time I went down they already spread quite a selection . In fact bus left only at 6.30  but who cares ? all went well and at noon we landed in Bangkok., 23 hours after scheduled time.

[vinapu]

Pattaya, one day, one member ,  one guy,

 Immigration lanes were   quite empty, I bought SIM card , went to train station to exchange some money and luckily  there were still seats on Jomtien bus departing  in about 45 minutes so I managed to get some meal in coupon restaurant by gate 8.   On the bus I sent text to bkkmfj that I’m finally on my way to Pattaya and we agreed to have a meal together at 6pm. That was not only message I sent from the bus . I have a guy there I wanted to see so asked him if he is available at 9 p, and yes he was. He also informed me that he is not working in the bar anymore

 I was hoping Zing  hotel (one mid-way between Pattaya and  Jomtien) will not treat me as no show since I did not show up as scheduled but no, no problem.

Very nice time with bkkmfj in Mexican Restaurant close to hotel, we caught on old and new news, forum goings , politics , his and mine time in Da Nang , you name it.   After 2 ½ hrs we parted ways and at 9 on the dot in the lobby I greeted my guest, all in smiles . No wonder , who doesn’t like extra cash out of blue ? He was not aware I’m in Asia, never mind Pattaya at all. Great  two hours ,we have super chemistry and took things slowly ,  I can fault him with only one thing  -  after  the deed he is always in immediate rush to leave. First few times  it was bit upsetting , now I find it funny :  “ I ‘m tired and must go now”.

 I was not tired and after he left I took songtaew to Pattaya to check if bars are indeed closed . Due to tomorrow’s election there’s prohibition from 6 pm. today.  While everywhere else there was more or less normal commercial activity, Boyztown was completely dark and dead , only  few massage boys were drinking  in front of darkened Toy Boys.  

Next morning excellent buffet breakfast at Zing, super good deal at 199 baht and at noon I boarded airport bus to return to Bangkok after 20 days of travelling in the region

 

  

[Keithambrose]

6 hours ago, vinapu said:

Phnom Penh – reunion after 42 years

 While I was taking to me new friend about going in Blue Chili last night we noticed something unusual. Bridge connecting gate with our  about - to -start-  boarding aircraft was pulled back. Minutes later notice on screens said delayed. And crews appeared to start working on aircraft engine.

  An hour later we were asked to pick up meal voucher from the counter. Nice gesture from airline, we were also told to check back  at 3 p.m.( our scheduled departure was at 12.30 p.m.). Meal was tasty, we were given option of 3 venues to go. At 3pm.  All we got is ‘we don’t know  now what the next step will be”

Some people start panicking as they have flight out of Bangkok in the evening or tomorrow morning. Other’s , including my new friend were proactive and booked Emirates flight from Siem Reap for next day to catch their flights out of Bangkok day after. I had luxury of ‘see what happens “  as I was planning to go to Pattaya straight from Swampy so worst which could happen was to forfeit bus ticket  and prepaid night in hotel. At 6 pm. there was decision – we are walking to the bus , will be given accommodation in Icon Budget hotel and we will fly out at some time tomorrow. Hurrah!!!

 While walking to the bus I contacted my school mate that I have extra night in Phnom Penh, asked  where her hotel is and instructed her to wait for word from me in 2-3 hrs.   Accommodation was very well organized , by time both buses arrived  they had our rooms assigned so all we need to do was to pick up keys and get settled. Quick shower and sprucing up, remork by Grab and  at 8.30 p,

I entered lobby of my friend hotel where elderly lady was seating obviously waiting for somebody and it was me.

Goes without saying that 42 years changed both of us beyond recognition and we agreed that had we met by chance on the street , likely we wouldn’t recognize each other. But old friendship  never dies   and we had plenty to talk since all that time we were in touch by letter and later, out class  group on WhatsApp.

 No , we did not went to classy restaurant or something, like in old good days we bought beer in store and drink it while sitting  on river bank on Sisowath Quay. Unfortunately what  could be whole night was reduced to few hours as both of us  were flying out tomorrow morning , she to Hanoi and me, hopefully to Bangkok. So what seemed bad turned super memorable to me  !

Not much sleep as at 4. 28 I got phone call that bus will depart at 5.30 and that early breakfast will be served. Indeed it was, by time I went down they already spread quite a selection . In fact bus left only at 6.30  but who cares ? all went well and at noon we landed in Bangkok., 23 hours after scheduled time.

Very efficient  of the airline. 

[Latbear4blk]

10 hours ago, floridarob said:

I’m flattered. I didn’t realize anyone actually paid attention to what I say 🥺

Parental? Think twice, grandpa.

[vinapu]

5 hours ago, Keithambrose said:

Very efficient  of the airline. 

It was Air Cambodia. Looking back I think they handled it very well. First they tried to fix engine so gave us a meal, then when it proven impossible (we returned next day aboard of different aircraft ) they organized transfer and hotel seamlessly.  

[Keithambrose]

9 minutes ago, vinapu said:

It was Air Cambodia. Looking back I think they handled it very well. First they tried to fix engine so gave us a meal, then when it proven impossible (we returned next day aboard of different aircraft ) they organized transfer and hotel seamlessly.  

As I said in another post, that sort of service is rare. The Middle Eastern Arlines, Emirates, Qatar,  etc, have a particularly bad reputation  in this area. Mind you KLM, Swiss, and Lufthansa, don't do that well either,