21 hours ago, jimmie50 said:

Thanks for that explanation. That seems to be the case. I am not sure why he decided to purchase it last night...perhaps an advertisement he saw on Facebook or TikTok. Possibly a friend he was talking to mentioned it.

Soju is widely available in Thailand, including at 7-11s and supermarkets. It was probably on the menu at the bar where he worked and other watering holes which he frequented with his clients and friends. It's a popular drink at host bars and mid-range Thai pubs - and is often used in drinking games due to its perceived "lightness". At 28 and having worked the bars of Patpong for a number of years, I would think Cam is no babe in the woods.

10 hours ago, a-447 said:

soju is written in the Chinese script as 燒酒, and the same Chinese

characters are used to write the name of a Chinese liquor called shaojiu 燒酒,

It's basically identical to the characters used to write shōchū 焼酎.

So the roots are the same.

Before the Koreans switched their writing system to Hangeul, that liquor we're talking about was also written as 燒酒

@daydreamer I'm not saying that they are identical; I'm saying they appear to have similar roots. No doubt over the centuries, the product and processes would have evolved differently and multiple variations may have arisen. Like so many foods and drinks, there can be endless debate about whether two items are in the same category or belong in different categories. e.g. debating whether goulash as commonly served in the US is the same as goulash served in Hungary, or whether the suki we see in Thai restuarants are equivalent to hotpot in Taiwan and China.

All fascinating but let's go back to Cam, Jimmie and Cambodia..........

1 hour ago, macaroni21 said:

Like so many foods and drinks, there can be endless debate about whether two items are in the same category or belong in different categories.

preferably in separate, subject devoted thread

5 hours ago, khaolakguy said:

All fascinating but let's go back to Cam, Jimmie and Cambodia..........

BEEP BEEP BEEP is the accepted reply to off topic threads, just ask our "ESTEEMED FORUM MEMBER", he's on vacation (Holiday) from vacationing ☹️

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.

7 hours ago, a-447 said:

We always seem to end up back on track.

Not always.

10 hours ago, a-447 said:

Good luck with your quest to curb Cam's drinking.

I once visited a small village where we collected herbs and vegetables for a cooking class in return for a large sack of rice.

The village men were all sitting around drinking, even though it was before noon.

The guide said that they had nothing to do between rice planting and harvesting so they just drank all day. High alcohol consumption was a normal part of life, she said.

If Cam has been brought up in that type of environment, you might find yourself with a fight on your hands.

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.

Had connection issues yesterday. Sorry I couldn't post anything. WIFI seems to be more unstable with frequent problems in Battambang...more so than I had in Siem Reap. Anyway, we decided to play tourist yesterday and did the Bamboo Train and the Bat Cave. Will write something later tonight or tomorrow and post about those adventures, as well as some observations about Battambang and comparison with Siem Reap.

25 minutes ago, jimmie50 said:

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.

No wonder her husband has custody of the children - the woman's a lush! 🥴

1 hour ago, jimmie50 said:

Had connection issues yesterday. Sorry I couldn't post anything. WIFI seems to be more unstable with frequent problems in Battambang..

not necessarily owing to connection in Battambang , in recent days there are periodic problems with board connectivity, if fact it happened few minutes ago when I tried to respond to your post

6 hours ago, vinapu said:

not necessarily owing to connection in Battambang , in recent days there are periodic problems with board connectivity, if fact it happened few minutes ago when I tried to respond to your post

Me too!

7 hours ago, Keithambrose said:

Me too!

Me, too!!!!!

Sometimes it's easier to just give up.

This is the drink in question:

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.

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.

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.

7 hours ago, jimmie50 said:

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.

quite possible that less schooling in Siem Reap comes from fact of it being tourist mecca with corresponding job opportunities in that sector . Why to learn trade if one can easily make living waiting tables or driving tuk tuk thinking may go ?

6 hours ago, jimmie50 said:

different types of torture that was inflicted upon the Cambodian people by the Khmer Rouge

worst part of that is that Khmer Rouge were also Cambodian people and as result many if not most families there may be nursing dark secrets.

Pol Pot cremation place is still visible and maitained near Anlong Veng . In that city itself one may still visit house ( after paying 1$ admission fee) of Ta Mok , chief of security there in that period, obviously remembered , at least by some quite fondly. As somebody succinctly said, first thay murdered parents and then built orphanages for their children.

It's all more complex than we are able to comprehend, including shameful Western support for Khmer Rouge government after they were overthrown by Vietnamese , even if all their atrocities become almost immediately known. You rightly are staying out of this subject when dealing with people thare

6 hours ago, jimmie50 said:

when we arrived at the bat cave we decided to walk to the top.  ...  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.

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

1 hour ago, Travelingguy said:

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.

Indeed, gravity and impetus are not your friend in that scenario.

9 hours ago, jimmie50 said:

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.

Inspired by your explorations(I have never been to Battambang) I found this commentary:

"Architecture-focused travelers and anyone interested in Cambodia's colonial period will find Battambang's riverfront the most coherent urban streetscape in the country outside Phnom Penh. The Heritage Protection Area established in 2009 covers approximately 800 historic buildings, including the old governor's residence, colonial-era shophouses that still operate as family businesses, and the Spean Thmor Chas — the old French stone bridge — which frames the city hall building across the water in a way that has made it the most photographed single view in the city. The scale is human, the streets run in a legible grid, and the colonial buildings are in varying states of repair that tell the story of 70 years of history from independence to civil war to recovery."

So it will be added to my next Cambodia trip!

Battambang Colonial Riverfront — Battambang, Cambodia Gui...

Cambodia's best-preserved French colonial streetscape runs along the Sangkae River — the buildings that the Khmer Rouge left standing are now food stalls and co

9 hours ago, jimmie50 said:

I know…as Cam has pointed out to me on numerous occasions…I notice some weird shit.  lol.

8 hours ago, jimmie50 said:

Cam was good about stopping periodically so that I could rest and guzzle some water, but it was quite a steep climb. 

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!

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.

A side note to my post about the new house...we were having lunch at a restaurant in the older area of town, a place called White Rose (would not recommend or personally return), and seated at the table next to us were two female travelers and their Cambodian tour guide. The two ladies were from France, but their table conversation was in English. I assume the tour guide had good English skills, but no knowledge of French. In any event, the two ladies were asking many questions. Since they were sitting just beside us, it was easy to hear the conversation. The guide was explaining about the border conflict with Thailand and commented that before the conflict many people would travel from Cambodia to Thailand looking for work. The ladies asked if that was lucrative for the Cambodians and the guide laughed, and then responded that most of the time it was not the best decision. He went on to explain that most of the people who went to Thailand to work were not good stewards or managers of their money. Consequently, they would often return home with empty pockets having spent on their hard earned money on frivolous things instead of saving or sending it home for family. That was interesting to me, since Cam has obviously been very good about saving his earnings from both construction jobs, food service jobs, and the job at Hotmale...sending it home for his mother to safeguard or purchasing the gold. In that regard, I would say he must be the exception rather than the norm, and has definitely stayed focused on the end goal...building the new house. Gotta give the boy credit!!!