Better to be retired than retarded - Thailand and Cambodia in January 2024. Trip report, brief but long.

[vinapu]

Preliminaries and getting to.

 This was my first trip to Thailand after leaving workforce for good and as result it was also longest of them all (so far I hope).Also first covering month of January, I was in that month before twice but only for ,few days in the beginning  back in 2003 and at end last year.

I keep travel diary on evert trip everywhere  so  no need to stretch my memory, cleaning glasses from time to time will suffice to produce this report. Reading it this morning I noticed that some occurrences faded from  memory already which makes point again not to be upset about small things as they are soon forgotten for good.

Winter trip has advantages of escaping cold but also carries risk that weather may go in the way. It was exactly a case this time. When we boarded plane snow  blizzard started . It was sudden and energetic and as result we took off exactly 2 hours later than scheduled. Considering that at Narita I had originally exactly 2 hours connection time it was obvious that something will happen. Either, like last time I took that route plane to Bangkok will be waiting but luggage arrive day later or I need to be placed on another flight that evening or day after. Did not bother me as nothing I could do on my part.

 I did not enjoy flight much ( one of those things faded from memory I mentioned before but diary remembers). It was cold inside and this comes from guy who likes winter over summer. For first few hours entertainment system did not work which I don’t care but  in modern aircrafts one can’t turn on reading light if screen is dead so I lost few hours of reading time. And to add to my misery , food was nothing memorable and that is charitable.

 But as always there  was bonus – nobody seating beside me. I always fly at the back , middle section , aisle seat , hoping for that to happen  and it did again. I noticed that elbow space is as important as legs one on those long flights.

 We landed as we departed , exactly 2 hours after scheduled time and  were advised to see agents  who will inform as about further connection. This being Japan , was organized very well. Indeed lady was holding placard with Bangkok and my flight number, told me where to go and there another agent  gave me boarding pass for tomorrow morning , advised to pick up my luggage , pass immigration and go to the parking spot nr 16 where shuttle bus to hotel  will be waiting. It was all in print on small piece of paper. Impressive enough. Japan I thought. Then somehow things get a bit less smooth as I was waiting exactly 2 hours for my luggage to emerge entertaining myself with Whatsapping, e-mailing  and Lineing.

After that we were back to Japan. Bus arrived and was filled to capacity with people sharing my misfortune, from  what I heard  not only Bangkok bound but also Bejjing and Saigon but somebody said Manilla passengers were lucky to be placed on next flight departing tonight.

At the hotel   they knew exactly why we are there, there was special counter arranged and we got our keys and coupon for supper tonight and breakfast tomorrow as well as information about bus to the airport departing in the morning. In short all my questions at Narita were answered before I even asked them.

It was too late to go to the city 1hr train trip away  so I settled in the room and did not even bother with evening meal. Just made my tea and went asleep.

 As for breakfast ‘opulent’ is understatement. All tasted soooo good and I feel sorry for myself that days I was eating more than I need  are over.

 I was placed on Thai flight and again had luck of nobody seating beside – it’s after all still 7 hrs flight. I already commented in another thread, meal they served was probably best airplane meal I ever had and no, after that breakfast I was not starving or something , it was just  extremely tasty, just pork with rice but made for kings and CEO’s .

This way instead of landing at 22.30 , I arrived at 17.40 next day and day 1 of my trip started.

still Christmas time in Japan

Scat Airlines ? I wonder what this is all about

[forrestreid]

Looking forward to this report Vinapu!

 

[vinapu]

5 minutes ago, forrestreid said:

Looking forward to this report Vinapu!

 

tell me something I don't know, lol

You will be mentioned in due course , rest assured. It was nice to meet and bar hop with you . In meantime here's day 1 

[ichigo]

Thank you for posting the beginnings of your report, looking forward to hearing the rest of it!

[vinapu]

Day 1

 That will be short one as I said arrived at 17.40. Immigration line was hair rising but speed was world beating. It was second longest I saw in BKK ever and still with all boths opened and personnel wisely directing internationals even to “ASEAN or Thai only” booths when they were free it moved shockingly fast.

 By time I bought SIM card my luggage was out already and in exactly 75 minutes from plane touching tarmac I was already waiting for train at the platform.

 Raya, where I opened door exactly 47 hours and 45 minutes after closing my home door,  was informed that I will miss previous night but at least room was waiting for me ( no refund for no show) so I unpacked , desoiled and went to 7/11 to buy some necessities in process took circular way through Thaniya and Patpong 2.

 At 21.00 I was supposed to meet J, our member  at G’Bangkok , soi 4. As it happened his last day was mine first. So we caught on news and food and  being already in soi 4 we decided to go to Jupiter . On recent trips  somehow it’s always first bar I’m visiting. Due to esthetics as their boy collection  beats them all not a bad place to start.

 I’m not being big fan of Jupiter due to their policy requiring boys to appear cold , aloof and uninterested. This of course changes right away after one invites boy to seat beside but still  I don’t like it as can’t gauge if g boy is treating me as transparent because I deserve or because boss told them so.

 Of course looking at them during their walkouts is pure pleasure , smile or not. And soon after we sat down first round started. I tipped red note two of them including hero of my many stories and veteran of dozen if not more  offs over the years HC (Handsome Cambodian).

 I did not count on anything other than may be nod and shy smile during next round acknowledging tip and my presence. But disappointingly during next walkabout I was still transparent air. There were few  smiles but not at me and not by me tippees .  That was bit discouraging and disappointing so  when J, who in meantime had some hunk  sitting beside  signaled he is ready to go I gladly went with them. This was my only visit at Jupiter this trip or as my father would say “ this trip I was there two times - first and last”.

 Outside I wished guys fun , to J also safe trip home and we parted ways. I went to Moonlight hoping Y will be available but he was already booked to tonight so I secured his presence for tomorrow by slipping him and mamasan who leeched on me immediately remembering me very well from previous visits red note each and went to Hot Male beer bar where P was present so I offered him  a drink and in process asked about option of accompany me tonight.

 He agreed but I sensed answer is kind of  suspended. On top of it , even it treated with drink , instead of keeping me company  he was constantly on the move here and there.  At some point when I noticed he is going to bar upstairs with some female patron I did one of best things this trip, right on the first evening – paid for both drinks and just took off.

 As it was past midnight I decided to try my favorite corner in Bangkok at soi 6 and Suriwong. That the place where Tawan boys use to drink after bar closes. Tonight it was only D solitary drinking from small Hong Thong bottle. We meet many times in the past, now he is in bit less of shape but his skin is still as smooth as baby’s and  being late I made another best decision, drunk or not I asked if he wants to go with me.

 Happy smile and nod. He wanted to ride his motorsai but I declined and we walked to Raya. Holly Molly, he was always quiet and bit reserved companion , very suitable for 1^st night after long trip but not tonight.  I was hoping for pussy cat but instead  got lion, very sweet lion indeed. As close to boyfriend experience as one can dream about. It was almost shocking in a best sense.  I guess blend of being bit drunk and  probably not being offed   for some time contributed to that energy. What an introduction to Bangkok and a trip  and end of day 1 !!!

[vinapu]

5 minutes ago, ichigo said:

Thank you for posting the beginnings of your report, looking forward to hearing the rest of it!

you were already primed when we dined together . Day 2 will arrive soon  

I noticed mistake in the tittle, should be 'better ' not " batter" , will ask Oz to correct

[Jimbillp]

1 hour ago, vinapu said:

Day 1

 That will be short one as I said arrived at 17.40. Immigration line was hair rising but speed was world beating. It was second longest I saw in BKK ever and still with all boths opened and personnel wisely directing internationals even to “ASEAN or Thai only” booths when they were free it moved shockingly fast.

 By time I bought SIM card my luggage was out already and in exactly 75 minutes from plane touching tarmac I was already waiting for train at the platform.

 Raya, where I opened door exactly 47 hours and 45 minutes after closing my home door,  was informed that I will miss previous night but at least room was waiting for me ( no refund for no show) so I unpacked , desoiled and went to 7/11 to buy some necessities in process took circular way through Thaniya and Patpong 2.

 At 21.00 I was supposed to meet J, our member  at G’Bangkok , soi 4. As it happened his last day was mine first. So we caught on news and food and  being already in soi 4 we decided to go to Jupiter . On recent trips  somehow it’s always first bar I’m visiting. Due to esthetics as their boy collection  beats them all not a bad place to start.

 I’m not being big fan of Jupiter due to their policy requiring boys to appear cold , aloof and uninterested. This of course changes right away after one invites boy to seat beside but still  I don’t like it as can’t gauge if g boy is treating me as transparent because I deserve or because boss told them so.

 Of course looking at them during their walkouts is pure pleasure , smile or not. And soon after we sat down first round started. I tipped red note two of them including hero of my many stories and veteran of dozen if not more  offs over the years HC (Handsome Cambodian).

 I did not count on anything other than may be nod and shy smile during next round acknowledging tip and my presence. But disappointingly during next walkabout I was still transparent air. There were few  smiles but not at me and not by me tippees .  That was bit discouraging and disappointing so  when J, who in meantime had some hunk  sitting beside  signaled he is ready to go I gladly went with them. This was my only visit at Jupiter this trip or as my father would say “ this trip I was there two times - first and last”.

 Outside I wished guys fun , to J also safe trip home and we parted ways. I went to Moonlight hoping Y will be available but he was already booked to tonight so I secured his presence for tomorrow by slipping him and mamasan who leeched on me immediately remembering me very well from previous visits red note each and went to Hot Male beer bar where P was present so I offered him  a drink and in process asked about option of accompany me tonight.

 He agreed but I sensed answer is kind of  suspended. On top of it , even it treated with drink , instead of keeping me company  he was constantly on the move here and there.  At some point when I noticed he is going to bar upstairs with some female patron I did one of best things this trip, right on the first evening – paid for both drinks and just took off.

 As it was past midnight I decided to try my favorite corner in Bangkok at soi 6 and Suriwong. That the place where Tawan boys use to drink after bar closes. Tonight it was only D solitary drinking from small Hong Thong bottle. We meet many times in the past, now he is in bit less of shape but his skin is still as smooth as baby’s and  being late I made another best decision, drunk or not I asked if he wants to go with me.

 Happy smile and nod. He wanted to ride his motorsai but I declined and we walked to Raya. Holly Molly, he was always quiet and bit reserved companion , very suitable for 1^st night after long trip but not tonight.  I was hoping for pussy cat but instead  got lion, very sweet lion indeed. As close to boyfriend experience as one can dream about. It was almost shocking in a best sense.  I guess blend of being bit drunk and  probably not being offed   for some time contributed to that energy. What an introduction to Bangkok and a trip  and end of day 1 !!!

I was very pleased my last night overlapped with your first and we got chance for a good catch up.  You are the sage of Bkk wisdom with the perfect glass always half full approach to life.  I look forward to reading rest of your trip report and hope fate brings us back to Thailand at the same time once again

[vinapu]

1 hour ago, Jimbillp said:

....and hope fate brings us back to Thailand at the same time once again

the same here. 

[vinapu]

Day 2

First full day and kind of quiet. After energetic night and jet lag still lingering  I took it easy. D and me had breakfast at Foodland of all places and parted ways. As it happened I did not see him anymore this trip even if visited Tawan quite a few times, Perhaps he went home or it was just bad luck.

I had some dental work to do at Thai Smile. Passing by I stepped in just to book an appointment but doctor was  expected to be free in few minutes and since I had money on me I just wait and had it done . Then feeling bit sleepy decided to energize myself with massage so went  to soi 6 and Nut from Maha spotted me approaching from mile away and grabbed me  right away. Sweet , talkative , tiny but  very muscular guy and I was happy with our 1.5 hr session. Massage made me hungry so I took motorsai to Charoen Krung soi 49, you guessed rightly to Madrid Tavern for my first pizza this trip.

 Late afternoon jet lag made me wanting badly to get some sleep so I returned to the room, set my alarm for 21.00 as I was supposed to pick up Y at Moonlight as agreed yesterday and collapsed on the bed.

It was good idea with that alarm since I was sleeping soundly. After making myself looking decent – in Thailand I have habit to shave just before I hit bars in the evening and went to Moonlight. Y was there already , I bought him a drink and told him we will go after the show.

 At 10 pm bar was almost empty bar even if it was half an hour before show. But models and floor boys soldered on regardless. By 11 filled up nicely to about half capacity.

Show quite decent. There, s new model, I guess his nick is  Sam or similar. Quite handsome . Several new, floor boys, as well. Lack of crowds did not mean disaster as some high spending farang was holding court and was distributing tips by a handful.

Y when sitting with me  asked by said farang to join for round of drinks. Y asked my permission and he said  for 15 minutes only. I agreed and it was a good move costing me nothing. After 15 minutes, and gulping 2 or 3 shoots he was clutching in his fist no less than 900. 

So it seems that sparse crowd doesn’t mean financial disaster. All depends. On another hand during my time there i.e. 10 to 11.45 my off was only one and I was, sitting in good position to see comings and goings through the door. So at 11.45 we went to Happy Beer Garden to have some meal, no prize for guessing what I had. Y ordered something simple as well which can’t be said about most boys I used to invite there.

Since Raya is across the street few minutes after paying the bill we were already in the shower. Y never disappoints and did not even try to this time either. 2^nd night and 2^nd great one. Will I ever get decent sleep while in Thailand?

[vinapu]

Day 3

Raya has breakfast again at 250 per person if not included in the rate. Buffet style and all dishes very tasty. Pleased to see that guy I remember from my first stay there good 10 years ago is still working there although I have an impression he looks like 10 years older but what do I know? 

Today I’m moving to Baan Silom so after breakfast when Y left I packed what I have and rolled me suitcase there. Since it was bit early I was told to return at 2, left suitcase on reception and via Tourist boat went to Grand Palace are to browse stores there. It was good move as I required some old Thai banknote for my collection , one I was looking for  for quite a while.

This of course created an opportunity to invite somebody to admire and assess new acquisition. Upon return to hotel I was bit jet lagged- day 3 is usually my worst and collapsed on the bed for about 2 hours.

Woke up quite hungry as I did not eat anything substantial since breakfast and decided to go to Unseco designated world famous Foodland Patpong for a dish picture of which is attached below.

No prize for guessing it’s name though.

Then wandered for about 1 hour through the area and decided to go to HotMale upstairs to see if S would be there as I kind of believe he will be best suited to see my new old Thai banknote. He was mentioned in my reports before as only boy taken for  a tour ( of Grand Palace  back in 2022 ) who genuinely was interested in sightseeing , even trying to explain us some paintings in the area around Emarald Buddha temple.   

 

At 21.15 bar was still very quiet. Few farangs were holding court and soon after they took 4 or 5 boys with them. S was  there so I grabbed him right away even if there was no competition in the audience. Remembered from last trip when two girls were looking at him lustily when he was sitting with me already. Of course he accepted idea of seeing my new purchase not only right away but also in the morning where light will be more natural.

By time we finished our drinks and took off two farangs showed up  ( separately), gulped their drinks and left empty handed. Nobody was in the  audience when we  were leaving at 10 pm so it looked as quiet night and still quite a few offs from the bar.

Via 7/11 across the hotel we went to my room and of course in  a heat of the moment we forgot about my new trophy. No harm done.

It turned out that next week he is going to see his folks in Cambodia and by sheer coincidence I will be in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap at the same time as well. He asked to join me for the whole week but since I had some designs on Phnom Penh I suggested he will join me for 4  nights I will be in Siem Reap.   We left discussed particulars of that trip for Line and spent rest of  time together how it was supposed to be spend. Third night in row and third fabulous. I started to count my blessings already !

[vinapu]

Day 4

For breakfast we opted for new Foodland at Park Silom this morning . At 8 am was so packed that we managed to get only last remaining table  in the corner so conductive to not so accidental knee touching and similar sinister moves.  Going there we passed stand with discounted clothing and some accessories and upon seeing S took an interest in some travel bag I bought it for him as a bonus for his contribution to my almost sleepless night.

I’m surprised that is more hot than last January but still at least some breeze in the morning pretending to be cool with some degree of success. 

After we parted ways  I started tourist program today which was  Lumpini and Sukhumit are where I walked from Silom, For some reason despite heat I felt like having walking day perhaps to vent off heat generated last night ?.

At night I decided to make some bar tour and started with Hot Male beer bar. P of course was asking what happened to me another night, he thought I was playing practical joke with him but I bluntly explained to him that I did not like fact that he asked for a drink  only to leave me to drink alone, fact that was noticed and commented even by some other patron. Anyways red note brought peace but idea of going with me tonight was dismissed.

I’m easy going but not that easy going and like to be treated a bit better than on my first night there.

Then to soi 4 to have beer at Banana while watching Jupiter boys coming to work and finally to Tawan. As always I was greeted enthusiastically and walking ATM curiosities should be I guess . I was surprised to see Mekhin there. At one time he was unquestionable star at Tawan and his fame lasted quite a few years. Then he moved to Jupiter and when I offed him in 2018 he told me it was very good move for him.

Few years ago he had serious accident  and disappeared from the scene so I was both surprised but also very happy to see him. He still has his sizable frame but unfortunately muscles are only shadow of steel reinforced  concrete they were when I saw him last time. He sat beside me pretending he remembers me from days past and told me he is still in recovery and indeed some fragility in him could be noticed.

As always at Tawan boys were circulating asking for tips shamelessly lowering their briefs  but today I decided to be not as much stingy as selective so few were left disappointed and one even commented that I used to have good heart and what happened to me to which I cheerfully responded that you guys become too expensive.   

Still as always I’m of opinion that Tawan is friendliest bar of them all  and I quietly thought if Jupiter was so friendly I were bankrupt long time ago. Sure boys are pushing for tips a but it all is done with good natured humor. I watched show,  tipped  f….ck show participants , even forked out 100 for j/o show but since my tip was only one  guy on the scene resigned but my red note was still taken, he, he.

Tawan is more diversified now with few twinks in the rooster and one of them being only waiter drew my attention with his smile so I decided to cross Rubicon and asked him if he wants to see my stamp collection. Me and twinky twink – shock waves were probably felt as far as Koh Samui but yes, after the show   to applause of whole bar we both marched out. It was actually pleasant moment to see that his co-workers seemed to be vary happy for the boy that he landed such handsome and generous farang i.e. myself.

Dinner at Happy Beer Garden, again he selected some  very modestly priced  dish and back to the room. 2nd Tawan boy this trip and 2^nd quasi boyfriend performance This trip is really developing very well  and while there will be some mild glitches , that pattern will stay till very end.  Again,  as with D on the 1^st night , I suspect he was happy  he got offed and did his best to show his appreciation. I did my part to make sure  he was rewarded for his efforts and it was money very well spent.

[Marc in Calif]

42 minutes ago, vinapu said:

Of course he accepted idea of seeing my new purchase not only right away but also in the morning where light will be more natural.

I know you're retired now. So you have time to pursue a new hobby: subtle humor writing. 👏

[vinapu]

1 hour ago, Marc in Calif said:

So you have time to pursue a new hobby: subtle humor writing. 👏

new ? I thought I'm doing that all my life , at least since I mastered art of writing

[ichigo]

1 hour ago, vinapu said:

Tawan is more diversified now with few twinks in the rooster and one of them being only waiter drew my attention with his smile

I did not know this waiter was available! He was my favourite in the one time I went to Tawan.

[vinapu]

Just now, ichigo said:

I did not know this waiter was available! He was my favourite in the one time I went to Tawan.

I did not know either but I did what all people who don't know do - I discretely asked and bingo !

Generally speaking all waiters in boy bars we frequent may be available. Sometimes only after bar closes but never hurts to ask and never hurts to have hope

[ichigo]

3 minutes ago, vinapu said:

I did not know either but I did what all people who don't know do - I discretely asked and bingo !

Generally speaking all waiters in boy bars we frequent may be available. Sometimes only after bar closes but never hurts to ask and never hurts to have hope

Good to know for next time, thanks!

[srvhakko]

Fabulous trip reports as always. After reading these posts, I can't wait to take a short trip to Thailand at the end of this month.

 

[vinapu]

Day 5

At first day did not look good for me. At midnight I got message that my friend from hometown arrived in BKK which I expected and wants to meet in the morning which I did not expect. He is one of those types who talk first , think later so is better to keep him away from personal affairs as he may be random source of unwelcome leaks.

After my Tawan guest left I dressed and went to meet my friend. Since it was his first visit in several years and he is fan of public transport we made tours of new subways , monorails  , red line  DMK which took sus better part of day and finally we landed at Madid Tavern  to treat ourselves with pizzas. There he confessed that we need to part ways as he feels sleepy after long flight and I skillfully pretended I’m so disappointed but of course as victim of jet lags myself I understand.

So with sunset I regained my freedom.

There’s another arrival I’m expecting today , that is K , my friend from Taiwan but he is safe bet and big fan of Tawan boys. He told me will be staying in the same hotel I do.

N, guy not from the scene I met few times before and who was away to see his parents for last week  sent me also a message hat he returned and  is free tomorrow afternoon and if I want , he may visit me in my room.   

My plan for tonight was to repeat meeting with Y and went to Moonlight to pick him up. Fortunately he was still free , as a bonus he was not hungry so  I decided to skip the  show and we went straight to my room for another,  this trip 5th  fabulous session.  It was supposed to be long time , till breakfast,  but  in the middle of the night his phone rung and female voice was heard.

Bit embarrassed he told me it’s his sister who just arrived at Mor Chit called and wants him to go there and pick her up . We had similar situation in July but then he knew and informed me in advance, this time is was bit of surprise. I don’t think he staged it , after all we met quite a few times in last few trips so he should know there's no need for stories and he suggested that I shave 2000 baht ! of his agreed tip for letting him go early. That was fair and I did not make any fuss over it giving him benefit of doubt while seeing glass  half full – finally I get some decent sleep.   

 

[vinapu]

Day 6

 Solitary breakfast at Foodland Patpong generated comment from  one of servers ‘ alone today? “ .

I was about to answer  ‘ none of you f….ng business “ but fortunately Guardian Angel restrained me  and I  said nothing.

Certainly we are much less anonymous on the scene than we wish  for and then we think we are. Not sure it’s good or bad but it’s good to be aware about the fact.

 After breakfast  I joined my friend  for some sightseeing of Sukhumvit area. We visited new mall Em Something at soi 22. I was not impressed but my friend was. I don’t fly that far to wander through the malls , no matter how shiny. But at least I kept him from s Silom area and possible chance meeting of boy loudly asking “ Can I  sleep with you tonight?”.

 Mindful that I expect guest in the afternoon I was thinking how to part our ways but fate was on my side, friend ate something unfriendly  for breakfast and decided  to retire to his room to cure both diarrhea and jet lag and I went to hotel  on my way stopped at KFC of all places because N , my guest  loves  their stuff so I bought big bucket and as soon as I got it message on Line arrived with N asking to buy some KFC stuff for him as he is on his way. Perfect timing.

N works nights so arrangements we have is whenever  he feels like seeing me during day

( translation : can use some money ) he tells me day ahead he can come and if I’m free I tell him yes, see you tomorrow . If I have another plans I tell him no, next time . No fuss,  clean and clear arrangement. He is great guy who reads me very well and has only one fault – doesn’t kiss. He is not only one who don’t although his lips are particularly kissable and is shame they are so wasted

 So we had few hours of fun and all started shockingly, yes as soon as we closed door and embraced he planted sophisticated and long lasting  kiss on me. I almost fainted or may be I did , just don’t remember ? After I got my breath again he told me ‘this is my new year gift to you “ . How not to like such considerate guy ?

 So we had  quite a nice and long, no rush session this  afternoon . No we did not spent all that time eating from that bucket but certainly we tasted a bit. Rest I suggested he can take and treat his friends at work which it turned out was exactly he wanted to ask me. No doubt we understand each other very well. Since his English is good we can always break sinful activities with some sophisticated conversation.

At 19.00 he declared it’s time to say good bye as he doesn’t want to be late at work . asked about my trip plans and promised to see me again before I go home “ but no kiss , I kiss you again next trip “ .

I’m clinging to that promise expectantly as it was truly nice surprise.

 I have somebody else coming tonight so just to make sure I went to Thainya to exchange some money. Normally I do it at XOne but today was Sunday and they are closed . Jewelry shop at end of Thainya on the left coming from Sala Daeng is open daily till late and they have pretty good rates so if readers are in need of money exchange late or on Sunday that is the place to go.. I noticed that on Sundays those booths in the area which are opened have rates quite uncompetitive – market economy in situation when most are closed.

When I returned to hotel I met K , my Taiwan friend  who arrived yesterday and is staying in the same hotel . We exchanged news and upon learning I’m going to Sukhotai after returning from Cambodia he expressed intention of going there as well so I furnished him with info about flight I’m taking and hotel I’m staying there.

 At 22.00 I was supposed to meet A, muscle semi god who seems to have left scene recently. I did not see him in his bar , when asked mamasan  there answer was very vague ‘ we don’t know if he returns and when ’. Nevertheless  Line contact worked and he was free tonight. He changed his hairstyle and was actually him who first spotted me approaching although there’s no chance in hell  I would miss such hunk sitting  / standing  / walking anywhere.

 We went to restaurant to eat something, bill was quite high but blame is on me as I was one to pick up that place. I tried to find out what is his reason for such departure from the scene  but my joking question ‘ do you have boyfriend or girlfriend now ? ‘ was met with but reluctant answer “ I know many people ‘ so I left my curiosity unsatisfied. He looked good and happy so I guess he has it good and I’m happy for him.

 Boyfriend , girlfriend or monk , in the room he was great as always and seemed as happy  as I was so another 6^th overnight meeting this trip was chalked off as ‘outstanding ‘. For tip he asked it should be I thought   but at least he delivered big and in style.

 

 

[ichigo]

3 hours ago, vinapu said:

Normally I do it at XOne but today was Sunday and they are closed

X-One is open on Sundays now, but only until 18:00.

[18past19]

Another great trip report as always!

i am not surprised since it is coming from you. but it was such a pleasant surprise to see multiple posts within a couple of days.  readers used to have to wait for several hours or sometimes a few days between each installment on your previous trips. it must be retirement that made this difference. 

early retirement is my goal!

[Olddaddy]

2 hours ago, 18past19 said:

Another great trip report as always!

i am not surprised since it is coming from you. but it was such a pleasant surprise to see multiple posts within a couple of days.  readers used to have to wait for several hours or sometimes a few days between each installment on your previous trips. it must be retirement that made this difference. 

early retirement is my goal!

Go on work until 70! 

[vinapu]

4 hours ago, 18past19 said:

readers used to have to wait for several hours or sometimes a few days between each installment on your previous trips. it must be retirement that made this difference. 

 

spot on my friend, spot on plus I still  feel a bit jet laggy so have time in times when normally I'd be asleep.

[vinapu]

1 hour ago, Olddaddy said:

Go on work until 70! 

slavery was abolished more than 150 years ago.

On serious note decision to retire  will come naturally based on my experience . I was not planning although I'm well  past retirement age,  then it dawned on me that time is running out  like somebody commented on another forum - longer you save for the future , shorter that future becomes.  

[vinapu]

Day 7 , Bangkok part

 A wanted to go home at 7. Normally I’d be bit upset considering his compensation but today it worked for me as I’m on the move. We went for breakfast to new Foodland in Park Silom, not as crowded as on another day but still very well patronized for that early hour.

Total bill 500 , out of it 83 was my discounted American breakfast. Those muscly semi gods are not company for penny pinching seniors. Then we parted our ways , I returned to hotel and packed since today I’m starting Cambodian part of my trip.  Most of goodies I simply tucked in suitcase and left in the hotel where I’m returning in about 11 days. What I thought I need for Cambodia I packed into travel bag and took with me. Travelling lightly at cost of making daily laundry is how I like  to move around..

 My flight to Phnom Penh was from Swampy so BTS  to Phaya Thai and ARL to Swampy from there.

Lines to immigration and security attested than tourism rebounded big time.

 Flight with Lanmei Airlines was short and uneventful and 1 hour later I landed in Phnom Penh.

 This trip report will be continued in Cambodia section for benefit of those readers who are interested more in that country than Thailand. Then we return  here to continue Thai part , particularly trip to Sukhotai and Kamphaeng Phet.

 this report is continued in Cambodia section at this link :

https://www.gayguides.com/forums/topic/41671-phnom-penh-angkor-koh-ker-and-sambor-prey-kuk-trip-to-cambodia-in-jan-2024/