forrestreid

It’s a mystery to me too…

I am well aware that this is a trend that is conquering the World, alas.

I had this experience in a few places, notably the 1000 Kip notes of Laos. Still and all they irritated me less than the shiny plastic fivers of London that feel as if they are poised to give you a paper cut every time you put your in your pocket.

I must say, I really despise plastic notes — purely because of how they feel in your hand. It always annoys me when I go to the UK and have to handle them - it actually encourages me to use my debit card there instead. It’s also frustrating to know I’ll have to deal with them the next time I go to Thailand, since I tend to be much more cash‑based when I’m there. At least the euros we use in Ireland are still paper notes… though I’ve heard a rumour that the next time they update them, they’ll be plastic as well.😒

Yep, it was broadcast on BBC Two this year. It was also on Irish television - RTE 1 - where I watched it. It’s gone woke itself nowadays - there was a focus on female composers this year. But don’t worry, it still finished with the Blue Danube and the Radetsky March.

For years travellers to Thailand have complained about the dual pricing system at national parks, where at the more popular sites, locals pay 40 baht while international visitors have to pony up 200 baht. Now, according to recent reports, the USA under Trump is set to follow Thailand’s lead by introducing a similar policy. Beginning January 1, 2026, foreign visitors will be charged an extra $100 per person at 11 of the country’s most visited national parks. For example, a US citizen entering Grand Canyon National Park will pay $20 for individual entry, while a Canadian tourist will pay $120 for the same privilege. That’s a much bigger gap than Thailand’s 40 vs. 200 baht difference! Perhaps this new policy will soften the cough from Americans about dual pricing in the Land of Smiles…

Enjoying the Trip report, Jason. their photos really liven it up.

Looks like this is going to be a good report. Love a trip report with a few pictures!

I find reading about prices in Bali confusing because of all the zero's The long-promised redenomination of the rupiah cannot come soon enough: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/indonesia-plans-bill-redenominate-rupiah-currency-2025-11-08/

Well, as I said I never had any problems with a driver despite my practise to put my hands around their waist, but I also kept well away from the crotch area! It not that hard people, unfortunately there are obviously some out there who cannot help themselves...

Holding on to the handles at the back on a motorbike is dangerous. If the bike seriously buckles or bounces, you will be flipped off like an overloaded buckeroo (for those of you who remember the playing the thing in the 80’s). however, I noticed that’s how a lot of straight men hold on when a passenger on motorbikes. I suppose they feel it’s unmanly to do anything else. However, as a gay man, it safety first, and when I am on a bike taxi I put my two arms around the chest of the driver and cling on like a baby chimpanzee. So far I have not had any driver object. So guys, be safe, be gay, let the straights get the head injuries while you hold on tight….

I have never been to Paris, but I aware there is a famous gay bar with a shower show called Le Raidd Bar. It is situated in Rue du Temple, in the gay Marais district. It has been on my list as a place to go when an I next go to Paris, but for various reasons I haven’t been for a while. Normally, I wouldn’t comment in a place I hadn’t been, but one weakness in this board is that people seem to be very unlikely to recommend bars (particularly in Europe) with sexy shows or with strippers, so therefore I thought I would throw in my tuppence on this occasion. If you visit Paris and visit the bar, please do report back.

It was probably just that he didn;t go into that Soi. He said about the map that: Please understand that I am primarily making this map to support the blog articles here, showing where the mentioned places are. I am not trying to create an exhaustive map of all places of interest for any and all gay men out there (I don’t have the time). I also adopt the principle that if I have not visited a place, or at least seen the front of it, I won’t include it – it’s my way of verification.

I see that Shamelesmack (or Macaroni as he is known on this Forum) is back posting on his blog, and he has put up an updated set of maps of the Silom Area on his blog. Always handy to consult before you travel, he has a subtle colour coding for the massage places that is particularly useful. Map of Silom-Surawong area, October 2025 – ShamelessMack2