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I've utilized the short-time rooms of five bars so far this trip and have to say that both Sensations and Baby-Boom really need to spend a few hours and baht to spruce up their rooms. I realize that both bars moved to new locations just a few months ago and likely have other priorities at the moment, but as a bar-fine paying customer I expect a little attention to be paid to decor, proper lighting, and mood. The rooms in both Sensations and Baby-Boom are sterile and bright--nothing on the white walls and bright fluorescent lights. Lita Bar has very nice rooms that are clean and decorated tastefully. The rooms at So What Bar are decent too. The girls at La Bamba use their own rooms for short-times and the ones I have been in so far are nice.

My LB regular recently learned me about how to treat a sore sphincter--hers, not mine, of course. If your bum is sore from being rodgered or hemorroids, then simply go to any pharmacy and purchase a twelve-pack of medicinal suppositories for your back passage. They apparently work wonders. Proctosedyl: ointment and suppositories, cinchocaine hydrochloride and hydrocortisone

A few snaps from Anny's birthday party a few days ago.

Sexy gal. She looks better without the makeup, IMHO.

Had a wonderful time New Year's eve with Cioba and all the girls at LaBamba. Jen was in a particularly festive spirit. She spent a good portion of the evening spraying anyone in her vicinity with aerosol string streamers/confetti. She singled out poor Cioba as the pictures below record for posterity. Happy New Year to all the girls and staff at LaBamba.

That's a much better version.

Happy Christmas from the Pogues and Kirsty McColl: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrAwK9juhhY

I take a pass if the attitude is bad. Nothing turns me off more than an entitlement/diva attitude. I took a pass with Nancy of LaBamba because her ego is as big as her tool. I'd rather spend my time and money with an average girl who is nice than with an egotistical diva, no matter how hot/endowed she is. By the way, I did have a splendid time with Ms. View of LaBamba last trip, so this is by no means a criticism of LaBamba Bar--just Nancy.

They look delicious. Meow.

Don't know about the places you mention, sir. Just starting to investigate live music venues now so will let you know. The website I shared is comprehensive; take a look at their listings and you can see almost everything happening music-wise in Cambodia. According to the guy I met the other night, a longtime expat musician/fan from the UK and the bloke who told me about the Leng Pleng website, Sharky's is still going fairly strong and hosting some good music. Will investigate there as well.

For anyone interested in catching some live music whilst traveling through Cambodia, here's an excellent and comprehensive website about Cambodia's music scene: Leng Pleng (Play Music) I have learned from a reliable source that the open mic/jam session at Alley Cat Cafe every Sunday night is great if you are into Jazz, Blues, and Rock. Apparently, some of the best barang and Khmer musicians in Phnom Penh jam together. I plan to investigate this Sunday.

Got this email from the US Embassy Phnom Penh today: U.S. Embassy Phnom Penh, Cambodia Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Possible Demonstrations in Major Cambodian Cities November 16, 2015 The U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh alerts U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to Cambodia of the heightened possibility of political demonstrations near Cambodia’s international airports in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap on the evening of Monday, November 16, and possibly into the following day. Additional caution should be taken throughout Phnom Penh and other Cambodian cities. Press reports indicate the main opposition leader, for whom an arrest warrant has been issued, is scheduled to return to Cambodia late on Monday, November 16. Although recent opposition demonstrations in Cambodia have been largely nonviolent, U.S. citizens are reminded that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and have the potential to escalate into violence without warning. The U.S. Embassy recommends you avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place and exercise caution when in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations and immediately leave any area where there are large gatherings. You should remain alert of local security developments by monitoring local news reports, exercising vigilance regarding your preparedness and personal security, remaining aware of your surroundings, and planning your activities accordingly. Please follow the guidance below to receive the most updated security information from the U.S. Embassy.

A good hotel to consider is Monsoon Boutique Hotel on Street 130 in the heart of the action in the Riverside District. I've stayed there twice within the past two months and overall I was satisfied. Pdoggg suggested I give it a try. It's situated in a very convenient area, within a short walk of most of the bars, good restaurants, and convenience stores. The Good: Staff speak good enough English, and are quite professional and courteous. I got no pressure for tips and they were very grateful when I did tip. It's very guest friendly. I had no problems. They take guest IDs and call you when they leave. It's safe and secure. There are security cameras everywhere and there are safes in the rooms. Food is decent and room service is very good. The menu is a bit limited though. Rooms are very clean and comfortable. I requested two extra pillows and they were happy to provide them at no charge. Note: the private balcony rooms are a bit smaller than the non-private balcony rooms. I stayed in both the private and non-private balcony rooms and would choose the private balcony room if/when I stay again. But I smoke cancer sticks and want privacy. I didn't stay in the cheaper non-balcony rooms so I can't speak to how good or bad they are. I'd imagine they are very quiet. AirCon worked great in the three different rooms I stayed in. Price is reasonable. Big bathtubs for recreational bathing. Relatively quiet for the location. Noise did not prevent me from sleeping at all and I stayed in the balcony rooms facing Street 130. The Not So Good: There's no elevator and the stairs are a bit on the steep side. I stayed on both the first and second floors. Wi-Fi was just so so. It went down for short periods twice during my stay, and was slow at times, but no major problems. It wouldn't prevent me from staying there again. The shower water pressure could be better, but it was certainly good enough to get the job done. Mattresses are a bit on the firm side, but not horribly uncomfortable. I slept well enough. Another thing to consider about the Monsoon is that there's a massage parlor attached to the hotel where one can get a GG happy massage. I got one non-happy massage during my stay. Interestingly, when I asked the hotel staff to schedule a Swedish massage for me they asked if I wished to choose the masseuse. I declined the offer but the lady who gave me my massage was a lovely Cambodian woman in her thirties who spoke passable English. She tried to entice me into a happy massage by tactfully brushing her hands against my willie (covered with only a towel) when she was massaging my inner thighs. She also told me a few times she thought I was handsome man. The Swedish massage was so so. I'd give it a 7 on a scale of 1 to 10. The price was $10 for 60 minutes.

Rina for me.

Cheers, Gutsy. All of my stops were during the day, and I have not seen any check points after dark.

Thought I'd share my recent experiences with police traffic stops in Chiang Mai. I have been stopped three times on my rented scooter in the last 8 days on the moat road surrounding the old city of Chiang Mai. The police were professional and courteous during two of the stops. All three stops also occurred at strategically placed check points on the moat road, where 6 to 8 officers were waving every driver (Thai and non-Thai) on a scooter or motorcycle over to check licenses. I had to pay a 200 bt fine the first time I was stopped because I did not have my id. I told the police officer I forgot my id, apologized politely, and asked if I could "pay a fine". He agreed and politely explained the legal requirement to carry a driver's license when operating a scooter. He directed me to a table to pay the 200 bt fine. I was given a receipt, with the issuing officer's name on it. The second time I was pulled over, I had photocopies of my passport and international driver permit with me, issued in the US. This particular officer came across as disappointed when I produced my license, like he lost out on a few baht. He did not accept the photocopy at first, saying I needed the actual license. Fortunately, Brother Lung, who lives in Chiang Mai, advised me that I should carry only a photocopy of my driver license/permit because of the danger of having a wayward cop hold it hostage. Brother Lung also advised me to invoke the word "embassy" to respond to police who question a photocopy--"US embassy tell me to carry only photocopy." It worked like a charm, too. The officer somewhat grudgingly handed me back my papers and sent me on my way without a fine. The officer who stopped me the third time was very professional and courteous, but he did say something about the photocopy of my license. I again responded with, "US embassy tell me to carry only photocopy." He handed me back my papers, bowed politely, and sent me on my way. EDIT: Neglected to mention that I was wearing a helmet when stopped. I have read that Thai police will ding you for not wearing a helmet while riding a scooter. Don't know how true this is because every other person I see riding a scooter around Chiang Mai does not wear a helmet.

No kidding. Did you see the American flag bandana she was wearing? Jesus, Mary and Joseph.

That's 0 for 2, Mr. Sam.

Not usually my cup of tea, but I would be Miran's slave boy any day.

It's come up from time to time. I had a conversation with former coworkers last April; I was telling them about my travel plans to SE Asia, and one of them warned me to look out for ladyboys. I told them I had met a few during my trip to LOS last summer. I also explained how they are regarded and treated in Thailand (the third gender concept, etc). Their reactions were typical of straight dudes--confused and revolted. One of them is particularly bigoted and openly expressed his revulsion for a well-known transgender (m2f) woman who works for the same organization at a different job site. I challenged him, asking him how he is harmed because she is transgendered. He said he's harmed just by seeing her around. Made me sick.

I hadn't thought of that.

Samay for me, but there might me the odd night I'd be up for Dada.

Don't know about Vietnam, but I was just in Cambodia for a few weeks and spent some time with ladyboys in public. Based on this limited experience, I did not see any evidence of gross discrimination or ill treatment by Cambodians. People stare but that's about it, as far as I could see.

Ewww!

Neither. Not my cup of tea.