Comments Posted By Brian
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Glad the fall left you with nothing more than a few bruises, both to your body and ego.
Yeah, it is amazing how we as a society have become addicted to our phones. It is always funny to see a group of people sitting together at a table and all have their noses in the phone, probably texting the people right next to them. (I am as guilty of that as the next person, but I still think it is funny)
» Posted By Brian On 15/December/2022 @ 3:17 am
That really sticks in my crawl
It appears that Secret Bar is so secret that it doesn’t show up on the bar/pub crawl/hop map. LOL Though based on your narrative, pretty good idea of its location.
» Posted By Brian On 12/December/2022 @ 9:20 am
Bummer about John. Hopefully, he is able to get the medical help he needs. What is happening to his restaurant in the interim?
BTW, always enjoy the pics of the beauty that surrounds you. (You can take that however you like. LOL)
» Posted By Brian On 11/December/2022 @ 10:30 am
After reading your post, I was going to reply, and then saw that my reply would have just echoed what Kevin wrote, and he writes a lot better than I can. LOL
So, I second this thoughts, but that will not stop me from adding a few of my own.
Let’s say the shoe was on the other foot, and you knew/liked a young lady who, over X amount of time, you saw/heard/witnessed that she would take different guys home and do whatever happens behind closed doors. Would your opinion of her change? I am not a prude by any stretch of the imagination, but I do realize that there is a societal double standard. A guy who gets it on with many woman is a stud. “Atta boy! Go for it!!” A girl who does the same thing is slut. “She’s cheap! Easy! Definitely not girlfriend material.” :shrugs shoulders
I have lived and worked in many Asian countries (though not the Philippines) and in pretty much every one, unless they are looking for a fuck buddy or getting paid for sex, ladies don’t want to get involved with a married man. The fact that you tell them that she is from Korea and you haven’t had contact in years probably doesn’t mean much to them. The word “married” is what stands out. In addition, I think a lot of the women you meet are somewhat jaded, based on where they work and the clientele they meet. They hear a stories and promises from the foreigners they meet. A lot of those stories and promises turn out to be bullshit, so should not be a big surprise that they will turn to another source for information or confirmation.
When a foreigner starts paying attention to a poor, possibly naive (or jaded, it doesn’t matter), relatively uneducated bar hostess from a third world country, their mind moves to getting out of the bar/marriage/living in Western country/cranking out mixed race babies, etc. That is one area where I think they actually do have a long term vision. If they realize that a relationship will not ultimately lead to that, then they will cut their losses and move on. If they don’t see the possibility of a future with you leading to marriage, etc., then for them, it is a waste of time and they are not getting any younger. In their eyes, I think they will look at any potential baggage you are bringing into the room. And yeah, that marriage bag is a big one. Again, with the shoe on the other foot, Are you okay getting together with a married but separated woman?
I realize that I am generalizing somewhat, but there are some nuggets of truth there.
To repeat what Kevin said – make the self image of how you want to be seen be the reality
» Posted By Brian On 10/December/2022 @ 10:20 am
I am with John on this one. I have always thought of a “berm” as something rather small, while a “levee” seems to be on a larger scale. :shrug
» Posted By Brian On 05/December/2022 @ 2:04 am
Seems like John does not understand the (potential) severity of his situation. I am not a doctor (nor do I play on TV), but coughing up blood is not a sign that something good is happening with your body!!! Agree with Kevin, he needs to get his ass to the hospital.
Realize that healthcare in Barretto may not be the greatest, but if it were me, I would be making the journey to Manila. There has to be a hospital with western equivalent standards there. Have him call the Korean embassy (or US embassy) and see where their diplomats go in Manila.
» Posted By Brian On 02/December/2022 @ 9:50 am
I am not sure that the original quote describes a sociopath, but I also disagree with the original quote. What is the purpose of a relationship? I think people enter into a relationship because it makes them and their life better, or at least they think it will make it better. If the relationship benefit is only a “in the moment” thrill, then why enter into a relationship? Just keep it transactional.
“I think I will enter into a relationship, but really don’t care if it works out or not. I can take it or leave it.” An attitude like a recipe for relationship failure.
Just my 2 pesos.
» Posted By Brian On 01/December/2022 @ 10:08 am
John, any idea of the wholesale price of beer that the bars pay vs. what they charge customers? If you open “The Rite Spot”, you would be able to drink at wholesale prices and the savings alone may pay for the bar. LOL
» Posted By Brian On 30/November/2022 @ 9:58 am
Another random thought. Seems like pretty much every mom and pop type of place (and I think you bar would qualify) is only successful if the owner is ON SITE for most of the working hours.
Would you be willing to make this place your home away from home 80+% of the time?
Could you be a “boss” to the ladies working there rather than a customer?
» Posted By Brian On 30/November/2022 @ 9:50 am
$500USD/month seems pretty reasonable. Are there any under that table payments required to the local boys in blue to ensure you stay open? Insurance (especially if there is a pool)? How reputable/entrenched is the hotel and their management? Fortunately, it seems like you have contacts in the business that can steer you in the right direction.
As long as you are not going to be relying on the bar to fund your retirement and if things go belly up, you won’t be sharing the sidewalk with Mama, you should be okay. In other words, go into it with your eyes wide open.
» Posted By Brian On 29/November/2022 @ 1:15 am
John, you are aware of the bar joke, right?
“Here’s how you make a million running a bar in Barretto. First, start with two million…..”
Yeah, I couldn’t access the video – from the description, probably a good thing. LOL
Life is what you make of it, and you seem to be making the most of what life is giving you. So many people do what they HAVE to do in retirement. You are doing what you WANT to do, so that is definitely a win.
» Posted By Brian On 29/November/2022 @ 12:57 am
Nice looking walk.
Appears that there are a lot of unexplored areas to be found, all for the price of a taxi.
» Posted By Brian On 23/November/2022 @ 1:09 am
You don’t bring me flowers anymore
John, I got a different read from your text exchange. I did not think that she was rejecting you, just not sure of how things were going and where they would lead. Didn’t seem like that door was slammed on you. *shrug
(Of course, you are the boots on the ground, and know her better than I ever will.)
» Posted By Brian On 22/November/2022 @ 12:36 am
Was the guy manning the grill actually from Jamaica? Looks like he enjoys his food! LOL
» Posted By Brian On 21/November/2022 @ 1:29 am
Beautiful wild scenery up in the mountains. Like you, I can see the allure of living up there, but in reality, it would be a real pain in the ass.
Here’s hoping that things smooth over with Earl, or at least you have minimal interaction with him going forward. If he was a drunk as he appeared to be, he may have no memory of the encounter.
@drain snake I have heard that about isolated tribes. They are so used to non-processed foods that it can be a real problem for them if they have processed foods. John – I know you mean well, but wondering if giving kids a bunch of sugar/empty calories when their dental care is probably non-existent is the best route. Maybe something other than cookies would be a better gift?
» Posted By Brian On 20/November/2022 @ 12:51 am
Appears like Hops & Brews has the recipe for success. As long as the food quality and customer service remains good, seems like a place to add to your regular rotation. I guess the downside is that there is not a view over the town if you want to just sit and have a beer? (Though sitting and listening to some acoustic music is a nice way to pass the time)
» Posted By Brian On 19/November/2022 @ 8:35 am
BTW, inadvertently clicked on the “About Me” tab of your blog. Time to update that section. LOL
» Posted By Brian On 14/November/2022 @ 8:03 am
I spent a fairly long assignment in southern India, which is pretty heavily vegetarian, and was pleasantly surprised, how good some of the vegetarian dishes were. Like @Kevin Kim, relatively easy to get by without meat.
Dave seems to be living the life, but I dont think I’ll have any desire to be running a business when I am eighty.
» Posted By Brian On 14/November/2022 @ 8:02 am
Bars of Barretto: Hops & Brews
Definitely seems like a nice place. Here’s to hoping that they are able to keep up the good ambience.
» Posted By Brian On 14/November/2022 @ 7:46 am
So, do you think that the resident expats in PP looked at you as a “two week millionaire”? LOL
» Posted By Brian On 07/November/2022 @ 1:58 pm
I think that ever since Cambodia opened up to foreign tourism, PP has become part of the SE Asia “backpacker trail” (i.e. Bangkok, PP, Bali, etc).
I agree with the surprise in seeing the multigenerational family there. Rarely do I see in BKK, and BKK is a lot more on the tourist map than PP.
Did you give any thought to joining the PP hash for a day?
» Posted By Brian On 06/November/2022 @ 7:16 pm
I realize that you have been dining at the top end of the Cambodian price range, but I will be curious once you finish your trip as to how prices compare there to the PI?
» Posted By Brian On 05/November/2022 @ 6:36 pm
I have had problems with foreign countries accepting “old” US bills, with old meaning either a previous generation or a somewhat used and dirty bill, especially when exchanging money. Rarely do I use USD to pay directly to a merchant.
It is surprising (at least to me) that a pretty significant majority of US bills in circulation are actually in circulation outside of the US. And since counterfeiting is a big deal, I can see the reluctance on the part of a merchant to accept an older style bill. They turn it into the bank, and if it turns out to be fake, they are out $100.
Re: the breathing issue during the “happy ending”. Does this mean that you may retitle your blog to “A Celibate Expat Lives the High Life in the Philippines”?
» Posted By Brian On 05/November/2022 @ 6:28 pm
Wow! A travel story that had only good things so far. Smooth travel to Manila – leaving early from said airport – arrival – first night. (Well, I guess the lack of seating and crowds in the MNL airport left something to be desired, but a relatively minor blip on the over travel).
Lets hope the rest of the trip is as good.
» Posted By Brian On 02/November/2022 @ 2:20 pm
I am guessing that the article you linked and your friend are both correct.
Different locations, different times out, etc.
Your situation is somewhat indicative. You are well known in the area, generally out of the bars by 9 pm or so. If you were a stranger and out at 2-3 am, you may have a different story to tell.
Having never been to Phnom Penh, I will be interested to get your perspective.
» Posted By Brian On 01/November/2022 @ 10:30 am
“…..and I couldn’t help but think about what a hard job it must be to be an entertainer with no one to entertain.”
I have a similar thought if I go into place with live entertainment, and I am one of a few customers or the customers that are there are not paying attention. It makes me think – The Beatles first gigs were probably played in front of an audience like this.
» Posted By Brian On 29/October/2022 @ 3:36 pm
You give the proverbial inch, and they want to increase that to 2 inches, 3 inches, etc over time.
Unfortunately, what starts out as charity and is well received and intended, can morph over time to an expectation rather than charity. Good luck! I think you should give some serious thought to going through your social media feeds and deleting those who are not really friends. You seem to be pretty generous in adding people to your friends list. Are they really “friends” or just some random person who you met once (or maybe) twice and now wants to be social media buddies? You could probably eliminate 90%+ of those people on your lists and never really miss them. Just my 2 pesos.
Good luck with getting all the paperwork sorted for the upcoming Cambodia trip
» Posted By Brian On 27/October/2022 @ 9:26 am
If I knew you were coming I’d have baked a cake
Quite the interesting and eventful day in your small corner of the world. LOL
Some pretty stupid mistakes in the “passport”. In addition, expiry date is one day before issuance date (i.e. issued on 23 August, expiry will be on 22 August). Anyways, I guess that people just want to think that people are good.
I am guessing that the woman who shooed you away from the former amusement part was probably squatting. Weird that someone who could purchase what appears to be a pretty large piece of land would live in relative poverty. But I guess she could be the caretaker or something like that.
Re: the dancers in Sloppy Joes – maybe you should sponsor a dance troupe for the S.O.B contests. I am sure you could come top with a catchy name for the group.
» Posted By Brian On 21/October/2022 @ 7:56 am
Yeah, I agree with Kevin. No need to repeat my thoughts on that in a long post (at least not today. LOL)
Wasn’t there a show a while back that was a version of the Bachelorette? But instead of a straight boy meets girl, the girls thought that they were competing for a millionaire bachelor. Only after he picked a girl, it was revealed that he actually did not have any money.
» Posted By Brian On 17/October/2022 @ 3:23 am
We’ve had just about enough of you!
«« Back To Stats PageIf I may ask, where are you going in Cambodia? Been to almost all SE Asia countries except for Cambodia.
A very subjective article came out naming the 51 coolest neighborhoods in the world and a neighborhood of Siam Reap, Cambodia came in third.
“The area around the Wat Bo pagoda, one of the oldest in Siem Reap, was first developed as tourism gradually descended on Cambodia’s ‘Temple Town’ in the ’90s. But in 2021, a city-wide makeover kickstarted a serious glow-up for Wat Bo Village. Helped out by up its idyllic riverside location, it’s now an incredibly chic quarter. The vicinity of Street 26 and Wat Bo Road has become a favoured haunt for expats frequenting its numerous bars (former Pub Street luminaries Laundry and chinoiserie-themed Miss Wong), experimental Khmer restaurants in scenic settings (Banlle) and elegant design hotels (Viroth’s, Treeline Urban Resort). Stewart on 26 boosts the area’s nightlife rep with DJ nights, while organic-cooking institution Tevy’s Place doubles as a social enterprise empowering local women. Until recently a forgettable residential suburb, Wat Bo now stands unrivalled as the city’s – and arguably Asia’s – most happening area.
The perfect day Take breakfast at boulangerie-pâtisserie Paris Bakery and a morning riverside stroll, before dropping by Oko Gallery’s curated collection of hand-crafted trinkets and Cambodian curios. Head to Snack & Relax’s cooling coffee joint enlivened with koi-carp ponds, before Khmer-Western lunch at expansive, inexpensive River Café. End the afternoon at Footprint’s airy café stacked with books and artwork, then sample the chilled ambience, cocktails and adventurous dishes of Pou Restaurant & Bar at boutique retreat Maison 557.
Plan your trip The Unesco-sponsored Writers and Readers Festival, showcasing local and international authors with workshops, screenings and social soirées, returns in December. The programme is still under wraps, but last year’s festival was largely centred on Wat Bo Village.”
https://www.timeout.com/travel/coolest-neighbourhoods-in-the-world
» Posted By Brian On 13/October/2022 @ 9:45 am