Comments Posted By John McCrarey
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James, my friend here says there are some, but I’ve not seen any in the parts of town I’ve visited other than the riverwalk. PP is a very nice city overall; my only real complaint is that walking the streets feels like a game of frogger.
Manila is the worst city I’ve been to in the world, but even it has some nice sections like Makati and BGC. I checked out Cebu on my first trip to the PI and liked it, then did a return visit several years later, and it was almost a Manila Jr. The problem I had with Davao was the Nazi-like attitude of the authorities. I was a vaper back then and made to feel like a criminal. No thanks! Coincidentally, I met a guy yesterday who lives in Dumaguete City (a place on my list to visit), and he hates it, especially the air pollution. He’s here scouting out a place to live in PP, and he’ll be moving soon.
Upon reflection, maybe I’ve just become a small-town guy. And I really would miss the mountains and beaches if I lived here. The language barrier is another issue for me–imagine a world where the bargirls don’t get my jokes! I was in a shop looking to buy some shorts, and the old woman shopkeeper barely spoke any English. I was ready to buy size 36, and she looked at me and said, “forty,” (I couldn’t find out if the sizes were different than I’m used to or if she was calling me fat, maybe it was both). Since I couldn’t try them on, I left without making a purchase.
As to finding love, no luck there either, although I haven’t been looking. It would be just my luck to meet the love of my life here and then have to leave her behind. That said, I’ve jokingly asked a couple of gals if they wanted to move to the Philippines with me. No takers so far. I do find Cambo gals quite attractive and haven’t seen the obesity that is becoming more prevalent with Filipinas.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 07/November/2022 @ 9:58 am
DS, Hadn’t thought of that–those Khmer Rouge fuckers were heartless. Did a tour of the killing fields on my first trip here and was traumatized by what I saw. Hard to believe human beings could be that cruel.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 06/November/2022 @ 9:33 am
Kev, the Mekong is definitely not clear water. It has a strong current and lots of grass-like green stuff floating downstream. I think the Tonle Sap junction must be where I turned around, there was a bridge that I didn’t cross, and that must have been it.
Yeah, any future with Yaya is down to a couple of days unless she wants to move to the Philippines. Saw her in the bar she works at last night, and she was friendly (I was buying drinks, of course), but I’m pretty sure it’s all business for her. She’s good at her job.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 06/November/2022 @ 9:28 am
Well, that is one someone said on a Thailand base website. My friend who lives here said it was BS. I have not felt threatened or seen anyone who looks dodgy at all during this trip. I’m exercising normal precautions, but I have not found any reason to feel unsafe.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 05/November/2022 @ 7:27 pm
It’s been a little confusing. Everything is priced in dollars, and things seem high to me at first glance–what $9 for a hamburger!? Then I do the math, and a burger might be 400 pesos (or $8.). So, I think some things are a little higher here, but most are priced similarly.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 05/November/2022 @ 7:19 pm
Yeah, I wondered in counterfeiting might be the issue. Actually, I brought those hundreds with me when I retired as an emergency fund, but a lot of the money exchange places in the PI won’t take them either. I guess I’ll just hold on to them and spend them if and when I return to the USA.
Dollars are the main currency here, although your change usually comes in the Cambodian riel. Doing that conversion has been a pain too.
Re: “A Celibate Expat Lives the High Life in the Philippines”?” No, I’m going to wait until I die to become celibate. Of course, that might mean I’ll die sooner than I’d like, but then again, what a way to go!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 05/November/2022 @ 7:25 pm
Kev, yeah, I’m trying to discern the connection, but I’m guessing it has to do with a “burst” in my heart rate as the deed is completed. The message I’m getting from the universe is, “you are going to die someday anyway; is there a better way to go than this?”
The money thing is frustrating. The dollar is the preferred currency, but businesses are very picky about the cash being undamaged. In the case of the 100-dollar bill, most will only accept the new version, and all of mine are old. So, even though they are in good condition, I’m having a difficult time spending them. I haven’t quit trying, though. Last night at Hard Rock Cafe, they didn’t want to take my old Franklin, and I lied and said it’s all I have. The waitress came back and said we’ll take it but reduce it’s value to $90. I figured that was better than nothing and accepted.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 05/November/2022 @ 9:05 am
Dan, I ain’t in no hurry, but when it’s time to go is there a better way than at the hands of a beautiful young woman?
I always enjoy a good Korean meal, and my friend wanted to go there, so I just followed his lead. I’m going to need to find a way to repay his generosity before I leave, that’s for sure.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 05/November/2022 @ 8:50 am
QP, nope, no company in the room this trip.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 07/November/2022 @ 1:34 pm
Actually, I’ve known Denny for over 25 years now. First met when we both worked for the Postal Service in South Carolina. Our paths often crossed over the years, and I hired him to work for me in Korea. He retired shortly after I did and moved here to Cambodia. He’s not rich, but he is living large, that’s for sure. He worked hard for than pension!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 05/November/2022 @ 8:55 am
Kev, there doesn’t seem to be much of a tipping culture here, but I’m continuing with my habit of doing so, including the hotel housekeeper. I was actually curious if she would take the dollar I left on the pillow and was glad to see that she did.
I should have said that clock was the best I’ve ever seen. I wonder if they were channeling the Horloge Fleurie when they built it. Imitation is the greatest form of flattery, or so it’s been said.
I was also surprised to see Hard Rock Cafe was still in business. I thought the whole chain was going under when they pulled out of Seoul. I didn’t eat at this location, but the menu photos were impressive. I might stop in again and see if the food is as good as it looks.
Thanks for the insights on different forms of Buddhism; I’m totally clueless, but it seems to be a big part of Cambodian culture. I’ve only seen one temple here so far, and it was impressive in it’s grandeur.
I’ll be writing about the food and the “date” later in today’s post.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 04/November/2022 @ 10:09 am
Dave, don’t tell Jerry, but they have an Alaska here too. The easy fix is just to add Phnom Penh to “Bangkok, Angeles, Subic” on the signage. That’ll teach ’em! The only Wet Spot I’ve seen so far was after my massage. There’s still time, though.
Good luck at the SOB. See you next week!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 04/November/2022 @ 9:45 am
Brian, yes, it was good that my only complaints were trivial. The best part was getting through the immigration process for both countries without a hitch.
I’ll be posting about another good day here soon.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 03/November/2022 @ 10:18 am
Kev, yep, that was a pretty sketchy misspelling on my part.
I think the nap I took on the plane fooled my body clock into thinking I was up early rather than out late. Maybe it’s being in vacation mode, but I didn’t go to bed until 11:00 last night and slept in until 6:00. Or perhaps these “late” hours are going to be my new normal. That one-hour time difference means I’m up even later than the clock shows. We’ll see what happens.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 03/November/2022 @ 10:15 am
Well, Dan, a step-wife ought to be (and do) everything a real wife isn’t willing or able to be. Imagine all the possibilities!
This would be an aptly named country for a voyeur–“I’m gonna cam body ya!” Eh, on second thought, maybe not.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 03/November/2022 @ 10:07 am
Dave, I was glad I could finally put one of those 50% off coupons to work!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 03/November/2022 @ 10:01 am
Yeah, I got rushed (my driver arrived early) and didn’t proofread as semi-poorly as I normally do. Thanks for not being harsh about it! 🙂
I guess we are lucky that the brownouts usually only last hours, not days. And to be fair, there was a named tropical storm passing through that caused lots of damage (McCoy’s on Baloy beach is completely gone, and the floating bar was also destroyed). I’d rent a room (you can actually get them hourly for some unknown reason) to shower than take a sponge bath. It’s things like not being able to flush a toilet that makes life unpleasant.
I had originally considered buying a small generator but was not motivated to follow through. The one at the new place is huge (industrial-sized) so I’ll need to be tutored in its operation.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 02/November/2022 @ 10:30 am
So far, the most I’ve spent is $1.50 for a beer. But I’ve only had two. We’ll see what today might bring!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 02/November/2022 @ 10:20 am
Brian, yep, I’m looking forward to my return visit and hopefully some new stories to tell. Good stories, not the being mugged kind. 🙂
Stay tuned!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 01/November/2022 @ 1:38 pm
Kev, that’s right. It’s not as much about where you are in the world but more about what you’re doing. I sent that link to my friend living in Phnom Penh, and he said it was exaggerated bullshit. He’s been living there for several years and visiting prior to that and says PP was never “edgy” to begin with and he’s not noticed an increase in crime post-COVID. He takes common-sense precautions and has never felt threatened or in danger. I’ll take his word for it.
Actually, the blue house does have a generator, just another plus. I can handle an occasional brownout, even if it lasts several hours. But almost three days this time was almost unbearable. By the way, with no power, I have no water pump. No water pump means no showers or flushing toilets. It’s an f’n nightmare.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 01/November/2022 @ 7:33 am
Dan, thanks for your support. I have every intention of continuing my daily drivel from Cambodia. Unless they break my fingers and steal my laptop…
» Posted By John McCrarey On 01/November/2022 @ 7:24 am
Kev, Ha! Yes, the creepy girl doesn’t miss many meals; whatever it is she might be eating. She just had a look about her that conveyed that putting on the mask was taking off the one that hides her true nature. Or something like that.
Yep, that’s Lydell in the foreground scratching her head with the “WTF?” look on her face. I got a picture of them both together last night that I’ll post later.
Regarding the mamasan, (a) is what I was trying to say. I don’t know much about her, though, so maybe both are true.
I guess, in hindsight, you could have had the police attempt to disperse the crowd, but that may have triggered a similar stampede. For me, the Sewol disaster was the direct result of the Captain’s incompetence, and the only fault of the passengers was in being good little sheep and following orders. I don’t think anyone foresaw their peril in Itaewon until it was too late. I recall walking through those crowds and being annoyed at the inconvenience but never considering the potential for a stampede.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 31/October/2022 @ 7:02 am
Dan. I guess I have a way with words–a bad way! 🙂 What I meant by “my Whiskey Girl girl” was the gal I usually drink with when I’m there, Jen. Definitely not a tranny!
Halloween was never that big a deal to me once I outgrew the trick-or-treating stage. Dressing up as an adult is something I rarely do. In the photo of Eun Oke and me, that was all her doing–she came over with costumes she had purchased and left me no other option. I guess when I was back in the states, the pumpkin carving ritual was my favorite part. I’ll have to read up on the history of the holiday, but it really does seem to be a big deal here. And, of course, you saw the tragic enthusiasm back in Seoul.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 31/October/2022 @ 6:40 am
Well, the last time I wore a suit as a costume was three years ago. Thought maybe that “dressed up for Halloween” line might have renewed itself by now, but no, not when your detail-oriented memory is around. I walked to Wet Spot on the back streets like I always do, and the stares and comments were hilarious (usually, I’m just ignored). Good times indeed!
Yeah, the one-eyed homeless Jack was one of the best (and most realistic) costumes I’ve seen. He really played the part well, too, walking around with his hand out.
Wet Spot and Alaska had great costumes, and both groups did a dance that seemed to tell a story. Wet Spot featured two “normal” girls in pajamas minding their own business at home when they get accosted by the masked monsters. It was pretty impressive; when the videos get posted, I’ll share them.
That exit clearance is basically a check to ensure you have no outstanding wants or warrants pending. Why they make that such a paper-intensive process is beyond me.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 30/October/2022 @ 8:13 am
Ha! I actually thought to myself when I mixed the time styles, “Kevin won’t like that.” As to the why, mostly just laziness. I did the 0800 because it is easier to type, and everyone knows what it means. Using 1600, maybe not so much. But when I saw that using two versions of writing the time looked weird, I couldn’t be bothered to go back and fix it. Of course, I’ve spent much more time and effort on this lame explanation than doing it right would have entailed, so I have been sufficiently chastened and will refrain from that particular faux pas in the future.
There’s really not much here that reminds me of the USA, so I can’t say I’ve had that feeling you describe. Maybe the closest I’ve come is parts of the old Navy base that remind me of Yongsan, which was like a piece of America in the middle of Seoul. That said, places like that cashew grove are so different from what I normally see on my hikes that it feels like I’m a long way from home.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 29/October/2022 @ 7:29 am
Derek, Enjoy your stay at Kokomo’s. I’m friends with Aussie owner Steve and his wife, I’m sure they will take good care of you.
Treasure Island is a nice place to chill. I never go to Barefoot Bar because I refuse to pay 150 pesos for a beer. Another venue you might try is up the beach from Kokomo’s, called Kim’s Place, and is a nice place on the sand to hangout.
As for after 10 p.m. places with cheap beer, I’m never out that late, but you’ll likely need to venture into Barretto to find something to your liking. Sloppy Joe’s (same owner at Treasure Island) is open 24 hours, and the other usual bars are around to quench your thirst. The only way off Baloy is going to be a trike or walking. Jeepneys are available on the highway if needed. There are no taxi stands in Barretto, but from Olongapo (SM Mall) and SBMA (the old Navy base) you can catch a ride into town. You can also get a phone number and try to call one, but I’ve never done that myself.
The floating bars are gone for the season, won’t be back until November. Treasure Island is probably the closet thing to a “swim up” bar, but the Outback Resort in Barretto has a very nice pool bar that is open 24 hours. Your best bet will be just to explore the bars and see what you like. Beers will be around 100 pesos a pop, and if you specify SINGLE lady drink, they are normally 200 or less.
Good luck on your adventure. Give me a holler when you are here and I’ll show you my favorite spots.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 16/June/2025 @ 10:50 am
Yeah, it seems almost disrespectful to the performer to not at least give them your attention. On the other hand, the dancers aren’t very energized when the bar is devoid of customers.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 29/October/2022 @ 3:43 pm
You are quite the observer of photo details. But I’m sure they are both real girls. News of a bakla working in a bar spreads fast, and I’m quite sure if Whiskey Girl had a Whiskey Girl-with-something-extra, I’d have heard about it by now. I didn’t pick up that vibe from her in person, either.
Yeah, I couldn’t find the link you sent me on adding text/graphics to a Google map, so I just made due the best I could. The crazy map I don’t understand–what would make GPS readings go crazy like that?
The bar crawl was one of the surprises; the other was the impromptu journey by bus out to San Marcelino and the longish (for me) 10K walk we did out there. The brownout was scheduled, so that wasn’t really a surprise.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 28/October/2022 @ 4:34 pm
Yes, we had a power outage all day while repairs were made to the transmission lines. Scott and I decided that rather than suffer the inconvenience, we’d catch a bus to San Marcelino and take a hike out there. By the time we got back, I was two hours behind my normal schedule.
I definitely want to go back to Pugon Corner again soon. It’s about a 15-minute walk from the area I normally hang out in, but I reckon it’s worth it.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 28/October/2022 @ 6:38 am
«« Back To Stats PageBrian, yeah, instead of gratitude, you just get expectations for more from a lot of these “friends.” I used to keep my FB friends list at 500, which required doing periodic purges. That got to be a pain in the ass after a while. I don’t accept new friends unless there is some connection, but it’s still hit-and-miss regarding their intentions.
I’m a lot more selective about who I actually give money to these days. That’s why it is so disappointing when they try and take advantage. There are others I never hear from except when they need my “help.” Those are very easy to reject.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 27/October/2022 @ 10:02 am