It’s The Bachelorette- Siem Reap edition!
So how does one do their own version of The Bachelorette when there is pretty much a shortage of men to date? Well, fortunately for me, it was high season in Siem Reap. High season= tourists! It can also sometimes mean an influx of expats who move here for the “cool-dry” season. As luck would have it, and unbeknownst to them, I was able to find myself four participants! Yes, four! Honestly, I have no idea how the fuck it all fell into place but, somehow I managed to go on ten dates in ten days, with these four Bachelors! So let’s meet them!
*Just a little FYI, any age with the number forty in it has been censored as I realize some people, myself included, find the “f-word” offensive.*
- Bachelor #1 “Derek”- F*&@% four year old Canadian and is a Digital Nomad. He frequently vacationed in Siem Reap over the last few years.
- Bachelor #2 “Josh”- F*&@% two year old Australian who had just moved to Siem Reap for work.
- Bachelor #3 “Paul”- F*&@% three year old American holidaying in Siem Reap. He currently lives in Norway with his ten year old son.
- Bachelor #4 “Steve”- F*&@% one year old American vacationing in Siem Reap but, looking to stay as he is also a Digital Nomad.
Okay, I know what you’re thinking — “This age range isn’t her norm, so what’s going on?” Well, on the advice of a gf, and after last year dating a “thirty-two going on twenty-two year old idiot!”, I was really trying to give older guys, instead of guys younger than me, a chance. Plus, these bachelors made ideal participants.
Now, I’m sure you’ve already started betting on the front runners, but let’s just see how these dates turned out, and if there ends up being any “fantasy over-night dates?” —
Derek- Date #1- Friday– Picture ”speak-easy” style cocktail bar, great banter, and laughs. Instant chemistry! Deciding to change locations after a few drinks, we then hit up my “local”. A few hours later, we had a small kiss, but ended our night there…
Josh- Date #1– Saturday– We met at a cafe, which was a nice change to meet outside of a bar setting. We chatted for about 1.5 hours, unfortunately, there wasn’t really any chemistry.
Paul- Date #1–Part 1– Sunday– We had connected a month prior on Tinder, and as the only “Bachelor” actually a tourist, I offered to meet him at the airport. Mani-Pedi complete and summer dress on, I was ready for whatever the afternoon brought. He, however, had had a long flight from Norway and was jet-legged, so this part of our first date ended with me dropping him to his hotel. A few hours later he invited me to his hotel-rooftop for dinner and sunset cocktails…
Paul- Date 1 #-Part 2– Sunday- The next part of our date began with rooftop cocktails at his 5 star hotel while we watched the sunset. Dinner there didn’t look too appealing, so we headed into town for a bit of siteseeing. After, we grabbed some Mexican for dinner, and then he headed back to his hotel, yes alone, wrecked from jetlag…
Paul- Date #2– Monday– We met in town after he finished watching the Superbowl. Our date began by trying to find a mobile screen repair shop, as his got smashed during the excitement of his team winning! While it was getting fixed, we grabbed some brunch. After, he headed back to his hotel as he had work he needed to do…
Paul- Date #3– Monday– This date began with exclusive rooftop cocktails, just as the sun had set. A few drinks later, we decided to forego dinner, and get “couple” massages instead. It wouldn’t be representative of The Bachelorette if we didn’t get “naked together” by the 3rd date. Then after, me accidentally showering in front of him too tipsy from cocktails to realize there was no privacy screen! Not that I actually gave a shit, but I seemed to be doing it all backwards when we hadn’t even kissed yet. — In the end, there was no kissing, and we went home separately, again…
Derek- Date #2– Tuesday– I had another day off work, as it was a public holiday, so headed to the pool for some R&R and lunch. Remembering Derek was staying very nearby, I messaged to see if he would like to join, and 30 minutes later he was there! We enjoyed chatting over lunch and a swim but, an hour later, he had to get back to work…
Paul- Date #4– Tuesday– Having changed hotels to be in town, we were able to walk along the river at sunset to a nearby restaurant so he could finally try some local cuisine. After dinner, we went back to the rooftop bar from the previous night, again with the place to ourselves. Privacy and exclusivity have it’s perks, but the gentleman he was, he didn’t make a play. Now, that’s not to say there wasn’t an amazing connection, chemistry, and intelligent, engaging conversation. It seems, after everything, that some things are just worth waiting for —
**Thursday– I had a date with what I thought might be Bachelor #4, but it turned out to be his last night in town, so I didn’t count him. **
Derek- Date #3– Friday– On this date, I got to meet his best friend. No pressure! Luckily I’d been at a free-flow wine event, so I was feeling very relaxed, but admittedly a wee bit drunk! I met them at a cocktail bar, and we had a great time chatting and getting to know each other better. Later, Derek and I headed to my “local” again, and stayed til closing time. As we said goodnight, we finally had a proper full-on kiss!! He was off to Thailand in the morning for two weeks, but if that kiss was any indication, we were definitely going to be seeing each other again! —
Steve- Date #1– Sunday– We met at a vegan food fest, as we were both vegetarians. We tried some different things and even won a couple sweet prizes in the raffle. We didn’t end up having a great connection though, but I was willing to give him one more chance…
Holy shit! Are you as exhausted reading that as I felt after my ten dates??!! Also, I know it’s hard to believe, and may even be disappointing for some of you, but as you may have noticed above, there were not any “fantasy over-night” dates to be had! It was actually very refreshing to go on dates with guys who were respectful, and who didn’t expect sex at the end of the night.
Well, that wraps up my ten dates in ten days with four guys (well five guys, eleven dates- technically). The Bachellorette- Siem Reap edition doesn’t end there though! At this point, two of the Bachelors have left town, but two still remain! It should also be noted, that of the two that have left town, I’m still in contact with one frequently —
Will one of them be my Mr. Right? Check out the follow-up post Being the “Bachelorette”- Part 2 to find out!
Are You My Mr. Right? 