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First, thanks to Michael for giving me a call saying he would like to see some of the changes going on in Patpong now that Twilight is closing down. We usually meet up at Maxi’s and then head off. The meeting up point now being changed to ...... need a new Maxi’s. I’ve met up with a couple other forum members at Banana Boys Bar on Soi 4. It works ok . Hot Male is still open in Twilight so we decided to meet there and then walk over to Patpong. Arranging the bar hopping was quite simple. I know Michael would prefer to skip shows. Schedule works great for those of you wanting to ship shows.. FreshBoys 2. Show at 10. LuckyBoys show at 10:30. Screwboys show at 11. We went to FreshBoys at 9:30-10. LuckyBoys 10-10:30. Screwboys 10:30-11. Time to have drink , meet some boys, have some fun. Leaving Screwboys at 11 gives you an hour to go back to a favorite bar before the midnight shows start, or just take the boys you have accumulated home with you. Michael was surprised that all the new places were just steps from each other. Hot Male will be opening soon and next to FreshBoys Within 2 minutes you can be at all these new Patpong clubs. We didn’t plan on going to Dreamboys, but standing out front talking to some friends for a few minutes, it appeared to be full with customers and several shirtless boys were wandering around out front. More places should have shirtless boys out front than old Mamasans luring us in. To me these places have been somewhat show dependent. During Songkran weeks, places were overflowing with customers. Now for last couple of weeks, 15 minutes before show time very few customers and as show starts, customers arrive. Show ends and many leave . Many here on the forum don’t like the shows, but they do draw in customers. Thanks Michael and another forum member we met up with in Screwboys. It was a fun Saturday night.

I counted 60 boys. But, the mamasan said 80. There was a full stage of guys with a ton of variety. That is the bar I chose a guy from and had a lovely time with him. PaulSF will have to give you more details as he planned the night for me and we hit 4 places. The goal for him was for me to see the bars but miss the shows as I don't really care for them and he planned things perfectly. I think the drinks were 350 baht per drink. The bars were not packed but plenty of customers in each. LuckyBoys is huge. Screwboys is the same makeup as before and nothing changed. I was able to meet another poster from this lovely board last night that I have wanted to meet. All in all, it was an excellent night. I am not often into the bar scene as I like massages and the like. But, I was very happy to see that the scene is still fun, enjoyable and lots to choose from.

I have been worried since Soi Twilight closed as so many have said the area was gloom and doom and the gogo scene in Bangkok was dead. I have no idea where these ideas came from. The scene is just as active and vibrant as before. The venues have changed. The beer bars are gone but the bars and the gogo scene is great. I was in three bars tonight on Patpong 1: FreshBoys, LuckyBoys, and Screwboys. All three were excellent. All had a plethora of sexy guys to choose from and the boys were just as plentiful as before. In fact, I think the bars have been upgraded as I certainly did enjoy the new seats, new looks, and lighting. Do not listen to the naysayers. It may take some time to walk around and see everything. But, the gay scene and the gay gogo bars are great in gay Thailand and Bangkok's scene is fun and active.

I hate (sort of) being a broken record, but don't forget "Chill Out Boy" on Patpong 1. It's been open a few months now. Patpong 1 won't have the fun views of any of the Soi T places, but Chill Out is pretty nice and gay. give it some time and support and who knows? Chill Out

sometimes it goes to extreme, I recall night at Tawan , bar packed for the show with 1-2 chairs left and stampede out after last accords of music me alone with all that big men , not that I complain

The demise of Twilight was indeed the end of an era but the makeover of Patpong 2 is the beginning of a new one. What has taken place in less than few months is remarkable by any measure. From Surawong to Foodland, there seems to be something for everyone. And if you can't find it there, you surely will at Moonlight or Soi 4. Or at the dozens of massage shops within 10 minutes walking distance. My next trip can't some soon enough. A friend sent me this photo (looking toward Silom). The signs say it all.

DBP was pretty full Friday night when I was there. The mamasan mentioned to me that a new Dreamboys will be opening next door in coming months. Not sure where looking around myself.

I agree! And, if I had been alone, I would have been lured in. But, then I would have missed a sexy lad from LuckyBoys. So, I am glad we stuck to the schedule. I did like the vibe of the new Soi and look forward to seeing other areas in the future. I was also pleasantly surprised at how nice the new places were. The owners have put time, money and thought behind the new places. (except the old mamasans who have the waiters ask you for a drink) I guess some things never change.

I went there tonight.. there were many good looking hunks, half naked, at the entrance.. I asked the door man if they still had that camera, he didn't seem to understand me. so he said "go and take a look". I stepped inside the door.. and saw something that looked like a CCTV facing towards the entrance door. I ran away and never looked back.. went to Fresh boys instead.

A quick learner, I just used one of the techniques I learned here towards that mamasan at Fresh Boys 2 tonight. She kept asking me "which number?", I said "you're the best! and I just want you." Then she left me alone.

There is a very comprehensive, informative, creative, and extremely recent thread on this same board, initiated by @Latbear4blk Its title is Ciudad de México, CD MEX, April 13-19. You will find LOTS of very useful information there. Good luck, @germark01

I have cure for that too - start molesting her, placing your hand strategically usually removes her and her attention right away. But I'd add D. category - some mamasan seems attractive and witty and are offing potential, the same with doormen, I still have some hots for HotMale bandanna barker

AS, don't be an ASS. You know perfectly well RA1 means he perfers that judges stop acting like Hassidic Kabbalahists on hashish conjuring truly insane meanings from the text of the Constitution. Take abortion just for instance. I know you think it's in the Constitution somehow but put the 14th Amendment under an electron microscope and you will still spend the rest of your life looking. The path of absolutely essential precedents runs through protecting the privacy of rich folks from the then new technology of easy, portable camaras through keeping advertisers from using the likeness of Hollywood types w/o paying for it first. Honestly, Three Stooges movies have more sensible plot lines. RA1, oddly enough I have yet to discover a conservative originalist legal scholar who does not whole heartedly endorse the whacky judge made law the gives Corporations the near full fledged status and rights of a flesh and blood American citizen. That one tracks back to an erroneous note by a private commercial editor attached to a private edition of Supreme Court opinions. And yes LOL,, ir'that pesky 14th Amendment again. In the end neither the liberals nor the consevatives have demonstrated much integrity in this interpetation business. In the end it's all in whose ox is getting gored. --------- RA1, no I wasn't talking about how legal types go about interpeting the Constitution. I was talking about the expectations folks running the government have of each other when they go about the business of running the country. And the expectations of ordinary folks about what constitutes legitimate action by government types when dealing with them and their families, friends, neighbors. Again, just for instance, consider that currently an office holder losing an election can reasonably expect lucrative employment in the lobbying industry or, at the very worst, a return to whatever he was doing before he ran for office. Mow consider the results on changing those expectations to being stripped of all his wealth, prison and quite possibly death for himself and maybe his family members. Think Kazakhstan. Quite honestly, I'm a little worried that the Kazakhstan alternative may (quite reasonably) be in Trump's mind when it comes to the 2020 election. And Trump aint exactly the type to go quietly into that good night. ------- Oh, and no elections are not an "absolute restraint." They only work in conjusnction with all those other formal and informal restrainsts. Russia actually has a fairly reasonable constitution and runs elections regularly. It's just that shit tends to happen to folks who complain too loudly about the kleptocracy that runs the place.

I can split the mamasans to the 3 main categories : A. The sluggish - doesn't care neither making eye contact and just strolling around usellesly. B. The pushy - Will set next to you push you take boys and buy drinks. C. The polite - very nice chatting with, helpful and informative even you didn't off anyone or bought drinks .

Thanks so much for the update with such great news and optimism. So nice to read after all the concern many have voiced. It would be great if PaulSF might chime in with details. I would love to know a precise program to follow to hit several bars and avoid all the shows. The shows don't interest me in the least and I try to time things, but I think PaulSF has it down to an art ! My system is really hit or miss.

I've been there 3 times. Last time was a year and a half ago. Compared to other options, it's a dirty one. If cleaning is not a big issue for you, then you might enjoy it. It has a great location and if you come at the right time it will have a nice young local crowd. It does have the rep of being a bit Asian to Asian sauna which in your case is not a problem. But also for me, a white guy, that place was fun. Dirty, but fun. In my opinion, if you have some patience for a long taxi drive, Chakran, which I attended last night is WAY better in terms of crowd and cleanliness. It is also a more Asian to Asian sauna.

As reported in a prior post in this Forum, after having come within an inch of death, a generous benefactor took over The Rio Times earlier this month. The new owner of the online site, Matthias Camenzind, promised to provide more reporting within Rio de Janeiro and to expand coverage to other cities in Brazil. I was dubious that he would follow through but already there is a significant change in the online newspaper's content. Just in the past two weeks alone, I have noted many more stories about life in Rio de Janeiro, including politics, travel, crime, the economy, shopping, dining, and other subjects of interest to guys on this Forum who travel there. As an example, The Rio Times did cover the story this week, addressed in another post on this Forum, about President Jair Bolsonaro not wanting Brazil to become a "gay tourist paradise". Importantly, new owner Camenzind has, as he promised, expanded coverage to other parts of Brazil, in particular to São Paulo. Whereas the nightlife entertainment column in the past dealt solely with things to do in Rio, the Rio Times each day now includes a nightlife suggestion column for São Paulo. Although one commentator in the previous BoyToy Latin American thread suggested that we all should study Portuguese and read the articles published in online Brazilian news sources, it's not really practical to expect everyone to get a good reading command of Portuguese. Even if you do read Portuguese (and I do), sometimes nuances in meaning aren't readily appreciated. The Rio TImes does a good job of publishing online stories that are clear to understand. I urge everyone with an interest in Brazil to subscribe with the hope that The Rio Times may continue with our support along its current, much improved journalistic path. Here is a link to the "Premium Access" subscription page: https://riotimesonline.com/premium-access/

Thank you everyone.. without your guidance and info I obtained here, I would have never learned the new tricks.. as a late bloomer with this biggest fear of missing out (as in spoon's words), I am kinda restless and reckless. It was very hot here today.. so when I got back to my room from lunch outside, it was around noon and I was drenched in sweat. I tried to take a quick nap but the renovation work here at Raya made it completely impossible... so I got up and met with one of my ex classmates who is now working here in BKK for dinner.. While I was thinking to avoid Saturday night crowds at the clubs, mamasan from Moonlight lined me, and then called me.. so I decided to go there again.. it was already 11:45 pm by the time I got there.. there were not many boys left.. seems like many of them have already been offed. Similarly, there were only a few customers there. I was thinking to watch their midnight show, but I blamed it to that very persistent Mamasan, and after saying no to many of her suggestions, I decided to off one of their models while awaiting for my appointment with BB .. (as a side note, BB was off today).. after I paid the model's off fee to the club, I was thinking to wait for him till he finished the show, but they said if the model has a customer, he is exempted from the show.. so we left right after I paid the bill. he as a straight guy couldn't do much in the bed, but he was super nice and very friendly.. put up a private shower show for me, asked me if I wanted to take shower together.. I declined since I just finished my longgg shower just a few minutes prior.. my experience with moonlight's second model was way far better than the first one.. he left with a smile (or at least that's what I thought) and I remained with a smile in my room.. it's already 3:30 am here now.. id better be in the lala land already.

It sounds like your trip is off to a good start. Continue to have fun and thank you for sharing your experience. I do hope forum members' views on prices don't become a shadow/unintended travel companions for you. Have fun. It's even possible to write reports without detailing every cost. But of course that's up to you. Outcalls from shops are certainly more expensive, but also more convenient, and at least the price includes tip. 3,500-4,000 isn't surprising at all for one of the places far out from Silom. Personally. I'm a bit surprised Sanctuary Spa even did an outcall. I doubt they do many and the shop probably just quoted as big a number as he could think of. Your money. Spend it as you wish. Some people spend as much on drinks or guys from Moonlight or Jupiter, and that's ok. If your masseur from DM Spa gave you his Line ID then feel free to contact him directly. Many of the guys there work at other shops as well, so it's not like their "exclusive." I wouldn't worry about it.

I arrived in Phuket on Friday and immigration was a breeze. The luggage was already on the belt when i got to baggage claim and i was out of the airport lickety-split. The bar scene is a bit smaller than last year. My Way and Zag show bar have merged and the broke down the walls separating them. I don't know if they still offer gogo guys to off. Last night they put on a show outside with all the tables and chairs surrounding a small stage where drag queens performed and hot guys flexed and posed. The show moved inside and it seemed to be more drag performances and guys dancing so I left there and went to tangmo bar. Tangmo bar had about 7 or 8 guys on stage a few maybe 2 were masculine and the rest were Twink or slightly feminine. Beer prices at zag my way bar was 150 baht and beer at Tangmo was 250 baht. I don't plan to go back to Tangmo but I will give zag one more look to be sure we are not doing go go anymore.

Hey guys. New here. The Site recommended doing an intro. I live in SoCal. Enjoy chatting and sharing opinions. Pete

Why not Lucky Boys? Its only next 2 DB Paradiso. Anyway, its ur choice.

The last two early mornings my blood sugar has been under 100 - in the 90s. First time I can remember. I try to control my diet here. I don't eat bread rolls, French toast, bread etc.. No desserts. Etc..

Omg, I didn't know that there are mamasans who molests customers, I'm sooo afraid!!! Haa haa...anyway my advice to Asn is get the Line acct of the boys, NOT the mamasans!!!

That's great news!!! Yup, yup...there are reports of a bigger and better venue of Dreamboys...all we need 2 do now is wait, hopefully its ready on my next trip...

Being a TSA employee has got to be tough. It's high-stress and nobody wants the delay. I'm not surprised by the little abuses I see when I travel, gratuitous acts of rudeness that would cause customer service incidents in a private business. It seems like we're all hardened to the mutual unpleasantness, and some of the passengers deliberately taunt TSA agents. I have a little game I play when I'm in a long line. If there's a hot agent I make sure he sees me checking him out. Once at PHX I got my wish: a sturdy latino led me aside for a very thorough pat down. I really wanted to touch his sexy webbed belt, but I held out my hands as instructed. He took his time and we both smiled. Sometimes a bit of the naughty takes the edge off a hard day at work.

I am not a legal scholar but I do not agree that corporations should have "citizenship" rights. I agree the constitution has nary a mention of abortion but I do think women should have control of their bodies. I can only hope whatever decisions are made are informed. I am not happy with Congress critters and other government ne'er do wells running to lucrative lobbying jobs after hitting a bump in the road. Mr. David Crockett had the right idea when he opined that Congress should be in session for a few weeks and then the members should go home and look after their "real" employment and families. As far as literal interpretation, I suppose one could spend time considering what "the" means. Best regards, RA1

Details and pricing of Sauna Mania here: https://christianpfc.blogspot.com/2019/04/gay-activities-mar-2019.html

This is the exact position I have taken regarding medicine as a whole. My doctor prescribed me 50 mg of a high blood pressure drug, I started researching this particular drug as soon as I got home and one of the sites I trust cited a study that 10 mg of this medicine is the optimal dose. I therefore quartered the tiny pill and took approximately 12 mg and it worked for me. Seems a dangerous step for most ailments, but I have been doing this for the last four years without telling my doctor. For T2 diabetes in particular, a safe stance to take is to view it as effectively carbohydrates intolerance, so avoid ingesting carbohydrates. To reverse your T2 diabetes, watch Dr. Jason Fung's clips on Youtube. He is a kidney specialist disgusted by the kidney failures he had to deal with in people on long term diabetes medication.

vinapu...I look forward to seeing what you think when you are able to visit Paradiso in person. This mamasan might enjoy it too much!!!

We just need a beer bar or just one bar in Patpong to take the place of Maxis and be a meeting point etc. I tried a couple of the existing ones, particularly the one opposite Dreamboys P, but it’s not the same and I got tired of being harassed by the old ladies that frequently these places. I just wanted to be left alone to see what was going on !

From BY Times (26 Apr.) Michael Fesco, whose trendsetting clubs on Fire Island and later in Manhattan gave gay men a place to gather, dance and explore sexually at a time when homosexuality was largely unwelcome in mainstream society, died on April 11 in Palm Springs, Calif. He was 84. His friend Tony Powell, who worked for Mr. Fesco on Sea Tea, a gay party cruise around Manhattan that he began organizing in the 1990s, confirmed the death. Mr. Fesco gave a jolt of energy to the gay scene in 1970, when he opened the Ice Palace in Cherry Grove, a gay community on Fire Island. He had recently visited the Sanctuary, a discothèque on West 43rd Street in Manhattan with a largely gay male clientele. “I said, ‘I’ve just got to do something like this!’ ” Mr. Fesco said in an interview for “Love Saves the Day: A History of American Dance Music Culture, 1970-1979,” a 2003 book by Tim Lawrence. “I sat there in the rafters mesmerized by the people on the dance floor.” Mr. Fesco borrowed the name Ice Palace from an F. Scott Fitzgerald story. “It was always so damn hot in there that I thought a nice, cool name would be psychologically appreciated,” he said. For several years the Ice Palace did booming business. But competition from a nearby establishment, the Sandpiper, made 1973 a rough year for Mr. Fesco, and he began turning his attention to Manhattan; management of the Ice Palace, which is still a popular gathering spot, passed to others. In December 1974 he opened Flamingo in a 10,000-square-foot space in SoHo. Flamingo was a membership club: Purchasing a membership card (the initial price was $35 — about $190 today — though a black market is said to have developed) entitled you to enter and bring a guest. Mr. Fesco employed various theme nights — a “black party,” where everyone would dress in black, a “white party,” where that was the color of the evening, and so on. More important was what was coming out of the speakers. “It was his use of music that set the club apart from the competition,” Get Out! Magazine wrote in 2012. “Flamingo was a Cathedral of Sound and the D.J. led the parishioners through nighttime services.” Flamingo dominated the scene for seven years, until the Saint, an even bigger and flashier club, opened in the East Village. Continues with photos https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/26/obituaries/michael-fesco-dead.htm

in cases of overbearing mamasans I usually say I like girls better, they don't believe it but seem to get message right away and faces are saved

Welcome, ST with Charlee is only standard rate but u can add if you are satisfied...enjoy!!!

A very accurate assessment. I am fortunate that I’ve mainly encountered “C” mamasans...because I don’t bother to engage the first two types. Also I do bribe mamasans a little bit...I will buy them a drink and offer them a tip if I feel this will make them back off and stop acting pushy. On a side note, DB Paradiso has a really horrific ladyboy mamasan...the type that will sit with you and molest you if you let her!

This mamasan sounds predatory which is disappointing to hear about Moonlight. I remember seeing her during my trip but I was assigned an older man who, while keen to sell and probably well aware that I was new to the scene, was not pushy at all. I think Drim’s advice is sound, go visit other bars and stop taking calls from that mamasan. If the old Dreamboys still existed I’d say go there because the mamasan was very polite. Alas, it’s gone. Maybe go for a stroll down to ‘New Twilight’ and see Freshboys?

I like to hear that, past was great but present is always greater for that very reason that is present

nothing wrong with being friendly with mamasans but remember that on vacations its' you who is supposed to set agenda , good thing that encounter with model went well

That is his appeal to me too, you can’t tell at all he is a gogo boy. Outside walking around Surawong he looks like just another tourist from Japan or China, not even local. For this mamasan, I would quickly establish boundaries and give a firm No if you don’t like her suggestions or just ask to sit by yourself and observe without her company. There are plenty of solo visitors to the bars and many of them decline a mamasan’s company. You can call a mamasan over to help you engage a boy but that is not an open invitation to be at your side all evening. Also don’t offer a drink, that is a sure way to get the message across.

I am trying to guess which model since only a few were working yesterday, and hoping it is Mr Smart Agree with Drim you should do what you want and not feel pressured by mamasan. Your mamasan sounds quite pushy! Even keeping in mind they have to do their job and make “sales”

I have been so curious to go check out Mr Perfect guy but their camera thingy scared me out. I really wish they are reading our forum or at least someone gives them a feedback on it. I am not gonna go unless they learn how to value their customers' privacy and discretion.

Interesting comments. The absolute restraints are elections. However, even these require the participation and agreement of the candidates. There was talk with Clinton, Bush II and Obama that they would not leave of their own accord. Apparently they all did. In other cases there is a refusal to concede when the vote is overwhelming. What you suggest as customs, habits, traditions, etc. is actually the difference between so called liberal and conservative interpretations of the constitution. I lean toward a literal interpretation although I certainly agree we no longer have slaves, women have the right to vote, etc. I object to judicial attempts to change the constitution. Plenty of room for disagreement and discussion here. Best regards, RA1

I met the manager of a-bomb (Pat) out and about over Songkran He says they have a new Japanese owner and plan to re-open around mid may, currently work is ongoing to remodel the bar (lower the stage, new toilet, new tiling etc)

I don’t know. I think honest fighting is OK, and even productive.

I saw this place on my way to and back from Foodland this afternoon... I was thinking of giving a visit this evening or tomorrow, but that camera thingy is scaring me out

The Mueller report reads like an impeachment referral https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2019/04/18/mueller-report-reads-like-an-impeachment-referral/?utm_term=.aca0085f20e1

I told my friends about the DB live stream. They watched the videos and realized they were captured on camera!!! Luckily it wasn’t very clear and mostly rear view but one of my friends was clearly shown walking to the exit and back again. They had zero idea there were cameras in the bar. And the night after I was there myself, they were filming from the toilet area so all the customers were shown face on while the boys had their backs to the camera. We all agree....never again!!

I visited my friend at Linly Massage, he is showing his younger brother's the job and today is their first night touting for customers after only being in Phuket for a couple of days after leaving Issan. The guys, 3 brothers are all handsome and shy at the moment. If they are hung like their brother they will be stars in Phuket.

Yesterday, the decision was going to the Museo Nacional de Arqueología. Before continuing reading, there is not going to be any sex stories in this post, you can skip it if that is want we are looking for. We started the day with a 25' walk up to the Castillo de Chapultepec. It is in the middle of the homonym park, a beautiful green oasis in the middle of the city. We took the Paseo de la Reforma to enjoy the arquiterrures and views. The castle is a reminiscence of pre-revolutionary Mexico, when they were still trying to be European-like. The place looks just like a thousand of European-like palaces around the globe, not interesting at all to me. But the views of the city are astonishingly beautiful. Unfortunately, the level the pollution in the air is quite high, up to the point that the sky is not fully blue, and you cannot see the beautiful mountains ranks in the background. We did not stay long, and walked down to cross the park, pass by a nice lake with boats very popular amongst the locals. There are street vendors everywhere, quite loud to my taste, but very respectful. I like that when you say “no, gracias”, they do not insist as it is my experience in other cultures. The Museo Nacional de Arqueología is a very modern and functional construction. Visiting it was an overwhelming educational experience, adding to our previous visit to Teotihuacán. We spent almost 4 hours there and all we could check was the first level, rushing through the last rooms, and a flash walk in one section of the second level. The 1st floor is where all the archeological displays are located, which is what my priority was, the second level is about anthropological displays, not one of my priorities. The experience just added to my respect and admiration for Mexican social sciences and for the way they have integrated precolombian history to their identity, as I mentioned in another post. Reading the quotations in the walls of the building brought me near to tears. I know, I am a cheesy emotional bitch. Right in the front of entrance lobby there is an excerpt that reads something like: “The Mexican People raises this monument to honor the admirable cultures that flourished during Precolombian times in the regions that are now territory belonging to the Republic. Facing those cultures’ testimonies, the Mexico of today renders homage to the indigenous Mexico, in whose example recognizes essential characteristics of its national originality” (Adolfo Perez Mateos, President of the Republic). Such a recognition brings me to tears again when I am writing this post. I wish all the nations of the new continent were able to integrate their role history the same way. Throughout the museum there are more quotations sculpted in the walls, sometimes beautiful poetry, or moral maxims, or excerpts from the Popol Vuh and other ancient texts. The way he museum is built and their displays design is just another example of how forward looking and superior Mexican social sciences are compare to most other national academies. I tried to document that in some of the pictures, but you have to be there to actually appreciate the talent behind this unique place. IMG_2758.MOV IMG_2757.MOV IMG_2754.MOV After about 4 hours we were exhausted and stopped in the restaurant of the Museum. A fancy but very nice, relaxed, and friendly place with a menu consisting of traditional but very elaborated dishes. It was not cheap for local standards, but very affordable to us. I had a ribeye chicharron on a bed of avocado, a soda, churros, and coffee, for $M 500. Once we rested and enjoyed our meal, we headed to explore two neighborhoods: Condesa and Zona Norte. The first one is full of nice building art deco style, and both areas seem to be residence for the local upper middle class. Very often I would feel like in Palermo or Recoleta back in Buenos Aires. We even found an Argentine “parrilla” in Roma Norte. We were back to our hotel about 7pm, too tired to do anything else. We did make a quick check of the bars around Amberes, but they all were too noisy and crowded, and we just went to sleep. My original intention was hiring a local escort, but I was just into going to sleep. I know I planned the trip expecting to be more adventurous and trying more of he local guys, but it has switched to a culture centered experience. This morning we had an early breakfast and headed towards the canals of Xochimilco, which are the left overs of the original canals built by the Mexicas when constructing this city on top of a lake. We called Uber, $M 250, which is the higher fee I have paid so far. The driver was very talkative, which I usually do not like, but I did enjoyed answering his questions and his responses to my owns. When we were approaching to the docks of Nativitas, already in Xochimilco, a guy on a bike came next to us and asked the driver to followed him because there was a traffic jammed on the regular route. The guy is one of many employees that Xochimilco’s city hall (Delegación de Xochimilco) uses to help up visitors to the area. They have a laminated credential hanging from their necks. I am not sure if the traffic jam story was true or just an excuse to take us to other docks, where he may be getting a tip for bringing clients. Whatever his motivation was, we were soon in one of the 11 docks you can choose to get in a boat (trajinera) to sail the left overs of the old lake. Everyone was extremely nice and friendly. We were only two, so the bill was more expensive for us. The price for the tour we chose was $M 3000. You can pick from a 45’ tour to a 5/6 hours one going up to the ecological zone and the Isla de las Muñecas (Island of the dolls). 3000 was the price for the whole “trajinera”, we paid 1500 each. The boat can accommodate up to 20 people, which is what the locals do, having little floating parties. You can rent speakers and bring your food to eat on the boat. Most people buy their food from the many vendors in boats. When you rent the boat, you can also order anything you want that you think you may want during the tour (drinks or food). We just ask for sodas, and hey brought a bucket with ice and 6 bottles of Coke Zero. By the end of the tour, we would pay only for the bottles we drank. IMG_2794.MOV IMG_2791.MOV IMG_2783.MOV IMG_2781.MOV IMG_2773.MOV IMG_2767.MOV IMG_2759.MOV Our tour was about 2 hours sailing the main canal, and stopping in any place we wanted along the route. Besides the sailing vendors, the coast is full of restaurants, nurseries with local plants, and mini zoos where you can learn about some of he local fauna. There is also an amazing amount of boats with mariachis bands offering their services. The water is not really clean, as the canals are in the middle of the city nowadays, but they do their best to keep it as clean as possible. All he bathrooms along the tour are ecological, with a city certificate. There is vegetation and fish (carpas and mojarras), as well as abundant birds. The depth of the canals is 2 meters, and the guys driving the “trajineras” use long logs to move around, pretty much as a Venetian gondolieri. You can see in the pics and clips how colorful and festive the atmosphere is. Once our tour was over, we paid a $M 200 tip to our “gondolieri”, who not only navigated the boat but also guided us throughout the experience, answering all of our questions and giving us recommendations about what to eat from the sailing vendors. I cannot stress enough how friendly and nice everyone is. We landed back in Xochimilco, and took a walk around. This area is not as fancy as Condesa, Roma, Zona Rosa, or Polanco, but a very popular neighborhood, probably a typical local middle/low middle class residential area. It is some kind of commercial hub with a big traditional market and any stores offering retails and wholesale products. It is probably where the street vendors working the fancier areas get their supplies. I guess some European or American visitors may think it was a poor and unsafe area, but they would be wrong. I never, never felt unsafe in any of the places we walk through. We ended in the central square, in from of the local city hall, and called for an Uber. Great day, uplifting, rich cultural experience again. Right now I am relaxing in my room and catching up with this log and my blog networking. My friend is leaving tomorrow (I stay one more day), and he may be right now visiting the Palacio Nacional. I decided to rest because I do no want to be too tired to go to Boys Bar tonight. Hopefully, we will have some sex to talk about n my next post. This is a great, great city full of adorable people.