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Showing content with the highest reputation on 08/15/2020 in all areas

  1. I started at at Golden Cock and not many boys so I didn't go inside. I then tried Super A and the same thing and I didn't stay. I went to Tawan and they had about 10 guys there but I think I may have been the youngest in the group. Just kidding but not really. However, all it takes is one and they had a guy sitting out front of the massage part that I like and took him with me. 500 baht off. The two of us head to Screwboys which had about 8 guys there and we didn't stay. We ended up in HotMale and they had a nice selection of guys. Something for everyone. We had drinks and stayed a few minutes.The mamasan tried to get my date to order more beer and I left. I told him to never trust a mamasan. He is fairly new, or so I was told. Who knows? We then went to Freshboys to take the same lad as a few weeks back. He said he was OK with a three-way. Well, he was. But, the other one was a hand full. The ride was interesting in the taxi and Boy 1 talk really loud to the driver the whole way. Quite amusing and annoying. We got to my place they they were both great with me. But, with each other, ouch! Let's just say they must have thought the other one had poison ivy. But, finally, they did a bit and it was fun. They both left happy. I did not get to other places as 2 boys with drinks in those bars add up fast. My boy from a few weeks back send an apology email that it wasn't as good as before and I told him not to worry that I know it wasn't him. He is a nice lad and I like him a lot so I'll see him again. The other one from Tawan, not so sure. But, he has more energy than I can handle and more personality than I can take in long spurts. He even took one of my expensive face masks without asking. I guess he thought I had too many? He did it in front of me so it is my fault if I didn't want him to take it. But, two gay boys and both good in different ways. A good night in gay Bangkok for me!
    7 points
  2. Opening night for Double Shot in Jomtien Complex tonight. Good sized crowd and lots of boys on a drizzly night. Looks like a welcome addition to Jomtien Complex..
    4 points
  3. Do not get distracted with the anti-Harris crap. It is time to close lines, compromise, and go against Trump.
    3 points
  4. They can do a lot with stationary or moving light programs to Cristo Redentor ... this one a few months ago:
    2 points
  5. She did not send thousands of people to prison for smoking marijuana. Those charges alone don't even make it to court. One million Black men to prison for life? Prove it. It hasn't happened.
    2 points
  6. They should put a mask on him.
    2 points
  7. this is what usually happens when we try to force two guys we like on each other. It may work but usually doesn't, better to pick up one and let him to chose other one subject to our blessing. That way we may avoid ' poison ivy " syndrome
    2 points
  8. Do you really think wilting violets like she are going to decide the election? Or are you actually telegraphing that you want four more years of the Orange Dictator?
    2 points
  9. You've got nothing substantial to link for us on Harris's husband right? Kushner's dad served time in prison and the Trump Org can't get a bank loan in the States. Look THAT up. So why not forget about who's crooked? It's pretty clear.
    2 points
  10. Yes, the scene in Thailand is not cheap at all. It's still fun tho. Too bad tho that they don't seem to be opening anytime soon, like Brazil did. You must be traveling now as I type this. Too bad I am now in Rio for the foreseeable few weeks. Maybe next time in Mexico. Ugh, how dare they impose "Ley Seca" on you. And no I can't imagine you staying put in a dry anything. Not much sexperience talk for this trip, as I have grown weary of sauna shenanigans, but I will share when I can for sure. Is everyone being smart and staying home and I and @floridarob are the only fools risking the COVID wrath? Old Lagoa really did have so many stunners concentrated in one place. I would say Clube 117 in Rio would place in that same rank a few years ago. I am hopeful that Espaco Lagoa can reclaim this old magic, or maybe some sauna can pick up the slack. And ahem, "4-5 to have a blast" per trip? How about per day? If you compare the 90s to what you saw in 2017, how did both eras compare? Do you miss the old days? Was the quality better in your opinion? I'm always curious to compare eras from peope who have been in those times. Well, just like Lagoa, the bars are allowed to be open for 6 hours a day till 10 PM, with the usual mask requirement and social distancing guidelines. However, the Frei Caneca gay-ish bars are really just store fronts, and the patrons drink in the streets. I saw about 20% of what it was before, much less, but still free of any COVID mitigation. Just like with other gay bars, trade really isn't the main thing with the patrons. My BF has been propositioned a number of times for a free in bars, so it happens. I've never tried to ask anyone if they would do it for a fee. For free tho, I've done it numerous times. We just arrived in Rio. Its gonna be a hot and sunny weekend so looking forward to some (COVID-era) beach time!
    2 points
  11. A Shell of a Shell I had 3 days of freedom from the BF at the start of this trip, due to some of his commitments, and because I wanted some time by myself to accomplish some things I have not been able to do while "stuck" at home for 4 months. Day 1 was set for sleeping the long flight off (and finally doing so without a mask on), and then checking the Grindr scene, which was interesting. Before COVID, I would guess about 40% of the messages I got were from Garotos de Programa. This trip, I got a total of 1(!) message from the GPs. But I did get a lot of messages from all sorts, and had 3 nice encounters with local guys, including a nice low-key evening with a pretty cutehot engineer and we shared stories on how we, and our countries, fared during COVID. Lots of Bolsonaro and Trump analogs, hydroxychloroquine, and mask wearing stories. I’d say overall that Grindr was as active as ever, if not more, which was a welcome surprise to me. Maybe people were just stir-crazy and just needed the release. Day 2 was devoted to spending the day with my friend, a sometime sauna GP, sometime pornstar, and everytime horny guy, who was fired from his day job a month after the pandemic started and is in desperate need of cash. He took 2 of his friends (who were sometime GPs as well) with him to meet with me at the hotel. All versatile and passionate, which is what I like. After a trip to Mambo Supermercado in Moema to get some snacks and beers, I spent a pretty chill time with these sexy motherfuckers. I got some insight on what they thought of the new Espaco Lagoa (worse than Thermas Lagoa before COVID, and during COVID not a lot of people and even sadder). My friend and one other stayed the night to morning, and more shenanigans were had. 200 reais for the one guy who left after dinner, and 400 reais each for the other two. Pretty standard rates I think. Day 3 was the day my BF was going to arrive late that night, so I decided to check Espaco Lagoa before he got here, to see how the sauna has fared with all the COVID restrictions. The two hotties bid me goodbye after a late breakfast, and they expressed their regrets to not accompanying me to Lagoa, so I had to tough it out alone, which is preferred anyway. I’m glad that the sauna has amended their open hours from a ridiculous 11 AM to 5 PM, to a better 4 PM to 10 PM: I arrived at 5:30 PM and saw a pretty solemn scene. Very few boys and clients. The vibe was more early Sunday afternoon, instead of early evening Saturday. Probably about 10 customers and about 10 boys to start. Maybe I arrived super early. Almost everyone was wearing a mask, except for the guys who were in the main entertainment area where they were having drinks and therefore the masks were off. The waitstaff were wearing masks and face shields as well. Even with the mask on I got recognized by one of the waitstaff that I liked and he took my drink order and talked to me for a bit about how things were. It did pick up somewhat as the night wore on, but still less than before. Some observations: As seen in the FB page, some of the sauna facilities were closed, to avoid agglomeration and mitigate transmission: There were alcool gel hand sanitizers and advisories on mask everywhere: And each table w/ chairs setup had this as well: I have been to the new Espaco Lagoa four times before COVID, and I thought it was a shell of the former Thermas Lagoa. The old sauna, though messy and showing its age, was airy and the extra space would have lended itself better to more ample ventilation and social distancing. Instead, in the new sauna, with all the ramps and levels and with people coming in and out, it was hard to not bump into people, even with the lower current occupancy. And before COVID, I thought the boy selection was poorer that before, up until my February visit, were I met 3 new boys that blew my socks off (one big mountain of a man, one boy who looked like a Belami model, and a gorgeous soccer player who was smarter than the average GP). I was willing to give Espaco Lagoa more of my business after that visit, but COVID happened and I was wanting to come back ever since. This time though, I think the one thing that bothered me the most was the whole climate of the sauna. Everyone was wearing masks (which I prefer anyway, in a mitigating transmission kind of way), and everyone, even the boys, were wearing clothes, so I didn’t feel the whole setup was as sexy as a boy sauna should be. Some boys with the better bodies had their shirts off, which helped a lot with sussing out their hotness, but with a mask on, it was hard to determine handsomeness when you can only see their eyes. Some of the boys took the masks off when they approached you. Some of them were trying to show their big erections trapped under layers of clothing, which I guess if you have a big dick, it will show through no matter how thick your trousers were. I am not big on the sauna scene as it is, but with the sparse occupancy, the solemn atmosphere, everyone wearing clothes, and the mask-wearing as a cruel reminder that there still was a pandemic raging outside these walls, were enough to almost kill my sauna hardon. I say almost, because I was able to find what I wanted anyway, twice. First programa I had was with a super muscular built guy with a big dick (very old Lagoa quality), who proactively approached me and knew how to draw me in, and who was super passionate and didn’t clock watch. 200 reais with cum, and to me was worth every cent. The second guy was the super gorgeous soccer player from before, and most of our programa consisted of a very insightful back and forth on the value of mental health during these times. Also he fucked my brains out. It was like a trip to a therapist without the hefty price tag, and with the gorgeous boy who came in your mouth. 200 again. Super cheap, cheaper with today’s exchange rate. One note about the rooms: towels and slippers were available in every room, instead of available at the check-in desk. A good number of the boys were obviously just gays who wandered off the gay area of Frei Caneca and stopped by the sauna to earn a few more bucks, or to get free drinks from patrons. I could find much better choices on Grindr for free. I saw some of the mainstay boys as well, and it was weird to see them trying to look sexy wearing a mask and trying to get your business. But again, we are in unique circumstances, so even if Lagoa is a shell of a shell of what it was once, during COVID times, I’d rather have this option available to me, than not having it at all. More, next.
    2 points
  12. Lucky

    Free Butt Education!

    Enjoy the various aspects of your butt! https://www.nydailynews.com/snyde/ny-big-freedia-teaching-twerking-history-2020-butt-con-20200815-adpprnezevdvxozgo6ytu4jeiq-story.html
    1 point
  13. Lucky

    Rio COVID Disparities

    The Washington Post has an article comparing two COVID cases in Rio. One patient poor, the other not, and with full insurance. If you think you will be okay going to Rio because you have health insurance, think again. The rich patient is a doctor, and he went to a private hospital. The level of care is below minimal. The poorer guy also went to the hospital. Didn't have great care either. Fortunately, after horrific illness, both survived. Survival is not the issue here, it is the level of care. Read on if this interests you: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2020/08/10/covid-brazil-deaths-inequality/?arc404=true (Unrelated) Carefree customers and a worried waiter:
    1 point
  14. Lucky

    Are We Shocked Anymore?

    President Trump’s campaign is focusing on suburban housewives with a race-baiting message that includes trying to convince them that if Democratic candidate Joe Biden and his running mate, Harris, are elected, they will be “bringing who knows into your suburbs, so your communities will be unsafe and your housing values will go down.” NYDailyNews
    1 point
  15. From The Thaiger Yesterday, Richard Barrow, a popular British blogger who has been living and working in Thailand for decades, says he had a surprise visit from the immigration bureau in regards to the renewal of his visa. Kapook reported the incident on their page saying that many Thai people admire the work he does for Thailand as a tourism and expat influencer. Richard bemoaned on his Facebook page that “things didn’t look good” for an extension of his visa to stay in Thailand. “Bangkok Immigration came to inspect my workplace. They were here for 3 hours. Looks like they will not extend my “visa”. They said I will probably have to leave the country. They will give me a final verdict next week.” Social media has been full of speculation about Richard’s possible departure and assuming that it has something to do with his occasional swipes at Thai officialdom on his blogs. But Richard says none of that is true. “I know a lot of people are speculating about the reasons with some crazy conspiracy theories. The Immigration officials gave me no indication that they were targeting me. I only passed last year because some influential people in government called the chief of Immigration.” “In normal years, I would leave the country and come back with a tourist visa and start again. With the borders closed, my only option is to fly back to the UK. As I won’t have a Non-B visa, I cannot come back for months. Unfortunately, the family home in the UK is being sold.” In the past few years Richard has had an annual wait to see if his application to stay would be approved. In the end he’s been able to pull in a few favours and make contact with leading officials to “sort things out”. Richard has contacts at many levels of Thai society and is generally recognised as a ardent enthusiast about Thai life and is loyally followed by over 100,000 people on his Facebook page.
    1 point
  16. That meeting room looks more like a gathering of tassojuniors supporters here.
    1 point
  17. Riobard

    Rio COVID Disparities

    I read it twice, looking for evidence the physician patient received substandard care in the privately insured setting. The only downside I noted was that the author indicated this more economically advantaged patient reported being very anxious and his wife and doctors tended to not respond to his video calls. IMO if you can make video calls you might be very sick but not on the brink of death. Other than that, all indications were that he received comparatively superior-grade care and was not neglected. In contrast, the favela-origin patient and co-patients were apparently neglected at this early stage of pandemic because the professional caregivers were anxious about infection. The article seemed to underscore the class divide, that the quality of care predicted greater mortality among the poor, though the patients both survived ... otherwise their stories from their perspectives could not be documented. I think, though, the article seems to be a filler piece, without much point, and some of the ambiguous wording may explain different takeaways from reading it. Questions for consideration: If you are a visiting foreigner with behaviour leaning towards that of locals most likely to spread CoV due to economic pressures and lack of scientifically grounded information (that do not apply to you), if you yourself acquire the disease along with possibly as a result transmitting it, even in the unlikely event of requiring critical/intensive care that may block a local in queue from access, are you leaving the country in better shape than you found it? If you are inclined, knowing all of the risks to others, to override the clinical justification for confinement knowing full well that the region’s rationale for loosening of enforcement of public health measures scientifically known to mitigate illness and death is not solidly anchored, who are you, other than somebody playing a version of blindfolded roulette?
    1 point
  18. Pete1111

    Boys State

    Good point. How the production decided who and when certain candidates were tracked. That the SF Chronicle was upset by the politics of boys in Texas doesn't make this a bad movie. I did wonder if the American Legion has considered a similar event for girls or whether keeping the event for boys only still makes sense. SPOILER @@@@@@@@@@@ The dirty tricks and the false narrative used by the Federalists against the Nationalists and how the Federalists treated their own chair was a sad reflection of real world politics. That many of the conservatives boys still supported LGBTQ rights was encouraging. What gave hope was the Nationalist candidate, that the American dream carried on and also how a candidate can understand the workings of compromise while remaining true to his beliefs and genuine in how he addresses his constituents. A lot of the boys were inspired by that. Needed kleenex at the end.
    1 point
  19. Educational value of " Make it Right " series can't be underestimated. Discussion in class in episode 2 "how to see if he is straight or gay ? ", ' listen to his fart, if it sounds like cat , he is straight , if it sounds like dog he is gay", who would think ? clear and simple
    1 point
  20. The new reality: Rich suburban Republican women are the most important voting block in America. The new backbone of the Democratic party.
    1 point
  21. What is the point of caring what young people think until they fucking get off their lazy asses and fucking vote? Biden/Harris will become as progressive as they are made to be. Neither of them is responsible for the current shit show that has killed more Americans than WWI and Vietnam combined.
    1 point
  22. Riobard

    Boys State

    Hahaha ... now everybody should watch it. I tuned in yesterday and quite enjoyed it. I read the reviews afterwards; 24/25 ‘top critics‘ gave it a fresh tomato. I was also struck by the open manipulation of some of these wet-behind-the-ears 16-18 year olds, as well as the ‘throw the whatever’ attitude of what I would call ironic sabotage, a trend that seemed to emerge years ago with American Idol (voting for duds). What a strategist that René, though, diving into each pit of vipers with eyes open, an uncanny grasp of adolescent dynamics, and a philosophical attitude of equanimity and self-appraisal. I attended a private day-only all-boys high school in the sixties. My parents made me pay the tuition and/or excel academically to subsidize with a number of available bursaries. Many of the smartest guys were both nerdy and mean and nasty to vulnerables, to the type you might see bullied these days. However, it was never physical but done for a lark, cruel as it was. Yet you could be just as popular being nice to everyone. Such egregiously insensitive behaviours today would land a Boys State participant on his ass, possibly criminally charged. Yet these unkind high school peers became successful highly respected professionals, not the sociopaths you might expect. The antics tend to diminish in post-secondary settings, save perhaps for the microcosm of fraternities. I thought much of the state of dynamics in the doc was consistent with adolescent male behaviour, without their female peers, and was also intended to send up what they observe in politics overall. One thing that impressed me as well is that the filmmakers would not have known how the many primary candidates would eventually funnel down to the later vote-offs and final ballots. They would essentially have had to follow a lot of the boys at the beginning, prior to editing down to the major players, eg gubernatorial, in order to weave earlier exposure into the more developed later profiles. There is nobody I would have crushed on as teenager.
    1 point
  23. Ia! Ia! Cthulhu fhtagn!
    1 point
  24. Lucky

    Boys State

    The SF Chronicle critic didn't like it! He says: “Boys State” is the most depressing film about boys since “Lord of the Flies.” If anything, it’s even more bleak, because it’s not fiction and it’s not allegory. No, this is a documentary about actual boys. Seriously, if these kids are the future, now would be a good time to buy property in a foreign country. https://datebook.sfchronicle.com/movies-tv/review-boys-state-a-good-documentary-that-makes-you-despair-for-humanity
    1 point
  25. If you want more evidence watch watch how young Black people feel.
    1 point
  26. Lucky

    Kamala Harris Vice President

    Days after telling the president to stop with the nastiness, today the NY Post editorializes on Kamala's citizenship, and it isn't again favorable to Trump: https://nypost.com/2020/08/14/no-kamala-harris-citizenship-is-not-in-doubt/ Is it possible that even conservatives are fed up with their leader?
    1 point
  27. HBO is starting this Sunday a new series based in Lovercraft imagery. I am always surprised about how many Americans do not know this writer. He and Poe are probably in my top 5 favs. If I remember properly, and of course if this show is actually good, @AdamSmithmay enjoy it.
    1 point
  28. From Channel News Asia BANGKOK: In a neighbouring province of the Thai capital, in one of the metropolis' hottest and most polluted industrial zones is not an obvious place to start a farming enterprise. But above the dusty, busy streets in Samut Sakhon, a concrete space that before had done little except radiate heat is now a little oasis. A sprinkler gently sprays water across beds of leafy plants and herbs and flowers. It is peaceful up here. Importantly though, this rooftop garden has become a place of function and purpose for those who tend it. The building is home to the Migrant Worker Rights Network (MWRN), an organisation that provides legal and social assistance to vulnerable overseas workers. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, migrant workers were among those who lost their livelihoods and were unable to return to their home countries due to ongoing border restrictions. Suthasinee Keawleklai, MWRN’s coordinator, soon saw a growing problem - these workers were going hungry. “I noticed that people were starving because they had to cut their living expenses because they were furloughed and had lost their jobs. They had to do whatever it took to save money. They came to ask us for vegetable cuttings,” she said. Instead of trying to find ways to donate food, she looked up. “A friend of mine who’s into organic farming suggested that we should grow more vegetables. I told my friend that there’s no space. My friend said ‘if you have a rooftop, it can be done’,” she recounted. A few months on, about 30 migrants - mostly workers from Myanmar and their families - care for the garden themselves in their free time, transferring seeds, cleaning and watering the transformed space. And the vegetables have become a daily food staple during uncertain times. “Whoever comes can just grab them This is what we do. We don’t separate who helps or who doesn’t help. If they come here, they can take the vegetables to eat,” said Ko Saw, a member of MWRN and now a keen gardener. Rooftop gardens like this are not designed to be relied upon for food, but they can play an important role in filling gaps during times of crisis. Indeed, the COVID-19 pandemic has sparked interest in urban farming over the past few months. In Thailand, looming concerns about food insecurity driven by climate change also means that urban farming is poised to be a crucial long-term resilience tool. Continues with photos and video https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/urban-farming-thailand-bangkok-covid-19-climate-change-12997170
    1 point
  29. When I first went to Thailand, the cost was 300-400 baht for short term. The baht was then 22 to the dollar, so less than $20. Not that I don't support the guys getting more money...
    1 point
  30. 1 point
  31. It's difficult to rejoice when two young men face a lifetime in prison for a crime committed, in all probability, by a hi-so criminal, no doubt with friends in the government. Which, by the way, is now going after the students. The only positive is that, as in the Central Park Five case, the truth may yet be revealed unexpectedly and justice done. I love Thailand's people , but by God, they are cursed by a thoroughly evil ruling elite which for years has been above the law. Even when it comes to road accidents (sic).
    1 point
  32. Almost certainly the strongest mind in his field (and all the fields that radiate therefrom) since Charles Sanders Peirce, the founding father of semiotics. And of much else. (The best demolition of Derrida, whom I despise beyond almost every other intellectual pathology on this planet, was when somebody [can't recall who] called Derrida a 'weak misreading of Peirce.')
    1 point
  33. Maybe I remember wrong but I thought they didn't kiss at all, which was one of the reasons for my disappointment with "2gether".Acting skills were also on the lower end and somehow I have the feeling the 2 actors don't like each other. But Win is really cute that's true. Alltogether I am not convinced that "2gether" is any better than "The Shipper"... I wanted to suggest another christmas present for you, but since you don't like ghost stories I am hesitating. I was checking out which other roles Ohm Pawat ("OMG" Khet in "The Shipper") played and found the series "He's coming to me": Watched it and must highly recommend! Ohm Pawat has the main role, together with Singto Prachaya (Kongpob in "Sotus" and "Sotus S"). Singto is playing a ghost and the story has a bit of everything, love story, criminal case, coming out, mostly funny, just little tears. 2 great actors, 2 cuties and 2 supersmilers. It's a joy watching them acting together! Watch it even if you don't like ghost stories! (and I learned a lot about the time after death and before reincarnation, just kidding) Here is the title song, interpreted by Singto himself, including a few optic impressions from the series. What I enjoy even in the worst of Thai BL series: how the friends are teasing each other and at the same time caring for each other unless in most other series in the world, people do just ordinary things most of the time like eating (a lot), taking a shower (often) or talking nonsense, it's so natural
    1 point
  34. From the Associated Press Thailand commutes death sentences in killings of UK tourists BANGKOK (AP) — Two migrant workers from Myanmar convicted in the 2014 killings of two young British tourists on a Thai holiday island have had their death sentences reduced to life imprisonment. Zaw Lin and Wai Phyo were among many convicts in Thai prisons whose sentences were reduced under a clemency decree issued by King Maha Vajiralongkorn to mark his 68th birthday on July 28, their lawyer, Nadthasiri Bergman, confirmed. The decree, which appeared to cover thousands of prisoners, took effect Friday with its publication in the Royal Gazette. The two denied killing 24-year-old David Miller and raping and killing 23-year-old Hannah Witheridge, whose battered bodies were found on a beach on the island of Koh Tao in the Gulf of Thailand, a popular diving destination. The high-profile case caused extensive controversy because of allegations police mishandled evidence and beat the suspects into making confessions. There were suspicions they were scapegoats for a crime that police were under pressure to solve because it could adversely effect Thailand’s lucrative tourist industry. A well-known Thai forensics expert testified that the DNA evidence that was central in the prosecution case did not link them to the scene. Human Rights Watch called the guilty verdict “profoundly disturbing.” The Supreme Court in August last year upheld their murder convictions and sentences. It dismissed allegations of physical mistreatment and mishandling of forensic evidence, saying the forensic work was handled by respectable institutions and it found no proof of torture. The death penalty is rarely carried out in Thailand.
    1 point
  35. ggobkk

    How can I enter Thailand?

    I doubt they know anything we don't. I had a $450 ticket from the west coast for this month, it's now been refunded. I do think the airlines are, like me, optimistic. At some point the fares might even go up...
    1 point
  36. Anyone so fast and furious against Harris is likely OK with 4 more years of Trump. Call me close minded. If Harris was beholden to a foreign entity, that would be a horse of a different color. Biden was not my top choice but this is the direction we are going. Biden/Harris 2020.
    1 point
  37. The two English language Bangkok papers share a smug acceptance of the status quo with all its indignities and cruelties. Of course it is alarmed by any signs that Thais who aren't part of the elite may rise-up again and claim their country back. I lost all respect- not that I had much before- for their response to the massacre of the Red Shirts. Some dead bodies just don't count. Thai Lives Matter. Even those of working class Thais and the young.
    1 point
  38. Brazil Health Theater – Sao Paulo Edition Some thoughts about the COVID-caused changes that I’ve seen here in Sao Paulo. We are indeed living in a changed world. Brazil Bans Pillows https://onemileatatime.com/brazil-bans-pillows-airplanes/ This seemed ridiculous at first when I innocently asked a flight attendant, while I was getting setup for my Houston to Sao Paulo, why there are no pillows, and there are extra duvets available in Business Class. Apparently Brazil has waged a war against pillows, but not blankets and duvets. Thank goodness I always take a travel pillow with me in case I need more extra cushioning, but the duvets were enough to act as a pillow as well. I wonder why did Brazil banned pillows on flights. I am unsure what the exact science in behind the decision was, but here we are. Sao Paulo Hotel Measures I’ve considered the Staybridge Suites in Itaim bibi, Sao Paulo, to be a good first hotel to stay to start up a Sao Paulo trip, before I spend time in my main AirBNB digs. This is primarily because with my IHG status, checking in at 9 AM is no problem for them and I get a room in no time to sleep the flight off. Some interesting measures they have executed for COVID: There was a Health questionnaire at check-in, which was pretty standard I think. Just asking if you have a fever or ever been close to a COVD positive person n the past 14 days. And also a plastic barrier at check-in. Very common nowadays: At the room, you see a lot of things wrapped in plastic, I guess to show that those items have been sanitized and you don’t have to worry about getting COVID though them: Remotes: The free coffee: Utensils, carefully wrapped individually: Also you get a complementary COVID kit, with a mask, mini hand-sanitizer, and moist towelettes. They even had hand sanitizer dispensers powered by foot everywhere: I did feel that the hotel was doing its best to assure their guests that they take COVID seriously. I felt pretty safe and COVID was the furthest from my mind. This is all well and good, but then again I invited guys over to my room numerous times during my 3 night stay, so this COVID-free façade of mine may not have lasted long. Oh well, you can’t win it all, you can minimize risks, not eliminate them, unless you just stay home forever. Uber Safety I haven’t used the Metro in SP yet, but Uber here had varying degrees of engineering controls and COVID equipment to protect drivers and riders from each other. Uber has a mask requirement now for both rider and driver, and I’ve seen all drivers with masks. And all the rides had hand sanitizers available in the car as well. But I’ve been in one ride that took things further and installed a plastic shield, separating you from the driver, and also advising you to keep the windows open for ample ventiltion, which is smart: The drivers will just go ahead and help you with your luggage, so if you’re pretty sensitive with having others handle your stuff, make sure you handle the baggage yourself. Ghost Towns and Half Measures I did not expect things to be normal, or even half normal, upon my return, but I mainly saw fairly deserted spaces with chairs taken out so people can’t conglomerate. The two main restaurants that were my favorites when staying at the Staybridge were super sad: The gay bars in Frei Caneca were populated, albeit probably 20% of normal, and no one had a mask on, because people were drinking: Sunday is always exercise day for SP, and during COVID, this was still the case, with Uber making sure everyone exercising were wearing masks, and most of them were: Finally, grocery stores also had plastic barriers, and alcool gel at the ready: What Not To Do: 25 de Marco and Bras Shopping These two shopping areas, filled with street vendors and vendors with shops, and filled with cheap Paraguayan and Chinese (and Brazilian) swag, has been open since June, and while everyone was wearing masks, if you know how the mix of street vendors, hawkers, narrow alleyways and shop fronts, and people eager to find a deal, looks like, then it is impossible to do any meaningful social distancing in this type of setup. Not sure what the city of Sao Paulo was thinking with reopening this, and I am not sure what we were thinking when we went as well, but I guess we were also very eager to find deals. I would not recommend going to anyone, but yet, I did, and will probably go back before the trip is done. What Not To Do: Clandestine Parties AGAIN don’t do this, but I must admit that I wanted to see what it looked like, which is a dance party in the middle of COVID. There are many reasons why Sao Paulo has the most cases and deaths among states in Brazil. One of them are the clandestine dance parties that has happened, and continued to happen, during this COVID times. Once the BF and I reunited, and in the succeeding days met with our friends, we immediately got invited to the next “balada clandestina” or secret parties that usually happen in smaller towns just outside the city limits of Sao Paulo. We did not want to go, but at least wanted to see what it looked like. Photos and videos were frowned upon, but going into the party, I saw a world before COVID, as in no one was wearing a mask, nor social distancing, no anything. We didn’t stay long, probably best we didn’t go at all. https://www.sbt.com.br/jornalismo/sbt-brasil/noticia/144528-estabelecimentos-funcionam-de-forma-clandestina-durante-pandemia-em-sp What To Do: Parque ibirapuera One of the places I love in Sao Paulo, even more than Lagoa, is Ibirapuera Park. I’ve been numerous times before, but the current BF had a way to make this place a must-go every trip. And outdoor places are having a renaissance nowadays with the restrictions in indoor gatherings during the age of COVID. Everyone seemed to get the memo too, as there was a lot of people waking the trails of the park. There is strict mask wearing all throughout, and with the winter in Sao Paulo making the sun bearable with a mask, it was actually a pretty amazing time just being in Brazil, with Brazilians, in a way that does not make you want to wash your hands 20 times afterward. And with the sun out this week, not a bad venue to eye many a hot Brazilian running shirtless. Probably the best thing I’ve done here this trip, so far. I’m off to Rio tomorrow. I’ll update when I can. Beaches during COVID should be fun.
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  39. Seriously, since the republican ticket is hitler-satan, I'm voting blue no matter who. Maybe we don't get as much as we wanted, but what I most want is for the world to stop burning to the ground.
    1 point
  40. somebody needs to tell Bangkok Post and other than real change always involves 'crossing the line", be it abolition of slavery, introducing 8 hours work day and welfare state not to mention gay rights or even relatively trivial changes from imperial to metric or direction of traffic from left to the right like Sweden did in 60-ties , first for trucks and few months later for all other traffic
    1 point
  41. Money Makes the World Go Round I realized that maybe I've focused on the negative on my previous posts, so I thought I’d talk briefly about ONE positive thing that has happened out of all the bad so far this year: The Brazilian Real’s exchange rate versus the US Dollar’s has been on free fall since February (it rebounded some in May but has stayed steady in the low side), and I’ve watched this freefall while in the confines of my own home, unable to do take advantage of it, till this trip. I’ve exclusively used my fee-free ATM for my international travel, and in Brazil, I’ve always taken out 1000 reais (the limit, usually) out at a time every time I needed the urge to go to the sauna, or to start out when I arrive at the airport. I only exclusively use the “Banco 24 Horas” ATMs that are a familiar sight in almost every corner of Brazil: Here are my 1000 reais withdrawals in 4 different times, reflected in dollars in my account through time (taking out the date): July 2019 in Recife: February 2020 in Rio de Janeiro: March 2020 in Sao Paulo: And this week, August 2020: So in a year, the Real free fall has gained me $76, which in today’s rates is 400 reais, or almost 3 programas, per 1000 reais I take out. And from the cost of boys I was quoted this week, the rates have not changed, so the savings is real for the Real, and a welcome positive change, from everything else that changed in the world. I usually don’t watch pennies, as @floridarob can attest, but I am impressed by how much this savings is. Next, I am going to show 3 separate itemized receipts I was charged in Espaco Lagoa, so you guys can see the prices charged for each thing I've availed in the suana. Here were the charges I’ve had in reais, and corresponding dollar amount directly below, as reflected in my credit card statement: January 2020: February 2020: August 2020: So you can see, even with the dollar gaining, the prices in Lagoa have stayed the same, as well as what the boys were charging. And so far, with spending money in other places like Grocery stores and restaurants here in Sao Paulo, the prices have stayed more or less the same as well. Sometimes one has to look for the silver lining, no matter how small. Next, more changes in Sao Paulo.
    1 point
  42. I certainly do not recommend doing this to anyone. There are still a lot of risks out there, and I've calculated my own risk and here I am. It is not worth coming here if you are super risk averse. The public showers are closed, unfortunately. The public shower in the entertainment area is roped off, and the level with most of the suites is off-limits to people who are not getting a suite. The upper bar is open and the seating is still there. Less space and facilities available, but then again, less people going to the sauna anyway so it should even out. The clothes wearing does not bother me as much as the mask wearing. I am a face guy more than anything else. Looks are a subjective thing for sure, but yes, he is super gorgeous, to me. Very unassuming at first, which helps for me. It's easy enough for me to share his Instagram here, but of course, I don't do that. Yes, again, beggars can't be choosers. For me, in the end, they can wear a mask or a full-on haz mat suit, I don't care. At least this venue is open and an option for anyone who’d want a one stop shop to get boys in SP.
    1 point
  43. Good question. But it's actually in our best interest that the ladies join in the fun chiefly because they provide the financial support that helps keeps the bars profitable. Secondly, given the generous number of straight guys who work the boy bars, the ladies' presence is one more reason that keeps the boys in the game. I for one would hate to see the straights exit the scene as they are frequently among my favorite offs. Sure, ladies might snatch away some guy we have our hearts set on but so could another gay guy.
    1 point
  44. People running at all? Is the world coming to an end or what? My feet were made for walking into GoGo bars. Running would slow that down tremendously.
    1 point
  45. Perhaps you have not followed the line of direct relevancy thereto in my postings, to include the above-referenced. (If I were mean, I would say ’not capable of following...’ But I am not. )
    0 points
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