Questions for a first timer. Found a biz class flight for $1800 and have credits left from a few cancelled flights that I can consolidate to cover it so — free direct flight in biz to Rio!
Like all my trips, I’m going to plan real things not involving sex. Hanggliding, a Sugarloaf hike, beachtime! Booking dinners at Lasai and Oteque which are both supposed to be amazing. So suggestions welcome. Buuuut, the real questions I have for you all are sauna and garoto related.
I have zero experience with saunas — anywhere. Is there a thread on sauna etiquette, specifically Rio saunas? I can get a lot from Tomcals thread that started in 2010 (thanks for that). I’ve read nearly all the threads but not able to find info on a few things... I hate being the guy with all the questions, but have a lot so here are some of them. If you help, I’ll give a great readout of my trip in return:
At sauna: Are folks naked? Underwear? Up to the person? Saw a post from 2010 that said it was up to the person, what do most people do? Underwear? Towel? Gym shorts?
Do you rent a room when you go in? I see a few posts where it says the guy gets the room? What are room rates and do you get one for the night or for each visit.
Do garotos speak English? If no, I saw @Tomcal post from 2010 with some key phrases. But didn’t seem to indicate if English was common in Rio or no? I’m down for learning some Portuguese, but don’t have much time and am hopeless with languages — so not sure how I’ll do in the next couple weeks — beyond the 3 or 4 phrases Tomcal suggested.
I prefer luxe hotels, but are places like fasano ok for bringing guys back? For my first time an Airbnb seems risky, but tell me if I’m wrong. I don’t really wanna stay in a midrange or lower end hotel, are those my only options if I want programmas? Any recs?
I don’t like to haggle. Do you have to? Seems going rate is 150-200, is that right? Do I ask then for a price or can I suggest 175? and when does discussing rate come into play in the conversation? In the room? Before the room — even if others are around?
as for what they will do, I like the suggestion of asking if they’re a good kisser as I love making out, but what about other stuff, active, passive, etc. should I just assume they’ll do most things in the mainstream or do you need to discuss firsts. If you’re in a group and interested in one guy do you just ask him in front of others, ask him to step away for discussion, etc?
What can I do to be a good human in instances of saunas and garotos? Saw the notes on tipping. They were helpful. But aside from being nice and maybe a reasonable tip, anything that is appreciated by locals?
I know there’s risk of covid transmission, but any info on amount of risk? Or mitigation?
that’s a lot. Thank you!
Also, anyone else in Rio in late January and want to grab dinner [my treat] or if you want to make virtual intros or point me in right direction happy for the help. Very much appreciating the threads, they are great.
cc: @floridarob @Tomcal @numazu1 @SolaceSoul