macdaddi

There are plenty of options in the DR for bottoms...however the majority of the bugarones working as trade are never going to offer that up as an option. You will need to be clear about what you are looking for, and be vocal about it (hopefully your Spanish is passable) and the local boys will do the rest. If you check out a few places like Pacos, Marlowes and SDQ with this in mind, spread the message and the locals will understand what you want and will oblige. I have had complete strangers approach me at lunch and breakfast offering their services in the capital because "they had heard" what I was looking for. You should have no issues finding local trade (or boys) that are willing to bottom for you in Santo Domingo.

Nothing special to note during those months. As a general trend, Latin America travel is projected to grow 14% in 2023, and Colombia travel by 18% next year. That's a lot of new faces discovering the capital. Anecdotally the presence of foreigners in Medellín, particularly digital nomads, has increased significantly in 2022 and that trend shows no sign of slowing. Oh, i almost forget. With the reopening of travel post-pandemic, there is a string of big-name rock acts performing stadium shows in Bogotá in February and March. The rolos love their rock music.

Not sure about racist, definitely classist, as you will discover across many latin countries. The traditional campesinos population is often treated horrifically in Peru. Often they can be looked down upon in larger, urban centers as being less sophisticated than those who live a modern lifestyle. I once lived with a campesino family so I have witnessed this first hand. Lima is a very vibrant international city, with a large Asian population and a very cosmopolitan vibe. The local cuisine is outstanding. Much to love. However the disparity is obvious and, as a foreigner you will need to be aware of your surroundings at all times. Your cash will go a long way in Peru, and the scenery and excursions available are next level. The only advice I can offer is to relentlessly check and double check your accommodation to be certain you will get what you paid for. Lots to love about the country and plenty of eye-candy in Lima.

Yes. I will add that I use my American Express card almost exclusively in Colombia because (1) they do not charge a foreign exchange fee on my card, (2) it has great fraud protection and insurance and (3) it is surprisingly accepted almost everywhere. But to answer your question directly, Visa and Mastercard are accepted all over the place, and the Colombian system accepts security PIN for authentication. If you can, definitely secure some Colombian pesos in advance, you will need to pay a cab driver from the airport (limos take CC) and smaller food shops/stands will only take cash. Many bars, including Gigolo's (and saunas) will let you run a tab on CC but the boys will be expecting cash.

should add...all major banks will do an exchange of US dollars (and Canadian) but you will need to sign extensive paperwork and must show your passport -- photocopy or image not accepted. It all goes back to the cartel days when there was extensive money laundering in Colombia. If you are intending to change cash, be prepared for an extended and complex process. The many "exchange" kiosks in the tourist areas will exchange your US cash, but at a rate that is 10-15% below the current bank exchange.

I usually carry a small amount with me from home -- 500K COP is plenty to get you through a few days while getting set up. Most of the major banks (Bancolombia, Banco de Bogota, Colpatria/Scotiabank, Davidivienda, BBVA) will work just fine with your US banking card. Do let your bank know that you are traveling in Colombia (including credit cards) as there remain many financial restrictions on Colombian transactions. I have had issues with Scotiabank transactions being rejected multiple times before I can withdraw cash so be aware. Most will offer to do the transaction in COP or USD. Always choose COP as the currency - the exchange is designed to not favor the recipient and the US dollar exchange rate is noticeably higher. Most machines limit you to a maximum withdrawal of 700K COP. Another local tip -- if you can find an ATM machine with Banco Agrario de Colombia (bright green machines) they always offer the best exchange rates and the highest limit on withdraw (up to 2MM COP).

Still my favourite getaway from Medellín and there are many options. A 90 minute car ride and you feel like you are in another country. Look like you are doing some serious exploring of Antioquia. Enjoy.

A fire broke out at Theatrón in Bogotá last night. Over 4000 patrons were evacuated but no injuries were noted. The fire was reported early at 9:30pm before the club gets crowded. Anyone traveling to Bogotá can expect the club to be closed for a week according to the management. Story in Spanish here: https://www.bluradio.com/blu360/bogota/video-por-alerta-de-incendio-evacuan-theatron-una-de-las-discotecas-mas-grandes-de-bogota-so35

Both hotels are good options and allow guests. I usually stay at small complex up the hill on Cra 4 that has full apartments with an office area. Can't help it, being able to work anywhere means my work travels with me.

Have not booked, but I should be arriving Dec30/31. The big day in Colombia is January 1 where it is traditional to host a large meal (barbecue) with friends and family to welcome the new year. I was going to continue directly to Medalló but I might be convinced to spend a few days in the capital...let me check my usual place (Cra 7 by the Bodytech gym in Chapi).

The Check-mig app and mobile website are nightmares and a case study in shitty User Interface design for small screens. Just trying to "click" on the correct radio buttons on the questionnaire could trigger PTSD. Or worse. I make a point of filling out the form on the website from the comfort of my desktop 48 hours prior to departure and have never had an issue. That way I can print a copy of the completed submission (shown above) and to have a screen of same on my phone as a backup. Ironically on my last trip in May I wasn't asked for my Check-mig but I assume that it was already on the agent's screen and she chose not to request it.

Exhibit A: por ejemplo https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=7906272022777655&extid=NS-UNK-UNK-UNK-IOS_GK0T-GK1C&ref=sharing

Good options, although personally I think I would rather walk than ever take another Viva Air flight...

Easyfly. You can purchase online using a VPN. They fly direct from Olaya Herrera in Medellin daily to Cali international (CLO). Which is a nice timesaver. They also do regional flights just like Satena.

Oh, also want to share with anyone that is thinking about visiting Cali... The entire city comes to a standstill on Sunday. Virtually nothing is open. You can hike up to El Cerro de las tres cruces or up to Cristo Rey, the malls in Versalles and Jardin are open, but that is pretty much it. The salsa clubs in Juanchito come to standstill. Very traditional in that sense. For the record I love visiting Cali and make a point of going each year for a few days. But I always fly back to Medellín on Sunday morning.

As mentioned Grenada-Versailles keeps you central and close to restaurants and nightlife. El Peñon-San Antonio is also central and has lots of good options and attractions. I would also suggest the areas around Parque del Perro down to the main Hospital del Valle is also very lively and walkable. Main transit route is on Calle 5 and buses run late, so it is pretty easy to get around the city. CuidadJardin is a beautiful neighbourhood, but basically a gated community for the wealthy. It caters to affluent families that want little to do with the street life downtown. Cali is a very distinct flavor of living -- a veces parece puro desorden -- but not without many charms.

My mistake, that one is relatively new then, did not notice it when I was last at Theatrón in May and would have noticed it when I was visiting a friend at Living 58 in March. Good to know.

There is a group of 10-12 young people that do choreographed dance routines throughout Parque Lleras and Calle 10. You will see them practicing their routines for hours in the Parque Poblado (Calle 10 and Cra 43A -- seen in your photo with the white tents) where they master some very impressive acrobatics and dance moves. They will often perform at red light breaks on Calle 10 (the main street) and along Parque Lleras. They always made me smile when they would perform in front of Donde Aquellos and make a point of the most muscular guys stripping their shirts off. Once I got a routine in their boxers. Often while enjoying my evening scotch. I was part of just a handful of patrons in the audience. If you can, tip them well as many of them are street kids (Venezuelans mostly) who subside on very little and this is how they pay their way. Even 25K COP buys a lot of samosas. ¡Disfrútate mucho!

#1 is Cyber Click Video Bar which was around the corner from Parque del periodista and has moved up to Parque Boston (almost directly north). Video cruising in Colombia is a whole other experience in some locations -- some offer bar services, strippers and event nights as well a video cabines. #2 is a new Sauna to me...El Castillo in La Mansión barrio -- I will ask around but other members here may already know it. #3 is Club 55 Sauna which I have written about here, however a more recent post from another member stated that there was no massage service anymore which was surprising (they usually hang by the bar next to the pool). This is the sauna where you can chill out by the large turco because it is next to the main staircase -- you will figure out quickly what is around and get to know some of the regulars.

Sounds like Dagoas Sauna on Clle59 but they no longer offer massage from what I have heard. They now advertise as a Sauna/Hostel if you want to hang out in Chapigay for the weekend. Poseidon Sauna on Clle 57 offers "massage" services on certain days, but need to check ahead. As you noted, only St Moritz (Clle 65) and Bagoas Club (Clle 69 -- outside the village) regularly offer massage services in Bogota.

From what I have read from the articles and from amigos in Colombia, there are some patterns. But the information is incomplete as many of the murder details are not public at this time. What I have noted is (not an expert in crime) - only one victim was found in a hotel (where he worked, not in a guest room) - most of the victims (again, publicly-shared) were in their own homes or apartments in Medellín - the age range of the known, publicly-shared victims are in the age range of 25 - 34 However, I MUST INSIST that this should give NO ONE should be thinking that he-she-it is safe from being a potential victim here. There are patterns here HOWEVER the police and the Alcadia have released so few details (hence the journalism references) that one should be on 100% surveillance for potential threats. Full stop. Please be careful about hookups in Medellín until this is resolved. Be cautious, ask friends or the reception to check in. Let people know your situation and be hyper vigilant about who you allow into your personal space.

El Espectador is the largest newspaper in Medellín. Today they published an article that makes the case for 15 victims since the start of the year (Tweet below). The government and police have not agreed to classify these homicides as hate crimes. There is a lot of attention surrounding these cases as the city fills up with visitors for the Feria de las flores, the most important event of the year in Medellín. The link to the article referenced in the Tweet is here https://www.elespectador.com/colombia/los-peligros-de-grindr-y-lo-que-dice-la-ciencia/ Unfortunately El Espectador remains largely a printed paper, so the website contains only an extract of the full article.

Chatting with a friend in Bogotá today and there was another victim last week. That puts the count at 11. Sadly this victim was known to several his close friends in Medellín. Of note -- all of the men are believed to have "met" the killer through hookup Apps -- but there are inconsistencies as to which App was used. Food for thought.