travguy

Hello Folks:
Just wanted to add a summer update of things. So, I will plonk it all here.
Had to cancel Brazil due several last-minute events that happened pretty much over 1 day. Airline refunded price of out bound ticket, but my return was a separate ticket, so no refund, just a travel credit.
I was also in Southern California. Very bad homeless, drug user issue around MacArthur Park west of downtown LA. Lots of hookers near the navy bases in National City just south of San Diego. Some "out of sight" homeless camps in San Diego. Went to a sex club on Beverly Blvd near Vermont west of DT LA. Not as good as pre COVID. Also went to a sex theatre near the Sports Arena in SD. Semi slow when I went. The weather in SoCal was great.
United international planes were definitely nicer then American, especially walking past business class. Food on AA in economy was not that good and very small portions for very long flights. AA app remains a total joke vs United app, though improved vs 2025. Maintenance on AA planes was also very poor and some AA gate agents pulled folks from boarding due very small 3rd items. Absurd.
Edinburgh Fringe had tons of LGBTQ+ content this year. There were some parties as well, but as I was doing shows from lunch to after MN most days, I had no energy left for 2 am parties, plus waking early for breakfast. The Fringe simply got too big this year with around 4000 performances at around 200 venues over 3+ weeks. There are a few gay bars but not in the core downtown area, though only a 5-15 minute walk away. No idea regarding any gay for play. Grindr, Scruff, and Sniffies were not that busy for folks over 40 yo or so. Did not check Romeo for pay. Stayed at University of Edinburgh student lodgings as the price was about 100 GBP per night - very cheap for EDI during the Fringe and they host the musicians for the Tattoo as well. Breakfast was buffet style, eat all you want, though quality was not the best. LOL.
Airport hassles. US was much faster. In Europe, you might get through border control in 10 minutes or it might take over an hour. Automatic passport control areas might be fully functional or completely shut down. Your bags might take 30+ minutes from gate arrival. Security screening could be a bit easy or via Soup Nazi's from Hell and take a very long time due to poorly trained personnel and improper supervision. So be sure to allow at least 2+ hours for check in procedures once you arrive at the airport. I am not joking !! And you still have to reach the gate !
Europe was very hot through much of the summer so far. Athens was at or near 100 F / 38 C, sunny and not always very dry. Basically, unbearable mid day. There were very few boys / guys for play in the park north of the Archeological Museum around 1800-1900 hours, when they should be busy. The City was also setting up for a very large outdoor book fair that runs 4-20 September 2026. Tons of families, kids, joggers, and dogs as well. Yet there was some minimal action. But it was simply too hot for anyone to cum. There were guys in nearby Victoria Square, but they were hanging out in groups, so I saw no chance to hire. In front of the Cosmopolit Hotel and closed cinema area, (the) one guy hit on me. I had just done some food shopping but went to the Mansion Hotel (5 euros, he paid with my money) with him. The sex was not as agreed to, and he picked my pocket in front of me (loss was small) and violence was minimal. I think I saw him in the park a few days later. There were several times with the park guys that I said no and walked away, With one guy we verbally agreed to 15 euros. I then showed him the money and he said noooo, despite clearly agreeing to it a minute before. Trust your instincts and not your little head. The Athinikon cinema and another 3 level video cinema are almost next to each other near the Fresh Hotel and Economy Hotel and old Athens City Hall. Prices are now 6 e each, but no re-entry at the clean video place, but only regular folks. No pay for play. The Athinikon is nasty and was almost empty several times. Busier last year. Best by far was curiously Tuesday from 1800 hours, lol. The boys were mostly 30-50 yo !! Going rate I paid everywhere was 10-20 euros. But some asked for up to 25-50, before I said no. At the cinema there was a new scam - play with the customer and or let him suck you. Then stop. For anything else a new session and extra pay was needed. Who were they joking, the place was almost empty and they were just older average looking guys. Oh well. Never saw more than 4 guys for pay in the park, only saw a very folks near Omonia subway entrance by Hondas Center and Cosmopolit, and often 1-3 guys at the Athinikon. The number and quality of the guys was hugely less than last year. In the park, 2 guys might have been around 20 yo and neither could cum (likely due to the heat). Only 1 at the Athinikon would kiss, suck or be a bottom. All were Egyptian, Middle Eastern and maybe Pakistani. No "white" Bulgarians, Albanians, etc this year. Be aware there were also tons of police in a brown uniform, maybe like tourist police, all over Athens and many around Omonia. The druggies had to move a few blocks further away. I hope the dismal pay for play scene in Athens was more due to the heat then the ramped up policing. But we will need further reports as the weather cools and to see if Athens continues to cough up the money (which it does not have) for police. The big park clean up was apparently paid for via the Onassis Foundation and to be honest, they have done a good job.
Bugs and skin issues. At the Athinikon I got a bad contact dermatitis from the armrests in the main cinema. LOL. Mosquitos were bad at the park towards sunset, but also bad elsewhere. Lots of bites despite eucalyptus spray - I timed the sprays poorly and did not use enough. Used bilastine 20 mg up to 3x per day for the itching and an antihistamine spray.
Fleas and Bedbugs. Saw several folks in Edinburgh with bad flea or bedbug like bites. One hotel in Athens was treating some rooms for bedbugs. BBs and fleas are everywhere and as a tourist there is little you can do to avoid them.
I prefer hotels in Athens as they usually include a decent breakfast for the same cost as an Airbnb or misterbandb or ebab. Accommodation costs in SoCal and Europe continue to be very high. Prices seem to be up 50-100% vs pre COVID. When I checked for Barcelona (due to reasonable temps), prices for decent looking places were often 150+ euros per night. Brazil keeps looking better.

Hello Folks:
Just wanted to add a summer update of things. So, I will plonk it all here.
Had to cancel Brazil due several last-minute events that happened pretty much over 1 day. Airline refunded price of out bound ticket, but my return was a separate ticket, so no refund, just a travel credit.
I was also in Southern California. Very bad homeless, drug user issue around MacArthur Park west of downtown LA. Lots of hookers near the navy bases in National City just south of San Diego. Some "out of sight" homeless camps in San Diego. Went to a sex club on Beverly Blvd near Vermont west of DT LA. Not as good as pre COVID. Also went to a sex theatre near the Sports Arena in SD. Semi slow when I went. The weather in SoCal was great.
United international planes were definitely nicer then American, especially walking past business class. Food on AA in economy was not that good and very small portions for very long flights. AA app remains a total joke vs United app, though improved vs 2025. Maintenance on AA planes was also very poor and some AA gate agents pulled folks from boarding due very small 3rd items. Absurd.
Edinburgh Fringe had tons of LGBTQ+ content this year. There were some parties as well, but as I was doing shows from lunch to after MN most days, I had no energy left for 2 am parties, plus waking early for breakfast. The Fringe simply got too big this year with around 4000 performances at around 200 venues over 3+ weeks. There are a few gay bars but not in the core downtown area, though only a 5-15 minute walk away. No idea regarding any gay for play. Grindr, Scruff, and Sniffies were not that busy for folks over 40 yo or so. Did not check Romeo for pay. Stayed at University of Edinburgh student lodgings as the price was about 100 GBP per night - very cheap for EDI during the Fringe and they host the musicians for the Tattoo as well. Breakfast was buffet style, eat all you want, though quality was not the best. LOL.
Airport hassles. US was much faster. In Europe, you might get through border control in 10 minutes or it might take over an hour. Automatic passport control areas might be fully functional or completely shut down. Your bags might take 30+ minutes from gate arrival. Security screening could be a bit easy or via Soup Nazi's from Hell and take a very long time due to poorly trained personnel and improper supervision. So be sure to allow at least 2+ hours for check in procedures once you arrive at the airport. I am not joking !! And you still have to reach the gate !
Europe was very hot through much of the summer so far. Athens was at or near 100 F / 38 C, sunny and not always very dry. Basically, unbearable mid day. There were very few boys / guys for play in the park north of the Archeological Museum around 1800-1900 hours, when they should be busy. The City was also setting up for a very large outdoor book fair that runs 4-20 September 2026. Tons of families, kids, joggers, and dogs as well. Yet there was some minimal action. But it was simply too hot for anyone to cum. There were guys in nearby Victoria Square, but they were hanging out in groups, so I saw no chance to hire. In front of the Cosmopolit Hotel and closed cinema area, (the) one guy hit on me. I had just done some food shopping but went to the Mansion Hotel (5 euros, he paid with my money) with him. The sex was not as agreed to, and he picked my pocket in front of me (loss was small) and violence was minimal. I think I saw him in the park a few days later. There were several times with the park guys that I said no and walked away, With one guy we verbally agreed to 15 euros. I then showed him the money and he said noooo, despite clearly agreeing to it a minute before. Trust your instincts and not your little head. The Athinikon cinema and another 3 level video cinema are almost next to each other near the Fresh Hotel and Economy Hotel and old Athens City Hall. Prices are now 6 e each, but no re-entry at the clean video place, but only regular folks. No pay for play. The Athinikon is nasty and was almost empty several times. Busier last year. Best by far was curiously Tuesday from 1800 hours, lol. The boys were mostly 30-50 yo !! Going rate I paid everywhere was 10-20 euros. But some asked for up to 25-50, before I said no. At the cinema there was a new scam - play with the customer and or let him suck you. Then stop. For anything else a new session and extra pay was needed. Who were they joking, the place was almost empty and they were just older average looking guys. Oh well. Never saw more than 4 guys for pay in the park, only saw a very folks near Omonia subway entrance by Hondas Center and Cosmopolit, and often 1-3 guys at the Athinikon. The number and quality of the guys was hugely less than last year. In the park, 2 guys might have been around 20 yo and neither could cum (likely due to the heat). Only 1 at the Athinikon would kiss, suck or be a bottom. All were Egyptian, Middle Eastern and maybe Pakistani. No "white" Bulgarians, Albanians, etc this year. Be aware there were also tons of police in a brown uniform, maybe like tourist police, all over Athens and many around Omonia. The druggies had to move a few blocks further away. I hope the dismal pay for play scene in Athens was more due to the heat then the ramped up policing. But we will need further reports as the weather cools and to see if Athens continues to cough up the money (which it does not have) for police. The big park clean up was apparently paid for via the Onassis Foundation and to be honest, they have done a good job.
Bugs and skin issues. At the Athinikon I got a bad contact dermatitis from the armrests in the main cinema. LOL. Mosquitos were bad at the park towards sunset, but also bad elsewhere. Lots of bites despite eucalyptus spray - I timed the sprays poorly and did not use enough. Used bilastine 20 mg up to 3x per day for the itching and an antihistamine spray.
Fleas and Bedbugs. Saw several folks in Edinburgh with bad flea or bedbug like bites. One hotel in Athens was treating some rooms for bedbugs. BBs and fleas are everywhere and as a tourist there is little you can do to avoid them.
I prefer hotels in Athens as they usually include a decent breakfast for the same cost as an Airbnb or misterbandb or ebab. Accommodation costs in SoCal and Europe continue to be very high. Prices seem to be up 50-100% vs pre COVID. When I checked for Barcelona (due to reasonable temps), prices for decent looking places were often 150+ euros per night. Brazil keeps looking better.

Hello Folks:
Just wanted to add a summer update of things. So, I will plonk it all here.
Had to cancel Brazil due several last-minute events that happened pretty much over 1 day. Airline refunded price of out bound ticket, but my return was a separate ticket, so no refund, just a travel credit.
I was also in Southern California. Very bad homeless, drug user issue around MacArthur Park west of downtown LA. Lots of hookers near the navy bases in National City just south of San Diego. Some "out of sight" homeless camps in San Diego. Went to a sex club on Beverly Blvd near Vermont west of DT LA. Not as good as pre COVID. Also went to a sex theatre near the Sports Arena in SD. Semi slow when I went. The weather in SoCal was great.
United international planes were definitely nicer then American, especially walking past business class. Food on AA in economy was not that good and very small portions for very long flights. AA app remains a total joke vs United app, though improved vs 2025. Maintenance on AA planes was also very poor and some AA gate agents pulled folks from boarding due very small 3rd items. Absurd.
Edinburgh Fringe had tons of LGBTQ+ content this year. There were some parties as well, but as I was doing shows from lunch to after MN most days, I had no energy left for 2 am parties, plus waking early for breakfast. The Fringe simply got too big this year with around 4000 performances at around 200 venues over 3+ weeks. There are a few gay bars but not in the core downtown area, though only a 5-15 minute walk away. No idea regarding any gay for play. Grindr, Scruff, and Sniffies were not that busy for folks over 40 yo or so. Did not check Romeo for pay. Stayed at University of Edinburgh student lodgings as the price was about 100 GBP per night - very cheap for EDI during the Fringe and they host the musicians for the Tattoo as well. Breakfast was buffet style, eat all you want, though quality was not the best. LOL.
Airport hassles. US was much faster. In Europe, you might get through border control in 10 minutes or it might take over an hour. Automatic passport control areas might be fully functional or completely shut down. Your bags might take 30+ minutes from gate arrival. Security screening could be a bit easy or via Soup Nazi's from Hell and take a very long time due to poorly trained personnel and improper supervision. So be sure to allow at least 2+ hours for check in procedures once you arrive at the airport. I am not joking !! And you still have to reach the gate !
Europe was very hot through much of the summer so far. Athens was at or near 100 F / 38 C, sunny and not always very dry. Basically, unbearable mid day. There were very few boys / guys for play in the park north of the Archeological Museum around 1800-1900 hours, when they should be busy. The City was also setting up for a very large outdoor book fair that runs 4-20 September 2026. Tons of families, kids, joggers, and dogs as well. Yet there was some minimal action. But it was simply too hot for anyone to cum. There were guys in nearby Victoria Square, but they were hanging out in groups, so I saw no chance to hire. In front of the Cosmopolit Hotel and closed cinema area, (the) one guy hit on me. I had just done some food shopping but went to the Mansion Hotel (5 euros, he paid with my money) with him. The sex was not as agreed to, and he picked my pocket in front of me (loss was small) and violence was minimal. I think I saw him in the park a few days later. There were several times with the park guys that I said no and walked away, With one guy we verbally agreed to 15 euros. I then showed him the money and he said noooo, despite clearly agreeing to it a minute before. Trust your instincts and not your little head. The Athinikon cinema and another 3 level video cinema are almost next to each other near the Fresh Hotel and Economy Hotel and old Athens City Hall. Prices are now 6 e each, but no re-entry at the clean video place, but only regular folks. No pay for play. The Athinikon is nasty and was almost empty several times. Busier last year. Best by far was curiously Tuesday from 1800 hours, lol. The boys were mostly 30-50 yo !! Going rate I paid everywhere was 10-20 euros. But some asked for up to 25-50, before I said no. At the cinema there was a new scam - play with the customer and or let him suck you. Then stop. For anything else a new session and extra pay was needed. Who were they joking, the place was almost empty and they were just older average looking guys. Oh well. Never saw more than 4 guys for pay in the park, only saw a very folks near Omonia subway entrance by Hondas Center and Cosmopolit, and often 1-3 guys at the Athinikon. The number and quality of the guys was hugely less than last year. In the park, 2 guys might have been around 20 yo and neither could cum (likely due to the heat). Only 1 at the Athinikon would kiss, suck or be a bottom. All were Egyptian, Middle Eastern and maybe Pakistani. No "white" Bulgarians, Albanians, etc this year. Be aware there were also tons of police in a brown uniform, maybe like tourist police, all over Athens and many around Omonia. The druggies had to move a few blocks further away. I hope the dismal pay for play scene in Athens was more due to the heat then the ramped up policing. But we will need further reports as the weather cools and to see if Athens continues to cough up the money (which it does not have) for police. The big park clean up was apparently paid for via the Onassis Foundation and to be honest, they have done a good job.
Bugs and skin issues. At the Athinikon I got a bad contact dermatitis from the armrests in the main cinema. LOL. Mosquitos were bad at the park towards sunset, but also bad elsewhere. Lots of bites despite eucalyptus spray - I timed the sprays poorly and did not use enough. Used bilastine 20 mg up to 3x per day for the itching and an antihistamine spray.
Fleas and Bedbugs. Saw several folks in Edinburgh with bad flea or bedbug like bites. One hotel in Athens was treating some rooms for bedbugs. BBs and fleas are everywhere and as a tourist there is little you can do to avoid them.
I prefer hotels in Athens as they usually include a decent breakfast for the same cost as an Airbnb or misterbandb or ebab. Accommodation costs in SoCal and Europe continue to be very high. Prices seem to be up 50-100% vs pre COVID. When I checked for Barcelona (due to reasonable temps), prices for decent looking places were often 150+ euros per night. Brazil keeps looking better.

Hi Folks:
Last minute trip. Coming to Porto Alegre via Sao Paulo later this week, July 2026. Back from Rio.
Looking for current advice especially for wintertime places to stay in Porto Alegre and Sao Paulo. I know Rio well enough, LOL. Nothing current mentioned for places to stay in P A. As for S P, Jardim Paulista and near Av Paulista have been mentioned both here and by folks I have met in the past. Any suggestions for just a few nights? P A and S P will be chilly at night and possibly during the day as well. Not sure if most airbnbs will have heating. Not an issue for hotels I assume. Buttercawan also noted a place or 2 to play in P A and it seems like only Lagoa is left for pay to play in S P. Any places like Sexy Rose in Rio? Porn cinemas / adult bookstores / gay cruising, indoors or outside, especially for P A, but also for S P? I enjoy pay for play rough trade too. I think most postings re S P were for summertime. But more difficult to know what to expect when folks need jackets to stay warm. Any info for a big gay dance place like Rio's The Home near centro (or whatever it calls itself now). I think there is one in S P, but no idea where or if I should check out another late night club for Saturday or Friday night in S P, or even P A. Any advice appreciated.
Thx in advance.
 

Update Tuesday 10 February 2026
Where did we leave off….Tuesday 3 February 2026
Got rained out at the beach, LOL Eventually made it to 117. 1820-2230 hours ish. Show was unbearably loud and quite late. Met a forum member while chatting with a non forum friend, a bit before leaving. A very nice older tall black US guy (queen) who is retired in BR that I had not met before was enjoying champagne with his boyfriend from Bahia. Was invited to join and chat with them and he introduced me to Caio. Unfortunately, the sex was mostly mechanical. He did seem to enjoy the phone translated banter earlier on. Someone told me that Meio Mundo boys are only 100-, like Bangu.
The next 3 days were mostly uneventful per this Forum. I did go to the free Ensaios Tecnicos or pre Carnaval parade practice at the Sambadromo Friday night. It started pouring rain again for the first of the 4 groups. It is a far cry from the spectacle of the real deal that begins around the few days before Carnaval Tuesday and the Campeus or Champions Parade that follows, the next Saturday night, Sunday am. I did not know that the M would be open at the 2 nearby stations until this ended, so I left early around MN to avoid what I thought might be a high cab fare vs trying to get on a bus later on. I do speak some PT and had no issue entering Setor 6 about in the middle of the stadium. Umbrellas or ponchos (kappa) were needed.
Due to mild sunburn Friday and work issues, I had a slow start to Saturday. Should have been a great day. But wanted to avoid the sun. I went out after more heavy downpours that night and was quite surprised that Copa was as dead as I have ever seen it. Should have gone to Lapa and Centro which apparently were quite busy. Did see the paparazzi and unknown BR celebrities arriving for the Vogue Ball (some all costumed up) at the Copa Palace Hotel. Maybe I just needed a day off.
Sunday 8 Feb 2026
Busy day despite some rain. Went to the Hippie Fair and saw many folks dressed up in Carnaval costumes in Ipanema. Did not see any in Copa Saturday night. Lots of hot guys, I mean super hot hot guys that make typical surfer dudes seem like Homer Simpson, LOL. Met some great guys at the gay beach, from Toronto and NYC. Then it poured rain again. Went to Teatro Claro it is on the 2nd floor of a large shopping center that is just north of M Siquiera Campos in a very non descript building. On the way to 202 we have passed it a million times, but never noticed it. Saw a great musical play about the life of BR musician Djavan. A bit of an epiphany in that even with my limited PT abilities, I was able to sort out most of the play. The audience knew most of the songs by heart. It was pouring as the play let out at 2100 hours. Another bad day using the hook up apps, nada x 2. I have never had this much bad luck before. However, I have turned down several GPs that were either not my type or I felt uncomfortable.
Another note for folks new to this forum or BR: tons of police to be seen when you are out in Rio. It is quite normal here, so not an issue.
Monday 9 Feb 2026
Morning was consumed with return trip and other issues. Sexy Rose was slow. Went to the sort of poor soft opening of a French “something or other” exhibit at the national library by the Cinelandia Metro. Almost nothing to see. But a lovely building. Folks were handling some of the books with gloves on. Many of the people I saw there were speaking in FR.
Despite quite a rain, I finally made it to Meio Mundo, after stopping to eat near Confiteria Columbo. Difficult to assess what I experienced vs a more normal night due the rain which was causing nearby flooding. It only flooded at the front door when I was leaving. Unlike 117, you cannot hear the rain inside M M. Met multiple BR regulars who were very nice to me. They did mention Bangu, starting around 1500 hours. Also noted another place whose name I did not sort out, but they said it translates from PT to EN as slap your face. Maybe, per translator, ??Dá um tapa na sua cara (or something like that). Because, this might be in local vernacular, I have no idea what the place is called or where it is :(( There were only 2 GPs of interest to me. I had one and the other was busy with other clients. The guy I had ended up being weird. He started by sucking me and kissing nicely where we met. We agreed on a price, 150 RS, but maybe could have been lower, ?? In the room, he did not suck much and wanted me to suck on his forearm and elbow area, plus an occasional finger. Was not into me sucking him or kissing much in the room. As a bottom he was loose and not into standard receptive positions, LOL. When he came, it was like 2 drops. Also tried to change the deal a bit in the room for additional services, but nothing major. He gave me his whats app and said a private session would be much hotter someplace else. I guess I will never find out. Some of the guys were a bit like Bangu guys, some were not – fewer tattoos and some were a bit more muscular, but not like 117. I did not note any being at both places, but could easily be wrong as there seemed to be many different guys at Bangu each Sunday. Couple of larger black guys with huge ones at M M. Once I said I was ativo, they quickly scampered away. Several other GPs came and said hi to me and some spoke more, though very limited, EN than guys at 117 or 202. Was at MM from about 1815-2030 hours. Missed the show and do not know when it was scheduled for. God only knows what I stepped in near the flooded entry to M M as I left. The rain was mostly done for a while. Another app date fizzled later on.
Overall, I would say that Bangu eats away a great deal of time on Sunday. Best if you are looking for multiple possible encounters with street guy next door types with a few tats and you need to be able to do basic hook up chat with the guys. Translators will help. The guys at M M tended to be thin and short. Twink ish. There are no room charges at Bangu. Monday entry and 1 room at M M was 105 RS. Very reasonable vs 117 and 202. No idea what the breakdown is. My issues with transportation to Bangu were rain related. Main reason for not going on 8 Feb. However, it might not have been as big an issue as the week before and the BR guys I met at M M did not mention any issues getting to or coming back from Bangu.
Per comments, I don’t think I have ADHD, but I do keep track of business expenses and keep a diary too. I do enjoy looking back sometimes. So keeping up with these travel dalliances is easy for me. Generally not into special substances and as for Mr Joyce, I haven’t 1% of his literary talent. But I do thank KA and the many others here for their comments. As for the CPF, when I got it in June 2023, it was all done online. I might have had to redo the form along the way. Took a week or 2 as I remember. I followed a great set of instructions found on the web. Perhaps things have greatly changed since then.
As before, many thanks to forum members and I hope my comments have aided others.
 

Floridarob makes some good points. Unlike Kobenhavn where police patrolled the parks at night to keep them safe for gays and drug users eons ago, I know of no other place where this degree of safety might exist today. Mind you, I would guess that parks in Germany or the UK should still be safe at night but this would require confirmation from someone with current knowledge. Athens has a park just north of the famous national archeological museum which is safe during the day and the boys will know where to play. Others play at night elsewhere, but I have never done so, especially as I like to play before sunset. I would never ever play in a park in Istanbul - too many stories of robbery at knifepoint. My guess is that this happened to 2 folks 30 years ago and the stories never stopped, but still..... I know of no such places to play in South America. Via the hook up aps I have met folks in public late at night. Seemed safe for all concerned. In Brazil you can go to a love motel, like Alameda across from 117 to play. Again, as safe for all as is  possible.

I suppose young folks do some street cruising like from '50s and '60s Hollywood movies, but I have never seen any street scenes like in LA of SF here. Just the standing outside of a gay bar flirting, no car involved. My best guess is that it is not really something that would likely work if you are older or non-fluent in PT. Also, the scene in front of Corujina ended years ago. So, perhaps best to stick to cruising clubs in centro or lapa mostly or Sexy Rose in cinelandia. Good luck.

Update Tuesday 10 February 2026
Where did we leave off….Tuesday 3 February 2026
Got rained out at the beach, LOL Eventually made it to 117. 1820-2230 hours ish. Show was unbearably loud and quite late. Met a forum member while chatting with a non forum friend, a bit before leaving. A very nice older tall black US guy (queen) who is retired in BR that I had not met before was enjoying champagne with his boyfriend from Bahia. Was invited to join and chat with them and he introduced me to Caio. Unfortunately, the sex was mostly mechanical. He did seem to enjoy the phone translated banter earlier on. Someone told me that Meio Mundo boys are only 100-, like Bangu.
The next 3 days were mostly uneventful per this Forum. I did go to the free Ensaios Tecnicos or pre Carnaval parade practice at the Sambadromo Friday night. It started pouring rain again for the first of the 4 groups. It is a far cry from the spectacle of the real deal that begins around the few days before Carnaval Tuesday and the Campeus or Champions Parade that follows, the next Saturday night, Sunday am. I did not know that the M would be open at the 2 nearby stations until this ended, so I left early around MN to avoid what I thought might be a high cab fare vs trying to get on a bus later on. I do speak some PT and had no issue entering Setor 6 about in the middle of the stadium. Umbrellas or ponchos (kappa) were needed.
Due to mild sunburn Friday and work issues, I had a slow start to Saturday. Should have been a great day. But wanted to avoid the sun. I went out after more heavy downpours that night and was quite surprised that Copa was as dead as I have ever seen it. Should have gone to Lapa and Centro which apparently were quite busy. Did see the paparazzi and unknown BR celebrities arriving for the Vogue Ball (some all costumed up) at the Copa Palace Hotel. Maybe I just needed a day off.
Sunday 8 Feb 2026
Busy day despite some rain. Went to the Hippie Fair and saw many folks dressed up in Carnaval costumes in Ipanema. Did not see any in Copa Saturday night. Lots of hot guys, I mean super hot hot guys that make typical surfer dudes seem like Homer Simpson, LOL. Met some great guys at the gay beach, from Toronto and NYC. Then it poured rain again. Went to Teatro Claro it is on the 2nd floor of a large shopping center that is just north of M Siquiera Campos in a very non descript building. On the way to 202 we have passed it a million times, but never noticed it. Saw a great musical play about the life of BR musician Djavan. A bit of an epiphany in that even with my limited PT abilities, I was able to sort out most of the play. The audience knew most of the songs by heart. It was pouring as the play let out at 2100 hours. Another bad day using the hook up apps, nada x 2. I have never had this much bad luck before. However, I have turned down several GPs that were either not my type or I felt uncomfortable.
Another note for folks new to this forum or BR: tons of police to be seen when you are out in Rio. It is quite normal here, so not an issue.
Monday 9 Feb 2026
Morning was consumed with return trip and other issues. Sexy Rose was slow. Went to the sort of poor soft opening of a French “something or other” exhibit at the national library by the Cinelandia Metro. Almost nothing to see. But a lovely building. Folks were handling some of the books with gloves on. Many of the people I saw there were speaking in FR.
Despite quite a rain, I finally made it to Meio Mundo, after stopping to eat near Confiteria Columbo. Difficult to assess what I experienced vs a more normal night due the rain which was causing nearby flooding. It only flooded at the front door when I was leaving. Unlike 117, you cannot hear the rain inside M M. Met multiple BR regulars who were very nice to me. They did mention Bangu, starting around 1500 hours. Also noted another place whose name I did not sort out, but they said it translates from PT to EN as slap your face. Maybe, per translator, ??Dá um tapa na sua cara (or something like that). Because, this might be in local vernacular, I have no idea what the place is called or where it is :(( There were only 2 GPs of interest to me. I had one and the other was busy with other clients. The guy I had ended up being weird. He started by sucking me and kissing nicely where we met. We agreed on a price, 150 RS, but maybe could have been lower, ?? In the room, he did not suck much and wanted me to suck on his forearm and elbow area, plus an occasional finger. Was not into me sucking him or kissing much in the room. As a bottom he was loose and not into standard receptive positions, LOL. When he came, it was like 2 drops. Also tried to change the deal a bit in the room for additional services, but nothing major. He gave me his whats app and said a private session would be much hotter someplace else. I guess I will never find out. Some of the guys were a bit like Bangu guys, some were not – fewer tattoos and some were a bit more muscular, but not like 117. I did not note any being at both places, but could easily be wrong as there seemed to be many different guys at Bangu each Sunday. Couple of larger black guys with huge ones at M M. Once I said I was ativo, they quickly scampered away. Several other GPs came and said hi to me and some spoke more, though very limited, EN than guys at 117 or 202. Was at MM from about 1815-2030 hours. Missed the show and do not know when it was scheduled for. God only knows what I stepped in near the flooded entry to M M as I left. The rain was mostly done for a while. Another app date fizzled later on.
Overall, I would say that Bangu eats away a great deal of time on Sunday. Best if you are looking for multiple possible encounters with street guy next door types with a few tats and you need to be able to do basic hook up chat with the guys. Translators will help. The guys at M M tended to be thin and short. Twink ish. There are no room charges at Bangu. Monday entry and 1 room at M M was 105 RS. Very reasonable vs 117 and 202. No idea what the breakdown is. My issues with transportation to Bangu were rain related. Main reason for not going on 8 Feb. However, it might not have been as big an issue as the week before and the BR guys I met at M M did not mention any issues getting to or coming back from Bangu.
Per comments, I don’t think I have ADHD, but I do keep track of business expenses and keep a diary too. I do enjoy looking back sometimes. So keeping up with these travel dalliances is easy for me. Generally not into special substances and as for Mr Joyce, I haven’t 1% of his literary talent. But I do thank KA and the many others here for their comments. As for the CPF, when I got it in June 2023, it was all done online. I might have had to redo the form along the way. Took a week or 2 as I remember. I followed a great set of instructions found on the web. Perhaps things have greatly changed since then.
As before, many thanks to forum members and I hope my comments have aided others.
 

Update Tuesday 3 February 2026
 
Friday 30 January 2026
Went shopping in and around Uruguaiana M in Centro area. Took hours. It was quite hot and there was some rain too. Simply too sweaty, tired and full with bought items to play. Went to Lapa Friday night and enjoyed it as noted in a prior reply on this thread.
 
Saturday 31 January 2026
Ipanema beach surf too rough and high so after 30 min 1337-1407 or so hours walk to Arpoador Ipanema side by rocks and kiddie area and hang for 30 min after getting pics with Tom Jobim statue – which is now painted. Minnows in the beach water rocks area, lots of them (Ipanema side of Arpoador rocks). Then walked to near Fairmont in Copa. Water was very calm, for another 20 min or so in the water. Saturday night I went to The Home just north of centro. Look for their Instagram, not Facebook page. 60 RS cash for entry, paid when I left The Home, 0035-0230 ish hours. My ears could not take it anymore, too loud and no quiet spaces. Never needed to see my ID, used fingerprint at entry and I guess they found me from 2024. They give you like a hotel key card for drinks etc and asked only my name when I left. No real ghetto searches in or out this time and no phone check either. Only a few entered when I did No one left when I left – likely I left way too early, but as I said, my ears could not take the loudness anymore and I did not like the 2nd DJ. The street was not as busy as 13 months or so ago. Met no one but so many gym bunny hot boys !! 1st DJ until 1am was good. 2nd was not. If there was a 0300 show, I missed it. Busy at 0100 and pretty packed dance floor at 0230. Never saw the night bus SN415 bus and another never bothered to stop for me around 0245 hours. By 0305 I was looking for a 100- Uber, but they had 70- taxi. Found the let out of a technical practice for Carnaval for Portella at Sambadromo. Very busy at 0320 hrs. Also very busy was what I think it the downtown bus depot area just E of Sambadromo and W of Saara / Vargas M stop. If I had taken the bus, I would have missed all of this. Maybe try to see another Carnaval crew practice another night if I can find any information. Back at BnB and in bed by 0400 hrs. Did not sleep well as I was getting eaten alive at the BnB – invisible mosquitoes, hungry ones too.
 
Sunday 1 February 2026
Having no luck on the hook up apps this trip. Several conversations that went nowhere. Ipanema G Osorio Hippie market. There was another market 1 big block due west at same time, LOL Bandas at G osorio today as it preps for Carnaval. Wave action to great at gay beach again. 1230 ish to 1500 hours ish including Arpoador area which was kiddie beach and calmer. Did not see as many minnows today.
Back at BnB by 1600 or so and got cleaned up, then super late 1715 ish start for Bangu. But ended up on Metro as fares were 150 RS +. Very high, but was some light rain by this point around Rio. Got off M at Coelho Neto. Ate some fries before uUber arrived. Another expensive ride due to rain. Maybe 65 RS cost for Uber to Boate Casa Grande arriving around 1835 and another Uber terrible driver. No idea where he was going and asked me for directions.60 RS entry to club w locker - went up 10-15 from last week and NO towel. Interesting that despite showing I was going to pay cash and the guy at the entry area had lots of cash, he kept asking me if I wanted to use Pix. Seems also true for food vendors on the street too. Had fun with a GP from a week ago. After he kept asking, I gave him my Whatsapp number but never heard back. Wants to sleep with me LOL
Pouring rain and heavy roof leaks during and after playtime. Then tried Grindr ing and chatted with some guys so missed some lower high price Ubers around 2030. Then maybe a guy blocked me LOL Could not get an Uber until 2130 at 100- ish for a 25+ trip to C Neto M LOL. Uber to Ipanema was 150-200+ likely due to heavy rain. No rain upon return. Drag Queen for bingo for maybe just after I left Bangu brothel and they still had many folks there despite the weather. Lots of folks in subway with some glitter, especially guys. Even at the beach earlier in the day, saw many folks preparing and costumed up a bit for Carnaval. I think many of the lightly glittered guys with fans were "family". Mostly twinks, but some hot muscle guys too.
 
Monday 2 February 2026
Overall, a quieter day. 28 RS to enter porn theatre near to Sexy Rose in Cinelandia. Did not stay long, about 1400-1430, but 2 awesome BJs and some ass. Thankfully it was dark as most guys there could have been 70+ yo. Ate lunch nearby and went to Sexy Rose which had 2 very hot guys that I could not even get close to. Still had fun until 1730. I was hungry and tired, so went back to new BnB in Copa. On a high floor and no bugs seen.
 
Tuesday 3 February 2026
Very late start today. Too many things to catch up on. Will plan on the beach for a while and the 117 to follow. Hard to sort out itching from bug bites from the most mild sunburn in a few spots. Taking bilastine for the itching.
 
Some quick notes: unlike Commonwealth countries, folks here do not seem to fully understand queuing. Perhaps we are the exceptions, LOL.
At the supermarket, there was a young couple in front of me in the Preferencia line. No clue to unloading their cart of maybe 8 items while the person in front of them checked out. As so often seems to happen in Rio, no clue as to how they will pay. (At another supermarket, the checkout guy seemed upset with me when an older lady tried to split off some items due to lack of dinheiros and then had to wait for a supervisor to void items. Then the whole thing went south and seemingly nothing worked at that cashier, then that cashier got upset with me, for getting upset about keeping folks waiting. Then I was told I would have to wait at the back of a very long queue to follow. Lessons in how not to do business on all sides.) To make matters even better, LOL, the checkout guy refused to enter my CPF and insisted on manually typing each barcode number for all items I was buying. At least I got my discounts. Again, sheer misery for nothing accomplished and a shining example of how not to do business.
 
Meds: Pharmacy prices for various (seemingly always generic) meds do vary quite a bit. Boxes look quite similar too. So, you need to shop / ask around before buying. I have a CPF and some places don’t even need or want it, while others require it for a discount. I was looking for aspirin, the 81 mg ones. 500 mg tablets are a bit expensive and have been told it is a major problem for the NHS in the UK due to lack of suppliers. They do not have 81 mg. They do have aspirina prevent 100 mg aspirins, 30 for about 19 RS. Tadalafil 5 mg are 30 for about 10 RS. Antibiotics seem to require a BR receita or Rx from a BR doctor. PREP meds are available, but I think only at public or private health clinics, not street pharmacies. In general, Rx prices are quite low vs US, Canada or Europe, but they might not accept your non BR Rx script or empty vial, even with recent date. To get some idea of prices, which might be less in person, you can search for the various pharmacy companies and use their website tools like for https://www.drogaraia.com.br. 

Friday afternoon in Rio and it has been raining all day, sometimes pouring, but mostly enough to just stay in so far today.
Wednesday: went to Sexy Rose from 1500-1720 ish hours. It was busy enough. Couple of very hot guys that are well beyond our league, so at least the eye candy and grab some **** in the darkroom was nice. Then at 202, again I was tired post sexy rose. There were about 5 guys of interest as I entered at 1815 hours. Did a quick tour of the place and never saw 4 of them again! The 5th had a punter or 2. The TV jerk off room by the lockers is now closed. I think the 3rd or 4th floor bar and smoking areas are also closed now. The new smoking area is on the 2nd floor by the hot sauna and urinals. For non-smokers, the smoke is unbearable. Some play in steam room. Hot tub on the 2nd floor is gone now and is a hang out room. Stayed until 2030 hours ish and left before 9-930 pm show. It was busy, but I was simply too hungry for food vs boys. Entry is 80 R$. Did not inquire re room cost after 30 minutes or on non-free cabin nights.
I will word the following carefully, as I do not know if any of these folks are forum members. A ? Texas guy spends ½ yr in Rio. Was quite nice to me and found a very hot GP for play. If he is a member, please say hello via PM. Tall blond punter I saw from Bangu over a year ago brought his “special fiend” with him. I trust he and his table guests all had a nice time out. I think he is a member. And then, oh dear, please, I am not trying to be evil. There were 3 guys together that are quite old. I think they came into being shortly after the Big Bang when our universe started. Might have mentored Noah in ship design. I was not certain if I had known one of them before. I think an actor from Florida who was spending maybe a week per month or 2 in Rio and he likely had some plastic surgery back then and looked appropriate for age. I think he had more surgery, perhaps a month or 2 ago, and if the same person, oh dear, not a great result. Another poor soul looked like had died 3 weeks ago, formaldehyde had been placed in his veins and yet he keeps walking. Not sure if he was pre or post a botched procedure. The 3rd guy was also older and facial features seemed quite reasonable, but the jet-black Beatles mop top hair was not working. Another punter, not with the 3 bad plastic surgery guys also had a bad jet-black toupee. Sometimes, I think it best to accept what you have or just mildly embellish things. Sorry forum members, but these 4 folks looked like they were from a Benny Hill / horror show skit gone awry. No super-hot guy came in at 2000 hours, unlike a year or 2 ago. I went food shopping as the supermarkets were getting ready to close. FWIW Mundial, which often has by far the best prices, is huge and perhaps 4 blocks down on S campos from 202. But the lines can be unbearable. I went to an Extra that is hidden inside a mall and large residential and office block across and down from 202 by a block or so.
Had a huge very nice but late dinner at my bnb. Yours truly ate far too much (I was very hungry) and ate way too late before going directly to bed. Woke up in the middle of the night with the worst heartburn ever and generally felt simply awful. Things got worse and by 0900 I was on my way to Samaritan Hospital not far from Botofogo M. Private place and my insurance included them as a provider. In brief, I got worked up for a heart attack, which I did not have. After 5 hours or so of testing, they kindly pointed out that one should not eat a giant meal right before sleeping. Offered some anti reflux and similar meds. Some are not available in all countries such as lufta gastro and domperidone. I found their Receiving staff to be very professional, and I think I would be ok going there again if needed. Recommended to forum members. Having been poked and prodded, I did not feel like playing Thursday night and I cancelled a date too. LOL Friday through 4pm has been too rainy to do much of anything as noted above. So, hoping for a nice early smaller dinner nearby if the rain continues.

Update Tuesday 10 February 2026
Where did we leave off….Tuesday 3 February 2026
Got rained out at the beach, LOL Eventually made it to 117. 1820-2230 hours ish. Show was unbearably loud and quite late. Met a forum member while chatting with a non forum friend, a bit before leaving. A very nice older tall black US guy (queen) who is retired in BR that I had not met before was enjoying champagne with his boyfriend from Bahia. Was invited to join and chat with them and he introduced me to Caio. Unfortunately, the sex was mostly mechanical. He did seem to enjoy the phone translated banter earlier on. Someone told me that Meio Mundo boys are only 100-, like Bangu.
The next 3 days were mostly uneventful per this Forum. I did go to the free Ensaios Tecnicos or pre Carnaval parade practice at the Sambadromo Friday night. It started pouring rain again for the first of the 4 groups. It is a far cry from the spectacle of the real deal that begins around the few days before Carnaval Tuesday and the Campeus or Champions Parade that follows, the next Saturday night, Sunday am. I did not know that the M would be open at the 2 nearby stations until this ended, so I left early around MN to avoid what I thought might be a high cab fare vs trying to get on a bus later on. I do speak some PT and had no issue entering Setor 6 about in the middle of the stadium. Umbrellas or ponchos (kappa) were needed.
Due to mild sunburn Friday and work issues, I had a slow start to Saturday. Should have been a great day. But wanted to avoid the sun. I went out after more heavy downpours that night and was quite surprised that Copa was as dead as I have ever seen it. Should have gone to Lapa and Centro which apparently were quite busy. Did see the paparazzi and unknown BR celebrities arriving for the Vogue Ball (some all costumed up) at the Copa Palace Hotel. Maybe I just needed a day off.
Sunday 8 Feb 2026
Busy day despite some rain. Went to the Hippie Fair and saw many folks dressed up in Carnaval costumes in Ipanema. Did not see any in Copa Saturday night. Lots of hot guys, I mean super hot hot guys that make typical surfer dudes seem like Homer Simpson, LOL. Met some great guys at the gay beach, from Toronto and NYC. Then it poured rain again. Went to Teatro Claro it is on the 2nd floor of a large shopping center that is just north of M Siquiera Campos in a very non descript building. On the way to 202 we have passed it a million times, but never noticed it. Saw a great musical play about the life of BR musician Djavan. A bit of an epiphany in that even with my limited PT abilities, I was able to sort out most of the play. The audience knew most of the songs by heart. It was pouring as the play let out at 2100 hours. Another bad day using the hook up apps, nada x 2. I have never had this much bad luck before. However, I have turned down several GPs that were either not my type or I felt uncomfortable.
Another note for folks new to this forum or BR: tons of police to be seen when you are out in Rio. It is quite normal here, so not an issue.
Monday 9 Feb 2026
Morning was consumed with return trip and other issues. Sexy Rose was slow. Went to the sort of poor soft opening of a French “something or other” exhibit at the national library by the Cinelandia Metro. Almost nothing to see. But a lovely building. Folks were handling some of the books with gloves on. Many of the people I saw there were speaking in FR.
Despite quite a rain, I finally made it to Meio Mundo, after stopping to eat near Confiteria Columbo. Difficult to assess what I experienced vs a more normal night due the rain which was causing nearby flooding. It only flooded at the front door when I was leaving. Unlike 117, you cannot hear the rain inside M M. Met multiple BR regulars who were very nice to me. They did mention Bangu, starting around 1500 hours. Also noted another place whose name I did not sort out, but they said it translates from PT to EN as slap your face. Maybe, per translator, ??Dá um tapa na sua cara (or something like that). Because, this might be in local vernacular, I have no idea what the place is called or where it is :(( There were only 2 GPs of interest to me. I had one and the other was busy with other clients. The guy I had ended up being weird. He started by sucking me and kissing nicely where we met. We agreed on a price, 150 RS, but maybe could have been lower, ?? In the room, he did not suck much and wanted me to suck on his forearm and elbow area, plus an occasional finger. Was not into me sucking him or kissing much in the room. As a bottom he was loose and not into standard receptive positions, LOL. When he came, it was like 2 drops. Also tried to change the deal a bit in the room for additional services, but nothing major. He gave me his whats app and said a private session would be much hotter someplace else. I guess I will never find out. Some of the guys were a bit like Bangu guys, some were not – fewer tattoos and some were a bit more muscular, but not like 117. I did not note any being at both places, but could easily be wrong as there seemed to be many different guys at Bangu each Sunday. Couple of larger black guys with huge ones at M M. Once I said I was ativo, they quickly scampered away. Several other GPs came and said hi to me and some spoke more, though very limited, EN than guys at 117 or 202. Was at MM from about 1815-2030 hours. Missed the show and do not know when it was scheduled for. God only knows what I stepped in near the flooded entry to M M as I left. The rain was mostly done for a while. Another app date fizzled later on.
Overall, I would say that Bangu eats away a great deal of time on Sunday. Best if you are looking for multiple possible encounters with street guy next door types with a few tats and you need to be able to do basic hook up chat with the guys. Translators will help. The guys at M M tended to be thin and short. Twink ish. There are no room charges at Bangu. Monday entry and 1 room at M M was 105 RS. Very reasonable vs 117 and 202. No idea what the breakdown is. My issues with transportation to Bangu were rain related. Main reason for not going on 8 Feb. However, it might not have been as big an issue as the week before and the BR guys I met at M M did not mention any issues getting to or coming back from Bangu.
Per comments, I don’t think I have ADHD, but I do keep track of business expenses and keep a diary too. I do enjoy looking back sometimes. So keeping up with these travel dalliances is easy for me. Generally not into special substances and as for Mr Joyce, I haven’t 1% of his literary talent. But I do thank KA and the many others here for their comments. As for the CPF, when I got it in June 2023, it was all done online. I might have had to redo the form along the way. Took a week or 2 as I remember. I followed a great set of instructions found on the web. Perhaps things have greatly changed since then.
As before, many thanks to forum members and I hope my comments have aided others.
 

Update Tuesday 10 February 2026
Where did we leave off….Tuesday 3 February 2026
Got rained out at the beach, LOL Eventually made it to 117. 1820-2230 hours ish. Show was unbearably loud and quite late. Met a forum member while chatting with a non forum friend, a bit before leaving. A very nice older tall black US guy (queen) who is retired in BR that I had not met before was enjoying champagne with his boyfriend from Bahia. Was invited to join and chat with them and he introduced me to Caio. Unfortunately, the sex was mostly mechanical. He did seem to enjoy the phone translated banter earlier on. Someone told me that Meio Mundo boys are only 100-, like Bangu.
The next 3 days were mostly uneventful per this Forum. I did go to the free Ensaios Tecnicos or pre Carnaval parade practice at the Sambadromo Friday night. It started pouring rain again for the first of the 4 groups. It is a far cry from the spectacle of the real deal that begins around the few days before Carnaval Tuesday and the Campeus or Champions Parade that follows, the next Saturday night, Sunday am. I did not know that the M would be open at the 2 nearby stations until this ended, so I left early around MN to avoid what I thought might be a high cab fare vs trying to get on a bus later on. I do speak some PT and had no issue entering Setor 6 about in the middle of the stadium. Umbrellas or ponchos (kappa) were needed.
Due to mild sunburn Friday and work issues, I had a slow start to Saturday. Should have been a great day. But wanted to avoid the sun. I went out after more heavy downpours that night and was quite surprised that Copa was as dead as I have ever seen it. Should have gone to Lapa and Centro which apparently were quite busy. Did see the paparazzi and unknown BR celebrities arriving for the Vogue Ball (some all costumed up) at the Copa Palace Hotel. Maybe I just needed a day off.
Sunday 8 Feb 2026
Busy day despite some rain. Went to the Hippie Fair and saw many folks dressed up in Carnaval costumes in Ipanema. Did not see any in Copa Saturday night. Lots of hot guys, I mean super hot hot guys that make typical surfer dudes seem like Homer Simpson, LOL. Met some great guys at the gay beach, from Toronto and NYC. Then it poured rain again. Went to Teatro Claro it is on the 2nd floor of a large shopping center that is just north of M Siquiera Campos in a very non descript building. On the way to 202 we have passed it a million times, but never noticed it. Saw a great musical play about the life of BR musician Djavan. A bit of an epiphany in that even with my limited PT abilities, I was able to sort out most of the play. The audience knew most of the songs by heart. It was pouring as the play let out at 2100 hours. Another bad day using the hook up apps, nada x 2. I have never had this much bad luck before. However, I have turned down several GPs that were either not my type or I felt uncomfortable.
Another note for folks new to this forum or BR: tons of police to be seen when you are out in Rio. It is quite normal here, so not an issue.
Monday 9 Feb 2026
Morning was consumed with return trip and other issues. Sexy Rose was slow. Went to the sort of poor soft opening of a French “something or other” exhibit at the national library by the Cinelandia Metro. Almost nothing to see. But a lovely building. Folks were handling some of the books with gloves on. Many of the people I saw there were speaking in FR.
Despite quite a rain, I finally made it to Meio Mundo, after stopping to eat near Confiteria Columbo. Difficult to assess what I experienced vs a more normal night due the rain which was causing nearby flooding. It only flooded at the front door when I was leaving. Unlike 117, you cannot hear the rain inside M M. Met multiple BR regulars who were very nice to me. They did mention Bangu, starting around 1500 hours. Also noted another place whose name I did not sort out, but they said it translates from PT to EN as slap your face. Maybe, per translator, ??Dá um tapa na sua cara (or something like that). Because, this might be in local vernacular, I have no idea what the place is called or where it is :(( There were only 2 GPs of interest to me. I had one and the other was busy with other clients. The guy I had ended up being weird. He started by sucking me and kissing nicely where we met. We agreed on a price, 150 RS, but maybe could have been lower, ?? In the room, he did not suck much and wanted me to suck on his forearm and elbow area, plus an occasional finger. Was not into me sucking him or kissing much in the room. As a bottom he was loose and not into standard receptive positions, LOL. When he came, it was like 2 drops. Also tried to change the deal a bit in the room for additional services, but nothing major. He gave me his whats app and said a private session would be much hotter someplace else. I guess I will never find out. Some of the guys were a bit like Bangu guys, some were not – fewer tattoos and some were a bit more muscular, but not like 117. I did not note any being at both places, but could easily be wrong as there seemed to be many different guys at Bangu each Sunday. Couple of larger black guys with huge ones at M M. Once I said I was ativo, they quickly scampered away. Several other GPs came and said hi to me and some spoke more, though very limited, EN than guys at 117 or 202. Was at MM from about 1815-2030 hours. Missed the show and do not know when it was scheduled for. God only knows what I stepped in near the flooded entry to M M as I left. The rain was mostly done for a while. Another app date fizzled later on.
Overall, I would say that Bangu eats away a great deal of time on Sunday. Best if you are looking for multiple possible encounters with street guy next door types with a few tats and you need to be able to do basic hook up chat with the guys. Translators will help. The guys at M M tended to be thin and short. Twink ish. There are no room charges at Bangu. Monday entry and 1 room at M M was 105 RS. Very reasonable vs 117 and 202. No idea what the breakdown is. My issues with transportation to Bangu were rain related. Main reason for not going on 8 Feb. However, it might not have been as big an issue as the week before and the BR guys I met at M M did not mention any issues getting to or coming back from Bangu.
Per comments, I don’t think I have ADHD, but I do keep track of business expenses and keep a diary too. I do enjoy looking back sometimes. So keeping up with these travel dalliances is easy for me. Generally not into special substances and as for Mr Joyce, I haven’t 1% of his literary talent. But I do thank KA and the many others here for their comments. As for the CPF, when I got it in June 2023, it was all done online. I might have had to redo the form along the way. Took a week or 2 as I remember. I followed a great set of instructions found on the web. Perhaps things have greatly changed since then.
As before, many thanks to forum members and I hope my comments have aided others.
 

Update Tuesday 10 February 2026
Where did we leave off….Tuesday 3 February 2026
Got rained out at the beach, LOL Eventually made it to 117. 1820-2230 hours ish. Show was unbearably loud and quite late. Met a forum member while chatting with a non forum friend, a bit before leaving. A very nice older tall black US guy (queen) who is retired in BR that I had not met before was enjoying champagne with his boyfriend from Bahia. Was invited to join and chat with them and he introduced me to Caio. Unfortunately, the sex was mostly mechanical. He did seem to enjoy the phone translated banter earlier on. Someone told me that Meio Mundo boys are only 100-, like Bangu.
The next 3 days were mostly uneventful per this Forum. I did go to the free Ensaios Tecnicos or pre Carnaval parade practice at the Sambadromo Friday night. It started pouring rain again for the first of the 4 groups. It is a far cry from the spectacle of the real deal that begins around the few days before Carnaval Tuesday and the Campeus or Champions Parade that follows, the next Saturday night, Sunday am. I did not know that the M would be open at the 2 nearby stations until this ended, so I left early around MN to avoid what I thought might be a high cab fare vs trying to get on a bus later on. I do speak some PT and had no issue entering Setor 6 about in the middle of the stadium. Umbrellas or ponchos (kappa) were needed.
Due to mild sunburn Friday and work issues, I had a slow start to Saturday. Should have been a great day. But wanted to avoid the sun. I went out after more heavy downpours that night and was quite surprised that Copa was as dead as I have ever seen it. Should have gone to Lapa and Centro which apparently were quite busy. Did see the paparazzi and unknown BR celebrities arriving for the Vogue Ball (some all costumed up) at the Copa Palace Hotel. Maybe I just needed a day off.
Sunday 8 Feb 2026
Busy day despite some rain. Went to the Hippie Fair and saw many folks dressed up in Carnaval costumes in Ipanema. Did not see any in Copa Saturday night. Lots of hot guys, I mean super hot hot guys that make typical surfer dudes seem like Homer Simpson, LOL. Met some great guys at the gay beach, from Toronto and NYC. Then it poured rain again. Went to Teatro Claro it is on the 2nd floor of a large shopping center that is just north of M Siquiera Campos in a very non descript building. On the way to 202 we have passed it a million times, but never noticed it. Saw a great musical play about the life of BR musician Djavan. A bit of an epiphany in that even with my limited PT abilities, I was able to sort out most of the play. The audience knew most of the songs by heart. It was pouring as the play let out at 2100 hours. Another bad day using the hook up apps, nada x 2. I have never had this much bad luck before. However, I have turned down several GPs that were either not my type or I felt uncomfortable.
Another note for folks new to this forum or BR: tons of police to be seen when you are out in Rio. It is quite normal here, so not an issue.
Monday 9 Feb 2026
Morning was consumed with return trip and other issues. Sexy Rose was slow. Went to the sort of poor soft opening of a French “something or other” exhibit at the national library by the Cinelandia Metro. Almost nothing to see. But a lovely building. Folks were handling some of the books with gloves on. Many of the people I saw there were speaking in FR.
Despite quite a rain, I finally made it to Meio Mundo, after stopping to eat near Confiteria Columbo. Difficult to assess what I experienced vs a more normal night due the rain which was causing nearby flooding. It only flooded at the front door when I was leaving. Unlike 117, you cannot hear the rain inside M M. Met multiple BR regulars who were very nice to me. They did mention Bangu, starting around 1500 hours. Also noted another place whose name I did not sort out, but they said it translates from PT to EN as slap your face. Maybe, per translator, ??Dá um tapa na sua cara (or something like that). Because, this might be in local vernacular, I have no idea what the place is called or where it is :(( There were only 2 GPs of interest to me. I had one and the other was busy with other clients. The guy I had ended up being weird. He started by sucking me and kissing nicely where we met. We agreed on a price, 150 RS, but maybe could have been lower, ?? In the room, he did not suck much and wanted me to suck on his forearm and elbow area, plus an occasional finger. Was not into me sucking him or kissing much in the room. As a bottom he was loose and not into standard receptive positions, LOL. When he came, it was like 2 drops. Also tried to change the deal a bit in the room for additional services, but nothing major. He gave me his whats app and said a private session would be much hotter someplace else. I guess I will never find out. Some of the guys were a bit like Bangu guys, some were not – fewer tattoos and some were a bit more muscular, but not like 117. I did not note any being at both places, but could easily be wrong as there seemed to be many different guys at Bangu each Sunday. Couple of larger black guys with huge ones at M M. Once I said I was ativo, they quickly scampered away. Several other GPs came and said hi to me and some spoke more, though very limited, EN than guys at 117 or 202. Was at MM from about 1815-2030 hours. Missed the show and do not know when it was scheduled for. God only knows what I stepped in near the flooded entry to M M as I left. The rain was mostly done for a while. Another app date fizzled later on.
Overall, I would say that Bangu eats away a great deal of time on Sunday. Best if you are looking for multiple possible encounters with street guy next door types with a few tats and you need to be able to do basic hook up chat with the guys. Translators will help. The guys at M M tended to be thin and short. Twink ish. There are no room charges at Bangu. Monday entry and 1 room at M M was 105 RS. Very reasonable vs 117 and 202. No idea what the breakdown is. My issues with transportation to Bangu were rain related. Main reason for not going on 8 Feb. However, it might not have been as big an issue as the week before and the BR guys I met at M M did not mention any issues getting to or coming back from Bangu.
Per comments, I don’t think I have ADHD, but I do keep track of business expenses and keep a diary too. I do enjoy looking back sometimes. So keeping up with these travel dalliances is easy for me. Generally not into special substances and as for Mr Joyce, I haven’t 1% of his literary talent. But I do thank KA and the many others here for their comments. As for the CPF, when I got it in June 2023, it was all done online. I might have had to redo the form along the way. Took a week or 2 as I remember. I followed a great set of instructions found on the web. Perhaps things have greatly changed since then.
As before, many thanks to forum members and I hope my comments have aided others.
 

Update Tuesday 10 February 2026
Where did we leave off….Tuesday 3 February 2026
Got rained out at the beach, LOL Eventually made it to 117. 1820-2230 hours ish. Show was unbearably loud and quite late. Met a forum member while chatting with a non forum friend, a bit before leaving. A very nice older tall black US guy (queen) who is retired in BR that I had not met before was enjoying champagne with his boyfriend from Bahia. Was invited to join and chat with them and he introduced me to Caio. Unfortunately, the sex was mostly mechanical. He did seem to enjoy the phone translated banter earlier on. Someone told me that Meio Mundo boys are only 100-, like Bangu.
The next 3 days were mostly uneventful per this Forum. I did go to the free Ensaios Tecnicos or pre Carnaval parade practice at the Sambadromo Friday night. It started pouring rain again for the first of the 4 groups. It is a far cry from the spectacle of the real deal that begins around the few days before Carnaval Tuesday and the Campeus or Champions Parade that follows, the next Saturday night, Sunday am. I did not know that the M would be open at the 2 nearby stations until this ended, so I left early around MN to avoid what I thought might be a high cab fare vs trying to get on a bus later on. I do speak some PT and had no issue entering Setor 6 about in the middle of the stadium. Umbrellas or ponchos (kappa) were needed.
Due to mild sunburn Friday and work issues, I had a slow start to Saturday. Should have been a great day. But wanted to avoid the sun. I went out after more heavy downpours that night and was quite surprised that Copa was as dead as I have ever seen it. Should have gone to Lapa and Centro which apparently were quite busy. Did see the paparazzi and unknown BR celebrities arriving for the Vogue Ball (some all costumed up) at the Copa Palace Hotel. Maybe I just needed a day off.
Sunday 8 Feb 2026
Busy day despite some rain. Went to the Hippie Fair and saw many folks dressed up in Carnaval costumes in Ipanema. Did not see any in Copa Saturday night. Lots of hot guys, I mean super hot hot guys that make typical surfer dudes seem like Homer Simpson, LOL. Met some great guys at the gay beach, from Toronto and NYC. Then it poured rain again. Went to Teatro Claro it is on the 2nd floor of a large shopping center that is just north of M Siquiera Campos in a very non descript building. On the way to 202 we have passed it a million times, but never noticed it. Saw a great musical play about the life of BR musician Djavan. A bit of an epiphany in that even with my limited PT abilities, I was able to sort out most of the play. The audience knew most of the songs by heart. It was pouring as the play let out at 2100 hours. Another bad day using the hook up apps, nada x 2. I have never had this much bad luck before. However, I have turned down several GPs that were either not my type or I felt uncomfortable.
Another note for folks new to this forum or BR: tons of police to be seen when you are out in Rio. It is quite normal here, so not an issue.
Monday 9 Feb 2026
Morning was consumed with return trip and other issues. Sexy Rose was slow. Went to the sort of poor soft opening of a French “something or other” exhibit at the national library by the Cinelandia Metro. Almost nothing to see. But a lovely building. Folks were handling some of the books with gloves on. Many of the people I saw there were speaking in FR.
Despite quite a rain, I finally made it to Meio Mundo, after stopping to eat near Confiteria Columbo. Difficult to assess what I experienced vs a more normal night due the rain which was causing nearby flooding. It only flooded at the front door when I was leaving. Unlike 117, you cannot hear the rain inside M M. Met multiple BR regulars who were very nice to me. They did mention Bangu, starting around 1500 hours. Also noted another place whose name I did not sort out, but they said it translates from PT to EN as slap your face. Maybe, per translator, ??Dá um tapa na sua cara (or something like that). Because, this might be in local vernacular, I have no idea what the place is called or where it is :(( There were only 2 GPs of interest to me. I had one and the other was busy with other clients. The guy I had ended up being weird. He started by sucking me and kissing nicely where we met. We agreed on a price, 150 RS, but maybe could have been lower, ?? In the room, he did not suck much and wanted me to suck on his forearm and elbow area, plus an occasional finger. Was not into me sucking him or kissing much in the room. As a bottom he was loose and not into standard receptive positions, LOL. When he came, it was like 2 drops. Also tried to change the deal a bit in the room for additional services, but nothing major. He gave me his whats app and said a private session would be much hotter someplace else. I guess I will never find out. Some of the guys were a bit like Bangu guys, some were not – fewer tattoos and some were a bit more muscular, but not like 117. I did not note any being at both places, but could easily be wrong as there seemed to be many different guys at Bangu each Sunday. Couple of larger black guys with huge ones at M M. Once I said I was ativo, they quickly scampered away. Several other GPs came and said hi to me and some spoke more, though very limited, EN than guys at 117 or 202. Was at MM from about 1815-2030 hours. Missed the show and do not know when it was scheduled for. God only knows what I stepped in near the flooded entry to M M as I left. The rain was mostly done for a while. Another app date fizzled later on.
Overall, I would say that Bangu eats away a great deal of time on Sunday. Best if you are looking for multiple possible encounters with street guy next door types with a few tats and you need to be able to do basic hook up chat with the guys. Translators will help. The guys at M M tended to be thin and short. Twink ish. There are no room charges at Bangu. Monday entry and 1 room at M M was 105 RS. Very reasonable vs 117 and 202. No idea what the breakdown is. My issues with transportation to Bangu were rain related. Main reason for not going on 8 Feb. However, it might not have been as big an issue as the week before and the BR guys I met at M M did not mention any issues getting to or coming back from Bangu.
Per comments, I don’t think I have ADHD, but I do keep track of business expenses and keep a diary too. I do enjoy looking back sometimes. So keeping up with these travel dalliances is easy for me. Generally not into special substances and as for Mr Joyce, I haven’t 1% of his literary talent. But I do thank KA and the many others here for their comments. As for the CPF, when I got it in June 2023, it was all done online. I might have had to redo the form along the way. Took a week or 2 as I remember. I followed a great set of instructions found on the web. Perhaps things have greatly changed since then.
As before, many thanks to forum members and I hope my comments have aided others.
 

Update Tuesday 10 February 2026
Where did we leave off….Tuesday 3 February 2026
Got rained out at the beach, LOL Eventually made it to 117. 1820-2230 hours ish. Show was unbearably loud and quite late. Met a forum member while chatting with a non forum friend, a bit before leaving. A very nice older tall black US guy (queen) who is retired in BR that I had not met before was enjoying champagne with his boyfriend from Bahia. Was invited to join and chat with them and he introduced me to Caio. Unfortunately, the sex was mostly mechanical. He did seem to enjoy the phone translated banter earlier on. Someone told me that Meio Mundo boys are only 100-, like Bangu.
The next 3 days were mostly uneventful per this Forum. I did go to the free Ensaios Tecnicos or pre Carnaval parade practice at the Sambadromo Friday night. It started pouring rain again for the first of the 4 groups. It is a far cry from the spectacle of the real deal that begins around the few days before Carnaval Tuesday and the Campeus or Champions Parade that follows, the next Saturday night, Sunday am. I did not know that the M would be open at the 2 nearby stations until this ended, so I left early around MN to avoid what I thought might be a high cab fare vs trying to get on a bus later on. I do speak some PT and had no issue entering Setor 6 about in the middle of the stadium. Umbrellas or ponchos (kappa) were needed.
Due to mild sunburn Friday and work issues, I had a slow start to Saturday. Should have been a great day. But wanted to avoid the sun. I went out after more heavy downpours that night and was quite surprised that Copa was as dead as I have ever seen it. Should have gone to Lapa and Centro which apparently were quite busy. Did see the paparazzi and unknown BR celebrities arriving for the Vogue Ball (some all costumed up) at the Copa Palace Hotel. Maybe I just needed a day off.
Sunday 8 Feb 2026
Busy day despite some rain. Went to the Hippie Fair and saw many folks dressed up in Carnaval costumes in Ipanema. Did not see any in Copa Saturday night. Lots of hot guys, I mean super hot hot guys that make typical surfer dudes seem like Homer Simpson, LOL. Met some great guys at the gay beach, from Toronto and NYC. Then it poured rain again. Went to Teatro Claro it is on the 2nd floor of a large shopping center that is just north of M Siquiera Campos in a very non descript building. On the way to 202 we have passed it a million times, but never noticed it. Saw a great musical play about the life of BR musician Djavan. A bit of an epiphany in that even with my limited PT abilities, I was able to sort out most of the play. The audience knew most of the songs by heart. It was pouring as the play let out at 2100 hours. Another bad day using the hook up apps, nada x 2. I have never had this much bad luck before. However, I have turned down several GPs that were either not my type or I felt uncomfortable.
Another note for folks new to this forum or BR: tons of police to be seen when you are out in Rio. It is quite normal here, so not an issue.
Monday 9 Feb 2026
Morning was consumed with return trip and other issues. Sexy Rose was slow. Went to the sort of poor soft opening of a French “something or other” exhibit at the national library by the Cinelandia Metro. Almost nothing to see. But a lovely building. Folks were handling some of the books with gloves on. Many of the people I saw there were speaking in FR.
Despite quite a rain, I finally made it to Meio Mundo, after stopping to eat near Confiteria Columbo. Difficult to assess what I experienced vs a more normal night due the rain which was causing nearby flooding. It only flooded at the front door when I was leaving. Unlike 117, you cannot hear the rain inside M M. Met multiple BR regulars who were very nice to me. They did mention Bangu, starting around 1500 hours. Also noted another place whose name I did not sort out, but they said it translates from PT to EN as slap your face. Maybe, per translator, ??Dá um tapa na sua cara (or something like that). Because, this might be in local vernacular, I have no idea what the place is called or where it is :(( There were only 2 GPs of interest to me. I had one and the other was busy with other clients. The guy I had ended up being weird. He started by sucking me and kissing nicely where we met. We agreed on a price, 150 RS, but maybe could have been lower, ?? In the room, he did not suck much and wanted me to suck on his forearm and elbow area, plus an occasional finger. Was not into me sucking him or kissing much in the room. As a bottom he was loose and not into standard receptive positions, LOL. When he came, it was like 2 drops. Also tried to change the deal a bit in the room for additional services, but nothing major. He gave me his whats app and said a private session would be much hotter someplace else. I guess I will never find out. Some of the guys were a bit like Bangu guys, some were not – fewer tattoos and some were a bit more muscular, but not like 117. I did not note any being at both places, but could easily be wrong as there seemed to be many different guys at Bangu each Sunday. Couple of larger black guys with huge ones at M M. Once I said I was ativo, they quickly scampered away. Several other GPs came and said hi to me and some spoke more, though very limited, EN than guys at 117 or 202. Was at MM from about 1815-2030 hours. Missed the show and do not know when it was scheduled for. God only knows what I stepped in near the flooded entry to M M as I left. The rain was mostly done for a while. Another app date fizzled later on.
Overall, I would say that Bangu eats away a great deal of time on Sunday. Best if you are looking for multiple possible encounters with street guy next door types with a few tats and you need to be able to do basic hook up chat with the guys. Translators will help. The guys at M M tended to be thin and short. Twink ish. There are no room charges at Bangu. Monday entry and 1 room at M M was 105 RS. Very reasonable vs 117 and 202. No idea what the breakdown is. My issues with transportation to Bangu were rain related. Main reason for not going on 8 Feb. However, it might not have been as big an issue as the week before and the BR guys I met at M M did not mention any issues getting to or coming back from Bangu.
Per comments, I don’t think I have ADHD, but I do keep track of business expenses and keep a diary too. I do enjoy looking back sometimes. So keeping up with these travel dalliances is easy for me. Generally not into special substances and as for Mr Joyce, I haven’t 1% of his literary talent. But I do thank KA and the many others here for their comments. As for the CPF, when I got it in June 2023, it was all done online. I might have had to redo the form along the way. Took a week or 2 as I remember. I followed a great set of instructions found on the web. Perhaps things have greatly changed since then.
As before, many thanks to forum members and I hope my comments have aided others.
 

Tuesday was a local holiday here but the occasional rain or drizzle made a mess of things. Not a beach day. Was at sexy rose a bit late and it was not very busy, though I still had fun. Arrived at 117 in Gloria around 1815 hours. It was a nice walk from cinelandia. A few bands were out maybe for the holiday. Admission price at 117 is now 99 R$. First 30 minutes of cabin time is free on Tuesday. 77 R$ for each additional 30 minutes to follow. I saw someone pay 300 R$ for what seemed like an average looking GP - of course all pricing is highly variable, but I think 200 is a minimum for a hotter GP and maybe without gozar. (Not trying to be evil - so maybe the muscle gods were pricier unless you are a local and speak good PT ??) Others feel free to chime in. Many unfamiliar faces. Familiar GPs from over a year ago tended to be more muscular than before !! There was one group of folks hanging together and I could not figure out clients vs GPs in all cases as the possible GPs, though maybe 35 yo, were muscular and somewhat tanned. I was tired and hungry after sexy rose and left 117 by 2015 hours. Maybe the show was at 2030 or 2100 hours. I missed it. I only saw 1 table of customers buying lots of drinks and did not see any flowing champagne. Wide variety of GPs but only a few twinks. I did not go to Meio Mundo on Monday so I do not know how their twinks compare. Very long line for cabins at  117 and the queen in charge of the queue was stressed out. Lol.
May have a few sprinkles at noon Wednesday and possibly partly cloudy to follow so I am hoping for some beach time today. 
One member PMd me and perhaps did not receive my reply. Please PM me again, etc. Thx. 

I wanted to add this as a separate post. Accommodations are much more expensive than pre COVID. In Rio, places are much harder to find than during December 2024, just over a year ago, even at a higher cost. Perhaps due to summer travel and the post COVID tourist boom. The mass of tourists was also true 3 months ago in October 2025 in Barcelona, Venice, Florence (and Rome). So. you will have to consider booking in advance if possible. I prefer to book at the last minute to have more travel freedom. When you see a mini split AC unit it will likely be fairly quiet, but some of the full in wall AC units can be painfully loud and they often rattle adjacent windows loudly. That is one reason why I left my first place as soon as the booking was over. Also, why I often book only 2-3 nights as a time. Second is true to pics, and yes, they lie: this place is painfully small. So please, check the apt pics carefully. 
Inflation: I think a Metro or bus ticket was 4.30 R$ in 2018 or so. M is 7.90 R$ now. Coconuts at street vendors have doubled from 6 to 12 R$ in the last 1-2 years. So yes, doubling of some prices. No idea how locals survive this.
First host warned me regarding thefts: under 18 yo robbers are unlikely to be prosecuted and iphones are preferred object to steal. Also beware of motocycle folks grabbing your stuff. In brief, flash and show nothing and try to look like a local as much as possible. Even at Bangu, one of the GPs jokingly tried grabbing my non iphone from my pocket. I think it was to warn me to put it away unless translating to PT.
Also, FYI, mosquitos and other bugs are out. Though not severely.      That is all for now .....  

Bit of an update. Sunday was busy. Hippie Fair / Market in G Osorio then to the gay beach near Posto 9. The market was busy around 1300 hours. I could not find the previously noted gay flag(s) by the gay beach. Did not seem super gay when I went by. Maybe I was there too early following Saturday night's debaucheries. LOL. Since Gloria is about 30 minutes away by Metro I went there next. Huge Sunday market by the M entrance. But no bands were playing around 1445-1515 hours. Since Bangu Sauna (Boite Casa Grande) is about 70 minutes away by UBER I decided to go there next. Then my TIM sim card simply stopped working. Full signal and 99% available data, but simply would not connect. Took M to Coelho Neto, could not find the Uber using M station wifi and finally took a taxi (77 R$). Arrived just after 1700 hours and stayed until about 1940 hours. The sauna was in poor physical shape with the downstairs front area closed and some flooding. Main floor had many damaged lockers and they had run out of lockers when I arrived. An American was helping to work the register and put my stuff in a tool shed type locker. It was safe enough. He was very nice to me. I heard no one else speaking anything other than PT. One German looking guy came in with his ? German looking younger boy? Very odd. Entry was 45 R$. I had 2 of the 3 GPs I desired. One was great the other was ok, nothing more. Both kissed nicely. Third GP found 2 punters who were buying beer, but no sex. So how was this guy going to earn food money? Oh well....  Cost: the GPs were asking 100-150 for more or less any service you wanted. None were very pushy. Uber, using club wifi, back to Rio was 80+ R$.
Monday: went to the beach where it was cloudy, but I did not burn under the beach umbrella !! Then to Sexy Rose from 1700-1900 hours. Very busy and about the latest I have ever been there; though I did not have my full usual luck, I still had plenty of fun. Then back to my place. Started raining and rain ramped up by 2100 hours. Raining heavily overnight and this (Tuesday) am. Still raining on and off. May head out to Sexy Rose before free cabin night at 117.

Update Tuesday 3 February 2026
 
Friday 30 January 2026
Went shopping in and around Uruguaiana M in Centro area. Took hours. It was quite hot and there was some rain too. Simply too sweaty, tired and full with bought items to play. Went to Lapa Friday night and enjoyed it as noted in a prior reply on this thread.
 
Saturday 31 January 2026
Ipanema beach surf too rough and high so after 30 min 1337-1407 or so hours walk to Arpoador Ipanema side by rocks and kiddie area and hang for 30 min after getting pics with Tom Jobim statue – which is now painted. Minnows in the beach water rocks area, lots of them (Ipanema side of Arpoador rocks). Then walked to near Fairmont in Copa. Water was very calm, for another 20 min or so in the water. Saturday night I went to The Home just north of centro. Look for their Instagram, not Facebook page. 60 RS cash for entry, paid when I left The Home, 0035-0230 ish hours. My ears could not take it anymore, too loud and no quiet spaces. Never needed to see my ID, used fingerprint at entry and I guess they found me from 2024. They give you like a hotel key card for drinks etc and asked only my name when I left. No real ghetto searches in or out this time and no phone check either. Only a few entered when I did No one left when I left – likely I left way too early, but as I said, my ears could not take the loudness anymore and I did not like the 2nd DJ. The street was not as busy as 13 months or so ago. Met no one but so many gym bunny hot boys !! 1st DJ until 1am was good. 2nd was not. If there was a 0300 show, I missed it. Busy at 0100 and pretty packed dance floor at 0230. Never saw the night bus SN415 bus and another never bothered to stop for me around 0245 hours. By 0305 I was looking for a 100- Uber, but they had 70- taxi. Found the let out of a technical practice for Carnaval for Portella at Sambadromo. Very busy at 0320 hrs. Also very busy was what I think it the downtown bus depot area just E of Sambadromo and W of Saara / Vargas M stop. If I had taken the bus, I would have missed all of this. Maybe try to see another Carnaval crew practice another night if I can find any information. Back at BnB and in bed by 0400 hrs. Did not sleep well as I was getting eaten alive at the BnB – invisible mosquitoes, hungry ones too.
 
Sunday 1 February 2026
Having no luck on the hook up apps this trip. Several conversations that went nowhere. Ipanema G Osorio Hippie market. There was another market 1 big block due west at same time, LOL Bandas at G osorio today as it preps for Carnaval. Wave action to great at gay beach again. 1230 ish to 1500 hours ish including Arpoador area which was kiddie beach and calmer. Did not see as many minnows today.
Back at BnB by 1600 or so and got cleaned up, then super late 1715 ish start for Bangu. But ended up on Metro as fares were 150 RS +. Very high, but was some light rain by this point around Rio. Got off M at Coelho Neto. Ate some fries before uUber arrived. Another expensive ride due to rain. Maybe 65 RS cost for Uber to Boate Casa Grande arriving around 1835 and another Uber terrible driver. No idea where he was going and asked me for directions.60 RS entry to club w locker - went up 10-15 from last week and NO towel. Interesting that despite showing I was going to pay cash and the guy at the entry area had lots of cash, he kept asking me if I wanted to use Pix. Seems also true for food vendors on the street too. Had fun with a GP from a week ago. After he kept asking, I gave him my Whatsapp number but never heard back. Wants to sleep with me LOL
Pouring rain and heavy roof leaks during and after playtime. Then tried Grindr ing and chatted with some guys so missed some lower high price Ubers around 2030. Then maybe a guy blocked me LOL Could not get an Uber until 2130 at 100- ish for a 25+ trip to C Neto M LOL. Uber to Ipanema was 150-200+ likely due to heavy rain. No rain upon return. Drag Queen for bingo for maybe just after I left Bangu brothel and they still had many folks there despite the weather. Lots of folks in subway with some glitter, especially guys. Even at the beach earlier in the day, saw many folks preparing and costumed up a bit for Carnaval. I think many of the lightly glittered guys with fans were "family". Mostly twinks, but some hot muscle guys too.
 
Monday 2 February 2026
Overall, a quieter day. 28 RS to enter porn theatre near to Sexy Rose in Cinelandia. Did not stay long, about 1400-1430, but 2 awesome BJs and some ass. Thankfully it was dark as most guys there could have been 70+ yo. Ate lunch nearby and went to Sexy Rose which had 2 very hot guys that I could not even get close to. Still had fun until 1730. I was hungry and tired, so went back to new BnB in Copa. On a high floor and no bugs seen.
 
Tuesday 3 February 2026
Very late start today. Too many things to catch up on. Will plan on the beach for a while and the 117 to follow. Hard to sort out itching from bug bites from the most mild sunburn in a few spots. Taking bilastine for the itching.
 
Some quick notes: unlike Commonwealth countries, folks here do not seem to fully understand queuing. Perhaps we are the exceptions, LOL.
At the supermarket, there was a young couple in front of me in the Preferencia line. No clue to unloading their cart of maybe 8 items while the person in front of them checked out. As so often seems to happen in Rio, no clue as to how they will pay. (At another supermarket, the checkout guy seemed upset with me when an older lady tried to split off some items due to lack of dinheiros and then had to wait for a supervisor to void items. Then the whole thing went south and seemingly nothing worked at that cashier, then that cashier got upset with me, for getting upset about keeping folks waiting. Then I was told I would have to wait at the back of a very long queue to follow. Lessons in how not to do business on all sides.) To make matters even better, LOL, the checkout guy refused to enter my CPF and insisted on manually typing each barcode number for all items I was buying. At least I got my discounts. Again, sheer misery for nothing accomplished and a shining example of how not to do business.
 
Meds: Pharmacy prices for various (seemingly always generic) meds do vary quite a bit. Boxes look quite similar too. So, you need to shop / ask around before buying. I have a CPF and some places don’t even need or want it, while others require it for a discount. I was looking for aspirin, the 81 mg ones. 500 mg tablets are a bit expensive and have been told it is a major problem for the NHS in the UK due to lack of suppliers. They do not have 81 mg. They do have aspirina prevent 100 mg aspirins, 30 for about 19 RS. Tadalafil 5 mg are 30 for about 10 RS. Antibiotics seem to require a BR receita or Rx from a BR doctor. PREP meds are available, but I think only at public or private health clinics, not street pharmacies. In general, Rx prices are quite low vs US, Canada or Europe, but they might not accept your non BR Rx script or empty vial, even with recent date. To get some idea of prices, which might be less in person, you can search for the various pharmacy companies and use their website tools like for https://www.drogaraia.com.br. 

Hello Folks:
After trying for weeks, finally arrived, LOL. Not sure if I will stay here for 2 weeks or head elsewhere like Sao Paulo, Tiradentes, etc. I went to Sexy Rose after arriving Friday, yesterday. I was there from around 1500-1815 hours. Very busy when I left happy. But lots of folks of most any non 20 yo twink type when I was there. Highly recommended as in the past. For those thinking of coming to Brazil: Don't be put off by weather reports which note rainy days, as it is mostly sunny, or cloudy with occasional rain, as is common in tropical summers. Again, mostly sunny/. Might go to the Hole or Home or whatever it is called now later Saturday night if I can find any info. If not, maybe Taurus in Lapa. Will likely do the Hippy Fair in Ipanema and ealy pm beach Sunday, followed by Gloria market and bandas-if any, followed by Bangu Sauna, maybe 1500-1800 hours. 
Feel free to reach out and say hi if anyone else is in town now. 
 

Saturday 31 January 2026
Some quick questions for the group. Went near Chupps in Lapa last night around 0100 hours. Seemed like it had 2 jacketed guys in front of the door, of the type you find like at the entrance to a nice restaurant or bar. Did not see anyone going in or out and no one was hanging out on the street. Was this the Chupps that is a sex club? Has anyone been there recently? Should I consider going tonight, Saturday night or going to Taurus like last week or The Home for dancing?
Jackie's Bar Club on Mem de Sa is still there but seemed utterly devoid of anything going on around 0000-0100 hours. Perhaps too early. But the nearby gay bars and clubs from 13 months ago looked as if they closed.
I went to gay bar with busy street life at rua do Rezende just off and beyond (away from Arcos de Lapa) r Mem de Sa around 0030 hours. Nothing going on inside. But almost next door there was another bar or club with a neon sign but seemingly nothing to see. However, there was a sign for an event night, but could not tell if the event was for Friday night or some other time. Possibly in association with the Scruff pick up app. Anyone have any information about these places?  
As for other things, I took the bus back from Lapa to Ipanema, only 5 R$. Quite safe and very much an eye opener into Rio nightlife. Lots going on in Gloria, Lago do Machado seemed dead, and the Pink Flamingo (which might be in the same location as the old Le Boy) seemed to be busy in its alley area around 0215 hours. 

Update, Friday 30 January 26 am in Rio.
Monday: sunny and partly cloudy at the beach. Got a bit red. Just beware that it takes time to “develop” and if you even seem the slightest bit pink or red at the beach, you are likely to see quite a burn by the next day. So limit your time in the sun, even with sunblock or if it is cloudy. Latest day for me at Sexy Rose from 1815-2015 hours, but had fun. So skipped Meio Mundo, etc., due to the time.
Tuesday: had a bit of fun at 117. Stayed from about 1745-2030 hours. Half hour or so wait for rooms around 2045 hours. Bit of an issue for a horny top, LOL Was with Bruno from Sao Paulo who was visiting Rio for a few days and I guess needed R$ to help pay the cost of his trip. My skin was fine with being massaged despite a bit of pinkness from the sun on Monday. After the show, many folks left and several of us left late deciding that among the few GPs left any desperation cum on their part might not be worth it to us.
Wednesday: AC had to be replaced at BNB. So, a delayed but lovely trip to Niteroi and the MAC museum, the flying saucer. The restaurant there was excellent. Take the M to Carioca, then walk 5-10 minutes to the ferry terminal. In Niteroi you can walk 30 minutes to the museum or take a bus to near the museum. Lots of shopping in Niteroi. Prices tend to be much better than in Rio, but not always. Crossing back to the Niteroi ferry terminal from centro around 1715 hours a saw a young thin guy and we made eye contact as I crossed the street for the ferry - a missed opportunity, maybe, lol. Ended up late at 202 from 1900-2130 and left during a good but delayed show – I was just too tired and hungry. Some nice-looking GPs, but mostly tops. A few GPs were “distracted” on their phones. Chatted with a forum member at 202.
Thursday: Slow day at Sexy Rose from 1535-1835 hours. Quite dead before 1730 !! But I did do the hottest guy there, pays to advertise a boner sometimes. Another super hot guy too came a bit later on. They were both as good looking as the hottest GPs at 117 or 202. The guy I did was a not a tight bottom, LOL The other hottie seemed to like younger muscle twinky types. Either guy would do well anyplace, so just our luck at S R.
Friday: after multiple sunny days, it is cloudy this am. Have to change places today.
There was a comment about the lack of nightlife in Ipanema, especially vs many years ago. So true. But there are many nice, though tiny places to have a drink scattered about. Seems like Lapa had by far the most nightlife - like clubs, packed bars, and such, but the gay places on Mem de Sa seem sad vs the straight hook up clubs for young folks. Also, the gay places in Lapa on Friday or Saturday night a year or 2 ago were pretty dead through midnight and many of us on the forum here are not party animals around 0200-0400 hours. Copa has some nightlife. The fancy dress up and pick up bars in Leblon are also very nice, but mostly straight. I described my no go at Pink Flamingo in a prior post.

Friday afternoon in Rio and it has been raining all day, sometimes pouring, but mostly enough to just stay in so far today.
Wednesday: went to Sexy Rose from 1500-1720 ish hours. It was busy enough. Couple of very hot guys that are well beyond our league, so at least the eye candy and grab some **** in the darkroom was nice. Then at 202, again I was tired post sexy rose. There were about 5 guys of interest as I entered at 1815 hours. Did a quick tour of the place and never saw 4 of them again! The 5th had a punter or 2. The TV jerk off room by the lockers is now closed. I think the 3rd or 4th floor bar and smoking areas are also closed now. The new smoking area is on the 2nd floor by the hot sauna and urinals. For non-smokers, the smoke is unbearable. Some play in steam room. Hot tub on the 2nd floor is gone now and is a hang out room. Stayed until 2030 hours ish and left before 9-930 pm show. It was busy, but I was simply too hungry for food vs boys. Entry is 80 R$. Did not inquire re room cost after 30 minutes or on non-free cabin nights.
I will word the following carefully, as I do not know if any of these folks are forum members. A ? Texas guy spends ½ yr in Rio. Was quite nice to me and found a very hot GP for play. If he is a member, please say hello via PM. Tall blond punter I saw from Bangu over a year ago brought his “special fiend” with him. I trust he and his table guests all had a nice time out. I think he is a member. And then, oh dear, please, I am not trying to be evil. There were 3 guys together that are quite old. I think they came into being shortly after the Big Bang when our universe started. Might have mentored Noah in ship design. I was not certain if I had known one of them before. I think an actor from Florida who was spending maybe a week per month or 2 in Rio and he likely had some plastic surgery back then and looked appropriate for age. I think he had more surgery, perhaps a month or 2 ago, and if the same person, oh dear, not a great result. Another poor soul looked like had died 3 weeks ago, formaldehyde had been placed in his veins and yet he keeps walking. Not sure if he was pre or post a botched procedure. The 3rd guy was also older and facial features seemed quite reasonable, but the jet-black Beatles mop top hair was not working. Another punter, not with the 3 bad plastic surgery guys also had a bad jet-black toupee. Sometimes, I think it best to accept what you have or just mildly embellish things. Sorry forum members, but these 4 folks looked like they were from a Benny Hill / horror show skit gone awry. No super-hot guy came in at 2000 hours, unlike a year or 2 ago. I went food shopping as the supermarkets were getting ready to close. FWIW Mundial, which often has by far the best prices, is huge and perhaps 4 blocks down on S campos from 202. But the lines can be unbearable. I went to an Extra that is hidden inside a mall and large residential and office block across and down from 202 by a block or so.
Had a huge very nice but late dinner at my bnb. Yours truly ate far too much (I was very hungry) and ate way too late before going directly to bed. Woke up in the middle of the night with the worst heartburn ever and generally felt simply awful. Things got worse and by 0900 I was on my way to Samaritan Hospital not far from Botofogo M. Private place and my insurance included them as a provider. In brief, I got worked up for a heart attack, which I did not have. After 5 hours or so of testing, they kindly pointed out that one should not eat a giant meal right before sleeping. Offered some anti reflux and similar meds. Some are not available in all countries such as lufta gastro and domperidone. I found their Receiving staff to be very professional, and I think I would be ok going there again if needed. Recommended to forum members. Having been poked and prodded, I did not feel like playing Thursday night and I cancelled a date too. LOL Friday through 4pm has been too rainy to do much of anything as noted above. So, hoping for a nice early smaller dinner nearby if the rain continues.

Update, Friday 30 January 26 am in Rio.
Monday: sunny and partly cloudy at the beach. Got a bit red. Just beware that it takes time to “develop” and if you even seem the slightest bit pink or red at the beach, you are likely to see quite a burn by the next day. So limit your time in the sun, even with sunblock or if it is cloudy. Latest day for me at Sexy Rose from 1815-2015 hours, but had fun. So skipped Meio Mundo, etc., due to the time.
Tuesday: had a bit of fun at 117. Stayed from about 1745-2030 hours. Half hour or so wait for rooms around 2045 hours. Bit of an issue for a horny top, LOL Was with Bruno from Sao Paulo who was visiting Rio for a few days and I guess needed R$ to help pay the cost of his trip. My skin was fine with being massaged despite a bit of pinkness from the sun on Monday. After the show, many folks left and several of us left late deciding that among the few GPs left any desperation cum on their part might not be worth it to us.
Wednesday: AC had to be replaced at BNB. So, a delayed but lovely trip to Niteroi and the MAC museum, the flying saucer. The restaurant there was excellent. Take the M to Carioca, then walk 5-10 minutes to the ferry terminal. In Niteroi you can walk 30 minutes to the museum or take a bus to near the museum. Lots of shopping in Niteroi. Prices tend to be much better than in Rio, but not always. Crossing back to the Niteroi ferry terminal from centro around 1715 hours a saw a young thin guy and we made eye contact as I crossed the street for the ferry - a missed opportunity, maybe, lol. Ended up late at 202 from 1900-2130 and left during a good but delayed show – I was just too tired and hungry. Some nice-looking GPs, but mostly tops. A few GPs were “distracted” on their phones. Chatted with a forum member at 202.
Thursday: Slow day at Sexy Rose from 1535-1835 hours. Quite dead before 1730 !! But I did do the hottest guy there, pays to advertise a boner sometimes. Another super hot guy too came a bit later on. They were both as good looking as the hottest GPs at 117 or 202. The guy I did was a not a tight bottom, LOL The other hottie seemed to like younger muscle twinky types. Either guy would do well anyplace, so just our luck at S R.
Friday: after multiple sunny days, it is cloudy this am. Have to change places today.
There was a comment about the lack of nightlife in Ipanema, especially vs many years ago. So true. But there are many nice, though tiny places to have a drink scattered about. Seems like Lapa had by far the most nightlife - like clubs, packed bars, and such, but the gay places on Mem de Sa seem sad vs the straight hook up clubs for young folks. Also, the gay places in Lapa on Friday or Saturday night a year or 2 ago were pretty dead through midnight and many of us on the forum here are not party animals around 0200-0400 hours. Copa has some nightlife. The fancy dress up and pick up bars in Leblon are also very nice, but mostly straight. I described my no go at Pink Flamingo in a prior post.

Update, Friday 30 January 26 am in Rio.
Monday: sunny and partly cloudy at the beach. Got a bit red. Just beware that it takes time to “develop” and if you even seem the slightest bit pink or red at the beach, you are likely to see quite a burn by the next day. So limit your time in the sun, even with sunblock or if it is cloudy. Latest day for me at Sexy Rose from 1815-2015 hours, but had fun. So skipped Meio Mundo, etc., due to the time.
Tuesday: had a bit of fun at 117. Stayed from about 1745-2030 hours. Half hour or so wait for rooms around 2045 hours. Bit of an issue for a horny top, LOL Was with Bruno from Sao Paulo who was visiting Rio for a few days and I guess needed R$ to help pay the cost of his trip. My skin was fine with being massaged despite a bit of pinkness from the sun on Monday. After the show, many folks left and several of us left late deciding that among the few GPs left any desperation cum on their part might not be worth it to us.
Wednesday: AC had to be replaced at BNB. So, a delayed but lovely trip to Niteroi and the MAC museum, the flying saucer. The restaurant there was excellent. Take the M to Carioca, then walk 5-10 minutes to the ferry terminal. In Niteroi you can walk 30 minutes to the museum or take a bus to near the museum. Lots of shopping in Niteroi. Prices tend to be much better than in Rio, but not always. Crossing back to the Niteroi ferry terminal from centro around 1715 hours a saw a young thin guy and we made eye contact as I crossed the street for the ferry - a missed opportunity, maybe, lol. Ended up late at 202 from 1900-2130 and left during a good but delayed show – I was just too tired and hungry. Some nice-looking GPs, but mostly tops. A few GPs were “distracted” on their phones. Chatted with a forum member at 202.
Thursday: Slow day at Sexy Rose from 1535-1835 hours. Quite dead before 1730 !! But I did do the hottest guy there, pays to advertise a boner sometimes. Another super hot guy too came a bit later on. They were both as good looking as the hottest GPs at 117 or 202. The guy I did was a not a tight bottom, LOL The other hottie seemed to like younger muscle twinky types. Either guy would do well anyplace, so just our luck at S R.
Friday: after multiple sunny days, it is cloudy this am. Have to change places today.
There was a comment about the lack of nightlife in Ipanema, especially vs many years ago. So true. But there are many nice, though tiny places to have a drink scattered about. Seems like Lapa had by far the most nightlife - like clubs, packed bars, and such, but the gay places on Mem de Sa seem sad vs the straight hook up clubs for young folks. Also, the gay places in Lapa on Friday or Saturday night a year or 2 ago were pretty dead through midnight and many of us on the forum here are not party animals around 0200-0400 hours. Copa has some nightlife. The fancy dress up and pick up bars in Leblon are also very nice, but mostly straight. I described my no go at Pink Flamingo in a prior post.