Riobard

At Clube 117 there is one pro masseur each shift. 70 reais for half hour; 100 for full hour, added to tab. Tip in cash if you like. Sex off limits. I believe the negotiating of what happens with masseurs at Pnt 202 may be more "fluid".

A gay establishment? With floor tiles and tablecloths clashing like that!?

Since it is essentially our cash trickling down into those pockets I think we deserve a token annual meet-greet-and-blow-meat mutual appreciation day at those very pockets in the nearby Pedro Américo precinct!

Symbolic hint, from Consolation Cemetery, no less ...

The above sights all walkable from Sé and then west to Paulista station, took a few hours in all. Nice that it was sunny but cool compared to Jan 2106 40degreesCelsius when I simply passed on the hoofing. Turned my ankle multiple times on uneven grades yesterday even though sensible supportive footwear ... was limping and cursing, but OK now. I realize inquiring minds need to know about other religiously enlightening experiences ... to follow

Church of the Conception (Conceição) ... interior closed Independence Day

São Francisco Assis Church ...

São Bento Monastery ...

São Paulo Cathedral ...

Trying the 4 missed ... as screenshots.

Penthouse apto, quite cheap by North American standards, in Vila Mariana near Santa Cruz Metro and Shopping. 8 minutes to Lagoa. Strict no-guest policy, fine with me. A few shower temp issues ... let the good times roll off your back in scald or frigid cycles. Otherwise the self-cater is great cuz I boil or nuke everything that goes into my gut. Still, my tummy isn't its usual happy self. Fortunately the split has warm and cool, cuz has been chilly in SP. BTW a fleabag-looking love motel exists at 2740 Domingos de Morais, just south of the SC ShopMetro corner. Insanely busy Outback resto at SC, decent grub. The complex has exploded in size and ++++ meal offerings since I explored it 30 months back. Also surprised at the explosion of explicit-GP-agenda Grindr profiles compared to Rio last NoAmer winter. Photos apto exterior, terrace, and nearby Church of Our Lady of Health ... 4/12 refuse to upload!

I have not, but researched it and decided instead to Über recently, 65 minutes to Lagoa neighbourhood from GUL, R$79. This is 40% of what I paid in my home city for a 30 minute Über airport transfer. Bras to Guarulhos Aeroporto is apparently 35 minutes alone. With 2-3 transfers from the locations you mentioned plus the terminal shuttle circuit I would allow 75 minutes minimum. Squeezing on at some station platforms with baggage can be a struggle, I have read.

The one painting and one photo I posted may look "off" in comparison, but the complex underwent several expansions and renovations throughout the mid-nineteenth century. The royal family dispersed following Independence in 1889 and the main museum, previously located in Centro, was transferred to the palace in 1892.

Devastating ... this in ruins

There is only a smattering of love motels I know of in the southern part of south zone. One in Copacabana, Hotel Vanity, walkable from Cantalago station. Another, Lido Hotel, at the east end of Copacabana closer to Leme beach, walkable from Cardeal Arcoverde station. I think there is one or two in Botafogo and Leblon. In Gloria, the two utilized are Hotel Alameda across from 117 and the pricier Lovetime Hotel a short walk towards Catete.

The subway runs to the airport now, as has been posted on the board previously. There are routes, "CONNECT", directly to and from Bras within certain time frames, connecting automatically between Sapphire (line 12) and Jade (line 13). The inauguration of "AIRPORT EXPRESS", between Luz and Guarulhos has been delayed but should be running consistently this month. It will not stop at stations on the way. It will cost 8 reais as opposed to the usual 4. I am not certain if seniors ride for free on this express run. It will run on a limited fixed schedule, only 4 times each way. At the airport, one must get to a shuttle bus running between the station and terminals.

PS: I don't think it will bankrupt anybody to take a taxi leaving the airport, and then use Über locally while there and to return to the airport.

Über does not have a legal 'blessing' in Colombia, but it thrives in a "grey" area because the authorities can not hassle each driver each time. They avoid confrontation in the airport vehicle queues, particularly for arrival pickup, with licensed taxis, etc. Über does not indicate a particular terminal door. That would just become a target. My understanding is they usually pick you up in the parking lot across from the terminal exit. This has happened to me in other locations. The most complicated and longest walk to the car was in Puerto Vallarta, including an overpass foot bridge to the other side of the highway. You need to use the message function on the app, and possibly google translate. If a driver calls me, I make sure I have learned the relevant phrase "I will text you a message because I am English". Because you need to find their license plate and they need to spot you, I also make sure to wear a clue such as a red baseball cap or turn on a pocket flashlight at night, and message them that info.

I bought, hardcover, David Sedaris' latest short-story collection for an upcoming flight. Well, I made the mistake of reading the first one yesterday, then another, then 'just one more'. So now I have finished it, LOL. Could not delay instant gratification. I think it is his best work ever. Resonates acutely with late middle age. I then downloaded 3 long iBooks novels for the trip instead.

Any recent observations regarding California or Dragão?

According to the Big Mac Index, the price should be about 60% compared to Euro zone, but I would not challenge these hiked profit margins at the next trade union meeting.

I would do it, for sure. But I would complete Montserrat first, as lineups and whether both funicular and cable-car are operational may vary. Once out of the way it may be easier to gauge the remaining sights' time management. I may have misrepresented the transit designation after reading a few reports about it. It is not a special stamp. It is a regular immigration entry stamp that the customs officer can subsequently write "transit" over with a pen. Maybe the officer "conveniently" or innocently neglects this step at times, so I would personally underscore my transit status and demonstrate the brevity of country entry, as well as emphasize (when entering Colombia) being an international as opposed to domestic passenger upon return for the next flight. I am thinking myself of breaking up a flight to Brasil by stopover in Bogota in the future. Just for sightseeing, one or two nights lodgings, and to spare the onerous flight duration otherwise typically endured. But likely two unrelated return flight segments, two independent carriers.

Storage: T1, 1st floor, next to Hertz