Docbr01

HOT TIP: "firsty.app"
A Dutch start-up, run by 2 former Adyen bosses, has launched THE perfect e-sim solution that works in over 120 countries...including the ones we like on this forum. It's called Firsty and it gives you free basic internet acces (mail, whatsapp, google maps, Uber) in return for watching a 30 sec. add every so many times. Or it provides unlimited fast internet acces for a rate of €1/day. Here you can choose the amount of days yourself. Simply dowload the app on Android or iOS and proceed from there. Mark my words: these guys are in for it for the long run aiming to scale up like Uber, Airbnb and Booking (also Dutch btw).
The good thing is that you are always connected to order an Uber, find out your bearings on Google maps or connect via WhatsApp. For free. Very convenient when you land on that airport abroad or when you have a layover elsewhere.
I recently installed it on my two iPhones. My primary one -which I have for daily use- and my so called 'street phone'. The latter one is the iPhone I use in South-America and which has some basic apps installed. So when I get mugged my (digital) life doesn't collapse, jajaja. Installation on my personal phone was straightforward; here I can switch between my own provider or Firsty. So no hidden roaming costs abroad! The street phone doesn't have a SIM; I simply installed Firsty, got their e-sim and activated it (an activation code was send to my working phone though). And lo and behold: I was connected to the internet through a local provider. FOR FREE.
No.....I am not sponsored by them guys hahaha

3000? Is that a typo? If you meant 300 and 380, you paid a reasonably high price. If it was a typo, you broke all the records in generosity. 

Lucky and beautiful couple! Can’t understand people sharing negative reactions at this day and age! Come on, it’s 2021! 

Lucky and beautiful couple! Can’t understand people sharing negative reactions at this day and age! Come on, it’s 2021! 

Ah. Thanks for the answers guys, I've given up at some point 😃 
Well, I might need to balance Manny and going elsewhere as I simply won't be able to afford to get so many paid guys for over a month:) Had some experience with Badoo in the meantime and it's a very dodgy audience there so I wonder if Tinder is any better...
I shall leave my review once I'm there and hopefully it all goes well🤞Final call if anyone is visiting SD around mid Jan- mid Feb, drop me a private message:)
 

Now, that is what I call customer service! Do you think they have plans to franchise? 

3 years ago I bribed my way into the staging area, and got up close and personal with the stilletas, before the parade started.
MARVILLOSAS!

I resuscitated from two days of partying and went to Recife Spa. Nice crowd, but the GPs were all class B. It was a Halloween party, and I had the feeling that most of the costumers already know each other, there was something like a family/old friends vibe. The drinks were strong, that was excellent. This time I explored the second floor. It is the typical "labrynth" with free cabins and a dark room. The action in the dark room was intense, but I did not jump in.
I arrived 5:30, as the show was supposed to start at 6. They were dealing with some kind of technical challenge and most of the staff was on the stage trying to resolve it. My favorite boy from TBV showed up. We made up but I wanted fresh meat and did not close on a programa. My mistake, as he was indeed the hottest in the place. At 7 I was leaving and the show had not yet started.
I walked 10 minutes to get to TBV. It was packed with costumers, as they also had a Halloween party. But none of the GPs were hirable for me. For the muscle lovers, there were may be two or three guys, but not very impressive.
I noticed something in the bar that gives you an idea of the level of service. Not only they have free coffee and tea for everyone who want some, but they even have dental flaw with mint flavor ion the tray with the condiments. It is amazing how the take care of very single detail. But in 45 minutes I was calling my Uber as I was certain that there were no programas for me.
To give you an idea of what I am looking for and not finding in Recife:

Those are my two favorite boys from Salvador. And they are not exceptional. My favorite from TBV is a cutie, and he has nothing to learn about sex from these two, but he is not close to this level of beauty to my eyes. Boys like these two are abundant in Rio and Salvador. I am with saudade.

Thank you for the recommendation! Originally, my plan was going to P. de Galinhas for a weekend, but my financial situation does not allow me to take any trips. But I will go someday in the future. I have never heard of Tamandaré, so I will add it to my list. 
And if I go, I will do it with a magrinho. I am not into muscles. 😇
I understand that sauna is permanently closed. I checked it after @buttercawan's recommendation.
I just came back from another night at Termas Boa Vista. I saw more guys I like (once again, I DO NOT find attractive muscular guys but athletic types), but most of them seemed to be with a client. I am not surprised, if you do not want to bring your GPs to your place, this sauna offers a great setting to enjoy an affordable meal, drinks, and a clean suite. One of the boys asked me for 350R, so I laughed and moved on. I repeated with the same boy I met yesterday, and he delivered again. 
The Uber driver back home flirted with me but he was too old for me. He told me there is a swingers club in Recife, but as I am not very interested in that culture I did not ask for much information.
If I am in the mood, I will try tomorrow (again) Recife Spa. If I do not like it, it is a 10 mins walk to TBA.

Sorry for the very late recommendation, but I think a very nice place to visit near Recife is Praia dos Carneiros (and the one I like more, Tamandaré, walking distance). It’s like 90km from Recife and you could go by tourism transfer, bus or even Uber. It’s possible to leave in the morning and come back at evening but would recommend booking a hotel / resort for at least one night for a two day visit. Same logistics would apply to visiting Porto de Galinhas, that have a better city infrastructure but I find the beaches lacking to my tastes. 
Would be even better going there in the company of a muscular guy from Recife as the local scene would be lacking. 

Another relaxing week in Recife. A little bit because I have not yet been seduced by the local sauna scene, a little bit because of the weather (rain, cloudy days), and a little bit because my free lance gig kept me busy some days.
I spent my first day in the beach, after my frustrated expedition last weekend. I went to Paris Plage Recife, according to ChatGPT the most gay friendly barraca in Boa Viagem. The AI advised me to go on the weekend, but you have to get up very early those days. I went over there last Wednesday and got my front raw location at 10:30 am. The service was great, a cute boy that made sure I was happy. The drinks were amazing, but not the food.

I dropped the rice and beans on top of everything, it came in a separate tray. The chicken was dried and poorly cut, like Jamaicans do, leaving bone splinters that are dangerous for your mouth and the rest of your digestive track. Instead, I should have taken advantage of the many vendors offering much more affordable and better food.

IMG_8049.mov The beach was full of families, perhaps the weekend is different but I do not think so. I love Pernambucanos, they are super friendly and kind, but they also are super religious and socially conservative, which I do not like at all. Very, very few ice candy for my eyes. I got you an example.

I spent 6 hours in the beach, and my fingers are more than enough to count the hotties I saw. So far, beautiful men are not a strong point for Recife.
A word of appreciation goes for the friend @Mavica. I am not really a beach person, I find sand and waves annoying, but I do like the experience now and them. But I always do it when I have company. Mavica's post encouraged me to try it by myself and the entire experience was great. Muito obrigado, Mavica meu querido!
This week I also walked around the old town. I visited the Museu de Arte Moderna Aloísio Magalhães. It is a nice small museum set in a colonial house.

Close to the Museum, I found a street fair for plants and fish lovers.

IMG_8082.mov
The city is full of rivers and bays, crossed by a wide array of bridges.


And you have to be alert all the time, because there are jewels everywhere.

I am walking by myself and during day light, I have not perceived any threats. The locals are extremely friendly, and the few times I got lost I always found a loving soul to help me. Actually, they found me. They noticed me trying to get oriented with my phone and without me asking for help, they came to rescue me. Mostly humble, street workers. 
I found the Casa da Cultura de Pernambuco. It is an old jail that is now occupied by artisans and other sellers of local products. The stores are set inside what used to be cells and dungeons. It has a second level but I did not dare to clim the stairs due to my vertigo.

I also visited the Museu da Cidade the Recife, which is just a fortification built by Dutch colonizers back in foundational times. The edification is beautiful but there is not much more to see. The site's name is quite misguiding.

That lady was walking in circles around the flag pole when I arrived. I counted four circles after my arrival. I thought that perhaps she was some kind of religious weirdo. She left after her fourth circle.
Today I went out for a walk and found paradise: a bakery like the ones we Argentineans love. Real artisanal bread, pastries and cakes. They offer a buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner, so I am going to visit them often.

IMG_8114.mov
Last night, Friday, I returned to Termas Boa Vista. The day was weaker than the previous Friday. Very few GPs, none of them motivated me to hire them, and also less civilians. I ended in a free cabin with a local, a 40 years old, very sexy Pernambucano. We made up, suck each other, and came together, I did it on his face and he did it on the floor while I was milking his sexy face. This time I went straight to the lockers when I arrived, and remained shirtless the entire time. I do keep my short pants on, so I have pockets for condoms (local camisinhas are a little bit too tight for me), money for tips, and my phone. By the way, I have to insist with the bar boys for them to accept my tip. Even before they knew I was tipping, they fixed an extra strong caipiroska for me. They all are amazing.
I think this sauna is a great place to hang out with friends, as the drinks and the food are good and very affordable, much more affordable than a conventional bar o restaurant. It is also cool to hook out with other men and have non transaccional sex. But so far, I do not see why so many friends praise the local GPs scene. Not good for me. I am actually with saudade for Rio and Salvador.
My plan is to have today my first visit to Blue Termas (it is a 15 minutes walk from my Airbnb), and tomorrow is Recife Spa's turn. I have seen so many bad reviews of Blue T that I have not found the motivation to visit it even when it is so close. Today, I go prepared to leave early and head towards TBV, Saturdays is a very strong day over there.
I'll keep you all posted.

In Rio I went to a GPs place and when I got there I didn't feel it and said I changed my mind. He freaked out and pulled a knife on me.
His front door was one of those doors that locks with a key from the inside ,so i needed his keys to get out (on a table behind him). I told him I'd give him the money if he gave me the keys to leave. He said no and said he still wanted to have sex (while brandishing a knife at me, I don't know what his plan was, hold the knife on me while we have sex?). I think it was a self esteem thing of being rejected that got him really upset. 
So I rushed him, knocked him over kind of hard,  grabbed his keys and opened his door and bolted. He didn't get his money after all. 
When I entered it seemed he and his doorman were very chummy so I was worried when I got downstairs the guy wouldn't let me out. Luckily it was fine and I left unscathed. 
I want to say that was the last time I met a Garoto online, but I did not learn my lesson. 

A quick belated update on another visit to Nordeste this past August. 
Excellent trip, and I really love that part of Brazil. Great beaches and plentiful sun in this season, food not too bad, authentic parties. Everything is at least half price of RJ and SP. Azul and some others fly from Florida direct into many cities in Northeast - less than 6hrs flying time on an A321, no need to go all the way to SP/RJ and backtrack, and it's very cheap (I flew to Belem and out of Recife, and my tix were about $200-220 one-way).
Fortaleza is slowly gentrifying, but that can't be said about saunas - however they are not getting worse at least!
Dragon sauna has closed and hosts occasional mainstream parties in that space, so the only sauna of note continues to be California and it's still good. They put more effort into organizing the suites turnaround, and now at times all four out of four are operational - on busy nights there's quite a bit of a line/wait, but then there are free cabins, and guys are not adverse to using them at all.
I saw old favourites at California and some new faces too. The going rate is 100, though some well-built guys are pushing to 150. There was a great guy visiting from SP for a week - looks a total straight muscular thug with lots of clearly gang tattoos, I mean I'd cross the street in Brazil immediately if such a guy would be heading my way - here he was very sweet and doing his job. He quoted 200 as in SP, but agreed on 150 straight away. He was very popular doing multiple programas on a couple of days that I saw him. Most others are really happy with 100, even if they try some gringo pricing first but I have enough of my broken bed-learned Portuguese to bat it away from the get-go.
The guy from Goiania, Douglas, is still there - he told me he moved to Salvador in February but then moved back to Fortaleza two or three months later. He's the same incredible guy I remember from a year ago. He's also clearly working to save - he's the only GP who works every single day, 7/7, without any days off. He also takes Prep unlike others. The majority of the guys would be more next-door rather than the 117 type, but there are exceptions, and one only needs one or two or three of those like Douglas or a couple of others.
The best day is by far Thursday when some non-regular locals also join to earn some buck - I hired one of those as soon as he came in rather late after 8pm, waited for him as he changed and led to a cabin - he was a bit timid and unsure how all this works, but then sex was good. I saw an Uber Eats delivery guy who probably just delivered to the address coming in further to the bar to see what's going on in his Uber Eats uniform and motorcycle helmet, then he had a discussion with a front desk guy and next I saw him changing from his Uber Eats uniform into a towel in the GP lockers section (he didn't put the helmet back on).
Sunday is also very good, Friday is pretty decent, Saturday is a tad slow. I was always surprised how Mondays were fairly busy - probably due to it previosly being a free suites night, however that's no more the case as of August 1, so it may change. Suites on Monday are still at 15, and on all other days at 30 or 35 (don't remember). The totally dead day is Wednesday - I came in and stayed maybe from 5:30 till 7:30, and throughout that time I was the sole client in the whole sauna - there were maybe 5 or 6 GPs, so the one I did a programa with was very happy how it turned out, he told me later that after I left no other client came in.
Staff at California are wonderful and kind and chatty - so despite the dilapidated environs (still, suites are miles better than 117 or 202 in RJ) it is still a good place for its purpose. There are more saunas and cruising clubs that I didn't visit this time - I did pop into to a sex cinema called Autorama, and they very occasionally hold special parties - it is a very well-done space and I can see how it can be enjoyed, provided there are any people there. When I popped into Autorama in the afternoon just when people were leaving for work, there was no one else there, apart from one sad twink GP, but it could be bad timing, and I'm really keen to know if/when things are happening there.
Sao Luis - sauna Go 61 is doing really well. I noticed that a week before my arrival all their socials on all the platforms disappeared and I feared they closed. I sent them a Whatsapp message and they assured me they are open. It is a really good sauna, with an open swimming pool, cheap bar and a nice layout and facilities. I really liked the choice of GPs, more of them went to the gym than the ones at California in Fortaleza - and free cabins on the 2nd floor are probably the best free cabins I saw in Brazil, so much that in my 3 or 4 nights there I did not see any single client asking for a suite. Suites exist, but nobody uses them where there are fine cabins (and a cleaning guy cleans every cabin promptly after eash use).
The going rate is 100, I had programas with guys of different types there. It's not super busy, but there will be more than a dozen GPs on the night, and most would be in the Pointe 202 range looks-wise.
Sao Luis though as a city is really struggling. You see it's becoming poorer and more dangerous - usually Fortaleza was considered #1 in terms of poverty and violence in that region, but I had a distinct feeling that Sao Luis became much much edgier. One taxi driver told me how some neighbourhoods became really dangerous and how he wants to save money for a bus ticket (!) to Belem (8hr bus ride) as he thinks it's much better to live in Belem than in Sao Luis.
The pretty old town is still happening in the evening, and it's an easy walk from Sauna Go 61 - the main town fiesta in the old town now seems to be on Thursdays, and not on Fridays how I remember it from past visits.
Recife - again, very good times at Thermas Boa Vista - very decent choice of GPs or guys who wouldn't mind to earn something, cheap and good caipirinhas, actually a normal food menu like at a Brazilian cantina and I saw many people actually eating there. The universal rate is 100, suites are 35 and 40 (or 30 and 40? - smth like that) and they are really nice suites, especially more expensive ones upstairs. Fridays and Saturdays are hopping, and I met wonderful guys there - I think out of the three cities it is Recife where I saw some really stunning guys. Interestingly enough, Sundays though busy are mostly for locals to socialize and flirt between themselves, the stunners from Fri/Sat told me they are skipping Sunday and will be back on Monday, and I understood why: there were really a few good-looking young guys on Sunday but they were not GPs and it does feel much more like a regular sauna on this one day of the week. If I'm in Recife next time, I'd skip Sunday - unlike in Fortaleza or Sao Luis, where this is one of their best days.
Not sure when I'm coming back - I don't have plans to go to Brazil this year or next - but if I do come, I'd be really tempted to skip RJ/SP the same way I did this time and head to Nordeste or other provinces - I felt this trip was a breath of fresh air as RJ starts to feel a bit jaded lol.

I will give it a try, I have plenty of time. Remember, I am not on a short vacation desperate to take advantage of every minute. I am retired, slow traveling, and enjoying myself. Always, but specially at almost 63, life has much more to offer than saunas and sex. That said, I am planning to explore the two other saunas, Blue Termas and Recife Spa, but I am going to do it only on the weekends. My plan was going yesterday to Spa, but my nap went longer than expected and instead I stayed at my airbnb chilling in the swimming pool until 10 pm. 
Today my plan was going to the beach, but the forecasting speaks of a cloudy day. So I walked to the South, a much quiete area of the city in this zone. I crossed the Parque Dona Lindu, and took this photo, so you all see what I meant in another post when I said that I like Niemeyer, but not to design a park.

Actually, I think the lack of trees may be a local issue. Before deciding to go for the walk, I was in the mood to go to a nice park with a forest. I loved the Jardim Botânico, but I found it too small, it only took me about 30 minutes to explore. I checked two big parks using Google Maps, and they look like a prairie with no trees and shade, which is not what I was looking for.
Most of my walk was disrupted for the public works I also mentioned before. I took the following picture from the North, once I reached the end of the public works.

But once I passed that area under renovation (almost two kilometers), I was able to see how the oceanfront will look like, as I reached a zone where the renovation was completed:

As most times here, the forecasting was wrong and I could have gone to the beach. Instead, and in order to avoid the ugly area under renovation (the workers here are overdressed despite the heat, so there was nothing to look at), my walk back was on the beach, bordering the waves.

IMG_8036.mov   Rain is forecasted for tomorrow and a sunny day for Wednesday. I will be ready to spend a day in the beach tomorrow or the following day. Now, I am heading to the swimming pool.

DAY 9 IN RIO – THE END
I am still dealing with the cold or whatever and trouble sleeping.  It being a Sunday I headed to Feira da Glória, wandered about, ventured over to Lapa then in the other direction through Glória, Catete and to Flamengo, and back to the apartment at Glória.  At the apartment I packed for the trip home, slept a little and waited for 10:30 p.m. to summon an Uber for the ride to the airport.
The airport was relatively quiet, no wait in line at the COPA ticket counter to check-in, moved to security and Immigration control, the long walk to the departure gate and the airplane left on time at 1:30 a.m.
First flight segment of return home stopped at Panama City.  Seemingly the entire passenger load was sneezing, coughing, etc. for 7+ hours.  It was awful.  I had a mask on, not knowing what good it was doing. Connection time in Panama City was about 3.5 hours.  Tighter bag and document check and sequester pre-flight to Tampa.  Flight left on time and arrived in Tampa 20 minutes early.  Hardly a cough on the flight to Tampa.  Remarkable difference.  Aircraft was reasonably comfortable, but narrow seats.  Legroom was sufficient.  A friend met me at the airport and drove me home.
Overall, it was a good trip.  Not the trip I had planned, but it is essential to travel with back-up plans and I made the best of the situation.  Not much more I could have done.  No regrets.
Thank you for reading the reports!

I asked the cleaning lady (she comes every day but Sundays) whether all the units in the building were designed as the one I am occupying. I laughed at her expression when she told me no. Obviously, everyone comments about the two showers and the other weirdo things. After she finished cleaning up and left, she even rang my bell a few minutes after to show me how "normal" other unit was. I think the only explanation is that this apartment was designed for someone on a wheelchair. That would explain everything.
I continued the exploration of the city. I spent a few hours this week walking the old town, starting at Marco Zero. Everything is remarkably clean, and public work and private developments are everywhere. According to my conversations with multiple airbus drivers, the local prefeito is doing a good job. I loved the old city, although I decided not to cross to the Parque Das Esculturas after reading bad reviews about missing and crumbling pieces of art.

Right at Marco Zero there is a huge expo building with local art craft. I found specially appealing some of the stuff made with natural elements.

The famous bonecos museum was a disappointment, I would have not spent those 30R if I knew better.

IMG_7993.mov    
Although I am saving money by cooking, I could not resist the temptation to sit by the ocean and enjoy a meal outdoors and under the refreshing breeze.

Last Friday, I moved away from the coast and visited the local Botanic Garden. It was a disappointment, I was expecting something bigger and more impressive, but it was a nice stroll anyways.

This week I went to Termas Boa Vista three times. I am very impressed at the size and the high quality of the building and the service. The venue is just huge, I got lost the two first days. They have generous administrative offices, with a desk for checking in and a different one for checking out. Several rooms to sit and relax, a dressing room with more than 300 lockers, showers and restrooms everywhere, a barber, a massage room, a generous bar with a movable roof, a disco with a stage and a second bar, a store with clothing and many many sungas, at least 6 luxury suites you have to pay for, a straight and a gay porn room, a semi dark labyrinth full of free cabins, and a dark room I did not dare to walk in into (yet).
I am shy (fuck you in advance @floridarob for any eventual piadas), so I am slowly feeling more comfortable with the place. My first visit was on a Wednesday. Only the main bar was opened, and very few people were lurking around.  At checking in, I was told that I was allowed to be dressed if I stayed inside the bar, but the policy was to be undressed if I was going to be circulating around. So I tried to do the same I always do, and stayed at the bar. As I would learn later, it was a mistake. As I did not see anyone attractive, I drunk my two regular caipiroskas and left after one hour (6:30 to 7:30). The drinks are good and affordable. Everything is.
The second visit was Saturday. There were a lot of people. At the bar, besides all the regular Brazilian snacks, they also seem to always have two major dinner dishes, generously served, at 24R. This time I saw several eye candy, and I understood the friends who commented in other threads about the difficulty to distinguish regular patrons from GPs. This sauna is not a GP sauna like the ones I am used to, but a mixed one. Most of the hot action takes places amongst civilians. 
After my first drink, I befriended a local guy. Thanks for Brazilian hyper sociability, otherwise I would have spent the entire night alone (fuck you @floridarob). He gave me a tour through the labyrinth and explained the cabins system. He also pointed out to the difference between the two porn rooms, one next to the other. Where you can see gay porn on the screen, is where the gay patrons cruise each other. The straight porn room is where the GPs exhibit their tools. I did the entire tour all dressed up, and noticed other few locals doing the same, so the rules are apparently bendable. However, it was late and I was not in the mood for changing, you I just had fun chatting and learning from my new friend. He told me that to distinguish GPs from civilians you have to look at the towels, the GPs, he said, wear it with the sauna watermark on the front. However, my experience taught me that this is not accurate. After saying goodbye to him, I went back home virgin again.
My third visit was yesterday, Saturday. Damn, the place was packed! I arrived about 7:25 and there were a lot of guys in all the different ambiences. The thing would get more comfortable for me (remember, I am shy and do not like crowds -fuck you Floridarob) at 9, when they open the access to the disco room. This time, I followed my Brazilian friend's advise and change to the towel. You know, when in Rome... 
I did it after my first capiroska. First, I wanted to check whether or not it was worthy. I saw a lot of eye candy, and thought it was not really that hard to distinguish between GPs and clients, although I do recognize the difficulty. After my first drink I changed. I thought bout sending a selfie to Floridarob with me semi naked and using my reais as a fan, but the dressing room was packed, and that bitch would probably use my selfie to create a meme.
Undressing was a great decision. I immediately mingled with the crowd. When I went to the bar to order my second capiroska, several guys engaged in conversation. Not only was it fun, but very good for my ego and my self esteem, as a few guys considerable younger than me (probably in their late 30s/early 40s) made advances. Unfortunately, I am spoiled by GPs and was only looking for hotties in their 20s. 
After a long while, I broke out from the pointless flirting and went to the labyrinth. I connected with a GP, got a suite, and had my first (and only so far) programa in Recife. It was OK, but forgettable and will not repeat with him.
What impressed me was the suite. At the reception they only give you the key and warn you that you have 1 hour (yes! one full hour!), if you go over that time you have a new charge. The room was spotless. A double bed with real sheets, A/C with the remote control there, camisinha, lube, two clean towels, and a perfectly working double shower with hot and cold water. In the ticket the charge says "presidential suite", and it was only 40R.
After going to the locker to pay for the programa, I tried to get a second one. There was a guy I had already seen the night before and was smoking hot. Unfortunately, he was only top. I saw a couple more of very hot guys but they were civilians. My local friends advised me to stay to see the stripper (one guy) show at 10, but I was tired and went back home by 9:30. The place is open up to 6am, and invite you with a free breakfast at 5:30 if you stay. I would have taken the offer in my other life, but 25 years in DC killed my vampire gen. The prices are very affordable, and all the staff is super professional. Unlike the other saunas I've been too, this place is managed as a very serious business. I do not know whether or not it is true, but the locals told me it is the melhor sauna gay do Brasil, and they seem very proud of it.

Today, Sunday, my plan was to hang out in the beach. I walked up to Paris Plage Recife, the barraca with the best recommendations in the web. I got there at 10;30 am and they already had ran out of places in the first line. As I did not want to be sitting watching someone's back, specially when families with kiddos were everywhere, I went back home to enjoy the swimming pool. But damn it, the breeders had also taken it over. So I am relaxing and catching up at my place. I will probably go out tonight, my new local friend is recommending another sauna. Recife Spa, also located in Boa Vista.
In summary, weekdays do not seem to be popular in Termas Boa Vista and I will probably will not return on those days. The two levels facilities are huge and impressive, everything looks modern, new, and perfectly maintained, as if the place just opened for business. The staff is friendly and super professional, and the patrons are very friendly. The GPs are very different compared to my previous experience. They do not advance when you are in the bar, most of them don't  even look at you, and do not go to the bar. The hot are is in the labyrinth, but it is straight to the point. For instance, when I told my GP that I would not make the decision to have a programa with him without previously making out and checking the chemistry, he did not kiss me in public. Instead, we went to one of the free cabins and closed the door behind us before making out. They are very discrete and I did not see them hanging out with clients in the bar. Prices are similar to Salvador. I paid 150, I was told locals pay between 50 and 100. 
Also, remember that I do not like the wet or the dry saunas. I was told a lot of action takes place there, but I did not step in. 

New destiny, new thread. This Monday I am arriving to my new base for the following month, an airbnb in Boa Viagem, just one and a half block from the beach, nearby Parque Dona Lindu. It is going to be my first time in the city, so I would highly appreciate any wisdom other friends were willing to share. 
I know there are two GP saunas. Blue Thermas is at walking distance from my new base, but the info I am gathering tells me that it is not the best option. Please, correct me if I'm am wrong. The other sauna is Thermas Boa Vista, and apparently the one I should focus on.
Besides the saunas, any other recommendations will be appreciated. 

Yesterday was not a good day, as most Sundays in Clube 11. Perhaps this one was even worse because of the contrast with the previous day. I did a programa just to do it. Beyond that, I loved this sauna much more than I did my first time almost 10 years ago. If I end living in Rio, as I am fantasizing with, I would visit Salvador often and Club 11 would be one of the major reasons.
I guess this is the last report in this thread. I just landed in Recife. See you in the other thread!

That’s for the report Mavica… hope you recover soon to enjoy your trip. Rio is one of the worst places to get sick, just because you have to turn down having fun on the city. 

Hope you have some more adventures in saunas to tell us during your stay … the reports are surely kindling my desire to go back to Rio soon. 

Finally, I went to Fox yesterday. I arrived about 6:45, and it was empty. Perhaps there was more people in the sauna, but from my table in the patio I counted no more than 6 clients and 4 GPs. None of the GPs were hirable for me, although muscle lovers would have been happy with two of them. I drank my caipiroska (very generous drink, it left me really tipsy) and 30' after arriving I was in my Uber towards Clube 11. Over there there was not much people either, but I counted at least 10 boys, three of them were in my pay roll, and of course I ended with V. in a suite, as he was there.
The staff at Fox recommended me Friday or Saturday. Let's see if I find motivation for the 30' ride (I am 12' from Clube 11). I did notice how much Fox's neighborhood has changed, there are a lot of new buildings and developments. When I visited the are in 2017 most of those buildings did not exist. The sauna itself looks exactly as I remembered it.

I omitted photos I'd intended to include in my Day 7 report.  Here they are:
 
 

DAY 6 IN RIO:
This was an off day for me.  Like in bed sick kind of off.  The night before I was experiencing a sore, scratchy throat, and runny nose.  I had a slight cough, too, but I did not detect a fever. The situation only worsened overnight and I did not sleep much.  Instead of my plan to spend much of the day at the beach at Ipanema, I was in and out of bed.  In the refrigerator had some yogurt, Lebanese restaurant leftovers so I could get some nourishment. Late afternoon, the cable / internet repairman showed up with several other people, fixed the technical problems, and then asked what was wrong with me (we were using the Google Translate app).  They all thought I might have gripe (flu) and I should go to the pharmacy for some meds.  I have had both the COVID-19 booster and flu shot in the USA recently.  I walked 15 minutes to a pharmacy, told the pharmacist of the symptoms, when I had my recent shots and was given medications.  Back in the apartment I took the meds and was in bed by 8 p.m.

DAY 5 IN RIO:
First, I need to mention something:  the weather.  The stunningly peasant weather.  Breezy, all day and into the evening. High-70sF / low-80sF daytime and high-60sF overnight.  Pleasant surprise for me because I live in Coastal Central Florida.  The week before I arrived for this trip it was hot here, in the 90sF.  Other trips of mine to Rio have been mid-Summer when it is hot, and in September when I encounter rain.  This has been nice.  Real nice.
Secondly, I meant to comment in my remarks for Day 4 at Club 117:  It seems obvious that the free cabin nights draw out the local residents vs. the tourists and I assume the GPs discount their fee requests (from what foreign visitors are asked to pay) because the locals attended multiple times throughout the year.  Makes sense but I was thinking about it as I moved about today.
Now, for the rest:
I laugh at my inadequacies, in particular my inability to understand and communicate effectively (or at all) in Portuguese.  Still unresolved is how to get the electric cooktop to turn on.  This morning’s challenge was figuring out how to use the in-apartment washing machine.  There are no instructions (the agent is AWOL) and all of the labeling is written in Portuguese.  Finally figured it out but I still do not know how to dry the clothes.  So, hanging on furniture around the apartment are my damp clothes drying.  It is all too funny!
Daylight hours were mostly concentrated on exploring the Central district. Using the Metro from Glória to Uruguaiana at one end of the Polo Saara shopping district.  Before exploring the market, I strolled Praça da República (Campo de Santana).  When in the park I always remember the commentary from years ago of both Tomcal and Trilingual about their escapades in search of the big dicks they had acquired there.  After the short walk in the park (not meant to cruise for sex) I crossed the street to Polo Saara.  There’s probably no more comprehensive and inexpensive market area in the city: clothing, household goods, tourist trinkets, etc.  The market runs primarily on Rua Senhor dos Passos from Campo de Santana on one end to Uruguaiana on the other, spilling over to cross streets.  Only two purchases today:  a Rio ball cap, and lunch at Restaurante Sírio e Libanês (Lebanese).
Restaurante Sírio e Libanês came as a complete surprise to me. You can easily miss the entrance set back from the pedestrian street clogged with merchants and salespersons hawking their wares.  After walking passed, I circled back, entered, and ate.  It was on the early side for lunch but more and more customers entered during my meal.  Acknowledging that I did not speak Portuguese, the waiter brought me a menu in English and misjudging the quantities of the distinct items I was presented with a Mix Individual for one, that would feed two people easily and more food than I have eaten recently.  Hummus, a long cafta, rice with lentils, tabbouleh, stuffed grape, and cabbage leaves. The food was authentically prepared and presented and was tasty.  I left with half the meal in a container.  My beverage was a glass of draft beer. All-in, the cost was R$129 (+/- US$25).
Walked back through the Saara market area to Uruguaiana, down Avenida Presidente Vargas to Catedral Metropolitana de São Sebastião, over to the ferry terminal, crossed to Niterói where I walked around, back on the ferry to Central, over to the Carioca Metro station and rode the Metro back to Glória which got me back to the apartment.  No sauna for me tonight, even though it will be busy at Point 202.  My throat needs a rest!
Before settling in for the night I walked from Glória to Flamengo and back, stopping for some food supplies on the way.  With all the moving about I will sleep well tonight!
… to be continued.

Praça da República (Campo de Santana)

Saara shopping district

Restaurante Sírio e Libanês

Restaurante Sírio e Libanês

Catedral Metropolitana de São Sebastião

Ferry Terminal

Arrival at Niterói

Arrival at Rio

DAY 4 IN RIO:
I had purchased supplies on the way home from Point 202 last night and when I was ready to cook breakfast this morning, I discovered the electric cooktop did not start and there were no directions.  Oh, well.
Walked to the Glória Metro station and took the Metro to the Cardenal Arcoverde stop in Copacabana, walked the short distance to the Copacabana Palace Hotel, crossed the street and walked along the beach until I reached Rua Miguel Lemos (where I had rented an apartment for a prior visit), turned inland and walked to the Cantangelo Metro station for a ride to the Catete stop where I waked to Rio Restaurant, a por kilo place – for an early lunch – a restaurant I first ate at probably 15 years ago and never has it disappointed me.
The restaurant was beginning to fill.  I selected some thinly sliced well-seasoned beef, a small slice of sausage, au gratin potatoes, rice with a green vegetable mixed in, a cheese empanada and sliced tomatoes.  To drink I ordered a still water.  Everything had an excellent taste. Cost of the meal:  R$39.66. equivalent to US$8.37.
I took much of the afternoon to rest, hoping the spasms in my back subside.  I took some extra strength Tylenol substitute. 
Tonight (Tuesday) is a big night at Club 117 and I arrived at 5:30 p.m.  There were probably 25 GP there at the time, mostly congregating in the bar behind the stage in the main showroom; smoking is allowed in that space, it seems.  There was a steady stream of suitors making their way to me, one first quoting R$300 for full service and when I said no the price immediately dropped to R$200 without discussion, then to R$150.  I declined the offer. 
117 is the place to go if you want to get fucked hard by big-muscled guys, most of whom tonight were dark brown or black.  Impressive bodies and cocks on display.   By 6:30 p.m. the place was filling. Probably an additional 20+ GP and a large number of customers many of them fully clothed and who seemed they might need oxygen machines to move about!  There was a broad age range in what appeared to be the 45+ age group.   During my Saturday visit and again today one guy in particular caught my eye:  maybe 24 yr.., soft hairless and muscled gym body, great smile, etc.  Just before 8 p.m. we struck up a conversation and I offed him.  Tonight was the free cabin night so it was just the R$200 I would pay him.  He first asked for R$300 and immediately dropped the price when I said no.  This was another cock-sucking night for me and I played with his body and sucked on him for a half-hour before calling it quit; I had satisfied myself.  When I left at 8:30 p.m. I will estimate there were 45+ GP wandering about.  One stop shopping, something for anyone.
When I checked out there were errors on my bill: a charge for condoms and lube which I did not request or receive; a R$38 charge for two beers, when the price for each was just R$11.  I doubt I caught all of the questionable charges but the end result was R$118 (equivalent to US$22.25).  The 3 hours of entertainment, sex, drinks set me back US$59.77.  Not bad for an evening out!
… to be continued

Club 117

Copacabana Palace Hotel

Copacabana Beach

Rio Restaurante

Rio Restaurante

Ok, here goes.  I'm long-winded, so prepare yourselves!
TRIP REPORT - Rio de Janeiro 
DAY 1
GETTING THERE:
My trip to Rio started at 6 p.m. on a Friday night in Tampa from where I traveled by COPA Airlines, with a short stopover in Panama City to connect onward to Rio, arriving at 8 a.m. Saturday.  The flights were good and the 737-800 aircraft Economy section was nicer than I had anticipated.  Because in addition to the one bag I had checked I had just one small carry-on placed in the overhead; this left me ample room for my feet to stretch under the seat in front (I am 6’1” tall) in the aisle seat.  The plane was not full and the pregnant woman sitting next to me in the center seat moved to the window seat; win-win for us both.  I have to say the business-class section (no first-class) was inviting.  I am one of those travelers who still wears a mask on a full planeload.  Maybe a simple mask (not an N95) protects me somewhat, maybe not, but I had a sense of satisfaction that amongst a plane with many people coughing I had taken a precaution (and I was not the only passenger to be masked).  Soft drinks, cookies, and a small bag of tortilla chips were served mid-flight.
The airplane landed 15 minutes early in Panama City and because there were no ground / gate crew to meet us we sat for the 15-minutes waiting for the jetway to be extended for deboarding.  We landed at Terminal 2 at Tocumen International Airport which appears to be relatively new and resembles a shopping center with nice stores.  No Immigration or Customs procedures for connecting passengers.  I walked the long distance to pedestrian-congested Terminal 1 where I would depart from for the flight to Rio. In comparison to Terminal 2, Terminal 1 looks and feels ready for the wrecking ball.  The on-time departure connecting flight was also a 737-800 and was completely full; not all of the stand-bys were able to get onboard.  We were served a hot meal about an hour into the journey.  It is difficult for me to fall asleep on most long-distance flights and this time was no different.  The large-framed man in the middle seat next to me could not help but extend beyond his seat width and we bumped into one another throughout the flight. 
DAY 1 IN RIO:
The flight from Panama City arrived on-time and we were met with cool temperatures (in comparison to the Tampa Bay area).  As I was walking the long distance to Immigration / Baggage / Customs the driver of a passenger transfer vehicle took one look at me and told me to get on-board.  Maybe he mistook me for someone who had ordered the cart, but one glance at me and he thought he had the right person!  The cart had seating for five people, but I was the only one on the vehicle.  The distance to Immigration was long and I was grateful for the ride.  Arriving at Immigration I was the first foreigner in line for processing, which took all but 5 minutes.
Luggage took 30 minutes to arrive, but because I was the first off the flight to wait in that area it seemed longer for me than others.  I walked through the nothing to declare line and out into the arrivals area.  However, there is a gauntlet of Duty-Free shops you have to traverse in order to get into the Arrivals lobby and most people walking with me were as confused as I regarding how to exit.  We made it out, though, and maybe there was an easier way.
I have booked a small apartment for the stay in Rio via booking.com; several buildings to one side of Golden Park Hotel close to Metro Glória in Rio’s Catete section. R$3,472 (+/- US$650 ÷ 10 = US$65/night).
[SEE PHOTOS BELOW]
Because I have used booking.com frequently I was eligible for a rental discount and a no-cost transfer from the airport to the apartment.  The connection to the driver was seamless and convenient.  Saturday morning traffic was light.
I have made several forced errors thus far for the visit.  The latest was not booking the apartment for the night before / day of arrival.  I did do that for my last day because the flight home departs 1 a.m.  Recognizing my error, I attempted to start my rental as I should have, but I was too late.  If the apartment had been vacant when I arrived the owner/agent would have let me in early.  I was informed I could leave my luggage at a Sushi Glória situated next to the apartment building and wander about Rio until notified the apartment he apartment building is rather new and there are some final changes to complete.  My impression is that nobody lives in the building full-time, and that it is occupied as short-term rentals.  I sense presentable guests can probably accompany a STR without challenge by the person who electronically opens the lobby door; I do not intend to do that, though.
Nice apartment but all of the finishes are builder’s standard; cheap.  But there is a cooktop, small oven, microwave, coffeemaker, utensils, full-sized refrigerator, washer / dryer, TV.  No safe.  Importantly:  the wi-fi / internet / TV did not work.  I have been unable to get the owner/agent to have someone look at the problem because I have been at wits-end. 
Oh, I forgot this:  the bed mattress is rock-hard, like sleeping on concrete (no exaggeration).  I prefer firm mattresses but this is extremely hard.  I have been to Rio previously but do not remember mattresses this firm.  In Mexico, where I travel frequently, I oftentimes read reviews of hotels complaining about the too-firm beds.
[SEE PHOTOS BELOW]
Clube 117
I settled into the apartment and though I was up for 33 hours at this point I walked the relatively short distance to Clube 117.  It was early, about 5:30 p.m.  Checked-in, received my locker key and met Hicardo (Ricardo) in the locker room where he handed me two towels and a pair of flip-flops.  As I left the locker room to take a shower I was set upon by a goodlooking guy showing his big dick promoting himself.   He said he would fuck me for R$200, then dropped it to R$100 without leche, then immediately raised the price back to R$200 full service.  My impression he was 1) on speed of some sort, or 2) desperate.  I shook his cock and moved on.  I am guessing there were 20 GP on-site at that hour, but the number grew steadily.
Understandably, fresh pickings (me) had entered the premises.  As I ordered/drank a beer in the lounge area staff were setting up for a birthday party later in the evening.  I sat at the 2-top table closest to the bar and the steady stream of GPs, one as good looking as the next, introduced and promoted themselves and their prowess and opened their towels to display their wares.  Mostly well-built and defined bodies, none with huge cocks but thick ones.  Fucking machines, for certain.  I told them all I had just walked in the door and was relaxing.  No pushy behaviors, though.  Polite.  Respectful.  Asking price for each was R$200. 
My tab at 117 (excluding the R$150) was R$208:  R$99 entry; R77 for the room; some beers for me and others (I’m forgetting something). R$ equivalent of US$38.60. I had forgotten to ask about tipping the locker room attendant; I gave him R$20 because it was the smallest bill I had in my pocket.  Almost certainly too much but what the heck.  He seemed a bit surprised, but grateful. Someone please let me know what the norm is, now.  Thanks.
I left 117 at about 7:30 p.m., stopped at a grocery store down the street from the sauna on the way back to the apartment, sat on a sidewalk across from the apartment, bought and drank a large bottle of Amstel (R equiv. $3.15) and was in bed asleep by 10 p.m. 
to be continued ...