Mavica

DAY 7 IN RIO This day started better than yesterday when I was sick. Though I am not 100% yet, I do feel better. I took it easy and spent the afternoon under an umbrella at Praia de Ipanema. From the Gloria Metro Station, I traveled to the General Osório Station and walked through Praça General Osório and over to the beach between Posto 8 and 9. One change quickly noted is gone are the gay flags denoting the principal gay locations in this area. Each vendor kiosk is similar with the only difference being the name of concessionaire and number of the location. Walking the sidewalk along the beach area I came across “Marlon” whose English is far better than my Portuguese. He is a sidewalk salesperson, drawing people into the kiosk he works for. I listened, walked past then turned back because I did not really know where else to go. This was a good choice. Not exclusively gay, but probably 50/50. Weather was fantastic; constantly cool breeze. Those who went into the water said it was cold, but I observed maybe a dozen brave souls doing so. As usual, the variety of vendors was fun to watch. As I watched I admired the vendors and their hard work to earn a living. Four and a half hours at the beach was enough for me. My bill came to $60. R$30 for the chair, umbrella and small table and R$15 for each of the two beers. +/- US$11.25, not bad for a day at the beach. BTW, I slipped Marlon R$10 on my way out because he checked on me several times. Then it was back on the crowded Metro and to the apartment. Since I had not eaten all day, with the exception of some yogurt at breakfast, I walked into Catete towards Largo do Machado checking out restaurant possibilities. I chose Le Dépanneur which is adjacent to the Largo do Machado Metro Station. Bad choice, it turned out. One of the worst pizzas I have ever eaten. Throughout the meal the taste that permeated was flour from the crust, not the Caprese topping … which, by the way, slipped off the crust every time I lifted a piece. I washed the flour taste out of my mouth with a bottle of Stella Artois beer. The only positive thing about the dinner was it only cost the equivalent of US$11.91. I walked back to the apartment and am in for the night. No sauna, no playing around. Just trying to recover from whatever it is/was I contracted. … to be continued. Rio de Janeiro Metro Praia de Ipanema Praia de Ipanema Not saying this young man is gay, but he certainly made my time on the beach delightful. Praia de Ipanema

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.

Staying in a Copacabana hotel my first visit to Rio, I recall staff warning me not to walk out of the hotel alone and wherever I went I should do so in a taxi. On Trip Advisor and other web travel forums people were writing the same thing. That is because as tourists to this beautiful city we unconsciously flash nice watches, have in-hand expensive cameras and do not pay attention to our surroundings - and some have fallen prey to thieves. I think some of those warnings are still being voiced. I do try to avoid undertaking risky behavior here and elsewhere I travel but take my current visit in Rio, as an example, I move about areas not customary for a lot of foreign visitors to frequent and I have felt safe. I have not been wandering about late night in unfamiliar areas. Walking on the sidewalk along the beaches in Copa and Ipanema daytime and until maybe 9 p.m. in the evening? I would not hesitate to do that. I will not, however, walk in the sand close to the water after dark; my own rule. As I've already said, I've been out and about a lot this week and like any self-respecting gay man I do my fair share of cruising and sizing up guys. I suppose that it is true there are more overweight young men in Rio today than there were a couple of decades ago, most likely because fast/snack foods are more prevalent now than then. I am seeing guys who, the vast majority, are mostly fit and trim. Mayve it's just that my gaydar blocks-out the heavier guys! I have noticed, though, the abundance of tall (6 ft. +) dark-skinned handsome guys.

I'm in Rio this week and have been to Club 117 and Point 202. Several guys started the conversation (of pricing) at R$300. When met with "no" they immediately dropped to $200, some even go as low as R$100. For the two guys I offed in the saunas I paid R$150 and R$200 respectively. R$150 is probably the sweet spot for us, depending on what we want to accomplish in bed and the body type we're looking for. For someone who wants to get fucked hard by big fat dicks (not me), by overall outstanding physical specimens - R$200 is probably a fair price.

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

I haven't been to the beach this trip, yet. Maybe tomorrow. The advice of locals has always been, or at least for the past couple or more decades, not to bring valuables with us as we visit the beach. In the times we're living, smartphones, etc., that's not practical for most. Obviously, the challenge is greater for those of us who travel solo. Previous to this current trip I didn't travel with a smart/cellphone, so I'd have had shorts, t-shirt, towel, book, water and a snack. I'd have arrived with a small over the shoulder canvas bag with these things. Though I don't go into the water I do take a few walks up and down the beach - admiring the eye candy! I attempt to offer a greeting to persons sitting nearby to establish some sort of relationship and have asked and have been asked to watch belongings. There are times I'll bring my things to the young men in whose concession area I'm sitting to watch my things while I walk. I do the same things when I'm on a beach just about anywhere. I've found that there's almost always someone around you can take a chance with, but I wouldn't leave anything I'd really miss if stolen.

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

DAY 3 IN RIO I started the day aggravated. Still no wi-fi, etc., so I sent a final message to the Owner / Agent to say if the situation was not corrected immediately I would pack and move to a nearby hotel, dispute the rental charges and post negative reviews online. Within an hour the Owner / Agent who said she had meetings all day showed up and claimed innocence that the cable bill had not been paid, the equipment was faulty, etc. This after suggesting that at my age I might not understand how to connect to the wi-fi. She connected me with a neighbor’s wi-fi which I have been using successfully today. The Owner / Agent and a technician will be back tomorrow afternoon to work on the technical stuff. However, a half-day was devoted to this stuff because I had to remain in the apartment. I think that the issue will be amicably resolved and I am staying put. Early-afternoon I set out to walk along the waterfront from the apartment into Centro and over to Cinelandia to reacquaint myself and have lunch at a por kilo restaurant: Curta Carioca. I did not eat much: some fish, sausage, onion rings, potatoes, vegetables, and a small bottle of Coke Zero to wash it down. The food was tasty. Ambiance is good. Waitstaff brings your beverages including beer and wine. Cost: R$33.28 (+/- US$6.25). From Cinelandia I walked over to Arcos da Lapa, then to Catedral de São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro, back through Lapa to Escadaria Selarón and returned to my apartment in Glória. The steps were mobbed by tourists. Back at the apartment I crashed for a while, due to all of the walking; I experienced some back spasms. About 6 p.m. I headed for Point 202 by Metro from the Glória station. Bought a Metro card and was on my way, getting off at Siqueira Campos and walking the relatively short distance to the sauna. I agree with comments of others that the lounge / bar area of 202 is pub-like in ambiance and camaraderie between GPs and those looking to off them. Though 202 has been around for a long time (I was in Rio the night it opened but did not attend because we had a flight home in several hours) I have not visited until today. I did not like the feel of the place and prefer Club 117 more – especially what I think is a higher quality GP to choose from. Between the hours of 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. when I left, there seemed to be more customers than GPs. I understand that Monday nights might be one of the slowest of the week but I was not attracted to even one of the possible 15 GPs. The GPs were respectful, several a little pushy, with one approaching me as soon as I left the locker room promising he would fuck me with leche for R$100. I thanked him and said I would consider it, later. On check-out I paid R$99 (+/- US$18.60) for the entry fee and one Corona brand beer. Now that I am remaining in the apartment, I stopped for groceries at a market across the street from the Siqueira Campos Metro entrance, rode the Metro back to the Glória station and walked home somewhat, but not completely disappointed. Tomorrow is another day! ... to be continued VLT Carioca (Rio de Janeiro Light Rail) Marina da Glória Curta Carioca Curta Carioca Curta Carioca Aqueduto da Carioca (Arcos da Lapa) Escadaria Selarón - Lapa

I was at Club 117 a couple of nights ago. Without asking the person staffing reception turned the screen so I could see the charges, asked if everything was right, it was and I paid.

DAY 2 IN RIO After sleeping for 10-hours I was up and ready to wander the area, in particular the weekly outdoor market Feria adjacent to the Glória Metro station which is a 5-minute walk from my apartment. Describing the market as large is an understatement. 100s of vendors selling fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, fish, ready-to-eat cooked foods, all sorts of alcoholic drinks, clothing, housewares, etc. I’m familiar with the Sunday Feira Hippe de Ipanema but that pales in comparison to what happens at Glória. If you haven’t visited Glória on a Sunday, do so and you won’t be disappointed. Lots of eye candy, too! [SEE PHOTOS BELOW] Before leaving the Feira I stopped at a stall with a lengthy line that sold pastel and caldo de cana (sugar cane juice). My pastel was filled with frango com catupiry (chicken and cheese). R16 for the snack. R$16, paid in cash (+/- US$3). [SEE PHOTO BELOW] I e-Mailed the apartment owner / agent again to say I would not stay in the apartment longer or pay to stay unless the wi-fi and internet was connected. Neither my cellphone nor the TV / Cable work in the apartment due to lack of signal; I’m surrounded by concrete walls outside and in. She told me she would stop by after 6 p.m. today; this is annoying. Not having gone to dinner I stepped outside the apartment building to a small café next door for a sandwich. Later, I watched one of the Prime Video I had downloaded before the trip: The Boys in the Boat; Callum Turner is easy on the eyes! Off to bed at midnight, unfulfilled!

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 ...

The Immigration form I brought was no longer in use. Immgration agent said I'd I was stopped at Customs I might need the other form I brough but I wasn't stopped. So, as you've said ... not needed. Thanks.

I arrived Rio this a.m.; traveled on COPA from Tampa > Panama > Rio. COPA check-in counter agent at airport read / recorded data in Visa and in conversation told me they've denied boarding to passengers w/o Visa. At Panama City COPA checked again at the jetway entry boarding for Rio; no Visa, no travel. Brazil Immigration checked upon arrival in Rio. I brought 2 copies with me and another one my mobile.

I answered my own questions. Found the Immigration and the Customs forms online and completed them to bring with me. 😁

Another question prior to leaving for Brazil tomorrow evening: is there a requirement to complete an online Customs form, or a paper form distributed by the airline? Thank you.

Yes. Thank you.

I'm recalling that when Brazil previously required a visa for USA citizens the fee may have been more, or about the same, and I had to go to the Consulate with paperwork and again to pick-up my passport with the visa stamped into it. The 10-year e-Visa is overall easier to obtain, particularly because I live 2 hours away from the closest Consulate and everything is done online. The difficulty I encountered may have been precipitated by something I did or didn't do during the online process.

If you don't understand, there's nothing more I can say explaining it to you.

Four days before I leave for Brazil, visa in hand, and I'm starting to think President Trump may ban travel to the country before I depart. Though, my flight into Rio doesn't depart from the USA. Instead, it's via Panama to/from.

Interesting. It hadn’t entered my mind to travel to Brazil for sex. 🫢

Thanks for the discussion topic. Yes, early detection can reduce the risk of cancer cells metastasizing. All too many men, particularly younger men don't monitor or get PSA testing. My prostate cancer was detected 16 years go when I was 59 and my prostate was removed at the time ... and, as of this writing, there's been no evidence of metastasis. 🙂 BTW, I'm visiting my brother this weekend, whose PC has returned after having had radiation treatments more than a decade ago.

Preparing for an upcoming trip to Rio de Janeiro, I've been reading various news sources to update myself. I came across the following, today: Source: Brazil’s Foreign Tourism Surge Is Real, but Scale Still Trails Rivals - The Rio Times

The answer is simple: Cash

IDK, I’m assuming I did something wrong at the beginning of the process that once done couldn’t be undone without some intervention. Because I didn’t wait until the last minute to apply it was resolved a week before I leave for Rio and other than my angst no harm / no foul. Lesson learned? Apply early.

Finally, I received my visa today. 🙂