TotallyOz

This is yet another Alex who I met through an Agency in Rio but he lived directly behind my hotel, the Intercontinental Hotel so he came to my room every day at noon for over 5 years. He was an Jujitsu instructor.

This is my beloved Alex who I met on my first trip and took with me to Paris one year. He was such fun to hang out with in Rio and in EU.

This will be my last series of posts on this thread. But, I thought some might like to see some photos of past trips to Brazil. There are so many things to see and do there. I have tried to learn Fountainhall's secret to putting photos right below or above text but I can't seem to figure this out so I'll make a few separate posts in this thread. First, the famous Carnival is a great deal of fun. It is usually in Feb or March and the rates in Rio go through the roof. But, there is great fun that week. I will often take a boy or two with me to the events for the week and they have a blast.

I think they are all going to haul ass and get the fuck out of Dodge.

Thanks msclelovr, I have made the changes above to point to the correct URL. Much appreciated!

Restaurants 1 Zazá Bistrô Tropical | R. Joana Angélica, 40 | 21 2247-9101 | http://www.zazabistro.com.br Quirky, colorful, and just a touch fabulous, Zazá should always be on your list when hunger strikes. They emphasize organic ingredients, and their menu is carefully cureated with lovingly prepared dishes. 2 Pizzaria Rainbow | Av Atlantica, kiosk 8 -Copa | no number | no website This pizza stand on the beach is marked by its rainbow flag and the dozens of hot, sweaty, sandy gays chowing down on great pizza and washing it all down with a cold beer. It's open until 1am, so you can even come here for a quick bite before heading out, and get a head start on the action. 3 Caroline Cafe | Rua J.J. Seabra, 10 | 21 2540-0705 | There's a little bit of everything here classic Rio people watching at the outdoor tables, American pub food, sushi, Brazilian brunch menu a pretty hip bar scene... oh, and a rooftop terrace that is hot, hot, hot. 4 Felice Caffè | Rua Gomes Carneiro, 30 | (21) 2522-7749 | www.felice.com.br/arquivos/principal.htm A gay-heavy mixed crowd comes here for the good food but they stay for the drinks, and it could be perhaps the sceniest ice cream parlor in the Western Hemisphere. You could easily see yourself hitting this up more than once a day. 5 Siri Mole & Cia | Rua Francisco Otaviano, 50 (Rua Ral Pompia) | (21) 1226-7089 | http://www.sirimole.com.br/ This cute, intimate place is the place to go for northern Brazilian food that satisfies the soul. Note, though, that this is no down-home place; trendy types flock here like moths to a flame, so it's a good place to bring someone yo want to impress. 6 Confiteria Colombo | Rua Gonalves Dias 32 | (21) 2505-1500 | http://www.confeitariacolombo.com.br/site/ There is a lot of history to this place, evidenced in its Belle Epoque interior that has been lovingly preserved. The cuisine is mixed, and served buffet style, so come hungry! If you're not starving, then have a seat at the snack bar for a little bit of this or that. 7 Bazzar | R. Barao da Torre, 538 | (32) 0228-84 | http://www.bazzar.com.br/ Fresh food served in a quiet atmosphere with some home-cooked loving thrown in for good measure. Ask about sauces and mustards to take home as gifts or to have later when you want to remember your days in Rio! 8 Salpicado | R. Maria Quitéria, 77 | 21 2227-2161 | http://www.salpicado.com.br/ This is your place for simple, home-cooked, traditional Brazilian food in a non-sceney atmosphere. Sometimes, it's just good to get away from it all! They also deliver if you're renting your own place in Rio for the season. 9 Porcão | Av. Armando Lombardi, 591 | 21 3389-8989 | http://www.porcao.com.br/ You can't go all the way to Rio and not have churrascaria, otherwise known as meat fest. But we're talking about actual meat here! Come hungry, and load up on some of the best grilled meats you'll ever have. There are two locations; this is the one with the stunning view of Sugarloaf.

Sauna/Massage 1 Club 117 | R. Cândido Mendes, 117 | 21 2252-0160 | http://www.netgay.com.br/saunas/club117.htm This sauna has all the usual facilities, including a video room with comfy seating and a dark room. Their cabins are notable for being almost hotel-like. But it also has a full-fledged cabaret-style nightclub in it, as well as a more chill bar and an outdoor bar area as well. A lot of tops come here; the escorts are in red towels for efficient cruising. This 3 level sauna is often full of some of the hottest guys you will see on earth and pay close attention to the clientele as you may see a few famous people in the group. 2 Rio G Spa | Rua Teixeira de Mello, 16 | 21 2523-5092 | http://www.riogspa.com.br/ Rio G has modern, immaculate facilities decorated with red accents, and there are professional-level spa services (where a facial is an actual facial) as well as the whole dark room/porn room/cruising action you'd expect. Get a tantric massage for a unique experience. 3 Copacabana Sauna | Rua Dias da Rocha, 83 | 21 2235-5563 | no website The Copacabana Sauna is open nice and early at 10am if you just want to chill in the sauna for a while or get a massage; go after 6pm if you want a bit more action. Note that there are no escorts here, although there is plenty of action from a wide variety of men, looks-wise and age-wise. 4 Sauna Club 29 | Rua Prof. Alfredo Gomes, 29 | 21 2286-6380 | http://club29.com.br/ This sauna is open until 4am every night except Sunday, so you can come here if the selection in the clubs left you wanting. Here you'll find the usual facilities, plus a crowd that isn't your usual twinks and smooth bodies, but a bit more manly including married men looking to be discreet. 5 Termas Meio Mundo | Rua Teófilo Otoni, 18 | 21 2233-0930 | http://www.netgay.com.br/saunas/meiomundo.htm Rent boy city! Plus stripper shows, private room and a cafe that serves food. Note, however, that if you are going here, take a taxi, and have them call you a taxi when you leave if you feel unsafe. But, the area is full of traffic at night and easy to find a taxi or walk to the subway. If you have never been there before, you may have a bit of trouble finding it but it is easy if you look it up on Google Maps the first time to get a good idea of the area. This place is run well and busy. Mondays and Fridays are especially great. 6 Termas Catete| Rua Corrêa Dutra, 34 | (21) 2265-5478 | no website Friendly staff, sprawling, clean facilities, and every conceivable type of man you could desire with dark meat a popular menu choice. Head here later in the evening for the best choice and hottest action; it's open until 6am on the weekends, so it's never too late! 7 Sauna Point 202 | Rua Siqueira Campos, 202 | http://saunapoint202.blogspot.com In addition to full sauna facilities and services, there are raunchy drag shows, sexy stripper shows, escorts galore, private cabins, video rooms, and a generally fun vibe. Show up late for the most action. 8 Club Gayligula | Rua Ubaldino do Amaral, 50 | (22) 2461-44 | http://www.netgay.com.br/saunas/gayligola.htm We're putting this under both clubs and saunas, because while some may go for the facilities, others will insist it is a straight-up gay sex club there's no beating around the bush here! There are dark rooms, video rooms, glory holes, cruising areas but no escorts. 9 Le Boy Fitness at Le Boy | Rua Raul Pompéia, 102 | http://www.leboy.com.br/site/le-boy-fitness/ That thumping you hear under your feet is the bass coming from the Le Boy club, but this is a legit sauna, with a full gym, private cabins, a video room, and a lounge area with a full bar. Tons of young hot bods. The stripper show/bingo combo on Saturdays is surreal but a real hoot. 10 Termas Kabalk | Rua Santa Luiza, 459 | 21 2572-6210 | http://www.netgay.com.br/saunas/kabalk1.htm Not the newest or sleekest facilities you'll ever see (although the private cabins are completely redone), but it's clean and friendly. Head to the backyard patio, where you can relax while watching men shower in the outdoor group shower room. 11 Projeto SB Club | Rua Dezenove de Fevereiro, 162 | 21 2244-4263 | http://www.projetosb.com.br There are no rent boys here, but there is plenty of selection among the clientele head to the bar for the most action. And the changing room is unique in that it actually has flattering lighting! You also get a welcome kit with toiletries and lube, a nice touch. 12 Termas Leblon | Rua Barão da Torre, 522 | 21 2247-9169 | http://www.termasleblon.com.br/ This sauna in Ipanema is not big inside, but it has a gorgeous outdoor space that more than makes up for it. It also has full spa services; you can even get a haircut here if you're looking a little shaggy! Skews to an older clientele, although that brings in the young boys who admire them. 13 Sauna Buonsucesso | Rua Bonsucesso, 252 | 21 2260-9385 | http://www.netgay.com.br/saunas/bonsucesso.htm This sauna, while a bit oldish in style, has massages, dry sauna, full bar, dark room, a cruisey video room, and a really nice rooftop terrace. The first and third Sundays have free entrance, and it seems like everyone here is horny as hell. 14 Spa 73 | Rua Pereira de Almeida, 73 | 21 3087-0037 | http://www.netgay.com.br/saunas/spa73foto.htm The common areas of this sauna are very club-like, but the cabins are the stars here get one of the suites with a Jacuzzi tub, and who knows when you'll ever want to leave? This one is definitely worth a visit.

Clubs/Discos 1 Le Boy | R. Raul Pompéia, 102 | 21 2513-4993 | http://www.leboy.com.br/site/ If this location seems familiar to you, chances are it's because you're already been to their sauna, Le Boy Fitness. The club part is ultra-famous among the Rio gay scene, with rent boys, go-go boys, drag shows, strip shows, and theme nights that really pack them in. If the bar seems dead, check the dark room for the action. 2 Buraco da Lacraia | Rua Andre Cavalcanti, 58 | 21 2242-0446 | http://buracodalacraia.com.br/portal/ There's a huge local crowd here of young hotties who come for the karaoke and drag shows, and stay for the dark room cruising action in this down-home club that has none of the pretension of the more chichi clubs, but all of the fun. Show up ready for anything, because anything goes here. 3 Cine Ideal | Rua da Carioca, 64 | 21 2221-1984 | http://cineideal.com.br/portal/ If you get tired of the at-times monotonous house music that's popular here, head up to the rooftop terrace for a bit of quiet, a great view of the city, and some flirty chatting with anyone who catches your eye. Note though that the house music can bring in a mixed crowd, but it's overwhelmingly gay. 4 The Week | R. Sacadura Cabral, 154 | 21 2253-1020 | http://www.theweek.com.br/ As you've come to expect from this high-end club chain, Rio's The Week is sleek, sexy and fun; this one is in a big ol' villa that they use to maximum effect. There are top DJs that bring in a hot crowd that's ready to party all night long. Note that security is tight here, so you'll need to have ID to enter and then given a bar registration card that you pay on the way out. 5 La Cueva | Rua Miguel Lemos, 51 | (21) 2267-1364 | http://www.boatelacueva.com.br/ Tired of the smooth Brazilian bodies everywhere? Then get your woof on at this cave-themed bear bar that skews a bit mature, but has plenty of young admirers milling about. Friday is the best night for action, and your entrance fee includes two drink tickets. Woof! 6 Lounge 69 | R. Prudente de Morais, 416 | 21 2522-0627 | no website Lounge 69 has a bit of word-of-mouth, underground cache, but once inside it's like they imported a beach party directly from the shoreline. Order a fruity cocktail, and get your groove on under the laser light show that pulses in time to the tropical dance music. 7 Boite 1140 | Rua Capitão Menezes 1140 | 21-3017-1792 | http://www.boite1140.com.br/ You can get a VIP card from their website to get a discount at the door and other perks (don't be put off by the hetero stock images; it's gay, gay, gay). Then once inside, enjoy the live acts, drag shows, and top-notch guest DJ. It's a fun time! 8 Sinônimo | Rua Mem de Sá 118 | (21) 8635 9767 | http://www.sinonimolapa.com.br/ The Lapa neighborhood used to be known as a hetero playground, but Sinônimo has changed that, and has made a real impact on the gay nightlife scene. Doors open at 8pm in case you want to make an early night of it, but you'll most likely stick around 'til the wee hours as the DJ brings the funk and the live shows bring the crowd to their knees. 9 Papa G | Travessa Almerinda Freitas 42 | http://www.papag.com.br/PapaG/Inicio.html It's worth the bit of a trek to get to Papa G to check out their packed schedule of entertainment and fun, with each night featuring a drag show, a live performance, and a different DJ. Check their schedule for theme nights, and splurge (relatively) on a VIP experience, which is all-you-can-drink. 10 Club Gayligula | Rua Ubaldino do Amaral, 50 | (22) 2461-44 | http://www.netgay.com.br/saunas/gayligola.htm We're putting this under both clubs and saunas, because while some may go for the facilities, others will insist it is a straight-up gay sex club there's no beating around the bush here! There are dark rooms, video rooms, glory holes, cruising areas but no escorts.

Bars 1 Galeria Cafe | Rua Teixeira de Mello, 31 | 21 2523-8250 | http://www.galeriacafe.com.br/ What the Galeria lacks in size it more than makes up for in its expertly made drinks, gorgeous crowd of men, and fun theme nights. Head downstairs to see the boys get their groove on, or stay upstairs for a lounge atmosphere. 2 Expresso Carioca | Rua Farme de Amoedo, 76 | (21) 2267-8604 | no website This bar goes from morning 'til late, so come by anytime and hang out on the outdoor terrace and watch the world go past on this popular street. Or, head inside at night to be absolutely immersed in hot gay boys. Your choice! 3 Maxim's | Avenida Atlântica, 1850 | (21) 2255-7444 | no website Maxim's has a great staff that keeps the fun going, and a trans crowd that knows how to party. Show up later in the evening for the shows and antics. 4 Tô Nem Aí | Rua Farme de Amoedo 57 | (02) 1224-7840 | Just back from the most popular gay beach in Rio, this bar, which opens at noon, is the perfect place to duck out of the hot sun while losing none of the hot action. You can also grab a bite to eat here, day or night although it can get packed after dark, so best stick to cocktails and cocks. 5 00 | Avenida Padre Leonel Franca, 240 | (55) 2125-4080 | http://www.00site.com.br/ This bar, pronounced "Zero Zero," has a little bit of everything a restaurant area, a lounge bar, and a club space where things can get Rio-level fun. There's also an outdoor area for quieter chats. It can be a bit snobby-bitchy, but it's worth it to be so close to so many beautiful young things. 6 Turma OK | Rua do Rezende, 43 | (21) 2507-4622 | http://www.turmaok.com.br/ Any gay bar that has been around for more than 50 years is "OK" in our book. Go to Turma OK for some of the best drag in Brazil, including some big names as well as drag pagaents, and the hilariously named "Mr. OK" contests for older clientele. 7 TV Bar | AV. Nossa Senhora de Copacabana, 1417 | (21) 2267-1663 | http://www.bartvbar.com.br/ As its name suggests, this gar bar has a TV theme, with nightly events called "Channels" and an emphasis on music videos. Check their schedule for guest DJs, bear nights, and other fun events.

Hotels 1 Casa Cool Beans | Rua Laurinda Santos Lobo, 136 | (21) 2262-0552 | http://www.casacoolbeans.com/ Casa Cool Beans is a 10-room gay B&B in the hip, fun Santa Teresa neighborhood and is our top pick for accommodations in Rio. This brightly colored, beautifully decorated hotel has personalized service, a pool and sun deck that's quite the scene, free wifi, and decent food as well. 2 Ipanema Plaza | Rua Farme de Amoedo, 34 | (55) 2136-8720 | http://www.ipanemaplaza.com.br/ The Ipanema Plaza is smack in the middle of the gayborhood, on the Farme de Amoedo beach and near many of the bars we list here. Note that you have to have your key with you when you go out at night to show to security upon return, and guests have to register showing ID, so no bringing back a half-naked boy with no wallet! 3 La Maison | Rua Sérgio Porto 58 | 2132053585 | http://www.lamaisonario.com/ La Maison is off the beach strip, but its five rooms have private terraces with spectacular views. The pool area will make you think you're in the French Riviera, and each room is meticulously, tastefully loyal to its individual theme (ask for the Shanghai!). 4 Best Western Sol Ipanema Hotel | Av. Vieira Souto, 320 | (55) 2125-2520 | http://www.solipanema.com.br/Hotel You can never go wrong with a Best Western, and this one is no exception. The rooftop pool and terrace (with a full bar) is a stunner, and they have 24-hour room service, free wifi and all the amenities you expect from this chain. 5 Ananab | Rua Alice 681 | 2125576789 | http://www.ananab.com/ There are views of Sugarloaf from the rooms and pool of this historical home-turned-guesthouse, and the gay couple who own it are generous with their time and knowledge of the city. You can even brush up on your Portuguese with their language classes! Note that guests CANNOT bring back guests of their own. 6 El Misti Hostel | Rua Praia de Botafogo 462 | (21) 2226-0991 | http://www.elmistihostel.com/ We don't normally recommend hostels in our listings, but this gay hostel is a good choice if sleep is not on your agenda and you don't really mind everybody being all up in your business. There are private rooms available, but they go fast so book early. 7 Lancaster Othon Travel | Avenida Atlântica 147 | 21 2169-8300 | http://www.othon.com.br/hoteis/lancaster-othon-travel#o-hotel This three-hotel has huge rooms with separate lounge areas, and balconies that overlook the beach. Their breakfast buffet, served at street level right across from the beach, will give you a front-row seat to the morning's parade of hardbodies. 8 Sofitel Rio de Janeiro Copacabana | 4240 Copacabana | http://www.sofitel.com/gb/hotel-1988-sofitel-rio-de-janeiro-copacabana/index.shtml Yes, this Sofitel is on THAT Copacabana beach. And it being a Sofitel, you can expect outstanding service, gorgeous rooms, and an on-site spa that will recharge your batteries for another day (and night) of fun. The hotel has a private beach club area if you're not into the chaotic scene of the public beach, or spend the day at their dead-sexy pool and deck. 9 Benidorm Palace Hotel | R. Barata Ribeiro, 547 | 21 2548-8880 | http://www.benidorm.com.br/ The Benidorm features large, simply furnished rooms, and the suites come equipped with their own Jacuzzi and sauna (for playing out your private sauna fantasies!). The gym, in a glass-walled room on the roof, has an insane view and a pool and terrace right beside it, which is perfect for those who prefer to watch others exercise. 10. Atlantico Copacabana Hotel | Rua Siqueira Campos, 90 | Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro | 55 21- 2548-0011 http://www.atlanticocopacabanahotel.com/ The Atlantico Hotel is one of the mainstays of many on this site. It was very popular a few years back because of its close proximity to Point 202. It is within walking distance of the sauna. It is also an easy walk to the beach at Copacabana. There are many nice restaurants in the area and a subway station is 1 minute walk from the hotel. The rooms are a bit old and outdated and they dont seem to spend money on renovations or remodeling but if you are looking for a place right next door to Point 202, this is the place to stay. 11. JW Marriott | Avenida Atlantica, 2600, | Copacabana · Rio de Janeiro | 55-21-2545-6500 | http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/riomc-jw-marriott-hotel-rio-de-janeiro/ The Marriott is located directly on Copacabana Beach. It is a 5 star hotel with full staff, a rooftop pool and full service spa. The hotel is kept up to JW standards with great rooms and restaurants inside the hotel. The rooms are a bit on the small side but they are very well decorated and clean. This hotel gets high marks for service and luxury.

I have only been to Vientiane for day trips several times. I really enjoyed the city and I always had cute boys that gave me attention. I am VERY curious to learn more about Laos. Thanks for the reports Z.

Yes, but I wasn't sure if this was his latest trip report or an earlier one.

Great photos and report. May I ask, how many times have you been to Laos? Wat Phou photos are great as are the waterfalls photos. I have only been to Laos a few times for quick day trips. But, I would love to go back and stay longer time on my next trip.

Gay Recife – Life's A Beach Sometimes when you travel, your goal is to see interesting cultural things, visit churches and museums, and educate yourself about a new and exciting culture. And that's fine. Other times you want to take a gaycation and just chill out during the day and blow off steam at night. That's fine, too. When you work hard at work all year round, why not just have fun during the your time off? When you are in the mood for this second type of gay trip, you should seriously consider going to Recife - perhaps the best gay stop in all of South America - when you want to just mindlessly chill, party, and fuck. There is no more gay-friendly city in the region. In fact, the city tourist bureau is at the moment in a contest with Rio to see who can attract the most gay tourists. So, not only will you be accepted here - you'll be welcomed with open arms. The city tourist bureau will even be happy to point you in the direction of the best current saunas, bars and clubs for you to get your gay on. You simply could not pick a better gay destination in Brazil. So, with that in mind let's take the time to look at fabulous Gay Recife. Hitting The Beach Imagine if Venice had a ton of beaches; that's the deal with Recife, where there is a mainland with several huge beaches, and then canals and bridges connecting multiple islands that all have their own beaches. Cruising is encouraged at all the beaches, and when you order a massage, odds are the dude giving you a massage is available to hire for more intimate activities. You'll want to spend the majority of your day time hours at the beach, where you can either just get a tan and scope the dudes, or find any number of men ready to hit the dunes with you for some man-on-man action. The beaches are the #1 reason to hit Recife and they are just as nice, if not nicer, than what you'll find in Rio. Party The Night Away Recife is a seven-night-a-week party town. Each and every night, the gay bars compete to see who can have the dirtiest, most fun, all-night sexy parties. No matter what type of guy and club you are into, you'll find one that fits your tastes and budget. It is a very hard-drinking town, so try to eat as much at dinner as you can to line your stomach and get ready to have a ton of cocktails before you find someone to play with your cock. You are in for a long, fun night, every night you go out. There are more bars per square meter here than nearly any other city in Brazil. Get your drink on, boys! Sexy Saunas There are also more saunas here than you will ever believe. And they are all filled to the brim with boy toys! In fact, rent boys are not only welcome in the saunas, but they are encouraged by the sauna owners to turn up there. Some of the saunas actually advertise that they have up to 10 rent boys per customer at any given time. This means that not only will you be able to find the rent boy of your wet dreams, but he'll have competition so you can negotiate a really good price for your pay-per-gay sexperience. Pride And Carnival Recife Gay Pride is held every year in September and attracts tens of thousands of gays, bisexuals, lesbians, and our allies. But, that's not the best gay event of the year by far. That award has to go to Carnival, held when Carnival is held in all cities every year. It is known as even more fun than Rio's Carnival, because participants don't have to pay to get in and there are no restrictions on the activities that are allowed during the Carnival parades. What you get isn't quite anarchy, but it's a lot more gay than most Carnivals, and much less “sanitized for the straights” than most. You'll see just about anything, and everything you'd see in the sexiest gay club at 2 a.m. is happening in the street during the middle of the day. You really haven't seen anything like it anywhere before – and it will rock your cock beyond anything you would believe. Male Escort Culture Male escorts are everywhere – not just in the saunas. It's easy to find one online, or through any of the several gay publications you'll see in every bar and club. And they'll be all over the beach. You'll be amazed at just how many there are, and you'll be able to choose any type of escort you want. It's really quite something that needs to be sexperienced to be believed. Vanilla Activities Booze, boys and the beach are the primary reasons for cumming to Recife, but if you must do something traditional, try the catamaran rides, spend an afternoon scuba diving, or experience “footvolley” - a sport the city invented that combines football and volleyball. Then go back to the beach and find someone to blow. Let's Rock Recife! I need a drink and a blow job. You probably do too – so lets do it together in Recife! cc boytoy.com 2013

I met with the managers of the JW Marriott and both said the same thing. The cost of living for them is insane. The majority of people I spoke to said they can't afford Rio and they are from Brazil. The same thing was said by many of those that I know in Sao Paulo. Brazil is not cheap. Yes, perhaps the saunas are, but food, etc. is not cheap.

I was out many times by myself and felt no worries. BUT, and this is a big but, I was in areas I knew I would be OK in. It is like living in NYC in the 1980's. I knew I wouldn't be in Harlem at 3AM. It was just not smart. Same is true for most places in Brazil. You just need to know what areas are OK. In Rio, all 3 saunas I talk about are in very well traffic areas. Point 202 is in Copacabana and I have walked from there to the beach 100 times over the years and never any problem. Club 117 is in Gloria which is a very nice family area. You can easily walk to get a taxi down the street or walk to the subway stop. Again, I have done tons of time over the years. Meio Mundo is in Centro area and it is a business area and much more traffic in day than at night. However, there is a big university 2 blocks away as well as many other places in the area and I have walked around and had dinner in the area. I have never walked to the subway from there but I have friends that do that. Also, it is near the harbor for the ferries and many people walk in the area at night. So, for those three places, no worries are all. I would not feel the same in Salvador as both the saunas were way out in the middle of no where. You would need a taxi there. IMHO For Sao Paulo, the main saunas Lagoa and Fragata are also both in nice areas and I have walked around at night in both areas with never a worry. I have also walked to the subway in both areas. It is a bit closer for Lagoa but both are 10 - 15 min walks.

I like Cathay Pacific. They use to do an all Asia pass for many cities that was a great deal. I have friends that did it and raved about seeing all of Asia at very reasonable rates.

Scooby explained that here: http://www.gaythailand.com/forums/topic/8672-changes-on-gaythailandcom/ The unsubscribe worked perfectly for me. It is a reputable company and they would always honor unsubscribes.

I do not think these cases will be a victory for gay rights. I think it will be a very narrow ruling that affects few people but will give a bit of a win to both sides. That is what I think will happen and now that I hope will happen. Interesting that I was sitting in Rio with a very prominent gay lawyer who has argued before them many times. He was adamant that they will vote in favor of gays getting equal protection. Then, he said, "hell, if you give Clarence Thomas 50m, he will vote any way you want." Have we been looking at this all wrong? Would some of them easily be bought?

You are right Firecat. Many of the boys ask if I can speak Spanish to them. The languages are so similar that most of the boys understand what is being said. They can't speak it to you but if you speak to them in Spanish, they understand this. I once had a friend from Miami down there with me and he spoke Spanish to them and they all understood.

Not sure if you have seen this or not but I thought adorable.

Not sure if you have seen this or not but I thought adorable.

FH, your stories and photos are simply incredible. They look like something taken right out of a picture book truly! You really have a fabulous eye!

Yes, it is always good to let things go. History passes us by and we must all move on. I once had a good friend in Thailand that I adored and I spent many nights with him chatting and visiting bars and clubs. You could say he was my best friend for several years. Then, all of the sudden he changed and turned into a very nasty person. When this happened, I was saddened but I moved on. It was easy for me to move on as I knew it was the best thing for both of us. But, unfortunately, he did not move on and to this day still holds a grudge. It is sad when people can't move on. But, Willy I am sure you are nothing like my friend as you seem very level headed and you posses the ability to move on from this. I hope you do move on and not hold the past against me. We all make mistakes don't we? Isn't part of live being able to truly move on? I am so glad you have decided that you will move forward and not concentrate on history and old grudges or sadness. I think that is very wise of you and also a very healthy thing to do.

A Single Man People are afraid to merge on the freeways of Los Angeles, Brett Easton Ellis famously wrote in his first novel about detachment, nihilism and the absence of hope. This sentiment is brought to life in vivid color in A Single Man, a film that could have been ghostwritten by Ellis after a night drinking Scotch with Eugene O'Neil and Patricia Highsmith. Here we have one of the very rare types of Hollywood films a movie about true nihilism with no hope of transcendence or a happy ending. It's amazingly engaging to watch, because the characters care so little about themselves, other people, and the outside world in general that anything can happen. That it was made by Tom Ford, the fashion designer, as his directorial debut is astounding. Glamorama indeed. The film opens with Colin Firth being contacted by his long time boyfriend's brother (played by John Hamm). It seems that his boyfriend had gone home to visit his family, his car skidded on ice and he died. When Firth asks about the funeral arrangements, Hamm tells him, It's family only. Ouch. The next scene takes place at some point in the indeterminate future. It could be a week later, it could be a month later, it could be two years later. The film doesn't tell us, because things as mundane as the passage of time don't matter to any of the people we will encounter. The entire film will, like Long Day's Journey Into Night, be dedicated to this one day and night. We don't need to see the day before or the day after. Those are trivial things. Firth narrates much of the film and tells us that he just hates waking up and hopes that eventually he'll just go to sleep and never wake up again. He doesn't like the world, or the people in it, or himself, or really anything at all. The only minor thing that gives him hope is that it's the middle of the Cuban Missile Crisis and he figures maybe nuclear weapons will make sure that he doesn't have to deal with living to see another day. He puts on a nice suit and then packs a gun into his suitcase. During the course of the day we'll go back and forth wondering if he plans to use it on himself, or on the people around him. At one point when he brings it into a bank, you wonder if he's going to try to rob the bank in hopes of getting shot dead while doing so. Which is, perhaps, kind of the point. Because while his character doesn't like living, he's also so passive that the idea of taking any kind of direct action (like shooting himself) to stop living is beyond him. That would be making a meaningful act, and he doesn't believe in the idea of meaning or action. So, he starts his day as a college professor. Being that he's Colin Firth, both men and women hit on him, and while he's tempted he never takes any action to do anything about it. Why would he? That would risk bringing joy to his life for a moment, and happiness is not something he believes in. When the school day is over he goes over to a woman's house. It turns out that decades before he and the woman (Julianne Moore) had sex a few times before he realized that sex with women didn't quite make him miserable enough. Since then she's been trying to get him back into bed. He goes there knowing that the two of them will drink copious amounts of booze, that she will try to fuck him, that this will bring him down, and that when he refuses to fuck her she'll become depressed as well. In fact, this scene, which could have been lifted straight out of Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf, is fascinating because it becomes clear that the reason these two people spend time together is because they know they will make each other completely and utterly depressed. They'll egg each other on as close as they can get to the pure emptiness they want out of life. When the booze runs out he goes home and tries to drink enough to be able to shoot himself. He runs out of booze before he can, so he heads over to the nearest bar, where he encounters a young male student who has been stalking him. The student, who acts in ways that are remarkably similar to the way Highsmith describes Tom Ripley, manages to pick him up using perhaps the only pick-up line that could possibly work on this dude: I hate the past. I hate the present. The future is death. Sensing the student might be on the same Kafkaesque wavelength, Firth agrees to go swimming with him. What happens next is something I won't reveal. If you've read any Brett Easton Ellis or Patricia Highsmith or seen any of O'Neil's plays, you can probably guess. Deep down in our heart, we always go into these things knowing what will happen to these people. Does the film have a happy ending? That's hard to say, because what would be a happy ending for these people might not be what you would think of as a happy ending. This is serious filmmaking. And, it assumes the audience is fairly literate. In addition to the works I've already mentioned, it also references Alice In Wonderland, The Wizard Of Oz, and Brave New World. Is it pleasant filmmaking? Again that's hard to say. Think about the works cited. Do they entertain you or depress you? Your answer will tell you whether watching a day in the life of these people will move you or not. In Glamorama, Ellis at one point states, Life is sliding down the surface of things. These characters know exactly what he meant. cc boytoy.com 2013