TotallyOz

1 Coming Out Pub | via S. Giovanni in Laterano 8 | 06 7009871 | http://www.comingout.it The Coming Out is a gay bistro-cafe and cocktail lounge that is popular with the baby gays and lesbians, but it's easily the most famous gay bar in Rome, so everybody passes through eventually. Its big draw is the outdoor terrace, perfect for cruising as well as a front-row seat to Colosseum views. 2 Circolo Degli Artisti | via Casilina Vecchia 42 | 06 7030 5684 | http://www.circoloartisti.it Part bar, part club, part lounge, part performance space, there's something different on every night at Circolo degli Artisti. Its live-and-let-live vibe is more than gay-friendly, and its Glamda event on first and last Fridays of the month are a huge gay draw (see clubs for more information). 3 Caffe Oppio | Via delle Terme di Tito, 72 | 06 474 5262 | http://www.oppiocaffe.it Just up the hill from Coming Out is this fun, gay-friendly hangout that's open until late each night. In the morning it's a traditional Italian bar, with pastries and coffee; then at happy hour there's a free buffet, and at night it's more like a traditional bar with a full drinks menu. Big with the younger crowd. 4 My bar | via S. Giovanni in Laterano 12 | 06 7004425 | http://www.anfiteatro-mybar.com (doesn't work) My bar is next to Coming Out, right near the Colosseum. It too has a large outdoor terrace in front, so the two bars tend to mix and mingle for a giant gay gathering after about 9pm. 5 Rome VideoBook Bar | via di Borgo Pio 192/193 | 06 68309523 | http://www.lilibri.it/rvb1/chi-siamo/ This is an actual bookstore, video store, and cafe/bar combination whose staff is very gay-friendly. At night it becomes a piano bar, which as we all know draws gays like moths to a flame. 6 Skyline Bar | via Pontremoli 36 | 06 7009431 | http://www.skylineclub.it Monday is naked night at Skyline, so (don't) dress accordingly; the rest of the week you can cruise to your heart's content, and take a tasty young Roman twink into one of the private cabins. 7 Zest | Via Filippo Turati, 171 | 06 444841 | http://www.radissonblu.com/eshotel-rome/dining/zest While not a gay bar, it is fabulous and a great place to have a sophisticated drink or snack before heading to Termini train station. It's on the roof of the Radisson Blu Hotel, and features a sleek pool and a very scene-y outdoor bar area. You never know who you'll see half-naked going for a swim. 8 Garbo | Vicolo di Santa Margherita 1a | 06 5812766 | http://garbobar.blogspot.com The Travestere neighborhood is home to this cute little gay cocktail bar, which serves food as well as drinks, and welcomes locals and tourists alike into the gayborhood. The happy hour, from 7-9:30pm, is popular, so get there a bit ahead of time to grab a seat.

Hotels 1 2nd Floor | via San Giovanni in Laterano 10 | 06 96049256 | http://www.2floor.it This gay-run hotel on the same street as a string of gay bars is about as gay-friendly as you can get. Some of the tastefully appointed rooms have terraces, all have wifi, and you can even bring small pets. And it's across the street from the Colosseum. Fabulous! 2 B-COOL Rome | via Famagosta 4
| 06 45504533 | http://www.b-cool.eu They fly the rainbow flag proudly, but B-COOL's interior is a study in black, white, silver and grey, with comfy beds, branded organic toiletries and breakfast served in a sunny room. It's located in the chic neighborhood north of the Vatican, which is a little quieter than the chaotic city center. 3 Hotel Derby | via Vigna Pozzi 7 | 06 5136978 | http://www.hotelderby.it This three-star, gay-friendly hotel in the gorgeous Garbatella neighborhood has only 37 rooms, each with a homey feel and some with balconies. There's wifi and laundry service, and there's a park nearby with the famous Appia Antica path running through it. 4 The Beehive Hotel | Via Marghera 8 | 06 4470 4553 | http://www.the-beehive.com The budget-friendly yet stylish Beehive is run by an American couple, so you won't have to worry about the language barrier. It's close to the train station, but has its own quiet, oasis feel to it you'll want a Sweet which is in another part of the building and autonomous, or a Honey private guestroom, as opposed to the Hive hostel-style accommodations. 6 Casa Howard | Via Sistina 149 | 06 6992 4555 | http://www.casahoward.com With two nearby locations, this B&B is nothing less than exquisite and so discreet, you'll feel like you've rented a friend's luxury apartment. If you have any reason to splurge but don't want the bustle and nosiness of a large hotel, this is your choice. 7 Twentyone Hotel | Via Cola di Rienzo, 23 | 06 3260 9607 | http://www.twentyonerome.com Another boutique hotel with a cseek black-and-white color scheme, Twentyone is in Prati, a chichi neighborhood that's near Piazza del Popolo. It's a four-star so it's not the cheapest you'll ever find, but its standard of service and personal touches in the rooms more than make up for it. 8 Residenza Lunetta | Via Della Stelletta 5 | 06 42016891 | http://www.residenzalunetta.com Lunetta is a collection of six vacation apartments, with various styles and numbers of bedrooms to accommodate a friend or travel companion. And it's smack in the middle of the city center, so you can walk to all the sights as well as find transportation easily. 9 Domus Valeria | Via del Babuino 96 | http://www.domusvaleria.it This B&B near Piazza di Spagna has wifi and a roof garden what more could you need? OK, what about the fact that it's gay run, is stunningly furnished, and there's excellent shopping in every direction?

Emotions have been running high at screenings of the historical drama "Emperor." The Japanese American coproduction, which opens Friday, revolves around the dilemma Gen. Douglas MacArthur faced as he tried to restore order in post-World War II Japan: Should the country's divine leader, Emperor Hirohito, stand trial and face certain death on war crimes charges? When the producers screened "Emperor" recently in Japan, producer Gary Foster said, many men were in tears as they left the theater. "It was almost a cathartic moment," he said. http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/moviesnow/la-et-mn-emperor-20130307,0,1871867.story I want to see this and hope it will be playing when I am back in USA. Has anyone heard anything about this?

Emotions have been running high at screenings of the historical drama "Emperor." The Japanese American coproduction, which opens Friday, revolves around the dilemma Gen. Douglas MacArthur faced as he tried to restore order in post-World War II Japan: Should the country's divine leader, Emperor Hirohito, stand trial and face certain death on war crimes charges? When the producers screened "Emperor" recently in Japan, producer Gary Foster said, many men were in tears as they left the theater. "It was almost a cathartic moment," he said. http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/moviesnow/la-et-mn-emperor-20130307,0,1871867.story I want to see this and hope it will be playing when I am back in USA. Has anyone heard anything about this?

Yes, in previous years for IHC you needed 5 different stays at any Intercontinental branded hotel and 50 nights total. This year you had to stay at least 20 nights in Intercontinental Hotels plus the 50 nights and in at least 3 different Intercons. The difference is big and many didn't make the requirement. I did make Royal Platinum this year but the cost of the program is getting too expensive to be worth it IMHO. I do get upgraded to 1 bedroom suites, free minibars, and tons of privileges but it is getting to the point where the money I spend with them just isn't worth it. I like Delta's new program with Sheraton / Starwoods. If you are Platinum with Delta, they give you the same perks as Platinum with Starwoods Hotels. Nice.

This is a real PITA. You are right, things are getting harder and harder. But, there are ways to use them if you plan in advance or you have a lot of points. A friend just paid 180,000 points on AA to fly to Brazil. IMHO, insane. I normally use them to upgrade from a coach fare to Business Class but that is not cheap and the point of these programs is supposed to be fly for free from time to time. It is harder and harder to do as you suggest.

Parisrio2000, I respect your thoughts and opinions. I just do not believe they are based on reality. So sorry. But, as I love sauna boys, I hope that they are able to get 4000 a night from some clients. I just won't be one of them. Having been to Rio at least 20 times in the last 10 years and often times for months at a time, I have never experienced the things you do. However, each of us are different and our interactions with guys are different. I have been known to do stupid things from time to time including spending 1k USD on a guy in Sao Paulo for an overnight simply because I thought he was the most stunning creature on earth and I believed he would not go for less. I was wrong. He was playing the game. That was OK with me. I have seen him on this trip and his rate was 80R for a short time or 150 for overnight. And, as a former pimp in NYC, I can tell you that his beauty is beyond comparison and had he been in NYC, I would be able to make him rich. But, he is not. He is in Brazil. It is different. The rates are not the same. For those of you that read this thread and think Tomcal is off in his rates, I'll tell you that he is accurate. Believe Tomcal and I or someone else, Your choice. But, please don't believe the rates Paris is quoting as I think he is being played by a professional. That said, I have been played in the past as well and most likely will be again. When you find the perfect guy that meets all your criteria, you tend to forget about the money. LOL I did. I will again. But, I always do it with open eyes knowing I am getting screwed.

No, he only goes by Marco. He does not work in the saunas often to my knowledge. I have known him for 10 years. I don't think he would mind me putting his photo up as I have paid him for photo shoots in the past. He is still boyish but not a young twink anymore. He is one of the sweetest guys I know. I went with him out to dinner and around the city tonight and had a blast. I am not sure if it is the same guy you are thinking of but if so, he is a sweetie. Sorry I missed you in Thailand. Next time? Some clients take their clothes off and wear towels. Some just wear street clothes. It all depends on what you want to do. I wear my clothes in as I don't like leaving my wallet anywhere my ass isn't on top of it. LOL Thanks but I am just trying to keep up with Tomcal and I have failed in that regard.

Paris, I hate to be rude. And, I apologize in advance. Please accept my apology. You don't know what the hell you are talking about. I have been with guys in Rio for years and they do not turn down 100. They may turn it down if you are new and they think they can get more but the going rate is 100 and if they see you are good to them and will take care of them, they will do it for that or less. The real key is for them to have fun. Having seen the way Tomcal treats his guys, they all have fun. In fact, tonight a group of 4 of the most beautiful boys in the sauna sat with him for over 2 hours and not once asked for a programma or money. They just sat there and laughed and drank and had a good time. I think he did eventually take them, but they were happy to sit and have fun. It is important that you realize that everyone's experiences will not be yours. I could tell you a ton of stories but you are young and I realize that you are maybe new to this but some of your ideas are just not the way it works in Brazil. So sorry if I was rude. My apologies in advance.

Had a nice day in Rio but it was wet and rainy the past few days and not supposed to clear up till Friday. We went to Club 117 today as today is their free Cabine (room) day. That means the boys and customers are packed in. Tuesday is always best at 117. We got there around 5PM to beat the rush and there were few customers there. There were several boys there and they keep coming in faster as the night went on. Club 117 is fresh and keeps getting updates, paint jobs, etc. The back bar area (outside area) is where I like to sit as there is more light in there and you can see really well. I met one guy I really like who is 18 and very sweet. He is also very very dark and new to the scene. I was going to go with him to a room but my friend Tom was wanting to move on and I was happy to test this guy another day. As we were leaving, one of my all time favorite guys walked in. I had not seen him in 7 years. He had lived with me at my hotel for months at a time in years gone by. He was an adorable tall blond twink surfer boy. He is now near 30 and not a twink anymore but he is still handsome. I told him I'd look for him the next day. We went to Point 202 and the place was pretty quite when we were there. There was no one really my type and I regretted not taking Marco from 117 so I left my friend Tom alone in the trongs of a few boys and headed back to Club 117. I got there but I never found my friend. The bar was packed and I did have to pay another 45R to enter but it was worth it to see if my friend was still there. I did see other boys I liked but I had my hopes up on one of my all time favorites. So, I'll try again another day.

Had a nice day in Rio but it was wet and rainy the past few days and not supposed to clear up till Friday. We went to Club 117 today as today is their free Cabine (room) day. That means the boys and customers are packed in. Tuesday is always best at 117. We got there around 5PM to beat the rush and there were few customers there. There were several boys there and they keep coming in faster as the night went on. Club 117 is fresh and keeps getting updates, paint jobs, etc. The back bar area (outside area) is where I like to sit as there is more light in there and you can see really well. I met one guy I really like who is 18 and very sweet. He is also very very dark and new to the scene. I was going to go with him to a room but my friend Tom was heading out and I decided I was happy to test this guy another day. As we were leaving, one of my all time favorite guys walked in. I had not seen him in 7 years. He had lived with me at my hotel for months at a time in years gone by. He was an adorable tall blond twink surfer boy. He is now near 30 and not a twink anymore but he is still handsome. I told him I'd look for him the next day. We went to Point 202 and the place was pretty quite when we were there. There was no one really my type and I regretted not taking Marco from 117 so I left my friend Tom alone in the trongs of a few boys and headed back to Club 117. I got there but I never found my friend. The bar was packed and I did have to pay another 45R to enter but it was worth it to see if my friend was still there. I did see other boys I liked but I had my hopes up on one of my all time favorites. So, I'll try again another day.

One of the fishing villages I was in last week.

One of the fishing villages I was in last week.

Fabulous Photos Tomcal. You do have a knack with images. Thank you for sharing these. I loved the one with the 2 big dick twinks. And, having met him in person last night, he was adorable.

Thank you so much! As Tomcal is my guide, I am sure I'll get into a bit of trouble on this leg of my journey. LOL Thanks for the well wishes. I am so happy to be out of bed and back to laying on my back.

I forgot to mention, I spent the entire week in Salvador looking for an English speaking driver and guide. I never found one. The guy that took me to the Sea Turtle Sanctuary spoke no English but he was fun and I had a good day. He wanted to pick me up and take me to airport for less than regular rate of 94R. He said 70R. I said OK. The next AM, he didn't show but he sent a friend. The friend spoke PERFECT English. He is also available for taxi service and guiding. He has studied English for 10 years and was great at conversation, politics, etc. He has 2 daughters and is not gay but I'll be hiring him on my next trip. Name: Claudio Aleixo Cel: 71-9136-3660 email: claudioaleixossa@hotmail.com

I left Fortaleza today and headed to Rio. I met a few Americans on the plane today and they were telling me they were going to 8 cities in Brazil on an air pass that was less than 100 per ticket. They had been to 4 places and were now going to more. They gave me the info and it is here in case others are interested as I paid about 4x what they paid per flight as they booked the special air pass: http://www.voegol.com.br/en-us/agencias/Paginas/airpasses.aspx Rio is one of the cities in the world that is near and dear to my heart. Many years ago, when my friend Hooboy invited me to Brazil, it was Rio and Sao Paulo that we spent time in. He liked Sao Paulo more and I liked Rio more. But, this was the first trip I had even take with my BF about 10 years ago when I decided to leave NYC. Rio has had a special place in my heart ever since and I have been here at least 20 times in the last 10 years. For all but 3 of those trips, I stayed at the Intercontinental Hotel in Sao Conrado Beach. My friends always made fun of me as that hotel is a good ways from all the action and more of a resort than a place for short times. But, I loved it and they treated me well at the hotel. The hotel changed hands over a year ago and they are no longer an Intercon property. As I didn't have status at the new hotel, I decided to stay at the JW Marriott in Copacabana. It is much more convenient to the gay area and it is actually within walking distance of 2 of the saunas. Still, I prefer Meio Mundo Sauna and Club 117 and both are either a subway ride or taxi ride away from this area. But, both are much more to my liking than Point 202. I missed my friend Tomcal in Porto Alegre as I was sick and could not fly down to meet him. We arranged to meet at Meio Mundo. Meio Mundo is THE place to be on Monday's in Rio. My personal favorite sauna, Club 117, is closed on Monday and thus all the clients and boys flock to Meio Mundo. Tonight it was rainy and I thought there would be few boys there. WRONG. There were at least 90 boys there tonight and tons of younger twink looking boys. When I got there, I saw Tom and yelled his name. He didn't hear me as he had a swarm of guys, all over him. For those of you that don't know Tomcal, he is a very frequent traveler to Rio and all the boys know and love him. Well, this is obvious if you sit at a table with him for 5 min as every boy in the place seems to know him and adore him. That is good for me as Brazilian boys always say hi to everyone at the table with a kiss. I got tons of sweet, wet kisses from hot boys I never met before. That was a great start to the evening. LOL I found one guy I really liked who was from Rio and Sao Paulo. He was a sweet, light skinned black kid who is 22 years old, speaks decent English and is moving to Germany next month to work in a sauna there. I thought he was cute but I didn't realize how incredible sexy he was. He has one of the hottest asses I have ever seen. It is a full Brazil bubble butt if I have ever seen one. He also had a nice big dick. But, I was also talking to another 18 year old twin that was cute and I wanted him as well so I took the both. Man, these two were great together. They were really into everything and more sexual than most people I have seen in the saunas. The cute 22 year old loved everything and is obvious he is gay. He said that he lived with 6 other guys for 7 years as a group love nest. They were all BF's together and it sounded like he learned to perfect his skills that way. He also said that his grandfather was from Thailand. Perhaps that is what attracted me to him to begin with. I didn't have my camera but I asked Tom if he would take a photo of him for him. Thanks Tomcal! I had a great time with the boys and at the sauna. Afterwards, Tomcal and I went to eat in near the Hippy Market area in Ipanema Beach. We choose a Tex Mex place and I got to hotel after midnight. I woke up this AM and had breakfast in the VIP lounge for free. I love free food. So, 8 nights in Rio and I am excited.

I left Fortaleza today and headed to Rio. I met a few Americans on the plane today and they were telling me they were going to 8 cities in Brazil on an air pass that was less than 100 per ticket. They had been to 4 places and were now going to more. They gave me the info and it is here in case others are interested as I paid about 4x what they paid per flight as they booked the special air pass: http://www.voegol.com.br/en-us/agencias/Paginas/airpasses.aspx Rio is one of the cities in the world that is near and dear to my heart. Many years ago, when my friend Hooboy invited me to Brazil, it was Rio and Sao Paulo that we spent time in. He liked Sao Paulo more and I liked Rio more. But, this was the first trip I had even take with my BF about 10 years ago when I decided to leave NYC. Rio has had a special place in my heart ever since and I have been here at least 20 times in the last 10 years. For all but 3 of those trips, I stayed at the Intercontinental Hotel in Sao Conrado Beach. My friends always made fun of me as that hotel is a good ways from all the action and more of a resort than a place for short times. But, I loved it and they treated me well at the hotel. The hotel changed hands over a year ago and they are no longer an Intercon property. As I didn't have status at the new hotel, I decided to stay at the JW Marriott in Copacabana. It is much more convenient to the gay area and it is actually within walking distance of 2 of the saunas. Still, I prefer Meio Mundo Sauna and Club 117 and both are either a subway ride or taxi ride away from this area. But, both are much more to my liking than Point 202. I missed my friend Tomcal in Porto Alegre as I was sick and could not fly down to meet him. We arranged to meet at Meio Mundo. Meio Mundo is THE place to be on Monday's in Rio. My personal favorite sauna, Club 117, is closed on Monday and thus all the clients and boys flock to Meio Mundo. Tonight it was rainy and I thought there would be few boys there. WRONG. There were at least 90 boys there tonight and tons of younger twink looking boys. When I got there, I saw Tom and yelled his name. He didn't hear me as he had a swarm of guys, all over him. For those of you that don't know Tomcal, he is a very frequent traveler to Rio and all the boys know and love him. Well, this is obvious if you sit at a table with him for 5 min as every boy in the place seems to know him and adore him. That is good for me as Brazilian boys always say hi to everyone at the table with a kiss. I got tons of sweet, wet kisses from hot boys I never met before. That was a great start to the evening. LOL I found one guy I really liked who was from Rio and Sao Paulo. He was a sweet, light skinned black kid who is 22 years old, speaks decent English and is moving to Germany next month to work in a sauna there. I thought he was cute but I didn't realize how incredible sexy he was. He has one of the hottest asses I have ever seen. It is a full Brazil bubble butt if I have ever seen one. He also had a nice big dick. But, I was also talking to another 18 year old twin that was cute and I wanted him as well so I took the both. Man, these two were great together. They were really into everything and more sexual than most people I have seen in the saunas. The cute 22 year old loved everything and is obvious he is gay. He said that he lived with 6 other guys for 7 years as a group love nest. They were all BF's together and it sounded like he learned to perfect his skills that way. He also said that his grandfather was from Thailand. Perhaps that is what attracted me to him to begin with. I didn't have my camera but I asked Tom if he would take a photo of him for him. Thanks Tomcal! I had a great time with the boys and at the sauna. Afterwards, Tomcal and I went to eat in near the Hippy Market area in Ipanema Beach. We choose a Tex Mex place and I got to hotel after midnight. I woke up this AM and had breakfast in the VIP lounge for free. I love free food. So, 8 nights in Rio and I am excited.

I did make it to the Imbassai and loved it. I also liked the Fort. But, I didn't have time for the dun ride as we were short on time for the day and I was tired. However, I did keep all your suggestions down for my next visit.

LOL I'll work on it. I had one a few years back but he is not in Europe and no desire to live in Brazil again.

I would suggest that you fly straight from Australia to South America. I have friends that did this to Argentina and once they did that, they would spend a few days (great city) and then go to Porto Alegre in Brazil and then the flights are all cheap through Brazil. Plus, PA is a great city with one of the best saunas in the country. Only good on weekends.

It appears to be shocking to the world but it is not to my friends in India. They say they know this happens all the time but nothing is ever done. Will the incidents that have gone on recently affect India? How will they deal with this?

The nets you see above each have about 120 eggs in them. When the turtles hatch after 45-60 days they go to the nesting beach. They are then let out to sea. But, the nets protect them until they are ready for their next journey.

Today was the day I had set aside for the trip I have planned my entire faction and that is a road trip to the Praia Do Forte and the Tamar Sea Turtle Project. I know most people have no desire to ride 120 KM in a taxi to see some giant turtles but it was a part of my must see list. I was not able to book a professional tour guide this trip as they either didn't get back to me or they were booked. So, I had a nice taxi driver I liked and he said he would take me for 300R. He does not speak English and thus we had zero communication but I thought he was fun and enjoyable. He is required to have a proper shirt and pants to sit in line at the hotel for a taxi ride but today he showed up on swim trunks and shirt and eye glasses. He was ready to party. We left at 8am today and spent the entire day. He did not rush me one time and we stopped at about 7 different beaches along the way. Each one was beautiful in its own way. Some were small fishing villages and others were more organized and larger communities. I felt very safe in each one and very comfortable. I loved watching the locals do their business whether it was fishing, swimming, riding horseback or cooking. It was just a really enjoyable cultural experience. I wish I had listened to IHPGUY and spent a few days out there just on the beaches and doing nothing but soaking in the sun. Had I had his vast knowledge, I would have done the trip differently and most likely would have booked a small hotel on the beach and just enjoyed my time there. The Sea Turtle project was great to see and I really enjoyed it. They save thousands of turtles every year and I had a big smile on my face the entire time I was there. The village the sanctuary was in looks great. Lots of shops, stores and restaurants. We ate at a local little cafe and had a typical Brazilian lunch. We then kept going farther up the beaches. I enjoyed seeing the surfer boys, the families all laying in the ocean and the fishermen. It was a full day today! Summary for Salvador: Like others, I have found Salvador to be a real treat. It has become one of my favorite cities in Brazil. I love the people and the atmosphere and the beaches can't be beat. I liked the Mecure Hotel here. It was clean and great room service and good breakfast. On the street as the hotel were tons of little restaurants. They were not so cheap but they were divine. I found one that has lunch specials for 27R - 32R and I ate there every day for lunch. Getting around is hard if you don't speak the language. Most likely, next time I am here I will get a boy to travel here with me. I need someone from Brazil that can speak both English and Portuguese. It was my plan for Fortaleza but as I was sick, I didn't find anyone. The city is cheap depending on what you do and where you eat. But, the taxis take a while to get from one place to the next. Next time I might get a rental car and do my own driving. The boys here are divine and they have great bodies. Each morning I was up early watching the boys run on the beach, play ball, swim, etc. It is a very active city.