TotallyOz

I loved the movie when I first saw it as well. It was when I watched it again that I got lost a bit and my mind wandered. To me, a great movie makes you want to watch it again and again. (like the Godfather (40 times at least)

I have been in both Porto Alegre and Rio with Tomcal and he is an amazing guide and source of information. As for Diogo, your avatar is small and with my health issues, perhaps you should upload a lager photo?

I enjoyed Fortaleza but I didn't want to mess up the plans for the rest of my trip so I took to the air. It cost me 267 USD to change the ticket to Salvador. But, the bad news was the hotel would not let me change the date of check in and told me that I lost my prepaid money. I wrote a few emails to them and the hotel in Fortaleza called them to tell them of the issues with the doctor but they still refused to let me check in late and told me I would have to pay again. I was livid and blasted off a very pointed email explaining to them how I was going to systematically destroy their online SEO results. They wrote back and told me it was OK to check in one day late. The flight was miserable and it was obvious on take off I should not be in the air. My ear and head hurt the entire flight. When I landed, I could not even hear. I got to my hotel, the Mecure, and checked in. I knew I was not doing well and asked them to send a doctor over but he never answered the call. They did book an appointment for me for an ear/nose and throat doctor for the next day and I am glad they did. She was trained in NYC and spoke perfect English. She said the last doctor I saw was foolish for letting me back on a plane and it did more damage to my eardrum. She said I should not fly for at least 5 days but will see me again on Saturday to check things out and see how things are going. She gave me several medications and I hope that they take to me fast. I had to cancel my reservations for Porto Alegre and I have a flight that will be wasted as well. All in all, it was not smart for me on this trip to take out prepaid hotels and airfare. I have lost at least 1k USD worth of tickets. I did get travelers insurance but not sure how much it will pay if anything. The airport in Salvador was nice and the taxi cost 97R to the hotel. I think this is pretty high as it was about the same amount of time as it was in Fortaleza for 1/3 the price. So far, I have not seen much of Salvador but I'll be here for at least 5 days and I'll get out a bit after I get back on my feet.

I enjoyed Fortaleza but I didn't want to mess up the plans for the rest of my trip so I took to the air. It cost me 267 USD to change the ticket to Salvador. But, the bad news was the hotel would not let me change the date of check in and told me that I lost my prepaid money. I wrote a few emails to them and the hotel in Fortaleza called them to tell them of the issues with the doctor but they still refused to let me check in late and told me I would have to pay again. I was livid and blasted off a very pointed email explaining to them how I was going to systematically destroy their online SEO results. They wrote back and told me it was OK to check in one day late. The flight was miserable and it was obvious on take off I should not be in the air. My ear and head hurt the entire flight. When I landed, I could not even hear. I got to my hotel, the Mecure, and checked in. I knew I was not doing well and asked them to send a doctor over but he never answered the call. They did book an appointment for me for an ear/nose and throat doctor for the next day and I am glad they did. She was trained in NYC and spoke perfect English. She said the last doctor I saw was foolish for letting me back on a plane and it did more damage to my eardrum. She said I should not fly for at least 5 days but will see me again on Saturday to check things out and see how things are going. She gave me several medications and I hope that they take to me fast. I had to cancel my reservations for Porto Alegre and I have a flight that will be wasted as well. All in all, it was not smart for me on this trip to take out prepaid hotels and airfare. I have lost at least 1k USD worth of tickets. I did get travelers insurance but not sure how much it will pay if anything. The airport in Salvador was nice and the taxi cost 97R to the hotel. I think this is pretty high as it was about the same amount of time as it was in Fortaleza for 1/3 the price. So far, I have not seen much of Salvador but I'll be here for at least 5 days and I'll get out a bit after I get back on my feet.

Brokeback Mountain Some movies stand the test of time. Some movies get better with the passage of time. And some movies, if given enough time, end up looking much worse than when they first came out in theaters. I recently re-watched Brokeback Mountain and, sad to say, this film falls into the third category. It's understandable how this film seemed awesome when it came out. Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal were two rising young Hollywood heartthrobs. For them to take these roles was truly daring career-wise. Ang Lee was an up-and-coming director, and for him to use this subject matter as one of his first English language films was exciting. Anne Hathaway was also on the way up. Plus, there was the shock value of a film pitched as a cowboy love story. The idea of taking the cowboy mythos and putting a queer spin on it was exhilarating. And so, we went into the theater and had a good time watching all this groundbreaking stuff which it was at the time. However, 2005 is not 2013. The gay community has made enough strides where the shock value of the material has worn off, and it's possible to look at the film with a clearer head. And, when looked at from today's perspective, it falls short in just about every way. The film itself is only an hour and 49 minutes long. Now, a three-and-a-half-hour film like The Deer Hunter can take its time with an intro. But for a shorter film, that just doesn't work. So, the fact that nothing happens other than sheep herding for the first 45 minutes of the film comes off as just padding. No character development happens here; there is nearly no dialogue. It's just an excuse for the cinematographer to shoot pretty vistas. Finally, of course, Gyllenhaal and Ledger fuck, in one of the most ridiculous gay sex scenes ever. I mean, really: Two dudes with bean juice on their chests just suddenly start to have anal sex, with no foreplay, no lube, not even a finger up the ass and there is supposedly no pain involved at all when Ledger shoves his non-lubed dick up Gyllenhaal's ass? Sure, Gyllenhaal looks like a girl, but I don't think he self-lubricates like one. Anyway, they get off the mountain about an hour into the film, which is a good thing because we finally see other characters, which means we get actual dialogue. (Why are these two characters only capable of speech when the plot absolutely requires it?) Then, it turns out that this is in fact not a gay love story at all. Both dudes are bisexual and get married. The enthusiasm they both demonstrate Heath when fucking Michelle Williams and Gyllenhaal when boning Anne Hathaway - is too extreme for them to be faking. They both like sticking their dicks into both men and women which is fine, but does not make them gay. Anyway, over the course of the next 15 years they cheat on their wives with each other on a regular basis. And Gyllenhaal is totally cheating on Ledger as well both with Mexican rent boys and other ranch hands. (Boy, were these two guys lucky to never pick up a single STD with all the unprotected sex they were having over the years. And boy, were their wives lucky.) Anyway, this goes on for a while, and they are so bad at being cheaters that pretty much everyone around them, from their wives to their parents to their children, know that they are boning each other and neither man seems to have any idea that everyone fucking knows. Take this gem of dialogue from after Heath gets divorced from his wife and is now boning a waitress: Waitress Talking To Heath Ledger's Daughter: Honey, can you help get your daddy to marry me? Heath Ledger's Daughter: My daddy ain't the marrying kind. Waitress: Why not? Daughter: He loves his friends too much. If you are pinging your 17-year-old daughter's gaydar in 1968, you are doing it wrong! Finally, Ang Lee realizes he's now shot enough footage to be close to a feature length film, so out of nowhere, Gyllenhaal dies. Ledger then goes to Gyllenhaal's parents' house, where they tell him that they knew their son was boning guys all along, and that Gyllenhaal had been doing so behind Heath's back since forever. Gyllenhaal's mom gives him one of his shirts, and it becomes his prized possession. Then Ledger's daughter announces she's getting married, Heath cries, and the movie ends. So, what we end up with is not a gay love story, but rather a story about two bisexual guys cheating on their wives, and their wives knowing and putting up with it for the most part. Neither guy is even particularly honest with the other one. All in all, it ends up being about two dishonest, not particularly intelligent men making choices that hurt both each other and the people around them. And we are supposed to find them sympathetic. Blargh! The thing is that I am glad this film was made. At the time, mainstream America needed a film that showed that dudes who bone dudes can look tough and macho (yes, I know a stretch in Gyllenhaal's case), and this movie was an important part of mainstreaming the gay community. But these days we can do better, and we have, with the wonderful and intelligent The Kids Are Alright.

Where do you live? If in Thailand, you are right, it is a good ways away. The best way I have seen to do it is to either travel to South Africa on Thai Airways and then pick up one to Brazil or you can always go through Europe. There are a great number of Americans that visit here as it is closer than Thailand and other places they like to travel. From Atlanta, it was 9 hours. From NYC about the same. Since I am still down and out with the flu, I thought you might like to see some photos from my Facebook page from one of the saunas in Fortaleza, California Thermas.

Since I am still down and out with the flu, I thought you might like to see some photos from my Facebook page from one of the saunas in Fortaleza, California Thermas.

How To Deal With A Houseboy Over the weekend, EXPAT posted a link: http://www.boytoy.com/forums/index.php?/topic/13399-room-for-rent-in-gay-mansion-craigslist-ad/ to a Craigslist ad from a guy who seemed to be really creepy. This guy, who is in his 60s, wants a stable of young men to live in his mansion. But, he has all sorts of crazy rules he wants to put in place. Instead of expressing a desire to get laid, he made it look like he was looking for slaves. And as an added bonus, he comes off as racist. The thing is, there is nothing wrong with what he wants - it's called a houseboy (or houseboys) in his case. But he is going about it the wrong way, and has the wrong attitude towards the houseboy phenomenon. Having one or more houseboys on hand can be a great sexperience but like any other prized possession, they need to be treated with care. With that in mind, we thought that we would spend some time today to talk about houseboys and how to treat them right, so you cum off as a decent dude and not a total Sleazy McCreeperson. First off what is a houseboy? Simply put, a houseboy is a younger man who stays with an older man in a mutually beneficial relationship. It's sort of like getting yourself a male escort, except this one will be around all the time to help make your life a little bit better. Beyond that, houseboys don't only provide you with sex; they'll also do some cooking, cleaning and shopping. It's a mixture of combining a personal assistant with a male escort all in one person. The first thing to understand is that a houseboy is an investment. You can't just be like this Craigslist guy, offering free rent and expecting to have a 21-year-old guy blow you whenever you ask. That's ridiculous - and rude (and the only young guys who would agree to it are guys looking to find ways to rob you). That means that you need to not only put a roof over their heads, but you also need to give them money. You can call it an allowance or a salary or a stipend, but they need to have their own spending money. You don't want them to have to get a job, because you want them to be available for you when you need them, which is work on their part that they deserve to be compensated for. You also need to pay for the groceries, and take them out to dinner once in a while. They are real live human beings, not your own personal sex dolls (though you can role play that with them if you like!). They deserve to feel like independent, free people. You should also cover basic amenities for them, including giving them Internet access and paying for them to have a cell phone. Don't be like this guy and insist that they have to earn the right to go online or use a phone you are not a prison warden, and they are not inmates. Houseboys also need some time off during the week to do their own thing. They have a right to friends and a life outside the houseboy relationship. They are not slaves. You can negotiate with them, either before the arrangement starts or on a week-by-week basis, when their time off will be. It's fairly easy to come to an arrangement to have their time off when you won't be at home to use their services anyway. That way, you may not even notice that they are ever gone! You also need to spell out what will be expected of them before they move in and the houseboy relationship starts. For some guys, having the laundry done and the bed made will be very important. Other guys have an outside cleaning service, but may want all their shopping done for them and their meals prepared. It's up to you as to what non-sexual services you want - if you can afford a houseboy, you'll find one who is able to meet your needs. The houseboy should, of course, take those responsibilities seriously. He is not a slave, but he should have to earn his keep and respect that there are obligations that go along with the lifestyle you are offering him. Your houseboy should also be able to have some of his friends over once in a while. It's totally OK if you would rather not be there (some of us can only handle the youthful energy of one dude) but, again, you can negotiate this. One of the things houseboys love to do is show off the great living arrangement they've managed to score to their friends and, trust me, if you let them show off to the other boys, they will repay you in bed in ways that will blow your mind. You should also provide a clothing stipend for your houseboy. An easy way to do this is to get him a credit card in his name, with a reasonable limit on it. You know you want him to dress hot for you who wants a houseboy in shoddy clothes? and they'll want to shop themselves so they can surprise you with what they bought to please you. It is fair to set some limits in body and appearance. If you start a houseboy relationship with a hot, fit twink, you don't want him to suddenly start packing on the pounds since he has a comfortable relationship. You can dictate how much time you want him to spend in the gym, and create a system where if he doesn't live up to that part of his job, his stipend will be reduced or he will be asked to leave. This does not make you a jerk; you are paying for a pretty package, and you should get what you pay for. If you can follow these simple rules, you may find the houseboy relationship to be one of the most rewarding ones of your life. It can be like having your favorite escort literally on hand whenever you want them. If, however, you do it wrong, you can end up in a bad situation, and look like the type of Craigslist jerk EXPAT was making fun of.

PS all my friend stay in apartments there and take boys with them freely. I am going for a week with 2 guys from another site and they always get apartments as they are much cheaper and they can do anything they want with no security hassles. They use VBRO.com I think. But, there are many apartment rental places in Rio.

Prostitution is legal is Brazil. Pimps are not legal. So, anyone can offer themselves up but there are no pimps that I have seen. The saunas are the best place to do this. Not every sauna is a "money boy" sauna. Some are just regular saunas for hook ups and I have been to those and also had good times. One in Ipanema in Rio is especially good but hit or miss if you get a date. However, for the money boy saunas, all are always a bullseye hit. They are in every city with varying degrees. Rio and Sao Paulo have the most boys but Porto Alegre has the best twinks and most a very white mix. I'll be there later in the week. Rio is known for so many places but I'll get the addresses down as I get there next week. You can take guys to your hotel but NEVER without and ID check. All hotels have security and some may require a "fee." Most just see the boys in the saunas. But, I have always had guys in my hotel but the hotels know me and know I have guys I know. When I stayed in Rio for 2 months a few years back, I stayed at the Intercontinental Hotel (now not an Intercon) but I always had boys stay over and stay in my room. The deal was I would take them to the front, check them into the room as staying with me and then when they left, I would go and tell them to remove the boy from my room. As I booked for 2 people, there was nothing they could do. However, next week I'll be at JW Marriott and I have not stayed there in 8 years so I don't know what they are going to do with guests. I'll let you know when I am there. Rio is more strict than other cities from what I have seen. If you like night parks and cruising, I suggest you hire a guide for about 100USD per day. They will stay with you day and night and take care of you and take you to the good places. I have used Danilo in Sao Paulo before but his rates are higher now as he is doing more group stuff and I have used Eduardo in Rio and he is great. I'll try to get numbers for you if you ever decide to make the trip. I love Brazil as much as I do Thailand. The main difference is the boys. Thai boys are shy and sweet. Brazilian guys and very passionate and aggressive. I like both types of guys but I esp enjoy someone who is very aggressive in bed from time to time. On this trip, that has been the case for each guy I have been with. The saunas are also very regulated. You will never find anyone under 18 there. The business would be closed if that happened and they vett the guys very closely before they get in. I remember one guy I met there named Jefferson that waited until his 18th Birthday to go work. He knew it was his way out of poverty. He was right. He now speaks 5 languages and lives in Switzerland. He is only 26 or so and has had a great life and bought his family a home and he bought himself a condo in Rio. This business helps them move their life forward if they are that amazing guy. I hope I did not babble on too much. Check out this forum as it has a lot of great stories from Brazil in this subforum: http://www.boytoy.com/forums/index.php?/forum/122-latin-america-men-and-destinations/ Esp. check out the first 3 pinned threads on how to do things right in Brazil and some safety tips and sauna tips. Beyond, that ask me any questions you may have. I don't have all the answers but I have been here 30 or so times over the years. Glad you are enjoying the report and I hope you visit one day!

ihpguy, I wish I had some time to do some of the things you suggested up north. What I did discover is that I can't wait to get back up here and spent 10 days in Fortaleza and maybe the same in Salvador. A few days was just nuts and I should have planned a bit differently on this trip. SFTraveler, welcome to the site. I know you have been a member since the beginning but I am happy you are here to give us your input and vast knowledge of the world. I hope you continue to post more. For all others, please add your tidbits of information here about Salvador. It will help others in planning their trip.

A few photos from the front of my hotel today.

A few photos from the front of my hotel today.

Well, still recovering and just took out my camera. I wanted to use a long 70-300 MM Lens I bought and I took it out and it was all fogged up. I waited for an hour outside and it never defogged. I hope to get some better shots when I learn to use this camera I have had for a bit but never read the manual. It is ones of those high end digital cameras with a very low end photographer.

Very envious and I appreciate the reviews. When good reviews come in from people I trust, I always try to make it to those places in future visits. Please keep eating at good places and sharing the details with us.

Thanks everyone for the well wishes. I am feeling better today and went out tonight in front of my hotel to people watch as I had to get out of my hotel room. In front of the hotel is a large beach that everyone plays volleyball and soccer. There is an area for skateboarders and roller bladders. I always enjoy just sitting and watching everyone.

Thanks everyone for the well wishes. I am feeling better today and went out tonight in front of my hotel to people watch as I had to get out of my hotel room. In front of the hotel is a large beach that everyone plays volleyball and soccer. There is an area for skateboarders and roller bladders. I always enjoy just sitting and watching everyone.

Mine today came from Underwear designer Andrew Christian.

I have gmail and I got all my notifications. I have mine set to instantly for any topic I have responded to. They all came in fine yesterday.

Hopefully, our experts for Porto Alegre can give us a bit more information here. But, one specifically I could not remember is the one all you can eat Pizza place that Tomcal took me to. It is yummy and close to the sauna! Here are some others: Porto Alegre Hotels 1 Ornatus Palace Hotel | Rua General Vitorino, 146 | (51) 3221 4555 | http://www.hotelornatus.com.br/ This gay-friendly hotel is in a good location, has a decent continental breakfast spread, and offers laundry services. The interior may not be the most modern you've ever stepped foot in, but the rooms are clean, comfortable and spacious. Wifi is available. 2 Blue Tree Millennium Porto Alegre (note that it is more often than not found online spelled Millenium; not sure which one you would prefer to use) | Av. Borges de Medeiros, 3120 | 51 3026-2200 | http://www.bluetree.com.br/hoteis-e-resorts/millenium-porto-alegre.jsp?language=en Upgrade to a Deluxe room here, as they've been completely refurbished and are super nice; the Standards leave much to be desired. You'll also get more space and they have terraces, while the others have just windows. But all rooms have AC, wifi, and nice bright bathrooms. Don't miss the view from the indoor rooftop pool. 3 Quality Hotel Porto Alegre | Comendador Caminha St. 42 | 51 3323-9300 | http://www.qualityinn.com/hotel-porto_alegre-brazil-BR084 What can we say about a Quality Inn that you don't know already? This one has all the amenities you'd expect from a reputable international chain gym facilities, nice breakfast spread, clean comfortable rooms plus park views and valet parking. 4 Plaza Sao Rafael Hotel | Ave Alberto Bins 514 | 51 3220-7000 | http://www.plazahoteis.com.br/saorafael/en/ If you've stayed here in the past, you'll be pleased to know they've redone their rooms not to look so much like your spinster aunt's bedroom. The rooftop lap pool is a stunner, and there's a hot tub and gym up there as well. The Executive Single rooms are the best value. 5 Everest Palace Hotel | Rua Duque De Caxias 1357 | 51 3228-4799 | http://www.everest.com.br/portoalegre/ The regular hotel-style rooms have been redone and are lovely; their apartments have yet to be refurbished, but offer a full living room and kitchen, if you're planning on staying for a bit or want a homier feel. They also have a full circuit gym and even a game room with a pool table. The views are amazing, and it's in a great location to boot. 6 Swan Tower | Avenida Cristovao Colombo 3192 | 51 3326-2222 | http://www.swanhoteis.com.br/sobre/2 A breathtaking atrium, sublimely styled rooms, and a breakfast selection fit for a king (or queen). The only drawback is that is a little far outside of the city center, which depending on your preference could be a plus. It's also massive enough to come and go with whomever you please relatively unnoticed. 7 Mercure Porto Alegre Manhattan | R. Miguel Tostes, 30 | 51 3024-3030 | http://www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-3623-mercure-porto-alegre-manhattan-hotel/index.shtml The Mercure chain is always a solid bet, and this property is no exception. The pool has painted lanes for laps, the breakfast is delish, they have free wifi, and the rooms are tasteful and immaculate. Book a corner Superior room to get a balcony. 8 InterCity Premium Porto Alegre | Av. Borges de Medeiros, 2105 | 51 3022-9100 | http://www.intercityhoteis.com.br/hotel/sobre-hotel-intercity-premium-porto-alegre?lang=en Divine rooms, a sexy rooftop outdoor pool, sauna, gym, and wifi. Book a room that has a view of the sunset you won't be disappointed. They also have a decent happy hour if you want to stick around close to home before heading out. 9 Harbor Hotel Regent Suites | R. Vigário José Inácio, 700 | 51 3025-3200 | http://www.harborhoteis.com.br/en/inicial/3/harbor-hotel-regent-suites Ok, so this is not the most modern hotel room you'll ever stay in. But it's comfortable and in a great location, and you have a little kitchen, a living room area and a balcony, and there's wifi and laundry services. And there's 24-hour room service, too. 10 Sheraton Porto Alegre Hotel | Rua Olavo Barreto Viana 18 | (51) 2121 6000 | http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1398 Let's not mess around here this Starwood hotel property is going to be flawless, and you can book it using points! The rooftop pool area (indoor, heated, divine) alone is worth the stay, but there's also the top of the line in everything from room design to massages to the gym. Why the wifi is USD16 per day we'll never know, but there it is. Bars 1 Mixx Bar | Conde de Porto Alegre, 232 | (51) 3264 7953 | http://mixxbar.blogspot.com Drag queens and go-go boys abound at this small, colorful bar. Oh, and did we mention the tasty strippers? Get a seat up close for the best view, as the stage isn't exactly built for the back of the house. 2 Pier 174 | Rua da República, 174 | 51 3061 7162 | www.pier174.com.br (doesn't work) At Pier 174 you'll find decent bar food, live music, and a crowd that spills out the door and onto the street, making for a lively, chatty atmosphere. And it's a good thing, since the place is unmarked. It opens at 6pm with a decent happy hour. 3 Circuito Bar | Rua: Lopo Gonçalves, 66 | 5132275454 | www.circuitobar.com.br Circuito isn't the best place to cruise or chat, as it's set up more like a Vegas showroom than a mingle-friendly bar. But they have these great little bar counters dedicated to specific drinks, and you can grab a bite to eat as well, and the shows are highly entertaining. 4 Novo Era Uma Vez | Rua 18 do Novembro, 31 | 51 3907 0917 | http://novoeraumavez.blogspot.com Sometimes there's a DJ. Sometimes there are (hilarious and amazing) drag shows. Sometimes there are (drop-dead gorgeous) go-go boys. Sometimes, this all happens on the same night! Whatever's happening there at any given time, everyone is having a blast. A must-visit. 5 Anexo 456 | R. Fernandes Vieira, 456 | 51 3737-2880 | no website Anexo 456 is a gay bar that opens early (7pm) and closes only when the last person leaves, so you can definitely settle in for the night and watch the action. They have live music that's not too distracting, so you can get your flirt on. 6 Venezianos Pub Cafe | Rua Joaquim Nabuco, 397 | (51) 3221.9275 | http://www.venezianos.com.br/index.php?acao=100 This place does have a decent food menu, but make no mistake it's a bar. The early-hours acoustic sets give way to laser lights and a DJ later on. There is some bear action here, but it's a mixed-gay crowd that's fun, friendly and lively. 7 Cia de Arte Pub Café | Rua dos Andradas, 1780 | (51) 3228-3789 | no website They serve a nice lunch buffet (and excellent coffee), and at night it has a pretty chill ambience, with a mixed, artistic-leaning crowd that considers karaoke "letting loose." There's live music on the weekends. Very West Village by way of Brazil. 8 Bar Ocidente | Av. Osvaldo Aranha, 960 | 51 3312-1347 | http://www.barocidente.com.br/ A popular bar all week long, its gay nights are on the weekends. Dress light, becuase it gets hot and packed in there but the beers are nice and cold. They play a fun mix of old and new music, so there's something for everyone. 9 Hangar Bar | R. da República, 191 | 51 8136-9664 | no website Despite the name, this is an intimate space on the bar-packed Rua da República. It's not a huge scene, per se, but they have a decent selection behid the bar and it's a great place to canoodle. Grab a seat outside so the acoustic guitar plaer isn't sitting on your lap unless that's what you're into. Clubs/Discos 1 Vitraux Club | Rua Conceição, 492 | (51) 3221-7799 | www.vitraux.com.br As is the norm in Brazil, there is a mixed crowd here despite the overall vibe being gay, gay, gay. Stay on one level to enjoy their legendary drag shows, or head to the second level for dancing. You never know who's going to show up on the weekends, from top DJs to famous live acts. Strangely, they have a coffee bar as well, if you need to have your wits about you. 2 Refugius Megadanceteria | Rua Marcílio Dias, 290 | 51 3231-3158 | http://refugius.com/nova/ This is a club, and it is a gay club. But there's a mixed crowd, and sometimes there are acoustic sets, and sometimes the action stops dead for a drag show. Just go with the flow, because it's a great night out and without the constant thumping bass, you can actually get your flirt on. 3 CABARET! | Av. Independência, 590 | 51 3227-8998 | http://www.cabaretpoa.com.br/ Lesbians! Bears! Theme nights with names like Amnesia and CRAZY and Dirty Job! And a young, gorgeous crowd that will make you feel tingly. This is a fun, raucous place where you can see what the kinds are into today. Who knows? They might be into you! 4 Astro Club | Av. Goethe, 141 | 51 3062-9166 | http://astroclub.com.br/ Young, adorable gay hipsters are a-plenty at Astro, and they range from twinks to otters and everything in between. Baby lezzies are dancing here, too, under the laser lights and pounding bass. If you like 'em young (but legal), this is the place to do some leering. 5 Casa do Lado | R. da República, 546 | 51-9143 1401 | http://www.casadolado.com.br/ With theme nights like Sex on the Beat and Party Hard, this scene hits the ground running. Get your groove on, laugh and chat with locals, and make your mark by writing on the chalkboard before you head home. 6 Cine Theatro Ypiranga | Av. Cristóvão Colombo, 772 | 51 3286-2408 | http://www.cinetheatro.com.br/ (doesn't work) This place does have legit club nights, but it's more of a concert venue, so check in advance so you're not stuck having to watch the stage instead of the talent, so to speak. But regardless, it is gay, friendly, and there are plenty of cuties to chat up. And its massive space can get seriously heaving when the DJ is burning through those records. Sauna/Massage 1 Termas Plataforma | Av. Pernambuco, 2765 | 51 3395-1633 | http://termasplataforma.blogspot.com This is a sauna, and you can get laid here. There are 40 masseurs on staff, and a video room, and private cabins and even decent food service. But the focus is on their nightly parties, which run the gamut of themes, from drag to strippers to cabaret acts. That being said, the boys are gorgeous. 2 Thermas Point Sul | Rua Cabral, 468 | 51 3331-6324 | http://www.thermaspointsul.com.br/ Point Sul's facilities are super clean, and their lounge areas are fantastic for cruising. Many rate their massages among the best in Porto Alegre. Their garden is a relaxing outdoor space to chill out before hitting the nightlife scene. 3 Sauna Floresta | Rua Dr. Vale, 88 | 51 3312-6248 | http://www.saunafloresta.com/ Floresta has dry and steam saunas, and massage services. There is not much for ambience; it is more like an actual men's sauna than a comfy cruising spot. But it does exactly what it is supposed to do, which is put you in close, sweaty contact with gorgeous Brazilian boys who want to do naughty things to you. 4 Sauna Arpoador | Rua Prof. Ivo Corseuil, 210 | 51 3338 4306 | http://saunaarpoador.blogspot.com This sauna, tucked away in a residential section, is a pretty big facility, laid out on six levels. There's porn, private rooms, a steam room and dry sauna, and comfy changing rooms. Note that you probably won't find super young guys here, but they're hot nonetheless. 5 Convés Sauna Clube | Avenida Maua 1897 | 51 3287 7820 | http://www.convessaunaclube.com/convasauna/ This sauna is convenient, right in the city center, so depending on where you stay you won't have to worry about a taxi. It has a dark room as well as video rooms, private cabins, and lounge areas. It may not be the sleekest, chicest place you've ever looked to get laid, but it gets the job done. 6 Thermas Hera | Rua Buarque de Macedo, 54 | 51 3312-1471| no website Here you are going to have your pick among a huge selection of working boys. Because of the boy/client ratio, though, they can kind of go in for the hard sell, but stay firm (so to speak) and don't feel bad about saying no. 7 Thermas Mezzaninu | Rua São Salvador 108 | 51 32737776 | http://www.mezzaninu.net/ Where the boys are beautiful, beautiful boys, every color of the rainbow. The big scene here is the bar area, which I comfortable and big enough that some serious scoping and flirting can happen. The video room isn't the most comfortable but who's here to watch a movie? Decent theme parties as well. This sauna with all the sexy twinky moneyboys has become a favorite of so many on this board. The place is well decorated, clean and very comfortable to spend the afternoon and evening. Restaurants 1 Koh Pee Pee | Rua schiller 83 | (51) 3333 5150 | http://www.kohpeepee.com.br/koh_pee_pee_restaurante_tailandes/index.php Missing Thailand? Head to Koh Pee Pee for excellent food in a Thai-inspired ambience that may have you hopping on the next flight to Bangkok. It has a full menu of all the Thai favorites, authentically made, and also has a great wine list. 2 Polska | Rua Joao Guimaraes, 377 | XX | http://www.polskarestaurante.com.br/localizacao.htm OK. No one is going to Porto Alegre for Polish food. But if you're looking to eat something that doesnt even remotely resemble Brazilian cuisine, this is your place. It's delicious, real Polish food that is ultimately satisfying. The buffet is a great deal. 3 Lancheria do Parque | Avenida Osvaldo Aranha 1086 | 51 3311-8321 | http://www.revistainternet.com.br/2009/02/06/a-lancheria-do-parque-em-porto-alegre/ This high-ceilinged eatery with not the most flattering lighting on the planet attracts everyone from crotchety seniors to emo rockers to hipsters to, yes, the gays. Laugh all you want, but it will quickly become your go-to place for a down-home lunch in a give-no-fucks environment. It turns into more of a bar at night, with an equally mixed crowd. 4 Panápaná Pub Bistrô | Rua da República, 174 | 51 3024-3559 | www.pier174.com.br/pana/ This is the restaurant that is connected to Pier 174, so you can make a whole night of it without worrying about leaving to grab a bite. It's good in its own right, especially being that the bar is what makes this location so popular. And, it's still quite the scene. 5 Bar Ocidente | Av. Osvaldo Aranha, 960 | 51 3312-1347 | http://www.barocidente.com.br/ We included this in the bar section because at night it is definitely a hot spot, but don't discount it for a lunchtime spot, either. Most notably, they're big on vegetarian dishes which can be a welcome respite from the heavier meat dishes that tend to weigh you down in Brazil. Businesses/Organizations 1 Bourbon Assis Brasi | Av. Assis Brasil, 164 | 51 3072-1111 | http://www.bourbonshopping.com.br/site/index.jsp?shopping=assis-brasil You can definitely do your shopping here, but build in some extra time for all of the cruising that you are definitely going to want to take part in. The bathrooms are the only spot for action, but come on you've seen worse. 2 Rua da Praia Shopping | R. dos Andradas, 1001 | 51 3211-6600 | http://www.ruadapraiashopping.com.br/ What is it with Brazilians and shopping mall cruising areas? Don't ask just multi-task. The scene here is as follows" cruise inside, then head to the park outside to get it on. 3 Parque Farroupilha | Av. Osvaldo Aranha | http://www.aredencao.com.br/ (website is down) If you like your rent boys al fresco, this is the park after dark for you. Cruise around, and find a boy to take you into the bushes for a reasonable fee. Not the safest thing to do in Brazil, but the cruising scene is populated enough that it should be OK if you're street savvy.

Here are a few places from my research. Please let me know if you have more. Salvador Hotels 1 Pousada Estrela do Mar | Rua Afonso Celso, 119 | 71 3022 4882 | http://www.estreladomarsalvador.com/ A small hotel with only nine rooms, they've kept a lot of the original architecture and enhanced the interior with mosaics, amazing art, comfy public areas, hammocks, and breezy, comfortable rooms. There's free wifi and they have a laundry service; note there is no parking. It's located in the middle of pretty much everything, so it's convenient. 2 Pousada da Mangueira | Ladeira da Saúde, 9 | 71 3241 4734 | http://www.pousadadamangueira.com.br/ This lemon-yellow hotel will perk you right up, and the pool area with a full bar will mellow you right out. The rooms are a bit on the small side and a little sparse, but immaculate with great bathrooms. There's free wifi, free parking, and the front desk has newspapers to peruse over a huge breakfast. 3 Vila Galé Salvador | Rua Morro do Escravo Miguel, 320 | 71 3263 8888 | http://www.vilagale.co.uk/pages/hoteis/index.php?lang=2&hotel=16 The Salvador property of the Vila Galé hotel chain has everything you have come to expect from this brand. And it's on the beach (with direct access!), so make sure to book a room with a view. Their health club has a gym, jacuzzi and sauna. Wifi is BRL 20 per 24 hours, and parking is BRL 5 per day. 4 Bahia Othon Palace | Avenida Oceânica, 2294 | 71 2103 7100 | http://www.hoteis-othon.com.br/us/hotel/bahia-othon-palace/o_hotel.aspx When they call it a palace, they're not kidding this massive , five-star beachfront property has a lobby you could get lost in, and the lower level pool area with more terraces than you've ever seen (although the rooftop bar is where the action is). Their rooms are beautiful, and each one has an ocean view and the view from the upper-floor dining room is amazing. 5 Mar Brasil Hotel | Rua Flamengo, 44 | 71 3285 7339 | http://www.marbrasilhotel.com.br/ Another gay-friendly, beachfront property with pools galore. The style is a bit of a throwback to Miami 1987, but who cares when you're spending all of your time gazing at hard bodies frolicking on the beachfront terraces? There's free wifi and cable Internet, and free parking. Actual massages are available by appointment. 6 Hotel Solar do Carmo | Rua Direita de Santo Antonio, 108 | 71 3323 0644 | www.solardocarmo.com.br/ (website timed out when I tried it) This is not the finest place in Salvador, but it is housed in an 18th-century townhouse and the rooms are well-appointed and definitely serviceable, and their rooftop terrace hilariously combines a Jacuzzi and the breakfast buffet. Book a room with a sea view balcony, as they tend to be larger. 7 Bahiacafé Hotel | Praça da Se, 22 | 71 3322 1266 | http://www.bahiacafehotel.com/ The Bahiacafé Hotel could not be more cozy and adorable if it tried from its sky-blue 18th-century exterior to its polished hardwood floors to its lovely rooms, it just doesn't get any cuter than this. There's also free wifi and a delicious full breakfast included in the room price. 8 Casa do Amarelindo | Rua das Portas do Carmo, 6 | 71 3266 8550 | http://www.casadoamarelindo.com/en/artigo/index/id/100 If you're in town for Carnaval, book a street facing room at this four-star hotel to have a front-row seat to the action. (Book early; there are only 10 rooms!) And it helps that you're literally a five-minute walk from all the other action, too bars and saunas and boy toys, oh my! The rooms are impressively furnished, and the view from the rooftop terrace is to die for. 9 Pousada Papaya Verde | Rua Engenheiro Milton Oliveira, 177 | 71 3267 1008 | http://www.pousadapapayaverde.com/ This pousada has a residential feel, with a garden that can be a relief to spend time in after cruising the beaches. The rooms are Brazilian-colorful, the staff is super gay-friendly, and it's within walking distance of the gayborhood. Bars 1 Beco dos Artistas | Av. Cerqueira Lima, 10 (Entrance on Rua Leovigildo Filgueira) | no number | no website On Friday and Saturday nights from around 10pm, this is the the place to be to scope out the young hot talent who will be heading to the clubs in a couple hours. It can get crowded and some would call it a dive bar, but it is gay ground zero for weekend action. 2 Mocambinho Bar | Rua da Faísca, 12 | 71 3328 1430 | no website Delicious food, cold beer, lively conversations and a bohemian vibe make Mocambinho a no-brainer hangout for the LGBT crowd. This is the place you want to try the local cachaça drink, and it's also where you want to eye the gorgeous young things hanging about. 3 Âncora do Marujo | Rua Senador Costa Pinto, 808 | 71 3242 2680 | https://www.facebook.com/ancoramarujo This bar specilizes in drag shows that are a hoot - it can get loud and raucus when the ladies take the stage. It's also a popular bear spot, so come here to get your woof on. A fun place to bring your date! 4 Bar Ray | Rua Carlos Gomes, 1001 | 71 3329 7157 | no website This is easily the most famous gay bar in Salvador, and it's right on the main drag in the gayborhood. Locals pronounce it "Bar High," and some might call it Bar Champagne. But it's a true gay scene that brings out hot young things to dance to the live music all night long. 5 Sankofa Brasil | Ladeira de São Miguel, 7 | 71 3321 7236 | http://www.sankofabrasil.com Sankofa is one and the same with Panela Restaurante, except this is its bar, and is considered a separaet business. Here you can find a gay-friendly crowd jamming to everything from samba to reggae, and munching on yummy African treats. 6 Cabaret 54 | Rua Carlos Gomes, 860 | 71 3018-7821 | https://www.facebook.com/bar54UrsosBearsGaysEAmigos This heaving bear bar is the place to be if you like 'em big and hairy. It's a smallish place, but the rooftop lounge is a life saver. Nightly drag shows are a huge draw, the staff is friendly and fun, and the DJs definitely know their audience. 7 Bar da Ponta | Av do Contorno Cidade Baixa | 071 3326 2211 | no website Locals know there is only one spot from which to watch th sun set over the sea, and that is Bar da Ponta. While not a gay bar, it's fabulous enough that it just should be. Hobnob with the elite, nurse your expensive cocktail, and watch the sun set from your perch on a pier out in the water. 8 Alphorria | Rua Direita de Santo Antônio, 97 | 071 3242 0053 | no website While not in the normal sections of town you're used to haunting (and hunting), if you want to "get away" this bar has a diverse group of pretty things that flock here to listen to all manner of live music, which switches from night to night but never fails to entertain. 9 Bahia Cafe | Mirante dos Aflitos | 071 3329 0944 | http://www.bahiacafe.com.br/bahia_cafe.asp If you are craving a grown-up place in which to enjoy the view and have a proper cocktail that doesn't come in a plastic cup, then this is it. You'll come away relaxed, refreshed and ready to join the fray at your favorite sauna or club! Clubs/Discos 1 Off Club | Rua Dias Dávila, 33 | 71 3267 6215 | http://boiteoffclub.com.br/ Hipsters might say this club has lost its luster, but it's still the gay go-to spot for club fun. Don't bother going until after 1am; if in doubt, follow the crowd heading off from Beco dos Artistas bar. You'll see a fairly mixed crowd, but have no doubt it's a gay world, and they're just living in it. 2 Queens Clube | Rua Teodoro Sampio, 160 | 71 3328 6220 | no website The only club in Salvador with a darkroom, making this a cruiser's heaven. There are also go-go boys, strippers, and even an on-site sex shop (open in the afternoon and early evening if you're feeling cheeky. Come ready for action. Only opened on Fridays and Saturdays. 3 San Sebastian Salvador | Rua da Paciência, 88 | 71 3012 5013 | http://www.sansebastiansalvador.com.br/ This club is right on the beach, so you can roll on out in the morning and right into the sea for a refreshing swim. The Blessed and Liberty parties are arguably the most popular, with DJs spinning mostly electronica in the large, futuristically lit space. 4 Boite Caverna | Rua Carlos Gomes, 616 | 71 3358 2410 | no website Smack on the main drag in the center of town, the Boate Caverna features go-go boys, stripper shows, DJs, and more hot bodies than you can shake your stick at. Laser lights provide most of the lighting for the crowd, giving the drag queens a chance to shine. 5 Boate Tropical | Rua Gamboa de Cima, 24 | 71 3267 0847 | http://www.boatetropical.com.br/ A fun, weekend dance party club with insane drag shows and strippers galore. How they put on such spectacular shows is anyone's guess think Priscilla Queen of the Desert set in a basement. The low ceilings and disco balls will remind you of underground clubs back in the day in the best possible way. Sauna/Massage 1 Thermas Olympus | Rua Tuiuti, 183 | 71 329 0060 Olympus is small, quiet, basic, and has astonishingly beautiful boys who give great massages (and other delights). It isn't packed, though, so you can basically have your choice and even negotiate the rate. 2 Sauna Fox | Rua das Rosas, 682 | 71 3354-0047 | http://www.saunafox.com.br/ While many of the saunas rely heavily on interactions between guests and the boys on staff, Fox is known for guests canoodling among each other so, basically, everyone is free game here. Make sure to get there early and secure a private room on the weekends, when the parties and shows bring in what seems like half of Salvador. 3 Sauna Casarão 25 | Rua Dom Marcos Teixeira, 25 | 71 3264-1050 | http://www.casarao25.com.br/ Casarão 25 has private cabins, a dark room, a video room, two bar and lounge areas, and lo and behold! - a sauna. The interior could use a facelift, but it's clean and the staff is courteous. And, of course, the boys are fucking gorgeous. 4 Sauna Persona | Rua Junqueira Aires , 230 | 71 329-1273 | no website Persona is quiet during the week, but weekends can get quite busy, even though it's a little ways out of town. Best to take a taxi there and back. They have dark rooms and glory holes, and a very discreet entrance (ring at the gate to be let in). 5 Sauna Rio's | Almeida Sande, 8 | 71 328-3275 | http://www.saunarios.com.br/index2.htm (doesn't work) While it's not a good idea for a gringo to be seen around here at night, during the day there is plenty of fun to be had, mostly with other guests. However, there are some lovely working boys as well. The best place to chat up a local is in the video room. 6 Sauna Paradiso | Rua Leoni Ramos, 59 | (71) 3237-7332 | no website While the working boys tend to treat Sauna Paradiso like their own private clubhouse, your fellow guests are quite flirtatious! There's also a dark room, a video room, private rooms, and a full bar. You'll want to look for the number of the address, as there is no signage outside. 7 Planetario 11 | Rua José Duarte, 11 | 71 3321 4511 | http://www.planetario11.com.br/ This club, known to locals as simply P11, looks unassuming from the outside but inside is a huge sauna packed with working boys they say if you can't get laid here, you can't get laid anywhere. Stick around for the shows and other entertainment, ranging from drag to strippers to DJs. 8 Termas Omni | Rua Augusto França , 22 | 71 321-9044 | no website Omni is another of the quieter saunas in Salvador, with laid back boys and a cozy vibe. You'll know the working boys by their black swim trunks. It's also spotlessly clean, which is always a good sign. Restaurants 1 Touche Bar Café e Creperia | Rua Belo Horizonte | 71 9121-9084 | no website Touché does in fact serve crepes but it's not a French-themed place. For example, Wednesday night is Mexican night! And even throughout the week, they serve probably the best margaritas in Salvador to wash it all down. It's perfect for a quick meal and some people watching, as it's primarily an outdoor cafe. 2 Barbacoa Restaurante | Av Tancredo Neves, 909 | 71 3342 4666 | http://www.barbacoa.com.br/home.php Part of a chain of restaurants located throughout both Brazil and Japan, Barbacoa is a classic steak house where you can most definitely get your meat on. They also ahve an impressive wine list if you're sick of sugary cocktails and beer out of plastic cups. 3 Al Carmo | Rua do Carmo, 66 | 71 3242 0283 | http://www.alcarmo.com.br/ A true Italian restaurant that's a cut above the casual fare you find in Salvador. Try the carbonara, and make sure to ask for a rooftop table the view is delightful. Also, save room for the homemade desserts. 4 Maria Mata Moura | Rua da Ordem Terceira, 8 | 71 3321 3929 | http://www.mariamatamouro.com.br/Default.aspx This restaurant serves Brazilian dishes with some Mediterranean twists thrown in for good measure, and some fully Italian recipes like porcini mushroom risotto and penne with pesto. The enclosed garden provides a civilized setting for a quiet meal. 5 Cantina da Lua | Largo Terreiro de Jesus, 2 | 71 3241 7383 | http://www.cantinadalua.com.br/cantina/ This restaurant has an actual bar meaning, you can have a quiet drink before sitting down to eat and hearty Brazilian dishes that will fill you up for whatever adventures the night may bring. Grab a seat on the outdoor terrace to get a preview of coming attractions, so to speak and to get away from the sometimes-loud live music that comes on a bit later. 6 Trapiche Adelaide | Av. Contorno, 2 | 71 3241-4761 | no website This is your Salvador splurge. Set upon pilings in the sea, this seafood-heavy, French/Italian fusion menu in inventive, expensive, and worth every penny. People watching mostly consists of seeing foodies swoon, but it's still worth it. 7 Yemanjá | Av. Otávio Mangabeira, 4655 | 71 3461-9010 | http://www.restauranteyemanja.com.br/ An absolutely stunning beachfront restaurant serving absolutely delicious seafood. And yet the portions are huge, the prices are lower than you'd expect from such a setting, and the service is consistently friendly and helpful. 8 Pelo Bistro | Rua das Portas do Carmo, 06 | 71 3266 8550 | no website This restaurant, located inside the Hotel Casa do Amarelindo, serves from breakfast through late night, and has excellent Brazilian cuisine. It's not the cheapest place you'll ever eat, but the quality of the food as well as the friendly service make up for the extra pennies you're spending. 9 Cocoon Restaurante | Rua Haeckel Jose de Almeida, 348 | 071 3368 8101 | no website Another fantastic Italian restaurant in Salvador who knew? Book a table outside, and make sure to order the pasta with whatever seafood t hey have fresh that day. The ambience is laid back, and they have live music on some nights. 10 Panela da Bahia | Ladeira de São Miguel, 7 | 71 3321 7236 | no website With about 80 percent of Brazilian in Bahia being of African descent, it's no surprise to find African-influenced cuisine at every turn. But few do it better than Panela de Bahia, which incorporates African tastes into Brazilian dishes and is that a hint of Jamaican spices in there too? Definitely try the Moqueca, the traditional seafood stew. Businesses/Organizations 1 Grupo Gay da Bahia GGB | Rua Frei Vicente, 24 | 71 3322-2552 | http://www.ggb.org.br/ This is an LGBT organization based in Salvador - and the first in Brazil. Their website is only in Portuguese, but is easily translatable with an online tool. On it they list the LGBT events in the city, from lectures to parades, and important people of the moment. 2 The Hell & Heaven is a dance party that happens over a three-day weekend in November but if you can't make it then, don't fret, because there are "warm-up" parties throughout the year leading up to the big event that are staged all over the world, from Miami to Sao Paolo. http://www.hhsauipe.com/ 3 Ritual Sex Shop | R. Ceará, 815 | 71 240-1073 | http://www.rituall.com.br/ This shop has everything from cock rings to lubes to novelty aprons, as well as an extensive collection of vibrating, rotating, and multi-colored dildos. Note that this is a shop for both sexes and all seual persuasions. 4 Cine Astor | Rua da Ajuda 5 | 71 3322 7228 | no website This has porn for both men and women, but don't be under any illusion this is as much of a gay cruising spot as anything else. Note that it's only open in the afternoons (1pm-7pm), so it can be the perfect place to get in out of the hot sun and beach scene. 5 Cine Tupy | Avenida José Joaquim Seabra 357 | 71 3242 4179 | no website Another mixed-porn cinema that is also a popular gay cruising joint, although less crowded than Astor, so there's a better chance for privacy. It's also open only in the afternoons, from 1pm to 7pm.

I woke up early today and had a bit of a chill. I thought it was the air conditioner and after breakfast, I walked up and down the beach for a bit. I also went to the market and bought some water for the hotel as I hate paying hotel prices. In the afternoon, I was feeling even worse and I decided I needed to see a doctor. I didn't really want to go to the hospital so I ordered in so to speak. The hotel arranged for a doctor to come to my room and check me out. I was told the rate would be 330R. I was fine with that as I didn't want to leave the hotel. When he arrived, he spoke perfect English and he gave me a physical go over. He told me I have the flu. I did not know it was that bad but on top of that, he looked at my left ear and asked if I had any issues. I told him yes, that when I was in the plane yesterday I couldn't swallow and the ear hurt really bad. He said there was a tear there and I was lucky I could even hear out of it. He also said that I could not fly for another 72 hours. My plane leaves on Monday and he said if I took the flight, there was a chance that I would have a busted ear drum. So, now I have to cancel the flights and hotels and try to rearrange my trip to stay longer here. As everything is prepaid, I am not sure how I'll do it, but he did give me a medical certificate that says I am not allowed to fly. He also gave me a shot in the ass to help the swelling go down and to release the tightness in my head. A nurse had to bring this over to the hotel while he was here. The total cost of the doctor, the nurse and the shot was 500R. He gave me pharmacy for to help as well and the cost of that was 90R. I am glad I called and had a consult as he said there was an 80 percent chance of hearing loss in the left ear had I flown on Monday. So, I am bedridden today and not going out.

I woke up early today and had a bit of a chill. I thought it was the air conditioner and after breakfast, I walked up and down the beach for a bit. I also went to the market and bought some water for the hotel as I hate paying hotel prices. In the afternoon, I was feeling even worse and I decided I needed to see a doctor. I didn't really want to go to the hospital so I ordered in so to speak. The hotel arranged for a doctor to come to my room and check me out. I was told the rate would be 330R. I was fine with that as I didn't want to leave the hotel. When he arrived, he spoke perfect English and he gave me a physical go over. He told me I have the flu. I did not know it was that bad but on top of that, he looked at my left ear and asked if I had any issues. I told him yes, that when I was in the plane yesterday I couldn't swallow and the ear hurt really bad. He said there was a tear there and I was lucky I could even hear out of it. He also said that I could not fly for another 72 hours. My plane leaves on Monday and he said if I took the flight, there was a chance that I would have a busted ear drum. So, now I have to cancel the flights and hotels and try to rearrange my trip to stay longer here. As everything is prepaid, I am not sure how I'll do it, but he did give me a medical certificate that says I am not allowed to fly. He also gave me a shot in the ass to help the swelling go down and to release the tightness in my head. A nurse had to bring this over to the hotel while he was here. The total cost of the doctor, the nurse and the shot was 500R. He gave me pharmacy for to help as well and the cost of that was 90R. I am glad I called and had a consult as he said there was an 80 percent chance of hearing loss in the left ear had I flown on Monday. So, I am bedridden today and not going out.

I do but I just don't feel like taking a 10 pound pack with me everywhere I travel.

Just an FYI, I have felt very safe walking around the city today and last night. No problems or issues but also never felt odd at all.