TotallyOz

I am headed to Fortaleza and Salvador later in the week and I have been researching the cities. I have made a pretty comprehensive list of businesses and establishments in several cities in Brazil. Please let me know if any are incorrect, your favorites, places you have been and love or hated. As I'll be there next week, if there is something in the area that I should not miss, please let me know. Hotels 1 Golden Tulip Iate Plaza | Av. Beira Mar, 4753 | 85 3533-6900 | http://www.goldentulipiateplaza.com/default.aspx The Golden Tulip's spacious rooms have a tub and shower big enough for two, and their balconied rooms overlook the beachside pool area as well as the shore beyond. There's a modern outdoor lounge area too. Note that the Golden Tulip's hotels are part of a frequent flyer loyalty program that includes American Airlines and KLM/Air France, so if you've got miles, spend them here! 2 Tulip Inn Saint Martin | Av. da Abolição, 3340 | 85 3533-6100 | http://www.tulipinnsaintmartin.com/default.aspx Another hotel under the Golden Tulip umbrella, The Tulip Inn Saint Martin isn't as glamorous as the Golden Tulip, but it's still a block from the beach, and has adjoining rooms in case you want to get a room for your new friend on the down low. Note that the Golden Tulip's hotels are part of a frequent flyer loyalty program that includes American Airlines and KLM/Air France, so if you've got miles, spend them here! 3 Hotel Casa de Praia | R. Joaquim Alves, 169 | 85 3219-1022 | http://www.hotelcasadepraia.com.br This hotel is not on the beach, but Iracema Beach is only a couple of blocks away. And it's gay-friendly, pet-friendly, and has free wifi. The main clubbing street, R. Dragão do Mar, is less than 10 blocks away. The rooftop swimming pool has great views, and the rooms are simple and clean, if a little outdated. 4 Hotel Encontro do Sol | R. Monsenhor Bruno, 122 | 85 3031-6222 ext. 85 | 85 3466-4400 | http://www.hotelencontrodosol.com The swimming pool is outside, there's full air conditioning inside, and it's pretty much right across the street from the beach. This three-star hotel is not the most elegant place you've ever stayed in, and the '70s era murals are hysterical – but with the Baccaras by day and the clubs by night, with saunas in between, who wants to stay in the room all day? 5 Villa Galé Fortaleza | Av. Dioguinho, 4189 | 85 3486-4400 | http://www.vilagale.co.uk/pages/hoteis/?hotel=15 Villa Galé is a five-star resort hotel right on the beachfront, and features a spa with Turkish bath and hot tub as well as (actual) massages by appointment. The balconied rooms overlook the pool area, where there's always something to see, if you catch our drift. If you'll be in Fortaleza for a while, splurge on one of the suites with a kitchenette. 6 Mareiro Hotel | Av. Beira Mar, 2380 | 85 3266-7200 | http://www.mareiro.com.br Make sure to book a sea view room at this beachfront hotel, which overlooks the pool as well. And what a pool it is – complete with resort-style footbridge, swim-up bar, and plenty of lounge chairs. There are also two decent restaurants on the property, and free wifi. The rooms are simple but modern, and fully air conditioned. 7 Maredomus Hotel | Avenida Almirante Barroso, 1030 | 85 4005-4500 | http://www.maredomus.com.br There are no balcony rooms at this beachfront hotel, but its rooftop pool area – one of the highest on this stretch of beach – has spectacular views night and day, and will easily become your home away from home. There's also a sauna and gym, and their morning buffet is not to be missed. 8 Marina Park Hotel | Av. Presidente Castelo Branco, 400 | 85 4006-9595 | http://www.marinapark.com.br/sis.index.asp?pasta=1&pagina=23 Marina Park has five-star amenities while still retaining a breezy Brazilian style. The pool bar can be quite the scene, and its location right on the marina makes the whole place seem like a cruise ship at sea. There are also tennis courts if you're feeling sporty. 9 Oásis Atlântico Imperial | Av. Beira Mar 2500 | 85 4009-2800 | http://www.oasisatlantico.com/en/imperial Another five-star makes our list, and its position perpendicular to the beach means that every room has a view – even if there are no balconies. The pool is sleek and sexy with a swim-up bar, and there's 24-hour room service if you just can't be bothered leaving bed. Bars 1 Barraca Cabumba | Av. Zezé Diego 3911 | 85 3262-4187 | no website If you want to go swimming in the sea, then you wan to head to Praia do Futuro, where the water is clean. And while you're there, set up your beach headquarters at Barraca Cabumba, where all – and we mean all – of your needs will be met. It's a hopping gay and gay-friendly place where you can eat, drink, and spend the day looking at gorgeous beach bodies frolicking. 2 Bar Pirata | Rua da Tabajaras 325 | 85 4100-6161 | http://www.pirata.com.br The New York Times may have given rave reviews to its Monday night party, and it's a barn-burner, with a tremendous live show of traditional music and dancing. It's not a gay bar or even a gay theme night, but it's something you should definitely do while you're in Fortaleza. And it's so crowded, no one is going to care if you bring your boy toy with you for a night out on the town. 3 Órbita Bar | R. Dragão do Mar, 207 | 85 3453-1421 | https://www.facebook.com/pages/%C3%93rbita-Bar/179879638771030 (their website address defaults to their FB page) This is yet another place on Rua Dragão do Mar, but this bar features live blues music and a much less frenetic vibe. Expect a mixed but friendly crowd, many different theme nights (usually around holidays), and a staff who's nice to the gringos. 4 Boteco do Fasano | Rua Dragão do Mar, 218 | 85 8883-0020 | no website This friendly bar on the main bar and club strip is fun, friendly and has karoke and live music. It's attached to the club but is its own place; however, if you go there for a pre-club drink you get a discount off the club entrance fee. There's also a pool, showers, and a shop that sells beachy things. 5 Barraca América do Sol | Av. Zezé Diogo, 4265 | 85 3091-1387 | http://www.barracaamericadosol.com.br This barraca welcomes a mixed crowd, but is gay-friendly enough that they definitely warrant a place on our list. Spend the day under an umbrella at a table on the sand, or stick around at night for live music and a relaxed vibe. 6 Opera Club & Café | Rua Dos Tabajaras, 374 | 85 8869 5269 | no website This bar is a popular pre-clubbing spot for a gay and straight crowd, with snacky treats, good drinks, and a flirty vibe that gets you ready for whatever the night may bring. 7 Barraca do Joca | Av. Beira Mar, 3101 | 85 3242-1739 During the day this is your run of the mill beach club, with maybe a bit more gays than other places but not ultra-fabulous. But at night, although it's not necessarily advertised, there is a prime-grade cruising going on here, so grab a seat and check out the merchandise. 8 Arre Egua | R. Delmiro Gouveia, 420 | 85 3267-2325 | http://www.arreegua.com.br This is technically a restaurant as well as a bar, but anyplace that lights the bar on fire on a nightly basis is definitely more of a party than a dining establishment. They also have live shows, comedy nights, and a friendly atmosphere, where people bounce from tables to the bar. 9 Cafofo do Barão | Rua Barão do Rio Branco, 2910 | 85 3283-2567 | no website If you want to get your drink on and your flirt on without heading to the beach yet again, Cafofo do Barão is your place. Tons of boys meet up here before moving the action over to the clubs, so you can always find some gorgeous thing to bat your eyes at while having a caipirinha that's surprisingly well made. Clubs/Discos 1 Divine Danceteria | Rua General Sampaio, 1374 | 85 3221-6435 | http://boatedivine.blogspot.com (hasn't been updated since 2008) This gay club is teeming with escort boys and features a dark room, drag shows and other live performances. Also, note that it's open until 5am only on Fridays and Saturdays; the rest of the week it winds down around 12 or 1, and is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. 2 Boate Donna Santa | Rua Dragão do Mar, 308 | 85 3219-1164 | http://boatedonnasanta.com.br/intro.php Shake your booty all Saturday night long – and into the wee hours of Sunday – when this gay club is absolutely rocking. House DJs as well as guest DJs from The Week get the place warmed up, so if you want some fresh air, head out to the outdoor lounge with a drink from one of the three bars inside. Go-go boys make the perfect eye candy, if you can wrench yourself away from the dance floor. 3 Music Box | R. José Avelino, 387 | 85 3219-3699 | https://www.facebook.com/people/MusicBox-Fortaleza/100000952289060 (no other website) Yet another DJ-dominated club that packs them in and gets them dancing, especially on Thursday nights, when the gay boys are out in style. If you're tired of heading to Rua Dragão do Mar all the time for the action, this is a great alternate choice. 4 Crystal Club | Av. Domingos Olímpio, 1400 | 85 8865-6481 | no website 5 Unique Club | Rua Dragão do Mar, 441 | 85 3224-6419 | https://www.facebook.com/DRACULAHALLOWEEN2012 For people to say that Unique has the best DJs in this DJ-heavy town, you know they have to be good. They're also freaking adorable, but you'll be easily distracted by the hard bodies on the dance floor, the laser light show, and other various antics happening throughout the joint. Note, though, that it's only open on Saturdays. 6 Boate Level | Rua Dragão do Mar, 218 | 85 3219-0744 | https://www.facebook.com/boate.level.218 With theme nights like Androgyny and Aquarium, you can always be sure there's something going on at this massive vaulted space. Shirtless DJs abound, drag shows pop up here and there, and it's not unusual to have a full-on birthday celebration for a gay icon (Britney, Beyonce, etc.) even if there's no chance in hell they're showing up. 7 Boate Clube Liberal 441 | Rua Dragão do Mar, 441 | 85 3032-0441 | http://www.clubeliberal441.com.br Take the word “liberal” literally – this isn't so much a gay bar, or even a gay-friendly bar, as it is a fee-for-all for every possible sexual flavor – from gay to straight to bi to swingers to voyeurs. There are dark rooms, booths and glory holes, so everyone can join in the fun. Sauna/Massage 1 Dragon Health Club | Rua Almirante Jacequai, 239 | 85 3219-1052 |http://www.dragonclubfortaleza.com.br The spacious, sleek, sexy Dragon Health Club is arguably the hottest sauna scene in Fortaleza, especially on Saturday afternoons. In addition to the comfy private rooms, erotic films, dark room and pool action, they also have high-end, legit spa services that will have you looking cute and perky for whatever festivities you have scheduled. Themes include “Club Ursos” bear nights, happy hour drink specials, and a 50 percent discount on your birthday. 2 California Thermas Club | Rua Barbara de Alencar, 424 | 85 3226-6556 | http://www.californiathermas.com.br California Thermas has straight nights, so check and make sure before going; Thursdays seem to be the best, with go-go boy shows and naked masseurs. Bears especially love the nightly drinks specials, video karaoke, dark rooms, porn films, and plenty of working boys who are ripe for the picking. 3 Termas 2000 | Rua Rocha Lima, 1186 | 85 3261-5077 | http://www.termas2000.com.br (doesn't work) This sauna is a good cruising spot, especially since it's right next to a gym. They have happy hour until 6pm, and drink specials through the night – as well as stripper shows and other titillating fare. Also – free Internet! 4 Sauna Tres Chic | Av. Heráclito Graça, 625 | 85 3032-9001 | no website What this sauna lacks in size, it makes up for in action, especially once the sun goes down. There aren't a ton of rent boys here but there are pretty young things to play with, and plenty of older gents so you won't feel like the senior citizen in the room. 5 Thermas Kaliente | Rua 25 de Março, 1074 | 85 3221-4083 | http://www.temtudo.com.br/thermaskaliente (doesn't work) Although this is technically a sauna, with full facilites including a pool that's quite nice, this isn't where you want to spend some time lounging around; it's more if you're in the mood for a locals-only scene and you want to pick up a hottie to go. 6 Via Centro Thermas | Av. Tristão Gonçalves, 744 | 85 3454-1499 | http://viacentro.blogspot.it/?zx=d1eef3754d61edfc (note that http://www.viacentrothermas.com.br/ which is their usual listing does not work) Yes, this is a sauna – but you're definitely going to want to stick around for the entertainment. Whether it's go-go boys, stripper shows, laser light extravaganzas or drag queens in rare form, there's always something going on at night here. And whatever it is brings in boys by the truck load. Sundays are definitely the biggest party nights. 7 Termas Iracema | Rua Vicente Leite, 2020 | 85 244-1999 (yes, only 7 digits) | no website Some say it's the best in town, while others don't think it's up to snuff – but whatever your opinion, there's no doubt that Termas Iracema attracts every possible type of gay man, and the gay men who love them. Restaurants 1 Coco Bambu | Rua Canuto de Aguiar, 1317 | 085 3242-7557 | Not sure what you feel like eating? Then head to Coco Bambu, where their enormous menu covers pretty much every type of food from all over the world, from sushi to pizza. It's usually packed and the decibel levels can get high, but it's a lot of fun and there is some great people watching. 2 Santa Clara Café Orgânico | Rua Dragão do Mar 81 | 085 3219-6900 | Yes, this restaurant is on the main club street in the city, and yes, everything is organic. Its location as well as the organic factor means that there are many, many pretty young things draped about for you to peruse while you're sipping on your organic coffee and having a delicious organic wrap. 3 Cabana del Primo | Rua Dona Maria Tomasia, 503 | 85 3244-3691 | http://www.cabanadelprimo.com.br After sampling the man meat of Fortaleza, sink your teeth into the delicious steaks at Cabana del Primo, an Argentine steak house that gets rave reviews from locals and gringos alike. It's pretty high end, so save it for a splurge; order the "man size" meat, and save room for the delicious desserts. 4 Moana Gastronomia & Arte | Av. Beira Mar, 4260 | 85 3263-4887 | http://www.moanarestaurante.com.br There is so much to love about Moana, the high-end restaurant that is THE place to go for an exquisite meal – the view, the wine list, the carpaccio, the insanely good risotto. They also have an extensive bar with excellent offerings you can't find in down-home places, like great whiskies. The understated ambience is a nice break from the crazy nightlife and sultry settings you've been in recently. 5 Lo Restaurante | Avenida Pessoa Anta, 217 | 85 3265 2288 | http://www.lorestaurante.com.br If you don't get the lamb here, you're missing out. And if it's not too crazy hot out, it's one of the few upscale places where you can dine outdoors in something other than plastic chairs on the sand – their patio is legendary for its fabulous factor. 6 Santa Grelha | Rua Tiburcio Cavalcante, 790 | 85 3224-0249 | http://www.socialclube.com.br This is a good place to go before heading out for the night – you'll be a bit dressed up so you'll blend in with the crowd, and there's dental floss and mouthwash in the restroom so you don't have to worry about bad breath while you're chatting up tonight's boy. Excellent steaks abound, so come hungry. 7 Oui Bistro | Avenida Santos Dumont, 2391 | 85 3268-4141 | http://www.ouibistro.com.br Contemporary décor, large portions, and a wine selection that will keep you pickled for a month. Try not to walk away with one of those fantastic striped upholstered chairs that face across the table from the banquette seating. The menu is heavy on seafood and meat, but there are some divine veggie options as well. Cinemas 1 Cine Betão | R. Pedro I, 357 This place has a pretty hip scene, with weekend dance parties – but there's nothing in the way of cabins, booths or other places to get your rocks off. 2 Cine Sexy | Rua Major Facundo, 279 There are theaters upstairs and downstairs, but the real action is in the stairwells and hallways. There are dark rooms and private rooms for taking care of business. 3 Cine Majestic | Rua Major Facundo, 866 Fans of transvestites will love the scene at this cinema. Rent boys are also littered about the place, so take your pic. Note there are private cabins here as well. 4 Cine Jangada | Rua General Sampaio, 703 This is another theater with rent boys a-plenty, and there are also multiple screens, private viewing booths, and live shows. 5 Cine Tentação | Rua Floriano Peixoto / Rua Meton de Alencar If straight guys are your thing, then this place – which translates to 'Temptation Cinema" – is where you want to go. Lots of heteros, lots of married guys, and lots of dicks in need of sweet, sweet release. 6 Cine Encontro | Rua Barão do Rio Branco, 1697 There's a theater here, but see that huge room upstairs? Stick around until nightfall, when it turns into a giant dark room. Wowza! 7 Cine Sedução | Rua Floriano Peixoto 1307 One of the nicer porn theaters in this neighborhood, you can feel secure in grabbing food and drinks here, and maybe even hang out for a bit! 8 Cine Star | Rua Floriano Peixoto, 1035 Unlike many of the theaters here, Cine Star shows gay and straight porn, because who knows what'll turn you on? Or maybe it's for the married men who seem to frequent this place. Don't worry, though, there's also plenty of gays – especially bears. Woof! 9 Cine Privê | Rua Major Facundo, 1197 Glory holes, dark rooms and private rooms, oh my! Head to the back room for the hottest action. 10 Love House Night | Rua Assunção / Av. Duque de Caxias OK. This place is not the best, cleanest, or even most fun – but they have lots of different areas for showing films, and it's a young crowd that, if that's your thing, is defintely worth checking out.

hehe Yep, he worked in Narcotics and Vice. He was my study group partner in law school in NY and he always had great stories for us.

I firmly believe that the lack of sex in anyone's life leads to many mental issues. I think there would be less violence against women and children as well as other forms of violence if we lived in a society that has a positive attitude towards sexuality as opposed to one that has been created by the religious order to label it a sin. When I was in NYC, my best friend for many years was an Nark agent for the NYPD. He said that the number one person hiring transsexual prostitutes in meat packing district was Hasidic Jews. I have heard many times from many people that the more you suppress sexuality, the farther one goes in the opposite direction. Sex is healthy. Masturbation is healthy. Hiring a prostitute is healthy. Of course, I am biased as I like all 3 of the above.

These problems will persist until the church allows priests to have sex. Sex is natural and healthy and the lack of it will always cause issues and mental instability.

Of course the money would come in handy but I have never regretted spending money on this. It brings great joy and happiness and I could not have imagined my life without wandering into the Gaiety when I first moved to NYC. It opened new doors to me in more ways than one.

No, different boy. The boy at the Italian Restaurant was Danilo. He is not an escort. He is a tour guide and my friend.

I grew up very poor but one thing I remember that is that my mother had one of these registers for many years. She thought it was junk and sat in our garage for years. Eventually, she sold it and I never even asked about it. But, I do remember putting all my monopoly money in it and playing with it on many a rainy day.

Day 4 Today, I did nothing. I caught up on some work that was falling behind since my travels started. It was a day that I did not venture far from the hotel for the entire day. At night, I had dinner with my beloved boy in Sao Paulo and his wife. They are a cute couple and it was fun to see them together. I think he tells her he is my bodyguard and she must believe him. But, his full-time job is that of a waiter. I met him in the saunas years ago and have seen him every day I am in Sao Paulo for many years. He is a sweetheart and it is always good to have him over. For this trip, I bought him a new IPad so he has been sitting in my hotel room playing with the IPad for hours each day. I think he likes games even more than my Thai boyfriend. Technology down here is very expensive and when I asked him what he wanted he said an IPad. I got him the new mini. He loves it. Other than dinner, I did not leave the 2 block radius of my hotel for the day. I hope I saved up enough energy for a long day tomorrow as I have some fun things planned. Figueira Rubaiyat Rua Haddock Lobo 1738, Sao Paulo, State of Sao Paulo, Brazil The restaurant was amazing. I did not take my camera as I thought if it was good, I'd go back and dine there again to get some photos. I really didn't know how expensive the place was as I told my friend to pick out the place. I just showed up and he has reservations all set. For the 3 of us, the bill was slightly over 550R. I was lucky as I had the money (barely) and almost didn't have taxi money to return to the hotel. LOL And, while great, I wish I had been better prepared for the cost as my guy just figured I had the money as I pay him every night to stay with me. If he spoke better English, I would told him it was his time to bottom tonight as I already got fucked. The place is built around a fig tree and is one of the most beautiful places I have ever eaten in. It is a steak house and the steak was fantastic. You can't go here unless you want to have some of the juiciest steak in the world. All the beef is raised on the owners farm. They also serve several Mediterranean dishes and we had some shrimp for appetizer. They shared a bottle of wine. I had water.

Day 4 Today, I did nothing. I caught up on some work that was falling behind since my travels started. It was a day that I did not venture far from the hotel for the entire day. At night, I had dinner with my beloved boy in Sao Paulo and his wife. They are a cute couple and it was fun to see them together. I think he tells her he is my bodyguard and she must believe him. But, his full-time job is that of a waiter. I met him in the saunas years ago and have seen him every day I am in Sao Paulo for many years. He is a sweetheart and it is always good to have him over. For this trip, I bought him a new IPad so he has been sitting in my hotel room playing with the IPad for hours each day. I think he likes games even more than my Thai boyfriend. Technology down here is very expensive and when I asked him what he wanted he said an IPad. I got him the new mini. He loves it. Other than dinner, I did not leave the 2 block radius of my hotel for the day. I hope I saved up enough energy for a long day tomorrow as I have some fun things planned. Figueira Rubaiyat Rua Haddock Lobo 1738, Sao Paulo, State of Sao Paulo, Brazil The restaurant was amazing. I did not take my camera as I thought if it was good, I'd go back and dine there again to get some photos. I really didn't know how expensive the place was as I told my friend to pick out the place. I just showed up and he has reservations all set. For the 3 of us, the bill was slightly over 550R. I was lucky as I had the money (barely) and almost didn't have taxi money to return to the hotel. LOL And, while great, I wish I had been better prepared for the cost as my guy just figured I had the money as I pay him every night to stay with me. If he spoke better English, I would told him it was his time to bottom tonight as I already got fucked. The place is built around a fig tree and is one of the most beautiful places I have ever eaten in. It is a steak house and the steak was fantastic. You can't go here unless you want to have some of the juiciest steak in the world. All the beef is raised on the owners farm. They also serve several Mediterranean dishes and we had some shrimp for appetizer. They shared a bottle of wine. I had water.

The most I hired on one year was probably around 500. That was when I first started going to Thailand and spent 6 months there one year and 3 in Brazil. I am older now and my drive is not the same as it was. Last year was a slow year at around 30. I hope to improve on those numbers this year. I have 2 long term guys that live with me in Thailand now and they keep me very happy sexually. When I am in Sao Paulo, my long term guy sees me every day. Both situations tire me out. I wish I had the energy to do 4-5 a day like I once did. I could do it but it would just take too much Viagra that I am afraid my heart could not take it.

Jim has been a mainstay in the Thailand scene for many years. He is a good man and I hope he gets better soon!

http://youtu.be/QPKKQnijnsM Shocking Video if you watch it all the way.

I forgot the prices for the meal. The place is not cheap. We both had 2 drinks (non alcoholic) and the shrimp risotto. The total bill was 195 R. I have eaten here about 10 times over the years and really love it. As you can see from the photos, the place is packed and reserved each night. They are usually booked so try to make reservations in advance. I do know that this is an expensive meal. You can eat very inexpensively like I did at the market downtown or you can eat more upscale. This place in in the Jardines and the area itself is very expensive. My friend has an apartment there they paid 50,000R for 10 years back. They just got offered 2Millon for it. The Brazil economy is booming and thus people are able to eat out at places like this.

Thanks. TW I forgot the prices for the meal. The place is not cheap. We both had 2 drinks (non alcoholic) and the shrimp risotto. The total bill was 195 R. I have eaten here about 10 times over the years and really love it. As you can see from the photos, the place is packed and reserved each night. They are usually booked so try to make reservations in advance. I do know that this is an expensive meal. You can eat very inexpensively like I did at the market downtown or you can eat more upscale. This place in in the Jardines and the area itself is very expensive. My friend has an apartment there they paid 50,000R for 10 years back. They just got offered 2Millon for it. The Brazil economy is booming and thus people are able to eat out at places like this.

Day 3 It was a great day today and full of excitement and joy. Although, I'll say up front, there are no boy photos today. It was more of a cultural day for me. After breakfast, I went to the Museu da Imagem e do Som (MIS) on Avenida Europa 158. I was there shortly after it opened. It is one of my favorite spots in Sao Paulo but you need to check what exhibit they have there. I have planned this trip for months and I have been more excited to see this exhibit than just about any other part of my trip. Ai Weiwei is the Chinese dissident artist who was arrested and imprisoned in 2011 and the show today was hundreds of his photos that have never been on display in South America. It really was an amazing show. Unfortunately, they don't allow photography inside. But, his works took over the entire space and I loved every moment. I especially love this work from the 1980's and 90's in NYC. The photo of him with Alan Ginsberg was beautiful as were his images from Wigstock and Al Sharpton marching hand in hand with Tawana Brawley. I love his photos of his native China and the vast spaces he designed and built and photographed at every point of construction. Some of the most moving photos were the ones he took of his father and family when he returned home to China after the father was sick. It really was an amazing exhibit and I am so glad I went. After that, I went to Paulista Avenue to have lunch. I ate at a local diner and had some quick food as I wanted to hit the MASP next. The Museu de Arte de São Paulo is a place I have been many times but they have a large collection and they put out different paintings and I wanted to see what was there. It was a beautiful collection and I really enjoyed it. They had a little bit of everyone there. The museum is not big like the Smithsonian and it is only about 3 floors high and thus you can't spend days inside but they put out great effort to make a great exhibition and I enjoyed it. I think their room dedicated to Gods and Madonnas: The Art of the Sacred was a great collection. They also had a great collection of art from the Romantics. Both museums were enjoyable and really made my day special. To make the day even more special, I had dinner with my friend Danilo. For those of you that don't remember, Danilo is my friend for 10 years now and I met him on my 2nd trip to Rio and he instantly became my tour guide and friend. He and I have stayed in touch for 10 years and every time I am in the city, he and I get together and have dinner a few times. I have met his entire family and all his boyfriends over the years and he has met all my Brazilian boys over the years. It was great to see him. We had dinner at Lellis Trattoria Rua Bela Cintra, 1849 | Jd Paulista, Sao Paulo, State of Sao Paulo, Brazil Lellis is one of the best Italian Restaurants in the city. It is family style so you really only need to order one item and you can share it with 1 or 2 other people. We decided on the Shrimp Risotto and it was great. The place was empty when we got there as Danilo was meeting me right after his work and he has to be up early tomorrow for more work. The dinner was great and I highly recommend it to anyone. For those that have met Danilo and want an update. He looks fantastic. He is still the beautiful young guy that you know. He looks healthy and happy. He has a new car and he works giving tours to tour groups. I'll tell you more about that in the next few days. But, rest assured, he is doing well. He drove me back to my hotel and I was inside by 10PM. So, no saunas today. Today was my day to do some things I have wanted to do for a while and my feet are sore from walking all over the city. My belly is full with good food and my day is over with a smile on my face!

Day 3 It was a great day today and full of excitement and joy. Although, I'll say up front, there are no boy photos today. It was more of a cultural day for me. After breakfast, I went to the Museu da Imagem e do Som (MIS) on Avenida Europa 158. I was there shortly after it opened. It is one of my favorite spots in Sao Paulo but you need to check what exhibit they have there. I have planned this trip for months and I have been more excited to see this exhibit than just about any other part of my trip. Ai Weiwei is the Chinese dissident artist who was arrested and imprisoned in 2011 and the show today was hundreds of his photos that have never been on display in South America. It really was an amazing show. Unfortunately, they don't allow photography inside. But, his works took over the entire space and I loved every moment. I especially love this work from the 1980's and 90's in NYC. The photo of him with Alan Ginsberg was beautiful as were his images from Wigstock and Al Sharpton marching hand in hand with Tawana Brawley. I love his photos of his native China and the vast spaces he designed and built and photographed at every point of construction. Some of the most moving photos were the ones he took of his father and family when he returned home to China after the father was sick. It really was an amazing exhibit and I am so glad I went. After that, I went to Paulista Avenue to have lunch. I ate at a local diner and had some quick food as I wanted to hit the MASP next. The Museu de Arte de São Paulo is a place I have been many times but they have a large collection and they put out different paintings and I wanted to see what was there. It was a beautiful collection and I really enjoyed it. They had a little bit of everyone there. The museum is not big like the Smithsonian and it is only about 3 floors high and thus you can't spend days inside but they put out great effort to make a great exhibition and I enjoyed it. I think their room dedicated to Gods and Madonnas: The Art of the Sacred was a great collection. They also had a great collection of art from the Romantics. Both museums were enjoyable and really made my day special. To make the day even more special, I had dinner with my friend Danilo. For those of you that don't remember, Danilo is my friend for 10 years now and I met him on my 2nd trip to Rio and he instantly became my tour guide and friend. He and I have stayed in touch for 10 years and every time I am in the city, he and I get together and have dinner a few times. I have met his entire family and all his boyfriends over the years and he has met all my Brazilian boys over the years. It was great to see him. We had dinner at Lellis Trattoria Rua Bela Cintra, 1849 | Jd Paulista, Sao Paulo, State of Sao Paulo, Brazil Lellis is one of the best Italian Restaurants in the city. It is family style so you really only need to order one item and you can share it with 1 or 2 other people. We decided on the Shrimp Risotto and it was great. The place was empty when we got there as Danilo was meeting me right after his work and he has to be up early tomorrow for more work. The dinner was great and I highly recommend it to anyone. For those that have met Danilo and want an update. He looks fantastic. He is still the beautiful young guy that you know. He looks healthy and happy. He has a new car and he works giving tours to tour groups. I'll tell you more about that in the next few days. But, rest assured, he is doing well. He drove me back to my hotel and I was inside by 10PM. So, no saunas today. Today was my day to do some things I have wanted to do for a while and my feet are sore from walking all over the city. My belly is full with good food and my day is over with a smile on my face!

I didn't see them in at the sauna but I didn't ask him about them. I love them. LOL I love piercings and tattoos.

I didn't like it after the first 2-3 episodes but I watched more and I truly love it. Great show and great cast!

I saw this license plate last night and just had to snap a photo.

Thanks. Right now the exchange rate is 1.98. Yes, it sucks. Better than the last time I came but not as good as many years ago at 4.5. The Brazilian economy is VERY strong and it is moving millions into middle class. It is a different place than when I first visited. There were TONS of beefy muscle guys with big asses at the sauna. They are very frequent at both places in Sao Paulo.

Glad to see him come around. I can't imagine many Hollywood stars who don't support this as they all have gay friends. Do you know any who have come out against?

I didn't go with him to a room and cameras are not allowed in the main public areas. Plus, after I told him no thanks, I don't think he would be interested in me taking his photo. But, I have not lost interest in him. Hey, I am doing much better on this trip than the past one with photos. LOL My friend Firecat always bitches at me about no photo. Tom is the photo king. I'll never live up to his photos, but I'll try to take a few. I know most of us are visual. Esp. when it comes to boys.

You mean water buffaloes do exist? Thanks for the photos and great report. Very fascinating!

I love Kathy Bates. But, I never watched this show. Damn.